British Tom Rogers and his partner, Filipino Anna Faustino, met by a series of chance encounters during a trip across Vietnam nine years ago.

Rogers and Faustino first bumped into each other in Da Lat, a city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, when she recognized him from a photo she had taken at the sand dunes in Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam just two days earlier.

At the time, Rogers was on a motorbike trip across Vietnam while Faustino was exploring the country’s beautiful landscapes and unique cuisines.

The more they spoke, the more they bonded over their lives and travel experiences.

It did not take long before the two decided that they would spend the rest of their trips together.

A warm welcome in Vietnam

Faustino told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that she and Rogers explored nearly every city and province between Ho Chi Minh City and Sa Pa during their trip.

Amongst their favorite activities were sandboarding in Mui Ne, whitewater rafting in Da Lat, strolling through Hoi An, and trekking in Sa Pa. 

“It was a great journey. I visited many beautiful and vibrant cities and provinces,” Faustino recalled. 

She was also eager to share her impression of Vietnamese hospitality.

“Anytime we needed help, like if our motorbike broke down in the street, locals would help us despite our language difference," she said.

“When we could not find a place to stay overnight in a mountainous province, locals allowed us to stay in their home."

One of the strongest bonds between Faustino and Rogers is their love of food.

In fact, the couple loved bun cha Hanoi (Hanoi-style vermicelli with grilled pork and herbs) so much that they took a cooking class together so that they could make the Vietnamese speciality for themselves. 

“Sometimes, when I miss Vietnam, I cook the dish for myself and invite friends over to enjoy it," Faustino said.

At the end of their trip together, Rogers continued exploring Vietnam near the Chinese border while Faustino visited Laos. The two promised to meet in Thailand.

“I did not think we were meant for each other at first, but so far we have been together for nine years," Faustino said.

"Since we met in Vietnam, we have traveled and experienced life in many places partly because, luckily, we have online jobs.

“We will get married in September this year.”

In 2022, Faustino and Rogers returned to Vietnam for a vacation in the central city of Da Nang. 

“Vietnamese people are wonderful. The country is full of majestic landscapes and interesting things worth discovering,” Faustino said.  

During their years together, Faustino and Rogers have built their own travel blog named 'Adventure in You' on which they share information, trip schedules, and experiences.

They believe that the more places young people travel, the more they can grow, and maybe even find true love. 

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