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PS: Although it says Monday 1st May, it actually the 7th! Darn computers.

I have just come back from a whirlwind adventure in New Zealand and had a superb flight back except for the time when I felt as if i would faint. Luckily, I got more toys on board - This time is was a brown dog and a polaroid picture of me and my graduation toy. I have actually decided never to fly on another airline except emirates. There are exceptions though - Emirates does not fly everywhere, so if I wanted to go to - let's say Peru, I'll probably have to catch another airline. SPEAKING OF WHICH!

i was waiting to check-in and I was about to take a video of my parents when this man behind me goes: "It makes a whole lot of difference when you take the lense-cap off." Then, he goes: "Were you on the flight last Saturday?" And my answer was obviously yes. Then he said: "I thought I remembered you. You were wearing that pink hat right" LOL! it was funny... I didn't realise how flamboyant that hat was. But it was such a surprise. How often are you on the same plane to a destination with someone, and taking the same plane back.

I arrived last Saturday at about 12.45pm, got off the plane, went through customs, had to remove my pink hat several times then mooched around under the samsung stall. I then strenously directed Kelvin to Te Atatu as we needed to pick up some stuff from the Clists, but after turning right several times we ended up in Mt Albert and went to visit Sundeia instead.

I went to the Clists after following Sundeia to the church and going straight pass it. They were very good at hiding a secret of which shocked my pores later that evening. After getting the tripod and pining whether we'd get the data projector, I went to help Sundeia and Terry prepare for the party. We had lots of fun throwing balls around and watching Terry sort out the streamers and filming in...mmm... HDV 5.1 sound.

The party started at 7.30pm and people came dressed up in their various uniforms and there was an array of delicious food. LOTS of sugar was served later that evening. Hayley also showed up after saying she couldn't make it and said to me that she had to pick up a "friend" who lived close-by. This was quite unusual for me as I was not aware that she had a good friend in Mt Albert. But then again, I have been gone for 6 months... anything could happen. She brought the data projector with her. This is what I thought Stefan and his mum were planning, but I was mistakened. As I was busily setting up the data projector, Hayley pulls me to the girls toilet to tell me a "secret." All these ideas went through my head... I thought maybe she wanted to tell me she was interested in someone but as we were securely in the toilet, she goes: "Kalyan, i have to tell you a secret. I am pregnant." I was shocked! Then someone walked out of the toilet, and I was quite fearful that they had heard what she said, then I went: Hayley, we should've checked first. But in a second glance, I realise who had walked out.

IT WAS JORDAN! jordan who was suppose to be America. Jordan who had a leaving dinner and who I had thought was not in the country. Even his parents said that he's gone off - of course they were referring to his brothers house. I had called earlier to say i was coming to get some stuff and when Jordan heard, he went to his brothers house. His cousin Daniel said that he really wanted to tell, but for the day, was quite a good secret keeper. He was danging strings at me for my whole visit that day. Wasn't that a surprise! I love surprises. I got to see the love of my life for a few more days before he left on Tuesday after being granted a visa. Oh woe! I still have my HDV and poetry :)

On Sunday, I went to my church and caught up with some people, then Sundeia's church and caught up with more people then in the evening I went to Kelvin's church and learnt about whether I am ready for battle.

Fast forward a few days of mooching around Auckland and going to the airport several times, and you have graduation day. I woke up at 6am, as usual, and my folks drove to the university for the breakfast. I took a protrait photo, and to my dismay, I looked absolutely dreadful - my mum used the word: "rabbit." LOL! but she did say she was joking. I didn't like it personally - luckily I had more pictures.

It was so exciting. There were so many people dressed up in their suits and best clothing. I mooched around old government house for the first time. I had no idea it was so fancy and nice. I always remember just walking pass it and glimpsing at it's victorian-ness.it'll be nice to have a house like that. It even had a fireplace.

The street procession was lots of fun despite the menacing rain pouring down on our regalias. I met up with Lee who walked down with me while the drums were played and the bagpipes heard aloud in central city. There were so many spectators and lots of police cars. Part of queen street was blocked off for the procession. i have it on tape. It was quite memorable. Especially turning into queen street from victoria street and to the entrance of Aotea Square.

I was bursting to go to the toilet though and it wasn't until we were all lined up in the supper room when this girl also had the same request and we rushed to the toilet before we had to process into the hall.

Marching in the hall was wonderful. As soon as you enter, you see lights flashing from all directions and everyone is standing looking at you. Well, I'm sure they're looking at their own kids but the effect is wonderful for you. I was sitting at the back 'coz the ceremony was A-L, and my last name is KY. :( Oh well, at least the ceremony ended surely after I got my degree.
We took some pictures afterwards, then i went to the architecture building to join terry for his celebration lunch. I also got a ticket to his ceremony from this lovely girl Emily. I was quite fortunate.

After the ceremony, the quadricedes met up and took some interesting pictures in the town hall before wondering around victoria street deciding on a place to eat. We ended up eating at our original suggestion: Midnight express. It was such a wonderful day. There were so many special moments. It was hard saying goodbye once again but these things happen. It was worth all the thousands I had spent on this trip.















Terry and I looking like we are having an intelligent conversation.