spanish "express"

Yesterday I received a visit from two couriers. The first was a man from DHL, delivering a book for my new editing project. It was shipped Friday from St. Louis, Missouri. The second was a man from Nacex (a Spanish courier company), who brought my airline ticket to Frankfurt. It was sent April 13 from Malaga and was to arrive in 24 to 48 hours. As you can see, it did not. The package only arrived after an exchange of about 12 e-mails with the travel agent (who was very helpful and patient, by the way) and me phoning Nacex directly. I was first told they had made several attempts to deliver the ticket, but I was never home. Therefore, I was going to have to come to Malaga myself to pick up the ticket. Bull, bull, bull. We have had this problem before, as have others in the village. The truth is that many couriers don't care to drive up here just to deliver one package. Fair enough, but don't lie and say you attempted delivery and no one was home. I used Nacex's tracking service on their web site and repeatedly received the message that there was no record of my package. Scary. When I purchased the ticket, I also had to provide two phone numbers to the courier. I suggested to Nacex if the delivery man came and no one was home, why wouldn't he call my mobile because invaribly I would be just down the street at the market or walking the dogs. I was told the delivery guy could not call my mobile. Well, then why did I have to give two contact numbers?!! The lovely Cristina at the travel agent finally arranged for the ticket to be delivered Monday between 9 am and 2 pm. I was home the entire time, except when at the vet's with Mr. Beebs, and then my friend L. stayed at the house to wait for the ticket. Surprise, surprise, it never arrived. That evening I received a call from the delivery man himself, telling me he would be there Tuesday between 12 and 1:30. Perfect, I say. But 1:30 came and went with no ticket. An hour later, I was just about to send off another fiery e-mail to Nacex, when there was a knock at the door. Finally, finally I had my ticket. Almost two weeks for it to travel 40 miles. My suggestion: in Spain, only buy e-tickets. Five days until I see Big Jim. :-) hasta manana, mylifeinspain