In addition to the many beautiful sights that we have come across in New Zealand, we have also encountered many beautiful people as well. Mary and Bob are two of those people.
Months before Chris and I left the United States, I was put in touch with Mary; a “friend of a friend”…
Well really a coworker… of a mom… of a friend. More specifically, one of my very best friends, Christa (or Cstriz), had mentioned my travel plans to her parents who in turn knew of a coworker that had recently moved to New Zealand for a temporary work requirement.
Now this may not seem like your typical, “friend of a friend” connection, but we were told we would get along great so we figured, why not?
As it turns out, we hit a home run!
Within the first five minutes of meeting Mary and Bob (two complete strangers at that time) it felt like we were reconnecting with long lost friends. The hospitality and kindness that Mary and Bob showed us throughout our time in Wellington was beyond our wildest expectations. Chris and I had our own room and were told to make ourselves at home. After weeks living and sleeping in the back of a van… we were in heaven.
The days were spent exploring Wellington and evenings were spent talking about past adventures and ways to solve the world’s major problems (or maybe just complaining about those problems, who knows, wine was flowing).
Mary and Bob added such a unique element to our stay in New Zealand that we will always cherish. Bob was kind enough to show us around Wellington and gave great advice on hikes and daily activities. He’s so interesting to talk to as he knows something about just about any topic! And Mary is one of a kind as well. Stories of her past trips and future travels are very inspiring and her need for adventure is contagious! If you ever need advice in living life to the fullest, take a page out of her book!
And the best part of all? Being able to talk about Maryland with friendly faces while thousands of miles away from home.
We are forever in debt to the duo for all that they did for us. Chris and I have promised to reconnect with them when they return to the states to repay them for their amazing companionship during our trip 😉
(Note to Mary and Bob: There it is, an official statement on public media. Now it has to happen when you return!)
Wellington was our home away from home if even for just a short period of time. In addition to the snacks, cleaning equipment and kitchen supplies that they graciously gave us upon our departure, we also left with new friends and a renewed thirst for living and adventure.
So as a word of advice: Take advantage of those “friend of a friend” connections while traveling. You never know when you are going to find your Mary and Bob.
