Colombia has a large “informal” economy, made up of street vendors, hustlers, maids, jugglers, fake sick people, prostitutes and what not. This informal economy provides the families of those that never had the education for an office job or are left out being squeezed by one of Exito’s shadow companies.
Many of these participants of the informal economy will find creative ways to make money and in the case of street vendors, sell their goods. Some of these street vendors find absolutely ridiculous or desperate ways to sell their goods.
Here’s a list of things people may try to sell you at times and in places you don’t expect. These are not hypothetical occasions, but actually told experiences. The list may grow over time.
Location: A salsa bar
Time: Tuesday 8:30 PM
Merchandise: A flashlight with battery and 3 months guarantee if you just go to the same bar
Location: A billiards hall
Time: Friday 10:30 PM
Merchandise: Cheese, eggs and milk
Location: In front of a liquor store
Time: Mid afternoon
Merchandise: 6ft inflatable pool (already inflated of course)
Location: Bus stop
Time: Unknown
Merchandise: watch (strap broken, bloody)
Location: The street
Time: Saturday 2 AM
Merchandise: Children dolls
Location: At the entrance of a high school
Time: School time
Merchandise: Porno DVD’s
Location: University campus
Time: Sometimes during the day
Merchandise: Joints (laid out nicely, several sizes and sorts)
Location: A strip club
Time: Saturday 0:30 PM
Merchandise: Chickens (obviously dead, headless, but fresh and feathered)
Location: In front of a church
Time: Saturday 14:30
Merchandise: Flavored condoms
Location: Inside a church
Time: During mass
Merchandise: A woman’s own body
Location: Anywhere
Time: Anytime
Merchandise: Free advise
Many thanks to the visitors of poorbuthappy.com for their contributions