The journey back has been a challenge. It began on Saturday eve when Allan, Bree, Zak, Shea and I headed into Trujillo ahead of Tony, Ben and Ezi. We checked our bags in at the bus depot and found a nice spot around the corner to eat and kill time. It was great when the other team joined us. Then we got on our luxurious bus. And it really was. But...it's still pretty challenging getting a good sleep on a moving bus. And I should mention that all EIGHT of us have tummy trouble right now. No one can be too far from a bathroom for long.
Our faithful tour guide Brand was at the station in Lima to welcome us at 6:15 am! However, our luggage didn't come with us. It turned out that because we had arrived at the bus depot early, they had "checked" the bags in storage rather than "checking" it in on the bus. We had done the exact same thing when we went on the bus up north so along with our language barrier we didn't realize. So there we were - needing to head directly to the airport with no luggage. (the second team's luggage made it just fine.) So after a few VERY anxious moments, we were told that they put the luggage on the last bus when they realized it was left over and should be going to Lima. This meant a 1 1/2 hour wait and anxious moments to get to the airport on time.
But we made it.
We tried at the airport to get Ezi moved over to our itinerary. They said no but we could try again in Guayaquil. Ezi and I worked on it again when we got to Guayaquil but to no avail. They said it would cost $2,000 to change. We were also told in Lima that we would all be subject to a $40 airport tax in Quito. This wasn't great news. For us that meant an additional $160 bucks.
We had to clear customs in Guayaquil and in Quito - these are very long, arduous processes. The crew was pretty tired having dealt with so much stress each place we went - we didn't actually get charged the $40 each which was a bonus. Lots of coordination for bathroom breaks. Our poor crew was pretty worn out.
Arrived in Miami at 11:30 pm. Then an unbelievably long line up to clear customs. By the time we got our van rental and drove to Fort Lauderdale, we got to the beautfiul Riverside Hotel at 2 am with full intention of sleeping for 2 hours and going back to pick Ezi up at 5. (a quick check of our emails and Pablo indicated Ezi's uncle was going to pick him up.) So we enjoyed a magnificent sleep in.
Our original itinerary had us in Fort Lauderdale until 9 tonight - so we had been looking forward to enjoying a full day in the sun, but the flight was changed and now we need to get to the airport for noon which is disappointing. It is beautiful and warm here and the hotel is gorgeous.
But we ARE well rested which is the main thing.
It's bittersweet. We're looking forward to getting home but we'll never forget our experiences in Peru.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Thanks Pablo and Paula
That was quite frustrating. The blog was down. But now, thanks to the Szajts, we are back in business.
Last night was really fun. We had no plan and bussed into Huancaco to visit the market and act like real tourists for awhile. We found a fun little pizza joint where it was Happy Hour. Everyone enjoyed their strawberry daquiries and pisco sours. We did a little shopping and started looking for some live music. We were told about a place closer to our hotel so we jumped back on a bus. No sooner had the bus started moving than I spied two traditional Incan street musicians outside a little restaurant. In less than 10 seconds we were off the bus again. We sat outside the restaurant, enjoyed their amazing music and had a bottle of wine. The night was perfect. We bought two of their CDs so we'll be able to share. Shea's camera was out of battery so no pics - although I'm pretty sure Bree will have some.
Bussed back to the hotel and sat in the lounge for awhile. Met Douglas, a Brazilian who is travelling all over South America. We had a really enjoyable time chatting with him. He was most impressed that we would take on this "dangerous" assignment - bringing shoes to the kids in Peru. We never really took the danger part all that seriously...however, I guess I must confess here that my camera was stolen during the festivities yesterday.
Charo - our hostess was so upset and the kids told her that they had seen it happening. They identified who had it and a bit of a yelling match ensued. But the family responsible for stealing it is notorious and very dangerous....needless to say - we didn't choose to pursue the matter.
I'm sorry that I have lost my photos. I care significantly less about the camera itself. But most importantly, we had a wonderful party, incredible life-long memories, and everyone is safe and sound.
Last night was really fun. We had no plan and bussed into Huancaco to visit the market and act like real tourists for awhile. We found a fun little pizza joint where it was Happy Hour. Everyone enjoyed their strawberry daquiries and pisco sours. We did a little shopping and started looking for some live music. We were told about a place closer to our hotel so we jumped back on a bus. No sooner had the bus started moving than I spied two traditional Incan street musicians outside a little restaurant. In less than 10 seconds we were off the bus again. We sat outside the restaurant, enjoyed their amazing music and had a bottle of wine. The night was perfect. We bought two of their CDs so we'll be able to share. Shea's camera was out of battery so no pics - although I'm pretty sure Bree will have some.
Bussed back to the hotel and sat in the lounge for awhile. Met Douglas, a Brazilian who is travelling all over South America. We had a really enjoyable time chatting with him. He was most impressed that we would take on this "dangerous" assignment - bringing shoes to the kids in Peru. We never really took the danger part all that seriously...however, I guess I must confess here that my camera was stolen during the festivities yesterday.
Charo - our hostess was so upset and the kids told her that they had seen it happening. They identified who had it and a bit of a yelling match ensued. But the family responsible for stealing it is notorious and very dangerous....needless to say - we didn't choose to pursue the matter.
I'm sorry that I have lost my photos. I care significantly less about the camera itself. But most importantly, we had a wonderful party, incredible life-long memories, and everyone is safe and sound.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Today was a wonderful day.
After an hour and a half or so of that we headed back to the school and together the Fuze team dished out 53 plates of chicken nuggetty things and fries. And poured out the Fanta (orange) and Coke. Finished off with cookies and lollipops and the party was done.
Everyone is a little sunburnt. The kids all received little toys and we left soccer balls, the Twister, hula hoops, ring toss, bowling game etc.
What an amazing feeling. We really do hate to leave these kids. We talked to them a bit about the school and reading and education. And encouraged them to work hard.
And now, we prepare for our departure from Huancaco/Trujillo tomorrow night.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
What could be more fun??
The 8 of us went shopping today - having no idea at all what we were looking for. We hiked awhile with Charo in the lead....through back lanes and buildings, across streets, dodging traffic. Til we happened upon Charo's destination - a 4 story building filled with.....stuff. Up a few floors to where there were toys and things. Then...the fun began. If you can only imagine 8 people trying to plan the perfect party for 60 kids - with fun activities and leave behind toys, dealing with Tony's obsession with the ultimate soccer game - us girls reminding the boys that the girls were generally in little dresses - soccer might not be their first choice. We bought a Twister game, some little fishing rods - we have little giveaway toys they can win - soccer balls - other plastic balls, a ring toss game, hula hoops, then we found nail polish with sparkles and face paints.
Then we hit the market and bought plastic glasses and napkins and lollipops. We stopped for a quick bite and Tony and Ben sampled the greatest chicken chichorron (like McNuggets only better.) We negotiated with the restaurant and at 9 tomorrow morning we will pick up chicken and fries for all. And drinks of course.
We are so excited about tomorrow it is wild. Now THIS is LIVING!
Then we hit the market and bought plastic glasses and napkins and lollipops. We stopped for a quick bite and Tony and Ben sampled the greatest chicken chichorron (like McNuggets only better.) We negotiated with the restaurant and at 9 tomorrow morning we will pick up chicken and fries for all. And drinks of course.
We are so excited about tomorrow it is wild. Now THIS is LIVING!
We're pretty excited.
It didn't feel right for us to have time left at the end of our trip, and we weren't going to have a chance to have more interaction with the kids we met. So we sat around last night and brainstormed about a party we want to throw for them. It won't be elaborate but we're told it will mean a lot to the kids to know someone cares about them and that they'll have a chance to have something a little different in their lives.
We were thinking about what these kids do at night. There is no space in their meager homes and no electricity. They can't go outside because it is too dangerous. We can't even picture what their evenings are like. Bruce Peru is doing such important work - giving these kids some time in a simple classroom - giving them something to do during the day, some reading and math skills and a little play time.
We chatted with a young mother about her diet. She said she eats primarily rice and bread. I don't think the kids get much in the way of vegetables and meat.
We're not sure what all we are going to be able to do for the party. We're thinking a soccer game, maybe some nail painting for the girls, the stores don't have much so it's a bit of a challenge . I never thought I'd say this, "My kingdom for a Wal-Mart!"
We can't wait to go back.
We were thinking about what these kids do at night. There is no space in their meager homes and no electricity. They can't go outside because it is too dangerous. We can't even picture what their evenings are like. Bruce Peru is doing such important work - giving these kids some time in a simple classroom - giving them something to do during the day, some reading and math skills and a little play time.
We chatted with a young mother about her diet. She said she eats primarily rice and bread. I don't think the kids get much in the way of vegetables and meat.
We're not sure what all we are going to be able to do for the party. We're thinking a soccer game, maybe some nail painting for the girls, the stores don't have much so it's a bit of a challenge . I never thought I'd say this, "My kingdom for a Wal-Mart!"
We can't wait to go back.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Oh my goodness.
Fuz Headquarters - Room 107 at the Hostela Colonial is BUZZING. Everyone is contributing and working hard to organize the best system for tomorrow. There are shoes, and notes, and photos and check marks and organization going on like mad. It can be quite intense. But what a great group.
At the end of the day - this project has been amazing and a lot of beautiful little kids feel a little more cared for tonight. That makes it all worthwhile.
At the end of the day - this project has been amazing and a lot of beautiful little kids feel a little more cared for tonight. That makes it all worthwhile.
Liftoff!
We distributed our first 22 pairs of shoes today and it was quite an experience. We were STRONGLY cautioned about our safety in the neighbourhood we were going to. Especially things like Tony's camera gear and any electronics. So at the moment, we don't have a lot of photos/video of the surroundings. Cameras etc. had to be hidden in backpacks. We walked into a tiny room that acts as a schoolroom for these 22 kids.
While entirely chaotic, everyone pitched in to make it work and the kids were amazing. They were thrilled with their shoes and entirely excited about the video and still cameras.
While our long overnight bus ride was reasonably comfortable...let's face it ....it was a bus. Not a great sleep. We arrived in Trujillo around 7:30. Waited a half hour for our ride. Checked in...ordered breakfast and our lovely attendants from Bruce Peru....Charo and the volunteeer interpreter Silvie arrived. We wolfed down our breakfast, shot a bit of an opening/intro and took off for the school. (I can say we all pretty much looked like a bag of hammers.)
Very authentic.
Tomorrow is planned to be a little less hectic - a larger school, and we'll be able to organize before going. We're looking forward to that.
Everyone was entirely bagged so the kids went to sleep, Tony and Ben are backing up video files and Allan and I are just chillaxin' in the extremely charming Hostela Colonial.
I hope to upload some pics later on tonight. The faces on these kids are priceless.
While entirely chaotic, everyone pitched in to make it work and the kids were amazing. They were thrilled with their shoes and entirely excited about the video and still cameras.
While our long overnight bus ride was reasonably comfortable...let's face it ....it was a bus. Not a great sleep. We arrived in Trujillo around 7:30. Waited a half hour for our ride. Checked in...ordered breakfast and our lovely attendants from Bruce Peru....Charo and the volunteeer interpreter Silvie arrived. We wolfed down our breakfast, shot a bit of an opening/intro and took off for the school. (I can say we all pretty much looked like a bag of hammers.)
Very authentic.
Tomorrow is planned to be a little less hectic - a larger school, and we'll be able to organize before going. We're looking forward to that.
Everyone was entirely bagged so the kids went to sleep, Tony and Ben are backing up video files and Allan and I are just chillaxin' in the extremely charming Hostela Colonial.
I hope to upload some pics later on tonight. The faces on these kids are priceless.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
We can now go public.
We've kept this journal private except to a select few people just because we had no idea what our situation would be.
To quickly update anyone new, we tried for months to get the permissions we needed to have the Fuze thru Shoes accepted into Peru. There is just so much red tape and the language barrier wasn't helping either. Although we are confident that we will finally receive the permission, our trip was booked and we faced a huge dilemma.
Could we/should we postpone the trip until we had the permission? This was quite an expensive option. And even finding the time when everyone could be available to go again was difficult...we were looking at August probably. So we decided to break into our pallets of shoes and load up 3 suitcases full and try to bring them with us. We were so afraid that the Peruvian customs would confiscate the shoes if we were caught. And truly, everyone of those pairs of shoes is precious to us. A child donated them. We pledged to create the connection. And we wanted to honour that pledge.
In the end - we made it into the country with nearly a quarter of our shoes. 90 pairs. And despite some very anxious moments at the airport last night - we couldn't be happier. We are all in a state of euphoria.
Tonight we embark on a 9 1/2 hour overnight bus ride - leaving at 10:45. To Trujillo.
Chances are...tomorrow we'll finally see the results of this crazy adventure. www.fuzethrushoes.com
We're still hoping to send the other shoes in the near future but will ensure that photos are taken and Shea's original vision is carried out to the best of our ability.
To quickly update anyone new, we tried for months to get the permissions we needed to have the Fuze thru Shoes accepted into Peru. There is just so much red tape and the language barrier wasn't helping either. Although we are confident that we will finally receive the permission, our trip was booked and we faced a huge dilemma.
Could we/should we postpone the trip until we had the permission? This was quite an expensive option. And even finding the time when everyone could be available to go again was difficult...we were looking at August probably. So we decided to break into our pallets of shoes and load up 3 suitcases full and try to bring them with us. We were so afraid that the Peruvian customs would confiscate the shoes if we were caught. And truly, everyone of those pairs of shoes is precious to us. A child donated them. We pledged to create the connection. And we wanted to honour that pledge.
In the end - we made it into the country with nearly a quarter of our shoes. 90 pairs. And despite some very anxious moments at the airport last night - we couldn't be happier. We are all in a state of euphoria.
Tonight we embark on a 9 1/2 hour overnight bus ride - leaving at 10:45. To Trujillo.
Chances are...tomorrow we'll finally see the results of this crazy adventure. www.fuzethrushoes.com
We're still hoping to send the other shoes in the near future but will ensure that photos are taken and Shea's original vision is carried out to the best of our ability.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Success!
We have arrived in Lima and all 90 pairs of shoes that we brought with us made it! This is so important to us. We really had a hard time deciding if we should even attempt it - and we were so afraid of losing some of the shoes if they were confiscated.
I must admit, Allan and I had a few glasses of wine on the plane to keep us loose. 5 1/2 hour flight seemed like nothing. And we picked up our luggage and headed for the green light / red light judgement contraption. Allan went first with 2 suitcases full of shoes. The customs guy there said, "Are you by yourself sir?" Allan replied, " uh.." .and gestured towards us. He wanted to see if he hit the red light because if he did he'd be on his own - I had the other suitcase full of shoes. He hit the green light and then turned back to the guy and said, "Yes, that's my family right there." The guy said - "Ok, you can all go through." It was all we could do not to scream. We thought all 4 of us were going to have to hit the button.
What a freaking relief. It's really hard to describe the adrenaline rush of walking out to the Lima air with all our shoes.
Ben and Tony were actually stopped and their cameras were inspected. That gave us a few anxious moments because they aren't really supposed to have professional quality cameras come into the country either....we are just such bad actors all round.
A lovely gentleman by the name of Bran welcomed us to Lima. He had no idea how happy we were to be on that side of customs. He brought us to the Soul Mate Inn...which is really a hostel.
We made a quick stop for beer on the way here and are now relaxing...secure in the fact that 90 kids are going to have new shoes courtesy of the generous kids in Manitoba.
Congrats Shea! Your dream is going to be a reality.
I must admit, Allan and I had a few glasses of wine on the plane to keep us loose. 5 1/2 hour flight seemed like nothing. And we picked up our luggage and headed for the green light / red light judgement contraption. Allan went first with 2 suitcases full of shoes. The customs guy there said, "Are you by yourself sir?" Allan replied, " uh.." .and gestured towards us. He wanted to see if he hit the red light because if he did he'd be on his own - I had the other suitcase full of shoes. He hit the green light and then turned back to the guy and said, "Yes, that's my family right there." The guy said - "Ok, you can all go through." It was all we could do not to scream. We thought all 4 of us were going to have to hit the button.
What a freaking relief. It's really hard to describe the adrenaline rush of walking out to the Lima air with all our shoes.
Ben and Tony were actually stopped and their cameras were inspected. That gave us a few anxious moments because they aren't really supposed to have professional quality cameras come into the country either....we are just such bad actors all round.
A lovely gentleman by the name of Bran welcomed us to Lima. He had no idea how happy we were to be on that side of customs. He brought us to the Soul Mate Inn...which is really a hostel.
We made a quick stop for beer on the way here and are now relaxing...secure in the fact that 90 kids are going to have new shoes courtesy of the generous kids in Manitoba.
Congrats Shea! Your dream is going to be a reality.
Sun kissed
Everyone got some sun yesterday. Even Allan who was only out there for an hour at the end of the day. You can sure tell we have a lot of virgin winter skinned Canadians on this tour. Even Shea, who normally just browns up got quite red. Everyone is being very careful though.
Finally solved the bus schedule issue at 7 last night - it was an unbelievable challenge. And then went out for Mexican. It was amazing! A lively game of Catchphrase in the room and then most everyone crashed. (Ben and Allan stayed up late solving many of the world's problems.)
This morning we're headed out for a brief tour of Miami Beach and then we head to the airport for the flight to Lima and the key question will be answered. Will our 86 pairs of shoes make it through?
Finally solved the bus schedule issue at 7 last night - it was an unbelievable challenge. And then went out for Mexican. It was amazing! A lively game of Catchphrase in the room and then most everyone crashed. (Ben and Allan stayed up late solving many of the world's problems.)
This morning we're headed out for a brief tour of Miami Beach and then we head to the airport for the flight to Lima and the key question will be answered. Will our 86 pairs of shoes make it through?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Disregard last post.
I apologize for that last very boring post. It is top of mind for me but quite uneventful for everyone else. Please disregard.
Back up plan
I know this won't seem important in a few days but right now it is just soooo frustrating.
We are booked on an overnight bus on Saturday night. But with everything else we are dealing with we decided to take some pressure off.
You see, the plane arrives at 9:10 pm and the bus leaves at 11 pm and apparently it's a bit of a hike...so not knowing what our customs situation will be like - we planned to change the bus to Sunday night.
I am dealing with a booking agent. Nothing is simple.
I have honestly had 6 emails from her today and I still have no idea if we are booked or not. I am insisting on good information because we need to add Ezi and I want to ensure we are all on the same bus. You think this might be an easy process. NOT!
And I am starting to feel I am running out of time...does the weekend affect my communications with this person?
I actually had an idea while I was writing this....I should use our credit for the cancelled Saturday bus to come back from Trujillo - that hasn't been booked yet. And I should book the other bus company to go. OK. A backup plan. I like having a backup plan.
Man, dealing with this one lady is so frustrating.
I think I'll go out and eat some Mexican food. That always makes me happy.
Allan is here - he's out basking in the sun and drinking a beer. And..I believe I will go and join him.
Salud everyone.
We are booked on an overnight bus on Saturday night. But with everything else we are dealing with we decided to take some pressure off.
You see, the plane arrives at 9:10 pm and the bus leaves at 11 pm and apparently it's a bit of a hike...so not knowing what our customs situation will be like - we planned to change the bus to Sunday night.
I am dealing with a booking agent. Nothing is simple.
I have honestly had 6 emails from her today and I still have no idea if we are booked or not. I am insisting on good information because we need to add Ezi and I want to ensure we are all on the same bus. You think this might be an easy process. NOT!
And I am starting to feel I am running out of time...does the weekend affect my communications with this person?
I actually had an idea while I was writing this....I should use our credit for the cancelled Saturday bus to come back from Trujillo - that hasn't been booked yet. And I should book the other bus company to go. OK. A backup plan. I like having a backup plan.
Man, dealing with this one lady is so frustrating.
I think I'll go out and eat some Mexican food. That always makes me happy.
Allan is here - he's out basking in the sun and drinking a beer. And..I believe I will go and join him.
Salud everyone.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Sniper Heartbeat
I am an avid reader and I always read about spies, and CIA and excellent law enforcement characters etc. One thing I know is that talented snipers have a way of slowing their heartbeat when they are aiming - it's kind of a trance they put themselves into so that their hands are more steady.
I attempted this technique as we were approaching the nice US customs man in Toronto this morning. It was our first test on the "Will we be able to give 86 kids new shoes next week?" quest. I was worried that my cheeks were a bit flushed. But....It was like butter. We had an exceptionally charming Customs Agent and he noticed Bree's new hairdo, discussed eating guinea pigs in Peru and generally made our experience quite pleasant.
Flights were perfect. We have one little car and one big one - which is a bit squishy with all our luggage etc - and will be even moreso when Allan arrives tomorrow - but we will survive.
Tomorrow will be a nice peaceful day - a reunion, some sunshine time...it is REALLY hot down here and then we'll gear up for the next Phase when we fly to Lima on Saturday night. That's when things are going to get very exciting.
Shea, Zak, Bree and Ezi played cards tonight. Tony and Ben are out on the town. And I relaxed and chilled and answered a few emails. Bliss. Pretty tiring - up at 2:45 am. Travelling much of the day with sporadic 10 minute naps here and there. I'm pretty much ready for shuteye.
Ciao for now.
I attempted this technique as we were approaching the nice US customs man in Toronto this morning. It was our first test on the "Will we be able to give 86 kids new shoes next week?" quest. I was worried that my cheeks were a bit flushed. But....It was like butter. We had an exceptionally charming Customs Agent and he noticed Bree's new hairdo, discussed eating guinea pigs in Peru and generally made our experience quite pleasant.
Flights were perfect. We have one little car and one big one - which is a bit squishy with all our luggage etc - and will be even moreso when Allan arrives tomorrow - but we will survive.
Tomorrow will be a nice peaceful day - a reunion, some sunshine time...it is REALLY hot down here and then we'll gear up for the next Phase when we fly to Lima on Saturday night. That's when things are going to get very exciting.
Shea, Zak, Bree and Ezi played cards tonight. Tony and Ben are out on the town. And I relaxed and chilled and answered a few emails. Bliss. Pretty tiring - up at 2:45 am. Travelling much of the day with sporadic 10 minute naps here and there. I'm pretty much ready for shuteye.
Ciao for now.
Arrived in Fort Lauderdale!
Safe and sound and with all shoes. We're starving! So will be back later tonight with more info. Ezi was picked up right where he should be and only a few minutes late....latish plane and some rush hour traffic. More later.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Team Huddle
I'm really relieved. We just had a complete team huddle and very seriously thought about postponing. Shea has such ownership over all the shoes - she feels each one is a story and doesn't want to take any chance at all that they will be lost.
But Tony is shooting a video - he has one chance to capture the story...what will the story be if there are no shoes?
We talked our way around and around. Should we delay? Could we delay?
Ultimately, we decided as a team to forge ahead. We know we could lose 80 important pairs of shoes. We hope that if they are confiscated at customs that we can pay to have them held for us so we can bring them back. Possibly wishful thinking.
If we have no shoes we will travel to Trujillo and meet the people. We will take something...pencils, scribblers, balls, toys. We will not come empty handed. We will meet the children and see their circumstance and learn, explore and experience.
We will still be able to tell their story in photos and the video.
And...we will return.
So folks, we're off to Peru.
But Tony is shooting a video - he has one chance to capture the story...what will the story be if there are no shoes?
We talked our way around and around. Should we delay? Could we delay?
Ultimately, we decided as a team to forge ahead. We know we could lose 80 important pairs of shoes. We hope that if they are confiscated at customs that we can pay to have them held for us so we can bring them back. Possibly wishful thinking.
If we have no shoes we will travel to Trujillo and meet the people. We will take something...pencils, scribblers, balls, toys. We will not come empty handed. We will meet the children and see their circumstance and learn, explore and experience.
We will still be able to tell their story in photos and the video.
And...we will return.
So folks, we're off to Peru.
80 Shoes
Shea and I headed over to Pollard where the shoes were being stored. We grabbed many, many boxes - as many as we could fit in my car. As it turned out we've packed three big suitcases with shoes - Each extra suitcase is $30 so we really did feel we needed to show some restraint. Especially because we don't know if they'll make it through.
Our back up back up plan is if all the shoes are taken - hopefully just held for us until we leave the country - we will find some kind of discount house in Lima and buy some shoes. That is worst case scenario....well, one step worse would be prison.
Allan, Shea and I are going to be the "mules". We're actually not even sure that US customs will allow us to bring the shoes in. So that will be our first test.
Shea and I, Zak, Bree, Tony and Ben will leave tomorrow morning at 5:15 am. We'll first deal with US customs in Toronto....which is experiencing a blizzard by the way.
Allan will follow on Friday. By then we'll at least know if he should bring his shoe bag along. (from the US customs perspective.) FUN FUN FUN!!!!!
Hmmm - on the good news front I did avoid a major collision today when a guy in a green truck pulled out right in front of me. I pat myself on the back a bit because I do kinda have a few things on my mind - I'm pleased I had the presence of mind to avoid him - I did have to go up on the curb to miss crashing into him.
Our back up back up plan is if all the shoes are taken - hopefully just held for us until we leave the country - we will find some kind of discount house in Lima and buy some shoes. That is worst case scenario....well, one step worse would be prison.
Allan, Shea and I are going to be the "mules". We're actually not even sure that US customs will allow us to bring the shoes in. So that will be our first test.
Shea and I, Zak, Bree, Tony and Ben will leave tomorrow morning at 5:15 am. We'll first deal with US customs in Toronto....which is experiencing a blizzard by the way.
Allan will follow on Friday. By then we'll at least know if he should bring his shoe bag along. (from the US customs perspective.) FUN FUN FUN!!!!!
Hmmm - on the good news front I did avoid a major collision today when a guy in a green truck pulled out right in front of me. I pat myself on the back a bit because I do kinda have a few things on my mind - I'm pleased I had the presence of mind to avoid him - I did have to go up on the curb to miss crashing into him.
Just a quick morning note.
It's not to say there's no stress at all. Yes, I do have moments when I catastrophize a bit and think about rotting in a Peruvian prison. But no, we've been told the worst that will happen is that we may lose 1 of our batches of shoes. Apparently there is a random check and if we happen to be checked, those shoes MAY be taken. But rumour is it also works if you cry and beg. We are completely prepared to fulfill that requirement...especially Shea and I.
No final word yet from Kelvin. Still waiting and hoping.
But Ezi left this morning and the Great Shoe Adventure has officially begun.
No final word yet from Kelvin. Still waiting and hoping.
But Ezi left this morning and the Great Shoe Adventure has officially begun.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
And so it begins....
Today was a tough day. We had to admit that in a way we were beaten.
After 2 1/2 months of struggle, some hard work by some wonderful people trying to do a good thing, we had to face the fact that we are leaving for Peru in two days, and our shoes are not.
(anyone not familiar with our situation should see www.fuzethrushoes.com)
Local hero Kelvin Martyniuk had no idea what he was letting himself in for when he volunteered to help us with the logistics of getting the shoes into the country. Now Kelvin is still hoping for a miracle...but he might be the last believer left. I know it's hard for anyone not intimately involved - but we really have tried so hard to do everything right to get these shoes accepted into the country - and they will be - it's just that the paperwork and red tape is extensive and the speed that things can be done and the language barrier and the crazy back and forth has been exhausting and disheartening to say the least.
We've honestly jumped through hoops, done handstands, filled in forms, met the Winnipeg Peruvian Consul (a lovely lady by the way)...really done everything we could do.
I need to throw in a line here - the children of Peru really do need the shoes. And the charity and the government are all in favour and very appreciative - it's really a red tape problem.
A quick shout out to Pablo Szajt and Jorge Salazar who have continued to help with the translations and info. And Kelvin the Great from Pollard Banknote. Caring people who are giving their all.
Today we had to make some tough decisions.
1. Postpone? Our Miami to Lima leg could be postponed at a cost of $230 pp. Our Winnipeg to Fort Lauderdale leg would have cost about $300 pp to postpone. Everyone would have had a terrible time trying to find time off - the kids would have to miss school - pre-booked and paid hotels in Florida would be lost - $600 gone - not an easy decision right now.
2. Postpone but go on a holiday in Florida. This idea had some merit. We could go and have a nice holiday. Rebook the Lima part and still enjoy spring break without losing all the value of the Florida flights and hotels. But - again - the missing school/work etc and all the extra cost....is this the best choice? I found a very cheap cruise - hey - we could even take a few bags of shoes and distribute them to kids in need in Roatan Honduras - one of the stops on the cruise....hmmmm......maybe this is an answer. We seriously considered this.
3. Smuggle shoes - yes, you heard that correctly ladies and gentlemen. Us hardworking, honest citizens could make a choice to do our best to smuggle the most shoes we possibly can into the country. We've been told it's not that difficult - someone may get caught - and that wouldn't be fun - but most of the shoes will make it through. Then we will make arrangements for someone in Trujillo to distribute the other shoes when they finally make it there - and take pictures.
There are 8 of us going altogether. We will have to pay $30 per extra bag - that's on the Air Canada leg. But we figure we can get 100 pairs of shoes down there anyway.
So smuggling seems the best option...for those who are offended - please do not continue to monitor this blog....things could get worse!
Our Argentinian friend Ezi is going with us to help us with our language barrier. This is a big relief. But he is leaving tomorrow morning. He won't be taking any extra shoes.
We'll catch up with Ezi in Miami, enjoy a couple of days - actually I think we'll primarily be fretting....and then head to Lima altogether on Saturday night.
So - keep your fingers crossed that we will make it into the country with all our shoes.
Quite the adventure.
Logistics king Kelvin wants one more day to try to get permission to ship the shoes. So we'll make the final call in the morning. But at this point it looks like Fuze thru Shoes is making smugglers out of our team. Shhhh. Don't tell anybody.
Stay tuned.
After 2 1/2 months of struggle, some hard work by some wonderful people trying to do a good thing, we had to face the fact that we are leaving for Peru in two days, and our shoes are not.
(anyone not familiar with our situation should see www.fuzethrushoes.com)
Local hero Kelvin Martyniuk had no idea what he was letting himself in for when he volunteered to help us with the logistics of getting the shoes into the country. Now Kelvin is still hoping for a miracle...but he might be the last believer left. I know it's hard for anyone not intimately involved - but we really have tried so hard to do everything right to get these shoes accepted into the country - and they will be - it's just that the paperwork and red tape is extensive and the speed that things can be done and the language barrier and the crazy back and forth has been exhausting and disheartening to say the least.
We've honestly jumped through hoops, done handstands, filled in forms, met the Winnipeg Peruvian Consul (a lovely lady by the way)...really done everything we could do.
I need to throw in a line here - the children of Peru really do need the shoes. And the charity and the government are all in favour and very appreciative - it's really a red tape problem.
A quick shout out to Pablo Szajt and Jorge Salazar who have continued to help with the translations and info. And Kelvin the Great from Pollard Banknote. Caring people who are giving their all.
Today we had to make some tough decisions.
1. Postpone? Our Miami to Lima leg could be postponed at a cost of $230 pp. Our Winnipeg to Fort Lauderdale leg would have cost about $300 pp to postpone. Everyone would have had a terrible time trying to find time off - the kids would have to miss school - pre-booked and paid hotels in Florida would be lost - $600 gone - not an easy decision right now.
2. Postpone but go on a holiday in Florida. This idea had some merit. We could go and have a nice holiday. Rebook the Lima part and still enjoy spring break without losing all the value of the Florida flights and hotels. But - again - the missing school/work etc and all the extra cost....is this the best choice? I found a very cheap cruise - hey - we could even take a few bags of shoes and distribute them to kids in need in Roatan Honduras - one of the stops on the cruise....hmmmm......maybe this is an answer. We seriously considered this.
3. Smuggle shoes - yes, you heard that correctly ladies and gentlemen. Us hardworking, honest citizens could make a choice to do our best to smuggle the most shoes we possibly can into the country. We've been told it's not that difficult - someone may get caught - and that wouldn't be fun - but most of the shoes will make it through. Then we will make arrangements for someone in Trujillo to distribute the other shoes when they finally make it there - and take pictures.
There are 8 of us going altogether. We will have to pay $30 per extra bag - that's on the Air Canada leg. But we figure we can get 100 pairs of shoes down there anyway.
So smuggling seems the best option...for those who are offended - please do not continue to monitor this blog....things could get worse!
Our Argentinian friend Ezi is going with us to help us with our language barrier. This is a big relief. But he is leaving tomorrow morning. He won't be taking any extra shoes.
We'll catch up with Ezi in Miami, enjoy a couple of days - actually I think we'll primarily be fretting....and then head to Lima altogether on Saturday night.
So - keep your fingers crossed that we will make it into the country with all our shoes.
Quite the adventure.
Logistics king Kelvin wants one more day to try to get permission to ship the shoes. So we'll make the final call in the morning. But at this point it looks like Fuze thru Shoes is making smugglers out of our team. Shhhh. Don't tell anybody.
Stay tuned.
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