When You're a Little Light on the Rupee

So yesterday I flew from Dharamshala to Delhi to Ahmedabad. It was a long, long day.
Starting off with them telling me in Dharamshala I had an “excess” baggage. Ttly pissed me off because I flew the same airline THERE and had no problems. The man tells me I owe 4000 rupees. (Nearly 100$ US). I told him “No” that was way too much money. Then he says he can give me a discount to 3500 rupees, I refuse again. (Not really knowing if I have any right to refuse…..oh also I should mention EVERY other person had already went through security and I was the last person in the waiting area. Nothing like holding everyone else up. But I wasn’t sure if he was legit or not.)

Then he reduces price to 2500 and I’m like “Well what am I going to do, right?” So I give him my credit card and go sit back down. Then a woman comes over hands me my card and said “It’s not working”. So I put it away. Then the man comes back and says I owe him 2500 cash. I dig into my purse and pull out 1570 and tell him “This is all I have” – he looks at me and says “Give me 1520… (?)” So I did, then he hands me 50 back and THEN he gets out his billfold and gives me 100 rupees of his own money. I asked “What’s this?” and he says “This is just from me.”

I was blown away. I think he literally thought that was all the money I had. (It wasn’t, and I could have used an ATM). But on the other hand I still wasn’t quite sure they weren’t ripping me off.

I don’t think they were. Because when I arrive in Delhi………….same bullshit. Tried to charge me 4000 rupees before getting on the plane. I was sent from person to person to person – told them all the same story – I had PAID this money at the previous airport and was NOT going to pay it again.

Well, I think finally they just got sick of me and let me get on.

Made me go through security THREE times – three different stations. It was awful. I had to hold back tears because it, well…. It was bad. Everyone just staring at me and no one fucking offering to help.

Then I get to Ahmedabad and of course, my pick up isn’t here – lol.

I was not happy with India last night.

But it turned out ok. It’s really interesting how I am treated in this city versus the other tourist places I have been the last 3 weeks. Here people aren’t used to seeing white people and everyone is extra helpful. It’s nice.

Love, Janelle