Saving Fish from Drowning - Heal Burma

AMY TAN
and they don’t seem to notice. Take Heinrich, for example. He had a
very strong odor, a mix of alcohol and calculated mistruths, I think.
All his indiscretions rose from his pores.
As for Americans, they are a composite of all the smells, good and
bad. And they, too, are inordinately fond of their various deodorants,
aftershave lotions, perfumes, and room fresheners. Things that stink,
they cover up. Even if they don’t stink, they cover up the smell and
make it unnatural. But I don’t think it’s cultural as much as target
marketing.
This is only my opinion.
A SHORELINE AND DOCK came into view. The longboats cut their
motors and drifted in, and a dozen hands reached over to help pull
the boats close to the pier so the passengers could disembark.
“You are about to encounter many interesting things to buy,” Wal­
ter said. “Bargaining is completely expected. But let me offer this
rule of thumb: Set in your mind what you wish to pay, then name a
price that is half that, and work up to it during the bargaining.”
As soon as their feet touched ground, peddlers ran up to them.
“Lucky money, you give me lucky money,” they all shouted. In their
palms were tiny jade animals.
“They believe the first sale of the day brings them lucky money,”
Walter explained.
Bennie cast a doubtful look. “How could we be their first sale of
the day? It’s nearly two in the afternoon.” No wonder he was hungry.
He rummaged in his backpack for a Snickers bar.
“You very well may be,” Walter replied. “I don’t believe they are
lying.”
“Why not?” Dwight said.
“That is not the nature of Burmese people. It would not serve
them well.”
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