An Unforgettable Love Story: Lost in South America, Reunited by Fate

Tracy Ferrell stared at the boarded up hotel in disbelief.

It was definitely closed. Not only that, it looked like it hadnt been open for months.

"Okay, never mind," thought Tracy. "Its fine, weve got a plan B."

She turned to her friend Monique, who was standing by her side, backpack in hand, looking uncertain.

"Let's proceed with the next one," Tracy exclaimed cheerfully, determined to maintain an optimistic outlook.

Shouldering their bags, the two women embarked on their journey along the road. They found themselves in Cuenca, a charming city located in the southern region of Ecuador, renowned for its picturesque streets adorned with cobblestones and vibrant buildings.

Upon arriving at the subsequent hotel, Tracy and Monique discovered its closure, with the door securely fastened by a padlock. The absence of any signs of occupancy added to their disappointment. Tracy's spirits plummeted as she retrieved the worn-out "Lonely Planet South America" guidebook from her backpack, swiftly flipping through its pages to verify the hotel's information once again.

She decided to give it a try and knocked on the door, but there was no response.

"Oh no," thought Tracy. "Im never going to see him again."

A meeting and a lunar eclipse

Tracy and Tim encountered each other in Ecuador during the year 1996. Initially, they encountered one another in Quito and endeavored to reconnect in Cuenca. Depicted here is a photograph taken in 1996 in the Peruvian village of Ollantaytambo, showcasing their time spent together.

Tracy Ferrell was 26 years old when September 1996 arrived. She had recently finished her master's degree in comparative literature at the University of Colorado, with a specialization in Latin American literature. Tracy made the decision to travel through South America for a year, eager to put her language skills to the test.

Tracy made her first stop in Ecuador, prior to visiting Cuenca, at the capital city of Quito. Arriving at the Quito branch of the South American Explorers Club, an organization that no longer exists but had clubhouses in various cities throughout South America, she found a peaceful backroom and settled down at a table. Taking out a stack of postcards from her bag, Tracy neatly arranged them in front of her, fully prepared to write and send them to her family back in the United States.

Tracy absentmindedly surveyed the room, contemplating how to summarize her journey thus far, when her attention was drawn to a guy engrossed in a book across the room. In that very moment, he lifted his gaze and met Tracy's.

"Our eyes connected from opposite ends of the room," Tracy recalls to CNN Travel today. "He seemed attractive."

Then, a dog came rushing into the room - a German Shepherd that lived at the clubhouse.

The guy put his book to one side and started petting the dog enthusiastically.

"I love a guy who likes animals," says Tracy. "I struck up a conversation."

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This was Tim Zych, a 32-year-old New Zealander whod been teaching in London for the past couple of years.

Tim, who was in the midst of a six-month traveling adventure, was unsure about his future when he crossed paths with Tracy.

"I didn't have any concrete plans for what lay ahead, apart from exploring while I was still young and driven," Tim reveals to CNN Travel in a recent interview. "At the back of my mind, I always thought I would eventually settle down in New Zealand."

Tracy and Tim conversed for a considerable time and discovered that they both enjoyed each other's company effortlessly. Although, Tim admitted feeling slightly intimidated by Tracy's conspicuous intelligence. "I found Tracy to be extremely appealing and self-assured," he expressed.

Tracy recalls being captivated by his accent and shares that, from what she remembers, she invited him to have dinner on that particular night. Meanwhile, Tim holds the belief that it was the inverse scenario, with him asking Tracy out. However, what remains indisputable is that both of them were eagerly looking forward to going out together that evening.

Tim and Tracy dined at a nearby eatery, enjoying the outdoor seating while engaging in conversations about their adventures, families, professions, and hometowns. Tracy fondly recalls, "I had never met someone from New Zealand before, so I was genuinely intrigued by the country and its way of life." Reflecting on that moment, Tim enthuses, "It was a truly enchanting experience, as if something extraordinary was unfolding before us, despite our uncertainty about what lies ahead."

Sitting on a bustling sidewalk, they paid no heed to the passing cars, bustling crowd, and commotion surrounding them.

"There's always so much happening in big cities," remarked Tim. "I simply blocked out all the noise. My attention was solely on Tracy and our conversation, while everything else faded into a distant backdrop."

Tracy expressed, "We effortlessly connected and conversed for hours."

Following their dinner, Tim and Tracy made their way to Tracy's hotel and positioned themselves on the rooftop. They had been intrigued by rumors of a complete lunar eclipse occurring that evening. As a result, they found themselves enjoying the spectacle beneath the starry sky, witnessing the moon transform into a captivating shade of amber red.

"It felt special," says Tim.

Tracy and Tim went on a second date to the equator. Here they are pictured later in 1996 at Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.

Tracy Ferrell

The couple had already planned a second date, so the following morning they hopped on a bus to a location slightly north of Ecuador where the equator intersects with South America.

Tracy elaborates, "Over there, we can find a museum, a monument, and a marked line on the ground indicating the presence of the equator. We thought it would be an enjoyable experience to explore that area."

As a tourist attraction, it was a bit anticlimactic. But Tracy and Tim didnt care.

"We wandered the museum, but mostly we just got to know each other," says Tracy.

Tracy and her companion concluded their second date with a shared certainty to meet again, despite the imminent divergence in their paths.

"Due to our existing travel arrangements and accompanying companions for the month," Tracy explains, "we were both aware of our temporary separations. Additionally, he had already visited the destination I had intended to venture to."

They agreed to arrange a future rendezvous in Cuenca, Ecuador with the intention of continuing their journey together to Peru. Prior to parting ways, Tim and Tracy referred to their individual copies of the "Lonely Planet South America" guidebook. Tracy remarked, "Everyone had it, we referred to it as The Bible."

They selected a hotel in Cuenca as their designated meeting spot. Additionally, as a contingency plan, they chose another hotel as an alternative in case the initial choice did not meet their requirements.

During this era, the availability of mobile phones, internet, and emails was limited, thus constraining their communication alternatives.

Tim and Tracy's plan to meet again after the second date went awry. Here's the two on a beach in Chile in January 1997.

Tracy Ferrell

And thats how, three weeks later, Tracy found herself standing in front of the clearly-closed, back-up hotel, wondering what to do.

She kept knocking. Her friend Monique joined in.

Eventually, a man came to the door. Tracy, who spoke fluent Spanish, told him they were looking for somewhere to stay.

"Is the hotel currently open?" she asked. "We require accommodations here."

The owner mentioned that he would be leaving town and closing the hotel for the entire weekend. However, following some negotiation, he eventually allowed Tracy and Monique to stay at the hotel during his absence, on the condition that they secured the premises by locking up every time they departed.

Excitedly, Tracy and Monique willingly accepted these terms. Entering the premises, they swiftly deposited their luggage before embarking on an evening of exploration.

Prior to their departure, Tracy swiftly obtained a piece of paper and a pen from the hotel reception. Hastily, she jotted down a note, outlining something similar to the following:

"Tim, the hotel is closed, but Monique and I are staying here. If you see this, please inform me about your current accommodation!"

Closing and locking the hotel door, Tracy hastily slipped the piece of paper into the door frame. Walking away, she couldn't help but glance back, praying it wouldn't be lost in the wind and longing for the moment when she would be reunited with Tim.

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A note on a hotel door

Tracy had the idea to write a note and attach it to the hotel door. Here she is in Chile in February 1997.

Tracy Ferrell

Unbeknown to Tracy, Tim had arrived in Cuenca a few days before her. As planned, hed headed to the first hotel, then the back up, and realized they were both closed.

Unlike Tracy, Tim didnt persevere at hotel number two. Instead, hed checked in somewhere else.

He was disappointed, but tried to manage his expectations.

"When traveling, one encounters people who come and go, and occasionally forms a connection with them, only to never see them again," he remarks today. "Therefore, it was not unusual for such occurrences to take place, particularly during that time as a traveler."

Nevertheless, Tim found himself unable to resist the temptation of going back to the second hotel, hoping there might be a chance encounter with Tracy outside.

During one of Tim's subsequent visits, he came across a note wedged into the door frame. Intrigued, he approached it and discovered it was a message from Tracy. The realization left him astounded.

Quickly rummaging through his bag, Tim retrieved a pen and leaned against the hotel door to pen a response beneath Tracy's note, informing her about his current place of stay.

Upon Tracy and Monique's return in the evening, Tracy was taken aback by Tim's response.

Her note had been a gamble, filled with uncertainty. Throughout the evening, she had pondered, "Perhaps he will stumble upon it, or maybe he won't. Maybe he won't return at all. It's possible he's no longer even in town."

She was thrilled it had worked out. She grabbed the note off the door and then she and Monique headed to Tims hotel.

"We found him eating in the restaurant," Tracy recalls.

Tim was really pleased to see Tracy again. Here he is pictured at Colca Canyon in Peru later in 1996.

Tracy Ferrell and Tim had reluctantly accepted the idea that they would never see each other again. However, their joy knew no bounds when they were finally reunited. The realization of nearly losing each other only made their bond even more valuable.

Determined not to be separated again, they made the decision to embark on a joint expedition to Peru the following day. Subsequently, they ventured further to explore Bolivia and Chile. Initially accompanied by Tracy's friend Monique, she eventually departed, leaving Tracy and Tim to embark on their three-month journey as a dynamic duo.

"We encountered countless thrilling experiences, enduring 45-hour bus rides, scaling mountains, and navigating the mighty rapids of the Amazon," Tracy recalls.

"We fell madly in love."

Tim and Tracy loved hiking the Cordillera Blanca mountain range in Peru. Tracy says this shot -- their first picture together -- is one of her favorite photos.

Tracy Ferrell

The Cordillera Blanca mountain range in Peru holds a special memory for Tracy and Tim. It was here that they embarked on a challenging hike, conquering high passes side by side.

"The Cordillera Blanca experience was a defining moment for me," Tim reflects. "The breathtaking beauty and untamed wilderness of the mountains left a lasting impression. Sharing this passion with Tracy, someone who not only appreciated it but also excelled in such terrain, only made me more drawn to her."

Tracy exclaims, "It's absolutely beautiful! It's truly breathtaking." She continues, "One of the most cherished pictures of us was captured atop a mountain pass. We positioned the camera and crouched down, ensuring we were included in the frame."

In the photograph, Tim lovingly embraces Tracy as they both beam with joy. This precious image marks their inaugural capture together.

Tracy and Tim hardly had any alone time throughout the three months of their journey. Although it presented challenges, those difficult moments only strengthened their bond.

Due to her flight cancellation, she unexpectedly found herself standing on the doorstep of her soon-to-be spouse.

Separated by continents

Tracy and Tim stayed in touch while they were apart.

Tracy Ferrell

Tracy still had several months left for traveling, but Tim's impending return to London and work was approaching rapidly. Come February 1997, Tim had to bid farewell and go back to his job. Reluctantly, Tim and Tracy parted ways, leaving their future uncertain.

Tracy recalls, "Due to our frequent travels and my lack of a permanent address, it took approximately a month for me to receive a letter from him. I began to believe he had forgotten about me."

As Tracy secured employment in Costa Rica and established a temporary home, communication became more convenient. Tim started sending his letters to the American Express office located in San Jose.

Recalls Tim, "It was challenging. I greatly yearned for Tracy's presence, yet I harbored genuine uncertainty about the possibility of us reconciling."

They maintained a constant written correspondence and made an effort to communicate via phone whenever possible.

Tim recalls being frequently woken up in the middle of the night due to the time difference, as his flatmates informed him of calls from his girlfriend in the US. He reminisces about the excitement and instant alertness he felt when speaking with Tracy. In July 1997, Tracy's year of traveling came to an end and she decided to return to Boulder, Colorado, where she had been residing prior to her travels.

At this point, Tim contemplated returning to New Zealand and shared his plan with Tracy during a phone call. With Tracy showing enthusiasm, Tim promptly made arrangements by purchasing two plane tickets: one for the journey from London to Colorado, and another for the subsequent leg from Colorado to New Zealand.

"I was definitely curious about how our relationship was going to progress," Tim recalls.

He was excited to see Tracy, but once again, he tried to lower expectations.

"I wasn't sure about the logistics since it appeared that I couldn't stay in the US for an extended period of time, and I had doubts that Tracy would join me in New Zealand," he reveals.

However, Tim expresses that the moment he was reunited with Tracy at the gate in Denver International Airport felt surreal, almost like a dream.

"It felt as if we had never been separated, and she appeared just as lively and stunning as during our travels," Tracy affirms. "We hugged each other tightly. Throughout the entire car ride from the airport, we engaged in an uninterrupted conversation."

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A spontaneous decision

Tracy cherished her time in Boulder over the subsequent weeks while pursuing her master's degree. She was enthralled by the city and Tim understood why.

"During the initial weeks, we immersed ourselves in the splendid outdoors of Boulder," he reminisces. "With financial constraints and lacking transportation, we relied on hiking and biking to get around. Whenever we grew weary from the heat, we sought refuge in the cool creek waters and skillfully evaded afternoon thunderstorms. Our favorite pastime was lounging in the hammock at Tracy's apartment. It was an idyllic existence."

As the days went by, Tim and Tracy grew more convinced that they were meant to be a part of each other's future. The idea of Tim moving back to New Zealand became less and less appealing. The scheduled date of his return flight passed without him boarding the plane.

"We had to find a way to build a life together," Tim reflects.

They initiated the research of available possibilities when the subject of marriage arose. Initially, Tracy and Tim harbored uncertainty as neither had previously desired marriage. However, after engaging in extensive discussions, they reached a mutual agreement to approach marriage according to their personal preferences. They resolved to celebrate their wedding day in a modest and intimate manner.

"We dont need to plan it," suggested Tracy. "Well just head down to the courthouse one day."

Here's Tracy and Tim at their wedding celebration in Colorado.

Tracy Ferrell

In August 1997, that's exactly what happened. Tracy informed only her boss about her plans, almost as an afterthought. She requested the afternoon off and casually mentioned that she was getting married. To her surprise, her boss insisted that she take the entire day off.

Tracy and Tim describe their wedding as extraordinary in its simplicity. In Colorado, there is no need for witnesses, so it was just Tracy, Tim, and the judge.

Tracy says, "We were only two, without any photographs."

After some weeks, Tracy and Tim informed a small group of friends about their marriage. Subsequently, they initiated the process of researching how to obtain a visa for Tim. Eventually, they disclosed the news to their parents.

Tracy reveals that her parents were overjoyed at her decision to get married, despite her previous claims of never tying the knot. She quotes her parents saying, "We'll take it." On the other hand, Tim shares that his parents, residing thousands of miles away in New Zealand, were taken aback by the news but also filled with immense enthusiasm.

Tracy embarked on her PhD journey while Tim initiated the visa process. To commemorate their first year of marriage, the couple joyfully hosted a belated celebration in Colorado, gathering their loved ones and friends.

Since then, except for a short period in Boston, the couple has resided in Colorado continuously.

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A cosmic coincidence

Tracy and Tim have been happily married for 26 years. Here they celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary in 2017 in Isla Mujeres in Mexico.

Tracy Ferrell, an associate professor in the writing program at the University of Colorado Boulder, and her husband Tim have been married for over 26 years. They continue to reside in Colorado, where Tim works as a project manager for Boulder County.

Tracy and Tim stress that no long-term relationship is without challenges. However, they consider themselves best friends, and attribute their enduring happiness to this bond. The couple takes pleasure in recounting their love story in Quinto, the near loss they experienced in Cuenca, and their unexpected reunion to their 17-year-old daughter.

"We tease her, saying, 'If it weren't for that fortuitously noticed hotel note by Tim, you wouldn't be here,'" Tracy says, chuckling. "So many factors had to align for our family to come into being. I find that truly fascinating. And I genuinely hope she shares that sentiment."

Here's a recent photo of Tim and Tracy with their 17-year-old daughter.

Tracy Ferrell

Tracy and Tim have discussed the possibility of revisiting South America together on occasion. However, although a sense of nostalgia holds some appeal, they are enthusiastic travelers who prefer discovering new destinations over going back to familiar ones.

Furthermore, there is something enticing about preserving those memories as something sacred.

"It holds immense appeal in various aspects, yet concurrently, I genuinely treasure the memories we share," remarks Tim, who regards the moment he crossed paths with Tracy as a pivotal juncture.

"The probability of our encounter was incredibly trivial," reflects Tracy, adding, "And it happened on the night of the lunar eclipse..."

"Its like it was supposed to happen," says Tim. "The cosmic coincidence of it all."