The Life Chest: Mummies: The Life Chest Adventures, #5

By Kim Yost, Terie Spencer and Donna Yost

"May the crocodile be against you in water and snakes against you on land. The gods will not accept your sacrifices. You and your descendants will be miserable and persecuted!" – Nefertari's curse

Cousins Bernie and Josh have spent years following in their great-great-grandfather's footsteps as travelers and explorers. Inspired by items and stories from Gramps' life chest, they solved dangerous mysteries and discovered treasure in the Great Wall of China, a diamond mine in Tanzania, a Viking village in Norway and an underwater pirate cave in the Bahamas. When they travel to Egypt, however, it's a different story — their luck seems to have run out. After risking their lives again, they come home empty-handed. Is it time to retire from adventuring? Or will the next generation come forward and take up the cause?

Josh's granddaughter April has been hearing stories of Grandpa Josh and Uncle Bernie's adventures since she was a little girl. Now she's a smart, savvy and fearless young woman, and is ready to join the team.

It's a dream come true for grandfather and granddaughter to go on an adventure together, but the prospect of hunting for an ancient Egyptian city inside a mountain is daunting, and a mixture of magic, curses and life-threatening danger is just around the corner.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Yost
• Release date: Oct 2, 2017
• ISBN: 9781733333870

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Changes and Challenges

April was glad the self-driver on her sport levicar was optional. She didn’t use it often, but she needed to stretch out her shoulders this morning, so she flipped it on. The left shoulder was bothering her the most. At rugby tryouts, she had cleverly faked out her blocker, then made a great pass—but strained her rotator cuff in the process. Oh, well. I’ll have time to rest it while I’m home visiting Mom and Dad this month.

Back from college for the summer, the 19-year-old had arrived at her parents’ house the previous evening. It was great to be home. Even so, she had hopped in her levicar first thing in the morning to visit Grandpa Josh. Her parents, Meg and Nathan, understood. April had been close to her grandpa since she was a little girl. Time and distance had not weakened their bond.

During the 15-minute drive, April reflected on the school year she had just completed. I can’t wait to tell Grandpa about school. I know he’ll be proud of me. Heck, even when I mess up, Grandpa always finds a way to encourage me.

A less cheerful thought crossed April’s mind. What would she do for encouragement when her grandpa was gone? She quickly pushed the question aside. Yes, Grandpa was 79 years old, but from her mother’s reports, he seemed to be in good health. Meg had been watching over him pretty carefully since Grandma Leah passed away the previous year, 2161. That had been a rough time for everyone. Leah contracted pneumonia in February. She was sick on and off for months before a hospitalization in July. She didn’t come home. Josh was devastated but, surrounded by the support of family, he was now beginning to recover his sense of humor and love for life.

April sighed. Although done stretching her shoulders, she kept the levicar on self-drive while she reminisced. She recalled a day in early October, a few months after the funeral. Grandpa Josh was moving out of the house he and Grandma Leah had shared for so many years. He said he felt like he was just rattling around in it. It was time for a change.

Grandpa, they’re dismantling the mini-museum of the world, said April sadly. She watched Tam and Tien carry a suit of armor out of the garage door.

I know, honey, but everything’s going to good homes, said Josh as he watched the twins wrangle the suit of armor into Tam’s vehicle. Tam’s so excited to have Sir Lancelot. I’m glad my treasures are making other people happy.

He turned to April. You know I won’t have room for all these big things in my apartment, Blossom. I’m only taking enough with me to make me feel at home in the new place.

I know, Grandpa. Most of the mini-museum will be safely in storage.

Until you inherit it, Josh reminded his granddaughter. Then you can put it all in your own garage!

Tam walked up, rubbing his hands together in satisfaction. Sir Lancelot’s all strapped in, he announced. I think I might keep this rental car and drive back to New York with him in the passenger seat. What an adventure that will be!

Sounds like a plot for a movie, Tam, said April. Do it!

The three laughed at the thought of Tam making a cross-country trip accompanied by a suit of armor. Josh felt a wave of contentment. The whole family had showed up at Josh and Leah’s big rambling house to help with his move. Meg and Nathan were there, of course. Meg bossed the movers around as only a daughter could. Bernie and Chen Li had traveled all the way from New York with their adopted son and daughter, Tam and Tien. Josh was grateful for their love and support.

The moving truck, full of furniture and boxes, was ready to go. Tam and Tien offered to follow the movers to the new place while the rest of the family finished up.

As they surveyed what remained in the garage, Bernie took charge of keeping his cousin’s spirits up. He was a year older than Josh, but he hadn’t let age slow him down. Bernie talked a steady stream of stories as he and Josh waded through the contents of the garage—what April, at age 13, had christened the mini-museum of the world.

The cousins reminisced about their trips to China and Africa. Meg chimed in with stories of Norway, since she had been a part of that adventure at the age of 12. Uncovering a watercolor painting of the Amalfi coast, Chen Li reminded Josh and Bernie of when they discovered the watchtower on the island of Capri, where they had met Gasparo. This piece would look nice on the wall in your study, Josh, she remarked.

After about an hour, Josh was tired but satisfied with the treasures he planned to take to his new apartment. He sat on the old sofa and gazed around the spacious garage which was now neatly organized into sections of keep, storage, and give away.

I never did get this place cleaned out the way Leah wanted me to, sighed Josh, gesturing toward an old pinball machine from the 1960s. I feel kind of guilty about that.

Well, don’t, Dad, said Meg. Mom loved the life you two spent together. She understood that a lot of your keepsakes didn’t fit in a life chest.

Yeah, but she really hated that pinball monstrosity, admitted Josh. You and I had some fun with it for a while, but I never got it working again after that time I smacked it on the side and made it tilt.

My coworker’s husband is going to pick it up this evening, Meg reminded her father. We’re lucky I found someone who wanted it and has a vehicle it will fit in!

April’s dad, Nathan, walked by carrying a large wooden crate. These model ships you got in Nassau are really unique, he remarked. Thanks for letting me take them. They’re going to look great on the shelf next to my ocean photography.

I’m glad you’ll display and enjoy them, Nathan, said Josh with a smile.

While the others talked, April wandered around the garage. She had been in charge of closing up boxes with masking tape, but spent more time peeking at the containers’ contents. She lifted an ornate brass lantern from a box. This looks like Aladdin’s lamp, Grandpa, she said. Where did you get it?

That? It came from Egypt, Blossom.

I remember you mentioning Egypt years ago. You went there on an adventure, didn’t you?

Chen Li, coming from the house with a tray of iced tea, answered April’s question. We certainly did. Hasn’t your grandpa told you that story?

We haven’t gotten to that one yet, admitted Josh.

Well, we better, said his granddaughter. And pretty soon, too.

Meg joined the group and handed a glass of iced tea to her father. No stories today. We have so much to do! Uncle Bernie is just about done loading up the last of the things for the new place. We’ve got everything that’s going to the storage unit ready, don’t we, April?

I hope you packed everything up good and tight, Blossom, Josh said. I’m leaving all those treasures to you, you know. In fact, I kept most of that stuff because you said you wanted it!

I do want it, Grandpa, insisted April. I’m going to keep your mini-museum of the world safe.

The movers will keep it all safe for now, her mother interjected. We need to drive to Grandpa’s new apartment and get him settled in.

Oh, I know, Mom. I’ll have to come back and visit to get that story. Right, Grandpa? April hugged Josh warmly and kissed him on the cheek.

That’s right, Blossom, said Josh, returning April’s hug and giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. I guess I have a lot of unpacking to do, so let’s get going. He took one last look around the garage before walking out with his daughter and granddaughter. I’ll miss this place. But life goes on, doesn’t it?

Josh’s new home, a comfortable three-bedroom apartment, was a first-floor corner unit in a small complex on a quiet, treelined street, not far from Meg and Nathan’s neighborhood. Meg drove April and Chen Li in her car. Nathan took Bernie, Josh and the final load of treasures in his SUV.

Both vehicles glided up to the curb and unloaded their passengers. They saw the movers carrying the last few boxes from the truck around to the back door. Bernie hopped out of the SUV and went around to open the hatchback just as Tam and Tien came down the sidewalk from the building. Bernie and Chen Li’s twins were in their early forties, independent and successful—but they still finished each other’s sentences, like they were youngsters.

We’ve got the living room set up, Tam called to the group.

And all the kitchen boxes are in the kitchen, added his sister. I’m not sure which bedroom Uncle Josh wants for the guest room and which for his study.

I’ll show you, offered Meg. The one nearest the second bathroom should be the guest room. That leaves the front bedroom for the study. Nathan, make sure the recliner is in there.

Look out, guys! Tam, get the door! Bernie said as he came around from the back of the SUV. He started up the sidewalk, lugging Great-Great-Grandpa Kim’s life chest.

Dad, the movers can get that, said Tien worriedly. Don’t strain yourself!

No, I’ve got it, insisted Bernie as he struggled up the steps and through the door his son held open. I’m not going to trust the Traveler chest to any movers. It’s too precious. He grunted with the effort of setting the chest down, then straightened up and took a deep breath.

Josh joined his cousin in the foyer. I know you said you were bringing Gramps’ life chest, but are you sure, Doc? It’s not my turn to have it this month. And you’re the official life chest keeper for the family.

I know. I just feel like Gramps’ chest belongs with you, Josh. Anyway, it’s here now. As far as I’m concerned, it’s staying here. Now where do you want it? he asked.

I guess the front bedroom over here will be my study, Josh answered. Meg’s got it all arranged. They lifted the Traveler chest together and carried it to the study.

Nathan had just finished putting the recliner in a cozy spot by the hearth. Is this OK? he asked his father-in-law.

Perfect, answered Josh. He and Bernie set the life chest down next to the chair. You know, I only agreed to move to this place because they told me it had an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace, continued Josh with a grin. I always wanted one of those.

I’ll come over with kindling from our yard, promised Nathan.

Josh ran his hand over the top of the Traveler chest, tracing the outline of one of the maps that decorated its lid. This does mean a lot to me, Bernie. With my life chest, Leah’s, and now Gramps’, this will be a room full of life chest memories.

Mentioning Leah brought a few sudden tears to Josh’s eyes. His cousin, in silent understanding, handed him a handkerchief.

Then April poked her head in the doorway and broke the somber mood. Need any help? she asked. Oh, everything looks perfect in here. I approve.

Josh smiled and pocketed the handkerchief. We made a lot of wonderful memories to store in these life chests, he said.

We sure did, agreed Bernie.

It inspires the younger generation to live our lives to the fullest, added April, Hey, Grandpa! I haven’t gone on any adventures with you yet, except for all the times we explored Disneyland. How about we get on my magic carpet from India and fly across the ocean? Sound good to you?

Bernie laughed and Josh managed a smile. Sure, Blossom, he said. That would be great.

Tam called from the kitchen. The pizza is here! Where is everyone?

After lunch, the movers finished and it was time to go. The family gathered on the front porch.

I’ll be over tomorrow to help arrange your closets, Dad, said Meg.

We’re flying back tonight, but we’ll talk soon, promised Bernie as he hugged his cousin.

Call us anytime, really, said Chen Li.

During the hugs and goodbyes, April slipped away. She gestured for Tien to help her. The two of them hurried to Meg’s car. A minute later they reappeared, April holding a small animal carrier and Tien carrying a box of supplies.

I can’t believe I almost forgot! said April excitedly. She held out the carrier. Grandpa, I wanted to make sure you wouldn’t get lonely. So I got you this. I mean her.

Tam opened the door of the carrier and took out a black-and-white kitten, about three months old. A cat! She’s so cute, April.

We tried to talk her out of it, Dad, said Nathan apologetically. But she insisted. You know April.

I sure do, laughed Josh, taking the fluffy bundle from Tam. I wasn’t planning to have any pets, Blossom, he said to his granddaughter.

Oh, please keep her, Grandpa, April begged. She needs someone to take care of her. And you need someone to take care of.

All right. I’ll give it a try, agreed Josh. If you help me set up her litter box and food.

Bernie, Chen Li and the twins departed after another round of hugs and kisses. Within half an hour, Josh’s new fourlegged family member was comfortably settled in. The family relaxed in Josh’s study to watch the little ball of fur stretch and try out her claws on the new scratching post next to Josh’s life chest.

What are you going to name the kitten, Dad? asked Meg.

I don’t know yet, said Josh thoughtfully. I think I’ll take some time to get to know her before I decide that. You know, Meg, we didn’t name you until a couple days after you were born. The nurse recorded ‘girl: no name’ while they were waiting on us, then deleted it and put in your name when we finally decided.

Why did it take so long? asked Nathan curiously. Were you trying to figure out a name that fit her personality?

Sort of, explained Josh. We planned to name her Margaret after Leah’s grandmother, but this little baby I held in my arms didn’t look like a Margaret to me. Then Leah came up with the idea of naming her Margaret but calling her by the nickname Meg. So Meg it was.

And Meg it will always be, affirmed his daughter. I like that name a lot better than Margaret. She reluctantly stood. Sorry, Dad, we really have to go now. April heads back to school early in the morning.

I hate to go, Grandpa, added April. But I have to.

They walked to the front door. Have a safe trip, Blossom, said Josh.

Sure thing, Grandpa. April held up her comm as she walked to her mother’s car. Bye for now! We’ll do a video chat soon.

April smiled as she remembered Grandpa Josh cuddling the kitten in the crook of his arm as he waved goodbye. As her thoughts came back to the present, however, she began to worry. She hoped Grandpa wasn’t too lonely living by himself. During their last video chat, he told her that he and the kitten were keeping busy, but she wondered if he was OK.

Her mother had suggested taking everyone on a family cruise or going to a resort. It sounded nice, but April knew that nothing could compare to the adventures Grandpa Josh had experienced over the years. Those were the kind of vacations she wanted to have!

The navigational system beeped. She was turning on to Grandpa’s street. In another minute, the levicar glided into the driveway of Josh’s apartment building and powered down. April jogged up to his door and laughed when she saw the little sign on it. It was a picture of Blackbeard the pirate with the words Solicitors Will Walk the Plank! She knocked on the door, opened it a crack and called out, Arrr! Prepare to be boarded! Is that you, Blossom? came a voice from within the house. Arrr yourself! You won’t take my ship without a fight!

They both laughed as April found Josh in the sunny kitchen. Abandoning the pirate game, she smiled lovingly and hugged her Grandpa around the waist, just as she had done when she was a little girl.

Hugs can heal. Grandfather and granddaughter held their embrace, full of love and understanding, for a long moment. When it ended, Josh gave April a kiss on the forehead, something he had done since she was a baby.

It’s great to have you here, Blossom.

Great to be here, Grandpa, she responded.

I’m just finishing up my breakfast dishes, Josh continued, moving to the sink. Want anything to eat?

No, thanks. Mom had to go to her office so Dad made us omelets.

Josh nodded approvingly. Your dad makes good omelets. Lots of cheese.

And onions, added April.

At least have some hot chocolate. I just made some.

April nodded and Josh set two mugs on the kitchen table. So how is my college girl? It sounds like your first full year away from home went well.

It did, Grandpa, said April with enthusiasm. I’m really glad I did the dual enrollment program my last two years of high school. When I got to Cal State last fall, I was almost a junior. I was able to get right into the archaeology and history classes I wanted to take. That’s my favorite thing, you know. I love studying ancient civilizations. I can’t wait to travel to historical sites as an archaeologist and discover new treasures.

That’s my girl! said Josh, just as enthusiastically. Have you gone on many exciting adventures lately?

I know I showed you my latest karate trophy last time we talked. Did you get the bodycam video from when I went skydiving?

I sure did. You looked great!

Thanks, Grandpa. I was a little terrified, but I still jumped! They both laughed. April continued. I had an awesome spring break, too. My geology class went to an amethyst mine up in Thunder Bay, Ontario. April opened her backpack and unwrapped a piece of an amethyst geode about the size of her hand. The pale purple crystals sparkled beautifully in the sunlight from the kitchen window. I got this at the mine, she explained. I’m keeping it in my life chest for now, but I’ll have it made into jewelry someday, since it was Grandma Leah’s birthstone.

Grandfather and granddaughter shared another hug and a tear. I’m proud that you’re filling your life chest with such great memories, Blossom, Josh said. You’ve got a lot more in it now besides rocks from the playground.

April smiled. I do have some glacier rock from Alaska and volcano rock from Hawaii, Grandpa. I’ve gone a little farther than the playground to get my rocks.

She had another thought. Let’s open Grandma Leah’s life chest in a little while. I want to look at the scrapbook that belonged to her grandmother from Norway. Remember when we got the recipe for Norwegian butter cookies from it? I was so excited to bake those with her.

Josh nodded. April looked at him thoughtfully. Are you OK talking about Grandma?

Sure, Blossom. Of course, I’m sad, but I still love sharing stories about your grandma. Going through her life chest helps keep those memories alive.

April and Grandpa Josh reminisce about Grandma Leah

April gently embraced her grandpa and smiled as she pulled back to look at his face. I have a feeling that we will have a lot of hugs during this visit, she said.

As many as we need, said Josh. "It’s like Gramps said in one of his Pumptitude books—use the power of touch!"

Yup. Hugs are good, agreed April. "So are those books. I read Pumptitude and Maximum Pumptitude last year. Internal Pumptitude is on my list for this summer."

I’m glad you’re getting value from Gramps’ books, said Josh approvingly.

I sure am. Remember the vision statement he wrote in the first book? I printed it out to hang on my dorm room wall. It says, ‘I will live my life to the fullest both personally and professionally, and make every effort to have no regrets when the finish line nears.’

Words to live by! agreed Josh. He put his hand in the air and the two shared a spirited high-five.

Hey, there she is, said April, noticing Josh’s black-and-white cat wandering into the kitchen. I love the name you gave her, Grandpa. Hi, Bast!

The cat sniffed at her food, then sauntered over to Josh and rubbed against his legs.

She sure is ignoring me, commented April. What a princess!

Princess? responded Josh. She’s a goddess. Wouldn’t you be a little standoffish if you were named after the Egyptian cat goddess?

I guess I would, April admitted. When I took Egyptian history last semester, Bast was one of my favorite goddesses. She looked more closely at the cat. What’s that on her neck, Grandpa?

It’s a scarab beetle preserved in amber, answered Josh. Just a little Egyptian artifact that Her Highness allowed me to hang on her collar. I think it makes her feel more royal.

She is pretty special, I admit, said April. They both watched for a moment as Bast took a few bites of her breakfast and daintily licked her paws. That reminds me, Grandpa. I want to hear about your trip to Egypt. It must’ve been pretty memorable if you named your cat after an Egyptian goddess.

It was memorable, nodded Josh. A game changer for sure, but not in the way you might think. An idea occurred to Josh, and he stopped himself in the middle of his thought. How about this? Let’s go on a field trip today. The Natural History Museum has a traveling exhibit right now. It’s about Egypt, so we have to go. It will make a great setting for the story.

Definitely! April enthused. Egypt is one of my dream destinations. Sometimes I wish I had lived back in the 1920s so I could’ve been the one to discover King Tut’s tomb!

Wouldn’t you have been afraid of the curse of the pharaoh? Josh teased. April didn’t answer. She was lost in a new thought.

Maybe I could travel through time and go back there now, she said thoughtfully, almost to herself. I’ve got that Indian carpet you gave me, Grandpa. Remember how I always imagined I could travel through time on it? It seemed to have a bit of the life chest energy for some reason. That’s why I thought it was magic.

Well, we know the life chest energy exists, agreed Josh. But I’ve never experienced that energy coming from an item that hadn’t spent some time inside a life chest. So I don’t know what was going on with the carpet that day. Your grandma thought you were just having an allergic reaction to the old fibers.

I don’t think so, Grandpa, insisted April. I just might have to find that old carpet and go back in time to do my Egyptian exploring. I don’t think there’s anything left in Egypt to discover anymore.

Blossom, life chest adventures are full of surprises, said Josh. I certainly learned that over the years.

OK, so tell me about the surprises that were in Egypt. Let’s get back on track here!

I will, at the museum, said Josh. Let’s go. He bent down to scoop up Bast and give her a parting pat on the head. She meowed in protest. Sorry, Your Highness. Next time I’ll ask permission. He set the cat down and she haughtily stalked away.

Josh and April got into the little levicar and headed to their field trip at the museum. I haven’t been here in years, confessed April. They paid the admission fee and started toward the Egyptology exhibit. Being surrounded by Egyptian artifacts while hearing your story is going to be fun.

Yes, said her grandpa. It will get us both in the mood for the story. Plus, I just straight up needed to get out of the house.

Glad to oblige, smiled April. She linked arms with her grandpa as they made their way to a display of ancient writings on papyrus. After admiring the hieroglyphics for a while, they turned their attention to a large sarcophagus nearby.

Josh and April at the Egypt exhibit

Wow, said April admiringly as she examined the ornate detail. Egyptian culture is so incredibly rich and complicated. I love it.

Josh peered at the sign posted near the sarcophagus. It says that this mummy case dates back to the New Kingdom—sixteenth century BCE. It used to contain the mummy of a vizier. Hmm. That’s the pharaoh’s top assistant, right? I wonder what happened to the mummy that was inside.

This is what I learned in my Egyptian history class, Grandpa. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true, explained April. After Europeans started discovering these tombs in the early twentieth century, they just emptied them out without caring that mummies were the remains of real human beings. They unwrapped them and used them as souvenirs and party favors. Some people even ground up the mummies and sold the powder as a folk medicine. It was really terrible. Of course, none of that is allowed anymore, but grave robbers and thieves are still a big problem.

Oh, I know, said Josh. Believe me, I know.

What do you mean? Did something happen with mummies when you were in Egypt? asked April. I want to hear the story.

Josh pointed to a bench near the sarcophagus. Let’s sit down right here. I can look at this mummy case and get in the zone for the story.

April studied the designs on the mummy case again. Can you imagine the beauty of those mysterious, ancient tombs? I really am going to go to Egypt someday, Grandpa. I’m going to see all the wonders of the world and find treasure on every trip, just like you did. She turned to her grandfather. Did you go to Egypt right after you got back from the pirate trip to the Bahamas?

No, we didn’t, answered Josh. Remember, Bernie and Chen Li’s kids were still toddlers. We needed to take a break, because of the babies—and for other reasons, too.

What reasons, Grandpa?

Well, Blossom, you know Uncle Bernie and I discovered our biggest treasure in Dead Man’s Cave. It was an incredible trip. But we had to face the fact that our adventures were getting more and more dangerous. Grandma Leah and Aunt Li were supportive, but eventually they admitted to us that they were very worried.

While you were on the pirate trip? asked April.

Mostly after the trip, explained Josh. They hadn’t known how much danger we were exposed to in the islands until we returned. When I admitted to Leah that we’d almost gotten ourselves killed—again—she and Chen Li sat both of us down for a long talk. They felt that our adventures were becoming too risky, and we couldn’t deny the truth of what they said. It wasn’t worth risking our lives to go on another treasure hunt anytime soon, since we had families to think about.

That’s true, Grandpa, commented April. I’m sure Grandma Leah and Aunt Li would rather have you around than have more treasure.

Right, Blossom. Bernie and I wanted to die of old age, not a shark attack. We decided that we would take a break to focus on family, and we loved every minute with our wives and kids. Five more years went by before we went to India and Egypt.

India, too? How did it all come about, Grandpa?

Josh grinned. How do you think? Digging through Great-Great-Grandpa Kim’s life chest, of course. We discovered he had taken a trip to India back in 1977.

PART ONE

Legacy of the Ancients

MUMMIES

Chapter One

The Traveling Mummy

Kim arrived in Jaipur, India on a hot, sunny morning. The Pink City, so called because many buildings were a dusky terra-cotta color, bustled with trade and tourists all year long. Before getting down to business, Kim wanted to experience the atmosphere of the city—all the colors, tastes, sounds and smells. He decided to wait until the next day to visit the rug weaver.

As Kim walked out of the airport, he got his first taste of what a large Indian city was like. Cars filled the street and competed with motorcycles, bicycles and three-wheeled rickshaws for space. Dogs trotted on the side of the road and pedestrians fearlessly pushed their way through the traffic as well. Kim attempted to flag down a few cars that he hoped were taxis, but none stopped. Thankfully, a three-wheeled rickshaw pulled to a halt in front of him.

Hop in! said a smiling man. Going where?

The Trident Hotel, answered Kim, climbing into the seat behind the driver.

The man nodded. Ah, yes. The streets are crowded this morning, but I know a short way. Off we go!

Kim then noticed that the rickshaws were the main vehicles used for taxis. Some were pedal-powered, but the one he was in had a small gasoline motor. The rickshaw lurched forward. Kim was barely able to catch his briefcase before it bounced out of the seat. The driver drove faster and faster. He sped down narrow alleys and deftly maneuvered crooked side streets. Kim caught brief glimpses of vendors waving beautiful, hand-dyed silk scarves they were selling out of small roadside shacks. Other shacks and carts offered pure food—fresh made according to the signs. Men scooped hot, fragrant stews from huge aluminum pots into clay bowls and handed them to hungry workers. Every time the rickshaw puttered to a stop in a traffic jam—and there were many—children ran up to call out the prices for the candies and fruit on sticks they artfully carried in both hands. The sights, sounds and scents were overwhelming!

As Kim shook his head and turned away from a little boy selling rock candy, he was shocked to see a large cow lumber in front of the rickshaw just as it was picking up speed again. The driver pulled so hard on the hand brake that Kim nearly rocketed out of his seat. The driver laughed and called back to Kim, Mustn’t harm one of these holy beasts! No matter how much they get in your way!

Such sacred cows roamed the streets freely, along with the ever-present dogs and even goats. Large rhesus monkeys could also be seen traversing the tangled utility wires overhead or jumping down to the street. The rickshaw driver cleverly careened around each of these obstacles, turning corners so sharply that the rickshaw threatened to overturn with every encounter.

Kim was not assured by the driver’s skill. Can’t you slow down? he begged, desperately clutching the railing with one hand and his luggage with the other. I’m not in a hurry!

The driver sped on, pretending not to hear him. Maybe Kim wasn’t in a hurry, but he was. This was all part of the rickshaw drivers’ game. They enthusiastically played it every day. Actually, it was much more than a game. Many of the drivers made bets on who could get the tourists from the airport to