One Year and Counting

I expected a hot weather when I arrived here in Wellington a year ago. My mom said it was summer, so I just wore shorts, a tank top, and a blazer. Little did I know that summer here is very different from summer in the Philippines.

The minute I walked outside the airport, a chilling wind welcomed me with open arms. I remember telling my mom, “akala ko ba mainit dito? Eh ang lamig kaya!” Funny how you adjust to your surroundings, ‘cause now I consider the cold wind as a perfect match for that scorching sun.

So, after a year living here in Wellington—outside my beloved country and away from my dearest friends—what has changed in me?

I can definitely say my complexion is still the same (fark that beach!!!). Of course I improved my English articulation after months of speaking with Kiwi customers (seriously, their accent is SO hard to understand). I can drive now (yeah buddy!). I learned to be more polite and friendly with people. I became impervious to gusty winds and chilly rain just to have a night out with cousins. I’ve met a bunch of good people that became my friends. And I’ve realized that I learned to appreciate this city more than I could imagine.

But the most important thing that changed since I arrived here? I became closer to my family and relatives. My cousins, who I only know by face and name in the Philippines, have become my closest friends over the months. My aunts and uncles, and my mom (whom I haven’t seen for three years), I can understand and (somehow) relate to them more. My two-year-old cousin and my first niece, I watch them grow day by day. My two sisters and my brother, we have become much closer (but we still fight all the time syempre) here than we were back home.

Of course, family drama will always be there. Those awkward birthday parties and get-togethers—where everyone tries to just be nice and smile at each other but really there is tension—will happen from time to time. Nevertheless, what’s important is we stick together. As a family. And that really shows the ‘Filipino’ in us.

I remember a couple of months ago, I was talking with my cousins in Oriental Bay and having our “emo session.” I said to them.. I don’t see myself living somewhere else outside my country. But being in a different place, in a different situation, and with different people, opens up your eyes to a lot of possibilities in life. And right now, I am just happy where I am—with my family, relatives, and (newfound) friends.

So this blog is to commemorate (oh yes, commemorate. Hahahaa) my first year in New Zealand! Plus, I’ve been planning to create a travel blog a long time ago and I think this is the perfect time for it!

Start of the year, new adventures, new experiences, and new memories. I’m welcoming 2012 with a big smile on my face (and hopefully) a stack of cash for travelling. Happy New Year everyone!

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Some photos in the last 12 months.. :)

With my dad. Can't live without this man :)

 Guy Fawkes Fireworks 2011 

 Snow trip! July 2011 Mt. Ruapehu

 City lights in Queen's Wharf

 My first photowalk with APPS (Aotearoa Philippines Photographic Society) at Wilton's Bush

 Rona Town!!! AWESOME :D

 The Coolest Cousins in Welly! Oyeah

 Summer at Waikanae Beach

 Ohhh yes. \m/

Family complete after four years of being apart. :)