When Blog Friends Meet :: The Hungry Travellers


I have been following along with Phil and Michaela of The Hungry Travellers for years as they have traveled the world, had amazing cultural experiences, and given the all time greatest example of what retirement should be. They are constantly packing their bags and heading out for adventures in incredible places. I always look forward to reading on their next great adventure and pouring over the amazing places that they go.

Then a real thrill came when I read that their travels to Brazil and Argentina were going to be followed by a visit to New Orleans and up to Nashville. Knowing they were going to be in our area for a few days, we arranged to meet up for dinner one night. Of all the places to go for dinner, there was no question that we had to take them to the local icon and favorite of the Loveless Cafe.

Just as we pulled into the parking lot, there was Phil and Michaela walking up the path. I rolled down my window and called hello to them. While Brad parked the car, Tessa and I jumped out so we could hug them. It is a strange and wonderful feeling to meet people in person that you’ve known online for years, but the moment was met with nothing but warmth and joy at being together.

We talked travel and compared notes on places we’ve been and places we want to go. We talked about the truth behind the saying that in Europe 100 years is nothing, while in the US 100 miles is nothing. We talked about how portions in the states, especially the south, are so much more than you expect them to be. We talked about Nashville and some of our favorite places and some of the places they were going to see. And we let them know about the phrase ‘bless your heart’ and how around here that it is not a term of endearment or concern but more a statement of sarcasm and satire. Hours passed with good food and good company.

It is safe to say that they have a new best friend in our daughter Tessa. Tessa was absolutely enraptured with Michaela and Phil and was constantly engaging them in play and hugs for the evening. She showed them the giant game of connect four behind the restaurant and played many rounds with Michaela and there was much running and chasing with Phil.

What a fantastic evening with great friends. I was so excited to get to meet these travel rock stars and connect with them outside the blogosphere to share a small piece of their latest adventure. I can’t wait to see what grand adventure they take us along to next!

33 responses to “When Blog Friends Meet :: The Hungry Travellers”

  1. thehungrytravellers.blog Avatar

    Wow thank you, Meg. I can tell you absolutely that the pleasure was all ours…lovely company and a great choice of restaurant. Loved every minute and hope our paths may cross again some day. Say hi to Brad and give Tess another two hugs, one each from us xx

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      Us too, we loved every minute! I hope our paths cross again soon. Until then we will always have our night at the Loveless. 🙂 Safe travels on the rest of your journey. Hugs from us to you!

  2. Little Miss Traveller Avatar

    How wonderful that you were able to meet up Meg. The on-line world can lead to long lasting friendships as long as we are all careful who we communicate with. Hopefully one day we’ll meet too, that would be so nice xx

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      I’m looking forward to that day Marion when we can meet up in person. The world is too small to not cross paths at some point 🙂

  3. Monkey's Tale Avatar

    How great! Sounds like you guys had a great time 😊 Maggie

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      It was a great time all around 🙂

  4. Travels Through My Lens Avatar

    It sounds like you had a wonderful visit with Phil and Michaela. I have yet to experience a blog-buddy meet-up; hopefully someday soon! Lovely post Meg!

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      We’re thinking to go back to France for Thanksgiving so maybe we can meet up- it would be so lovely to meet you in person 🙂

      1. Travels Through My Lens Avatar

        That would be lovely;🤞!

  5. The Travel Architect Avatar

    Oh, yay! A blog buddy meet-up! I love it! My next one is coming out in a few weeks. Aren’t they so fun? I wish I could have been a fly on the wall near your table – all that great travel talk! And what a great restaurant. I NEED one of those giant Connect-4s.

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      Instead of being a fly on the wall, you would of have been there at the table with us 🙂 the giant connect 4 is so fun and Tessa said the same thing that we NEED one of our own

  6. Diana Avatar

    Awww amazing! Glad you had such a wonderful time!

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      Thank you- it was fun to meet up 🙂

  7. Toonsarah Avatar

    I am SOOO jealous! I have been hoping to meet up with Michaela and Phil for ages but even though we live in the same country it’s been hard to organise because they’re hardly ever here (as you know) and when they are, quite often I am not 🙃 We’re talking about June when we may actually be in this country at the same time – fingers crossed! And I’m equally jealous that they got to meet up with you and your family. Tessa looks very sweet and it’s clear you had a fabulous evening. Maybe one day!

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      That has to be hard to arrange when you all are in the same country at the same time. Hopefully it will all work out this summer for you to get together. One of these days Sarah, we will get to meet up and what a great time we will have together 🙂

  8. Annie Berger Avatar

    What a great tale of blogging buddies finally meeting up on person. Loved reading that it worked out so perfectly for all five of you !

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      Thank you Annie, it was such a delightful time meeting up with them and getting to know them in person 🙂 I hope you have a great day!–Meg

  9. Miriam Avatar

    How wonderful! It’s always special when we meet bloggers that we’ve only known online for real. I’ve met a few over the years and it’s always instant bonding. Sounds like you all enjoyed a very special meet up!

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      Hi Miriam 🙂 It was such a great evening. It is both surreal and wonderful to meet in person when youve been online friends for so long. We really loved it. I hope you have a great rest of your week! –Meg

  10. Lookoom Avatar

    Great tribute to the Travel Rock Stars!

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      Thank you! It was amazing to meet them in person. They certainly are travel rock stars. Have a great day 🙂 –Meg

  11. Alison Avatar

    Sounds like such a wonderful evening and that you had plenty to talk about. You all looked very happy, especially Tess. We may get a chance to meet up with them in London in June. We hope to travel to the US next year and hopefully get a chance to get to Nashville as I have two cousins in Maryville and Knoxville.

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      How great that you’re going to meet up with them in June! If you come towards Nashville, please let me know! We’d love to meet up with you 🙂

  12. Alison Avatar

    Will keep you posted Meg 😊

  13. leightontravels Avatar

    Ah what a fantastic experience! And of course you had to take them to the Loveless Cafe, I remember fondly my own dinner there many moons ago. Who knows, maybe we’ll see you there too one of these years.

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      I really hope so Leighton, what a fantastic time that would be. Dinner at the Loveless, music at the Ryman, and a great time all around. It will happen one day-Ive sent my request priority mail to the universe so now just waiting for it to happen 😉

      1. leightontravels Avatar

        Ha ha, lord we have plenty of those kind of requests on a number of fronts. We can but live in hope.

        1. grandmisadventures Avatar

          That sounds very poetic 😊

  14. WanderingCanadians Avatar

    How wonderful to meet up with Phil and Michaela! That’s funny about how 100 miles in the US is nothing. It’s the same in Canada too! Great pictures!

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      Thank you! It was so great to meet them in person. Canada would definitely feel that 100 miles is nothing 🙂

  15. ETB Travel Photography Avatar

    Cool that you got to meet!!

    1. grandmisadventures Avatar

      It was an absolute blast to meet up with them 🙂

Leave a Reply to When Bloggers Meet % – The Hungry Travellers The Hungry TravellersCancel reply

Discover more from Grand Misadventures

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading