I attended a pre-departure session today for international students heading to Australia & NZ, as I'm heading there (oz that is) for my undergrad in a few wks.…
‘Twas an informative session, basically telling us what to expect when we reach there…but some things that were mentioned were totally unexpected, and totally hilarious…read on…

For starters, the Aussie & NZ authorities seem to be paranoid about people bringing stuff into their country! They’re especially quite strict on bringing foodstuffs, but they let is pass as long as one declares to customs that he or she is carrying it…Well one Indian family just landed into Melbourne, and were carrying a small quantity of food. They declared it all, and were allowed to pass without any hassles. Before landing, on the flight, they were given apples along with the regular on-flight meal. One of them didn't wanna eat it there and then, so she put it in her handbag. Now when her baggage went through security clearance, she was hauled up and asked to pay a fine. Why? Thats cause she didn't declare the apple as part of the food!!! Can you imagine?? One apple?? And she was asked to pay a $200 fine!!! (thats bout INR 7000!!). I’m told that she hasn't eaten that apple till date, and has preserved it, and who can blame her??? Its worth $200!!!!

Another equally crazy incident was when another dude heading into Auckland was carrying a tabla with him (for all you global ‘uneducated’ readers, its a musical instrument). He was also hauled up at customs for not declaring the tabla!! Now I was just wondering what harm could a mere tabla possibly do?? It was explained to him that as it was a wooden instrument, it could carry termites. Now don’t tell me that with all the terrorists running loose, the Kiwi’s are actually afraid of Indian termites?? Sheesh… They confiscated it, charged him a $350 fine, and returned it to him after a week, and that too broken! And pray just what did they do with it for a week?? They fumigated it to kill and ‘supposedly dangerous’ termites that ‘could’ be there….Heavens, have mercy!

I’ll be carrying my guitars when I go, and if they dare fumigate it or do something funny like that, I'll make sure to ruin their happiness for a long long time…..