Wine, Travel & Romance

Introduction

This memoir, my sixth published work and third foray into nonfiction, chronicles a transformative period of my life following my amicable divorce in 2009 after twenty-two years of marriage. Based in Queensland, Australia, I embarked on an international career that would span twelve years and introduce me to remarkable individuals across the globe.

"Wine, Travel & Romance" draws from personal experiences during my extensive travels, where I had the privilege of meeting extraordinary women whose warmth, intelligence, and joie de vivre left indelible impressions. I must emphasize that romance was never my primary objective—my focus was professional advancement and international experience. Yet life, as it often does, had other plans.

My journeys took me across diverse continents and cultures: from the gleaming towers of Dubai and Hong Kong to the ancient landscapes of Mongolia and Turkey; from the bustling metropolises of Seoul and Tokyo to the challenging environments of Iraq and Afghanistan; and through numerous other destinations including the United States, Canada, Germany, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and New Zealand.

The inspiration for this book emerged unexpectedly while watching a YouTube vlog featuring a couple recounting their courtship. The wife's mannerisms remarkably resembled those of someone from my past, triggering a flood of memories that compelled me to document these experiences.

This collection represents a selection of meaningful encounters—not a comprehensive account of every acquaintance, but rather a thoughtful examination of relationships that enriched my understanding of human connection. I have employed pseudonyms throughout to protect privacy and dignity, deliberately omitting certain intimate details that belong to personal memory alone. Anecdotal elements have been woven throughout the narrative, and each chapter concludes with a relevant quotation on love, presented in italics.

The events described span the twelve-year period following my divorce but are not presented chronologically. I have intentionally avoided specific dates to allow the experiences to speak for themselves rather than being constrained by temporal sequence.

I dedicate this work to the remarkable women who shared portions of their lives with me—individuals characterized by their kindness, intelligence, and zest for life. Our connections, whether brief encounters or lasting friendships, were marked by genuine warmth and mutual respect. We explored cities together, shared meals, discovered new places, and created memories that transcend simple categorization.

These relationships taught me that love manifests in countless forms: the instant connection, the gradual awakening of affection, the enduring bond. Sometimes a glance and smile communicate what words cannot capture. Love remains one of humanity's most mysterious and precious gifts.

It is my sincere hope that readers will find as much enjoyment in these pages as I experienced both living these adventures and chronicling them. To those currently discovering love in all its manifestations around the world, I offer my warmest wishes for happiness and fulfillment.