Not to steal the topic here - just to tell about what I saw with my own eyes...
"Small country - BIG trouble" story:
I was at the customs office picking up Kelly's hihat (which he sold me for an unbeliveable price - and I'm forever in debt
).
The package was with price, declaration, and description - but still, the customs office "invited me" to witness their public opening of the package and their calculation of customs tax and VAT (which comes about to 37.5% of the stated price, or whatever price they say is right...
)
I'm second in line - the guy in front drove 80miles, since he's from another town.
He bought a violin from Germany - a cheap model.
After about 10 minutes the customs officer finally calculated his tax. So, exausted, the guy says - "Can I pay now and pickup the violin? I already lost a whole day for coming here, and had to take a day off from work."
"Absolutely NOT" - the officer replied. "The violin will go to the post office depot. They'll take it to the local depot, which is some 20miles from Your place (in a third town). Then, You'll recieve details from the post office WHEN to pick it up, by yourself. And yes, there will be additional charges for that transport - some $40 extra"...
When my turn came, I was all like "no problem, charge it for $300 if You like. I can't argue with God..." Jesus - what a way to kill your day...
Cliff - Congratulations once again for The BOX... (No association with the same movie title whatsoever...
)