Romance is not dead—or at least I hope not. On my travels, I met and connected with a woman who was, in every way, unforgettable: beautiful, intelligent, kind, and funny. From the very beginning, I enjoyed every moment in her company. There was something effortless about being with her, as though the world slowed down when we talked, laughed, and shared pieces of ourselves.
One evening, as we were sitting together, I told her about my bucket list. I explained how I had always dreamed of lighting a lantern in Hoi An, to set it afloat on the river under the night sky. To my surprise, she didn’t just smile politely or change the subject—she agreed. With that simple yes, the idea became a plan, and the plan became one of the most beautiful memories of my journey.
That night, we wandered through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, which glowed with soft colors—red, gold, and green lights swaying gently in the breeze. The air was warm, filled with the hum of voices and the faint scent of street food drifting along the riverbanks. Eventually, we found ourselves by the water, surrounded by other travelers and locals, yet it felt like the world had shrunk to just the two of us.
We sat by the river, cuddling close, taking photos, and talking about life—the kind of conversations that stretch out endlessly because neither person wants them to end. And then, when the moment felt right, we lit our lanterns. The soft glow reflected in her eyes as we lowered them into the water. Slowly, the lanterns floated away, joining dozens of others drifting across the river, carrying with them unspoken hopes and quiet wishes.
As mine slipped into the current, I whispered a small wish of my own—that moments like this never stop for me. That no matter where I go, I continue to find connections, beauty, and those rare nights that feel like they belong to another world.
I felt incredibly lucky—not only to have met her, but to have shared that exact moment in that exact place. Travel has taught me that some of the greatest treasures aren’t monuments or sights, but the people you encounter along the way. Each one leaves a mark, however small or lasting. And that night in Hoi An, with lanterns floating softly across the river, I was reminded that the world is full of people willing to share their time, their stories, and their hearts—if only we’re open enough to meet them.
