I had been following along with Phil and Michaela of The Hungry Travellers as they traveled the world sharing incredible destinations, cultural experiences, and what might just be the ultimate example of retirement done right. They always seemed to be packing their bags for another adventure, and I loved following along through each new country and experience.
So when I saw that their travels through Brazil and Argentina were eventually bringing them to Nashville, I was thrilled. Since they were going to be in the area for a few days, we arranged to meet up for dinner one evening.
And honestly, there was never really a question about where we would take them. If you are introducing someone to a classic Nashville experience, it has to be Loveless Cafe.
Just as we pulled into the parking lot, we spotted Phil and Michaela walking up the path toward the restaurant. I rolled down the window to call out hello while Brad parked the car and Tessa and I jumped out to greet them with hugs.
There is something both strange and wonderful about meeting people in person after knowing them online for years, but the evening immediately felt warm and easy—as though we were simply picking up a conversation that had already been going on for a long time.
Over plates of Southern comfort food and famous biscuits, we talked about travel, compared favorite destinations, and laughed about cultural differences we had experienced along the way. We talked about the saying that in Europe 100 years feels old while in America 100 miles feels close. We talked about Nashville, places they planned to visit, and the shock that many visitors experience when they first encounter Southern portion sizes.
Naturally, there was also an important discussion about what officially counts as a biscuit and when exactly biscuits should be eaten.
As the evening went on, it became very clear that Phil and Michaela had gained a new biggest fan in Tessa. She was completely enchanted by them and spent the evening playing giant Connect Four with Michaela, running around outside with Phil, and handing out endless hugs in between.
Somehow hours passed without any of us noticing.
What started as following someone’s travels online years ago had turned into one of those genuinely meaningful evenings that reminds you how small the world can feel sometimes. Travel may introduce us to new places, but often it is the people we meet along the way who leave the biggest impression.
Thanks for joining us as we met up with our travel friends at the Loveless Cafe. May online friends become real life friendships.
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