Foreign travel is meant to acquaint visitors with a country's culture, art, and people. It liberates us from being a Kupa Mandukam— or a frog in the well. Shopping has somehow emerged as an integral part of foreign travel. Shopaholics, memento hunters and memorabilia gatherers have the time of their lives exploring markets. Retired and living in an empty nest full of stuff, Anniey and I had decided not to buy anything on the Vietnam-Cambodia trip. “The next stop will be the Central Market. We will stop for an hour,” Ms Hong, our guide, announced. “Do they bargain?” someone in the group asked. “There are fixed-price shops as well as shops that bargain,” Ms Hong replied. “How do we know which one?” “Look at the display board. The board says fixed price, no bargain. No board, bargain,” Ms Hong said with her characteristic smile. “Interesting,” I told my wife. “How I wish people were so truthful.” She, as always, smiled. ...
