My precious, my precious... after more than 2 months of agony, I have finally this objective in your hands!
I complained to an eBay seller, to the Parisian stores, to FedEx and finally to Nepalese customs... a long story, full of twists and turns, which I'm going to tell you about.
Here's the short version: I ordered this lens 2 months ago, in the US, via eBay. The lens never arrived, the seller insists he sent it. (strangely, the tracking number doesn't work).
Waiting until the last moment for this parcel, I only went to the second-hand stores in Paris on the last day before my departure, only to find that they were ALL closed on Mondays.
Too bad, I have no choice but to go without, my friend. Kapoué offering to buy it in Japan and send it directly to Kathmandu.
Communication by e-mail, late replies following my excursions without access to the net. We finally manage to agree on the model, the carrier (I was strongly advised against using the Nepalese postal service)payment and all.
Once the parcel has left, FedEx announces 6 days of transport, I have to be patient.
EPIC FAIL by FedEx, 6 days later:
Me, like a hungry dog, as soon as I see the FedEx delivery man arrive:
- It's for me, it's for me, here, here!
- Hello, can you sign here, here, and here.
(I sign, with the little drop of drool at the corner of my mouth)
- And... where's my parcel?
- Your parcel? At the airport, I think. You'll have to pick it up.
- But? I just signed an acknowledgement of receipt!?!!
- Yes, you'll need it for customs at the airport.
(don't hit him, stay calm, don't hit him...)
My hotel manager's wife (who is Nepalese) comes to help me. She talks to the driver and confirms that my parcel is still at the airport. But the service is only open until 2pm, it's now 4pm. Oh yes, and tomorrow's a holiday... T_T
As a result, this morning I took a cab to the airport! After navigating between 4 administrative offices, I'm told that it's not here after all, but in the "cargo" area... 3km further on. No matter, I'm not even close.
I arrive at the cargo area and learn that the service doesn't open until 11am... it's 9.30am. I chat with a few guys hanging around, they look at my papers and try to estimate the customs fees I'll have to pay. "HEIN?!?" They estimate the cost at around 200€. (all administrative costs included). I explain that it's not a commercial purchase, but a gift from a friend, just a personal parcel. They laugh at me "Do you really think it makes a difference here?"
I've got an hour to wait, barely 70€ in my pocket, there's no ATM within 5km, I feel like crying.
In the end, by tearing off the sheets showing the value of the lens and stuffing the invoices in my pockets, I managed to negotiate my way out of it for around €55 in miscellaneous expenses... and having made my cab wait for over 3 hours.
He's here, I'm zen. Tomorrow I'll take my map of Nepal, pack my bag, and the journey will finally begin.
EN 
FR
You're in for a treat, man.
Have fun!
He's totally hot like that.
Have fun with your new toy.
Take care.
So you'd better watch out, eh... It's out of the question to make the warranty work...
Otherwise, enjoy him and have fun.
About time ;)
GoGoGo! And enjoy!
Shit, I didn't think you'd have to pay customs fees on personal items, in the end I think you paid more than 55euros in "fees" to put the guy in your pocket. When I arrived in Japan I had a mac pro and a RAID tower with me by cargo and I didn't pay any customs fees because they were personal effects.
Maxime >> I hope so, considering how long I've been wanting it ^^
Josie >> This is NOT a sex toy
Dores >> don't worry, I'll take good care of the blad... but the GF1 has already taken a beating =/
Silphi >> GoGOGGOOOOOOOO
Kapoue >> Oui, en france c'est comme au Japon, mais ici c'est... Corruption & Co
Although I'm assuming it'll be a long time from now, I can't wait to see the photos you take with it! Bon voyage then ;)