In transit on the way home, I show my passport to an official-looking woman. She wears a beige waistcoat over a white shirt and her hair is carefully gelled to one side. On her shoulders are brown epaulettes with a yellow stripe. She has large gold earrings.
We exchange pleasantries about my stay as the business is transacted. She gives me back my passport and I begin to explain my request. 'New Year's Resolution?' she interrupts, 'You're a bit late with 'dat'. I tell her that I need to find a new middle name every day. 'You want to know my middle name?' Her eyes light up and she tells me with pride. When I ask if there is any reason for it she seems taken aback by the question. 'My mum has passed away so I can't even ask her', she says, 'and my dad don't care what name he called me'.
I wish her a good day and she wishes me a safe flight.
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