Some of you may already know that our romance started in a kitchen. We thought that you, as our followers and supporters, may like to know more about this story. After all, that day was the beginning of everything until now, with us on this race for the dream job. But we both are the sort of people who value impartial opinions. So, we thought that instead of giving you Dave’s or Dani’s version of the facts, we would bring you the story as told by the first witness, Raquel Romano:
I met Daniela during our MA programme in International Journalism at City University in London. Being the only two Brazilians in the course, our friendship grew stronger as assignments came and went. She was (and is) always so cheerful, confident and hopeful. I instantly admired her for being a true journalist, for working hard, for being passionate about her career, for daring to move to London without a word of English in her knapsack.At the end of the programme, when both of us had to work on writing our theses, circumstances brought us even closer: This time, living together. We started by spending a month in a friend's studio in Highbury while searching for a more permanent place to live. Finding an Internet ad by a group of South Africans in Earl's Court, I clearly remember Daniela's saying that we should definitely check that one out, that South Africans were really cool and we would get along well. A week later, we were moving into the place.
The house didn’t actually have a living room, so all social interactions were in the kitchen, which we used a lot (writing a thesis gave us both the munchies). Then, one day, one of our housemates announced that she was going away for a while and that her boyfriend’s brother would be taking up her room.
So Dave moves in. We met him in the kitchen on the same day we both had finally delivered our theses; what a lucky coincidence. Daniela was cooking her delicious garlicky lamb chops to celebrate. Was he attracted by the smell, I wonder?
That night, when he left, the first thing Dani told me was that he was cute. But I had already noticed her enchantment by the way she had smiled at him. I could tell he was smitten by her as well. They are both very active, happy, energetic people with similar interests and a love of adventure. Simply put two of the nicest people I have ever met. No wonder they would be interested in each other.
They say I was their cupid but I disagree. I was just somebody who realized that they were a perfect match and pushed them a bit closer together. Daniela was recovering from a bad breakup and wanted to take things slowly but I knew she was ready to be thrown into Dave’s arms. A new love would be the best medicine. I am sure she forgives me for the interference.
So one day it happened that Daniela was at work and I met Dave – again – in the kitchen. I told him about a friend’s concert I was supposed to go to with Dani but since I was about to leave on a trip he should go with her. I believe he perceived my comment (or rather, my offering of my friend as a date) as a clear indication that she was interested.
Three days later, I went on my trip. Coming back home, I wasn't surprised to learn they were dating. It was great to find Dani so happy. And it was amazing to see how perfectly they complemented each other.
A few months later Daniela surprised me with the news that she was going to do another MA - this time in South Africa. Although David would stay in the UK I thought this was no coincidence - I knew Daniela would take the opportunity to get to know her love's motherland better. She did it so well she became good friends with his parents. And, of course, finished her course with distinction.
Back in London, they started talking about relocating to Ireland while planning their surfing trip to the Philippines, and then to Central America, finally settling in Galway in the end.
And now they are among the top finalists to get the Ultimate Job in Ireland. I follow their adventures with wonder and admiration and am looking forward to checking their reporting on honeymoon destinations. The couple who lives an endless honeymoon, doing what they were born to do: Enjoying the best the world has to offer and telling people about it.
Dani and Dave, you rock!
Rachel Romano
PS: Picture of Dani and Raquel at City University taken by their friend Hjalmar Tjan.
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