Sunrise Owls

1. He is a human map — Whether we’re riding a scooter around an entire island or exploring historic neighborhoods on foot, if the man has been there once he can get back by memory. I am free of Google Maps and enjoying the scenery.
2. He helps me cross the street — This is not just an old-timey act of chivalry here, because streets in Asia are nuts. The only way to cross during peak traffic periods is to assert yourself and step into the flow at a predictable, steady pace & look eight times for rogue motorbikes and stray dogs. After way too close of an encounter with a rat in Chiang Mai, he also leads the way at night with a protective, deterring stomp.
3. He holds the purse — Mileage with your partner may vary. Men’s clothes have infinitely more pockets and by only carrying one wallet, I can roam hands free without a strappy purse on a sunburnt back. (Wallet is filled with joint funds and spent with joint responsibility.)
4. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch him grow — Chris is not the most adventurous eater and can be easily overwhelmed in certain situations. It has made my heart bloom to watch his comfort picking out a meal from the market grow or see him choose a northern Thai speciality dish off a menu that also has burgers and pizza. Thank you, Thailand, for helping my husband like tomatoes 🙏🏻
5. All the same, he makes me feel safe to push myself through fear — I am scared of most adventure activities and even small things like riding a bike or swimming in deep water. Knowing Chris is watching out for me, I’ve swam with sharks and climbed waterfalls out here! He helps me enjoy a whole side of life I used to sit out on. 😌
6. He keeps the mood light — Traveling is just plain stressful sometimes: hanger, heat and humidity, weird sleep schedules, unfamiliar environments with language barriers. While a dad joke may not always be my preferred comedic relief, I am grateful to have someone who can make me laugh.
7. He is not as frugal as me — Our relationship has great balance. I’m keen to barter or save where we can, but Chris makes sure we don’t skip out on the activities that are worth it and that we aren’t spending our whole trip in hostels. We have both done a great job keeping our packs light and investing on experiences rather than things. 
8. He is not judgmental — See above for why it’s important to be honest about how you’re feeling out here. When I’ve reached my physical or mental limits, I am met with support and care.
9. I’ve fallen more in love — From the little things like buying a trinket ring for my left hand to going all in on the country of my choosing, Chris shows up for me every day out here — in new and the same ways as at home. He is thoughtful to pick restaurants because he thinks I will like them or to decorate our room as a romantic gesture. Shout out to Mike, as Chris has said he learned this from watching his dad do the most for his mom over the years. 
10. It’s quite fun to be “the newlyweds” everywhere we go! We’ve received lots of congratulations & comments on what a cute couple 🙈 now I just need to work on my rhythm and pitch as his backup singer during guitar jam sessions…

To be able to explore so much together is the biggest privilege. We will have so many stories to tell our kids about the times we watched monkeys from our bedroom window, explored entire islands, or when their mom chipped her tooth at the full moon party on the beach 😄

We couldn’t be having a better time out here on our honeymoon and are making the most of the days we have left! 💜