One of the things I wanted to do while in Thailand is get a suit made for my upcoming engineering career. Two days ago, we decided to find a tailor and get the process started. The door man of the hotel (under commission no doubt) recommended one, and 5 mins later we were there. This is when the games began. My dad had gone some suits made while living here a couple of years ago for about NZ$300, and they were pretty hiddious. So I was expecting to spend approximately NZ$400 for a nice tailor made/fitted suit with two pairs of trousers.

At first the Indian tailor was saying about $600 for each suit, at this point Carmen stepped forward and started to almost abuse the poor fellow about his ethics, craftmanship and first born. She had negotiated us to about NZ$500 for two suits for me (Jacket + 2 trouses for each suit). I still hadn't said a word. Every time he turned away Carmen would flash me a smile, obviously enjoying the bartering. I am at this point thinking how often she is just manipulating me. By the end of the 'discussions', I was getting two suits, each with two pairs of trouses, a winter overcoat and Carmen was getting a suit (Jacket, skirt and trouses) for about NZ$950. We got measured up, paid (on afterthough, I was/am nervous that I had paid before recieving the goods...we will see how it all turns out..a hard lesson may have been learned, I can always burn down their establishment). It may not be a rock bottom price, but it is fantasic in comparison to prices in New Zealand.

Yesterday we went in for a fitting. It was all very cool and exciting. I am extremely happy with how the suits are starting to look as well as the overcoat.