Every excuse for being late in Kathmandu, ranked

Ranked by how much anyone believes it.

1. Traffic. Believed completely. Requires no supporting detail and never has.
2. The road was dug up. Believed instantly, and permanently — it usually still is.
3. I got stuck at the bank. Believed, and generates sympathy, which is more than the others manage.
4. My bike had a puncture. Believed roughly once per person per year. Spend it wisely.
5. Network was down. Believed if you look sufficiently tired when you say it.
6. I am already on the way. Believed by nobody, accepted by everybody. A formality, like a handshake.
7. I woke up late. Not believed at all — because it is true, and the truth has never once been the expected answer to this question.