2019-03-26 Days 180-189 Customs

Our hotel overlooked the Golden horn

Went in to see Aldatmaz Fuso; tires still at Customs but we signed a few more papers.

On the 4^th we went with Selman from Aldatmaz to the Customs area related to vehicle repairs. We proceeded with the paper-work until we were told that we needed to pay a 2000TLl fine for leaving the country without informing them. The plan was kind of that we leave the car at Customs for a few days then Aldatmaz take it and do the maintenance then take it back. We didn’t feel comfortable leaving EC22 there - so cancelled paperwork. The Customs Agent was going to get the tires to Aldatmaz today and we finally got the message that they had arrived a 7pm. One small but important win.

The next day back to customs and proceed with paperwork but fine needed paying before they would do anything. We went form office to office and back again. Could only pay via internet so Aldatmaz was trying to pay but system was down. After we had been to lunch on of the guys mentioned we could pay in cash somewhere else. So another drive but as we got there Aldatmaz said they had managed to pay online. But the customs could not see that on their system so had to get a receipt from Aldatmaz. Finally about 4 o’clock the vehicle was taken to the compound and headed into customs. Then we gave Aldatmaz permission to take it and by about 5pm we left to take EC back to Aldatmaz. We could now fit the tyres. 

As Aldatmaz’s work shop was still under-going a refit, we offered to replace the old wheels with the new wheels. Aldatmaz personnel seemed surprised that we could change the tires! Particularly the Service Manager.

An afternoon game of soccer. 

The accommodation we have wa in a quaint place with only a few tourists. We enjoyed going out for small Turkish meals but spend most of our time in the apartment on our computers organizing stuff.