Bargain Shopping

Today, Kristina, Mary, and I went to the market to pick up a few things. I didn't think I would be good at bargaining so I was a bit nervous to see how it would all go down.
It went alright. We definitely had to bargain a better deal and at the end of it, we probably paid a bit more than we could have. We learnt a few lessons in the trade:

-First, you tell them a price
-When they laugh at you and tell you it's ridiculous, stay confident that you're being serious
-When they suggest a price that is ridiculously higher than what you offered, be firm and stick to your price
-Then start slowly putting up your price
-BUT...IMPORTANT: Before you start, have a price in mind that you're NOT willing to go over
-If you reach that max. price you've set in your mind and they still don't budge, put the item back and walk away
-Then they'll just say 'deal' and you get the price you want

I think it's important to bargain a little before just walking away. Also, it's a lot easier to bargain at the market when you're in a slightly bad mood or tired and annoyed...it makes the process easier because you have to be firm otherwise they'll just give you the most ridiculous prices.

I'm sure as the summer goes on, we'll become better skilled at this. Here are a few pictures of Lake Malawi.

Jaw-dropping scenery while kayaking on Lake Malawi

Bird watching on the beach!