Opportunities

There are some very creative and some very sad opportunities for the people of India to capitalize on foreigners. There is the begging at traffic stops. Children in dirty clothes asking for food or money. Overjoyed to receive trial size samples of shampoo from Naomi. So much so, that they called friends over to be awarded such treasures as well. What was surprising is that these children remember you, or the car you drive! These children happened to be treated by Naomi just days before when she promised them shampoo next time she saw them. They recognized her, on our visit to Gurgaon. The photo shows the boy in the middle, with his friends, thrilled to get the shampoo as promised. Often enough the children from the Embassy School will give the poor children snacks that were left over from their packed lunches. Sharing and helping the less fortunate is a daily lesson learned. Sometimes the beggars approaching the cars are selling something. Magazines (sometimes outdated), Peacock feathers,tour books and small souvenirs. Even small hand held glass blown bongs! I was tempted!��

In Old Delhi, a few very young mothers holding their small babies ( a vey effective technique using their children for effect ), were asking us to exchange some foreign currency they received from tourists. Euros and Francs in exchange for rupees. We helped a few,but left before we became the world bank!

Also in Old Delhi, many bicycle Rickshaws that offer their service.... price negotiable! Photo above is Naomi bartering our ride. While shopping in the market, natives are walking around with laundry baskets offering to carry our purchases to our car...for rupees!

When I visited the Memorial Site of Gandhi, I witnessed a small business in operation. A clever set up of a mobile wireless printer, with a native of India offering to take your picture in front of the memorial and print the souvenir photo right away for purchase! How clever is that? Not sure how many Rupees he was asking. He did get chased away several times, only to return. A very persistent and common character trait when it comes to money!

Whether one chooses to be charitable or ignore and say no, both choices are difficult. There is never enough to go the distance. No, comes at some point in the transaction. We give the little bit we can and move on.....they accept the little bit we give, and move on!