A Ticket, A Dream, and A Solo Flight.

 The moment had finally arrived. With my passport in one hand and a heart full of mixed emotions, I stepped into the bustling airport, ready for my first-ever solo journey from India to New Zealand. Excitement and nervousness swirled within me as I double-checked my boarding pass, realizing that this was more than just a flight, it was a leap into independence. The journey wasn’t direct; I had a 1.5-hour layover in Malaysia, which added another layer of thrill and slight anxiety. Navigating a foreign airport alone, surrounded by strangers and unfamiliar signs, felt like a mini adventure within the adventure. From the rush of catching my next flight to the quiet reflection at 35,000 feet, every moment of this trip shaped an unforgettable experience filled with challenges, surprises, and a newfound confidence in myself.

Convincing my parents to let me travel alone to New Zealand was no easy task. Their concerns about safety, long flights, and layovers made them hesitant, but after days of reassurance, promising to stay in touch and explaining how manageable solo travel could be, they finally agreed. Just when things seemed settled, unexpected twists made the journey even more thrilling. My exams got postponed, throwing my travel plans into uncertainty, and to make things more nerve-wracking, my visa arrived just seven days before departure! The real tension, however, came when my tickets were booked just a day before I was supposed to fly. The suspense of waiting for confirmation, the struggle to find a good flight option, and the constant ticking clock had my heart racing. But the moment my ticket was finally booked, a mix of relief, excitement, and nervous anticipation took over. I was finally going to embark on my first-ever solo international journey!

Just when I thought the toughest part of my journey was over, another challenge awaited me. My first flight was already delayed by an hour, leaving me with only 30 minutes to catch my connecting flight in Malaysia. The moment I landed in Kuala Lumpur, panic set in—I had to rush through the massive airport, navigate unfamiliar signs, and find my boarding gate in record time. The language accent made things even trickier, as I struggled to understand directions while my heart pounded with the fear of missing my flight. It was a complete mess, but somehow, with a mix of adrenaline and luck, I made it just in time. Finally, as I landed in New Zealand, exhaustion turned into overwhelming joy. The immigration process felt like the last hurdle before the moment I had been waiting for, seeing my family again. As I stepped out of the airport, a wave of pride washed over me. This journey had tested my patience, confidence, and problem-solving skills, but in the end, I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone was the best thing I could have done.

From the very second day, our adventure kicked off with a trip to Rotorua, a place that truly lived up to New Zealand’s reputation as the "Adventure Capital." The thrill and excitement were unmatched, making it an adrenaline rush like no other. The next day, we explored the insane thermal parks, where boiling mud pools, steaming vents, and vibrant mineral formations created an otherworldly experience. On the third day, we took a mesmerizing tree walk, surrounded by towering redwoods and nature’s beauty, before finally heading home after three days of non-stop exploration. As the year came to an end, we welcomed the New Year in Auckland’s bustling CBD, celebrating with breathtaking fireworks lighting up the night sky. In the following days, we visited various harbors and ports, diving into the rich Kiwi culture. What fascinated me the most was how the country thrived with a small population—everything was organized, rules were strictly followed, and to my surprise, almost everyone was actively engaged in some sport. It was incredible to see how sports were not just a pastime but a way of life. This journey wasn’t just about exploring places,  it was an eye-opening experience that showed me the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and culture, making New Zealand a place I will never forget.

I spent almost 22 days in New Zealand, learning, exploring, and enjoying every moment in this incredible country. From thrilling adventures to cultural discoveries, every day felt like a new experience. But as the days passed, the  moment arrived January 15th, the day I had to return to India. My heart and mind weren’t ready to leave; I had grown so attached to the place, the lifestyle, and the memories I had created. With heavy hearts and sad faces, we made our way to the airport, a mix of emotions running through me. But little did I know, my journey back wouldn’t be as smooth as I had imagined—this was just the beginning of an unexpected twist.

Just a few hours before heading to the airport, I received a message from Malaysian Airlines that my flight from Auckland to Malaysia was delayed by an hour. While it didn’t seem like a huge issue at first, things took a serious turn when I got another message—my connecting flight from Malaysia to Mumbai was delayed by 11 hours! What was originally supposed to be just a 1-hour layover had suddenly turned into an exhausting wait. Panic set in, but I decided to face the situation boldly.

I boarded my 10-hour flight from Auckland to Malaysia, and upon landing, I was relieved to learn that the airline had arranged compensation in the form of a hotel stay. But another challenge arose—how was I supposed to get there, considering the hotel was outside the airport? I reached out to an airline staff member, and thankfully, he informed me that as an Indian passport holder, I didn’t require a visa to exit the airport. With some effort, I made it to the hotel, but the real test came when it was time to return.

The pickup time for the bus to the airport was 4:00 PM, and being Indian, I assumed a slight delay wouldn’t be a big deal. But when I reached at 4:05 PM, I saw the bus about to leave! My heart raced as I barely managed to stop it just in time. Amid all this chaos, I suddenly realized—I had left my boarding pass in my hotel room! Panic kicked in again, but I quickly requested the bus driver to wait for just 10 minutes while I rushed back to grab it. By sheer luck, I made it back just in time and reached the airport.

After clearing immigration and arriving at my boarding gate, I finally thought things were back on track until another frustrating announcement came in: my flight was delayed again, this time by another 2 hours. At this point, I was mentally exhausted, but I had no choice but to accept the challenge and wait patiently. After what felt like an eternity, my flight finally took off, and I landed in Mumbai, bringing this rollercoaster of a journey to an end.

This return journey tested every bit of my patience, but in the end, it left me with an unforgettable story of resilience, adaptability, and a whole lot of unexpected twists!

This journey was more than just a trip it was a glimpse into the life I have always dreamed of. Even before I entered college, I had envisioned moving abroad, and that dream became the driving force behind my decision to pursue engineering, knowing it would increase my chances of making it a reality. Experiencing New Zealand firsthand only strengthened my determination,  the lifestyle, the culture, and the opportunities resonated deeply with me. If I ever get the chance to move abroad, I would be the happiest person on earth. And no matter how many challenges come my way, I am ready to do whatever it takes to turn this dream into reality. This trip was just the beginning—the real journey is yet to come! 🚀Until next time.