Hmmm, as anticipated, things are not quite as straightforward as one would wish. It's lucky that we have logged up so much experience with Central American bureacracy, I think if we were new to all this we would run screaming home!
Progress so far:
We found and bought a good map of City. This has helped no end. We are whizzing about all over the place and have almost sussed out the City layout. I take back my comment about selling your car and just using taxis. With patience and determination and a GOOD map, you can do it.
* When we met with Evelyn-the-shipping-agent we did NOT hand over the cash. I didnt feel confident with the process. we will pay at a later date, once I am happy with all the logistics. I have an instinct that she is not revealing all...But we ARE booked on Ship on 12 April.
* No news re linehandling through canal. We will go down in person early to Balboa yacht club and get on the VHF radio and put out a message into the bay.
*Sorted out bank. It took 1/2 a day!
*Tracker is not fixed despite spending a whole day visiting at least 6 garages in town. Uli is threatening to fix it himself - he thinks its the camshaft sensor?
* Harvey is now full to the brim with LPG. After our failed/aborted attempt last week, we nailed this job in 30 mins. Just as well because we were running on vapour!
* Car insurance. Done. 20 minute job actually took over 4 hours due to pretty-but-dim staff
* Car permits extension with customs office.Done. Thought it might take 4 hours, got away with less than 2 hours.
* Working on booking a yacht from Colon to Cartagena. It will be more fun than a plane and we will see more of the Caribbean and San Blas. I would like to go on a Catamaran because they have more space and are more stable.
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