Further to below post, I have to tell this recent story.
I went to buy new computers for the company. There is a place called "Computer Plaza" that has about 100 computer shops stuffed into two storeys, one next to the other. I went to the first, the Indian guy working there promised the blue sky, I got it priced, bargained a little, and went to the second one in hope of a better offer. This second shop had two Philippino shop keepers. A young one standing and an elder boss sitting behind a desk. I told the young one what I needed, and he directed me to talk with the other one. I sat down and waited until he finished his important work on the computer (maybe solitaire, or minefield?). Then I explained what I needed. Then he slowly, very slowly pulled out a list from the mess on his desk and told me to select the machine. I looked at the list, which was of course completely irrelevant to my request, and explained again what I was after. He slowly, very slowly dug out a notepad, and slowly, very slowly jotted down some basic parameters of the machines I wanted. Then he started endless phone calls, explaining to some even slower guy at the other end about the machines and engaging in discussions about the feasibility of such a wonder machine. Here I gave up. I lost my temper. 'I really do not have time for this' I said 'If you are so reluctant to help, I do not need your help!' and rushed out from the shop. I went into a third one, run by Indians, where I quickly explained my needs and went ahead discussing the price and the delivery time. I spent about 15-20 minutes in that shop , when the young Philippino shop assistant from the other shop came in.
'Oh Ma'am, oh Ma'am, so good I found you, have been looking for you at all the shops.'
I expected him to say that they figured my machines would be available, but it was something totally different.
'You left your bag in our shop.'
And in that instance I remembered I put my handbag behind me on the seat when I was there. I had 5000AED company money with me for the deposit, 2000AED own money, expensive camera, expensive phone, carkeys, flatkeys, IDs with car registration number and home address... And this guy, after I played hurt and left them very impolitely, wasted 20 minutes of his life to look for me and gave back my bag that had cash worth about 4 months of his salary...
I felt so embarrassed, I did not even know what to say. I left the shop after a quick 'Thanks a lot, it is really kind of you.', I felt too embarrassed to stay or to look at them.
Needless to say, in any other cities, especially European ones, with all that "smart" people, you do not need to leave there your cash stuffed bag for 20 minutes. It is enough to look at the other direction, and it is already stolen. We really have to value how honest people can be here in Dubai. Only in Dubai.
Monday, January 22, 2007
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