Our Story
We both grew up in the Emirates — close enough to cross paths a thousand times, yet we never met. Fate had other plans: we finally crossed paths in London during our Master’s at Imperial.
Before classes began, we found ourselves in the same group chat. Sean mentioned that his family also lived in Dubai, and Alena didn't believe him for a second.
We met for the first time in front of South Kensington Station:
Alena’s first words to Sean were: “You’re not as tall as you said you were.”
Our first unofficial date was wandering through Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, followed by a tiny sushi place at the very end of the street.
When Sean whispered 'I love you' for the first time, he said it so quietly that Alena didn’t hear him… and just walked away.
Since then, those words have been said 14,527 times—and counting.
After one small argument (the kind where neither of us now remembers what it was about), we decided to cheer ourselves up by browsing cats for sale — “just to look,” of course.
Three hours later, “just looking” turned into bringing home the love of our life: Pumba, our white-and-brown ragdoll with blue eyes, endless fluff, and an innate sense of self-worth.
He has been supervising our relationship ever since — usually from the most comfortable chair in the house.
Our Favourite Places in London
- Walk: Gloucester Road – Hyde Park, the museums & Caffè Concerto Knightsbridge — our classic weekend walk: from Gloucester Road Station, through Hyde Park and the museums, ending at Caffè Concerto Knightsbridge — one of the restaurants from our early dates.
- Walk: Notting Hill Gate – Okasan Sushi on Portobello Road — a romantic walk through Notting Hill and Portobello Road, ending at Okasan Sushi — another restaurant from our early dates.
- Regent’s Park
📍 Regent’s Park
The Wallace Collection
📍 The Wallace Collection - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Kew Gardens with a disposable camera from Boots
📍 Kew Gardens - UNI Restaurant — our spot for big celebrations
📍 UNI London Restaurant - Eat-Aroi Café — our favourite local Thai
📍 Eat-Aroi Cafe - Hazel Cafe & Pizza — our main brunch spot
📍 Hazel Cafe & Pizza - Brioche Coffee & Brunch — another brunch favourite
📍 Brioche Coffee & Brunch - YORI Fulham — our favourite Korean barbecue spot
📍 YORI Fulham