In 1986, Steve Sherwood, then 26, was traveling through Africa and camping in Kisangani, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo). On his first day, he asked about the next River Congo ferry and was told it would leave the next day. Overland trucks often stopped in town, and one from Kenya to the UK arrived. Sherwood joined its passengers for dinner and sat next to Martha Meares from Sydney. They spent the night chatting and laughing.
Meeting Again by Chance
After two days, Meares' truck left, and Sherwood took the ferry. Eleven days later in Bangui, Central African Republic, they met again at another campground. Her truck had been delayed. They spent a week together visiting markets and local bars. Meares was in a relationship in Sydney and not seeking romance.
They stayed in touch as friends. In January 1988, Sherwood migrated from England to Sydney. They occasionally caught up. When Meares' relationship ended, she expressed interest in more than friendship, but Sherwood rejected her, thinking she was not the one.
The Realization
Meares planned to return to London, where she had worked as an accountant. Sherwood thought of his friend Pete in London and drafted a letter listing reasons why Pete should contact Meares. She was funny, a great conversationalist, laughed a lot, and drank beer. Then he thought, "Bugger Pete, I liked Martha, a lot." He had to tell her before she booked a flight.
They had plans to meet on Thursday, but Sherwood moved it to Wednesday. He told her how he felt and asked if she could forgive him for not seeing the light sooner. She cared only that he had finally come to his senses.
Quick Progression to Marriage
In September 1989, Sherwood moved in with Meares. In December, they bought the house they still live in. Meares initially did not want marriage or children but eventually agreed to both, as long as Sherwood was the primary carer. They married in 1990. Sherwood says, "Martha is just as wonderful as when we met. The only thing that's changed is she now drinks champagne."
