Bonjour! I'm sleeping in a very comfy bed tonight. Thanks to the German girls I met in Rotorua. They had given me the contact info for an 80 year old man who lives alone in Hahei and is known for taking in stray backpackers. John Wallace is his name. And I just gave him a call this morning to see if I might be able to stay a night or two with him. His immediate answer was yes. So now I just had to get to Hahei from Whitianga. I just happened to ask a girl at my hostel what her plans for the day were. She said she was going to try and hitch to Hahei. Hey, me too! I had a travel buddy!
Marion, from France. Really lovely girl. We got on quite well. She has the most perfect accent. She doesn't understand a lot of English though. But we were able to communicate just fine. We headed to the ferry which takes you to Cooks Beach, close to Hahei. From the ferry landing, we started walking, hoping there would be a car heading the 20 km toward John Wallace's. And what do you know, the first car that drives by pulls over for us - a nice old painter man with a beard like St. Nick. He took us practically to dear John's doorstep, just hoping he would be willing to accommodate Marion as well. And he did. Very generous. Only a little senile. Most interesting man you'll ever meet. He loved Marion, and her French accent and sweet little voice. But he called her chubby at least twice to her face throughout the day. His instant nickname for her was Frenchie. mine was Miss America or The Yankee. I dont think he knows my real name. That's okay.
He showed us our room, with our own bathroom, shower. Offered to let us do our laundry. And then had us gather in the kitchen for tea and cookies. He made hot cocoa for me. Delicious homemade shortbread cookies, afghans, and macaroons. He talked and talked. Marion didn't understand a word of what he was saying. It was marvelous. Finally, we were allowed to go, and Marion and I walked to the Cathedral Cove. Amazing beach, with an archway that resembled a cathedral I guess. Really neat. We stayed on that beach for a few hours. The waves were a little too rough to swim, so we headed back to Hahei Beach and swam there. Big waves, but fun! It felt pretty warm too. heavenly.
Back at the house we showered and got ready for dinner. John was making stir fry. It tasted pretty great. Oh, and for dessert, he had made a homemade apple pie with apples from his own tree, and hokey pokey ice cream. It was really good! He talked more and more. Lots of stories about travelers who have stayed with him, and his late wife, and the occasional inappropriate old person story or remark. I'm glad Marion is here with me. It would have been a bit weird staying here without her. We went for an evening stroll to the beach before turning in for the night just before now.
I will just stay here one more night, then on to Auckland!
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