Thanks again for the pointers Rod
I first went through the template file and fixed the missing php bits as you suggested - there were two missing instances. Then I put the template file in place and cleared everything out of the browser and started an anonymous order.
This time when I clicked the estimate button in the cart it shows me the screen with the option to choose a country. This wasn't showing earlier. It still gave the error about not being able to get a quote, so I went into the admin and simply enabled all packaging options to be sure one was going to be valid. Now it displays half a dozen shipping options.
Fantastic
With this and my curl issue resolved I can now zero in more accurately on my remaining paypal ipn issue.
Thanks again for the help.
Rob





