For most of them, it was their first trip overseas, drawing excitement, amazement, and apprehension in them.

Hostel life at Massey University was a mixed experience. It afforded us convenience, as we did not have to walk far to get to our classes. It also introduced us to other Kiwi students, who were a lot different from Filipino students. Yet, it also provided discomfort, as we had to endure the cold breeze when we run to the bathrooms in the morning. In addition, we also had to endure the noise other residents created whenever they came home drunk from a night's outing in the many bars of Palmerston North.

Nonetheless, for me, staying at "C" Hostel for one year was a fun time, for it afforded me with insights on what kind of people New Zealand youth are.

I promised myself that I was going to see New Zealand. As a start, I went tramping with friends to see Oroua River. It was my first sightseeing trip in New Zealand, and it was definitely not going to be my last!

As it was summer, I was still able to wear my shorts and go hiking through the woods and along the river bank, until finally getting to Iron Gates Gorge. I was tempted to take a dip, but the water was too cold for comfort.

In this picture, I can be seen with Simon, who then worked at the laboratory of the Palmerston North City Hospital.