After a wonderful holiday in Switzerland, a woman found herself with a classic traveler’s dilemma. She had purchased an incredibly expensive electronic device that was far over the customs allowance. The prospect of losing it to import fees was a frustrating end to a perfect trip. As she settled into her seat on the flight home, she noticed her neighbor was a kindly, gentle-faced priest. An idea, both brilliant and brazen, began to form in her mind.
Striking up a friendly conversation, she soon leaned in and confided in him. She explained her predicament with the pricey device, carefully omitting its exact purpose. She appealed to his generous nature, suggesting that if he were to carry it under his robe, his respectable appearance would surely deter any customs officer from a search. The priest, though taken aback, was a man of compassion. He agreed to help, but with one firm condition: he would not tell a lie.
The woman was delighted, assuring him that no dishonesty would be necessary. She was confident his mere presence was enough. As they approached the customs desk, her plan seemed to be working perfectly. The officer greeted the priest with the deference he was accustomed to and asked the standard question. The priest’s reply was calm and measured. “From my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare,” he stated truthfully.
Puzzled, the officer naturally pressed further. “And from your waist down?” he inquired. The priest, with an utterly serene and innocent expression, delivered the punchline. “Well, there is a device designed for a woman’s personal use,” he explained. “And I must confess, it has never been used.” The customs officer, flushing a deep red and wanting to end the deeply awkward conversation immediately, waved the priest through without another word. The woman’s clever plan had worked, proving that sometimes, the most effective strategy is simply telling the absolute truth.
