Adjusting

On the field for a little over a month.  In the training that we received before we came to this country we were told that we would go through stages where things were great, things not so great, things would be normal, and so forth. Well, “things are-a-changin” as we adjust to our new home.

I can deal with many things that are different from what I am use to. I can go without many things. However, I have found my one hang-up here.
- Being cheated because I am a foreigner.

I know that these people work hard for very little. They deserve more, but there is a culturally acceptable fee for products and for services that are no problem for everyone… but the foreigner.

So what brought all on, you ask? Well, every day we take local transportation (Rickshaws & CNGs) to and from our destinations. Everyday we have to bargain the price (let me say that this is no problem. It is just a way of life and acceptable) and in many cases there are no problems. However, last night one of those times came when several of the CNG-wallas were asking for an exorbitant price for getting my family home. Finally, I negotiated the price to what I felt I could deal with and then we headed for home.

Once we arrived the CNG-walla changed the price and took an extra 10 taka when he gave me change. This should not have affected me, but tonight it did. I told him with what little language I could that what he did was not good and that I was not happy.

There were several men in our parking garage sitting around and they wanted to know what the problem was and I just told them what I had experienced and that I was not happy.

One man who spoke some english asked how much the CNG-walla took and I told him. That is when it hit me. I was letting the principle of not wanting to be cheated anger me over 10 Taka.......12 cents.