Funny Money June 2010

I have to eat it.  

And it doesn't taste so hot either.

A couple of weeks ago I received this from an ATM machine

along with other bills.

A 200 peso note ($15.38 US)

It's a lousy job, feels like notebook paper.

I didn't notice until I went to the gas station

and it was refused. 

Here's what they're supposed to look like.

Close, but no cigar.

Not even by a long shot.

The following Monday, I went to Banco Santander Serfin.

Not much of a fan of Mexican banks, due to their arrogant 

attitudes and demeaning service,

I was not hopeful.

I started out in line to see a teller.

When I got to him, he smirked and showed it down

the teller line then handed it back saying I had to

see the director at the desk.

The big shot.  The head suit.

The man who can avoid eye contact

as if his very breath depended on it.

I stood alongside his desk while he fiddled with his printer.

I fidgeted.

He looked through me.

He looked at a spot on the wall above my head.

I was 4 feet from him.

Finally, uninvited, I sat in a chair in front of his desk.

He looked at me.

I told him that I received this bill from his ATM machine

and showed him my receipt.

He pointed to another teller and said to wait in her line.

I did.

When I got to her, she yelled across the bank to the director.

LALO!!!  WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO WITH THIS?

Send it to Mexico City, he said.

You have to wait, she said.

I said, give it back, and she did.

I was dumbfounded that they would give it back

to me and put it back in circulation.

A Mexican friend took it back to the bank

for me to see if I was just getting the

gringo shuffle — no deal for him either.

So, I can't morally try to pass it, knowing it

is counterfeit,  the bank won't take it back, 

what else is there to do but eat it!

I'm not happy.

However, when showing it to friends who have

businesses in the area, 

some chuckle then pull out the counterfeit

bills they've received recently.

Theirs have all been 500 peso ($38.46 US) notes!

I got off light.