Giselle and Savery, then total strangers, met for the first time aboard a VIA Rail Canadian train. Now, they’re on a once-in-a-lifetime friendship-powered adventure. As they traveled the world, their romantic relationship deepened. It transformed into a profound connection that’s led them to travel all around North America and now into Europe. What began as a random coincidence has evolved into an incredible adventure as a team so far. We travel to new communities and bear witness through impactful individual narratives.
For Giselle, who’s been living with chronic health issues since high school, the ease and reassurance of having Savery around makes a world of difference. Savery, a cancer survivor himself, brings more than 40 years of advertising experience. She has taken the lead in employing her remarkable organizational skills to develop their travel itineraries. It’s been quite the ride. Together, they have already crossed miles of railway tracks from Toronto to Halifax and just recently started their westward journey to Vancouver. Their inspiring friendship has changed both of their lives. They tell stories, reflect on those no longer with them, and make new memories together.
From Strangers to Friends
Giselle’s and Savery’s friendship deepened rapidly since their train encounter. Giselle was guarded at first, wanting to hide distinct aspects of her life during their first conversation. She just as quickly discovered that Savery was a principled ally.
“I was just tickled that they fell in love with Savery like I did,” Giselle said. As their journey progressed, that connection began to deepen as they were traveling the same path, faced similar struggles, and experience.
Savery’s talent for drawing up travel itineraries has been largely responsible for ramping up the epic-ness of their travels, too. I love compiling itineraries,” Savery admitted, opening up about her love of developing a plan. Through each journey, the two adventurers have uncovered new places and layers about each other.
Not only have their travels taken them to breathtaking locations, but they have cultivated space for meaningful conversations. Giselle always appreciated hearing about Savery’s late wife, Jan, stating, “I feel like I’ve been getting to know Jan through Savery.”
Navigating Life Together
Beneath their immense talent lie personal struggles that have given both Giselle and Savery a unique perspective on life and friendship. Giselle is the first to tell the story of her debilitating health struggles and feels thankful for Savery’s help. “Savery is very helpful and supportive in terms of navigating stuff that’s challenging for me,” she said, emphasizing how their companionship has made difficult times more manageable.
Savery was quick to agree, adding that it’s crucial to have someone you can grieve with and rejoice with. “It’s nice having someone not only to share the grief but to share the good stories of the loved one that we each lost,” she explained. This collective comprehension deepened their connection and provided them the opportunity to celebrate all the lives they loved.
Both women agree that friendship deserves celebration. “There’s so much focus on romantic love. Maybe friendships can have that level of importance,” Giselle remarked.
Giselle is excited to spend more time on the other side of the pond! With Savery by her side, she looks forward to returning to favorite stomping grounds and finding new ones! “I decided to take this trip myself to fulfill a promise I had made to her,” Savery noted, alluding to her late wife’s memory.
Adventures in Europe
Today Giselle and Savery are on a months-long tour of Germany. It’s all part of their month-long European adventure — with thrilling travel by riverboat and rail. Their trip plans are packed with stops that speak to each woman’s passion and life journey.
Their adventure took them on a breathtakingly scenic route. Across the country, they built Dante 10 deep conversations at a time, co-creating plans to transform their lives. Giselle expressed her thoughts on public perceptions regarding their relationship: “They’re gonna think whatever they think. It doesn’t matter, because this is our trip, and we know who we are.”
Savery reiterated that their friendship is what truly matters: “What they think isn’t going to change what is between us.” This shared understanding has strengthened their bond as they explore the world together.
Giselle’s memories of her late husband further guide her journey. “Because my husband died when he was only 53 years old, I kind of feel like I’m seeing these things for him,” she shared. This beautiful sentiment points to the deeper meaning of what it means to live enough, in memory of those who passed too soon.
