Trying to Learn Another Lesson, in Chacala

I had a Chacala experience yesterday, and it’s possible I will have learned something from it. Maybe. I call it a “Chacala experience” because I think I have more inclination in Chacala to take a second or third, or fourth look at what I am doing. And at how I am reacting to events in my life here.

I have decided, after this experience, that “bargaining” is a cover-up word for describing bullying. Bullying people with less life experience, or less personal power, and trying to force them to give you what you want. Usually by by taking advantage of their kindness and generosity.My experience is that local people in Chacala are very, very polite, and almost always try to tell you want they think you want to hear. Or do what they think you want them to do. It difficult for them to bargain, because they don’t realize they are working from a position of strength. They have something someone else wants, and they get to decide what the rent will be.

Now I have to question my own tactics for negotiating rental rates for myself. And to take a look at how I may or may not have “bullied’” my landladies here, so I can have this life I really can’t afford.

I HAVE moved from trying to live within my budget, to trying to increase my income. Well, actually I am doing both. Which is just what I recommend for “bargainers”. If you don’t have enough money to make the trip you want to make, earn some more money. Don’t expect poor people to take care of you. It’s a lesson for me too.