Along the journey called life, we meet people who later become lifelong friends, with whom we share certain aspects and experiences.
And then among some of these friends, we meet those who, because of the phenomenon called “attraction” and similarities which draw us together, become our partners for life, above and beyond having a relationship which is built upon a foundation of friendship, love and trust.
A foundation which grows stronger, day by day, through shared experiences, an understanding of the other despite quarrels and disagreements, and a mutual desire to stay together through good times or bad.
A foundation which stems from values and interests more common than different, and a longing to be next to the other, experiencing something new – a new country, a distinct phase in life, a different restaurant.
With Juan, we’ve travelled together, seen ourselves in different countries, experienced school life in Germany and work life in Argentina, and left our mark in the different continents across the globe.
We’ve ice-skated across a lake in freezing Dresden, Germany; we’ve explored the castles of beautiful Heidelberg, whose backdrop of auburn trees is forever etched in my mind; and we’ve raced against crowds and time in Paris, the City of Light, where we bid farewell in a bus station, uncertain if we would ever see each other again.
Then we reunited in Buenos Aires, where we trekked on glaciers in Calafate, Patagonia, drank whisky on the rocks at the end of the hike; walked through the “Devil’s throat” in the Iguassu waterfalls; strolled on the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
We’ve dived off cliffs in Boracay, Philippines; snorkelled among parrot fish in Phuket, Thailand; pushed through the immensely crowded streets in vibrant Hong Kong; walked the streets of colonial Malacca, Malaysia; and explored the small paths and preserved historical neighbourhood of Colonia, Uruguay.
Mostly, we’ve spent a large part of our relationship wandering streets to find a restaurant and eating together.
After travelling, eating is one of the pleasures in life which tastes better shared, with a friend, a random stranger, or better yet, with your partner.
I’m now convinced that a couple who eats together, grows together.
While it may be true in a physically literal way, it’s an observation that I’ve deducted from our countless food adventures.
In Buenos Aires, we’ve sat down on plastic chairs and munched on a sandwich de bondiola (pork shoulder sandwich) at Palermo Woods; feasted on red curry chicken at a posh Thai restaurant in the city center; had a New York-style brunch at Big Mamma chomping down a large pastrami sandwich; and delighted in Indian curries at a restaurant named Mumbai. We’ve also experimented with Peruvian flavors at Primavera Trujillana; brunched at the cute Pani Cafe; and tried Hungarian food at Turandot.
Across the oceans, we’ve eaten authentic Thai seafood along the sandy beaches of Krabi and Phuket; indulged in Peranakan food in Malacca; stuffed ourselves silly with local Singaporean delights back in my hometown; picnicked on German weisswurst and beer in Mannheim, Germany; snacked in Hong Kong’s famous dim sum restaurants; eaten Portuguese egg tarts along Macau’s cobbled streets; and chowed down Chivitos in Colonia, Uruguay.
Because eating plays such a fundamental role in our lives, in which we spend hours huddled over tables crammed with food, being engaged in conversations, deep or silly alike, I believe that the more hours and times a couple eats together – whether at home, at a high-end restaurant, or at a simple picnic in the woods or by a lake – the more a couple grows together.
It’s not just that eating feeds you and gives you nutrients for your physical body.
It’s also a time and an excuse to bond, to communicate, to slow down, relax, and enjoy the company before you.
And when a couple explores different cuisines together, they create a cove of memories made with these new experiences; they learn fun facts and history together; they become closer.
I can attest to that!
So try it, with your partner – eat different foods, at all sorts of different places, turn a simple meal into a learning experience, a time to bond and unite, and then watch as you both grow together!
A couple which eats together, grows together!
Awww, what a great post! I loved getting to know you and Juan through your writing. I completely agree that a couple that eats together, grows together. Great insight!
Hey Leah!
thanks for dropping by my blog and following it 🙂
so glad you enjoyed reading this post – the title is a little weird for sure – when I posted this on facebook, some friends’ first reactions were “yeah a couple which eats together GROWS FAT together!” – there might definitely be some truth to that too (of cos im crossing my fingers and hoping it doesnt come true!!)
have a great weekend dear!
xoxo
The best article I have read here 🙂 It puts a smile on my face 🙂
Hello!
Thank you so much for reading! It’s always great to know that someone out there is enjoying what I write 🙂
You and Juan’s life together is so adventurous and awesome through food. An admirable one. Keep it up!
Thanks Irene! You and W have traveled to many countries and eaten many different cuisines too! 🙂
Definitely going to try to keep traveling and eating as many different cuisines as possible (as long as our pockets allow it!)
have a great week dear!
xoxo
Such a beautiful post <3 I know I make it point to cook just once a week for Josh and me. It might not be much but we share it every Friday night and I feel like we do grow because of it. We talk about our weeks, how things are going, and how good (or not so good lol) the food is. You are right on target with this post, Felicia. Food is so important in our lives, and to our relationships 🙂
Aw, Friday night dinners sound so sweet – it’s good that you & josh set aside time each week to enjoy each other’s company and bond over food 🙂 I do that with Juan whenever we can, but sometimes we rush when we eat and I have to remind myself to slow down and relax and just enjoy the present.
🙂
I completely agree! I feel like enjoying food and talking about food is such a huge part of my life that it’s always nice to be with someone who can relate to that and appreciate it too.
Hello!
I’m glad you feel that way too! Although I used to think that talking and writing about food is trivial, I’ve come to realize that food is just the starting point of a large learning journey (which involves history, culture, health and so many other different aspects!) and that starting a conversation about food can really create so many bonds – across continents, the internet, or simple across the kitchen table.
thanks for reading & sharing your thoughts! have a great week!
Very interesting! Looking forward to seeing both of you soon!
Can’t wait to see all of u back home again too!!!! 🙂
This post is so adorable! You and Juan are so adventurous! Tim and I are such homebodies…However, we plan on being more adventurous, starting this year! We have several trips in the works that we’re really excited about! We haven’t travelled around the world much. The only places we’ve been to outside the US are Korea, Japan, the French Polynesian Islands (specifically Tahiti and Moorea – we went for our honeymoon). TIm and I do love eating together and trying new foods. We have a lot of fond memories centered around food ;).
Min!
It’s so exciting that you have several trips planned for the near future! Juan and I are heading to Australia in a couple of weeks (together with my family + grandparents) and I can’t wait!!
I’ve never been to the Polynesian islands – they most be beautiful! People say these islands are among the best beaches in the world! 🙂
And.. I’ve never been to the US before! (only once to Hawaii, which doesn’t really count..) So US is a pending destination.. but before that i really want to go back to Europe again (especially Italy!!)
Have a beautiful week ahead Min!
Happy belated Martin Luther King day!
This is so true!
I’m glad you agree! 🙂 Have a great week!
It’s a very interesting point of view………worth being experimented!
Very well written,thank you!
Ciao Anna!
I’m glad you liked it! Try it one day! It’s a fun way of getting to bond with your partner! Plus, who doesn’t have fun in the midst of great food??
Baci!
I must tell that I already enjoy having great food with my partner , but never thought of it as an experience for our life together……….instead you’re right!
The more I think of it ,the more I’m convinced…….
Thank you,Felicia…..
Well to be honest I only recently thought of it this way. But since eating is one of the activities in which we spend most of our time doing and and sharing together, it definitely has a role to play in how we grow as a couple!! 🙂
I’m so glad you found the concept useful!! Have a great week!
You too!!!