Marriage, motorbikes and the Pan-American highway

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-09-29 09:54

So far planning the trip and getting on the road have been exhausting, but teething problems with their motorbike, struggling to get interviews and remembering to eat before blood sugar plunges and tempers fray have been the main challenges.

But the going is about to get tougher as they cross the border into Mexico, embarking on the Spanish-speaking leg of their journey with only Mike's conversational Spanish.

"Until now the most important thing has been the people we've met -- now it's more about us two, and traveling -- the people we meet will become more incidental," Alanna said.

MOMENT OF TRUTH

And there is one more obstacle to overcome. When they arrive in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, in December, their families will be waiting to celebrate Christmas with them.

But the couple will also open an envelope containing the results of the three tests: if the experts think their marriage will go the distance, they plan to renew their wedding vows.

And if not? "We'll try to brush it off, but I think it will niggle," said Mike.

They are, however, already armed with tips from the experts that should help them negotiate any bumps in the road ahead.

And couples they have met on the road have taught them an even more valuable lesson: "If you ask couples about love, you get love. The warmth and intimacy we've seen has been amazing. It's definitely strengthened our relationship," said Alanna. "I don't know if we know what love is, but we can recognize it when we see it."

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