The Woman With the Flower

Today, while I was walking through the market of Pudomandapam I became a little separated from the group. A woman came up to me and very quickly put a flower necklace around my neck. She then told me to pay her 50 rupees. I refused and tried to take if off because I didn’t want it, but I couldn’t figure it out. I also didn’t want to break it because then I’d be obligated to pay. I continued to refuse and told her over and over again to take the necklace off me. She was resilient and only asked for money. In the end, I had to eventually pay her the money because I couldn’t figure out how To take the necklace off myself. This event angered me, and it also helped me realize and reminded me to stay alert at all times, especially in India.