spoke too soon, part 2

well now that it seems to be full-fledged high season, bangkok is not as cheap anymore… the things in the grocery stores and minimart are still cheap as they have fixed prices, and so far the guesthouses and street stalls still cost the same. however, basically everything else, things that you have to bargain for, has gone up. most souvenirs, clothing, jewelry and other accessories are more than what i thought they would be, and it’s hard to bargain them down to the price of a month and a half ago.

speaking of bargaining though, my bargaining skills have gone to shit for some reason since getting to bangkok. i think i got used to the aggressive style of the vietnamese, so now when the thais bargain nicely (and cunningly), i give in and cave almost immediately without trying very hard. whereas with the vietnamese, i had to put up a strong front. the poor bargaining is a dilemma as i’ve already made a couple of purchases and have probably been ripped off by about $1.50 to $2 each time, which adds up after a while. i’ve also made a few VERY unnecessary purchases just because the thai storeowners have been very good at luring me slyly.

i’m tired of bargaining for everything. in vietnam, i almost cringed at trying to buy anything for fear of being ripped off and having to stress over haggling. however here, i cringe AFTER having purchased something for having made an unnecessary and pricey buy. too little too late.