No One Ever Has Pens!

I don´t know why, but Colombians never have pens around - especially when they are needed! For example, at the bank and at work.

I miss these.

While growing up in the U.S., Iing the was used to always having pens around. At the bank there was always a free pen to use. At work we had a suppy closet full of pens and other supplies. At my first two jobs here, there was no supply closet. Eveyone had to bring their own supplies including paper, pens, notebooks, etc. This was crazy to me. I mean, how am I supposed to work without being able to write something down!

Another thing that is similar to this is that at work there was rarely a printer or copy machine. Usually there is one personal-sized printer next to the administrative desk. Usually only limited people have access to it and you have to ask for permition to use it. This is totally different from the large multi-purpose copy machine that you could make 100 copies and print personal items.

Eventually, once ou bring your own supplies tow things happen. 1) People stat stealing your supplies 3) Coworkers will borrow it or it becomes a communal pen. At one point, I was sharing a pen among 3 people!

At the bank, the bank employees don´t understand why you would need a pen. This is demonstrated by how they react when you ask for a pen. They are shocked and even sometimes rude about it!