Customs in Neiafu
Ok we couldn’t put the inevitable off any longer we were
going to have to face the customs officials and sort out our not clearing out
of Tongatapu correctly. Nick disowned us and Roger and I set off for the
customs building located on the wharf. It was a little tricky identifying the
location but eventually we were ushered into a warehouse type building and a
bench and table pulled together. A very serious man in dark clothing and
wearing a traditional mat type skirt sat us down and Roger solemnly explained
the situation, after all it was his responsibility as ships Captain!! A large
ledger was placed on the desk and dusted off. Our details were taken and
Dreamweavers stats were added to the tomb of other boats. “Welcome to Vava’u.” There were to be no fines, no jail sentence or
emergency dash from one end of Tonga
to another we were free to go. Roger and I could not believe our luck. On
returning to the boat after a much needed beer we learnt that $1000 fine could
be applied. We counted our good fortune and planned our next island location
sighing with relief.
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