Reaching the tipping point

A certain Indian participant at the Olympics does not believe much in the concept of tipping when back home. However, he is adamant that he will tip away at every given opportunity when in London.

A certain Indian participant at the Olympics does not believe much in the concept of tipping when back home. However, he is adamant that he will tip away at every given opportunity when in London.

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The logic? "Didn't they rule us a few decades back? Now, we are paying customers and they compete between themselves for our custom. When I tip, I feel superior." Sigh!

With coins jingling away in the pocket, one did what comes naturally back home — dump them in the first outstretched hand one spotted. There aren't any beggars one has seen — even the ones who ask for money hardly look decrepit — but there was a violinist playing hard at a Metro station.

This writer dipped into his pocket and dumped all the coins in appreciation of the man's talent. As I hopped onto the train, realisation struck — those coins would have totalled to something like Rs. 800 back home! Tut, tut.