We're Thomas and Rafael, aka "the fighting couple"
We’re a French guy and a Brazilian guy with big personalities who love to challenge each other (some might call it arguing, but we call it passion!). Despite our differences, there’s one thing we both can’t live without – traveling. We met in Lithuania in 2015, and just three weeks after we started dating, we went on our first trip together. Since then, we’ve been inseparable, exploring some of the most beautiful places around the world.
They say traveling as a couple is the ultimate relationship test – and we’ve definitely tested that theory! Sure, we’ve had our share of disagreements, but we always laugh about it later (usually with a glass of wine or a caipirinha).
Our cultural differences also make for some funny moments. In Brazil, for example, it can sound impolite to decline an invitation outright, so people often say “I’ll let you know” when they don’t really mean yes, while in France, splitting the bill on a first date is a big no-no. Luckily, Thomas paid for our first date, or who knows if we’d be here today!
With this blog, we’re taking our love for travel a step further. Thomas is the one behind the camera, while Rafael writes our stories. Together, we hope to share our adventures and inspire you to create your own.
THOMAS (BY RAFAEL)
Thomas (pronounced “Tomah”) is probably one of the best English-speaking Frenchmen you’ll ever meet. He’s passionate, detail-oriented, and puts his heart into everything he does. His two biggest loves (besides me, of course) are planning trips and taking photos. Honestly, I don’t even bother trying to take over these tasks — he’s just too good at them!
By day, Thomas works as a legal translator, but his true passions are travel and photography. Yes, his impatience and typical French tendency to nitpick can drive me crazy, but nothing beats seeing him get excited about an adventure, flashing that grin and those bright blue eyes!
Thomas has visited almost every country in Europe and knows so much about travel that he’s like a personal guide. On top of that, his photography skills mean you’ll always have beautiful memories to share (or post). With Thomas around, every trip becomes something truly special.
RAFAEL (BY THOMAS)
Rafael, a handsome Carioca (that’s what people from Rio de Janeiro are called), has been living in Europe for a few years now. He's fully embraced the European lifestyle but still carries that warm Brazilian energy that makes him so special. Rafael is one of the funniest and lovable people you'll ever meet, and his bright white smile can win anyone over in seconds. He first fell in love with travel while studying in Portugal, discovering the country’s beauty and culture. Thanks to his passion for Portugal, I had the chance to visit it with him as my guide — and it was an unforgettable experience.
Although Rafael struggles with saying "no" to others, I've come to understand that it's simply part of the Brazilian culture, so I can't blame him for it (and honestly, I use it to my advantage when suggesting new adventures). The best part about his Brazilian roots is that he has an infectious positivity and an excellent ability to communicate effectively. Being half Portuguese half Brazilian, Rafael has shown me the amazing beauty and charm of Portugal, and has also sparked my interest in exploring Brazil further, making it one of my top destination choices.