While this didn’t seem like an ideal way to start a bargaining session, I deferred (as if I had a choice) to Nazy’s approach. She met Lim Ho’s wife and attempted to exchange conversation with his son – who was doing homework in Chinese. She admired the one-of-a-kind shoes that he had on offer. She got him to bring out everything in her size. She promised to promote his website in Switzerland and offered him a sample contract. She found exactly what she wanted – and then sat down to have a cup of tea before beginning a serious price dialogue.
“Why don’t you try an e-Auction?” I suggested, relying on my experience with Deutsche Bank. “Or you could send out an RFP for your feet.”
Needless to say, Nazy concluded the negotiations successfully. On the way back to the hotel, the tour stopped at a local fruit stand and at a herbal remedy store. In the photo, I am holding something exotic. I’m also standing in front of a sign that, well, reminded us of home.
Back at the Shangri Li Hotel, Nazy, pleased with her acquisition, began checking the services on offer.
“What about a herbal massage, Dan?”
“A herbal massage? Are you..”
“You stay in hotels every week, Dan, but you never take advantage of their services.”
“I don’t think HP would pay for a herbal massage, Nazy.” I replied.
“You never even think about…”
“If the hotel has an internet connection and pizza delivery, I’m happy.” I thought.
“… the finer services. I am getting a facial and a massage.” Nazy continued. “Then I’m going to get my hair fixed.”
“Is your hair broken? I didn’t notice.” I was trying to be agreeable.
“And you are getting your ears candled.”
“Excuse me?”
“Ear candling is an ancient Tibetan treatment that kills ear fungus, removes wax and clears sinus infections. It will be good for you. The treatment includes a migraine-removing head massage.”
“Hmm…”
“And, after that, I’ve booked a haircut for you.”
The ear candling was interesting and surprisingly pleasant. My haircut was quick and effective. Nazy’s hair appointment, on the other hand, was impacted by what is called “Scope Creep” in HP Project
A Statement of Work that included the basic phrase: “getting my hair fixed” left a lot of room for interpretation. Hangers-on, seeing the opportunity, swooped in to, eh, offer services. Pedicure? Manicure? Nail buffing? Foot Massage? When my haircut was finished, I looked back to check on Nazy. It was
“… Frightening.” I thought. “It looks like she’s in a hospital emergency room surrounded by doctors. Five people were hard at work; I tiptoed away.
There was one clear day during our stay in Malaysia. We used it in the hair salon. However, no trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without an excursion to the bridge between the two Petronas Towers. So, on the morning (late morning) before our noon departure, we walked, eh, meandered to the site.
“This isn’t going to work,” I thought. “The guide said the tickets will be gone by 10:00.” And..
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