hi! i have a question about the maracas you got. i remember reading someone elses thread about their wedding - they had these maracas shipped to them and then they packed them to take with to the hotel and they had mentioned a strong paint odour and that the paint on these maracas chipped easily. did you have either of those issues? also, what do you suggest for traveling with them - what's the best way to pack them to minimize damage etc? thx!!