Not-So-Secret Agent Man

James Bond, I am not. At least when it comes to my arch nemesis: The Komodo Dragon - Nov 2012 

Sometimes I wonder what the 'normal' parts of my work and life might look like to an outside observer. Take this not-so-out-of-the-ordinary scene from last week as an example:

Date/Time: XX May. 14:40 (GMT +8) 

Location: XXXXX International Airport (Terminal 1). Departures Level, Curbside Drop-Off. 

Description: A black Perodua Myvi approaches the departure level of the airport. Driver is a caucasian male in his mid-30's. He appears to be a tourist: unshaven, he wears a blue t-shirt w/Cambodian Flag and has 'Angry Bird' sunglasses perched on top of his head. 

Vehicle slows as it approaches drop off area. Driver scans groups of people waiting outside. Eye contact is made with caucasian female, early 20's with brown hair and green shirt. He stops the car, rolls down the window, and motions for her to approach. 

She enters the car, sitting in the passenger seat. They exchange a few words. He passes her a piece of paper, difficult to make out but appearing to consist of a list of names and monetary values. He gestures at a space on the form, she examines it. He passes her a pen, she signs where indicated and gives both pen and paper back to driver. In return she is passed a plain brown envelope -clearly containing something of value- that she places discretely in her pocket. Parting words are exchanged as she exits the car. This exchange takes place in less than 90-seconds. 

Female makes her way into the airport, off to a destination unknown. Driver puts vehicle into drive and leaves the airport premises. Vehicle is last seen merging with heavy stream of traffic heading back into the city center.

A few days later, I've heard tell, this same driver was seen passing similar envelopes* through a barbed wire fence at night and, presumably, had those on the other side sign for them.

Life. Absurd, sometimes.

*In case you were the slightest bit worried about these seemingly skeetchy scenes, there was nothing untoward about said envelopes. Making sure that volunteers have a small stipend to cover basic living expenses is one of the many things that a Country Coordinator does.