The Streets of Bali..
Kuta Markets & 'the Bracelet that Marty negotiated.
Shopping, shopping, shopping......
You will have to imagine a Balinese accent.......Just looking, what you want, yes – look in my shop, Boss you want sunglasses (Marty was reminded of working in the prison being called Boss again!),massage, you want massage, I have Billabong, what you want, sarong, dress........ you could have nightmares about being attacked by stall holders all trying their hardest to get you into their stall with some blocking your way in the street & others grabbing you by the arm. A firm NO stops them. Once there, you get to do some serious negotiating & the key is being able to walk away.
We stopped at one particular stall (they see the tourist coming, probably because we’re all wearing ‘Bintang’ singlets. Bintang is the local beer & not a bad drop!) & Marty is negotiating a bracelet for me (Again imagine the accent). (Marty) “How much” (Stall Holder) “$750,000” rupiah (M) “No too much” (SH) “How much you offer” (M) “$100,000” (SH) “No too low you give me more” (M) “Ok $120,000 that’s my final offer” & we walk away. Well the Balinese Stall Holder chases us down the street trying to get us to pay more, Marty tells him “NO $120,000 is my final offer”, we go into another shop, buy something, come out & he’s still there.....!!! (SH)” You pay more” (M) “NO $120,000” (SH) “Oh OK, OK $120,000” & we have to walk all the way back to his stall & the deal is done.By the way, that is about $13 Aussi Dollers. It’s one of my favourite pieces.
I came home with sooooo much stuff & even the lady at customs said I had a lot to declare, clothing, including Roxy & Paul Smith gear, leather handbags wooden & awesome sterling silver jewellery, plus dresses for Charlie & a Balinese Doll that is ‘anatomically correct’ much to Jo’s disgust.
And of course ‘Bintang’ singlets for the family.
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