Well, we were told yesterday at 4.30pm that all was done. We were to be collected in a taxi at 11am this morning and go to the Customs yard where we would place the Beast into a container. It would then be sealed, and we would have all our paperwork returned and we would be free to leave Chennai. So, we have booked flights...
The taxi did not turn up at 11, so I called our shipping agent at 11.15. He told me they were waiting on the Customs Officer to give final clearance to pack the car! I have just called him back (it is now 12 midday) and told him we have flights booked. He accuses me of failing to tell him this yesterday (apparently that would have made a difference?) and says he will call me back in 5 minutes with an update. It is now 10 minutes.....
Mirne suggested that he possibly thinks we have taken up permanent residency in the Chennai Ramada. I'm about ready to throttle him!
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It is now just after 7pm and we have just returned from the Customs yard. Whilst the Beast is in its container, we still do not have our Carnet. It is at Customs House in the centre of Chennai, waiting for the signature from a man who has left the building (but he will return, honest). It then has to go all the way to the Customs yard (20 km), get another stamp, and be returned to us at our hotel. If that doesn't happen by 8.30 we will have to stay another night here...
The taxi did not turn up at 11, so I called our shipping agent at 11.15. He told me they were waiting on the Customs Officer to give final clearance to pack the car! I have just called him back (it is now 12 midday) and told him we have flights booked. He accuses me of failing to tell him this yesterday (apparently that would have made a difference?) and says he will call me back in 5 minutes with an update. It is now 10 minutes.....
Mirne suggested that he possibly thinks we have taken up permanent residency in the Chennai Ramada. I'm about ready to throttle him!
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It is now just after 7pm and we have just returned from the Customs yard. Whilst the Beast is in its container, we still do not have our Carnet. It is at Customs House in the centre of Chennai, waiting for the signature from a man who has left the building (but he will return, honest). It then has to go all the way to the Customs yard (20 km), get another stamp, and be returned to us at our hotel. If that doesn't happen by 8.30 we will have to stay another night here...
