aldiskaza.com | nz blog

Today is my last official full day in New Zealand and the tone is somber - for reasons near and far.

I learned last night that my grandfather passed away. From what I understand, his condition had wavered during my study abroad — some days were better, but it appeared that his body was in decline. I was already thinking about the stories I was going to tell him, and the photos I wanted to show (even though he probably would not have been able to see very much because of his eyesight) Few days passed when I didn’t think about him, but it was reassuring in small part to learn from my Dad that he, though uncomfortable, appeared to be in little pain. I can still remember visiting him for the last time, before I left — he told me that he would try his best to hold out until I returned. I told him that was nonsense: he’d be up and about in a short while and I’d have lots to show and tell when I came back to Boston. I could never imagine that the short embrace and firm handshake we shared would be our last. I will miss him.

I anticipated that it would be difficult, psychologically, to transition from NZ to the US, but since hearing this news, my thoughts have been with my family.

I didn’t intend for this travel blog to become particularly personal, but I feel that this is certainly an exception. Once again, my two seemingly disparate worlds have collided. This is our world, that we share, after all.

Here there is quite a bit of commotion, people moving out - more people moving in tomorrow for the summer sessions. I don’t have much to do, some cleaning here and there and a bit of packing. I plan on heading downtown again to snap a few photos and maybe up to campus to do the same. For now, I’ll post some random photos from the last few days: Wellington Zoo, the harbor, a rainy day, and the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra.