Auckland number 2

I set off in the morning right after showering, the sun was shining, a dream. First, I went to Silo Park, which was already a cool location, but there wasn't much going on at the time. In the summer, they have open-air movies and such. However, you could climb a few stairs and got a nice view, plus there were swings. Then I headed to the Harbour Bridge. I thought maybe you could walk across it, and yes, you can walk under the bridge which is essentially the pedestrian path. BUT you have to book a guide for $130 to cross the bridge. So of course, I didn't do that, wtf. I just looked at all the amazing boats and enjoyed the view of the city center. There was also a dock for boats for sale; I almost bought one. It only costs around 2 million. But I couldn't decide, so I went back to town where I bought my last souvenirs, and I think I'm quite happy with them. After a little refreshment, I went to the hostel for a while since I'd already walked so much again. Later, however, we'll head out again, folks, we're going to do something super cool.

We're going to the Sky Tower. The ticket cost me a small fortune, but it allows access to 3 levels.

If I understood correctly, I’m currently at the Sky Deck, 220 meters high, and it’s super impressive. On one side, there’s the harbor and the high-rises; you can see Mount Eden. I actually wanted to do this first, but after wandering around for a while and then being able to piece together where I had been from up there is pretty funny. Now I don't need a navigation system anymore; I have the full overview (which we all know is a lie). I then waited for the sunset, which unfortunately was nonexistent, and then for all the lights to come on, which was the highlight. I was up there for a long time; at least I made full use of it.

Today was a super duper relaxing day; I first made a phone call and then set off; the sun was shining. I just walked around the area and thought today is the day where I treat myself. What happened? I bought souvenirs for others; okay, mission failed, but tomorrow, folks, it’s lash lift time, so I can feel like myself again. So uh, I was in the bookstore, yes I know I have a Kindle, but everyone knows real books are unbeatable. Yes, even though the suitcase is already full, what can you do, you want what you want. So, off to the park to read a bit and snack. Then it suddenly was afternoon, and I thought, let's step back. Honestly, I didn’t do anything else after that; it’s slowly getting “difficult” to do things here. I’m still in that lifestyle of going somewhere different every day and seeing 20 things. After a few days, you just get to know a city, what can I say.

So, starting slow in the morning, I first went to get the perfect matcha; I craved it so much, what can I do. Then I strolled around a bit and then went to my lash appointment; I was so excited.

Apart from the fact that I left half a fortune in that place, I'm also losing quite a bit on the street. There are so many homeless people here; I just can't. So I give a little here and there, but there are so many, I find it so sad; I can't change anything, the 2 dollars, you can’t even buy food with that.

The lash lift was amazing; she put in so much effort, but it's still extremely overpriced. To compensate, I went back to the $10 kebab shop, which is just great with three sauces; it’s really good, and at least I’m eating a bit of vegetables, haha. I’ll grab some snacks and then go read in the park. So just a real girls' day, love it.

Today it poured from morning till evening. But of course, today I walked through the city for 2 hours. In the morning, I took a walk in the district. The plan? To distribute my spare change to the homeless because I had accumulated so much change. And yes, that was nice; they were so happy. So at this point: big trigger warning to my parents, topic tattoo. Anyway, then I went to the tattoo studio. I had this super cute tattoo artist. I just let her do her thing, do what you think is right. It worked perfectly; placements were perfect, and I love all the designs, and now it finally looks fuller on my back. Then I walked again through the rain but this time super happy. I got snacks and then headed to the hostel. Because of the rain, my pants suddenly had a new color; they were completely soaked.

I woke up to bright sunshine, I knew the day could only be good. The plan? Good food, preferably healthy. Yes, where have I landed, folks? At Cinnamon Squared, where they had cinnamon rolls in every variation, just like in the Insta videos, haha. And they had pistachio; finally! I mean, they also had cream cheese; that would have been the second choice, and that looked amazing too, but pistachio was the clear winner. Still warm. I then went to the park to snack and read, but now, folks, let's get some healthy food, a salmon salad, let’s go, today is apparently food day.

I must also say that I’m starting to really like Auckland, but it’s not comparable to Christchurch somehow, and I’d love to just get in the car and drive around, but well, it’s heading home soon :)

I ended up at a sushi box and I'm devouring it now.

I was then at the harbor and had a surprisingly nice conversation with a dude from Argentina. It was really nice because he had almost the same Southeast Asia route as I did, and now I got a few tips for South America, hehe (because that’s supposed to be the next trip). I kept reading and enjoying the sun, and after a bit of wandering, I headed back to the hostel. Just in time, because out of nowhere, it started bucketing down, haha. Two minutes earlier, it was bright sunshine with no clouds in the sky; that was close. I then relaxed for the rest of the afternoon and hope that the weather is better tomorrow.

I then accidentally locked myself out of my room because I forgot my card, but I just got another card at the reception and could get back in, haha.

I went to the winter magic event in the evening; it was basically just the Sky Tower lit up, but it was colorful, so it was cool.

Next day and essentially our last day; I can hardly realize it. So off we went to do a city walk; I wanted to go to a market that’s always on Saturdays, but it was much further away than I thought. By chance, I found another market with jewelry and food. And jewelry, yes, endgame, it turned out, so I did a bit of shopping. Continued through the city and then took a break at the hostel. I urgently had to clean my shoes because of biosecurity, and my hiking shoes were so dirty, I scrubbed them for so long; now I hope it’s enough. The suitcase is packed, and I’m heading to buy a few groceries that I’m allowed to take with me, so it’s exaggerated; it’s just little things, and I’ll probably snack them on the flight, haha, but whatever. The weather is okay; a bit of rain, a bit of sun.

I’m now good for nothing anymore, but that’s okay because I’ve seen everything I wanted to see. Emotionally, I’m somewhere between deeply sad and extremely happy and a little scared. The emotional talk with ChatGPT also didn’t help except that it made me cry. Yes, my friend and helper and therapist or whatever, haha. But yes, unless you’ve experienced it, you can’t imagine it; of course, it’s not like coming home after 2–3 weeks of vacation. I know I’ve changed, and I hope to piece together a life at home where I’m somewhat as happy as I’ve been in these nearly 9 months. It sounds a bit dumb, but I know it’s going to be hard. But at the moment, I mainly feel the extreme joy, so let’s focus on that for now, shall we?

Even though I'm super scared, I mean, I fear losing everything I gained here when I return. It’s just really crazy. I’m a wreck.

But ChatGPT says:

Happiness is not location-dependent; it’s you-dependent.

End quote, haha.

So I woke up on the last day not just once but woke up at 4, at 5, etc., until I eventually got tired of it, so one last time under the shower to not get off the plane looking completely disgusting in 2 days. What’s also funny is I’m flying out Sunday evening and landing in L.A. Sunday afternoon; it’s quite fascinating. So I’m technically traveling for just a few hours but actually 2 days; that’s so weird. I’m so nervous; you wouldn’t know. The online check-in went smoothly yesterday. I just checked out and left my luggage at the hostel. And off I went to my favorite coffee spot: The Coffee Club. Of course, they have matcha and a potato rösti with salmon and avocado. I still had a bit of time to kill; I want to get there early to sort out my luggage, but 10 hours early might be a bit much. But I’ll probably get there way too early because I can hardly wait; I’m almost bursting with joy, and yet at the same time, I’m so incredibly sad that I feel like I’m ending my happiness. It’s not easy, ey.

I then devoured my salmon avocado rösti, which unfortunately was spicy; I got so thirsty, I ordered an iced tea, and then checked: they have FREE water; rip for me.

I took my last walk and almost cried; why is that so sad? And I went back to the hostel and ordered an Uber to the airport.

While walking, I stumbled into a show from a street performer, but it was 10/10; he was so funny, and I really enjoyed spending my time like that.

I’m now sitting in the Uber to the airport; I can’t describe it to you; after almost 6 months in Southeast Asia and nearly 3 in New Zealand, having traveled 9500 km, I’m just heading home, heh.

So everything went smoothly at check-in, added luggage was checked through to Munich. Then I wandered around a bit and waited for my flight. It’s almost time for boarding; it’s basically a time machine. L.A. is just -19 hours, wtf. So off I go Sunday at 8:15 PM; I’ll arrive in L.A. after about a 12-hour flight at around 1:30 PM on the same Sunday. I hope I get good food and no kids next to me, please!

Premium, I have extra space, and it’s a lady by the window; the middle seat is free. It couldn’t possibly be better; I love it.

So, I had a wonderful flight with a few turbulences due to strong winds, but nothing too bad. I had dinner with wine and Sprite and watched a movie. I managed to sleep a bit (better than in the hostel bed where the mattress was basically metal strips, haha), and I woke up for breakfast; it wasn’t great, but there was Coke Zero and coffee, so everything was wonderful. I then asked for a toothbrush because mine was in my suitcase, and after 11 hours, we were already in L.A. When landing, it was something like 7-9 AM on July 7; I suddenly had Wi-Fi at the airport, and it was 2 PM on July 6. Just a free day; I still don’t get it, haha. Before the USA, I was a bit nervous whether everything would go smoothly, but folks, super easy; there was plenty of time. Both bags arrived without a problem. I didn’t have to check in again, as I already had my boarding pass. Just dropped off my luggage; it was already checked through. Straight through security and to the gate. Everything was super easy; the ESTA was also fine. Then I bought water because mine was taken away, of course, for only $7 for 0.5 liters, what a steal… or something. And now I still have 2 hours until boarding, but we all know it’s better to be early than late, right?

Right before boarding, my emotions are already dead now because it’s too much. When I get off, I’ll be home, yay.

I really thought leaving would be the hard part, but it’s coming back.

I also thought it would be easy to sleep all the way to Munich, but nope, I couldn’t sleep for a second in those 11 hours. But first, they served wine and good food again. I then gave up after 2 hours of trying to sleep and watched movies. Of course, I cried during Interstellar as if I was watching it for the first time. Meanwhile (I just have Wi-Fi here) I texted with Eva; it’s only 3 more hours until the old sock picks me up from the airport. So I’m ending the journey with the person it all started with, and I’m so, so happy and grateful for that.

I’ll be landing soon, and then I'll just be in Germany; huh? I can’t believe it. But folks, I’ve complained so much now; let’s wrap this up short and painless; it was a beautiful time; I will miss it incredibly, but I’ll just distract myself by planning the next trip :)