NO GRACIAS! explain to me

Avi, I can't speak for others -- by the way, my impression is that most tourists are quite polite to vendors -- but I don't mind a few people coming by my table while I'm having lunch and/or talking with friends. But it can get so invasive that you can't finish a thought before being interrupted again.

I know people have to make a living, so I don't know what the answer is. I do know that excessive vendor pressure turns visitors off -- which hurts everyone.

As for your attempts to practice your English, if it's clear that's your motive, I can't believe people wouldn't be willing to chat for a minute or two. If they just ignore you, that, I'd agree is not very polite.

But remember, most visitors come to I/Z to relax and enjoy the quiet natural surroundings. Yet they're assaulted by every kind of sales pitch, from the moment they step out of customs at the airport. This also happens on the streets and on the beach, whether the pitch is for condos, fishing, restaurants, parasailing, you name it. Many of them act like they just want to be your friend, help you, etc. -- but they just want to sell you something or even rip you off.

I'm not suggesting that's what you're trying to do, but just realize that this is why some tourists may choose not to give you more than a polite "No, thank you!"

One Man's Wonder