The 187th Episode : Money, money, money --- Part 2
[June, 2009 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire]
I forced through the passport control for heading the boarding gate. I'd stay at Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, next country to Ghana, for one night at that day. Entering the country only for transit.
It happened as soon as I arrived at the airport. I picked up my baggage and went to the customs but nothing was to be declared. A box was targeted, that was consigned by Mr. OS. It was a carton box approx. 8 inches on each side but was heavy because it contained a mould for a vehicle part. It was to be passed to his acquaintance in Guinea, so wouldn't be needed in Côte d'Ivoire where I was just to transit. I explained it but the customs required to open the box. Ah, it would take time again... He required tax to be paid if I would take it into the country. Up to this event was expected when I was asked to open the box. Money, money, money... again.
It was no need in this country and I would depart by the next morning flight, therefore I asked him to keep it here at the customs not to pay the tax. He said "we can't keep it so pay the tax", that nobody could understand. The customs at any airport keep such object if we don't pay the tax. He just want money. We repeated arguments for about 10-20 minutes. He finally recognised that he couldn't take money from me and said "you can go now" turning his back. Who would pay, sh○t! But the box was still opened.
Hey, man! Close the box back up! He didn't have packaging tape. "I can't carry it opened! Who has the tape to close!?" He called for a tall, hirsute young guy in the distance and said him to close the box with the packaging tape. The box was closed at lats and I tried to leave but another argument broke out. This time, the hirsute guy required money as he closed the box. Hey man, you understand what you say!? I didn't say any word to open the box, but you opened. That's why I said to close it back up. Why do I have need to pay money? Arguments again.
I had the box in my hand. He was still saying something, that was too much trouble. I left there with a parting shot, keep saying forever crazy guy.
