I hear of murders and bombings and car accidents on an almost hourly basis in my life, either around the corner or in far off, self destructing lands. But I woke up this morning, to my usual early fix of chaos and mayhem - ie, the 6am news - and this next story has stuck with me ever since.
Maybe because it happened back home in New Zealand, maybe because it happened to a foreigner living there. Something twigged in my brain that I couldn't leave it easily aside.
A couple of days ago, a suitcase was found floating in Auckland Harbour - actually down near the former America's Cup village and marina, I believe, so very central. When it was opened, a body was discovered therein. When I read that a couple days ago, I have to admit, my reaction was interesting, but not really sticking with me.
This morning, I heard that they had made two arrests. The victim was a Chinese English language student, 19 years old. He had been the victim of a kidnapping, and his family back home in China had been asked for $A700,000 ($NZ800,000) in ransom.
The family got in touch with the police, not sure whether in China or NZ, but by the time the cops in Auckland had been informed of the kidnapping, Wan Biao was already dead, stuffed into a suitcase. Two Chinese men, both aged 21, have been charged in connection with the murder and had their first court appearance yesterday.
For some reason the story got to me - thinking of how I have galavanted around the world, how excited Mr Wan may have been, unless the study was getting to him, how he may have excitedly emailed or rang back home. How happy though worried his family was back home, and then the heartbreak they must have felt to have the kidnapping advised, and murder confirmed. How it will be the longest plane trip ever for the family members who are coming over to pick up the body and take it home.
How stupid those two dickheads who have been charged with the offences are.
Also thinking how this one story has affected me a lot, whereas floods in Romania, massacres in Iraq, bombings in Pakistan, car crashes down the road aren't affecting me that much at the moment.
This one may need some more pondering.
Pauly
Maybe because it happened back home in New Zealand, maybe because it happened to a foreigner living there. Something twigged in my brain that I couldn't leave it easily aside.
A couple of days ago, a suitcase was found floating in Auckland Harbour - actually down near the former America's Cup village and marina, I believe, so very central. When it was opened, a body was discovered therein. When I read that a couple days ago, I have to admit, my reaction was interesting, but not really sticking with me.
This morning, I heard that they had made two arrests. The victim was a Chinese English language student, 19 years old. He had been the victim of a kidnapping, and his family back home in China had been asked for $A700,000 ($NZ800,000) in ransom.
The family got in touch with the police, not sure whether in China or NZ, but by the time the cops in Auckland had been informed of the kidnapping, Wan Biao was already dead, stuffed into a suitcase. Two Chinese men, both aged 21, have been charged in connection with the murder and had their first court appearance yesterday.
For some reason the story got to me - thinking of how I have galavanted around the world, how excited Mr Wan may have been, unless the study was getting to him, how he may have excitedly emailed or rang back home. How happy though worried his family was back home, and then the heartbreak they must have felt to have the kidnapping advised, and murder confirmed. How it will be the longest plane trip ever for the family members who are coming over to pick up the body and take it home.
How stupid those two dickheads who have been charged with the offences are.
Also thinking how this one story has affected me a lot, whereas floods in Romania, massacres in Iraq, bombings in Pakistan, car crashes down the road aren't affecting me that much at the moment.
This one may need some more pondering.
Pauly
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