A big welcome to Eric and his journey to New Zealand

Thu, August 27, 2015   |   Novo News

My Journey to New Zealand: Day 1

The night before I left home to New Zealand, excitement and nervousness neglected my sleep. One day in the morning, I received a special phone call and I never thought I could win a trip to New Zealand from a marketing proposal competition organized by Education New Zealand (ENZ), otherwise I may just won an I-phone 6 as consolation prize. My whole trip was sponsored (including flight ticket, visa application, homestay and with some allowance). Proudly, I was the only winner representing Malaysia to work with Novo Education Consultation, based in New Market, Auckland.

The night before I leave.

My buddies stayed up late with me before I departed in the morning even though I had an exam on the following day. Perhaps the “Mamak” (Malaysian curry), people in Malaysia are still being lively late at night, sitting along the street at the 24 hours Indian restaurant where we celebrated my farewell. If you are a tourist in Malaysia, “Mamak” is the word to learn.

First shot of arrival to Auckland, made it!

I landed in New Zealand late at night on Friday 21st August. A 10 hour flight was not easy as this was my first time flying out from Malaysia, hardly getting any sleep on the flight with butterflies in my stomach. The moment I walked out from the terminal, 9 degree Celsius of cold air struck me. First thing, I was holding both of my ears and rushed myself into the car. Weather can be perceived fine, one thing I have to affirm that Malaysia generally comes with 3 kinds of weather conditions; rain, hot and VERY HOT!

*Note: Thanks Wendy and Aom, the lovely married couple who picked me up at late night. They were the first people I met upon landing.

Everything here has been well arranged. So they brought me to the homestay at Nolan Road, Greenlane. There I met Nick (the Kiwi) and Connie (the Pinoy) as they were waiting for my arrival. It was such a wonderful welcome and hospitality that they offer, I really appreciate it. Apparently I found out later that the homestays have quite average standard and consistent pricing. After settling down, I got sunken on my bed and past out straight away. Can’t wait to open my eyes for the next day!

I will share more about my journey. Just some sneak peek on where I had missioned on my first weekend. Stay tuned!

That’s right! It is me, Nick and Connie.