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I stayed two lovely nights with Catherine, her husband Rod and their kids Monique, James and Grace. I originally met Catherine in Reporura, she is the daughter of Brian and Sue, the retired dairy farmers I stayed with.
Similar to my other kiwi hospitality experiences, Catherine and her family made me feel at home immediately. She gave me so much while I was there including a day trip to see the local sites - elephant rocks, moraki boulders, and a whale fossil - but the greatest of all her gifts was simply the company of her and her beautiful family and the comforts of their home.
I don't know if it's my maternal clock tick-tocking, but what is nicer than three kids running around the house to make it feel like a home. The oldest is in high school and an absolute pleasure to chit-chat with (and MAN the school system is different in NZ than Canada - there are separate schools for boys and girls!!!!), James was off being a boy trapping possums (and making good money for it!) and wee Grace at age 4 was the centre of attention, totally basking in all her adorableness.
Hot drinks, home baking, movie nights, and weekly chores are just some of the simple comforts and safe havens that come with growing up and having a home. When living day by day, the seemingly mundane is more valuable than a five star hotel with spa service, gourmet dining and a hella cute bellboy (ok, omit the cute bellboy bit ;).
They invited me back and I think I'll probably take them up on that. I'd be silly not too. This time, however, I promised to help out on the farm :)
- comments
Marnie You are so friendly!! People love you. Like me, I love you!
Z This post makes me want to just hug you. (More than normal. Ha.)