Today it is my pleasure to feature the fifth and final travel highlight from Ronald Mackay. He has been a tremendous supporter of our travel writing competitions this year, having entered the maximum five stories and five highlights. Each of his entries have been a pleasure to read. Many thanks for all your contributions Ronald.
A Number Followed by Lots of Zeros
“For your expenses, Sir. Please sign.”
The wad of twenty-eight million pastel-coloured Rupiah notes surprised me by their modesty.
I signed; locked most in my room-safe; attended my appointment.
“We’ll talk in the gardens created when Java was Dutch.”
We planned, reviewed, agreed all project details.
A screech, irate, blocked my exit from the restroom. The official hand demanded payment due. Uncertain, I selected a pretty note. A number followed by lots of zeros. The screech transformed into a prayer, hands pressed together in recognition of the divinity in me.
For whoever tips a year’s earnings indeed must be divine.
“For your expenses, Sir. Please sign.”
The wad of twenty-eight million pastel-coloured Rupiah notes surprised me by their modesty.
I signed; locked most in my room-safe; attended my appointment.
“We’ll talk in the gardens created when Java was Dutch.”
We planned, reviewed, agreed all project details.
A screech, irate, blocked my exit from the restroom. The official hand demanded payment due. Uncertain, I selected a pretty note. A number followed by lots of zeros. The screech transformed into a prayer, hands pressed together in recognition of the divinity in me.
For whoever tips a year’s earnings indeed must be divine.
Ronald Mackay
For much of his professional life, Ronald Mackay planned, managed and evaluated projects throughout the developing world. Slowly, he learned a great deal about how to live comfortably in very different cultures. Now he and his wife live a quiet life on the shores of Rice Lake in Ontario, Canada.
For much of his professional life, Ronald Mackay planned, managed and evaluated projects throughout the developing world. Slowly, he learned a great deal about how to live comfortably in very different cultures. Now he and his wife live a quiet life on the shores of Rice Lake in Ontario, Canada.
