Excess

If this does not ring a bell right away, then you are officially not African so let me break it down:
Whenever we travel back home we must pack about 7 suitcases, knowing full well that the limit is 2, then we go to the airport and begin negotiations. Of course the counter agents are always steadfast in their positions and insist that if you are over by even a few ounces, you must pay excess. That is when you begin to tell your sob story about how you have not been home in 10 years and that these things must travel with you, without the charge, of course. At least only charge for every other suitcase. Oh well, I have seen this technique work once so give it a try.

Then don't forget the random people who want you to take the most interesting things back home for them. Things that are often hard to pack or bundled in such a way that your own things may have to be shifted to suitcases 9 and 10. So my brother and I calculated the cost of excess in the instances where someone gives you an entire suitcase and gives you the money for the excess charge (often $150). So for $150 dollars you get to send paracitamol (tylenol), tuna, towels, sheets, shirts, etc., oftentimes, the excess charge is worth more than the items in the suitcase but go figure.

Anyway, this is our tradition and we are sticking by it. You know people will be expecting for you to come from America and dash plenty cash and things so how can you just go with Obroni-type luggage. Some may even take your name to Babalawo or Jujuman for being overlooked in your dashing. So better to haggle with counter agents than to deal with disgruntled "relatives." So the games continue!