A Reminder as 'Septi-Hambre' Approaches in Vallarta-Nayarit Landon Hollander - InsideLaCruz
go to original August 30, 2014

As the “low season” months fly by, we head quickly into September, known locally as “septi-hambre” (hambre = hunger) so called because living in a tourist based economy, many jobs are eliminated or put on hiatus. Other jobs dependent on tourist numbers (such as waiters and hotel employees) suffer from the diminished numbers. It is always a good idea as a year-round resident to go the extra mile regarding dining out, tipping, frequenting local shops and services and donating where appropriate.

I got a wake call yesterday as I checked out at the Mega (think Ralph’s/Von’s/Schnuck’s/Safeway etc.) market in Nuevo. The two elder (as opposed to younger, who also do this) baggers (paqueteras) were conversing in Spanish and I was able to fairly easily follow the conversation. (Translation):

Lady 1:  They don’t have them anywhere else…

Lady 2: Yes they do; in the United States!

Lady 1 (to me, without thinking for a minute that I might not speak Spanish): Do they have baggers in grocery stores in the United States?

Me: Yes, they do, but they are paid as regular employees of the store.

Lady 2: See? I told you so.

Lady 1: We don’t receive a salary here, only the tips we get from the customers.

Me: I understand, ladies. That’s why I always tip and why I also inform visiting friends that they should also tip.

Lady 1: Thank you Señor, you are very kind…

I am always surprised to find out that this tidbit of info is one that needs to be repeated on an ongoing basis. But why would a newcomer to the area know to tip these workers?

So, there you have it; a quick reminder to please help these super-helpful people make an honest wage.