From Anchorage to Ushuaia by Bike

We have had the good fortune to try out all the different companies, like Fedex, UPS and DHL, to try and get rid of a few extra pounds. The Mexican postal system is really not the best for sending packages, unless you are trying to lose it for good. From what we’ve heard, the packages get lost or disappear, and if they do happen to arrive in the right place, they’re three months late.

Bearing this in mind, we compared the relative prices and lateness of the companies, and UPS came out the winner. We present ourselves at the UPS office with our package, where the receptionist tells us that the packing simply won’t do – of course in generally incomprehensible and accelerated Spanish. Marta, our host who insisted on coming with us, explains the situation, but even she doesn’t understand why the packaging isn’t acceptable. And after we had taken the time to cut up a box to the right size, carefully tape up the sides, and to cross out any writing that wasn’t the address. Alas, our packing job was apparently substandard. Marta insists that the receptionist look behind the counter for another box. We we’re in luck – she found a carton, seemly quite similar to the one we had used, but this one was acceptable to her. Flabbergasted, we look at each other, and then proceed to transfer the contents into this new box.

We thought that was the end… but no, we had to fill out five copies of a customs declaration (because the package goes through the US…) and they needed a complete description of the contents of the box, everything that we put in and the value of it, and then we got to the official forms. Sébastien felt like a movie star, and had to sign his autograph no less than ten times! We had to stop at the cash register, of course, but got a 15% discount for paying in cash. And at last we were rid of those extra pounds… after spending more than an hour in the UPS office.

Now, keep your fingers crossed that it arrives!

Sara