Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
I casually met this guy, Jim, in Atiamuri. He's an older gentleman who was staying at the same hostel.
He offered his name and telephone number and said that if I found myself in Napier that he has a spare room and I could crash at his place for an evening.
I had no idea I would ever end up in Napier and I also had no idea how valuable that contact would be.
After a couple of nights in a hostel I gave him a call to see if the offer was still on the table "Hi Jim, this is Jessica, the girl cycling the country that you met in Atiamuri.".
He welcomingly invited me into his home. It was a gorgeous 15kms outside of town in wine country. His wife cooked a superb meal - a chicken pie and a beautiful orange and onion salad, other fixin's and dessert.
The next morning I was one of the first people in the entire world to see the sun rise. Hawks bay is where the sun first rises over a stunning horizon over the vast and silently still ocean. All my friends and family back in the Northwest Territories saw that same sun rise 29 hours later. Just think about that... Simply amazing.
That visit led to a wealth of other connections for my trip.
But before I go there - RUGBY!!!!!!!!!!
I went to Napier for the sold out (and i did not have a ticket) Canada vs Japan game on Tuesday. Knowing it was sold out I was happy to hit up the fanzone and get in on the local energy, hang out with all the other Canucks and share in all the enthusiasm.
There was a lady sitting on the rugby bouncy castle who was looking rather bored. So, I said hello and within 3-5 minutes of chatting she offered me her extra ticket to the game and to be a guest at her house for the evening. Do I have a lucky horseshoe up my ass or what?!?
Sure enough I hit the jackpot yet again. It was an intense game that ended in a tie. We cheered and screamed and stressed during the entire game. Come on Canada!!!!!! It was awesome energy and so many canadians! :). After the game i was treated with overwhelming generosity and hospitality. It was a difficult ride to get to her house but a night of luxury greeted me at the finish line. Her family was just so lovely and they treated me to dinner, a hot lavender bath with a warmed towel, a queen sized bed with an electric blanket, a latte in the morning and yet another new friendship and warm hug.
- comments
Lany Love, love, love this entry. Just shows when you're friendly and open to new experiences than only good things can happen to you!
Z "The next morning I was one of the first people in the entire world to see the sun rise" Ahhhh I love you. These posts make me feel like I'm riding along in your panier. :)
Marnie So full of happiness and sunshine for you, glad you are out there makin' peeps fall in love with you.