I love paying bribes it reminds me that I no longer live in the Land of the Slave.
This morning I was at immigration here in Panama and the line to get a ticket was over 200 people. The Venezuela mess has immigration all backed up. All I needed to do was pick up my status document to proceed with my residency process.
So I told my wife to wait while I went to the window that I know will have my document. I smiled and said to the guy, in Spanish, "how are you buddy, I came last week but my document was not ready could you check to see if it is complete?" I gave him my receipt and passport. No numbered ticket!
A second later I had my document, my wife could not believe I did it again. She is always amazed at my antics but dammit I don't have 3 hours to wait in line. Politeness and a smile go a long way.
love your tenacious spirit Randy