I met her in an internet cafe. I was dressed in ratty cutoff jeans shorts and an old tank top with flip flops. She thought I was poor/lost/needed money/needed help; little did she know these were my bargain jewelry shopping clothes (better discounts if they think you don't have any money). I asked her about going to Cambodia, how you do it, etc. She didn't know but was so friendly, I asked her out for a bowl of noodles (she said yes)! We stayed up all night talking and basically couldn't leave each other's site from the moment we met. Three days later, I asked her to join me to go to Cambodia by land (a harrowing trip). When your safety, comfort and sanity are in danger, it causes people to grow closer in a short period of time. Back to Phnom Penh and BKK and we were in love already.
I extended my trip from 2 weeks, returned home but only lasted 6 weeks before going back for another month. This time I brought a ring and we got engaged (by the ring and by my meeting her mother-Thai engagement, apparently). I asked her mother's permission in Isaan Thai and was thrilled to do it (while catching minnows for dinner in the mud).
We've talked every day, had major problems early one only due to misunderstandings of language and culture so basically we both found gems in each other with no real problems (surprising)!
I returned and did the wedding ceremony (only for the family, no real wedding) and it was unusual, Medieval in ceremony and dress and a memorable experience I'll never forget.
