Page 64 - Gary's Book - Final Copy 7.9.2017_Active

distributor passed out diamonds in a fine jewelry box. Big ones! Little boxes but
good-size diamonds! Everybody would end up with a few carats.

My first trip to Jakarta was a rude awakening. I arrived at the airport just before
midnight and went to the customs counter where I presented my passport and
health card. The agent opened it, closed it, and laid it back on the counter without
stamping it. I looked at him, and he looked at me, and the traveler behind me

whispered, “Hey, buddy, put some money in it.” I opened my large wallet, placed
about $5.00 in my passport and gave it back to him. He smiled and stamped it, and
I was on my way. Next, I had to get my luggage; more money was required. Then
I had to get a taxi to get to my hotel; I had to pay the taxi solicitor. Then once
inside the taxi, I saw that they had two meters – one for the locals and one for the

foreigners. Since I was a foreigner, yes, more money was required. Because I
traveled to most Asian countries at night when the money exchangers were closed,
I carried 18 different currencies with me at all times, so I could pay and tip easily.

In Asian countries, there was always a power play where they would let you know
you were not in charge; you were subservient. After several trips to India where

my hotel room was never ready (that was their control issue), I once arrived at the
Hilton at 3:00 in the morning. I noticed some Japanese, Chinese, German and
British guys sitting all over the lounge area. They should have been in a room by
then; instead, they were still waiting to get a room. I decided that enough was
enough! I told the desk clerk at check-in that I would be just over there, pointing to
the couch, and when my room was ready to please call me. I went over to the
couch, made some noticeable noises, opened my suitcase, took out my pajamas and

shook them. The clerk immediately called me saying, “Your room is now ready.”
The other guys looked on in dismay. [Chuckle, chuckle!]

In India, cows are sacred. The kids follow the cows around and gather up the dung,
make pancake-like patties, and place them on the hot pavement. In several days,
they are ready to be sold as a charcoal substitute for cooking. The patties are very

exothermic and the odor permeates the air of the entire city.

Because a large portion of the population is poor in India, there is a Beggars
Society made up of small children who can make more money than their working
parents. This society teaches parents to break the legs, punch out the eyes, and
deform the bodies of their infant children. No kidding! Then a brother or sister

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