What is Normal? (part 2)

I just saw the funniest thing outside my window again so I thought I would let you all chuckle with me. So, I've learned recently that the hill in front of our office is where driving tests take place. Today I learned that not only do normal citizens take their driving tests here but the Burundi military new recruits do as well. A few minutes ago I watched as a handful of new soldiers practiced starting from a standstill on this fairly steep hill (almost all vehicles in Burundi have manual transmissions). That in itself was quite comical but I laughed outright when I saw the "extra incentive" their officers gave them to make a clean start without rolling back. As each test taker climbed in behind the steering wheel he was asked to hand over either his watch or his mobile phone. This article was then placed 3-4 inches behind the back wheel of the test vehicle. If the vehicle was allowed to roll back too much, then the test taker's personal property would have been destroyed. Fortunately for the new recruits, they all passed and received their watch/phone back in one piece. Something tells me you wouldn't see this happening at the DMV!