Another thrilling episode

This is like telling someone about a Gambian stamp collection. Well maybe a little less interesting. Boring even.

Newspapers here give things away or sell things at reduced price just like they do in the UK. The system is different though.

Normally the newspapers gives away a collection card with their Sunday edition. This ensures a few extra sales amongst the weekday only newspaper readers. You have to register your interest in the offer within a few days of its start of using various codes either to one of those automated telephone services or via a text message. In either case the registration costs a euro or two. This means that the newspaper gets money from people who mean to take advantage of the offer but then fall by the wayside for one reason or another. The offers are usually done in co-operation with one of the bigger chain stores so you collect your MP4 player from Carrefour or your Mickey and Minnie Mouse bedspreads from Corte Inglés. I collected a set of kitchen knives from the kiosk where I buy the paper. The collection point is determined by one of those codes mentioned above.

The Blue Peter, we know a song about that don't we, part comes next. Typically you have to collect 15 tokens. The tokens are printed in the newspaper every weekday for the next three weeks. They also usually print extra tokens in week four just in case you missed a token or two when you were arrested or whatever. You have to clip the tokens and stick them onto your little card in the appropriate spaces.

Sometime during the last week of the offer the newspaper will send you a text message telling you when to collect your goods. Today is the day to go to Corte Inglés where, for just 4.95€ and our completed card we get 60€ worth of goods from their food section. The excitement is intense.