Blog: Isabel and Harry

Who knew a trip to Southeast Asia could lead to so much...

Our story starts far away from Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. In fact, on the other side of the world. In Thailand, in September 2023. I (Isabel) quit my job as a teacher to go backpacking in Southeast Asia for half a year. A wish I had had for years and could finally fulfill. After starting my journey alone, I met Harry at a train station in Bangkok, just three days in. 

Harry was on a well-deserved vacation himself after being deployed for his job as a serviceman in the British Air Force. He had already completed most of his trip and was about to begin his last ten days. And I was just at the start…

It was love at first sight, and in the ten days that followed, we traveled together through northern Thailand and northern Vietnam. We enjoyed the culture, the countries, and the adventures we experienced. After ten days, we unfortunately had to say goodbye, as Harry had to return to the UK. I, on the other hand, still had about five months of backpacking ahead of me. We promised to stay in touch and see where our connection would lead… But one thing I had already made clear: I would never leave Zeeuws-Vlaanderen! 

After three and a half months of daily calls and messages while I was traveling in Asia, I decided to travel to Scotland, where Harry lived. After living together there for a few months, we decided that after Harry’s next mission for the air force, we would live together in Terneuzen. 

In the meantime, I moved back to Terneuzen and started working again at a new school for me: De Driesprong in Hoek. I quickly felt at home and after six long months of another long-distance relationship, Harry returned safely from Romania after a successful, final deployment. Harry resigned, sold his house and car, and came to live with me in Terneuzen. Ready for a new start in the Netherlands. 

We have now been living together since August 2024 and are enjoying what Terneuzen has to offer. We love going to events in the city center and enjoy going to the coast. Of course, Harry misses his military life and English culture, but he is adapting well and is embracing his new life with both hands.

Who knew a trip to Southeast Asia could lead to so much…
 

The photo was taken in Vietnam during our 3-day motorbike tour through the mountains.