¨Here is a truly Argentine experience,¨ Sommelier Host randomly interrupted our conversation to tell me during a long busride in Buenos Aires. When I looked up, I saw who she was talking about: a man selling random goods for a low price on the bus.

a man hawks pens and flashlights at a restaurant

A person enters the car or bus and, depending on the item, gives you a short spiel about how you really want to buy his AR$7 scissors or puts down a pack of pens on everyone´s knees in the car and doubles back in hopes that you´ll give him money for them. If you ignore him, he´ll just pick the item back up, put it in his bag or box and move on to the next car.

I´ve been offered stickers, lighters, prayer cards, hair clips, children´s books, sunglasses, handmade earrings and a shoe shine, among other things while on public transit in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, in cafes (especially common when sitting outside) and on the beach in Chile by men, a handful of women and, sadly, a few small children.