GirlGI | Girl Gone International Issue 6 | Page 42

Couples that Travel
Nomadic couples navigating the world together, one
country at a time

Although we were both born under Portuguese skies, our first

brief encounter took place in Amsterdam, crossing paths above lighted
bridges and serpentine canals. We were soon sharing travel stories and
eventually a bed.
As we settled our lives in Amsterdam, a tentative foray into holiday
travel ensued. Having returned with our relationship mostly unscathed,
further adventures followed, each taking us further and further away
from Europe.
Now, as we amble slowly through Central America, we take pleasure
in savoring the tiny moments gracing a shared experience, while also
enjoying the perks of traveling as a couple: going Dutch on expenses,
deals on accommodation, an extra set of eyes to watch our personal
belongings as well as having someone to provide emotional support
when dealing with the stressful situations inherent to a life spent on
the road.
There are hiccups, of course. The road can be unkind to a relationship.
Spending nearly every hour of the day together can wear down even
the most romantic bond. Our glue has always been a mix of innate curiosity, humor and patience; no t to mention, a common understanding
of each other’s expectations. As long as we are able to appreciate the
silence within and around us, we’ll be alright.