The last few weeks have been chaos. Canceled flights. Border closings. Lockdowns. I almost didn’t make it back.

The Saga

On March 7, I flew back to the United States for three and a half weeks. Or so I thought…

Soon, the Coronavirus whirlwind started uprooting society like a hell-bent tornado. Countries started closing their borders. Airlines canceled flights. What if Belgium rejected incoming international arrivals?

Taking initiative, I changed my flights. I’d leave Seattle on March 17, arriving in Brussels the next day. I was pleased with my foresight.

Unfortunately, Coronavirus moved faster. On the morning of the 17th, I learned the final leg of my flight (Amsterdam to Brussels) was canceled. Not ideal.

In borderline hysterics, I called Ekaterina and explained the situation. She immediately volunteered to pick me up in Amsterdam and drive us back. However, this plan wasn’t without risks. Belgium was planning to institute a nation-wide lockdown at any point, disallowing “non-essential” travel. Was picking me up essential?

While connecting in Detroit, I noticed the previous flight to Amsterdam was canceled. Not good. The flight just after mine was canceled, too. Luckily, my plane decided to depart. Finally, I was in the air.

When I landed, I fired up my phone, scouring the internet for updates. I didn’t have to look far. Evidently, the EU had resolved to close its borders to incoming non-essential travel just hours earlier. Meh.

Stradling sleep deprivation and frenzy, I made my way to immigration and crossed my fingers. Filled with apprehension, I handed the officer my passport, hoping for the best.

As it turned out, I was in the wrong line. I walked another five minutes to find the proper customs line. 🙄

At long last, I entered the Netherlands. After hugging my long-lost girlfriend, we jumped in the car. Around 10 a.m., we crossed the border into Belgium — two hours before lockdown began.

Somehow, I’d made it.

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The Reward

The treasure was worth the quest. Today, the wonderful woman I had the pleasure of meeting in Bolivia (she’s the person from Belgium),

dating in Brazil,

vacationing with in Paris,

glimpsing in the London airport,

introducing to family in Seattle,

living with in Belgium,

dancing with in Poland, and

being rescued by in the Netherlands, has agreed to by my travel buddy, kindness buddy, and life buddy.

Forever.

I’m a very lucky guy.

Of course, the Belgian government won’t allow the ring to enter the country due to Coronavirus. As such, it’s currently being held in Seattle, with my mother as custodian.

Just another twist in the crazy story.

A very happy story ❤️