Shane, symbol of New Zealand

We planned to spend 5 nights in Christchurch. First we wanted to stay 2 nights in Akaroa and 3 nights in Christchurch but there was no place anymore in den Backpackers of the French peninsula. So Steve decided to call Shane, who he knew from „Couchsurfing“: 2 nights with Shane and 3 nights with Nicola and Calvin from Hospitality club.
We arrived in Christchurch on the afternoon. Shane was not at home but texted: the door is open, make yourself at home, I have not wireless but you can plug in your own computer with my internet cable.
Wow, the life is so easy here…
We arrived at Oxford Street. En effect the door was open. I don‘t mean unlocked, I mean really open! And nobody at home. After a short time, Oleg, the first flat mate of Shane arrived. Oleg is from Kirgisistan. He had to show us where it is! On the next day he flied back: 3 days trip and 6 different planes… Of course it was very interesting to speak with him. Suddenly the second flat mate of Shane appeared. I say „appeared“ because we saw him arrive from the balcony. What was surprising is that the balcony is on the second floor, so relatively high from the bottom! But climbing is not a problem for Shane‘s friends. (Andy from England (we got know a day later) does the same! ) Fernando, the second flat mate, is from Brazil. He can speak Spanish and is learning to dance salsa, so it was funny with him. Then Shane arrived. We spent a cool evening together.
We liked Christchurch. The beach is incredible and the environment too. The town is not very big but lovely.
When we went back home, Adelaide from France and 2 other Backpackers from the US were also there. Couchsurfing! Shane is incredible. He never says no to backpackers who call him! He even finds boring when he‘s alone at home! Actually he reflects New Zealand very well: easy, friendly, relaxed.
We spent a nice evening with playing the settlers of Catan and speaking about the trip of each.
On the next day Martin and Karine, also from France stayed with Shane. They do a world trip as well but in the other direction! We could get a lot of informations about Nepal and give many tips for Costa Rica.
With Calvin and Nicola it was nice too. That is what is interesting with hospitality club: You meet Locals and they can give you all the insider tips.
In the night to the last February day and after a great evening in a salsa pub with Andy and Shane we left our dear New Zealand, sad but also curious about Australia.