An Ode to Seven Years, Twenty-three Countries & Twenty Six Bones

Seven years ago a Dutch pilot walked into my Christmas party with a swoon-worthy accent, hair that flipped with model-like motion, and a black leather jacket. Since the moment we met we were smitten, laughing in sarcastic humour and brewing up future adventures. Most importantly, we shared the same idealistic views about life and love, sharing a undeniable courage to dive into a long distance relationship with no intention of pushing our individual dreams aside. Through 18 months of long distance, a big international move, and being utterly broke and jobless in Amsterdam for a short time- we made the best of every moment. We built a life we loved and one which harboured so much love and growth, both individually and together, that even when things were complicated, we came out stronger. We became experts on spontaneous travel, even in the most stressful of situations and boy were there some stressful ones (aka spending nights in a row sleeping in airports) and fell in love with various cultures around the world, never forgetting to appreciate the two which made us who we were.

In the last few years, things got more complicated. A big motorcycle accident left us bound to the hospital and our living room as his body healed 26 broken bones and many internal injuries. It left us a bit more stressed, anxious, bored, confined, and probably hundreds of other emotions we’ve had to work through in the aftermath. Yet, we found ways to laugh. Only a few months later he was up walking- regaining strength, signing a contract with his dream airline, and today, he is wake boarding in Kuala Lumpur on a layover, as one of their pilots. So, at the risk of being too sappy, I dedicate this one very long gallery to an incredible, empowering, life changing seven years of love, travel, and growth with my partner in crime. I feel so lucky to have gotten to experience every moment of them with you and I couldn’t be more proud of all you overcame this year or to call you mine.

So, cheers to seven years, twenty three countries, and twenty six bones.