RAD: The Wanderer in These Foolish Things

Name: The Wanderer

Introduction Platform: Tinder

Age: 64

Relationship Status: Divorced THREE times.

Job: Retired attorney, now traveling the globe many times over on boats and motorcycles.

Lives: My city, but only because his son lives here. Has lived here since last year at some point, but set out on a cross-country motorcycle adventure for a few months, so…not sure how long really.

Length of Date: Hour and a half

We Did: Coffee at the cool coffee shop around the corner. Funny, I was there the day before with CD as well, and I know the barista remembers me from then and when I met my financial advisor there and brought my dog inside. She’d told me that dogs aren’t allowed inside and I told her that Martini is a service dog. Since then, I’ve shown up with different men every time I’ve been back. Sometimes I’ve brought my dog, other times I’ve been without her.

He Looked: He’d ridden his motorcycle over (doesn’t own a car), and was wearing a leather motorcycle jacket, jeans and a nondescript shirt. I say “nondescript” because I couldn’t see it underneath his jacket. I am pretty sure he was wearing biker boots, but he doesn’t look like your typical biker…he’s 5’ 10” and clean cut. Sandy brown hair, blue eyes, friendly smile.

I Looked: Well, I think I looked pretty if I do say so myself. I did a kind of special little wave thing to my hair that framed my face. I wore a body-skimming sundress that I normally wear a tank top under. This time I wore it without the tank so it was a little sexier. Cute, wedge sandals and minimal jewelry. Light daytime makeup. My pics on Tinder are not that current since I haven’t been on the app in a few years. I’d say they are three years old and I confessed to that during our initial small talk and The Wanderer told me that I look far better in person than in my photos and that made me feel good.

Convo: Getting-to-know-yous. He asked a lot of questions about me. I already knew a lot about him through the many, many vlogs he’s posted on YouTube. He’s sailed the Atlantic several times and has taken a few cross-country motorcycle trips and has recorded it all on videos he’s posted. I’d spent about 90 minutes viewing parts of his videos and I felt like knew quite a bit about him. We talked about what we’re looking for to a brief extent. The guy has a massive wanderlust gene that I find thrilling, but I’ll be honest, I’d love to find someone who’d prefer to keep a home base and travel from there. I don’t think this guy is ever going to want to settle in one place. In fact, he loves living on a boat…which is essentially not even having his two feet on the ground! Still, I like the stories and I’d like to hear more - even if it’s just a dinner conversation and a walk.

High Point: He kept telling me how beautiful I am. I know, ego. But I did tell him about all of my medical traumas of the past three years and he really couldn’t believe it. Quite honestly, I can’t believe it either, ha!

Low Point: Not really a point in particular for me. I know what I’d be getting into with this guy. I think the low point for him might be that I told him I’m not as much into the ocean as he is. I prefer to have my feet on the ground. My idea of adventure is walking into new and exciting scenarios, whereas he’d prefer to sail into uncharted waters.

How It Ended: He asked me if I wanted to meet “Alice”, his motorcycle. I said sure! We had to walk past Mini Pearl 2 on the way to see Alice, so I introduced him to her! And then Alice - she’s a small British motorcycle, petite and polite-looking. I can’t believe he’s spent days and months on her, riding to so many places. I’ve taken a long trip with Sexy Pants on the back of his Harley, to New Orleans and back and SP’s motorcycle was much, much bigger and cushier. And even that was kind of a beating after 8+ hour rides. I digress! The Wanderer introduced me and then wanted to see if we’d fit dancing together, so he took my hand and did this little slow dance thing in the parking lot in broad daylight! On the one hand, I found it charming…on the other hand, it was a little odd because we were in the most unromantic setting. He then asked if he could have a kiss and we did a little peck thing and said goodbye.

Chances Are: Well, he asked to see me again right then and there - BONUS POINTS! I told him that I’d like to see him again for sure! He then asked if it would be awkward to invite me to his place for dinner or if I’d rather go to a restaurant. I told him that I’d rather meet him at a restaurant. I’m not sure if I felt sparks. I didn’t tell him that - but I’d rather not be in that position, you know? So, we said our goodbyes and he later sent me a message asking me if I’d like to meet him at one of my favorite restaurants! I was pleased and I said yes, so Friday evening it is!

Date Rating: B. It was a lovely coffee date and we’ve confirmed a second! Not sure if this will lead to anything, but I’m happy for the company.