Off to a rough start but Ubud finally came around. With a great cooking class, Morgan off to the painting course, and lots of time to explore the local outdoor markets, I was content.
I spent the entire time in the markets looking for one thing. A blowgun! Well, another one. My Bro saw mine from Lombok on a Facebook blast and he showed interest. Being in the woodcarving capital of Bali, I was confident I could sniff one out, despite what our hotel concierge told me.
Markets can be tricky, especially for the novice, and especially if you don't have something specific you're looking for. First of all, they are expert salesmen and haggelers. Second, your concept of value is skewed by the conversion rates. And third, you're out numbered. I learned the hard way in South America, but I'm now a pro. My search was very specific. This is perfect because the ten thousand offers to buy the same bracelet or hat can be thwarted by a simple..."blowgun?"
Advice: learn the name of your specific item in the local language. It saves time and heart ache.
After a little time and few disappointed salesmen, I was able to find a seller. They started at 300,000 rupiah. I laughed, said 50,000 and started to walk away. I turned around when I heard 75,000, smiled, and handed over the cash. Bro, mission accomplished. I see us attacking the local wildlife and one another for a few hours on Drummond...or until we loose all the darts!
Yes Ubud is unforgettable. I won't forget the grey monkeys that cross the street in suicidal attempts to harass onlookers as they dodge my scooter. I won't forget the wonderful cooking class and amazing recipes of the local fare. I won't forget the cool temple like hotel room and their weird shower designs. I won't forget the worst meal of my life or the crazy hectic markets. And I surely won't forget the cop I bribed for $10 after he whistled me and Morgan over for turning down a one-way street into on coming traffic on the scooter. Till next time Ubud!
No comments:
Post a Comment