Hanoi 5: The Shoe Guy

This enterprising guy noticed that Andrew's gym shoe was torn and offered to sew it. Unfortunately, we didn't negotiate the price before he began. Whenever I'd ask the price, he'd answer in Vietnamese, "It won't be too expensive."

Not only did he sew the tear, but he scrubbed the exterior, added new laces, and inserted scented insoles. When he finished and we asked the price again, he said, "250,000 dong." He and I both laughed at that number. We finally settled on 150,000 dong, which is around $8. I don't think he had to work the rest of that day!