Trading the Buck

Apparently a "buck" refers to the currency of your current country. In America, that's a dollar. But here, we're talking taka. Since 1 USD is equivalent to about 66 taka, this is an important distinction. And a rare piece of English slang defined by non-native speakers!

Some taka:


Talking to some Nepalese girls today about Kathmandu (where we're hoping to go for break), LB asked if it was necessary to tip in restaurants and, if so, how much. "Oh, about 15 bucks, maybe 50 bucks at a nice place." My initial response was *gasp! I don't think I can afford this vacation! But she meant 15 or 50 Nepali rupees (they have an exchange rate similar to taka).

Important to note, in case you ever find yourself gambling in another country. Considering how far the dollar goes in most of the world, you shouldn't have to worry too much. Unless you find yourself in Europe. Or even Canada, now. Oh, the dollar.

Technically, I'm told, the Qur'an does not permit gambling. But there are ways around this, I learned in Doha. I went to a horse race there. You don't actually put money on a horse. You just drop a slip of paper with your name on it into the box of the horse you thought might win. After the race, a name was drawn out of the box of the winning horse. If your name was chosen, you might win a car! Not gambling, nope, not at all...

My dad thinks bringing casinos to Cleveland is a good way to revitalize the area. I'm adamantly opposed. The last thing that city needs is people gambling away their savings. But perhaps we could reach a compromise. Say they set the stakes in taka?