Reflections of my past: Part IV - My Arrival

Waikato University…..
Oh, Hawaii! Nice! Loads of pretty ladies there hula-ing around.
That’s Waikiki University,
Waikato University is in New Zealand…
Oh…. (awkward silence……)



That’s the usual conversation when the name of my university was mentioned.
That’s how obscure my University was, despite it being the No. 1 business school in NZ.
Waikato University, the sanctuary and foundation for my learning.
And Yes, I am proud to be part of that heritage.



I for one would have never contested to the fact that
I could have turned out horribly wrong (I have been there), that
I could not enjoy the privilege of a good education and
could eventually end up seeking refuge from the authorities due to illegitimate exploits from past encounters.

Could have…..

Yet, in an unanticipated and miraculous sequence of circumstances,
I was graced with the opportunity to re-inaugurate myself towards a fresh clean path.
As though someone dispensed me a brand new canvas in replacement for the one already tainted with images and colors from my belligerent past.
Waiting for me to splash, brush, knife and paint new images with the vast array of colors which lay before me.

Those were my musings as I stood waiting for my turn to exit the aircraft,
Soon, those thoughts diminished in substitute of breathtaking and inspiring picturesque images.
Landscapes of vibrant flora and fauna fused with stretches of mountainous perfection paints itself across a panoramic spectacle of crystal clear blue skies.



All these time, my ignorance limited me to assume that images as spectacular as this would make one feel indifferent to those seemingly savored through magazines.
As if my visionary sensation wasn’t rewarding enough,
my body felt rejuvenated as I drew the cool crisp air within me.
Furthering on my disembarkation, I was greeted with consistent “Kia Ora” (General greeting in Maori, meaning "Be Well,Healthy" or Good Health), warm smiles and helpful individuals,
Each accommodating and helping this young ignorant immature adventurer towards his destination.
If this first quaint encounter with NZ is any precursor to the escapades ahead,
Yes! I am excited, eager and energized.

As I recall correctly,
One of my initial unforgettable encounters was an uneasy circumstance given my ethnic background and even more so, my lack of exposure.
Upon arriving at the airport, I was asked by university officials who were there to shuttle me to Waikato, to wait for the next group of students due to arrive in an hour or so.
Hence, I was left to satisfy my own curiosity and keep myself preoccupied till they arrive.
After exploring the airport, I found myself sitting at a common waiting area soaking in and appreciating the NZ ambiance.

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted with intimate sounds from the couple sitting on the next bench.
Becoming more passionate with each other, the muffled kisses became more obvious and started to pierce through my thoughts which was then premiering cinematic performances of rainbows, sunshine and cute kid lambs hopping everywhere in the meadows.
Though a bit disturbing, I could not resist succumbing to my curious nature to take a glance.
I saw an averagely well built man passionately kissing a person with luscious long blond hair, which I dare say comes close to those blatantly flaunted in shampoo advertisements.
Wow, love is in the air I thought, as I tried to recommence my thoughts prior.
Just then, the couple stood up and started to proceed to their next destination, either to advance their current activities or to seek a location with less prying eyes and curiosities.
As they walked by, I heard a pair of masculine voices.
I casually looked up so as not to rouse any suspicion and indentified the luscious blond counterpart as a masculine figure….. gosh! He’s a man, the pair were men!
I just witnessed my first gay encounter.

At this point, kindly allow me to pause my recollection as I feel the need to clarify the circumstance in reference above.

Let me make it clear that I have nothing against gay couples, in fact, one of my study teams were a gay couple and I think they are very nice people and they were very good study friends. And their encounter was yet another comedic tale to tell. But that’s for another time.

What culture shock!
I have seen transvestites in Thailand and Malaysia but nothing could have prepared me for intimate gay interactions.
This was different.
I mean, they were men, for crying out loud, and they were kissing passionately… in public!
After settling my ethnic opinions, I left the bench feeling that I have expanded my perspectives and gained some exposure though not in the ideal circumstance.

I then proceeded towards the gathering point, where the rest of my fellow scholars congregated to be transported to Waikiki Hawaii, just kidding :p, to Hamilton, Waikato.
The trip down to Hamilton granted me another 90 minutes of unrivalled scenery and ambiance.
We arrived to the university premises around 8pm,
where the sun’s incandescent rays seems to dwindle and dim into twilight,
where millions of twinkling stars will soon perform across the moon lit ebony sky.



I settled into College Hall, the resident hostel which will play host to all international students during the week long orientation.
After dinner, the few of us sat down to get better acquainted with each other.
Little did I know then that some of them would continue to foster lifelong strong friendships till today, hopefully tomorrow and forever more….