As agreed with Nohora we turned up on Thursday at the offices full of hope to get our bike, only to be told that the procedure had to be postponed the following day.
Nevermind, we went to Playa Blanca instead.
But the big day was only postponed.
Friday we met Louis at the offices who took good care of us for the following 10 hrs, yes 10 hrs!
First we went to the custom offices (DIAN) where we began our quest accross all desks in the building.
Here is Elena sitting, waiting for the "inspectora" to turn up.
Finally, after 3 hrs and lots of begging and smiling the critical piece of paper was finally printed and signed
This is me and Louis after lunch, trying to cool down.
We then moved to the port where the bike was stored.
2pm and 38 degrees outside and the local authorities insisted for me to wear some extra clothes, just to keep me a little bit warmer.....to point out the fantastic "wooden boots"!
Unfortunately, unlike IKEA, there are not computers to tell you in which isle you find your goods.
The search lasted over 1 hr, and I have to thank the packing company since they stuck on the crate a huge sign with my name
Probably me and the other 5 port officials who dismantled the crate for the following 2 hrs where not so pleased with the packing company for having sealed the crate with 100 + screws......they don't seem to have screw drivers over here, therefore we had to remove the screws manually 1 by 1.
It was around 5.15 pm when I finally was allowed by the last official to leave with my bike.
Louis took us back to the DIAN, in fact they actually had forgotten to stamp the carnet.....
7PM. Elena and I are cruising on the Cartagena Malecon. The sun is down, and the fatigue, for a moment, has left us.
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