In 2018, we started chatting on a well known dating app. Steve initiated the conversation. Zaid’s profile picture was him holding a box of plants, and when Steve commented on it, Zaid responded with “I like nature” - see a theme for the wedding?
We went out for a few drinks at a favorite local bar called Trade in DC and immediately connected. This date led to many more... and now look where we are ;-)
Zaid not only has a love for nature and the outdoors but he also loves animals. (Um hello he’s a perfect catch, right?!). He rescued a stray alley cat in 2016 that he named Zeki (clever in Arabic), and he’s now part of our family.
Both Steve and Zaid share a love for animals! Ask us about our duties served looking after outdoor stray cats in DC and Pakistan!
Something else we both have in common was growing up as relatively international kids. Our parents were from other continents and we shared a love for discovering new places. This quickly became something we embraced together while navigating a long distance relationship for a time, with trips to Thailand, Mexico, Pakistan, Europe, and various states in the U.S. where we would explore nature and the outdoors together in various national parks.
With many travels comes many friends! Our guests at the retreat come from near and far so we are so so excited to bring our friends and family together in Costa Rica.
Growing plants, appreciating natural beauty, visiting national parks, our mutual love for the outdoors, ask us about cozy pines, remote cenotes and deciding on a rainforest wedding.
We love to cook together, and we love to dine out together. Food is one of our shared passions - wait till you see the new kitchen in our house! We spent most of the pandemic together cooking up some new creations, and perfecting some old favorites. Steve works in the restaurant technology industry and naturally enjoys dining out. Zaid has always and still loves food, so this appreciation of food and cooking has played an important role in our relationship, whether it be enjoying a fancy meal out somewhere special, or stopping by a local street food vendor in a Bangkok alley!
Ask us about Outstanding in the Field or The Inn at Little Washington!
In February 2020, Steve and Zaid met up in Mexico City for a few days. Zaid arrived at the airport to pick Steve up with a big bouquet of flowers for Valentines day - such an old romantic. We ended up in Tulum to celebrate Zaid's birthday. The day after his birthday at a pristine beach along the crystal blue waters, Steve planned a photography outing that involved a tour around the Yucatan Penninsula of Mexico. They descended into a remote cenote, or underground cavern, full of clear water under the limestone, where they dived in for a cool swim. They visited a local "melipona" honeybee cooperative and sampled some of the local honey. They visited a small village where indigenous locals were reviving ancient Mayan medicinal and cooking techniques.
Finally, they ended the photo tour in a spider monkey sanctuary abutting a lagoon at sunset. At the end of a pier was a picnic that Steve had arranged. As they approached the arrangement, Steve got on one knee, picked up a small wooden box from the picnic table, and opened it to reveal a gold ring. "Will you marry me?" Zaid responded with a YES! between tears as he pulled out his own ring and handed it to Steve. Wow - A double proposal!
Becoming homeowners during a pandemic - putting our relationship to the test and making us even stronger. Ups and downs of a renovation project and finding out who your friends really are in your hour of need. Those that know us well (and that includes all of you) will know what a journey we have been on with this DC row house.
We invite you to come stay with us next time you are in Washington DC.
Since we travelled extensively we both fell in love with the hospitality of Hotels. You only need to follow us on social media (which you probably do already) to see the types of places we like to explore.
We have enjoyed extended stays in many hotels as Zaid awaited his work placement, or scheduled R&R trips to see Steve. Maybe one day we will run a small boutique hotel! A room with a view is something we all enjoy which led us to choose Calamocha and the surrounding casa's for you to celebrate with us! We encourage to wake up in paradise and think of just that when you arrive!