Going through customs and security at Aukland airport xrays picked up my orange still in my purse. Earlier signs and declaration papers had talked about declaring my food items with lots of warnings and instructions. I had forgotten about my orange ( from Longview). I like to carry an orange to guard against hypoglycemia. But when filling out the declaration card I didn't remember it. The "enforcement officer" was not happy! When we were led to the "infringements" desk, I thought "oh-oh!" Then the officer said he would have to impose a fine of $200 NZ. Stunned and incredulous we paid the money and continued on our way. That's how we got the $200 NZ orange. Welcome to Aukland!!! Upon reading the declaration papers later, I see that $200 is the normal fine for not declaring ... read more

Only 7 days to go ! next week at this time we'll be on Quantas airlines flying to NewZeland. Yea! I actually have put clothes in my suitcase - there's more sorting and laundry to do but it's a beginning. Today is a lovely sunny day in Longview and I went outside to take pictures of the beautiful fall folliage around the Lake (lake Sacajawea that is). I am practicing uploading them from my camera to my TravelBlog to see if I have learned (figured out) how to do it. Enjoy! Marty... read more