Candid look at life of traditional villager vendor at the boat side in Indonesia

1 month ago
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Tourists from all around the world travel to countries like Indonesia each year. Many of them travel for vacation and they enjoy the beauty and the culture of destinations like this. Part of the cultural experience involves interacting with the locals. Many of them make their living by selling food, art, crafts, or souvenirs to the tourists. They rely on this income to survive.
These vendors have arrived at the side of the Arenui scuba liveaboard that is occupied by a group of Canadian divers. Many of the boats prohibit the locals from engaging in trade at the side of their vessels, but the crew of the Arenui recognizes that this is an important and mutually beneficial experience. The tourists on board are eager to see what is for sale.
Two Canadians in particular are interested in what these vendors do to earn their living. In addition to buying some of the crafts, they "interview" the vendors to see what their life is like. Not surprisingly, their work days are long and their sales are few. The amount that they make would not pay the bills in North America or many other countries. These gentlemen provided a fair price and sold more here than they would in a typical day.
When we travel to less affluent countries, it is common to negotiate hard with the locals, haggling for a few dollars off the price. But when we are aware that they are selling very little each day and that their profit margins are low, it should make us more cognizant of how unfair it is to offer them less than they need. Traveling several hours each day to make a few sales, these gentlemen will barely make ends meet. Equally important, a reasonable tip for their fairness is always appreciated.
This tourist thanked the vendors for their answers to his questions with a tip and everybody enjoyed the experience.

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