Swaggie's wanderings

Try as I might I could find nobody to deal with the paperwork to clear us into the country. Visiting a few offices I had been directed to, all were closed, or if manned seemed to have no idea how to assist. I finally went to the marina and picked my way through a large group of men that didn't seem happy. There were police there shouting names out and as I stepped over one guy's legs I noticed he had manacles on. RIIIIIGHT, no wonder they were not happy! It was Saturday, a day off it seems for everyone except these poor fellows being transported somewhere and the obviously unhappy police who had to do the job and miss out on their day off.
The office next door to the room where these prisoners were crowded was manned by two likely looking lads. With a door marked 'No Entry' and 'Staff Only' I just had to go in. I was beckoned in actually, by one of the boys, probably for my own safety, as he was no doubt wondering what this crazy foreigner was doing getting mixed up in a prisoner/police affair. Air conditioning, aaaah, I was going to be in no hurry to leave this office! I explained I had come in from Singapore and needed clearance from the harbour master and customs. Much perplexed looks from both and then the suggestion I should see Customs at the pier. Pointing out the office was closed, nobody home there, they offered advice that I should call them. I asked if they had the number and I had no phone, could they call for me? No idea what the number is etc etc. Much smiling and I was ushered out, surprisingly they didn't point out the 'No Entry' sign on my way, as it turned out later, they should have. Shuffling back through the throng of now even more displeased convicts, wondering if I should wish them a happy stay, or a corner cell with a view, I made my way back to the boat.
A fairly agricultural Catamaran was moored nearby, so I went talk with them on the way and they said customs are only there for the ferries, wait until one comes in, then go over. I tried that, but if they were in attendance they make the Flash look pedestrian in the way they evacuate the office after 'being there'. Next day I went to Customs again, the door was locked, but next door was a lady tapping away on a computer. I asked her where customs were and she said I should look on the door outside. I did this, but the door told me nothing I didn't already know, which was close to zero. I spotted a guy in a T-shirt that looked official and asked him where customs were. He pointed to the office the lady was in! Going back in, I asked if she was customs. "Yes" was the reply. I told her I needed to clear in to Malaysia and she said I needed an application form from the harbourmaster. "Do you have these forms?" I asked. "No, over at the marina, then come back." "Will you be here then?" "No, I am going to Medan" was the response. When I asked how I get hold of customs she said I should ring a number on the door next to this office. It was early, so I had a coffee and something to eat, something to eat is all I can describe it as, it had no defining characteristics that would allow anyone to label it as something definite, but, it killed some time while I waited until 9 when the harbour master opened. I walked to the marina and discovered that the office I had been to the day before was the harbourmaster! I was so distracted by the 'hard men' chained up I had not noticed signs in the window that made it obvious. I waited, and waited, then finally waited some more. At about 10 I gave up, went back to the boat, up anchored and left. Next stop must be better I thought.....