Retrospective- UniQ experience

Marty, the new guy from UniQ, has been kind to organize a farewell drink for me who is leaving Auckland. So he put up an invitation in Facebook and those who know me pretty well through UniQ came. We had our drink as our usual spot, Naval and Family. They got me a cake and a card as well. We had a great time catching up and sharing stories. It was just like another Coffee night. Marty, Seb, Daniel and I went to Urge for a while before we went separate ways.

As I walked back with the leftover of the chocolate cake and the farewell cake, my heart felt heavy, the experience I had this year flashed through my eyes.

I still remember when I went to my first UniQ meeting. I signed up early this year but I never worked out the courage to go there until May. I went all the way to the meeting spot twice but never went in. When I decided to just went in there, I was greeted with some warm faces and some nonchalant ones. The president, Clint was welcoming and I started the journey trying to fit into the group.

It was hard at first, I had no idea what they were talking about half the time. But as time past and I attended more meetings, I got to know them better. I sometimes joined them at the Level 0 at Student commons, where they usually hang out and do their assignments. We become good friends. It was great being with people who are just like you. I feel that being gay is not weird, it’s just normal, it happens to you and me as well. I’m not a freak, but just a bit different.

We shared so many things in common. Some of them speak some French, Seb shares my penchant for bears, Nemo and Sam gave me a taste of how lesbians are just like normal girls. But the best thing I done was to be like a mentor to Marty, who was new to UniQ and start attending the meeting after me. He was quite alone at the beginning and I knew how he felt. So I tried chatted with him and even showed him around the gay scenes in K’rd. It was not long before he became part of the group and I feel my work was done. But then I realize it’s time for me to leave.

Holding the cake and the card, I walked my way along Grafton Bridge. Looking at the long road and also the dimmed street lights, I feel that my journey has already begun as a gay man. I am still young but I know the road ahead will not be a straight and easy one. But I hold the good wishes of those who know me, those who are in the same journey as I am. I feel that I will prevail one day. It may be tough but I’ll be tougher.

I’ll miss the weekend clubbing at family or checking out hot bears walking down the street. But hey I have heaps more waiting for me, who knows good things will happen to me in the end.
To Seb, Marty, Daniel, Clint, Oliver, Nemo, and Sam and Brittany who were not there, I know you guys wont be reading this but it has been good knowing all of you. Hope you guys have wonderful years ahead. Cheers and be fabulous. Hahaha.

Last weeks in NZ

If bad timing has always been the theme of my gay life, then the guy that I met a few weeks ago could really testify to that, once again. As usual was just surfing the net when a guy hollered me from NZ dating. He’s 33 and looks pretty cute, though I did suspect that he is a fem queen before I met him face to face. Name’s Aiden and he’s quite nice. We had some fun twice and I am hoping of seeing him again. He lives just across the street from where I am and he lives on the top floor, where from his apartment one can get a beautiful Auckland city view and the night view was just amazing from his house. But he’s a bit busy and it’s difficult to see him sometime so am not putting too much hope on him. Plus I can’t offer him anything anyway.

But again the hour glass is not stopping and the time I still have in Auckland is vanishing before my eyes. I find it hard to accept that I am leaving soon and did not get a chance to have another bf after Kem, of which I felt angry and disappointed at myself for wasting time with him when I could have had somebody else.

Well I am counting down the days now seriously. Eric’s comment on my blog does make me feel better. I need not have to worry so much really, probably just my profession which might make things a bit difficult to me ( a gay Malaysian Teacher? ). But I’ll survive, plus I now know a few sisters along the way so I am not alone.

My second last week in New Zealand was great. Once again My friends and I embarked on another hiking trip, this time we’ll be doing the famous Routeburn Track together with the adjoining Greenstone track to make like a loop. The view was amazing from the top really. Snow-capped mountains with green hills and valleys. But I lost one side of my spectacles lens into the river. So I will be a one-eyed monster till I fly back.

For the first time I’ll load some photos. Well I hope the photos won’t turn out too bad. and i am showing my face for the first time. well am not good looking but i don't think i am repulsive either haha.


View from Key Summit. View of Mt. Cristina.

Lake Mackenzie, second day, i tried bathing in the

lake but the water is really cold.

Conical Hill, view of Darran Mountains, feels like

being on the top of the world.

Me debut on my own blog haha. at Harris Saddle near

Lake Harris

Me looking out to Routeburn Valley.

Me At Glenorchy, near the starting of the track.

i am not still considering whether should continue with the blog. of course the gay encounter part will be less but i hope there will be some ( actions in Malaysia, can;t wait to check out). well in a way i am quite excited to be back as well, being educated to all things gay in NZ, am quite curious of the scenes in KL. oh well i'll find out when i get back.

If you're reading this, Happy birthday Eric ( RPMnut). might catch ou sometimes when i am back in KL. cheers to all readers who read my blog. it's great knowing somebody who read what you write.