Banks & drive ins

I am used to banks being integrated into either a shopping mall, or a parade of shops. However, all the banks I have come across so far are different. Imagine the parking lot for a shopping mall or parade of shops. Over in one corner is a single story building, that’s the bank. What’s more, it has a drive through area. I have not conducted drive through banking yet but will do soon just to see what it is like.

Getting my bank account open was another thing. I had spent several hours at the Social Security Office (where there is an (armed) on duty Police Officer at all times) to apply for my Social Security number. Over here, without a Social Security number you are stuck. You cannot open a bank account, get a driving license, apply for a credit card or a cell (mobile) phone, obtain medical insurance let alone help from a doctor when you are ill (my daughter was turned away from a Doctor’s surgery when she first got here, even though she was ill, because she didn’t have one at that time). I eventually got a letter stating that I had applied and would be receiving my card in approximately two weeks. However, even with this, we had to fight to open a bank account.

I mentioned drive in banks well how about drive through dry cleaning? Even better, want a coffee? Go to the drive through Starbucks.

I have been told they also have an interesting system when you order take away from certain restaurants. I have not done this yet so do not know all the details but essentially you order your food over the phone, drive there at the appropriate time, I presume park in a certain area, and they bring to food out to you.

Beginning to understand why so many people are overweight….