The Travelling Elephant

We found these beautiful elephant tables at the Art Market in Accra, and after much consideration, decided to make a purchase.  Our boy Constitution even brought it to the airport the following morning wrapped and ready to go.  

    

After spending several hours at the airport the morning of our departure, Ben had to go back "just for five minutes" to fill out some remaining paperwork before the artifact would be shipped as cargo.  So our team waited outside in our buses for him to run in and do this.  And we waited...and finally had to go and check in without him because it was taking so long. No one would tell him anything, but after an hour and a half and a drive to border control, he was notified that the DEA was suspicious drugs were being smuggled in the elephant! A common practice I'm sure, but the fact that it was happening to us was just laughable. 

To Ben's horror (and mine as I later pictured the scene), a hammer was taken to the beautiful piece and inspected for drugs. Guess what they found......nothing. So we are left with no elephant, having paid everything in full, and Ben is hoping he can still make the flight.  

I have to say I was glad to have a good story!

...

This week we were notified that our replacement was being shipped.  We didn't know if it would be sent to our apartment or if we should pick it up at the airport, until we got the call from the airport saying it was in. So Ben went to get it today and she is now in our home! (We were thankfully able to get the other one from Constitution's shop that was almost the same).  

This box has seen better days...

    

Excited to see it!

 And there she is! What a beauty.  At first it looked like the wrong color and finish, but once in dimmer light I could tell it was the right one.

I was really, REALLY nervous to get this thing up three flights of stairs by ourselves. (Thankfully my husband is very strong and muscular :) ) 

Phew. Made it to the top!

Just testing it out.

Isn't she a great fit?!

Welcome home, little one.