Love in Another World

So, my boyfriend moved across the world for me…what has yours done for you lately? Just kidding, j/k, j/k! 

But in all seriousness, he did. And I couldn’t be more grateful, appreciative, thankful, and most of all happy.

I knew I had it good, but I didn’t realize just how good until we met a newly engaged Austrian couple on the remote island of Koh Ngai. Just days after Ulick’s arrival we sat at a beach bar listening as they told us their romantic, yet unfortunate, story about how Christian had planned to propose to McKayla in the Emerald Cave, however in transit the engagement ring was stolen from his suitcase. Ulick and I oohed and awed in all the right places as he went through his elaborate plan which involved them rowing to this cave in the middle of the sea, and of course felt heartbroken when he told us he did still propose, all as planned, but sans ring. It truly was a moving and refreshing love story, as McKayla couldn’t have been happier or smiling bigger. And it had nothing to do with the size, or sparkle, of her ring.

Conversation then turned to us, and Ulick explained how he had just picked up and moved here a few days prior. It was Christian’s immediate response that I’ll never forget, “Now there’s a true love story.”

I sometimes forget that not all people have my somewhat skewed sense of what adventure means. I forget not everyone has a physical need to travel. I forget that I’m okay being dirty and uncomfortable if it means I’m experiencing something new. I forget that I require less things or modern comforts than the average person, which clearly this just means I’m simple-minded, as nearly anything and everything and nothing can keep me entertained for hours.  But mostly, I forget that not all people can immediately adapt to being a traveler, a gypsy, or an expat.

So for that, Ulick, I apologize. I imagine it can’t be easy and I sincerely thank you for knowingly moving to a world where you’re living with:

• mosquitos, ants, geckos (literally living in the room with you),
• being less connected,
• a whole lot more fishing shows and bad movies,
• my constant poop talk, and;
• one strong, relentless sun.

While you're also living without:

• NFL and NBA games (or really any sports besides soccer),
• American TV,
• Mexican food, sub sandwiches, edible pizza (basically anything but Thai) 
• a car,
• new movie releases (or a movie theater, for that matter),
• craft beer (or again, really anything other than really light beer); but,
• most importantly, your lifelong friends and family.

So I thank Christian for jolting me awake by forever etching in my brain what a wonderful boyfriend I have, and what a giant life change he has made for not only me, but for us.

As the saying goes, sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down. And Ulick, I know that’s exactly what you did.  You leapt. And just decided the rest would sort itself out and your wings would grow.

And grow they have!  You’re now maneuvering a motorbike through Thai traffic (not a small feat), taking Thai language courses (not an easy language), and we are spending Google-free hours solving cold cases, playing brainteasers, enjoying sunsets, coveting dogs, just walking, making friends, trying new foods, discussing earth’s creatures in more detail than a 4th grade science class, dreaming, exploring new places, and most of all just sharing each and every one of these experiences together.

So Ulick, thank you.  Thank you for taking the leap.  Thank you for encouraging me to follow my dream. Thank you for making all the great things in life, grander.  Thank you for allowing me to see Thailand like it’s my first time, through your eyes. But most of all, thank you for walking beside me. My favorite place in the world, is next to you. 

And as I’ve told you before (and clearly stole from someone way more eloquent), I never wanted to be your whole world—just your favorite part. 

You truly are the Sriracha to my life.