Don't post a parcel from Argentina

Last day of school and as expected this test sorted out the wheat from the chaff. Brazil and Switz took a commanding position and the rest of us slunk out of class feeling rather demoralised. I am the only one leaving this week, so the others have another test to endure next week.

It is amazing how many "youngsters" are travelling, incredible experience for them but i do wonder what they will be able to do in later life to "top" what they are doing in their 20's. They are all, without exception, intelligent, polite and fun people. 

Poor Swiss Dan - he was listening to his music waiting for a Tube train to turn up. There was a big push to get on the train at which point Dans music cut out. Strange he thought "that's not the end of the track". They had managed to pick his pocket of his iphone & unplug the earphones whilst he was listening to the music! All in the blink of an eye. You have to hand it to them - that is a talent!

I started to pack and sorted out what to send home. the short story is that "the Argentinan postal service is bureaucratic":
The longer version for those of you who are bored:
Pack up Enzo bag & other bits in corrugated brown paper & strong, wide brown tape.
Try to find a Post office (a challenge in itself).
Told wrapping does not meet Arg PO standards - "has to be see through tape". Really?
Wander 6 blocks trying to find something suitable - flat pack cardboard box & clear tape - perfect (or so i thought).
Back to the APO, make up my box, rip open my original creation (filling every bin within range in th process) put items in my nice new box and tape it shut.
Over the tannoy "senor..........you still need brown paper". At this point I of thought of Eddy Izzard doing the "you will need a tray" scene from the Death Star.
You're kiddng me?
Off I go again (6 blocks there, 6 blocks back). The only roll they have is 10 yards long and about 4 feet wide, I need about 1 yard.
Back I go and start tearing off the bit I need ready to wrap my nice new brown parper box.
"Senor........before you do that, we ought to weigh it" Ok, it's not that heavy so shouldn't be a problem. The crowd were enjoying the show at this point (What is the Gringo going to do next?), the queue even parts to let me get to the desks. They take it behind the counter.....................
"Senor, is complicated....................it weighs 3kgs and you can only send 2kgs without a customs form".
I was really pleased at this news.
I take it back to the area, I now like to consider mine, and rip off the clear tape. One of the things i was sending home was the bike lock (the one for which i forgot to bring the keys). So that went in the bin.

Finally i could wrap my box in my brown paper and get it sent  (only took 3 hours).

The trouble is i dont think it will get there...............they needed my passpport number (who takes their passport to the bloody post office?). I can't remember mine so i just made one up. It was either that or do a Basil Fawlty impression.

Off to Mar Del plata tomorrow. Early I hope so as to beat the city traffic and the heat. It should be an easy 400 km drive due south, taking just over 4 hours. Eddie has spoken to a good friend of his - aparently there is a nice golf course there!

I have had a lovely time in Buneos Aries and will look forwards to coming back here in about a years time (hopefully).

Wilks is now on the continent too, up in Brazil.but he is heading to BsAs next week - great timing eh?