Back to Kiwiland!

After an absence of nearly 18 years from the country, I am finally back at New Zealand.

My return trip to NZ is very emotional. It was my late wife's wish (she passed away last June) to have our son pursue his tertiary education in NZ, a country of his birth.

So here I am, at Dunedin, where University of Otago is located.

Things have been very hectic and stressful for me in the last few months. Being a single parent has changed my lifestyle and taking on new responsibilities. Routines which I have previously taken for granted like children's healthcare, education and general well being suddenly takes up at lot of my time.

Having a full time job as a professional does not leave much time for my kids. I am fortunate that my 2 kids have been relatively well behaved and cooperative.

Preparation for my son's trip has been time absorbing. Shopping for his winter clothing, booking air ticket and prior to that, follow up on his university applications.

Accommodation for my son's stay in NZ has been one big headache for me. It has been bothering me for days.

My son left NZ when he was only 2 years old. He has always stays with us all these years and have not been away for long period at all, except during his school trips. The preferred option would be to put him up at one of the halls of residence (university hostels) without him to worry about meal preparations and other house chores.

Not realising that local NZ students started their accommodation application way back in Oct last year, he only submitted his application early this month, as soon as he has been offered a place at the university.

Since our arrival at Dunedin on the nite of 14/2, we have been staying at one of the backpackers hostels.

Today, we went to see the University accommodation officer and the international student advisor to sort out the accommodation matter. The staff have been extremely helpful. We were told that due to our late applications, there aren't any more vacancy. Anyhow, we were advised to go and see the head of one of the College Halls. We couldn't believe our luck when she told us that one of the students had just withdrawn his acceptance. She conducted an instant interview on my son and immediately offered a place. Today must have been one lucky day for us. Tomorrow I am going to buy a Lotto ticket.

I will be busy in the next few days to sort out his banking matters, course approval and a whole host of things.