Best way to dismiss those guys near the plaza?

mattm · #1 03-09-2007, 09:36 PM

I often stay at the Bavaro Princess, and every time I walk outside the gates and head toward the plaza, I get every single guy who is trying to sell some paintings coming over wanting to shake my hand and invite me to his shop.

I don't know spanish, and I know these people just want to make a living. Is there a way that I can easily shoo them away without being seen as a nasty north american? One time I said no thanks 3 times to a guy, and I'm pretty sure he was calling me names afterwards. Really made me not want to go shopping!

planner · #2 03-09-2007, 09:46 PM

I have always found this works - make eye contact, smile and firmly say - NO GRACIAS. Keep on walking, don't make further eye contact and do not say anything more. Polite but firm............

Ringo · #3 03-09-2007, 09:47 PM

#1: No Gracias... with a smile. Never look them in the eyes. (at this point.)
#2 Keep walking.... never ever falter your step AND NEVER STOP.
#3 My (husband/wife) has all the money. (indicate back...)
#4 So what if they call you names... you keep going and make up a few for them... don't let them hear. (maybe just a little.) Now you can look them in thier eyes... just don't blink.

Good luck

mattm · #4 03-09-2007, 09:58 PM

Thanks..That pretty much reinforces my approach :-)

BTW...is it just me, or are all the paintings in that plaza pretty much the same?

Ringo · #5 03-09-2007, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattm

Thanks..That pretty much reinforces my approach :-)

BTW...is it just me, or are all the paintings in that plaza pretty much the same?

Read #2 again.