The last night’s MIQ sleep was probably better than I expected, but having woken early, I’d nodded off again by the time the 5:30am alarm went off! Typical. A shave and shower and a little of the given breakfast, plus a coffee, then just a short wait after 6am before the health team knocked on the door, for a final temperature and health check. All OK.
The instruction then was to wait until 7:30am, after which time, an NZDF member (New Zealand Defence Force) would knock on the door and escort us to the exit and the coach.
As my room gave me a view of the reception covered way, I was delighted to see the coach there at 7:30!
After a final check that I hadn’t forgotten anything and a quick wipe down of the various work surfaces and bathroom vanity, it wasn’t long before there was a knock on the door, and heaving the two cases and the carry on wheelie bag out. The lady soldier very kindly wheeled one of the cases for me, and then it was along the corridors and down the ramp for the final time, to the exit. There, I had to show a photo ID, drop the room key and then the NZDF officer handed me my ‘discharge papers’. The bus driver loaded the cases onto the coach and there were only about a dozen of us on coach #1. Some of course were being picked up, or making their own way home.
As with our arrival a Maori farewell from the manager and a well-deserved round of applause for him, and again for the NZDF officer, who also wished us well and thanked us for our co-operation. Unlike one of the MIQ facilities, no reports of gang members smashing up the rooms.
Sure enough, the bus departed on time just after 8am and I didn’t care that it was raining. The last step to freedom – of sorts, as Auckland was still in lockdown.
A good easy run to the airport and I’d suggested that Paula didn’t get there too early, not knowing whether she’d be allowed to wait for the coach.
I needn’t have worried, as it was exactly like the International terminal on September 4th – deserted. The coach arrived at 9:35. Paula and her daughter Julie, just a few minutes later. An emotional reunion then we headed for home, sweet home.
An hour or two later, Paula and I headed out to one of our favourite café’s for a decent takeaway coffee and a heated beef sandwich, which we enjoyed, down at Onewa Domain.
Although that ends the 14 day’s MIQ experience, which was what this blog was all about, I’ll post again with some random comments, such as what I took with me and maybe what I should have taken, plus some generalised comments about the whole MIQ experience. Within the next few days, no doubt there will be a follow up telephone call, to check that I haven’t developed any covid symptoms.
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