Time to say good-bye to Auckland, already. I’m heading out on my NZ road trip today.

As always, I don’t want to leave, now. I always have to leave when I just start to feel a bit at home. It sucks. Well, #firstWorldProblems, I know.

But I can see a pattern evolve in every city:

First week: Orientation. Getting things set up like phone, public transport. Finding a good café with strong wifi. The first weekend is usually a bit lonely as I don’t know anyone, or the places I’d like to hang out.

Second week: getting around: ticking things off my list, museums, swimming, making a few first connections. Hit or miss, but I start to get to know some people.

Third week: when things start to fall into place. I get lazy exploring, and spend more time hanging out. Ideally, I have met a few people I like for evening beers, movies or a party.

Fourth week: it all settles in. Also: the last week: Usually the time when I have to pack up and move on. Panic sets in and I get active seeing the stuff I really wanted to. Being a bit blue because I want to stay on.

Generally, I felt best in places that I have stayed in 4-5 weeks, as long as it might sound. I should not fall under three weeks, and even that is too short to enjoy the benefits of it all.

I’m excited about the road trip, but also aware that two weeks really on my own in the car and a number of hotels might become a bit lonely. We’ll see. I have movies on my laptop and a couple of books to read.

After nearly 6 months, I can say that on the one hand I have become good at making new contacts, being open, and am much more relaxed. I do make some plans, but if they change or fall through, I don’t make a fuss about it.

On the other hand, I have also, at the same time, slowed down and made less contacts. Maybe by fatigue? I can hardly hear me say where I’m from (Southern Germany close to Switzerland), what I do (RTW trip in 15 months) what I work (EU admin, but on leave)… While a few months back I was all chatty and eager to connect.

I’ve never been someone eager to talk that much about himself. Maybe I’m just tired of hearing myself. I hope I don’t come across as tired or uninterested… I know it’s easy small talk and it is meant in a nice way. I just wish I could expedite the process and jump to the point where you have found other things to talk about.

I don’t know how backpackers do it on a long trip… I would tire so much from that.