Last night I went to a "farewell auction", which is one of the unique aspects of the Ukarumpa subculture. When someone leaves, either permanently or for furlough, a few days before they go they invite lots of people to their house and "auction" off all the things they don't want to take with them. But the thing about these auctions is that no money is exchanged: all you have to do is raise your hand, shout "Me!", make an excited sound, or even a sarcastic remark, and the item on display is thrown at you.
One can obtain a wide variety of products at farewell auctions: I have observed snorkel gear, books, clothes, nearly empty bottles of barbecue sauce, spices, envelopes, partial bags of flour, a pineapple, (used) socks, old magazines, shampoo, a paper clip, a palm leaf fan, and even a fake engagement ring. Last night I became the proud new owner of a waterproof paper holder (great for maps on survey!), a pad of post-it notes, a green pen and a bottle of nutmeg. Who needs Wal-Mart?!?
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