G - Gates, Guardrails and Gringo Pricing

“Somebody’s knocking; should I let him in?”

I’ve got three topics today. None of them is big enough for it’s own post, so all three of them are landing here.

Gates (as in property gates): This is simple; keep ‘em closed. This is a cultural norm here; this isn’t specific to expatriates or any other group. Most crimes that occur here are crimes of convenience where something is taken because it wasn’t secured. I know of instances where these crimes could have been prevented (or at least discouraged) simply by keeping one’s gate closed. Enough said.

Guardrails: Drive carefully and don’t expect a guardrail to keep you on the road. I watched guardrails being installed on a new stretch of highway north of Canoa a few years ago. The steel was reasonably strong and the posts were solid 8”x8” timbers, but they were set in less than a foot of concrete. I’ve also seen guardrails on the road to Cuenca where the ground has eroded and the base of the post floats free (200 feet above the ground below it!).

Guardrails are a good visual barrier, but they are unlikely to provide much restraint in a collision.

Gringo pricing: Yes, it happens. To the extent that it happens, though, is in the hands of the buyer.

We used to shop at our local mercado for chicken and vegetables, but the prices changed our minds. When I tried to explain to a local merchant that his prices were the same as TIA’s (our local supermarket), he simply shrugged his shoulders. I would much rather support the local merchants, but I don’t care to lose money doing so.

Knowledge of other prices can only be obtained through experience. For example, knowing whether a property is a good value at $6/meter v. $60/meter can only be learned through examples and research. Ask around, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.