Friendship blossoms in Scotland at major cycling event

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For Debbie McKenzie from New Zealand, watching her daughter compete in track cycling at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was a dream come true. Her daughter, Stephanie McKenzie (pictured above), is a track sprinter cyclist for New Zealand and a member of the Novo Nordisk women’s cycling team in the USA.

As her daughter was a late inclusion to the New Zealand track cycling team, Debbie found herself searching last-minute for accommodation in Glasgow, when demand was at a peak. Her panic subsided when she found a homestay in a great part of Glasgow with availability during the Games. Debbie was "absolutely stoked... excited" when she booked her homestay with her host Fiona in the West End of Glasgow for ten nights.

A friendship developed during the stay and since returning to New Zealand, Debbie and Fiona have kept in touch. We asked Debbie about her homestay experience with her hosts in Glasgow.

Why did you decide to book a homestay?

I think staying in a homestay is the best way to immerse yourself in getting to know local people and their culture ... I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

What made you choose Fiona as your host?

I think it was more to the point, why did she choose me? The communication we had between each other was relaxed and accommodating for each other. To be honest we seemed to have just clicked and as she is the same age as my daughter, then I felt we were on a similar wave length.

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Debbie having fun in Glasgow with her host Fiona

What sort of things, if any, did you do with your host?

Apart from keeping them up at night, just to talk about everything, we attended a function at the New Zealand ANZ supporters club, of which they got to know quite a few of us rowdy New Zealanders. Also, Fiona’s partner enjoyed a free ticket to one of the events at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, where my daughter was competing. I also briefly met Fiona’s mother and sister.

What is your stand-out memory of your trip to Glasgow?

Again apart from attending the Commonweath Games, it was going to Edinburgh: everything about Glasgow and Edinburgh along with the atmosphere and the event, was a big highlight for me.

What is your best memory of the Commonwealth Games?

Attending the events, meeting new people, experiencing laughter and sadness. The way people of Glasgow were helpful and happy and the weather was spot on.

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Debbie being interviewed about her daughter Stephanie's performance as a track cyclist in the Commonwealth Games

What sporting events did you attend at the Games?

I had tickets for most of the track cycling events as my daughter was competing.

Why do you think people should book a homestay over other types of accommodation?

It's cheaper, you get to know people on a more personal basis, and it's like being at home in a way or it's like visiting a friend!

What would you say to anyone thinking of booking a homestay?

Look into it and give it a go... you won’t be disappointed!


Check out our homestays in Glasgow for your next trip.


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