Oh how the turns have tide...or rather How the tides have turned...

If anyone can correct that horrible misquote of a title I would be eternally grateful. If you can't quite get the reference here are two words to give you a little clue: Michael. Scott.

I found myself in another country last week, more to come on the wonders of being in a warm tropical place, when this little interchange happened between myself and one of the ladies at the market.

Me: How much for these pillow cases?

Lady at Market: 170 bhatt

Me: They are beautiful. You have so many colors. I just love your country.

Lady at Market: Ok then, for you a special price. 190 bhatt.

I leaned over to CL on my right and said slightly under my breath: Did you just hear that. She went up on the price. Wow, I'm so happy I'm not the only one.

Lady at Market, sheepishly realizing her mistake: I mean 150 bhatt.

Me: Don't worry. I actually make the same mistake all the time when I bargain in Mandarin.

Lady at Market at first doesn't reply but only smiles at me since her English is limited to prices, colors and the very useful phrase "come and take a look, you will like" clearly doesn't understand what I have just said but understands I am not upset and am somehow attempting to make her feel better then lowers the price to 120 bhatt.

Lesson of the day:

5 silk pillow cases from night market: 600 bhatt

Feeling good that other people make the same mistakes in your language that you make when you try out other languages: priceless