Sunday, April 3, 2011

Love Story Part 1: Falling in Love in India

This is the beginning of a love story.

Matt and I recently celebrated our one-year anniversary. People have been curious about how Matt and I met (in India of all places!) and how we've progressed from strangers to traveling Asia to sharing a new home and life in Hong Kong. I've always been hesitant to talk about it in detail. Maybe because I know Matt's mom, Gerry, reads my blog (which is pretty cool). Or maybe I'm just the most private personal life blogger there is. I don't know. I just never felt ready to tell our story.

I guess now that the "official honeymoon" period is over and Matt and I are both adjusting to the stresses of "normal" life, this is the perfect time to tell you about how Matt and I met, which will also help us to see just how far we've come in one amazing year. Here's how it all began:


Yeah, we're surprised by our love story too

It was February 2010 and Matt and I were both solo traveling in India with no itinerary, no plan and no destination in particular. Matt and I met one afternoon in Ellora, Maharashtra and exchanged emails. I headed off to my meditation retreat in Igatpuri, not thinking too much of that cute English boy I had just met and was probably not going to see again.

After I completed my meditation retreat, I sent Matt an email about meeting in Goa. As it turned out, Matt was already there and would wait for my arrival! I was excited because although I loved traveling in India, I was finding it a bit difficult and daunting on my own.


The beaches of Goa, perfect for falling in love


I met up with Matt in Goa and we spent a couple days exploring and sharing delicious Indian curries together. We had much to talk about, though to be honest, with Matt's quick way of talking, thick English accent and use of slang, I didn't understand most of what he was saying to me. I just smiled and nodded most of the time. Ha!

I had been nursing an insanely infected finger in Goa and it was starting to get ugly. Matt convinced me to go see a doctor, much to my resistance. Matt even sat with me outside the doctor's office while I waited for her to return from lunch. Once inside, she gave me the bad news. She was going to have to lance it.


Who knew an infected finger could lead to love?

You may not know this, but I am terrified of needles and I almost burst into tears! Matt was very sweet and offered to hold my hand while the doctor did her thing. Holding Matt's hand was the first inkling I had of the inevitable butterflies that accompany a growing crush. Little did I know that Matt was feeling the same way about me and offering to hold my hand was just his sneaky way of getting a bit closer to me!

After Goa, Matt and I decided to travel to Hampi together. After we arrived in Hampi, the first thing Matt did was rent a motorbike. Although I was a bit nervous to ride one, Matt convinced me to get on and explore with him. I was so scared I wanted to hold on for dear life but I still didn't know Matt too well and I didn't want to let him in on growing secret crush I had on him, so I sat in the back trying not to scream my head off.


Our first photo together

That night, my crush grew even more as Matt and I rode into the next town in search for food. I saw a man selling chicken briyani by the side of the road and suggested we eat there. I wasn't sure how Matt would react to eating at a place where the man behind the counter was using his hand to mix the food, but Matt was just as excited as I was. I love a man who's not afraid to eat dirty! The butterflies took flight again.


Sharing street food for the first time

The next day, Matt and I decided to try to find the Hampi waterfalls some locals told us about. We spent the day hanging around the boulders that surrounded the waterfalls and even went in for a swim. We didn't know it then but another couple was exploring Hampi at the same time, saw Matt and I goofing off in the water and thought that we were so cute that they took photos of us. The next day, we serendipitously ran into them and they offered to send us the photos! Matt and I were already a cute couple before we were even a couple!


Getting spied on in Hampi

That night, I was chatting online with my good friend, Leigh, and telling him about how much fun I was having with my new travel partner. Leigh's interest immediately peaked and he was very inquisitive about this Matt fellow and if there was anything going on. I was sure that nothing was ever going to happen with Matt and told Leigh so but he just wouldn't believe it.

Matt came into the room to see what I was up to, sat down next to me and said hello to Leigh. Our conversation abruptly stopped dead as the topic of our chat was now sitting in the same room. Leigh couldn't tell that Matt could still see him on my laptop screen and started to dance around in the he's-cute-you're-going-to-fall-in-love kind of a way. I was horrified and glanced over to make sure that Matt hadn't seen. Whew! Matt was heading out for a drink and I quickly reprimanded Leigh. I explained that even though I thought Matt was cute and very nice, I didn't think Matt was interested and I didn't want to ruin a lovely friendship by acting on it (which was the same way that Matt felt, but of course, at the time I didn't know that).

Leigh insisted that something would happen and I laughed in his face.

The next morning, Matt and I decided to leave Hampi and headed for Pune together. We didn't realize it then but Matt and I were going to be making a lot of decisions on future destinations in order to stay together...


Unknowingly starting our life together

In short, Leigh was right. Oh, and yes, Matt did in fact see Leigh's little jig! 

See, I told you this is a long story and it's just the beginning! Shall I continue the story?

© Connie Hum 2011

56 comments:

  1. Aww I read it all in a single breath, so nice how you met, the kind of stories you see in movies and never think can happen in reality!

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  2. Aww that's the kind of stories you read in book or see in movies. so sweet and happy for you guys!

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  3. awww so sweet! can't wait to meet him!

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  4. @Angela and @Sarah Wu I'm not sure if I can say that's what Matt and I have is just like in the movies... We certainly have our fair share of "real" couple arguments and disagreements to prove just that!

    @Macey Taylor Will you be meeting him soon? What's the news with Singapore?

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  5. I cannot wait to meet Matt! Hopefully a christmas in the future!

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  6. Aww, that's such a sweet romance! Sigh.

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  7. @Cheryl YES! I miss the annual Mag-dogs holiday party!

    @Melanie Ehler Thanks! Like all romances, no matter how sweet, things get a bit messy... More to come soon!

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  8. from an infected finger to love. awwww~

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  9. I love the story, I love the photos, I want more! :)

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  10. @Mochachocolata Rita You know he's a keeper if he can put up with an infected finger! =)

    @Brenna [fabuleuxdestin] You must know how relationships work because you said, "...so far"! =)

    @Ivana Don't worry! There will be more to come! =)

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  11. such a sweet story...just goes to show you never know where or when you'll find love! & yes - please continue the story :)

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  12. :) I like it very very much :) Hope to hear more about it!!! Miss you, BaLim.

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  13. What a lovely story - a plot of a future rom-com for sure! It's always good to perfect your 'how we met' account- you never know how many times you'll have to share it :-)

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  14. wow, what a gorgeous love story! I also met my husband.. before I knew he would be my husband. it was neat;) wishing u well of course:D


    now, http://cumidanciki.com/

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  15. Continue! This is wonderful Connie, I love reading about how people got together and how love blossoms! Makes me feel all warm & fuzzy inside - perfect for a Monday! ^.^

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  16. @Sailor and @kay* Thank you for finding the start of our love sweet. And Kay, love certainly has a way of showing up when you least expect or want it to! =)

    @Judith Well, you kind of already know some of this story. You traveled with us for a month! Miss you too, Balim!

    @Andy Jarosz And in the future, if anyone asks, I can just point them to the url for this page! Haha!

    @CUMI Travel and love are so unpredictable, no? =)

    @Tom Thank you! Glad to help make your Monday a warm and fuzzy one! Definitely more to come!

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  17. Please continue the story!! I am a complete stranger, but have happy tears welling up in my throat for you.... so beautiful, so magical!

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  18. I love a good love story, especially one that involves travel - dream! Tell us more.....

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  19. Travel and Romance; Englishmen have it going on! Congrats Connie *hugs*

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  20. Tell us more!

    This is such a beautiful story Connie, it's making me giggle :)
    I love how the locals took photos of you guys and how you bonded over eating delicious food. Amazing. Can't wait to hear more!

    - Lily

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  21. @xkirilly Stranger no more! Welcome to my world! I'm touched that you are so touched by our story!

    @Jayne This feels like my ultimate love and travel story. How can I beat this? =)

    @acceleratedstall.com Haha! You brought up the Englishmen thing! I can't vouch for Englishmen in general but mine sure has it going on! =)

    @Lily (Explore for a Year) More to come, I promise! The story makes me giggle too!

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  22. Stupid Skype delay! I would have never gotten caught had it not delayed. I could see him...I had just waited until he was not looking to make my faces. But I didn't stop in enough time due to the delay. Oops! I should bring you on my show.

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  23. Lovely story - we want more though!

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  24. What a great story! Yes, please tell more!

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  25. AWWWWWW YOU GUYS! This is the cutest thing ever! So sweet, and so positive! Keep up the lovin! xo

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  26. So freaking cute! Minus that shot of your nasty finger (ouch!), isn't it funny how these things work out!?

    I can't wait to hear more... you MUST continue the story!

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  27. How romantic and endearing...can't wait to hear more of your ongoing story.

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  28. Oh you must continue the story! Please! Can't wait for the next instalment! So romantic!

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  29. @puhhLEIGHze Haha, Matt and I actually love laughing over this so thank YOU! And YES, if your producer is willing to fly us to NYC, Matt and I would be more than happy to come on your show! =)

    @Adventure , @Gray , @Sarah Got A Passport , @TravelMaus and @lindsay @_thetraveller_ Thank you! More to come soon!

    @Annie Life has proven to be quite serendipitous to me! Sorry about the finger! At least you didn't have to suffer through it!

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  30. What a lovely story Connie! You two seem like a very cute couple, I'm so happy for you. It must have been fate that you found each other in India! And to find a man that shares your love for travel is a great thing, I can't wait to read the next 'instalment'!

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  31. Great story, I bet the anticipation killed you! As an Englishman you have me intrigued to which area his quick accent is from?

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  32. Yes, please continue the story! I love reading about how travelers have fallen in love abroad, and you two seem to have a lovely story.

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  33. Travel and Love. I can relate to that a bit myself. It seems to be an adventurous romance in the making for you guys. Try to enjoy every minute of it. You can't beat creating a great travel experience and falling in love at the same time. That's life in its best scenario right? I really thought this was just cute read here. Just lovely!

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  34. @Julia I definitely agree that finding someone who has the same passion as you is a hard one! I feel lucky that Matt and I have travel in common! Nothing like doing what you love most in the world with someone you love!

    @Anthony Matt's from Southeast London but was living in Brighton.

    @Amanda Thank you, writing the post has helped me see just how special and lovely a story it actually is!

    @Eugene Matt and I always marvel at how wonderful it is that we've got to share in so many amazing experiences together. Sounds like you may have your own love story to share... Please do! =)

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  35. This is such a cute story. I want more!

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  36. What a nice story to read to start a Wednesday... Yes, please keep on! :)

    It's funny how much girls like to hold hands in hospital... I had pretty much the same experience with my (now) wife. ;-) She broke her wrist on a snowboard trip & I did all I could in the hospital. I just did what I had to do, but it seemed to impressed her a lot... Now we are married! ;-)

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  37. Wow... so sweet.. would definitely like to hear more

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  38. Congratulations on the anniversary! And please continue! Sounds like its about to get better!

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  39. man that finger really looked bad but at least you had Matt there to hold it for you. Such a nice story hopefully many wonderful travels for the both of you.

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  40. Yeah I will be waiting for the remainder of the story. I wonder who took the lead? Who went in for the kiss ... Well if the two of you end up marrying you will definitely have some great memories of India!

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  41. Ouch, that looks like one sore finger! But look what came from it. Lovely story and we're all of course waiting for more! Didn't know Matt is a Brit. You have good taste, Connie! :)

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  42. Happy anniversary! I'll be waiting to read part two. And how cool that his mom reads your blog!! :)

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  43. Yes! You absolutely should keep going!

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  44. That is awesome! Sounds like you are having a blast and that picture of you in the water kinda just sums it up, huh? the whole "about to take a plunge" thing. have fun!

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  45. Such an adorable, amazing way to meet. You need to write a chick lit book about it!

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  46. Awwwwwwwwww.....I remember how love feels again....I felt that with my husband :)

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  47. People say India is magical, but for you two it must be in so many ways! Please, please continue!!

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  48. @Miss Britt and @Mica and @Anand Teke and @Nomadic Chick Don't worry, MORE WILL COME! =)

    @Melvin Never under-estimate the power of holding hands! See? It worked for you! =) That's a pretty sweet story you've got there too!

    @Bluegreen Kirk I cannot stress how horrible that finger really was. The picture isn't even from the time when it was really, really bad!

    @Rafael Rodrigues You said the "M" word! Oh no!!! =)

    @Julia Oh yes, Matt is very much a Brit! HAHA! And thank you!

    @Laura Ha, I think she may be my most avid reader just to hear what's going on with Matt. He's pretty bad about reporting all the wonderful things we (he) does in travel.

    @Scott "Take a plunge"! I never thought or saw that photo in that way! Thanks for pointing it out!

    @ramblinbess Hmm, let me finish the love story first and see if it can still qualify as chick-lit material... =)

    @jen laceda Now, see? THAT is sweet! Sounds like you don't need my story to remind you of how love feels.

    @e_ting India definitely is magical, even if you don't find someone to fall in love with there. =)

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  49. that's such a sweet story! and in india!! (one of my top countries to visit!). i met my love when traveling too...in a small town called winchester in the UK. mind you we were in the same island of grenada for 2 yrs and never met!!! love happens when you least expect it. p.s. i just got back from buenos aires!! :)) it was amazing! i call it the new york city of south america. you have to visit!

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  50. Interesting read ... wish you guys all the very best in what life has in store for you ... Take care and safe travels!
    Cheers,
    Madhu

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  51. I'm so glad you posted this! I love to hear people's stories on the road that are more personal than just a destination guide. Can't wait to read more!

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  52. Aww! I'm glad I found this post through your 7 links. I love reading love stories, and this one is just melting my heart!!! Is there a continuation?!?

    Wishing you and Matt all the best!! Your photos together are beyond cute!!

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