Roundabout

When we were in India P decided to buy a Sitar--an Indian guitar. This was an expensive purchase especially for India and there was no way we could haul it around with us until we returned to the US.

Step #1:
So our sitar had a journey across the seas from India and landed in New York City.

Step #2:
Upon paying another $300 and overnighting our "bill of lading" our sitar was driven from NYC to Boston.

Step #3:
Given that the item was imported we had to have it cleared through customs. Customs is in a lovely building on the water. Nice and quiet. No one else in line, thank goodness. Passed on more paperwork and got our clearance.

Step #4:
Find the freight company. OK, this part was easy. There's a big building labeled: "Boston Freight Terminal." But there is no official parking lot and no door labeled: "Pick up your items here." or "Office" or "Entrance." No no no, we had to wait in line with the truckers in the "Drivers Entrance" to pick up our cargo. Just another reminder of the Boston accent and impatience of employees at such establishments.

Pay another $121.20 (yes, and twenty cents).

Then we drive up to the loading dock, like we too are semi-drivers about to collect a delivery. A nice guy drove off with our paperwork and brought back a scary looking coffin like box with my name and address all over it. Yes, a coffin like box.

That little sitar coffin is still in the back of the car and P and I will open it tonight with caution. We hope there is actually a sitar and not an Indian vampire waiting to drink our blood!