Sunday, July 20, 2008

Sunday Driver

Kristina and I have a driver (Rajinder) twelve hours a day, six days a week. Sunday is his day off which means we are on our own. Sunday is also our cooking day. Before you think it, yes, it would be a good idea to shop ahead of time for Sunday but I am stupid and I always forget. Let it go. Anyway, normally, not having a driver would not matter but we are a couple of miles away from, well, anything. Also it is like nine billion degrees (Celsius) outside; so the walk is a little challenging. Think sweat and lots of it. So God invented rickshaws. This guy wanted to charge me 200 rupees, I talked him down to 40 rupees. That's the way it is here. Foreigners are going to be charged more. In fact, the government kind of sanctions this. In Agra, non Indians are charged many times more to go to the museums. However, whoever can walk away from the table controls the deal. As soon as the drivers start start playing "The Price Is Right", I laugh and jump out of the rickshaw. Come to think of it, this might be useful in New York City. Note: To me, rickshaws have a certain novelty to them, but here they are a practical transportation solution. There are really very few handy and not VERY expensive alternatives. Live and learn McGann, live and learn. Please note the organic cotton, fair wage, etc, etc shopping bag we use. The souls of the just are in the hands of the Lord.

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2 comments:

Jin said...

How much is gas over there?

And do you pay for it?

The price of gas here in the states is getting out of control.

You guys should buy bicycles for Sunday joy rides.

Joe and Kristina said...

We do not pay for it but I think it is subsidized by the government. Bicycles, hah. The roads and traffic would eat us alive. No thanks!!