3 Hours at the Bank

Once again, the bank.  The most inefficient institution in South Sudan!  So I am standing in line almost desperate.  The last 3 days I have walked into the bank looked at the line and walked out.  Today I will be out of company money if I don’t do a withdrawal and it has to be done regardless.  So I am number 31 in cue, lucky I have my ipod with me.  My counterpart I took over for told me I should always bring it to the bank with me.  The teller averages a customer every 7 minutes, so I am in for a wait!  The reason behind the ipod, other than to rock out, is to block out the annoying constant beeping from the alarm system and the awful ring tones that Africans have on their cell phones.  The ambient noise in the place is awful and should be used for war time torture. 

It is hour 2 of waiting, and I am now number 6 in cue to go.  I can almost feel those crisp  C notes in my hands.  Wait, there is a ruckus going on about 30 feet to my left.  South Sudanese people are very dramatic and always feel everything is their business.  A crowd of 20 people are now arguing and on man is the cause behind the mini riot.  I pop my ear buds out to allow myself a possibility of hearing impending danger.  I can not understand the chatter in the local Arabic, but I can tell they are worked up.  Oh no!  The man who initially caused the riot, pushes the security guard.  The guard pulls out his beating stick and starts to do a number on him.  Should I give up my spot in line after 2 hours of waiting and get out before the place goes into a full blown riot?  No, to much time invested!  Multiple guards get the situation under control, zip tie the mans hands and feet together and carry him out of the bank like a piece of luggage.  

Another 55 minutes later I am at the tellers window finally.  She is handing me crisp USA c-notes and I am happy.  All I have to do now is get in another line up to get a statement.  There is a lady who can print statements, who very obviously likes white men.  I have a little wink, wink, arrangement with her and she sees me in line.  I am 12th in cue, but she gets up from behind her desk, comes over and asks me if she can help me.  I explain I need a statement, flirt a little and I am out of the bank with the paper in hand.  

It is always an adventure!!  Wait until I tell you about the ride home!!