One day I went market shopping. I had fifty Haitian dollars with me. (That's about $6.25 in US dollars.) Shopping in Haiti is not like shopping in the states. For example, most shopping in Haiti is outside. Some things don't have prices, so you have to negotiate with the seller. The other thing is that you can buy used stuff and new stuff at the same place. It's kind of like a mall and a garage sale all at once. But you can also buy food there too. About 3 years ago, I went to the market with my mom and Nahomi in Petionville and I wrote this blog post about it.
But this trip was different because I bought lots of different things, and I also negotiated for myself.
Here are the things I bought:
This real pretty bag. It looks almost brand new!
These cool black(ish) jeans. They have zippers at the ankles.
This peace sign t-shirt. It reminds me of my friend Emily because one time she handed me down a peace sign shirt. I think I want to make a collection of colorful peace sign shirts. Peace is important. This shirt and jeans were worn by someone before me so my mom made me wash them before I could wear them so I don't get lice.
I got this Chinese/American card box. (These cards were BRAND new.)
These cool glasses. (new)
This perfume. Don't be tricked. It's not really poison, it's just called Poison. But you still shouldn't drink it I don't think. (new)
Purple nail polish. (new)
Two lipglosses. (new)
These sparkly blue earrings. (new)
This pink ring.
I spent the
money I brought, plus my mom gave me another 25 gourdes, which brought
my total up to 55 Haitian dollars-- or just a little less than $7US. I like the
market. Sometimes it's kind of silly because you see dead animals and
lots of rotting garbage. I try not to go into the meat area because I
almost threw up once because it can smell funny, too. But I like the
market.
Love, Nia
Hi Nia. How are you? What are you doing? I miss you. I miss going to the beach with you.
ReplyDeleteLOVE,
MADELYNN
I think the next time I visit, you'll have to take me to the market!
ReplyDeleteI love reading what you write.
Nia, I want to go to the market with you too! What a great post this was. I very much enjoyed reading it. I also remembembered the post you wrote a long time ago about the market. Can't wait to see you!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love you Nia!! So much!
ReplyDeleteooh. sounds like fun. I want to go to the market with you too! Great negotiating!
ReplyDeleteI miss you! xoxo Love, Hannah