Refueling in Auckland

This morning marks the officially last segment of the group trip. I say officially because the night before things started to unravel: Our dear driver Clinton immediately said goodbye after we unloaded our bags (I think he’s looking forward to some rest and home just as much as we are). During the farewell dinner among us 5 remaining 'Clinton's Angels' (that’s what we called ourselves), I found myself in a disagreement with the two loud, extroverted group leaders. It's a shame that it ends this way, but I’m proud of myself for not just nodding along but defending my values. And two people already left for the airport at 4 AM. So I have breakfast with an Austrian who filled our room of six, and we talk a long time about stepping out of daily life. I bid farewell to the last two Angels and then read in the hotel lobby until noon, because the weather isn’t good at all. I find a café and continue reading. I discover the most beautiful second-hand bookstore and read some more. I hike up Mount Eden at sunset and read until the sun has disappeared. In the evening, I’m delighted to find that unlike the crowded room the night before, not a single other bed is occupied in my room, so I've basically received a single room upgrade. Sometimes, luck is just on your side! And I feel a bit recharged, so the pain of having to say goodbye to my worn-out favorite sneakers today isn’t as great. Thank you, dear shoes – you have taken me to such wonderful places!