Sunday, January 02, 2005
The Lighted Eiffel Tower
Last night we finally got out of the house -- at about 10pm. Not bad since the family didn't wake up until 12:30pm. But how wonderful it felt to go out last night. It was cool and a bit windy, but it felt delicious. I do love this city.
I also have a confession... our family treats the area around Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Park, as our back yard. Trocadero Park is the place our family always walks to on our first days back in Paris. We go there when we have some time on a Sunday night. The kids love the play area in Trocadero Park, and what better backdrop is there than the Eiffel Tower? When the kids want to ride their bikes, we often go there because there is a nice hill. But mostly, we go there because the whole family never tires of enjoying the sight of the Eiffel Tower.
Anyway, as we were walking out last night, I remembered a friend had told me that they are now selling wonderfully-tacky battery-operated multi-colored light-up Eiffel Towers. When I got there, I saw them.... and they are just as beautifully tacky as you can imagine! I wanted one. But I realized I only had dollars on my person. My husband had already blown through most of his cash on barbe a papa (papa's beard)/cotton candy and a nutella crepe for the kids as well as rides on the Trocadero carousel. So I just wanted to find out how much the lighted Eiffel Towers cost. I ask the second or third walking vendor that came up to me... "How much?" They all speak English. He says "15." I say "ok" thinking I'll bring 15 euro next time. He then goes "10." I say, "maybe next time." So he says "7?" I felt like telling him, "you had me at 15." Of course the price is now max 7 euro.
This reminded me of our trip to Morocco at Christmas time last year. My husband and I bought a rug and we really didn't negotiate much. We were told after that to haggle for a rug should take most of the day! We felt completely ripped off. It was still a good price... better than we could get anywhere out of Morocco, but higher than the next person could negotiate. We met a lovely French couple at our Morocco hotel and they told us Americans just can't negotiate. We don't have open markets where we can practice that skill. This couple was so good, they negotiated a lower fare for the cab driver to take them into town. We felt like such failures. It still makes me feel bad when I think about the rug experience. How are your negotiating skills?
My son enjoying a ride on the carousel at Trocadero Park.
-- said Auntie M in Paris
10:19 PM
# posted by Pat : 11:46 PM
I've gotten my kids to start when they find something they like. It really helps them to get over the "shyness" factor and feel more confident in their dealings with adults. It also helps them to understand that they can walk away and not buy something if the price isn't to be lowered and to not take it personally.
I think that is a very American thing, to take negotiating personally. Many times people get VERY offended if you try to negotiate and I've even over heard snarky comments directed at foreigners who do ask for a lower price.
Unnecessary IMHO.
# posted by BohemianMama : 2:07 AM
My husband says that my math skill increase for the better when I negotiate for better prices (the few times I have been able to). He attributes it to the lure of saving and seeing $$$$. But thanks for the price tip and advise about the vendors.
Sounds like you are truly home when you feel great being back and that you have a routine you do when returning (wow, again - what a nice backyard, Trocadero Park!)
Terry in SF
# posted by Anonymous : 3:27 AM
# posted by Teriyaki : 5:28 AM
OT, i have a nineteen year old year daughter who plans to spend her next school year in France. Any advice?
# posted by Sherry : 5:56 AM
BM, I completely agree with what you said! I did take the negotiating personally -- as I found I do with every cultural difference I come into contact with. I think I know how things should work, so when they don't work the way I'm expecting, I take it personally (like the line cutting here) when it's just another way of doing things. I'm constantly learning about these cultural differences and trying to appreciate them.
Terry, I'm completely envious of your bargining skills. Problem is I usually don't event think it's an option. I have to be more aware of the opportunities!
Teriyaki, I have so far to go, but thank you.
Sherry, I have lots of advice, but you'd need to be more specific. First, I'd start by looking at some of the sites on my blog about life in France. I'd also look at the fusac.com website. There's a lot more information if she plans to spend the time in Paris. If you have a specific question, let me know and I'll try to help.
# posted by Auntie M in Paris : 11:31 AM
-Mary-Lynn
# posted by Anonymous : 2:12 AM
# posted by Auntie M in Paris : 6:18 PM