50 Years of Love & Learning: Fumie and Ahmed’s Story
When Fumie and Ahmed H. chose to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Paris with Road Scholar, they were stepping into more than just a travel experience — they were honoring a shared life defined by curiosity, learning and love across cultures.
A Love Story That Spans the Globe
Fumie’s from Japan. Ahmed’s from Ethiopia. They met in the early 1970s as international students at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon, drawn together by shared cups of coffee in the international student lounge and a mutual love of learning.
“People might think coming from such different cultures would be a challenge,” Fumie says. “But we’ve found we actually have more in common than not. You can both be from the same city, for example, and be more different than we are.”
They went on to earn graduate degrees — Fumie in English education and business, Ahmed in environmental and resource economics — and built a life of teaching, financial analysis, raising daughters and eventually, becoming devoted grandparents. Now, retired and living in Georgia, they’re still learning, still curious, still open.
Why Paris?
For their golden anniversary, they wanted something special. “We had a lot of ideas,” Ahmed admits, “but Paris was something we could both agree on. It’s romantic, relaxed and we’d somehow never been.”
They chose a Road Scholar program that matched their pace. “It was a little slower than what we’re used to because we’re quite active,” Ahmed laughs, “but it was perfect.” From walking the neighborhoods around their hotel to watching Parisian parents rush their children off to school, they loved seeing everyday life unfold.
“Those little moments were what stayed with us,” Fumie says. “The markets, the conversations, the rhythm of the city. And the riverboat ride on the Seine — that was unforgettable.”
“Plus a leisurely stroll along the Champs-Élysées in the late afternoon,” Ahmed adds. “This was an unforgettable moment for both of us! We loved the feeling of being anonymous in famous boulevards where we had never been before.”
A Natural Fit for Road Scholar
As lifelong academics, Fumie and Ahmed say Road Scholar’s approach to experiential learning felt tailor-made for them. “We’ve traveled independently, and that’s rewarding, but it’s a lot of work,” Fumie says. “With Road Scholar, someone else handles the logistics. And you’re not just seeing a museum — you’re learning about it from an expert, and that makes all the difference.”
Ahmed agrees. “The people on the programs are curious, engaged,” he says. “You meet professors, teachers, people who want to understand the world. It’s not a vacation. It’s something more meaningful.”
Advice After 50 Years
When asked how they’ve managed five decades together, they both smile. “It’s give and take,” Ahmed says. “We complement each other because we both have strengths and weaknesses.”
Fumie agrees. “His hearing may be weaker. My vision may be weaker. So it's basically like, ‘I will hear for you. I will see for you,’ figuratively speaking. And we don’t try to make everything perfect,” she adds. “We’ve learned to manage our expectations. That’s what makes a happy life.”
Where to Next?
With three Road Scholar programs under their belt and more on the list — Turkey, Morocco, maybe even China — Fumie and Ahmed are still chasing that spark of discovery.
Their story is proof that the journey of lifelong learning doesn’t end — it evolves, deepens and, with a little love and a lot of curiosity, only gets better with time.
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