Chichi

Every Sunday the town of Chichicastanengo (Chichi for short) hosts a huge market that winds through its streets. While it is a mecca for turistas, it is also used by locals to buy anything from live chickens to housewares to jewelry. I set out with a small group of fellow students to explore and buy. As you walk through the market you are constantly accosted by people wanting you to buy things. I cannot count the times I said, "No, gracias, senora." Then when you do find something you are interested in the inevitable haggling ensues. Can I just say that I have mastered the art of Bugs Bunny haggling?

"It's 20 quetzales."
"I'll give you 25."
"30."
"35. And that's my last offer."

Even though I paid embarrassingly high prices by Guatemalan standards I still feel like I made out like a bandit. I have a treasure trove of things and still have some quetzales in my pocket.

The economic downturn has hit the Mayan people very hard. There simply aren't many tourists around. It adds an extra dose of humanity to the plea of an old woman trying to sell woven bookmarks that she needs food. I realize these vendors are well-versed in triggering white guilt and will say anything to pull on your heartstrings so you will open your wallet. However, I am also well aware of the back story: things are really hard for these people, who were so poor to begin with. Is that 25 or 50 cents really worth going to the mat over? Maybe I'm a pushover, but there is a fine line between manipulation and desperation.

Desperate times mean desperate measures. I'm handing over the 50 cents. I hope you all enjoy your bookmarks at Christmas.

xoxo
Kate