Love in Translation #4: Edu & Kasia

Today’s binational couple is one more unique combination of cultures that you probably didn’t see coming!

Separated by 10 000 kilometers, an ocean and nearly 24 hours of flight, this lovely duo proved that love knows no border.

Edu is a musician who grew up in Campo Grande, Brazil, while Kasia is from Rzeszów in Poland. 

Long distance call

The couple first started chatting on the app WEWORLD, a sort of Tinder that helps you make friends around the world. They were just interested in knowing more about other cultures and didn’t intend to get engaged in a relationship that would change their lives.

« We became fantastic friends and we used to say that we didn’t want to be in a stable relationship. But you can’t control your feelings… »

Language was not a problem at first because they mostly spoke English together. But Edu quickly understood that he would have to go through the challenges of learning Kasia’s language.

« During my trip to Poland, learning Polish was inevitable. While I was staying at Kasia’s home, the conversation in English with her mum was limited, so I had to learn basic sentences. But almost every time, Kasia is my translator, and I am hers when she is speaking with my family. »

From Arroz Carreteiro to Pierogi

Edu and Kasia are working on potential solutions to finally live together. One of Edu’s dreams was to visit Europe and he eventually managed to spend some time there thanks to his foreign love.

Edu stayed a few months in Poland to get to know the culture and language better. One of his first culture shocks was related to their food habits!

«There were some suprising cultural habits, such as having lunch at 3pm, while in my country we eat around 11am. The biggest problem was to get used to the fact that Polish food doesn’t look great… And yet it’s delicious. I fell in love with pierogi and zapiekanki! I even promised Kasia that if she makes good pierogi, I’ll marry her!

But I miss Brazilian food a lot when I’m in Poland, my favorite recipe from my region is Arroz Carreteiro, a rice dish that reminds me of home.»

“We believe in the same God, which is the most important”

They also had to discuss various aspects of their cultures, like religion and communication. It was important to always remember that they came from different backgrounds and couldn’t share everything.

« One big difference is that we don’t share the same religion. She is Catholic, and I am Protestant, but we both believe in the same God, which is the most important. God is always with us, and we can’t imagine going to sleep without praying together and being grateful for every single day.

Another aspect was our diverse ways of expressing feelings. In Poland, it’s not common to show how you feel. Instead, as a Brazilian, I’m used to share my feelings with everyone and I had a hard time getting used to this. I also had to stop kissing people on both cheeks, which is not popular in Poland! »

“every single minute together is like a miracle”

Edu and Kasia were lucky to be supported by their friends and family, even if coming from different cultural backgrounds always brings some extra hurdles.

 « Our parents didn’t have any problems with the fact that we were together. I was really welcomed at her house and I became close to her dad. I also had the opportunity to meet most of her friends. The language barrier was problematic, but we always find ways to deal with it. It mostly provoked a lot of funny situations! »

Like many binational couples, the pandemic has been a difficult time to overcome and one of their biggest challenges to this day.

« It was a hard time for us, we had to stay apart for a long time. But to be honest, it was also a great life lesson because it makes us appreciate the simple things. Now every single minute together is like a miracle. Our advice to other couples is: “Don’t be afraid to try. You might have met your soulmate so don’t waste that opportunity.” 

I’m back in Brazil for now but we are planning everything to make sure I can move to Poland soon, I’m very optimistic! »

You loved this story and want to read more? Check the beautiful experience of Paola and Friedrich between Peru and Germany, or the incredible journey of Julia and Bryan, between France and South Africa.