Today unfolded as a day filled with travel decisions in Auckland. While nothing particularly noteworthy occurred, the choices made held substantial influence over the future course of my itinerary. I woke up at around 9 am and the first thing I did was take a shower. The bathrooms were passable, not exactly clean, but acceptable. I skipped breakfast, but that was fine; I planned to grab something later.
Liberating Myself of the Old Laptop
I cleared out my car as much as possible, stowing my backpack and daypack in my room. Some items, like my camera and my old laptop (the one I’ve been carrying since I bought the new one in Bali), were still in the car. I decided it was time to part with the old laptop. Using Google Maps, I found a pawnshop and walked in. After some bargaining, I sold it for 50 NZD. In hindsight, I realized I might have gotten a better deal in Australia where they offered 70 AUD. Nonetheless, I felt relieved to be rid of the weight burden. Looking back, donating it to Halmi or the Sully Resort school, an idea I considered in Bali, might have been a more meaningful choice.
I had to complete a form with my details, they took a photo of me, and I signed to confirm the sale of my laptop. Stepping outside, a sense of relief washed over me. No more concerns about that troublesome laptop every time I boarded a plane. And considering the numerous flights still ahead, it felt like a weight off my shoulders.
The selling process was swift; within 10 minutes, I found myself outside. I headed towards the car wash at St. Lukes Mall, roughly 3 kilometers from the hostel. Armed with about 7 dollars in coins, I was ready to give my car a good clean. Car washes in New Zealand, much like Australia, have a user-friendly system. You insert a coin, select your preferred setting (wax, soap, pre-soap, rinse, etc.), and then it’s all about aiming and having fun. I enjoyed the process; it was easy and efficient. I soaped the car, followed by a thorough rinse and a final waxing. Sasha looked fantastic!
Car Cleaning and Footwear Policy
I was pleased with the policy I introduced in New Zealand: my shoes were only allowed to touch the floor at the driver’s seat and nowhere else. As a result, the backseats and the area around the driver’s seat were exceptionally clean. Only the driver’s seat and the passenger seat required some vacuum cleaning.
I had around 3 minutes to use the vacuum cleaner for 2 dollars. It was a quick and easy process. By around 10:30 am, I had finished cleaning. I then drove the car to the parking area beneath the Westfield St. Lukes Mall in Auckland.
Breakfast at the Mall
I strolled around, casually browsing through the shops. I have a fondness for these malls, and Westfield malls are consistently among the most aesthetically pleasing. In the food court, I discovered a Subway and purchased a sandwich. As I walked, my thoughts drifted to tomorrow and my next destination. It promised to be more laid-back than the busy weeks I’ve had recently—just beaches, swimming pools, and beautiful weather. I was looking forward to finally having some time to delve into my book.
Following my leisurely breakfast, I headed to the Countdown supermarket and purchased two bananas, some canned pineapple slices, and a chocolate bar. I opted not to buy too much, as my plan was to exchange my remaining New Zealand Dollars (NZD) at the airport tomorrow.
Decision-Making: Bus vs. Returning Car
Upon concluding my visit to the mall, I drove back to Wicked Campers. After a conversation with one of the staff members, I learned that I could return the car first thing in the morning and arrange a cab from there to the airport for a flat rate of 30 dollars. I decided to go with this option. Initially, I had planned to return the car today and take the bus to the airport tomorrow for 16 NZD. However, upon reconsideration, I realized it would be more convenient to avoid the additional hassle of returning to the hostel from Wicked Campers and then navigating the bus with my backpack. Reflecting on these decisions, it dawns on me that I might be a true flashpacker, haha.
The staff at Wicked Campers assured me that reaching the airport from their location would only take 20 minutes, so I felt confident and made the decision to return the car tomorrow morning.
Epson Library
In the afternoon, after a 20-minute search caused by GPS issues, I located a library in Auckland and settled in. Starting at 3 pm, I began working on my final two articles. I typed at a frantic pace, which might account for some errors in the text and pictures—haha. I was determined to stay on schedule with the articles; I didn’t want any worries about them next week.
At around 5 pm, the program completed organizing all files into a folder, and it was prepared for uploading. The website took an hour and a half to upload. During the final 30 minutes, I waited outside the library as it closed at 6 pm.
I strolled to my car, which was parked near a health clinic about 200 meters from the Epson Library. Afterward, I drove back to the hostel and engaged in a conversation with my hippie roommate. He shared his experience of trying fish and chips in the neighborhood.
Dinner Delight: The Best Fish and Chips in Auckland
I opted for dinner at the same street as yesterday’s café. A small fish and chips store, The Seafood Collective, caught my eye, and I ordered a meal for 12.50 dollars, inclusive of various sauces. I chose the snapper, and it turned out to be delicious! Interestingly, I stumbled upon news articles in travel magazines recommending this place for the best fish and chips in Auckland. There was also coverage about bacteria colonies, highlighting that this establishment was the only one meeting the standards. After enjoying those delightful fish and chips, I strolled back toward the hostel. Engaging in some final internet research, I meticulously calculated my daily budget.
Financial Investment and Exchange Rates
Tomorrow marked the day to return the car to Wicked Campers. If I managed to bring it back without any mishaps, I would receive my 3000 Australian Dollars back. Curious about the exchange rate, I discovered it had become an investment. A smile graced my face as I observed the exchange rate: my 3000 AUD were now worth 2040 euros, a significant increase from the initial 1800 euros. I reveled in the favorable exchange rates, realizing my luck in both Indonesia and Australia. Departing Australia a month ago, the Euro had weakened. Now, all that remained was to hope that the Australian Dollars would maintain their current value.
After meticulously planning and calculating my future daily budget, I turned in for the night around 1 am. Tomorrow I would leave Auckland and it promised to be an awesome day.
