One Dollar
Five hours left. Eagerly waiting for the
announcement. I fought with myself not to fall asleep even for a second.
I was afraid that I might miss the flight. I went up to the
board again and saw it again and again. Yes my flight is not listed. As
time passed, my visits to board became more frequent and finally I stood there
glazing at the rolling board expecting that next change would be mine. Only my
flight number alone did not appear.
I
approached the IA counter and enquired about my flight. To my
shock, I was told that the the flight to Singapore was cancelled. I
do not know why I did not hear the announcement or have they not announced ?.
At that time I was concerned only about what to do next ?.
My
flight to Jakarta was on Sunday. I was to travel to JAKARTA via Singapore. This
being the first international flight, I reached Delhi one day earlier
and being the first trip,I was bit nervous and consulted everyone
possible before the trip. Those days mobiles were un affordable and usage of internet
was also not very common.
My flight was to leave from Delhi at 4 AM. The Indian agent of the company did not accompany me and I could not talk to him from inside the airport. Air India however, took me in their next flight which started after 3 hours. But I was afraid, whether the company rep will wait for me for this flight at Jakarta. Just cold not control he sleep,
It was
9'o clock night, I landed in Jakarta. I got down with lot of curiosity,
tension, and excitement. Everything is new. Most of passengers in that flight
were Indonesian citizens.
So I
was alone standing at the immigration counter. But I was made to wait.
Then someone came, asked some questions. Then he checked my passport and
asked for 50 dollars. I enquired the reason. He told me that they
are very poor compared to India and requested me to donate 50 dollars.
I said ,'No'. I cannot pay.
He
started bargaining. 50,25,15,10,5,1 he pleaded. The bargain went
for five minutes . When it came to 1 Dollar, I really felt sad. For I dollar is
equivalent to 55 Indian Rupees and it is equivalent to 55000/- rupia in
Indonesian currency. What an experience for the first time traveler.
Later I travelled to many other countries, but never again such an
experience. finally
.....when I came out he was there with a placard. But my return journey
was still unforgettable. The Singapore airline. air hostess taught me a great
lesson in life.I will write that in my next blog...