Ooh, some dark skinned goodness?
Still, a "Journey of self-discovery", huh. Doesn't sound like a great reason to leave your loving girlfriend, but it works for the eventual emotional reunion, I suppose.
Heh, guess he should have shaved beforehand if he didn't want her to recognise him. A little too late now, but hey, it's great that they got back together. She seemed to be genuinely happy to see him again so I have no clue why he would even consider leaving her without even saying anything.