As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Helen, the mother of three was kind enough to allow Marlieke and I to stay for a night at their place in Welcome Bay over looking Tauranga and Manguanui mountain; before contacting them a couple of days ago they didn't even know we existed yet they directed us to their home and allowed us to enter even though nobody was home - they didn't arrive back till the late hours of the evening.
As it turned out Helen and Philip (the father) often let guests through warm-showers stay with them and the reviews from the others listed on the website were listed as all glowing reviews.
This family could quite possibly be the most friendly, generous and open armed people on the planet.
Marlieke and I ended up spending longer than anticipated as the weather turned and wasn't so conducive for cycling.
At times the weather did clear up and Marlieke and I climbed to the top of mount Manguanui a 230m mountain that sprouts out the top of a small peninsula surrounded by bays and offered an awesome 360 degree panoramic view of the coastline, ocean and city.
I also helped out the Browne family with some household chores in exchange for their hospitality - with something I had never done before, hedge trimming - it went well, much better than I expected. I also cooked up a meal for one of the nights, a plethora of Asian food that turned out to be just enough for the family and another warm-showers guest who was invited to stay.
It was an absolute pleasure to have met the Browne family and we were very happy to cross paths with them because if we didn't Marlieke and I would have spent a lot of time cycling in the rain.
Truly awesome people.
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