“You come look, you buy?” . Kovalam, Southern India.

On the myriad of sandy alleyways behind Kovalam beach are a myriad of colourful shops, one of which is run by a young girl barely 15 years old. Every day we passed by. Every day we said “later” as she called to us to come into her shop. It had become a greeting as usual as a hello or a goodbye and always we smiled and waved to each other. She knew that her magic would eventually work. And so it did. With travelling over and bags ready to be filled with colourful gifts for family and friends back home, we relished that moment when we could say, “ok, I’m coming!” Pleased with our trade, she brought out her family to greet us. The wait had obviously been worthwhile. One day when we return, she will remember us and once more the routine will resume with knowing smiles.

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