You know how people say traveling can change your life? Well, it did for me. And not just because I’ve been so fortunate to visit such amazing countries and experience a whole host of cultures, food, and environments but, because something happened that I never thought would. Love. OK stop your eye rolling and read on.
Almost two years ago, I found myself at a point in my life where I was over-worked, uninspired, and going through the motions of life instead of making waves. I decided to take action and make some self-improvements. This included cutting myself off from dating apps, as I was giving myself to people that were not right for me, and going through a course of therapy to talk through personal struggles and fears with a professional. While this helped immensely and put me in a place where I truly felt confidence and love for myself, I decided to take it one step further and book myself an amazing vacation! A small fortune from my line of credit later, and I was off to embark on a tour through Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. Might I add, I decided to go this one alone and embrace the new experiences about to come my way.
Arriving in Madrid, I felt so thrilled and grateful for having the opportunity and be in such a beautiful environment. I was ready to burst through the airport doors and start exploring! After, what felt like, a forever cab ride to my hotel, I checked myself in and quickly met up with some fellow travelers through our group chat. We found ourselves conversing in the hotel lobby and, just like that, there he was. When I least expected it. All it took was a smile and I knew there was something special about him. But, I was terrified. Terrified of being hurt again, terrified of ruining my trip from embarking on something that could go horribly wrong, literally terrified! Then came all the questions – could this evolve into something real? Would this just be a fling? Will I ever see him again? How could this work? Overthinking aside, I decided to keep my mind and heart open for the new possibilities.
After a fun night out with the group in Madrid, this really broke the ice between us and allowed us to get to know each other better. Through long walks, ever longer coach rides, and long talks about our past travel experiences, we grew closer together. Spain took us through Madrid, Granada, and Seville where we experienced an abundance of tapas, flamenco dancing, and incredible architecture (hello Alhambra!).
Fast track to Morocco, and I remember a moment in Fez where I truly felt content with myself. Content with the fact that I was in Africa (what?!), sun shining on me, and, most importantly, content with the fact that I openly allowed myself to get to know a wonderful guy. The sites, sounds, and smells of the Medina, horse and carriage rides to dinner, and Marrakesh night life – things were just getting better and better.
Next stop, Portugal! Portugal holds a special place in my heart. It’s been a while since I’ve visited Portugal and at this time, I felt nostalgic and emotional. In the past, I’ve gone to Portugal to visit my family but this time around, no family. Just me and him. I used what little Portuguese that I still remembered and embraced the sites I hadn’t seen in Portugal yet. Several custard tarts, and Portuguese-style chicken later, we delved into the Lisbon night life hard! A little too hard for some people – yes babe I’m talking about you! When one gets overly intoxicated, that’s when the nurturer in me steps in. I think this helped him to realize that I’m the real deal after all.
So here we are at the end of an amazing adventure. What happens next? Will I ever see him again? Will this last? The questions, inevitably, start coming back. I’ll never forget how calm, cool, and collected he was about our goodbye that day, as if to say, alright I’ll see you soon! Meanwhile, I’m thinking to myself, I’m probably never going to see him again, he’ll probably just go back home to San Diego and forget about me and I’ll go back home to Toronto to a new job, a new apartment, and try my best to embrace the new challenges before me. We ended up rocking a long distance relationship like no other – me flying to San Diego to get to know his home and him visiting my home in Toronto (as well as a few other cool places in between). A year and a half later, I moved forward with the most important decision I ever made in my life. I moved to San Diego. I moved to experience a new home, enhance my career as an Interior Designer, and finally, be with the love of my life.
If you told me I would ever leave my home in Toronto, I would say you’re insane. Life truly opens up when you do and you have to embrace the beautiful uncertainties – no matter the consequences or no matter what other people may have to say about it. Just say yes. So I say to you, on your next adventure, open your heart and mind and allow your experiences to take hold – just say yes.
