Posts

Ubud.. The Balinese Paradise.

-
Image
Bali was our holiday destination this year, made sweeter by the fact that my last vacation had been a year ago, in Malaysia. Living in India often feels festive year-round, but this trip promised a slower, more reflective escape. Our inspiration came from a close friend, Ramnath, who had lived in Indonesia and explored its islands extensively. His advice was simple and spot-on: skip the crowded tourist hubs and stay in Ubud. Located about two hours from Denpasar airport, Ubud welcomed us at dusk. After a quick refresh, we walked into town for dinner at Sun Sun Restaurant, known for its home-style food. That first meal quietly set the tone for the trip—light, healthy, and unhurried. As we wandered through Ubud’s narrow streets, with scooters zipping past, I felt an unexpected sense of familiarity. It reminded me of small towns in India, but without the noise—calm, chaotic, and charming all at once. On Day 1, we explored Ubud on a two-wheeler, starting with the Saraswati Palace. Also kn...
1 comment
Read more

Palakkad .. My mothers home town

-
Image
 Childhood is a treasure chest of memories. Some are vivid and stay with us throughout our lives; some fade with time. The simplicity of childhood is unparalleled. Happiness came in small doses and simple things - walking barefoot without a worry about the dust, running around the garden, climbing small trees, and playing hide and seek in the house. Power cuts, Rainy days was not a nuisance. It was an excuse to sit around and gaze at nothing with swirling thoughts.  My mother is from the Palakkad district of Kerala. Throughout my childhood, I heard her narrate stories about her youth. The district comprises small towns that are close together.                        Mother's stories involved the towns of Nellicherry and Vadakantarai. She was born in Nellicherry and would visit their grandparents every vacation. Their holiday ritual would be to have lunch at their grandmother's house at Nellicherry and visit their peri...
5 comments
Location: Palakkad, Kerala, India
Read more

Kancamagus Highway.. my first holiday with Veer Arvind Dadawala

-
Image
 This year, my trip to America was a special one. My husband and I traveled to Boston to welcome our grandchild. He was born on the month of July. A rush of new emotions filled our senses- pride, wonderment, and happiness as we looked into the new generation of our lineage. It was our life's most profound joy to hold the little one. A beautiful new chapter filled with love, warmth, and excitement unfolded in the next few months. Along with the excitement, there were sleepless nights, dealing with colic nights, and trying to get into a routine that seemed nowhere in sight. Veer and Bala  Traveling as a family has been a tradition with us. It is a rewarding way to bond and create lifelong memories. By the end of three months after the baby's birth, my daughter sensed my need for a break in our established routine. Taking the baby step of a staycation for her son that coincided nicely with the fall season, she arranged a trip to Conway in New Hamshire. It was the month of October...
1 comment
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Read more

Goan.. Susegad

-
Image
GOA. The word conjures up a kaleidoscope of images: swaying palm trees, languid backwaters, the mighty Arabian Sea, unending beaches, a tropical climate, friendly people, and a multitude of bars leading to what the locals call Susegada . I came across the term Susegada for the first time. It was introduced by a dear friend, KK, and literally means quiet and relaxed (chilling in blore language)  Most of us would have heard about the Japanese concept of the ‘ikegai,’ which translates to mean ‘the reason for being.’  The Goans have adopted a way of Susegad.  The origin is from the Portuguese word Sossagado.  This quietness is associated with peace and happiness, which the Goans place above everything else. It is about living life at an easy pace. The concept of "What, me hurry"? Holds good for the Goans and visitors there. Our Goa holiday, another impromptu break, can be described in exactly that term!  Our Gulf association with Anamika and KK meant a strong bond, ...
5 comments
Location: Goa, India
Read more

Trivandrum to Kanya Kumari a coastal drive

-
Image
 One fine evening, while reading the paper, I found an article on the Padmanabaswamy temple in Trivandrum. The news article spoke about it being the wealthiest temple, with the presiding deity made of fossilized shells dating back to 500 BC. It got my curiosity going, and before I could change my mind, the flight tickets were booked for Trivandrum. This time, though, Arvind's mother was my companion, and she also loves to travel, visit new places, learn about their culture and history, and explore the diverse culture of our country, India. Our trip was for three days, covering the Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, and Trinulvelli districts of Kerala and Tamilnadu states. the scenic route  We drove from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari, a 100 km distance that offers a picturesque landscape and a rich cultural experience. The blend of lush green landscapes that blend with the small water bodies and coastal views for miles at a stretch is soothing, calming, and rejuvenating. The road was flanked...
2 comments
Read more