My exams ended on the last day of the semester. While others were already free and easy, I had 2 papers on that day itself. Freedom did not take too long to come by though; I would say exam period devours time. Before I know it, I was all set for my flight down to Wellington on that very night. I was supposed to tag along Viveon to the airport but since his girlfriend was driving, it did not feel so right. Ended up paying 10 bucks for the Airport Shuttle. Went together with a couple of Petunia (Short for Petronas Union in Auckland) friends.

The flight down Wellington was smooth in a Qantas. We were treated like Business Class passengers since the flight was so empty. On board, the stewardess kept insisting that we take extra for everything that was served. That's weird. Come to think of it, they were probably leftovers from the journey before but nahh.. quality's assured. We touched down close to midnight. Funny thing was that my friend's luggages got on the flight to Christchurch instead so it took awhile for them to sort out the problem. While they were settling their luggages, we actually played Futsal in the deserted airport just like Joga Bonito. Some cab drivers joined as well lol.

Sweating like a pig, we boarded one cool cab that look as if it had undergone a "Pimp My Ride" transformation. From cool blue disco lights to average-size screens playing "Guns N Roses", all that and more. We got to Wellywood Backpackers, our pit-stop for the week, at midnight and were to hype up that we actually explored the city under harsh weather conditions instead of just resting in our bunk beds.

(Here's how the bunk beds look like - 4 to a room. It wasn't really nice to sleep with people who snores!)

The 4th day of Bersatu Games started the next day. By then most games were over already. I only managed to play Futsal for Petunia on the 5th day. It was all good getting myself up and running again after a period of "couch potato" due to exams. Stamina wise, I sucked. Those other Clubs were really rough.. we weren't far behind. :) I was left flying after a sliding tackle the very first time I came in contact with the ball. Ouch* We failed to qualify for the semis because of goal difference.

The crowds were LOUD on their mouths, hands and feet each cheering on their teams. Everybody was so full of spirit that day. We chant our own themes in rhythm to support the players and the opposing supporters retaliate with one of their own. There were a total of 10 teams I think from all around New Zealand competing.

(Watching the lions in their den)

The girls' futsal were so ganas especially during Finals between UMSA and PetSoc. They somehow played worse than the guys in terms of being aggressive at girls level. You rarely see them play with such competitiveness. I admit the match was really exciting. The game was so intense and all that action needed an extra period before finally going down to penalty shootouts to decide the winner. PetSoc ended up winning 4 to 2. It was like EURO08' encore!

(Volleyball Finals- UMSA got gold)


(Here's one with me lol)


(Basketball action - UMSA got silver. Lincoln were champs! A disappointing end...)


(Takraw)


(Badminton)

(Probably the most unique picture taken in Wellington)

5th Day of Bersatu Games also marks the end of it. We had the closing dinner in one of the rugby stadium in the VIP box. The place was overlooking the rugby field of course and the view from up there is just spectacular. You have to see it for yourself to understand it. The fact that it was not lighted up made it look a little dull though. The emcee said that for those "VIP" who wants to get their season pass in that box, they would need to pay 15k a year or something. Wow that's a lot!

(United - This is cool!)

UMSA took home most of the Gold this year so of course they were the overall winners.

(UMSA president receiving the World Cup like trophy as the overall winners - I got to kiss it :D)

The thing about Bersatu Games is that I get to meet up with friends from all over New Zealand. Here are two of them from my college:

(Sheng & Amir & myself with my last minute makeover attire)

That is the end of Bersatu Games 08'. Next year, I really hope that it would be held in Auckland. It would be so much more comfortable for athletes like us to get a goodnight sleep in our very own beds, wake up fresh and be ready compete. Home court advantage! We would have to bid for it though. It is between Auckland and Parmerston North.. but pleaseeee, who would want to go to Parmerston North?