On Monday we received the CrV with temporary plates.  Decy and the driver went to the store to buy supplies for the car (for washing it etc) and were promptly "field arrested" ... seems the temporary plates aren't exactly acceptable .... after some smooth talking, throwing around a few high level names of friends at the police station ... it was agreed that for 150,000 Rupiah (approx US$18) Decy could be escorted back to the hotel instead of the police station where the discussions would have been in the 8,000,000 to 20,000,000 Rupiah range.

Cost:  $18 ... value of having friends in the right places ... PRICELESS.

Tuesday the car broker delivered the permanent plates ... and then later called about the final payment on the Fortuner ... Decy gave the car broker an earfull and advised that the final payment will be made when the Fortuner has permanent plates and not a moment before.  I think the payment will be next week ... we shall see

Today, Wednesday, I get to ride in the CrV to work ... he he he ....

As for the Palm House ... made it through the security inspection with only minor upgrades required ... now on the QA/QC inspection ... this is a very slow process !!! Looks like we will not get into the house by the end of Sept ... maybe 7th-10th of October .... all going well.

ciao ciao