Francisco the bikini man

About a week and a half ago I walked to Leblon Beach from PUC. When I arrived I sat on the steps and took in the vista. The beach was empty. Mostly. The weather cloudy and chilly. However, there were still some vendors out and ready to sell their products to those who ventured to the beach, regardless of weather.

I spotted a man with some umbrella contraption that effectively holds bikinis and attracts potential customers. The tiny bathing suit outfits hang from a string that outlines the umbrella. I was not sure if I should approach him. I waited, sat and observed everyone and everything. Soon a lady approached the bikini man. She grabbed a set and was gesturing for the price. I figured this was the best opportunity to approach the vendor. Not to help the tourist out, but to listen for the price. He sold her the bikini for R$50,00.  Somehow I new this was a bit hefty.

He briefly walked away to another vendor, he needed change for her. His customer happened to be from Miami. She was on a business trip and was heading back home the following day. Her and her partner are opening an equity office here in Rio de Janeiro. I found this out soon after my purchase when she asked if I had done well.

When she walked away with her new purchase I realized it was my turn. I wanted a black bathing suit but the vendor insisted on handing me bright colors. He said they would look good with my skin. I kept saying they were a bit too much for me. Finally, I selected a white set which he priced for R$50,00. I said R$35,00 and he said no. We agreed on R$40,00.

I ended paying R$30,00. I thought I had more money on me. I didn't. I had exactly R$30,00 for a small dinner snack and my bus ride home. I told Francisco, we soon exchanged names, that I would just have to return another day. He insisted I buy the bikini by shoving it into my arms. I insisted I didn't have enough money and would hand back the bikini. At one point he told me to just come back tomorrow and give him the difference owed. I looked at him and replied in a very honest manner that I couldn't guarantee that I would come back with the ten reais difference. I told him that I would return later during the week. He didn't like the option. He told me to take the bikini for R$30,00. He needed to sell.

Here I was with a bikini and no bus fare.

Finding an ATM became priority number one. I finally found a Citibank ATM in Ipanema. I have found that using an ATM makes more sense than going to a Casa de Câmbio with wads of cash. You pay a fee regardless.

  (If you squint your eyes just so, on the left side, there is a shadow of an umbrella with the Brazilian bikinis.)

P.S. Update, my last day in Brazil I returned to Leblon Beach and directly went to Francisco. I bought more bikinis from him, as presents for friends.