Sapphire Drinks Means Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone


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Adventure means trying something you’ve been scared to try before. Step out of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to experiencing culture, and you’ll find yourself changed.

I was recently in Singapore and finally got up the guts to try bargaining (or haggling) for the first time. For non-Americans, this may not be a big deal, much less an adventure. But for someone who comes from a “pay-my-price-or-go-away” shopping culture, haggling can be intimidating.

There was a large electronics mall near my hotel, so I didn’t have to go far. After I finally decided on a store, all I had to do was walk in to the shop and ride the wave. The salesman was really nice, had a great sense of humor, and really seemed to enjoy what he was doing. He kept trying to get me to pay more by playing up the exchange rate, I countered with better online prices in the US. I told him I couldn’t spend too much money, he told me to just hide the bill from my wife (Like that would work!) I ended up not getting the original item I was looking for (an inexpensive video camera) because they didn’t have one they were willing to sell for cheap. But I did end up bargaining for a camera lens, a new memory card, and a card reader. The whole experience lasted almost an hour (try spending that long in Best Buy without wanting to kill yourself) and was a ton of fun. I ended up getting a good deal on most everything, which was almost a surprise given how good a salesman he was.

I came away with not only my purchases, but a new found appreciation for bargaining and some great memories.

Austin
Travellious

June 30 2008 12:00 pm | Sapphire Drinks

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  • James Moreland

    A premiere mixologist whose inspired cocktails have graced the front pages of The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, James Moreland is one of this generation’s leading spirits authorities. He has been a bartending fixture in New York City for more than eight years — most notably as head bartender at the famed, mixology-forward Town bar.

    Moreland’s mastery at blending flavors and textures, creating a taste experience, and enhancing the cocktail moment is beyond compare — especially when it comes to gin, his spirit of choice. He continues to surprise and attract a regular fan base with his ingenious and luxurious style of cocktail apothecary.

    Milo

    Milo has spent the last seven years working as head bartender / mixologist in some in some of the finest dining establishments and bars in the United Kingdom, including The Player, Milk ‘n Honey, Sosho (Match Bar Group), Crazy Bear. Most recently, he has worked with Gordon Ramsay’s new bar and restaurant, and Angela Hartnett’s Cielo in Boca Raton, Florida.

    Milo’s passion for mixology – combined with his superior cocktail creations – has earned him numerous awards, including first place at the Mozart Liqueurs 2006 UK Competition, as well as Drinks International magazine’s Best Bartender of 2006. Milo is also a published photographer, with his cocktail images appearing in Heat magazine, as well as Oxford and Sauce Guide to Cocktails.


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