ARRIVE: Auckland

After an hour of not few but typical complications, I suddenly arrived in New Zealand.

It wouldn't be me if I hadn't spent the first nights sleepless. The eternal jet lag and then there is so much to consider, with so many impressions - Auckland sparkles from all sides.

The sun always seems to shine here with a golden glow.

Finally, I can breathe properly again because the air is cooler and no longer polluted. The wind no longer makes me sweat.

To be honest, I'm freezing.

Because in Thailand, there's no off switch for the heat. But I like that I have to buy a new jacket.

After three days, sometime between two and three o'clock at night, I decided to give up complete cluelessness and instead switch to complete ignorance.

So I decided to buy a car to solve the big question, how?

When I held the key in my hand two days later, I was trembling. Seriously.

And no,

I'm not going to do bungee jumping or skydiving here.

I've used up my adrenaline budget completely in these first days in Auckland.

To be honest, the purchase was based more on a large amount of trust than my knowledge of cars. Everyone knows that my knowledge is limited to the horn and the radio.

But hey, you can always learn.

The two backpackers who sold me their Honda with a bed, complete camping equipment, Bob Dylan CDs and a ukulele just seemed very nice, so after a test drive (beware of left-hand traffic!), I made the deal with a handshake. There are no contracts here.

So Albert 3 and I have been on our way to the north ever since.

I love the beaches here more than anything!

They're the first ones I've ever seen that are free of tourists but full of local families.

You won't find any trash in the sand here. Thank God, because after Asia, I had almost given up on humanity.

The Kiwis (nickname for New Zealanders) are great! Always friendly and helpful (which benefits Albert).

Unfortunately, after only one week, I've already fallen more in love with New Zealand than I intended. Booking a flight back will be even more difficult. I'm sorry.

I'm so happy to be able to explore this incredible place in the next months.

Love,

Esther

P.S.: Albert and I always enjoy company. So pack your backpack and book a flight. I'm the personal taxi.

But please bring me a good loaf of bread and a Bavarian Pretzel! And preferably a good Spotify playlist too!