Two Years without Lego: and What I learned

[xboxtravis7992]

So I have been through quite an adventure these last two years. In 2013 I accepted a call from The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Saints (Mormons) to serve a two year mission in Argentina. I recently got back yesterday, and what an experience it was! The downside of being two years in Argentina though should be obvious... the Legos stayed home.

For obvious reasons, all my lego sets could not come down south with me. Although I focused my attention on my duty at hand, I noticed every time I saw Lego, or any fake brick brand. My sole lego possessions where 7 minifigures that my parents sent me. Thanks to customs laws, the bricks where rare and expensive. Even then, some of the marvels I saw in Salta and Tucuman Argentina, gave me some future MOC ideas. I also was humbled to see the kids in the poor areas, who their only Lego possession was a pirated backpack... I am grateful for my Parents who bought me Lego all my life, and the solid income they provided. I am amazed that my parents bought me The Chinese Cinema, and the City Cargo train just so I didn't miss out on them while away from home. I am grateful for my grandparents who paid me soooooo, much money to mow their lawns.

And today for my first day in the U.S.A, they took me to the Lego Store in Utah. WOW! First time there, and a lot of surprises: my childhood obsession Bionicle came back from the dead with Tahu on steroids! New Pirates, Ferraris, LEGO Movie sets, Star Wars, Superheros, Minecraft, Simpsons, and a few Modular Buildings. I limited my budget to a $100 dollar spending cap, plus $30 dollars of freebies thanks to VIP. Although I love my hobby, I truly understand that our possesions are not happiness, but can form a part of a balanced happy life where one follows their belives and serves others. So maybe I will just have to share the Lego fun with my cousins...

That is my story guys. See you soon online

Tambien, yo hablo espanol ahora. Sientente libre a escribirme. Chau.

[Paul B Technic]

Thanks for sharing :)

[CaptainToad]

Amazing experience! Its a pity not all people in all countries can afford to buy lego for their kids - actually quite a shame that the Lego people dont find ways to make lego more affordable in those countries... I remember, when I was young that my mother couldnt really afford to buy that much Lego to me (father died when I was six and things toughened), I just had a couple of sets which never really amounted to much.

[Robert8]

Very interesting experience, thanks for sharing

[Legotom]

Amazing experience! Its a pity not all people in all countries can afford to buy lego for their kids - actually quite a shame that the Lego people dont find ways to make lego more affordable in those countries... I remember, when I was young that my mother couldnt really afford to buy that much Lego to me (father died when I was six and things toughened), I just had a couple of sets which never really amounted to much.

As said in the opening post its at least partly down to customs laws imposing large import duties. And of course Argentina has a fairly weak currency, so any import in Euros or Dollars will be expensive in Pesos (at least I think Argentina use Pesos). Both of these things are outside of Lego's control.

You may be interested that in real terms, adjusted for inflation, Lego is now cheaper than it has ever been.

[CaptainToad]

As said in the opening post its at least partly down to customs laws imposing large import duties. And of course Argentina has a fairly weak currency, so any import in Euros or Dollars will be expensive in Pesos (at least I think Argentina use Pesos). Both of these things are outside of Lego's control.

You may be interested that in real terms, adjusted for inflation, Lego is now cheaper than it has ever been.

You might be right on that one, its still sad

[AmperZand]

My collection was packed away for a year and a half during a couple of house moves. It was frustrating at times but at least I was able to keep collecting while I was moving. When I finally settled down, I had to combine my old and new display and reserve collections which was actually quite fun. Accessing my old minifigs and sets was like meeting a friend I hadn't seen for a long time. Being away from your collection makes you appreciate it more.

[xboxtravis7992]

Yeah, Argentina uses pesos; plus customs are tight. I once found some $20 USD valued sets being sold for the equvilant of $110 USD. Plus the first three places I lived in where poorer areas (Tucuman (twice) and a small town called Pichanal). Only the last place I was at, Salta had more comfortable living standards. Still alot of great people and I miss a few of them.

[CaptainToad]

Yeah, Argentina uses pesos; plus customs are tight. I once found some $20 USD valued sets being sold for the equvilant of $110 USD. Plus the first three places I lived in where poorer areas (Tucuman (twice) and a small town called Pichanal). Only the last place I was at, Salta had more comfortable living standards. Still alot of great people and I miss a few of them.

Never again will I complain about lego being expensive

[Commander Turtle]

Yeah, my understanding of Argentina is that they make it very hard to convert more than a nominal amount into other currencies. This means that shops can't buy shelves full of Lego, as Lego doesn't have a factory in Argentina and they can't import enough. So you're left with things taken through customs in small quantities and things smuggled in. It stimulates growth because some companies do set up their South American factories in Argentina, and money comes in faster than it leaves. It's a bold strategy and it's helped pull Argentina out of a severe depression, although I think the residents are waiting for it to end now!

Edited July 4, 2015 by Commander Turtle