Being in a long-distance relationship can be challenging. The time apart can be heartbreaking, and the expense of traveling back and forth to see each other can be overwhelming. But when one partner has more opportunity to travel while the other has limited ability, or is unable to get tourist visas as easily, this can also put a strain on the relationship. 

For one couple, this clever woman found a way to make this obstacle not only a romantic experience, but a truly fun activity to bring them even closer while they wait for the time they will be able to explore the world together.

Below is Suzy Choi's account of how she not only arrived in her partner's country with her suitcase filled with passion and love, but she also found a creative, unique way to bring the world to him by planning a spicy, romantic, around the world date even though they are not able to travel together yet.

 

Our Spicy, Romantic, Around the World Date

by Suzy Choi

 

One day my partner and I will have an opportunity to travel the world together. That is the goal. But for now, as we promise to be each other’s forever, I took him "around the world" with food.

We spent a most wonderful week together, and it was sad to only be able to see each other for just a few days before having to say, "See you later."

But during the time we did have together, we focused on being as goofy as ever together, and having fun.

 

 

So, I came up with a plan to travel around the world with food by preparing meals from many different countries.

Yes, it was definitely romantic in my book. I am sappy like that. The thing is, he loved it even more. The idea was to create a menu depending on how many days we were together, and we would cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner from various countries.

If you're going to try this, make sure you first talk about your favorite foods as well as dishes you've always wanted to try.

Menu Options

You can browse recipies online, and watch Youtube videos together to guide you. Here are a few Youtube videos to inspire you:

1. Date Night Dinner
2. Only One Pan Dinner
3. 4 Date Night Recipies
4. 4 Romantic Dinners For Date Night
5. 15 Delicious Recipes From Around The World

And, here are 89 Authentic Recipes from Around the World to give you some great ideas on where to begin!

 

 

 

Of course, you may have to adjust the spiciness depending on what you and your partner prefer.

Naturally, because I am part Asian and love Asian food, (and because he never had any Asian food), we made Japanese sushi for one meal.

We also had fun making American pancakes, and steak and egg for breakfast. Our Chinese honey sesame chicken dish was so delicious!

We loved making Korean bulgogi. And our Mexican/ Latin American tacos were not too spicy but oh, how mouth-watering!

We tried out chicken pasta with bolognese sauce and dreamed of going one day to Italy, and all the other countries we will explore together, hopefully soon!

And of course, we brought it brought back to Morocco by putting a new twist on a traditional favorite; shakshouka, or Moroccan egg tagine.

Healthier Meal Options

Many ethnic dishes can be incredibly tasty, but filled with unhealthy things like sugar or made from flour or pasta, or even things like palm oil. But you can still enjoy a decadant dish by using a few substitutions.

We had such a lovely time going to the market together and picking out fresh vegetables and shrimp and all the other ingredients was a big part of the fun for us.

Helping each other prep the ingredients, and then eating it from the same bowl was the best part. It just seemed to make every bite even more delicious. 

It does not require a lot to be thoughtful and romantic. I say going out to restaurants is great. But cooking meals together at home has something extra special, especially when we talked about all the places we plan to visit and experience together. 

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Have you ever cooked with your partner? What were your favorite meals? What other ways have you been able to keep the romance alive in a long-distance relationship? Please share your comments below