packages

We spent at LEAST two hours today in the post office mailing our five packages home. First we had to get them to the PO...there's no parking (plus we sold our car yesterday!) so we took a taxi which let us out in front. Then Isabela and I waited in the lobby while Juan Pablo and Joaquin went running off to who knows where to exchange dollars for bolivianos. Because two of the boxes weighed over four pounds, they have to be spent a special way....Juan Pablo had to make 4 copies of his ID card (no, there is no copier in there) plus we filled out four forms (keep in mind for two boxes!) then they put each box in a blue plastic cloth bag which they then SEWED around the edge to seal with a thick white thread. There were two people sewing all these boxes for everyone in line!! So then we went upstairs to mail the other three...which we taped shut very well to prevent stealing, but there was tape where the stamps go...so we had to take it off there so the lady could stamp it. The kids, meanwhile, tried to behave but in the end had swept the whole floor with the seat of their pants from scooting and sliding, moved together all the chains and poles dividing the lines and nearly drove me crazy. I had brought snacks and drinks but who knew it would take 2 HOURS!