Poppa’s got a brand new bag

Poppa’s got a brand new bag
10/25/04
I’d been carrying everything in my pockets (2), wallet, Kleenex pack, hand sanitizer, camera, cell phone (when I had a borrowed one), gum, USB drive, etc., etc. It was getting old. So, I started to figure out what to do. Several of the “guys” here had some version of a purse they carried; none had gotten them locally. One suggested that I have one made, “They can make anything here, zippers, pockets, you name it.” Another suggested I go to the “Samsonite Store”. Anyway, the word was out. So one day, Mukthiar (a VERY resourceful guy) found a bag he thought I would like. He bought it for me – 250rps (about $5). I wanted something that would go over one shoulder and across the chest (very stylish, I believe). This one did fit over one shoulder, but did not quite make it across the chest. It had several sections, one big enough for a towel and kutches (traditional Sikh underwear, often worn when “dipping in the nectar tank”. (another requirement). It looked a lot like a school child’s backpack. It would work just fine.

The reason I have taken so long to describe this bag is a simple attempt to explain how the following event happened:

Before describing the event….. another attempt to explain…..

It’s very challenging to stay “in your body”, having “your own experience” in this environment (It certainly is for me.). There are so many external demands on your attention – noises, sights, smells, etc. On a few occasions, just walking down the street, I remembered to feel my feet and legs, to follow my breath, to be consciously within my own skin. At other times I have enjoyed the feeling of moving through a busy street scene (people, bikes, motorcycles, horse carts; all seemingly moving in different directions all talking, shouting warnings, honking, barking [seemingly]); moving thorough this scene, like jumping into a cold mountain lake. My total attention is demanded in a way that I can simply not manage (read that “control”) my environment; so I somehow yield into the flow of the chaos, feel completely a part of it, feel completely unthreatened by it; it is me; I am it; we are all simply in this together; moving in perfect harmony. Form the outside, before stepping in, it can only be chaotic and dangerous and ugly. From within, I smile and feel very peaceful.

Anyway, I needed some cash; I had this new bag; I went into an ATM place to get $100 (4500 rps). All was going well. As I waited for the money to come out, I started organizing the bills in my wallet. I have a dear friend who frequently tells me to have all my bills facing the same way to promote my prosperity. I usually patronize her, but on this occasion, I am organizing my bills. My 4500 rps comes out; I am lost in my wallet project. My 4500rps goes back into the machine. I have never had this happen before. I had no idea there was a time limit on getting your money. I am insulted that they took it back; I am also troubled. It prints my receipt as though I actually took the money. But I don’t have it they do!. Someone is in line behind me. No one speaks English. I am convinced that If I simply get some more money from the machine it will give me not only my second request for funds, but my initial 4500 rps as well. So, I reinsert my card and request 500 rps ( $10). I get the 500 rps and quickly remove it from the machine, but the 4500 rps is no where to be found. (at least the next person to use the machine won’t get it.) So, I AM perplexed. But I AM resourceful. I CAN figure this out. I think. The machine takes back my card. WHAT???!!!??? It now has my 4500 rps AND my ATM card.

Aside: (When ATM machine first appeared on the scene in the US, it always just felt wrong to me to be able to get money so easily. Even though it was my money, in my account, I would have the fantasy that as I requested money, a pair of handcuffs would come out and imprison me right there and then. (I guess for all the “wrong” things I have done in my life. I am open to other interpretations for those of you who have them.)

Once again, brought to my knees in “Mother India”.

Anyway, long story short. I found the main branch of the bank the next day. I went to the desk labeled ATM and Credit Card Problems (This happens a lot?) There was a lovely young English speaking woman there ready to help me. (This was way too easy. My caution flags went up.) She assured me that there was absolutely nothing she could do. The card would be automatically destroyed. The money was already paid from my own bank. They would have to do the refund.

A mini adventure. IT all worked out fine (with Carolyn’s help in the US). (I had the foresight to bring a second ATM card.)