Quality control is not the same in Brazil (Day 6)

Since our last visit to the centrum was a focused, goal orientated event (municipal ball costumes). It was necessary to return for another run at the local vendors. Fortunately, for us our trusty translator was able to haggle us some good deals or at least not their first price. However, before this more money was needed, and since Amy wanted a complete pedicure / manicure, we dropped her off while we went for money (the AC in the bank, makes me think we should do this everyday), and pick up some groceries for breakfast.

If anyone is coming to Brazil and they like peanut butter, you may want to bring your own as it is one of these things which are very hard to find, and / or expensive $R 30 for an old jar of skippy. Also bring lots of sunscreen, as the cost is more expensive than the peanut butter $R35 for a medium sized tube.

From my limited exposure, I think the primary rule of negotiating with street vendors is to not take the first offer, and be prepared to walk away. On many occassions, I think we were able to drop the price by 5-10% immediately and eventually 20-25%. I should have followed this when buying my generico ray bans for $R8 or $C 4. They did not last the entire day.

After this direct subsidy to the education of a street vendors child, we were prepared for a little more shopping first for some knock-off soccer jersy's ($R20), and other stuff that will be a surprise to people back home (how did they get that through customs). Anyway, we had a blast Mark was able to practice his Portuguese, we were able to spend money, the Brazilians were able to take our money. It was basically a win-win-win situation for everyone.

After this we had another evening of gaming with Flavio, who unfortunately was not able to bring home the Canada-Brazil board game cup. Some of you may be wondering if the Canadians played fair in the third and final match, (3 Canadians vs 1 Brazilian). I have to say yes, since we had not played this game before and it was in German, so all things were equal.