From a Super Like to Forever
It started with a Super Like from Leo on Tinder. It was 2020, mid-pandemic Berlin, and with pretty much everything closed, there was really only one obvious option for a first date: a walk. Well, a walk and a visit to the Berlin Zoo.
He was late, but she was in a good mood and, miraculously, the sun was shining in November. So this first faux pas did not quite ruin what it eventually became. What was supposed to be a quick meet-up turned into an entire afternoon, then evening, and eventually falafel at midnight. And so the walks began: through empty streets, parks and, eventually, snow, while the world around them slowly reopened.
There were a few tests along the way. Birthday brownies that Leo refused to eat. A first restaurant date six months in. And then an ocean between them when Leo left to study in Oxford, where they spent their first night together curled up in winter coats because there wasn't a pillow or blanket in sight. Somewhere along the way, "you and me" became "us."
Since then, they've collected a fair few memories around the world: sunsets in Singapore, beaches in Thailand, snow in Austria, islands in the Maldives, tacos in Mexico and volcanoes in Hawaii. And quite a few Ironman finish lines too. Leo exhausted and accomplished, Mona exhausted and accomplished too, although she wasn't the one racing. Supporting is a sport too, and she had to get up just as early.
In January 2024, the household expanded by four paws when Odysseus and Karl arrived. They quickly made themselves at home and have been keeping everyone appropriately entertained ever since. Whether anyone is actually in charge remains a matter of debate.
But of all the adventures and amazing memories they've collected, some of their favourite moments are the simplest ones: sitting at home, arm in arm, with the cats on their laps and nowhere they need to be.
Then, in August 2025, came another memorable trip, this time to Sri Lanka. On safari, surrounded by wild landscapes and with a crocodile nearby, Leo asked the question that had been brewing between them. Mona said yes.
From zoo animals on their first date, to wild animals at the proposal, to two cats ruling the house, it feels like things have come full circle.
