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how I was sold a pile of shit, literally

Wednesday morning, the gardener who had watered my plants continuously said "khad" and pointed to the plants. A friend confirmed that he was saying "manure."
This morning, I opened my bedroom door and found four small bags of manure lying on my terrace. As I walked across the terrace, my gardener cum car washer came jumping over the terrace wall. He asked for 20 rupees. I had only 50 rupees and he did not have change. He began digging up my plants and pouring manure on top. He explained that the bags were 50 rupees each and I had given him 180 rupees Thursday so I owed him 20 rupees. I began feeling badly that I thought I had paid him the 180 rupees for February's work when I had really only paid him for the manure.
Five minutes later, he came over and explained how 50 rupees was actually what I owed him: 20 rupees for the manure + 30 rupees for labor. No change was necessary. Of course, I already felt badly for not paying him for Feb so I obligingly paid him the 50 rupees.
After he left, I realized I still had manure from when we planted the greens originally. I opened the bag, which was at least as large as the four bags he bought combined. My bag was 60 rupees total! I bought the shit. Boy, am I gullible sometimes.

Comments

Unknown said…
Sarah not only did you buy shit, but you over paid by more than twice the cost for it! as funny and out of the ordinary this sounds in the US it sounds rather every-day for India. at least you dont need to feel bad for not paying the guy his monthly pay because he got all his money from the overpriced shit. remember it does say adventurer in your own description of yourself for your blog, and this is certainly one. luv u sis
Friday, April 23, 2010
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