How We Met: Mariah's Version

Mahdi on Koh Tao taken by Mariah (35mm Film)

Our story began in Thailand, though it didn’t end there. We met on Koh Phangan, a nature lover’s dreamland - an island of dance, healthy food, creativity, fitness, wellness, and any social event you could desire. Looking back, I can see we were drawn to this place for similar reasons. We’re both passionate about health and natural living.

After our initial meeting on the motorbike, we ended up at a reggae venue next to my hostel. Mahdi filled the dance floor with questions about me. He caught glimpses of who I was, yet to me he was still just the charming guy who gave me a ride.

We exchanged numbers that night, but it hardly mattered. On an island that small, we would’ve found each other regardless.

Just before I met Mahdi, I had completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training. I was traveling with girls from my course, who I slowly parted ways with one by one. The same night I met him, my last remaining classmate was due to leave the next day. I only had two weeks remaining on my two month visa in Thailand.

Our meetings continued naturally, as we were both now traveling alone. We decided to venture to the neighboring island, Koh Tao, together. That’s where I really got to know Mahdi. I learned about his passion for farming, beekeeping, holistic living, health, mindfulness, language, and more. All things I adored about him from the start. The connection stayed low pressure, but in the back of my mind, I knew I had always wanted someone who cared so deeply about the same things as me.

Our days in Koh Tao were nothing short of magic. We went rock climbing, snorkeling, sightseeing - just fully in it. By the time I was due to leave Thailand, I remember waving goodbye to Mahdi from the tuk tuk, my heart sinking as I thought I might never see him again, even though I deeply wanted to.

Little did I know, he wasn’t planning on letting it end there either.