Trusting merchant in B.A.

My wife, Barbara, and I have been traveling the world for over 30 years, and I thought I had heard and seen it all.

On our visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in September ’05, we wandered into a classy leather shop in the San Telmo district, Art Design Leather (Defensa 1170, Sala 2, La Candelaria; phone [54-11] 4300-7021). I decided to buy a very nice leather jacket as did my wife.

I asked the proprietor, Nora Osis, if she accepted credit cards. She said she preferred U.S. cash or travelers’ checks. When I explained that I didn’t have that much cash on me (approximately $400), her response was, “Don’t worry about it. Just send me the travelers’ checks when you get home.”

I was amazed as we walked out of the store. We sent the travelers’ checks immediately upon returning home in response to her trust. She sent a nice note thanking me. I am still in awe of this very trusting lady in a very classy store.

We decided that Buenos Aires is a well-kept secret. It’s a great city to visit, and the dollar is 3:1.

STEVE DROSMAN
San Diego, CA