Boarded by Customs.

We were busy with the daily chores yesterday when we saw a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with four people on board drive past us twice. We thought nothing of it and then we heard a knock on the hull of Koru. Knocking on the hull would be the same as knocking on someones door. Scrubby poked his head up through the companionway hatch and the Customs Officers came on board. They introduced themselves and then proceeded to ask us whether we had any guns or drugs on board. Scrubby said "no", well you would wouldn't you! 

We had to produce the ships papers and our passports and then answer about 20 minutes of questions. This wasn't too bad, we've had previous experiences of being boarded by Customs, the last time was mid-channel. That time we saw the RIB pop out from behind a ship and race towards us full throttle and we were rammed by them as they scrambled on board, it's a good job we're a steel boat. That time we were questioned and then searched which was a most disconcerting experience. This time we were only questioned. 

Amongst the questions we were asked was the one "and what is your job" imagine this being asked in a French accent. I reply "I am a Registered Nurse" and Scrubby replies "I'm a TV producer" (this is because it's the easiest of his many and varied job descriptions to explain to someone whose first language isn't English). "So, you are famous" exclaims the Customs Officer. "Yes" says Scrubby using his best poker face, "I'm world famous in New Zealand". The Customs Officer starts to laugh proving that some Customs Officers really do have a sense of humor, thankfully. With all the traveling we do we have met some real shockers over the years. The worst and most obstructive we've come across have been in the Caribbean, I won't mention which particular Islands but they know who they are. 

I thought I'd leave you this time with a photograph of a little French fancy I spotted the other day. 

Keep Well x