We made mistakes. Our first mistake was that the crates were shipped prior to our leaving. Gabriella assured us the first of August that our visas would be ready by August 21. Our visas were not done until October. Visas were essential in processing the shipment. Gabriella had also agreed to handle the documents for the shipment, which did not happen. After paying her in full for her services, the services slowed down and our shipment was irrelevant.
Paulo Garate was hired to handle the documents for our shipment. Everytime documents were sent, the shpping agent in Guayaquil requested more. We had to send our passports, which we still have not been returned, a document from the national police, a copy of our apartment contract, 2 documents from our bank in Cuenca, and a notarized document that Paulo had the authority to represent us. Additionally, at some point, the shipping agent somehow managed to state that we were merchants, that required an additional notarized document and a trip to Guayaquil by Paulo.
About 2 months ago, Joannie, the Allied agent in Charlotte, contacted us congratulating us on receiving our crate. We were surprised when Joannie said that their documents indicated that our crates were in Cuenca. The agent in Guayaquil finally confirmed they were there.
Every week, we were told "next week". Joannie sent a copy that she had received saying that it would be delivered on December 6. The agent in Guayaquil said otherwise. The physical inspection would be on December 3. Well, everyday was the next day. Monday we were assured that it would arrive Wednesday. It seems that there was a "software problem" in customs which prevented the release, deliver, sounds good.
Tuesday, I sought confirmation, which I did not receive. The shipment was going to be "picked up" on Wednesday, with delivery on Thursday. After all it is really a long way to Cuenca, four hours. We were definitely going to have our things on Thursday. Yeah!! All plans were cancelled for Thursday.
The first email was written at 8:30 saying that we would have our things in a few minutes. Of course, we didn't believe it. At 10 AM, I called, the agent, Patricio Munoz, said that the driver was in the Cajas and could not be contacted, but he left early so he should be in Cuenca soon. Our thinking was that he left at 8AM, four hour drive, have lunch, and it would actually arrive around 2PM. We were wrong again. I was having a meltdown, Mick was talking insurance.
In the afternoon, the story from Patricio changed. It seems that no one knew where the driver was. The driver was missing and they were very worried. At 5:30, I was told that the truck had broken down and they were sending another truck for the shipment. OK, where were the crates spending the night. Patricio insisted that they would be fine because there was a guard. The torrential rains in the Cajas were irrelevant.
On Friday morning around 9:30, the truck arrived.
One of the crates was damaged.
The grand opening.
Signing the paperwork.
The only carton that Mick was concerned about was the grill.
All the cartons in the guest bedroom.
Mick couldn't wait to get started. Henry had already connected the LED TV and had started on the X-Box, but put it aside to assist with the grill, "man stuff".
Mick called Jim so that he could help also. Here are three great minds at work.
Three guys proud of a good job.
It has been a long wait, but we're so excited to have our things. I know have Topsiders. Mick has his grill and his tool box. With the arrival of our crate, we're now complete.Until next time,
Mick and Kathy
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