Day 100 - NZ Processing - big tick Sep 2nd

  Day 100 - September 2nd.

There were a few confused souls around as having put the clocks back regularly over the last 100 days, September 1st disappeared altogether as we crossed the International Date Line.  That put us back on the same day and time as NZ, so for us at least, no more complex calculations as to what time it was back home.

At 9:30am we had our scheduled appointment with NZ Immigration and also MAF (Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries) who control the borders to try and prevent the landing of diseases likely to affect our local industries.  The immigration was a one minute pleasant experience after a two minute queue with a very friendly and welcoming official.  On then to the short queue for the MAF inspection.  Although the issued paperwork said to list and take with you, all items you were declaring, several people were brandishing bits of paper but hadn't brought the items with them.  It never ceases to amaze me how just many people don't seem to be able to comprehend simple written instructions.

Anyway, we fronted up with a bagful of goodies, with reservations about two items only.  Some "Ottoman Spice" purchased in Istanbul and a guava roll from Nicaragua.  The spice was examined for signs of movement and passed.  (Some Ottoman tea had been rejected and binned as it contained signs of life...) The guava roll, as it had been processed, was passed as OK.  We have always found NZ MAF officials to be vigilant but more than helpful and the most surprising stuff can be brought in just as long as it is declared.

Some most unhelpful people on board were adamant that you couldn't take ANYTHING off the ship.  They don't seem to realise that the chocs that appear on your pillow each night do not pose a threat, nor does roasted coffee.  Dried teas and dried herbs are a different case altogether.
Our next appointment was for the dance class- but we didn’t do any dancing until 5 minutes before the end. Not only did each participant get a certificate to add to their collection (crossing the Equator, the Panama Canal etc) but Alana (and Lee) also presented everyone with a trophy, which was a very generous touch, to go along with a glass of champagne. This was really the official end of the dance classes for the World Cruise as so many get of in Auckland, that Alana will just do a new dance for the three days to Sydney.
Up to the buffet of course for lunch, where it is always a golden opportunity to try fish you wouldn't normally come across.
After the quiz where we continued to train our Australian team-mates, I went for a final massage on the shoulder from the diminutive Arlene.  Even though she worked her magic (and sent me through the roof when she started with a bit of reflexology...) she believes I'll need an X-Ray, so we'll see. 
The last formal night for the cruise and a tremendous celebratory meal, where I had 4 savoury course, slotting in the lobster tails after the jumbo shrimp and a shrimp bisque, but before the rack of veal with a topping. They even presented us with the scrolled menus.  A nice touch.
On to the brilliant show "British Invasion", that opened with Acker Bilk's Stranger on the shore as the first UK record to successfully top the charts in the UK and the USA at the beginning of the UK's dominance of popular music for a decade.  A colourful show with good sets and a few 'extras' including a rather well done cut down Mini convertible. 
Although we headed for the atrium for coffee, we didn't dance and hit the sack just after midnight.  One more day...