We (Xander and me) started talking around 5, maybe now 6 years ago, and just 2 weeks ago, I flew over to meet him properly for the first time. I stayed 2 weeks in the USA for Christmas and new years, where I met all his friends and family and his dogs. It was also my first time flying alone overseas and going outside of Europe. He showed me around his town in Oklahoma and I got the full experience of America’s culture, and we even went to Universal in Florida with his family. It was my first time on a proper rollercoaster!
3 years ago though, we actually met for the FIRST time, but it was only for 2-3 hours since he was on a family trip in Europe and was passing through the Netherlands. Both our parents were obviously skeptical of the risks and stranger danger and were super reluctant and anxious, but we somehow managed to convince them and met in their hotel in Amsterdam.
Now we’ve hung out every day for the past 2 weeks, and It’s been one of the best times ever. Each time we’ve met has felt surreal and sometimes I think we still don’t believe the other person is really there on the other side of the ocean. Regardless all this time we’ve kept in touch and I feel very lucky having met one of my best friends through a pen pal app, just like that.
It’s crazy how one letter leads to so much!
We’re both just 18, but we’re hoping he might now come down to the Netherlands for the summer in return. (it’s a work in progress for sure) You can find the 2 part vlog of our meeting on my pen pal’s youtube channel! 🩷
