The Next Time You're In Tanzania...

The next time you're in Tanzania, just remember that the most powerful words in the Swahili language are: "Punguza bei, tafadhali." It will serve you well whenever you try to buy something from a vendor in the marketplace, or when you buy bus tickets. Of course, they will always try to give you the "white" price first, which is usually so ridiculous that only the richest of tourists could pay it. If you ask nicely they will bargain with you, and if they don't -- just walk away, they will come running after you to give you the price you want.

I was reminded of this on Friday when I went car shopping. Things are so much different in the U.S. when it comes to buying and selling, it sort of takes the fun out of it. However, I did emerge on the other side of the transaction with a pretty little new car, for which I am very grateful.