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Loni James (40) flew from Washington to London last March on a very special mission. Her plan was simple: she wanted to travel the world — and date a local in every country she visited.
She uses the dating app Tinder for this. The very first meeting was tough: In London, she met a British-French dual national, she told CNN. She went on her first date with him. The pair first had a beer in a London pub before having long conversations about previous trips over a five-hour dinner.
Fantastic date in Italy
James never met the man again, but she got to know many other men. For example, in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, the American met a local who told her that he was engaged. However, throughout the dinner he did not talk about his fiancé, but about a former love.
Loni James was also on the road in Zurich. There she was picked up by a man in a lotus. The two went to an expensive restaurant, where the man ordered the meal for them, including expensive wine.
At the end of the evening came the nasty surprise. The man allegedly asked her to pay half of the bill. However, the amount far exceeded her weekly budget. What the two finally agree on is not known.
In Verona, Italy, the 40-year-old made an appointment with a charming musician. He drove her around town on his moped, showing her the sights.
“Best version when I travel”
The American probably had the worst date in Turkey. There, a man got mad at her because she rejected his physical advances. The Turk dropped her off at a small shop and promised to come back. Only: he never showed up again. James spent the night on a bench in front of the store.
Despite the sometimes unpleasant experiences, Loni James has not returned home since the beginning of the journey. “I’ve learned that when I travel, I’m the best version of myself — the most open and curious,” she says. “I am fascinated by the way different countries approach the same things. I’m constantly reminded that there isn’t just one right way to do things,” explains the 40-year-old.
In addition, she always thought that dates were only for finding a partner. But now she sees dating as a privilege to hear someone else’s story. She wants to travel the world for at least another year. (obf)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
