Written by Iris Dineen for the Whistler The Magazine Winter 2006 / Spring 2007 edition. Published solely to promote tourism to Whistler’s nightlife, music and pub scene throughout the year.

Whistler in the winter is best known for its great skiing and snowboarding, but its after-hours scene is fast approaching the same level of recognition among repeat visitors. Let’s face it: Whistler’s vibrant nightlife makes it an extremely popular place to party.

Part of the equation with Whistler’s nightlife is an abundance of great local talent: brilliant resident DJs and local bands keep everyone hyped and the nightlife scene fresh. Clubs in Whistler still regularly mix up the entertainment scnee by booking big-name bands and world-famous DJs.

While finding social activities is easy it’s sometimes hard to decide where to go, because Whistler has so much to offer, especially in nightlife. There is enough going on to satisfy all your social desires. If you’re a “social butterfly”, the eye candy, dancing, socializing, good times and laughs are just a few of the wonderful joys you will encounter in Whistler Village nightlife. Here’s the inside scoop on the pubs and clubs from a locals’ perspective.

It starts with Whistler Buffalo Bill’s, also known as, the cougar bar, which always draws a large crowd. Whether you’re twenty something or fifty something, you will have the time of your life with a gread dance floor, pool table, and video games. Buffalo Bill’s is a fabulous choice and a great place to meet new friends in Whistler. Across the way is Moe Joe’s, where you can always find a great DJ or live show during nightlife. This underground Whistler club is always packed and has the juiciest floor filling entertainment in town.

As you wander down and around the corner in Whistler Village to the jungles of Tommy Africa’s, prepare yourself for a great mix of music and fabulous staff. The vibe here is electrifying and it’s a frenzy of fun every night of the week from’80s night to special events, and the best part is the funky jungle atmosphere. Right in the Whistler Village Square you can venture down into Maxx Fish, which features theme nights, and costume parties; this palce is always full of late-night energy. Just a few doors down is the Savage Beagle, the perfect all-purpose destination in Whistler nightlife with a classy lounge atmosphere upstairs and a wild dance floor downstairs. Last but certainly not least on the Village Stroll in Whistler is Garfinkel’s Night Club, one of the locals’ favourite clubs with Whistler’s hottest dance floor. Some of the best DJs spin at this Whistler club and celebrity sightings are part of the Garfinkel’s legend.

The pubs in Whistler have a cozy yet buzzing atmosphere and are something you will definitely want to explore. You can often catch live entertainment in the late afternoon and early evenings. Check out Merlin’s The Dubh Linn Gate, Tapley’s, Black’s Pub, Brandy’s at The Keg and the Brewhouse in the Whistler Village or Dusty’s Bar and Grill in Creekside. The Whistler pubs are where it’s at if you’re looking for great food, entertainment and friendly service.

Another great place to socialize is on the heated patios in Whistler. These are great places to have a cold drink while you thaw out after a full day of skiing or riding. The patios are the best place to people watch and are a premium pre-party place in Whistler. The Longhorn Saloon, the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC), Citta’, The Amsterdam Pub and The Mix are frequented by both visitors and locals. Join the crowd.

If you’re in the mood for comfy seating and warm atmosphere in Whistler, we can heartily recommend the Crystal Lounge, Cinnamon Bear Lounge & Grill, the Firerock Lounge, Monk’s Grill, the Bearfoot Bistro’s Champagne Bar, the Araxi Lounge, Elements, the Fifty Two 80 Bistro Bar, three below, Mallard Lounge or 21 Steps “Attic.” Lounging in Whistler is a great place to catch up with friends and rest up for your next big day ahead.

Every night is an adventure in Whistler whether you’re looking for a relaxing lounge, a friendly pub, or bumping club, we can almost guarantee that no visitor will leave unfulfilled.

More information about Whistler Resort, nightlife, pubs, entertainment, recreation and Whistler-Blackcomb is located here.

Written by Iris Dineen for the Whistler The Magazine Winter 2006 / Spring 2007 edition. Published solely to promote tourism to Whistler’s nightlife, music and pub scene throughout the year.

Whistler in the winter is best known for its great skiing and snowboarding, but its after-hours scene is fast approaching the same level of recognition among repeat visitors. Let’s face it: Whistler’s vibrant nightlife makes it an extremely popular place to party.

Part of the equation with Whistler’s nightlife is an abundance of great local talent: brilliant resident DJs and local bands keep everyone hyped and the nightlife scene fresh. Clubs in Whistler still regularly mix up the entertainment scnee by booking big-name bands and world-famous DJs.

While finding social activities is easy it’s sometimes hard to decide where to go, because Whistler has so much to offer, especially in nightlife. There is enough going on to satisfy all your social desires. If you’re a “social butterfly”, the eye candy, dancing, socializing, good times and laughs are just a few of the wonderful joys you will encounter in Whistler Village nightlife. Here’s the inside scoop on the pubs and clubs from a locals’ perspective.

It starts with Whistler Buffalo Bill’s, also known as, the cougar bar, which always draws a large crowd. Whether you’re twenty something or fifty something, you will have the time of your life with a gread dance floor, pool table, and video games. Buffalo Bill’s is a fabulous choice and a great place to meet new friends in Whistler. Across the way is Moe Joe’s, where you can always find a great DJ or live show during nightlife. This underground Whistler club is always packed and has the juiciest floor filling entertainment in town.

As you wander down and around the corner in Whistler Village to the jungles of Tommy Africa’s, prepare yourself for a great mix of music and fabulous staff. The vibe here is electrifying and it’s a frenzy of fun every night of the week from’80s night to special events, and the best part is the funky jungle atmosphere. Right in the Whistler Village Square you can venture down into Maxx Fish, which features theme nights, and costume parties; this palce is always full of late-night energy. Just a few doors down is the Savage Beagle, the perfect all-purpose destination in Whistler nightlife with a classy lounge atmosphere upstairs and a wild dance floor downstairs. Last but certainly not least on the Village Stroll in Whistler is Garfinkel’s Night Club, one of the locals’ favourite clubs with Whistler’s hottest dance floor. Some of the best DJs spin at this Whistler club and celebrity sightings are part of the Garfinkel’s legend.

The pubs in Whistler have a cozy yet buzzing atmosphere and are something you will definitely want to explore. You can often catch live entertainment in the late afternoon and early evenings. Check out Merlin’s The Dubh Linn Gate, Tapley’s, Black’s Pub, Brandy’s at The Keg and the Brewhouse in the Whistler Village or Dusty’s Bar and Grill in Creekside. The Whistler pubs are where it’s at if you’re looking for great food, entertainment and friendly service.

Another great place to socialize is on the heated patios in Whistler. These are great places to have a cold drink while you thaw out after a full day of skiing or riding. The patios are the best place to people watch and are a premium pre-party place in Whistler. The Longhorn Saloon, the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC), Citta’, The Amsterdam Pub and The Mix are frequented by both visitors and locals. Join the crowd.

If you’re in the mood for comfy seating and warm atmosphere in Whistler, we can heartily recommend the Crystal Lounge, Cinnamon Bear Lounge & Grill, the Firerock Lounge, Monk’s Grill, the Bearfoot Bistro’s Champagne Bar, the Araxi Lounge, Elements, the Fifty Two 80 Bistro Bar, three below, Mallard Lounge or 21 Steps “Attic.” Lounging in Whistler is a great place to catch up with friends and rest up for your next big day ahead.

Every night is an adventure in Whistler whether you’re looking for a relaxing lounge, a friendly pub, or bumping club, we can almost guarantee that no visitor will leave unfulfilled.

More information about Whistler Resort, nightlife, pubs, entertainment, recreation and Whistler-Blackcomb is located here.

Original post by hattrick and software by Elliott Back

One of the leading hotels of the world, the luxury Gold Coast Palazzo Versace boutique hotel is one of very few 5 star accommodations along the beautiful Gold Coast of Australia. Travel here is absolutely breathtaking, and the Palazzo Versace luxury hotel accommodations are stunning.

Styled and designed after the world famous Donatella Versace and is passion for living and designs, the Gold Coast welcomes a five star boutique hotel called the Palazzo Versace luxury accommodations along Queensland. If you plan to visit Australia or travel through the Queensland province, then this 5 star hotel awaits you and your family. From the signature luxury hotel at Palazzo Versace to the clothing labels, Versace inspires and influences thousands of world travelers throughout the globe. Located in Queensland, the boutique Gold Coast Palazzo Versace Hotel and luxury 5 star accommodation guest rooms and suites today only two hundred and five rooms in addition to seventy two condominiums and three award winning restaurants in a private marina setting and along the famous and beautiful Gold Coast of Queensland Australia.

The 5 Star Hotel Rooms and Suites

Versace is well known for his extravagant style and exciting lifestyle, and that has translated in to the luxury boutique hotel guest rooms and suites at the five star Gold Coast Palazzo Versace accommodations in Australia. The first of the boutique Gold Coast Hotel suites is the Superior Room which is well appointed with classic furnishes, colours and designs. The luxury Gold Coast Palazzo Versace Hotel Superior Room also has a private spa and completely separate shower. The Superior Suite at the boutique Palazzo Versace Gold Coast Hotel is sixty square metres and has a maximum capacity of two adults and two children or three adults. The Lagoon Room boutique luxury Palazzo Versace Gold Coast hotel accommodations in Queensland travel holiday Australia vacation travelers is all about the refined designs and finishes and attention to detail in this forty to forty six square metre five star accommodation room. The Deluxe Suite at the boutique Gold Coast Palazzo Versace Queensland hotel is exceptionally comfortable and features a king bed and eighty spacious square metres of living space. The Queensland Australia travel experience at the boutique luxury Palazzo Versace Hotel along the Gold Coast also features the Deluxe Broadwater Suite which is 80 sqm and provides a private spa, hair dryer, Sony Playstation, internet connection, pay movies, twenty four hour news, newspapers, in room safes and room amenities from the Versace Dreamer collection. This Imperial Suite at the boutique Palazzo Versace Gold Coast Hotel is one hundred and sixty spacious sqm.

The Palazzo Versace Condominium Suites along Gold Coast Queensland

This boutique hotel at the Gold Coast Palazzo Versace accommodations also provides two and three bedroom condominium suites which have the sale elegance and finishes as the hotel guestrooms. The two bedroom condo residences at the boutique five star hotel Palazzo Versace Gold Coast will have private balconies and kitchens with modern appliances in addition to a second bath room, powder room and private marina berth. Ranging from 143 to 146 sqm the two bedroom condominium suite at Palazzo Versace boutique five star Gold Coast hotel in Queensland is fit for four guests. The plunge pool at the Palazzo Versace condominium suites are absolutely stunning as are the rooftop terrace with spa. The gold Coast hotel at Palazzo Versace accommodations also provides three bedroom condominium suites that are larger than the two bed counterparts. The in room facilities for this luxury hotel acccommoodation suites include CD, DVD players, pay movies, videos, Sony Playstation, bathrobes, slippers, room amenities, private spa, air conditioning, private bar and voice messaging. Facilities and Activities around the Gold Coast Palazzo Versace Hotel in Queensland

Three are five different areas where you can enjoy fine dining and drinks at the Palazzo Versace Hotel and boutique five star hotel accommodations in Queensland Australia travel holidays. The Gold Coast Palazzo Versace will feature Vanitas, a premier restaurant with a wine cellar and elegant appointments. Il Barocco at the Gold Coast Palazzo Versace Hotel in Queensland Australia is a contemporary and classical cuisine fine dining restaurant overlooking the lagoon. Le Jardin is a chic meeting place for cocktails, appetizers and coffee time at the boutique five star Palazzo Versace Hotel in Gold Coast. The boutique Salus Per Aquum Spa at the Palazzo Versace Gold Coast hotel is a European inspired spa that provides the latest in treatments for spa and massages. Highly qualified professionals and friendly staff are what makes the luxury Salus Per Aquum Spa at The Gold Coast Palazzo Versace hotel stand out from their competition. If you would like to book a holiday travel package to Australia’s Gold Coast, consider staying at the five star Palazzo Versace Hotel in Queensland.

For the latest presales Melbourne apartments in Australia’s real estate market, click this link.

Original post by hattrick and software by Elliott Back

The number of visitors to Prague decreased last year according to figures released by the Czech Statistical Office. The drop of half a percentage point was the first fall in the 17 years since the revolution. The Czech capital’s reputation as a tourist-unfriendly destination is thought to have contributed to this reversal, with many guidebooks drawing attention to the city’s problems with pickpockets, poor customer service, drunken stag parties, unfriendly police and taxi drivers ripping off tourists. Prague is also experiencing greater competition from other Eastern European destinations, with cities such as Krakow in Poland, Ljubljana in Slovenia and Tallinn in Estonia all gaining in popularity.

Original post by Andy Pettefer and software by Elliott Back

Published with permission to promote tourism and travel to Bac Lieu, this article written by Minh Thuy was originally published in the March/April edition of Heritage magazine for Vietnam Airlines.

Known for its natural beauty, Bac Lieu has become a resort destination for those seeking adventure off the beaten path. In addition to its outdoors highlights, Bac Lieu is a land where ethnicities live together and cultures converge.

Bac Lieu’s main ethnicities are Kinh, Hoa and Khmer people. The particular culture of Bac Lieu and the region’s unique characteristics come from its layered composite of culture. Bac Lieu folk songs and chants, for example, reveal typical characteristics of Bac Lieu people. As their traditional music illustrates, Bac Lieu natives are known for being straightforward and hospitable, for speaking simply and gracefully. Musical lyrics also describe Khmer people’s enthusiastic approach to work.

As many legends, classical dreams, and films depict, Bac Lieu is known for its nobles’ extravagance. One noble, Tran Trinh Huy, was a notorious playboy and free spirit, known particularly for his tendency to burn money to boil eggs. Common behaviour in Bac Lieu is of course far from this infamous noble’s. In fact, Bac Lieu natives are hard to classify generally, as they are composed of diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic groups. Many men from northern and central Vietnam come here to get married, while local Bac Lieu men are also known for seducing urban lasses.

There is an inherent sense of community in Bac Lieu which takes form in local spirituality. Although Bac Lieu houses are low-roofed, all the villagers collectively contribute to the village’s pagoda, which is majestic and splendid. Notable pagodas are Xiem Can Pagoda (Vinh Trach Dong, Bac Lieu Town) and Cai Gia Pagoda (Hung Hoi Township, Vinh Loi District).

Visitors and tourists often come to Bac Lieu in search of outdoors activities. Tourists frequent the ecological longan garden to try the unique longan fruit. At the garden, singers serenade with tradition songs as visitors eat banh xeo (rice pancake folded in half, filled with savory meats and vegetables). The Lap Dien Bird Sanctuary, known for its rare species, is also a popular destination. Phat Ba Nam Hai, reputed for its supernatural power, welcome thousands of tourists every year. The South Chine Sea, past the Kinh Tu salt marsh, offers cuttle-fishing expeditions. Finally, Bac Lieu’s countryside is home to traditional craft villages. Phuoc Long and Hon Dan districts have villages specializing in plaiting, mat weaving and hat making.

Bac Lieu’s people, history and natural beauty distinguish the area. Visitors come from the breathtaking landscapes and stay for the hospitable people.

Bac Lieu Province

Bac Lieu is a province that lies along the Cuu Long River’s delta, in Southern Vietnam. Bac Lieu is 280 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City.

Geography: 2,520.6 square km. Bac Lieu is a relatively young region
Population: around 800,000 people
People: Bac Lieu has 20 ethnicities: Kinh (90.0%); Cambodian (7.9%); Hoa (3.1%); mixed descent
Culture: in the past, Bac Lieu was very famous for its hedonism. At the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, the open-minded nature of Bac Lieu attracted aristocratic people from the other surrounding provinces in the south. All the wealthy men attracted to Bac Lieu used their money to build palaces that were different from palaces in Hanoi, Saigon and Dalat. The intent was to build palaces that were architecturally reminiscent of Paris.

Published with permission to promote tourism and travel to Bac Lieu, this article written by Minh Thuy was originally published in the March/April edition of Heritage magazine for Vietnam Airlines.

Known for its natural beauty, Bac Lieu has become a resort destination for those seeking adventure off the beaten path. In addition to its outdoors highlights, Bac Lieu is a land where ethnicities live together and cultures converge.

Bac Lieu’s main ethnicities are Kinh, Hoa and Khmer people. The particular culture of Bac Lieu and the region’s unique characteristics come from its layered composite of culture. Bac Lieu folk songs and chants, for example, reveal typical characteristics of Bac Lieu people. As their traditional music illustrates, Bac Lieu natives are known for being straightforward and hospitable, for speaking simply and gracefully. Musical lyrics also describe Khmer people’s enthusiastic approach to work.

As many legends, classical dreams, and films depict, Bac Lieu is known for its nobles’ extravagance. One noble, Tran Trinh Huy, was a notorious playboy and free spirit, known particularly for his tendency to burn money to boil eggs. Common behaviour in Bac Lieu is of course far from this infamous noble’s. In fact, Bac Lieu natives are hard to classify generally, as they are composed of diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic groups. Many men from northern and central Vietnam come here to get married, while local Bac Lieu men are also known for seducing urban lasses.

There is an inherent sense of community in Bac Lieu which takes form in local spirituality. Although Bac Lieu houses are low-roofed, all the villagers collectively contribute to the village’s pagoda, which is majestic and splendid. Notable pagodas are Xiem Can Pagoda (Vinh Trach Dong, Bac Lieu Town) and Cai Gia Pagoda (Hung Hoi Township, Vinh Loi District).

Visitors and tourists often come to Bac Lieu in search of outdoors activities. Tourists frequent the ecological longan garden to try the unique longan fruit. At the garden, singers serenade with tradition songs as visitors eat banh xeo (rice pancake folded in half, filled with savory meats and vegetables). The Lap Dien Bird Sanctuary, known for its rare species, is also a popular destination. Phat Ba Nam Hai, reputed for its supernatural power, welcome thousands of tourists every year. The South Chine Sea, past the Kinh Tu salt marsh, offers cuttle-fishing expeditions. Finally, Bac Lieu’s countryside is home to traditional craft villages. Phuoc Long and Hon Dan districts have villages specializing in plaiting, mat weaving and hat making.

Bac Lieu’s people, history and natural beauty distinguish the area. Visitors come from the breathtaking landscapes and stay for the hospitable people.

Bac Lieu Province

Bac Lieu is a province that lies along the Cuu Long River’s delta, in Southern Vietnam. Bac Lieu is 280 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City.

Geography: 2,520.6 square km. Bac Lieu is a relatively young region
Population: around 800,000 people
People: Bac Lieu has 20 ethnicities: Kinh (90.0%); Cambodian (7.9%); Hoa (3.1%); mixed descent
Culture: in the past, Bac Lieu was very famous for its hedonism. At the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, the open-minded nature of Bac Lieu attracted aristocratic people from the other surrounding provinces in the south. All the wealthy men attracted to Bac Lieu used their money to build palaces that were different from palaces in Hanoi, Saigon and Dalat. The intent was to build palaces that were architecturally reminiscent of Paris.

Original post by hattrick and software by Elliott Back

Flowers and relaxation. Get the full Spa therapies & massage on many hotels in Thailand, such in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket and Phuket.

Original post by Michael Comglas and software by Elliott Back

Most people image the only the sandy beaches of Tuscany, however when you are finished lazing around on the sunny sands you can hop a ride only a few km in from Cecina and visit some charming little towns still steeped in tradition and Tuscany atmosphere.

Tucked in far enough away from the Costa degli Etruschi to not hear the lapping waves, these little towns are placed on high hills and command incredible views of the soft hills of the Maremma. The Maremma is known for is ample area of fields of grain —sometimes even compared to the American wide west (and used in the so called Spaghetti Westerns.)

Some other places that merit a stop on your afternoon touring the countryside, and are all within a few km of Cecina include Suvereto. This small village in the Maremma experienced its golden age during the 13th century. Wars, skirmishes, and above all the high death toll caused by the unhealthy air almost completely wiped out village life in Suvereto during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Hop in you car and go a little further to visit the town of Bólgheri. Not only with you find the Rifugio Faunistico di Bólgheri and be able to see (but not eat) boar, roe-buck, martens, black and white porcupines and the occasional otter as well as a wide selection of bird life. There is also a long road of approx. 5 km lined with cypress tress both on the right and left.

Don’t expect to find fish restaurants this far away from the ocean. Tuscany is still pretty divided about their food and the hills definitely stick to a more heartier and meatier menu. You will find the classical pasta’s with home made meat sauce, sometimes even specializing in wild boar or leper. Meat on the grill and oven baked potatoes are another classical dish. However in the summer everybody loves a pizza and that is true in the mountains or by the seaside.

You will definitely want to participate in the never ending Italian debate on who produces the best olive oil. And of course this area is no different than all the others and they insist it is the best so test for yourself and order a classical bruschetta with olive oil and fresh tomatoes and then let us know.

The photos on this page are photos we took of the scenery that runs inland along the Tuscan coast, and most partain to the small quaint town of Casale only minutes away from Cecina. but you can reach all of the towns mentioned with a short drive and less than 40km.

Original post by Mao tze tuscany and software by Elliott Back

Part 2 - continued

Spa Speak

No need to slip up when faced with the latest spa menus, grease up on your Ayurvedic terms
Doshas – Ayurveda classifies patients by body types determined by proportions of the three doshas. These include Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). An imbalance between the three is considered to cause various health problems.
Marma Points – vital energy points of the body
Shirodara – a Ayurveda steam of warm herbal oil is poured on the forehead in a continuous stream to induce a clear, calm mind.
Pizhichil – Ayurveda warm herbal oil is poured all over the body and massaged into the body to two therapists.
Panchakarma – an Ayurvedic system of purifying and cleansing the body involveing five processes.

What’s New: Youth Hospital

With Bangkok Hospital’s new BMC Anti-Ageing Center (www.bangkokinternationalhospital.com) slated to open this March, medical travellers can now add a new destination to their list of holiday options. Anti-ageing medicine is a medical specialty founded ont eh application of scientific and medical technologies fro the early detection, prevention, treatment as well as reversal of age-related dysfunction, disorders and diseases. The new BMC Anti-Ageing Centre in Bangkok offers a wide range of services dedicated to preserving youth and vitality. There are specific programmes relating to anti-ageing (functional medicine), hormone replacement, exercise, dietary advice, mental health support and weight loss, alongside check up services. To help you look as good as you’ll feel, the BMC Anti-Ageing Centre also includes related services such as aesthetic dermatology and plastic surgery.

Questions and Answers

Why is Ayurveda catching on in all the major spas and wellness centers? A medical and Ayurvedic doctor with over 10 years of experience in alternative medicine, Dr. Sushil Rahul of Chiang Mai Oasis Spa (www.chiangmaioasis.com) gives some insight on this year’s hot holistic buzz:

Why Ayurveda?
Because Ayurveda is the ultimate choice for those who wish to live a harmonious life in tune with nature, coupled with a sensible lifestyle based on knowledge. It shows us how unbalanced states can be corrected and maintained, based on one’s individual body composition.

What’s on offer at Oasis Spa?
We tailor our Ayurvedic menu and packages according to the client’s needs, based on an integrated holistic approach that involves relaxation, detoxification, rejunvenation, and beautification. Specific Ayurveda treatments include Ayurvedic Shirodara, body massage and head massage.

What treatment is recommended?
What works best is a tailor made package for an individual, based on Ayurveda consultation with the doctor.

What about Ayurvedic herbs – do they have to be imported from India?
As we are a day spa and not a clinic or hospital, we develop our Ayurveda menu according to day spa requirements, we don’t prescribe herbs as such for the treatment. We use Indian and Thai herbs to make Ayurvedic massage oils, and advise the client on making lifestyle and diet changes based on Ayurvedic principles and alternative medicine.

Original post by hattrick and software by Elliott Back

I’ve noticed a rather sneaky sales technique that I call Service By Stealth.



The most common form seems to be Guiding By Stealth. Guiding By Stealth works like this. You visit some monument or temple of interest, and a man wanders up to you very casually, starts a very normal conversation, and then starts telling you a little about the sight in question. Once in full flow, he’s difficult to interrupt or escape and by the time you’ve worked out that he’s a guide by trade, rather than just a particularly well-informed and obliging local, you’ve already had half a tour and feel obliged to either finish it or pay something for what you’ve already had.



A similar technique is employed by the masseurs in Varanasi. Massage By Stealth is slightly more invasive. A man will approach you with a big smile and extend a hand in greeting. You shake it, but once a grip has been established the man won’t let go but instead will start massaging it, working his way up your arm, and chatting all the while, with no mention of what he’s doing to your arm. By the time you’ve persuaded him that you really don’t want a massage, you’ve already kind of had one.



One practice common to many of the stealth operators – and it really, really frustrates me – is the “as you like” approach to pricing. It’s particularly annoying when you’ve already had whatever product or service you’re trying to pay for (by stealth or otherwise), but is still pretty annoying beforehand.



I had it today in a barber’s shop in Diu after a shave (of both head and face). It goes something like this:

“As You Like” It



– Thanks. That’s great. How much do I owe you?


– As you like sir.


– I’d prefer if you just give me a price.


– No, no, sir. It’s up to you. Pay as you think.


– But you don’t really mean that. Just tell me how much. Please?


– As you like sir.


– Okay. Eighty rupees. I know that’s more than fair.


– Eighty rupees not enough sir. One hundred minimum.


– So you really mean: as you like, as long as what you like is at least one hundred rupees then?


– Sorry sir?


– Forget it…

Original post by Glen and software by Elliott Back