Don’t convert! That was the catchphrase in 2000 travelling around Ireland with Tom’s daughter Tammy, who was living in London at the time. With our usual frugal budget, we would be aware of the local prices, and I guess too many times we commented on how those prices compared. Soon Tammy was saying “Don’t convert!”

We were always quite amazed when talking to relatives that although the cost-of-living prices in the UK seemed to be relatively on par, their salaries seemed to be so much lower. So, we should probably not have been comparing and converting the cost of meals out, souvenirs and really, quite affordable travel. We were doing OK and travelling within our means.

Quite often when travelling we tend to compare. I recall somewhat harshly reprimanding students visiting Japan for the first time “don’t say that’s weird”, and “what’s normal anyway?” Comparing as such can be good for appreciating what you have and experience, but so often such comparisons are very value laden. Our viewpoints aren’t necessarily the same as the cultures we are visiting. The students would often make an off-hand comment which could easily offend. Or they might miss out on an exciting opportunity to experience a new activity or food as it was proclaimed “weird”. No, it’s just different. So many times, we tried to teach acceptance and being open minded; we had to take care ourselves on what value-laden statements we might say. Take care when comparing!

But financial comparisons and conversions – well, we try to stay roughly to a trip budget and be sensible with spending. Often just at the end of the holiday the budget goes out the window at the very last stop – the airport shop. Ahhh, I seem to have $20 equivalent in local currency. I’m sure I need to buy that (insert tacky souvenir name here). Just to use up these last few coins. These last-minute purchases rarely satisfy – except, I would say, the toy self-propelling pull and go Tuk-tuks bought as we left Delhi – they were simply marvellous!

Some currency conversions seem to have stuck. Visiting a country for the first time, I print out a handy conversion chart from/to Aussie dollars (I’m sure there’s a very handy app for that these days). Eventually the exchange rate sinks in. Quite often, there is a reference point. For years, that reference point was “a cup of coffee” (approx. A$5). You want to buy that souvenir T-shirt – yeah, it’s only a couple of cups of coffee. That fridge magnet? Why not, it’s less than a cup of coffee! That toy Tuk-tuk – yes, it’s only a cup of coffee!

More recently, a new benchmark was established. March 2018, a trip to South Africa to see the cricket (a story there for another day – the “Sandpaper Test”). After cricket, sightseeing tours, wine tasting, and generally a very good time, we decided to pick up a few local souvenirs. Last chance to purchase some items for family and friends. An elephant print textile for neighbour Denise, some sew-on patches for sisters Lynette and Rosalie. Ah, that looks interesting – a beaded flamingo.

I decided I really needed a beaded flamingo. The large one – maybe 30cm tall – lovely, but quite silly for packing, especially with further travel ahead. Smaller one (approx. 12cm) much more practical. Not as life-like, but I still think it’s cute. Negotiated the market-place price down to 80 Rand. Probably still very overcharged, but I was happy. 80 Rand, approximately A$10. A new unit of currency!! One Flamingo!

If you overhear Tom and I discussing prices now, you’ll know what we mean. That restaurant menu selection – three flamingos? What a flamboyance! Don’t convert!