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Timewarp, baby
by leaffin at 11:21 PM on June 22, 2005
I´ve just left the Bay Islands of Honduras. Such an interesting place. Such fabulous coral reefs. But I don´t want to get sidetracked...
There are some things there that you find all over Central America and the Honduran mainland... beans, tortillas, the lack of ¨cambio¨ (change for large bills, even if it´s just $5).
However, I felt like I´d been sucked backed to the Midwest of the 1950´s due to their trust in the general good of people when it came to money. I ordered takeaway at a restaurant one day, and when I went to pay with a 100 limpira note (about $5) for my 40 limpira meal, they said that they didn´t have any change. When I told them they I didn´t either, they said that that was ok.. I should come back later and pay. Tomorrow was ok to pay, too. Whenever, actually. About a week later, I had to call for a cab from somewhere, and I didn´t have any money. The woman waved her hand and said that that was ok... I could come back some other time and pay for the call. No problem.
Have you been offered the blind faith of strangers recently? I don´t think that´s happened since the ´80´s, when I only came up to the average adult´s waist.
comments (9)
Not lately... but I have been reminded lately that the trust and helpfulness of others is certainly geographically dependent. In Italy there were a couple times when they just said, "Torno subito con il pagamento" — come back soon with payment. Usually this was after I'd been to that coffeeshop a few times and they didn't have change or I didn't have enough—but nothing much.
The faith of strangers—quite a remarkable thing.
by snaggle at June 23, 2005 3:30 AM
No but I did see kind of the opposite the other day. Some dope noticed that an abundance of pennies had accumulated in that little dish they have on the counter---and took it all and purchased a candy bar.
by anna at June 23, 2005 7:42 AM
lots of times people didn't pay Whore Hey for goods and services he provided. He'd be like that's ok just pay me whenever. But one time I saw a guy dangling by his ankles from a 10th story Miami balcony.
by anna at June 23, 2005 7:51 AM
The abuse of the ¨take a penny, leave a penny¨ dish is horrible. But funny. American nature.
I forgot to mention that the money trust was only on the Bay Islands. Everywhere else I´ve been, they´ll take your money and tell you to come back later for change. When you go back, they may or not remember they owe you money. It´s awfully convenient when they forget... and it usually only happens to the whiteys.
by Leaffin at June 23, 2005 9:20 AM
What they see is RICH WHITE AMERICAN GIRL...
a mere pocket change for an investment that could reap them some better benefit...
by LOCKHEED at June 23, 2005 5:39 PM
As so often happens Lock might be onto something. Maybe they expect sex on the beach in return for giving gringo free cab ride.
by anna at June 24, 2005 7:35 AM
I don't have any money stories, but I did meet a really nice tow-truck driver last week. He gave me a jump-start plus a nice rundown on batteries, voltage, and alternators for cars. He thought I shouldn't attempt to drive the twelve miles home, because he thought my car might not make it, so he gave me his card and said he'd come right away if I called. He was very kind.
Hmm, come to think of it, two coffeeshops I go to spot me money all the time. And there are all kinds of things I can get for less or for free, because I know people working in that business. That is something.
by jean at June 24, 2005 9:01 PM
I've never heard of anything like it. Strangers... money... in this country... not a chance!
In my experience I've had to be known. A friends father runs a small chain of takeaways so getting shit food on slate ain't a problem. Half of my youngest brother's mates work in pubs so they're my hotspots... probably why my local is my local too, anywhere else I wouldn't get away with: "You know I'm good for it." Cos I'm generally *never* good for it. My local's landfolk don't seem to mind though. Thinking about it... I'm an absolute leech when it comes to cash... *shrugs* Strangers abroad would soon have lil warning/wanted posters of me up in their lil shops, were they to flaunt their generosity as Leaf described...
by Ex Crimson Guard NCO at June 24, 2005 10:38 PM
Why ECG:NCO. You're just a male Scarlet O'Hara.
'I've often relied on the kindness of strangers."
But I gues if you're happy then that's all that matters.
by Long Time Lurker at June 24, 2005 10:59 PM