Jerome and Kiddist Cowans rekindle romance in Europe
Seeing one of the most romantic places in the world pop up on your search is one thing. But believing that you can offer your partner the opportunity of a lifetime with a trip for two to a dream destination is another. For his fifth wedding anniversary, Jerome Cowans surprised his wife, Kiddist, with an anniversary trip to Italy and Switzerland.
“I kept seeing Italy pop up on lists of the most romantic places in the world, so it felt like the perfect choice! The mix of history, beauty, and romance really caught our attention, and Switzerland had always been a dream destination for Kiddist. So it made sense to take that journey for our special anniversary,” Jerome told Living.
It’s not every day you see a man making plans for amorous adventures. And to prove how serious he was about this getaway, he invited his soulmate to dinner and handed her an envelope with plane tickets inside. Bursting at the seams with excitement, the entrepreneur, wife and mother of two boys was happy for the well-needed ‘baecation’.
“Everything was planned down to the smallest detail. All she had to do was show up. It gave her a much-needed mental break, especially with how busy she is running her business. It was the perfect chance for her to relax and just enjoy the experience,” he said.
The celebrations got under way in the city of Rome, where the duo visited iconic places like the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain and St Peter’s Basilica.
“From there, we made our way to Venice for our actual anniversary. We took a gondola ride and had the most beautiful dinner by the water,” Jerome shared.
Hopping on the Bernina Express, which delivered breathtaking views, the pair made their way to Zurich in Switzerland. While there, they explored the Old Town and visited the breathtaking Rhine Falls. There was even a quick stopover in Germany during the boat ride at the falls. The team of two then returned to Rome from Zurich, heading to Toronto, Canada, before flying home.
Although the trip was jam-packed, it was equally unforgettable for the loving couple.
“Venice was a major highlight for us. The gondola ride was pure magic! And then Switzerland was a dream come true, especially taking the Bernina Express through the Alps. But the most fun was definitely getting up close to Rhine Falls, right at the edge of the water,” Kiddist shared.
The couple are no strangers to travelling. In fact, each of their trips have brought them closer than they could have ever imagined.
During the journey, the two were able to reconnect and rekindle their fire and desire for each other. “Travelling together gave us time to disconnect from our busy lives and focus on us. We got to experience some of the most beautiful places in the world together, and it just felt right. It was like being in a movie at times, wandering the streets of Rome or cruising the canals of Venice,” she said.
Jerome chimed in, noting, “This particular trip gave us so many opportunities to communicate, navigate new situations, and work together, which we took with open arms and open hearts, strengthening our bond that stands as the key to building a strong marriage.”
This adventure wasn’t always a bed of roses. Dealing with language barriers and trying to figure out public transportation were both challenging. But the travel team worked through it together. “We did a little research beforehand. So we knew to watch out for things like pickpockets, especially in busy areas. Luckily, we didn’t encounter any real scams while we were there,” he revealed.
With plans to visit the Greek Islands, Japan and South Africa together in the near future, the husband-and-wife duo is encouraging other couples to see the world together.
Travel essentials for a European adventure
1. Comfortable shoes is a must.
2. Pack travel adapters for charging devices.
3. Ensure you have portable Wi-Fi or a data plan to stay connected as you navigate the new territory.
4. You can never predict the weather, pack a lightweight jacket to help you prepare for the (un)expected. And speaking of packing, pack lightly if you plan on doing cross-city or cross-country explorations.