Our meeting was serendipitous, and we couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Our paths crossed in the vibrant city of Madrid, thanks to our dear friend, Jake. It was during one memorable evening when Maggie joined Chema and Jake for dinner. Chema, ever the gentleman, graciously shared his pizza with her, setting the stage for a delightful connection. Following dinner, we ventured to enjoy some refreshing beers and a lively game of Jenga. The camaraderie and laughter that filled the air made it an unforgettable experience. As the night drew to a close, Jake suggested that Maggie should 'babysit' Chema the following day since he had work commitments. The next evening, we embarked on a tapas adventure, accompanied by a lengthy and meaningful conversation. It was during this conversation that we began to truly get to know each other, laying the foundation for a beautiful journey ahead.

Despite living in different cities, our journey began with countless texts and heartfelt conversations. Our first encounter wasn't just a simple date; it evolved into an entire weekend adventure. We kicked off this extraordinary weekend with an exhilarating climb up the ferrata in Foradada del Toscar. The stunning scenery left an indelible mark on us, and it was a moment when Chema couldn't help but be awed by Maggie's fearless spirit. This day of adventure and adrenaline set the perfect tone for our budding connection. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we found ourselves in Benasque, sharing a bottle of wine that had developed a unique, slightly rancid character over time. We also savored the delicious Tete de Moine cheese. These moments etched a beautiful memory in our hearts, a memory that we cherish to this day.

On the second day, we embarked on a skiing expedition, and it was an absolute delight. We enjoyed some thrilling moments on the slopes and later celebrated our shared passion for food, savoring a hearty meal after a satisfying day of skiing. As the day came to an end, we serendipitously discovered some soothing hot springs, where we relished a tranquil and romantic interlude, set against the backdrop of the snow-covered surroundings.

During the months of April to June, we had a delightful exchange of visits. Maggie, the proudest Spaniard not actually from Spain, played the tour guide in Madrid, showing Chema the ins and outs of his own country's capital. In return, Chema introduced Maggie to the world of mountain adventures, even orchestrating her inaugural canyoning experience. It's safe to say, it was a unique twist of cultural exploration!

That summer, Chema had the unique opportunity to reside in Zurich, and we considered ourselves fortunate to be able to visit each other frequently. Our adventures spanned from the scenic landscapes of Spain to the breathtaking heights of the Alps. It was a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience.

And then, Maggie decided to introduce Chema to her homeland, Poland! It was an incredible journey that took us to Krakow and Zakopane. We savored traditional Polish cuisine, indulged in Żubrówka (a first but definitely not the last for Chema), and even enjoyed the melodies of traditional Polish folk music in a mountain shelter. It was nothing short of amazing, a captivating discovery for Chema that would undoubtedly lead to many more trips to Poland in the future.

Chema moves to Sunnyvale, California for 4 months for a Ph.D. internship with Apple while Maggie spent her funemployment in Madrid, London, and N.J.