Banks and building societies are perhaps secret enclaves of tao.
The staff drift through the day in an almost drug-like stupor of dreamy indifference. They smile at everyone and count your money in slow motion, unbothered by the large queue.
There is no suggestion of speed as they add your notes to bundles secured with an elastic band, then jot a new total on the top-most note. It saves on re-counting at closing-time, and they are quite happy to keep you waiting as they perform this ritual repeatedly. It is a form of exhibitionism, a sign of their absolute freedom from concern.
Blithe, bland and smartly presented, it is a world of superficiality, of impersonal calm.
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