Auckland is a pretty cute city, at least compared to the big cities in Europe. You could already tell that at the airport. Unlike the one in Frankfurt or Hong Kong, the one in Auckland was very small and this time really clear.
In any case, we arrived safely (for those who haven't received any sign of life yet). The second flight was more exhausting for me. Flying for so long was just as long as you imagine it to be - just long. That's why the joy was even greater when we could see on the onboard camera that we were finally seeing new land.
The first few days afterwards were less interesting than you might imagine. Instead of strolling through the new big city, with a completely different culture and completely different customs, and getting to know it in every detail, we were mostly in our organization's office, trying to apply for all the necessary things we need for our work and travel year (including bank connections, IRD number, mobile phone accessibility, resume, etc.). It must also be said that the big city initially scares a backpacker when you come to New Zealand with a completely different idea. Although you know that there are not only villages and countryside here, the first impression is much different than you imagined. It doesn't mean you're disappointed, just a little confused.
In addition, the feeling of experiencing as much as possible is initially suppressed when you realize how many backpackers come here and how many want to jump on the same opportunities. Pressure is definitely there in the beginning, you can also see it in others. It shouldn't be like this, but that's probably a German thing of ours. Serenity probably only comes with time, what else can you expect.
The good part is that you can exchange a lot of things with many other people regarding this. We have already met some other backpackers here and spent time with some of them (which cannot be avoided even in shared rooms). They are all very lovely and open-minded, and above all helpful, like Levin. Although he is from Brandenburg, he is really okay (no kidding, he talks a lot of funny stuff from his homeland, but I have nothing against Brandenburg). At least with our Saxon dialect, we were always recognized by most German backpackers, even Levin has already unconsciously adopted Saxon words and phrases in his vocabulary. He is proud of it. When he comes home again, he says, his parents will ask where he was, because although he can't speak English any better, he can speak Saxon. Very nice!
Then came the day of days - the enlightenment - the hope: an excursion. Finally. It was only a few days, but today's trip showed me how beautiful it is to finally get out and experience something when you're already in New Zealand. It went to Waiheke Island, an island quite close to us. 40 minutes by ferry, $30 for round trip, but it was definitely worth it. It was really worth seeing. It must be said that the island is bigger than you think and it's no use to arrive for a few hours and then leave again. Nevertheless, we tried to reach and see as much as possible on foot. I think the pictures speak for themselves more than my explanations.
Enjoy them, they are not even close to being as impressive as the reality was.
--Marie
