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Souvenirs We See Everywhere
And How to Spice Them Up!
On vacation or while traveling it is custom to purchase trinkets, gifts or souvenirs for friends and family members. Here are a few favorite souvenirs which can be found almost anywhere and a few ways to make them more interesting.
Write your name on a grain of rice
This little gem has been around for quite some time, with the steady handed merchant offering to write your name on a grain of rice. This can be found anywhere and is far from a location specific gift, lest they write the name of your destination instead of your name. But then they would have to change their business marketing, now wouldn't they?
According to one internet source it was started in Turkey(Perhaps I wasn't looking in the right place) In North America however, look no further than shopping malls, the local carnival and the beaches of Mexico. One can only assume they use Long Grain rice as short grain would be too much of a challenge. Every little bit helps, when rice writing is concerned. If the Rice Writers really want to improve their game and increase sales, here are a few ideas.
Perhaps they ought to write a bit more than just a name or maybe offer more options to write with. While ordering this gift why can't we say, “Please write my name, Johnny Raul Menendez, in Helvetica Bold with a slight Italic on a grain of Wehani Rice. Thank you.” While they may not be able to offer a serif font just yet, the Rice Writers will certainly appreciate the suggestion.
Yes, this would indeed be worth the meager expense as they think to themselves “which 'e' has the accent mark?” (none) But perhaps this is asking too much from the rice writers as we would hate for the Rice Writers Guild of America to go on strike, thus forcing us all to write our own names on our own pieces of rice, a trade meant for only the steadiest of hands.
Get your hair braided!
This is an offer which you see all over the world, as if braiding hair was that countries claim to fame. Perhaps the draw of this is it making people feel more “vacation like” while on the road. The Hair Braiders can be found almost everywhere from beaches to city centers. The more experienced carry a photo book of previous heads of hair which they have braided to show of their braiding skills.
The way to spice up this souvenir would, once again be to make it more destination specific. Let's see corn rows that spell out your itinerary. Then, after getting home from your cruise everyone will know where you went and that you got your hair braided while there. This is going to save lots of time as people no longer have to ask obligatory “Welcome back from your vacation” questions.
Hold my Snake, lizard, parrot, or other animal on your arm for a picture(and a small fee)
One must question a guy who takes his out to the highest foot traffic area to pimp his pets for a living. Does he keep a clean record of animal health? Do people ask? They should. And if animals don't make enough, do they get slapped off the roster like Don "Magic" Juan on a friday night?
The "Hold my animal for a picture" gimmick should consider more equal approach to animals for tourist photos. If he would be willing to dress up in an animal costume and perch his self out there for days on end, then he could feel the hard sweat of a days work. Now that's accountability!
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About the AuthorMike has been traveling since 2005. Hobbies include staring at maps, drinking coffee and helping old ladies cross the street. Future trips include England and Australia. Mike Krebs professional photography information can be found here.