When I signed up for Twitter, I thought it would be a good way to meet other travelers and travel bloggers. I talked to really fun and interesting people, learned about parts of the travel world I never knew existed, and improved my writing. What I never could’ve expected was how Twitter would change my life.
In July I met with Barbara from Cultural Travel with Hole in the Donut while she was in Atlanta, and she told me about her travel blogging experiences. She also convinced me to buy a domain and set up self-hosting for my blog. But I am NOT computer savvy, and I quickly ran into problems trying to import my old blog onto the new site. I sent out a random tweet that said something like “I just bought a domain and I have no idea how to set up the hosting.” Andy from Grounded Traveler responded and offered to help. He’s from North Carolina but lives in Germany, so he stayed up late to wait for me to get home from work so we could talk on Skype and import my blog. Then Barbara met with me a few more times to help me with the details of the site (thanks again Barbara!).
That could’ve been the end of it. But Andy and I started keeping up with each other on Twitter, reading each other’s blogs, and exchanging emails. After we had another long conversation on Skype at the beginning of August, I officially had a crush on Andy, despite the fact that I live in Atlanta and he lives in Freiburg. Every time I mentioned the 4000 mile distance, he said “it’s just a detail.” We emailed constantly, talked on Skype one or two nights during the week (thanks for staying up late Andy!) and spent countless hours on Skype on the weekends. It’s really amazing how well you get to know someone when all you have is talking. We couldn’t go on the traditional dinner and a movie date. Instead, we spent 6-8 hours talking non-stop each Saturday. And then again on Sundays.
Andy & I in Prague, November 2010
We continued this routine for nearly 4 months. We made it through my week long trip to Ecuador and his two week trip to Greece without being able to talk to each other. For much of Andy’s trip, he didn’t even have internet connection. We definitely learned just how important we are to each other during those weeks. At the end of November, I flew to Prague for a trip I had planned before Andy and I ever knew each other. Andy took the train from Freiburg to Prague so that we could finally meet in person, and after the initial 20 minutes of “wow, you’re not pixel-y” it just felt natural to be around each other. It was such an amazing weekend! As a way to express how important that weekend was, I wrote a post called A Love Letter To Prague which was really a love letter to Andy. At New Year’s, I went to Germany to visit, and it reconfirmed that Andy and I fit so well together.
I’ve never felt so close to someone despite the geography. It’s never just felt right like it does with Andy. I still sometimes have moments of disbelief that a tweet led me to the man I am completely in love with. I feel like the luckiest person in the world that Andy actually saw that one tweet, and that we’re committed to being together. Also, Mom and Dad – thanks for taking the news so well!
Awww…. Just… AWWWWWWWW! So sweet!
Erica recently posted..Travel Photography – Segovia Cathedral
Thanks Erica!!
This is the cutest story! Thank you so much for sharing it. I think it’s amazing that you guys made it work with long distance and not being able to meet in person for 4 months. I would have been so nervous to finally meet in person!
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler recently posted..Round-Up of Favorite Travel Blog Posts – 01162011 12
I was soooo nervous to finally meet him! Totally worth the wait
I am so pumped for you, I’m so glad that you decided to make it public. I haven’t found love in the Twitter/Blogging world, not that I’m really looking.
I have been able to connect with some awesome people that I would otherwise have never been able to connect with, yourself included.
I have to admit that I am very curious about how your parents took the news. I’m sure we will get to read that soon… Hint, Hint.
Nick Laborde recently posted..Why everyone shouldn’t like you
Twitter really is amazing for connecting with people, so much more than I ever could’ve expected before I opened my account, even aside from meeting Andy. I’m glad I got to meet you, you’re awesome too!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Emily Sims, Ordinary Traveler and Nick Laborde, Alison Garland. Alison Garland said: *** New post! *** My Twitter Love Story http://wp.me/p10HLI-bl #travel #lp [...]
Awwwwww!!!!! I’m not gonna lie… this post made me get all goose-bumpy and a little bit teary-eyed. While I didn’t become close to my current boyfriend through a tweet, we’re also doing a semi-long-distance thing. I know how tough it can be, and how time away from the online/phone connection can really make you appreciate each other and the way you feel that much more.
So happy for you both!
Amanda recently posted..Great American Road Trip 2011- The Plan
Thanks Amanda! It is hard but it also made us so much better at being able to talk things thru. I hope you & your long distance boyfriend are doing good!
What a great story Ali! Both you and Andy are awesome people and deserve all the happiness in the world!
Kieron recently posted..Announcing Frugal February
Thanks Kieron!
4000 miles: “it’s just a detail” — this is the best quote ever.
Congratulations, you two are gorgeous.
Thank you!
Cuuutee! Isn’t Twitter great? I have Twitter to be thankful for as well
Twitter IS great! Happy to hear about you & Stephanie too! Thanks!
That’s so awesome! Twitter actually brought me to my boyfriend as well (via TBEX) so I can definitely relate. I think it’s so cool, the ways that technology can actually help us form real, personal bonds.
That’s awesome Stephanie! Technology is definitely a wonderful thing! I love that you guys met thru TBEX
Very sweet! I love how a near chance reply on Twitter led to so much more.
Happy for you two and your love story!
Thanks Heather!
OMG! Andy wrote about his awesome girlfriend a couple posts ago and I had no idea it was you!!
What an amazingly adorable story! I’m so happy for you two!
Annie recently posted..London’s Second Chance
HA, yep that’s me! Thanks Annie!
[...] My Twitter Love Story [...]
Wow I love this – great story to tell when people ask soooo… how did you meet?
Technology is definitely bringing us all closer…
Kirsty recently posted..Photo From Our Week – 23-01-11
Yep, technology is awesome! Thanks Kirsty!
Aww, yay! I’ve been stalking your blog to see when you were going to tell your parents about the boy.
I’m so happy for you – it really is such a sweet story! Can’t wait to hear what’s next for you two!
Amy recently posted..My Life List
HA, stalking my blog, love it! Thanks Amy!
Awww,thats great girl. I met Doug online too and most of the people on this days meets their partner online. Thanks for sharing with us girl
Thanks JR, you’re sweet!
am impressed you found love with twitter, am really happy for you
Thanks Zablon! Yep, wasn’t looking for it, but I found it anyway!
Oh wow, I just found your post after I saw it RT’d in my feed and I thought I recognised that face in your pic. I was on a Contiki tour of Britain with Andy around NYE last year, ha what are the odds?!
That’s really cool that you guys hooked up through Twitter, wish you all the best and happy travels.
Justin Morris recently posted..Featured Photo – Berlin and an Announcement
That’s crazy! Definitely a small world. Thanks Justin!
YEAH! So happy for you guys Ali <3
Thanks Christina!
That’s quite an amazing story. Very happy for you two, and here’s for a very many happy years ahead
Jill – Jack and Jill Travel The World recently posted..11 Reasons We’re Going on A RTW Trip
Thanks Jill, I really appreciate it!
I am so happy for you, in case you weren’t aware!
No, totally unaware. In fact, who are you? Kidding
Thanks Tim!
Awwww that is such a cute story. I’m so happy for both you!!!
Maybe one day I will meet my man on twitter…lol!!! it seems so silly but thats so awesome!!! It seem like a lot of people meet now through social media. I know my cousin who is getting married in the summer met each other through facebook.
Jaime recently posted..Shit I need to get done before I leave…
Thanks Jaime! I hope you do meet a great guy, but I’m thinking maybe when you’re on the road.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the title of this post, soooo excited that you went public with this. I wish you 2 nothing but the absolute best in life and love.
Andi recently posted..Happy New Year!!!
Thanks Andi, it was really nice to share this!
This is such a great story. I am so happy for you both- such wonderful people. Can all your twitter friends come to the wedding?? Now that would be a tweet up!
Best of luck to you both, you so deserve it.
Caz Makepeace recently posted..Daily Travel Photo- Negotiating in China
That would be a crazy tweet up! Thanks so much Caz!
Oh I love that idea. You should so make it a public wedding & we all be there. EEeEee how awesome would that be… it’d be fucking awesome…lol!
As awesome as it would be, I can’t imagine what that would cost!
Ali, your Dad and I are thrilled for you and can’t wait to meet Andy. We’re getting used to being surprised by all the wonderful things you’ve done.
Love ya
Mom
Thanks Mom! Love you too!
Wow, what a fabulous, heart warming story. I, too, have realized how small the world can be. Twitter and Facebook have changed so many things for so many people. Wishing you and Andy all the happiness in the world!! Cheers!
Definitely a small world, crazy sometimes. Thanks Gillian!
So happy for you, Ali! And love the comment from your mom!
Thanks Becky!
Beautiful post. Congratulations on finding the love of your life
Thanks Dave & Deb!
What an awesome story! I have heard of so many people who have met their partners through their blogs but never one through a tweet.
Thanks Akila!
What a lovely story — congratulations!!
Michael Hodson recently posted..Interview with Sally- the unbravegirl- Lucky 13 Questions
Thanks Michael!
hy sweety …..!!!!!!!!!!!1 really touched by ur story . you’re really lucky one to recognized your love n feeling n accept it with open heart ,otherwise most often we get to know OHH IT’S LOVE when we lost it.
luv cheers
Thank you Fatima!
you’re welcome sweety ;p looking forward to more such lovely post
This is just a beautiful story. Isn’t it amazing how you can fit so well with someone on the opposite side of the world? Wishing you both the best!
Christine recently posted..Feeling the Holiday Spirit in Vancouver- BC pt II
Yes, it definitely is amazing! Thanks Christine!
Awwww… what an adorable story! I had no idea that two tweeps that I follow on twitter were in love. Such a heartwarming story. Keep us updated
Kim recently posted..RTWsomanyplaces- Check out the books Ive read since 2009 Lots of good ones there Link is halfway down the page- http-wwwso-many-placescom-faq-
Thanks Kim, will do!
Wow, so happy for you!
Such a sweet story… It reminds me of something that happened to me too, and it’s so great to get to know someone talking a lot! Usually it doesn’t happen!
Congratulations and thumbs up to Twitter that made u meet!!!
Giulia recently posted..Jan 25- 2011- Egypt’s “Revolution day”
Thanks Giulia! I hope you’re doing good!
This post reminds me that it really is a small world. Love it! So happy for you
Laura recently posted..Montage Monday- A Cloudy Day on the Amalfi Coast Italy
Thanks Laura!
Very cool! Love hearing about these type of stories. I met my now German fiance on vacation and we did 8000km of long distance from Canada to Germany before I moved here last July, so it’s definitely doable. Amazing how a single tweet can change your life!
Laurel recently posted..World’s Largest Pig Museum
That’s awesome Laurel! What part of Germany?
Beautiful story! I say that’s taking “meeting online” a step further
I met my boyfriend on an exchange semester and we did the whole long distance (US, Germany) for more than 2 years, so I feel for you… Lots of flights, lots of Skype calls, lots of telephone calls, lots of messages, and lots of happy/sad airport pick-up/drop-offs. Hope you guys can make it work. Totally worth it!
Thanks Sabrina! It certainly is hard but I have every confidence we will make it work.
Finally!!! You two come clean and I no longer have to keep this a secret!!
Jeremy B recently posted..Travel Tuesday question of the week – what’s your most embarrassing travel moment
Oh whatever, you’ve only known a couple weeks!
Thanks Jeremy!
How sweet! I’m so happy that the two of you found each other, on Twitter no less! Life really does work in funny ways…
It certainly does! Thanks Connie!
Meeting people off Twitter has been one of the best parts of my move to Australia. I hated Twitter when it first started, but now I love it, too.
Yeah I didn’t understand twitter when I first signed up but I’m so glad I figured it out! Thanks Lauren!
YAY! I’m so excited for you two! You’re like the two nicest people I know on Twitter. And now you’re together. Technology rocks.
Aw thanks Sally! Technology does rock!
The world needs more good news stories like this. Thanks for sharing yours!
Ken Kaminesky recently posted..Snowy rooftops The view from the top of the Cathedral in Florence- Italy
Thanks Ken!
I love stories like these, so wonderful and heartwarming! It’s always lucky to find love, even moreso on different continents. Thanks for sharing it.
Courtney recently posted..Road Trip 2010 – Over the river to oregon
Thanks Courtney!
Congratulations! I’m excited for you, too! Viva la internet romance!
Thanks Deedee!
Just now caught this, very cool stuff! =)
Dan
Dan Thompson recently posted..POTW- Backstreets of Kathmandu
Thanks Dan!
Well, well, well… so THIS is what you have been up to
Now the Germany and Prague adventures make even more sense. What a great love story. Congrats!
Kent @ NVR Guys recently posted..Awesome Adventures – Antarctica Edition
To be fair I booked the Prague trip before Andy & I started talking. Very convenient though! Thanks Kent! (aren’t you glad this post was guinea pig free?)
SOOOOOOOO excited for your future with Andy!!!!! Thank you for trusting Andi and I with your story that day in Charlotte, it has been a wonderful secret to keep but I am glad now that the story is out in the open and we can ALL rejoice with you. Very happy to see you find love, and overseas too!!! Ok, maybe a tad jealous
LOL Many blessings to you Ali! xoxo
Kirsten recently posted..Tastes Better with Friends
Thanks Kirsten! I’m so glad I got to meet you & Andi, fun day! You’ll have to come visit in Germany someday
OMG did you move to Germany???
Nooooo…..
This made me all weepy. Congrats to both of you in finding a true friend in love…peace
Mary donnery recently posted..Just for Now
Thank you Mary!
This is so sweet! Congratulations to you both!! I’m sure you’ll continue to rock the long distance thing – Skype is a Godsend for transcontinental relationships
Best wishes for your future together!
Laura recently posted..My Cousin the Artist
Thanks Laura! Skype is a wonderful thing!
AMAZING
Can’t wait to meet you guys!!
Lindsay recently posted..Want to blog better in 2011 We’re here to help
Thanks! See you in Vancouver in about 4 months!
Aw, that’s so sweet! A real Twitter love story
Leslie (Downtown Traveler) recently posted..Best of China- Top 5 street foods in Xiamen photos
Thanks Leslie!
Andy also helped me with my site at the begging via skype… but I never got any action after that!!! hahaha… jokes. Congrats guys!
Haha! Well, I’m kinda glad you didn’t get any action! Thanks
[...] choice is only the first step, a very critical one.Here is some bad asses that made that choice:Ali found love 4,000 miles away and had to face telling her family of her plans.Lorna whose love crumbled, dared to tell the [...]
This is a super sweet tweet love story, I’m so happy for you two!!! Are you guys planning to be traveling together from now on?
Dina recently posted..Manneken Pis- Brussels’ Underwhelming Icon
We’re not really the perpetual traveler type, but we’ll definitely do lots of traveling. Who knows!
Super cool story. The world is such a fun place, and stories like this just prove it. I didn’t meet my husband from afar, but we’ve done lots and lots of long distance. It has it’s downsides for sure, but it also has it’s moments as well (such as all the talking you two did). And now with Skype things are even easier. Good luck!
Theresa recently posted..What Skiing Taught Me About Travel
Thanks Theresa! Great to hear about you & your husband making it work long distance.
Ali! This is incredible. So happy to hear things are going so well for you. Three cheers for Twitter and the relationships it ignites!
Thanks Lauren! 4 more months until TBEX!
This is one of the most beautiful stories I have heard this year. It is movie story material. It gives Social Media its true meaning! Congrats!
tehnyit recently posted..Sold our house
Thanks, that’s so sweet of you to say!
Congratulations! I definitely have found twitter way more useful than I ever thought I would but I didn’t find love! Such a cute story, good luck to you both! thank god for video chat!
Rease recently posted..Discovering Hidden Europe- The Pyrenees
Thanks Rease! Yes, Skype is amazing!
Awww…what a great story. Finally, an internet story that doesn’t end in getting a restraining order. There’s hope for us all….:>)
Raymond
manonthelam recently posted..manonthelam Travel Photo of the Day
Hilarious Raymond, thanks!
Thanks for sharing this, it’s really sweet and I’m glad to hear that it’s working out so well for you both!
Laura recently posted..Friday Foto- Medicine Man
Thanks Laura, I’m really glad too!
Very sweet story – thanks for sharing!
Cam recently posted..Luxury on the Lake at Whistler Creekside
Thanks Cam!
[...] My Twitter Love Story From pixels to Prague, Ali describes her blossoming relationship with Andy of Grounded Traveler. [...]
AWww…!! Can’t believe I didn’t read this before! I totally know what you felt, and again, awww!!!!!!
So sweet!
Thanks Juno!
what a darling story. my best friend feel in love with her husband when they were living is different countries. we all told her she was crazy – but it worked. I am very happy for you. Cheers!
Suz Cohen recently posted..Introducing Santa Barbara Last Minute Deals
Thanks Suz! It does sound crazy at first but I am so happy to have met Andy!
Way too cute! Loved reading this, made me smile!
Lynda recently posted..5 Places to Eat in The Triangle Area of North Carolina
Thanks Lynda!
[...] Greatest Gain in this Project – My Twitter Love Story [...]
Congratulations and best of luck with the move and your future travels!
Adam recently posted..Our Fame-Hungry Governor Meets His Matches
Thanks Adam!
[...] Twitter Love Story [...]
This is so sweet and love the European bend to the story.
Seasoned Air Force Spouse recently posted..How Do I Leave You FB
Thanks!
That is an amazing story. Sometimes fate just has a way happeneing!I think it is no conincidence that you have found each other.
sarah recently posted..Family Update
Thanks Sarah! I still can’t believe it sometimes
Amazing! This is great! I follow you and Andy on Twitter and I’m a regular reader of his blog, but I confess I don’t think I’ve ever read yours. I found the link to this love story on his latest post, so I clicked it and then realized that I recognize your photo from Twitter. I had no clue you two even knew each other much less were getting married – and I am on Twitter all the time. This is quite exciting, even for me
Congratulations!!
Thanks Sabina! And no worries, there are way too many blogs for us to all keep up with.
[...] Germany and living as an expat there, but he recently married his wife in the U.S. (who he met online through Twitter) so he is also writing about the U.S. through the eyes of an expat who hasn’t been back in 10 [...]
That is amazing.. I’m in a similar situation..less distance, but it’s still hard. I met Bob on twitter via his blog. I commented on an error he had made.. We started talking and it grew from there. I’m from Georgia and he is in Connecticut. You are so right when you said how well you got to know each other so well in a short time. We are quite in love, and I’m strongly considering moving to Connecticut when I finish college.. I hope the best for you and Andy.. Good luck!
That’s awesome, Jessica! I hope it works out with you two, good luck! And thanks for checking out my blog!
[...] My Twitter Love Story From pixels to Prague, Ali describes her blossoming relationship via social media with Andy of Grounded Traveler. (February 2011) [...]
[...] the longer version of my most popular post to anyone who hasn’t already read it, check it out here. But here’s the short version: I bought a domain name in July 2010 and tweeted that I [...]
Glad to see twitter and blogging led you to a great love!!! That’s a super story.
Thanks Marina!
Definitely a sweet story and a sign of the times! Thanks to the internet the world is definitely a smaller place.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Unique Lodging Is It For You?
Thanks Debbie! I love that the world is becoming smaller
Cute story, I met Toni through Myspace back in 2007
Thanks! Wow, Myspace! That’s awesome Serena!