“My advice to anyone in a similar situation is to chase your dream, as otherwise, you’ll never know how it might work out.”
– Laurence Norah, Travel blogger, Finding the Universe
Back in 2014, Laurence Norah met Jessica while traveling in Italy. They got along great, but had to return home once the trip was over—Laurence to France and Jessica to California. After exchanging a few e-mails, both knew they were interested in each other romantically.
Braving the Challenges of a Long-Distance Relationship
For three months, they went through all the problems of a long-distance relationship. The nine-hour time difference was quite frustrating, as it made their daily schedules go haywire. Moreover, without both of them physically together, it was that much more difficult to nurture their nascent relationship.
They soon decided to take their relationship to the next level. Laurence went to the US on a tourist visa and they started living together. It wasn’t easy for Laurence to just leave everything behind in France—his home, friends, familiar surroundings, and a comfortable life—and start anew in a foreign country. Love, however, makes you do things you wouldn’t otherwise dare think of.
They soon discovered it was a huge challenge because on a tourist visa Laurence could not get employment in the US. Laurence shares, “We were unable to make long-term plans as I was not allowed to stay in America for an extended period of time.”
Laurence also faced difficulties entering the US. As a foreign national frequently traveling to the US without having a job there raised several red flags. Laurence would often be pulled aside for extra screening when entering the US.
Love Finds a Way
After a few months, Laurence and Jessica decided to make their relationship official. “I proposed and Jessica accepted, and we set about planning our future together,” says Laurence.
The deep love ensured that no obstacle was too big to keep them away. Unrelenting, they soon found a way to be together.
Happily married, Laurence and Jessica now live in the UK, where Jessica has a spouse visa. Both of them work together full-time on their travel blogs.
Challenges Faced in the UK
Moving to the United Kingdom was also a big challenge. “The ongoing paperwork and several financial requirements for getting Jessica her residence card have been fairly onerous and stressful,” shares Laurence. Additionally, the couple had to complete a lot of other paperwork to live in the UK. For Jessica, moving from sunny California to the cold weather of UK wasn’t easy.
Sorting their finances is another challenge. Laurence says, “As full-time freelancers, we’re always having to be looking for the next income source.”
Laurence’s Advice
Laurence knows how exasperating a long-distance relationship can be. Therefore, he advises people to never give up on their dream. He also says it’s important to investigate all the legal and immigration requirements carefully.
About Their Travel Blogs
Laurence runs two blogs: Finding the Universe, on his own, and Independent Travel Cats, with Jessica. With their blogs, the couple’s goal is to motivate and inform the readers through well-written content accompanied by wonderful imagery.
