Going to Africa this year?

[djembefeeling]

Man, it's a lot less worrying to travel to countries such as Germany or the US. No-one to bribe at all there

Well, it depends! Its no fun to get in trouble with the officials at an American airport, especially since 9/11. I did feel much intimidated even in 1992 when I arrived at JFK airport. Imagine to enter there with little or without any competence in the English language. Last but not least, its a whole different story for the usual Guinean...

[michi]

Yes, 9/11 hasn't improved matters… The US government is the the only agency in the world that has my fingerprints. By now, they must have the largest database of fingerprints of non-US citizens in the world, I would think. I guess I'm at liberty not to travel to the US if I don't like that…

But, certainly, I don't have to bribe anyone when I travel to the US. Thank God for small favors…

Michi.

[bkidd]

The bribing reminds me of traveling to Mexico and having bribe money in case one was stopped by the police. Negotiating bribes always makes me nervous because I don't really understand the rules and expectations. I'm sure you'll be as prepared as you can be Michi. Have fun! I wish I were going this year. Alas, it will have to wait until next time.

Best,
-Brian