The Package
06 October 2011
Denny/mostly sunny
Becky and I decided to mail my dad a package. We asked around and learned where the DHL office was and off we went in a taxi to send the box. When we arrived we were told they have no package materials and we need to package it different than it was. After an hour at a grocery store trying to communicate we needed a box, we were back at DHL only to hear it would cost $170 to ship. This seemed high. so back to the boat to regroup (taxi cost $22). After talking with some cruisers, we learned that the post office would charge by the pound not the size and this could save us money. The next day, a taxi took us to post office #1, closed for repair. then to post office #2, they don't do packages, and finally to the correct post office #3. Once inside we learned that we had the box packaged all wrong. We needed brown paper and clear tape. A man took $2 from me and left the post office, he returned 10 minutes later with a quarter role of tape and some brown paper. With his help, we wrapped the package and had it weighted, then we filled out some paper work and got in line. The lady at the counter asked for my passport. I told her it was on the boat, but I had photo ID of a drivers license, she told me no. Oh well, we will mail it another day (taxi ride $25). Today a taxi took us to a different post office, they wanted us to open the package so they could see what we were shipping. It was ok and we then needed to repackaged it before they would ship it. The post office had no tape, so Becky took the package to the next store and asked if they had a small piece of tape for the end of our package, they were so nice and helped us out. Finally we mailed the box. 3 to 4 weeks to the US. Price to ship $21, taxi ride $12. Total cost to mail the box was $82. Paper and tape $2, taxi $59, postage, $21. Cost of gift being sent, Priceless. Hope you enjoy it Dad!
Denny