Dr. John Lewington, a marketing professor at Maryville University, hosted a spring break trip to London. Cuong had signed up for the business classes offered with this trip and also to return to a favorite destination. Vanda had also signed up as part of her endeavors to see the world. While waiting for the plane to leave Chicago, Cuong offered his iPod to Vanda to help pass the time. Once they arrived in London, they were inseparable.