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Published: September 19th 2008
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Rhinos
and then three came along at once This is an apparent context If you’ve lived or travelled extensively in Africa you’ll be aware of something known as "corruption". It’s as old as the hills - or at least their colonial naming - and therein lays the problem. From the president and his cronies, through the police, all the way down to the lowliest civil servant. Everyone bemoans its existence, yet nobody seems to be willing or able to tackle it. Politicians, of course, are elected on the back of lofty promises to do just that, yet on gaining power, the bad apples are replaced and recycled by a fresh batch, which seem to be sound on the surface.
Gramsci and the backpacker tourist But this little rant isn’t about corruption; this is about 'power' and my perception of its corrupting influence; and ultimately about my nemesis: The Immigration Official.
And that is just it - there once was a blog here about an altercation I'd had with some border guards who wanted to charge me extra (about $20) for a visa I didn't think I needed. I 'won' out in the end, but
In hindsight the whole thing seems ridiculous
And so I deleted it. Because I'm still trying to figure out;
What makes the weary traveller lose his cool in the presence of the 'corrupt' immigration officer; and/or vice versa?
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Maddywv
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Great!
Awesome photos!!!!! THanks for sharing