American Ex-Pat Blogging From Mauritius

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all the while whilst modern genetics is telling us exactly the opposite message. But that's another story).

Indeed genetics proves that we all share common ancestors, we all originated from the same "stock". Modern human nature hasn't really changed that much from our distant ancestors, has it ?, deep down we're still basic primates, greedy, attracted to "bling", and intolerant of other groups, the main difference being I think that instead of grunting we use words.

My question then would be why should the fact that everybody being overcharged makes you feel any better? ...

Supermarkets have economies of scale, one item might be more expensive but others will be cheaper, e.g. fresh fruit might cost more in a supermarket, but at least one can select pieces so as to not have "rotten" apples in the basket, I can then continue with my varied shopping and buy the chicken on special etc, plus all my shopping is done under one roof, and I'm certain of the quality, I can also return defective items, going to a local market with kids is a nightmare, for several reasons.
I too have been "caught" by a Oxford Street fruit vendor, I have also been "caught" by a Mauritian door to door veggie/fruit vendor, so yes I do agree that the urge to turn a profit at another's expense through dishonesty is a universal trait, I try not to deal with such people. If I'm forced to buy something local then I'm a hard bargainer, but it isn't innate, I don't derive any pleasure whatsoever from the process. I think that bargaining is dishonerable and degrading for BOTH parties, it feels like both parties are trying to steal from one another, horrible process, and then one arrives home only to discover that the fruit at the bottom is rotten, what a bargain...

I was told when I last visited Mauritius - you tell us what you want, you don't buy it. You are rubbish at bargaining and the moment you open your mouth the price has gone up.

You sum it up quite nicely. Why would I want to do business with that attitude?.

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Oh Thank!!

[Digital Paradigm]

Mauritius is a beautiful country, however Mauritians are not , i own a small mid-size business , and i know what an expatriate goes through, no Mauritian can understand this, because they are busy abusing their privileges , life on island could be good, only if system changes here.. if you are not a Mauritian then you;re doomed, system adopted by government has exploited all kind of classes in Mauritius, rich, poor, educated , uneducated, young, old.. and by now they are so well trained in how to rip off expatriates, wow.. i can right a book on all those experiences i have had in last 4 years now..