In November 2003 I bought an ear of roasted corn from a street vendor in the park at the base of Gubbio. He charged me 3 Euro. It seemed rather pricey for an ear roasted over a garbage can fire and served wraped in wax paper, but what the heck.
In May of this year, while connecting at CDG, I needed a bottle of water so that my mother could take some medication. At the concession stand I paid 3 Euro for a half liter of water. This was after my empty water bottle had been confiscated at security, so I was at their mercy.
Which of these purchases represents the better value? I have been puzzleing over this since my return. I would appreciate the views of the sophisticated Slow Travel community.
Grazi Brad

I'm always in for a good debate. I'd say the corn was the better value. It was, because of the "experience" with enjoying the corn and the unique way it was cooked for you.

Hi,
We also bought water at CDG. I had noticed however that the water was cheaper in the store selling candies than at the small bar/restaurant, so we paid 1.80 E for a bottle of water. We also paid about the same but in CAD here in Dorval airport. 2$ CAD. Everything is always more expensive at the airport and tourist places.
Often when visiting a place, if in a city or village, I try to go to a store or supermarket where I can buy a 2 L bottle for 30cents instead of the stands where you pay 2E for 2L. Some stores also offer to make a sanwich for you which is also a much better value and cost cheaper. Otherwise look for Rosticerias or Tavola Calda in Italy for example. A family can eat for 4-8 E chicken, pizza, lasagna and often very good local food is available there, take it to the park.

Depends on how happy you are that Mom could take her medicine.

How many people were killed in all the decades people carried liquids on board? It is simple to detect what liquid is in any bottle, especially water.

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: Shannon,

quote:

I needed a bottle of water so that my mother could take some medication. At the concession stand I paid 3 Euro for a half liter of water

The corn and the water can't be compared directly. Like Apples and oranges.

When you are traveling, you have to accept you will be in situations where you pay more than average for something you really need right now. I was in Pozzuoli, Italy in 2006. My daughter and I were lost. We had been walking around for hours. I bought a 3 euro bottle of water, so I could use the store's toilet. It was worth it to me. I wanted to abandon the water there, but my daughter told me that it would look bad, so she carried it around unitl we left to go back to Naples.