The boss calls them into his office.
The four of them walk in.
Papaia
“Here we are, boss.”
The boss hands Papaia some leaflets.
Banani
“Are we fired?”
Boss
“Not yet… They’re complimentary tickets to a new theme park.”
Banani
“A theme park? What does that have to do with us?”
Boss
“Let’s just say times are tough, and NASAL is making some extra money through its review channel.”
Igor
“Reviews? Ah, I see… At least it still has something to do with stars.”
Boss
“Very funny… It would be even funnier if one of you actually got a calculation right for once.”
Igor
“Don’t worry, boss. This time Papaia only has to count to five… he can do it using one hand.”
Boss
“Go… and bring your families.”
That weekend, they arrive at the park.
Papaia and the others have brought their wives and children.
Strangely, there is no line at the entrance.
As they approach the entrance, Ravioli reminds Banani:
Ravioli
“Did you bring the camera?”
Banani
“Yes, of course.”
Ravioli
“Film everything… don’t forget!”
Papaia shows the tickets to the attendant.
Attendant
“Ah, you’re the NASAL people here for the review! Come on in… we’ve been expecting you.”
Papaia
“Excuse me, but isn’t there supposed to be a line at the entrance?”
Attendant
(laughing)
“No! The fun is inside.”
Nobody understands what he means, but they go in anyway.
Once inside, the theme park is beautifully designed and visually impressive.
The group chooses one of the attractions and gets in line.
Half an hour passes, and they slowly move forward step by step.
Along the way there are elaborate environmental sculptures and character statues, music, and sound effects.
Eventually, they reach the front of the line.
It’s their turn.
Two park employees dressed as mascots open the barriers to let them through.
Banani
“Finally! I can’t wait.”
But after walking through a corridor, there is nothing at the end.
Just an exit leading back into the park plaza.
Everyone stops, wearing expressions of surprise and disbelief.
Ravioli
“What happened? Where’s the ride?”
Papaia
“I think we took the wrong exit…”
Banani
“But there was only one!”
Igor
“Excuse me, but apart from you guys, there’s no attraction here.”
Papaia
“Hmm… strange.”
The group tries another attraction.
They get in line, slowly move forward for half an hour, and then come out into the middle of the park again, with no attraction to ride.
This goes on all day.
As they are leaving, Papaia asks an employee for information.
Papaia
“Excuse me, but how do we get to the rides?”
Employee
“What rides?”
Papaia
“The ones that are supposed to be at the end of the lines.”
Employee
“What do you need rides for when you have the lines?”
Papaia
“Huh?”
Employee
“This is the park with nothing but lines.”
Papaia
“But how is that possible?”
Employee
“According to our market research, 90% of the theme-park experience consists of waiting in line.
“So we removed the other 10% and gave you a discount on the ticket.”
Igor
“Brilliant!”
Ravioli
“You know what? The guy’s right.
“By the end of the day, I’m exhausted, my feet hurt, and I’m completely zonked from that little tune playing over and over.
“I can’t tell the difference between this and any other theme park.”
Banani
“There is one difference… A bottle of water from the kiosk costs only one euro.”
Papaia
“…and there’s never a line for the bathroom.”
Igor
“Of course. Here, the line is considered a valuable asset…”
Employee
“Well, gentlemen, we’re counting on your review!”