One of the most confusing things for me in the U.S. was the train station that was handled by volunteers.

That's bizarre - where was this?

Thanks, Shir, for the insight. That helps me understand her a bit more. It was still an odd conversation, but I prefer odd to she-was-actively-misleading-me-about-her-motivation.

Apropos of nothing, but since I won't say it on my FB page, "Yes, I approve of the President spending his Memorial Day the same way the majority of the country will be - taking the day off of work, hanging out with his family in his own backyard, grilling up some food, and having a beer."

You know what - I might post it anyway.

You could also post this [link]

I prefer odd to she-was-actively-misleading-me-about-her-motivation.

That could be a part of the case. You always need a good story to survive Israeli bureaucracy. If you'll tell the truth, you simply won't get anywhere/what you need (as yours truly learned in flesh).

Personally, I offset the lying (for I feel very bad about it, but if you need anything that doesn't sound "normal" to them - and I'm not talking about a loan or something like it, because nobody would lie about it, but getting the freaking simple forms and getting them processed can be hell) with the crazy commissions the bank takes from me. And you know what? I can be lying to them from here to eternity: they'll still get more money out of me. I don't think that there's a single form or activity which the bank doesn't get a nice, healthy commission on.

Just to be clear: I'm talking about what it takes to get the simple forms. Not loans, opening an account, all of that. From standing orders forms downward, you'll be asked why you're doing it and what for. And if your story doesn't sound normal, it'll take eternity to get processed. Hence, the lying.

That's bizarre - where was this?

L.A. (took the train to San Diago), but I can't remember where, exactly.

An amusing typo from Shir:

their ideas of costumer service

You know, this country needs some really good costumer service.

You know, this country needs some really good costumer service.

Oh, lol. Damn auto-spell-checker.

Really, person on my friends list who I've known my whole entire life? You're going to tell me that my dead Grandfather wouldn't have approved of my approval of President Obama going on vacation? Really?

Truth be told, my grandfather wouldn't have given a shit.

okay, now Aims is making me go check out FB.

NSFW: Count Cockula

(It's a sex toy.)

Not fair! I'm in the uni and can't open it!