Paul: We both did Geography at King’s but 12 years apart – I graduated in 1990 and Monica in 2002. The walk was very long – almost three hours, so there was plenty of time to get to know each other. It was clear that we had loads in common.
Monica: Paul was wearing sunglasses so I couldn’t tell if he was looking directly at me or not, but I was really hoping that he’d noticed me. The walks were divided into separate groups and initially I was in a different group from Paul so I thought I had missed my opportunity. However, after about 10 minutes, I spotted Paul again, so I quickly joined his group and the rest is history. I always tease Paul about the fact that I had to ask for his number, but I was really delighted when he sent me a text the next day asking me out.
Paul: For our first date, we met in the bar at the British Film Institute. We then walked across the river and went to the National Portrait Gallery, and then to a local pub. It was a great night. Monica texted me afterwards to say that she’d had a really nice time, which I was obviously very pleased about.
Monica: So much of our relationship has been associated with King’s and London that they both hold very special memories. There is the fountain by Regent’s Park where the annual Geographer’s Walk finished and I plucked up the courage to ask for Paul’s number. The South Bank is where we had our first kiss and have been on many dates since. We have always enjoyed going for walks together and making the most of life in London, so it is a special place for both of us.
Paul: King’s has had a fundamental impact on my life. I now help run the Geography Alumni Society and help lead the Geographers’ Walk during Alumni Weekend each year. My Dad studied geography at King’s in the early 1950s, and my brother went there too to read history in the 1990s, so it’s very much in the family. My brother and one of my best friends were both married in the King’s chapel, so those days are full of special memories. And of course it will always be special for Monica and I because it brought us together.
Monica: Studying at King’s has been a life-changing experience for me. Not only did I get to study a subject that I love in a great location, but I ended up meeting Paul and we now have two beautiful children.