They Saw Us Coming!

One thing I quickly realized when arriving in Africa is that white people really stand out. Our visit to the Village Market to find gifts for our families also showed us what natives think when they see white people coming: suckers with money!
We had been prepared that the people enjoy a good haggle and get offended if you're not willing to play. So because of their perception of us, they would throw out a outrageous price for their product knowing that they would end up receiving about half of what they asked if we played our part effectively. Let's just say I made some people really happy and helped meet the needs of several families. Look at the smiles I put on these faces! I purchased a small djimbe drum from a young, smooth talker named Sebastian, and a traditional Masai game called Bao from Christopher. Christopher knew he had me when I asked him to teach me to play. We sat off to the side for about 45 minutes talking and playing. He let me win twice.
Deneen, our world traveler veteran proved to be the toughest haggler to deal with and the word spread fast. What was wild though, is how connected everyone was. I expressed to one "retailer" that I needed to find my friend (only thinking of Deneen) to help me pick out some jewelry for my wife. Five minutes later I was being led by the hand to connect with my friend. He had found her without even a description. Very strange. Andrea made a heart connection with the woman she worked with, who rescued her from some of the more aggressive salespeople. while Keli leaned on our driver and new friend, George, to provide advice. George did a great job of being patient with us, and hiding what must have been going through his mind as he saw enough money leave our hands to provide for his family for months.