The adventure of a lifetime started with a once-in-a-lifetime delay. It was only my second time traveling by myself, and it just so happened that I was journeying across the globe to beautiful Aotearoa, New Zealand. My flight to LA from Logan Airport in Boston was delayed an hour and a half. That was no problem, as it turned out my checked bag was 15 kgs overweight, and I couldn’t bring my PS5 for Ali and me. After leaving my mom with her own bag to travel with, I got through security and eventually to LA. The trouble really began in LA, however, as my flight was delayed 4 hours; this was after a 6-hour layover as is. Once I finally got settled and on the plane, we had to deflight. I spent the night in LAX after my flight had been delayed 11 hours.
Eventually, however, I arrived at Tanera Crescent to Ali opening the door. I settled in, unpacked my bag, took a shower, and slept. The jetlag had me up at 5:00 AM the next morning, but Ali didn’t wake up much later, so we went downtown and explored. Ali showed me where he had already been, and we walked around the bay area talking about all the activities we couldn’t wait to do. Playing rugby, hiking, even working in a new place. We stayed in, and Ali got ready to play in his first game that Saturday. Sadly, I was unable to play because of my delayed arrival, but I ran touch and enjoyed seeing Ali ball out in his first appearance. Ali helped the Pōneke Colts secure a win over Tawa, which sent a statement to the rest of the table in Wellington.
I began work that week at a research firm on Cuba Street, a central area in the city. In my first full week, I worked, went to the gym, ate beef and rice, went to training, and then ate more beef and rice. Beef and rice has definitely been a staple for Ali and me, with some variation here and there, like an egg, ramen, or the occasional mince and cheese pie. Nonetheless, I got to play my first minutes in New Zealand against Marist St Pats. I played the last 20 minutes of the game on the wing. I secured a few tackles and rucks and was proud of the work I got. We ended up dropping that game.
The next week Ali and I went to the local Super Rugby team, the Hurricanes, quarterfinal match against the Brembies. They handily beat them, and Ali and I had a great time. We enjoyed the game with our teammates Max and Noah and cheered heartily for the Hurricanes.
The next day was Saturday, and I got promoted to reserve on the Prem 2s. We were down 55 points by the half, which was very disappointing, but in a way it was a blessing in disguise as I was able to play the last 30 minutes of the match. I played well, making multiple strong tackles, stopping a try which resulted in a knock-on, making a few solid runs, and playing in the half of the game where we outscored the opposing team. It was Old Timers Day at the club, and I was able to enjoy the court with the Prem 2s. By the time court was over and I rejoined Ali, club legends were giving speeches, and one even received a haka. It was an amazing experience leaving Ali, and I was mesmerized by the culture of New Zealand and rugby abroad.
The following week we played Old Boys University and lost yet again, leaving us in the second bracket for the playoff round robin. Although we will not be playing for top brass, we still hope to make a dent in the competition. That night we ventured back to Sky Stadium to watch the Hurricanes play Beaudan Barrett and the Blues. Once again the Hurricanes dominated. Ali and I already have our tickets bought for the grand finals this weekend, which is the Hurricanes’ first appearance since their victory in 2016. New Zealand has been so amazing thus far, and Ali and I cannot wait to experience more and more of this country.
