The 186th Episode : Money, money, money --- Part 1
[June, 2009 Accra, Ghana]
Departure from Ghana. I had the inspection on my baggage for check-in, that was passed without any problem as ever. At the passport control, I showed my passport. I expected it was returned soon after stamping... but it was stopped at the gap under the transparent dividing board.
Almost half had come out through the gap, so I tried to take it out but the officer was holding my passport down on the counter without release his hand. I didn't understand soon what he was doing and looked at him curiously. Then he smiled and his other hand came out through the gap with its palm up. It was obviously the action to ask me of something to be given.
What? I said. Money, he answered. Ahhh??? I'd never paid even a penny at the counter. "Money? For what?", I asked sullenly. His answer was "lunch". Come on, he began to sponge on me. Just kidding me!? First, I said calmly "lunch? for whom? why?" Saying that I tried to take my passport out, but impossible. He was seriously holding it up.
Since I'd not been to developing countries for a while, I also got seriously pissed off for the first time in a long time. "Hey, man!! Why do I have to pay for your lunch!? Don't make fool of me!!" I forced to take my passport out of his hand. A public worker, I guess he must be, shamelessly sponged money on a passenger. It's indeed shameless! Don't underestimate myself!!!
