All dialogue 100% overheard.
We are outside Quito, Ecuador, touring a rose-growing farm with a small group. Upon arrival, an enthusiastic member of the family that owns the operation greets us, hosts us for a meal in his home, and gives us a behind-the-scenes tour of how the farm works.
We learn that this farm supplies many of the roses shoppers receive when they buy flowers from Amazon.com and other online retailers. Upon hearing this, a member of our group—a plump and rather unpleasant older woman—speaks up.
“You’ve probably heard about our new president,” she says, her voice brimming with pride. “He’s putting tariffs on the import of most foreign goods. I suppose that means you’ll be paying more to get your roses into the United States.”
The owner gives her a blank look. “We don’t pay tariffs. You do. We will charge the same prices, but yes, because of the tariffs, you Americans will pay more.”
The news stuns her into brief silence. Then, as the owner moves on, she stage-whispers to me and a few others: “That man doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
