Day 3, Oct, 7, 2010, BIKES out of customs and storage

Enzo wanted to leave early to beet the rush at the Aduana in San Antonio. We drove for and 1 hour, 20 minutes in this new country and got to experience Chilean drivers. Martina and Enzo are so organized that we were nearly first in the office and after 1 document that needed to be filled out by customs, we waited for more docs to be made. A few signatures and we were off to find our bikes. At the Warehouse, another lineup and another wait. All considered, it wasn't bad. Then our crates arrived.

We (me, Michael, and 2 or 3 helpers) stripped the the wrap and cardboard off the crates to expose our bikes. They looked so good. Then the customs guy started checking the bike reggies and license plate numbers. My plate number was wrong. Apparently, I submitted the registration from insurance that I canceled, because the insurance would have expired while I was on this trip. So I needed more insurance and it was simpler for our insurance agent to give me new insurance rather than adding to it. Well this caused a major problem for Enzo. He went to work changing things and (we) started assembling Michael's bike as it was good to go. We had just finished the first bike when Enzo, the customs guy and others returned with good news. My bike went together much quicker and we were able to leave. Nice guys at the warehouse terminal.

Then we got our chance to experience the Chilean way of driving, while having to follow Enzo and our Chilean truck driver (Alberto) to Enzo's home.

By this time it is 3 pm and we are hungry. Michael saw a restaurant and wanted to try it. Turns out to be quite the place with a beautiful view for which you pay royally. The waiter brought us things right away and directed his attention to Michael. Michael found out that a view and good service comes at a price. He couldn't say no and we used this as a learning experience. Needless to say dinner was expensive and everything was a-la-carte. Food was good, but we went back to our mom and pop's place for another hamber-guesa and beer. We bought 2 1 litre beers for the cost of 1 corona at the last place. Mom and pop were having a birthday party with their family and were very happy to see us again, I guess it was my good looks. Not! I gave him a nice tip the day before and we used our manners, always!!

Had to pick up cash for all the customs and trucking and Martina and Enzo's help, so we went to the bank ATM. After seeing everything that Martina and Enzo had to do to import our bikes, we knew it would have taken us forever with huge amounts of frustration. Their help was invaluable. Thank-you Martina and Enzo for all you help and having us at your Villakunterbunt Hostel.

Tomorrow, we are off to Lima, Peru, less words, more pictures.