Thoughts

Exploring life one breath at a time.

4 min read

Writing

Thinking aloud about what writing means to me. Can be categorized as 2 AM thoughts, aka publishing what would otherwise be my personal...

5 min read

Thoughts

In the blink of an eye

Numerous thoughts rattle in my mind. Writing them helps me make sense of them. I realize Joan Didion has said something similar. There’s...

4 min read

Thoughts

Poster Child for Failure

I believe I'm a poster child for failure. What a thing to be right? I will tell you though that I'm also incredibly happy. And that's the...

Believing in myself. It is insanely hard.

3 min read

Thoughts

Believing in myself. It is insanely hard.

Photo by Ann H from Pexels I am an ISB graduate. I have 10+ years of experience in marketing. I have owned and nailed every role and set...

3 min read

Thoughts

Jealousy, envy, and friends

There's nothing coherent about whatever will follow. You've been warned. Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels The earliest memory I have...

Just a series of photos I clicked one evenings we walked to dinner. There’s something about these pics that I absolutely love.

#photo #amsterdam #amsterdambynight #travelamsterdam #amsterdam🇳🇱

We gorged on delicious bitterballen and Ramen and viet and so much more. Foodhallen was an experience! Definitely recommend. There’s so much to explore! And there are good stall leading to (or from, depending on your route) to keep you engaged.

The place has a great vibe and lots to explore!

#foodhallenamsterdam #foodhallen #foodamsterdam #latergram #amsterdammustvisit #placestogoamsterdam #amsterdam #foodie

Food in Amsterdam was marvellous. We tried so many different and amazing cuisines. I loved the local pickled herring - even did a little dance when I had it cos it made me so happy!

The bowl of pumpkin soup was soul food. Back in October it was in season and boy was I glad the server recommended this one. I loved it!

The sushi, the crème brûlée, the stroopwaffle and the little bun - everything was astounding.

We went to this Indonesian restaurant Karthika that had their popular sampler of various dishes. We thought the quantity was quite limited to share for 2 people. But we were so stuffed by the end of it!!! And they served this lightly flavored chai (tea) at the end which was just perfect to settle our marvellously full bellies!

I would definitely have that pickled herring again. It’s still on my mind even after half a year has gone by! I’d go back for it! That’s how much I loved it.

#amsterdam #amsterdamfood #travelamsterdam #latergram #dutchfood #whattoeatinamsterdam

So this post happened because I had a lot of photos of Giethoorn that I wanted to share. The place was so spectacular that I had half a mind to capture everything on camera and the other half itching to shut everything out, to simply revel in the place. I’d like to say the latter won, but that wouldn’t quite be true.

I will say this though - That boat ride, as we swept through the canals, was a great opportunity to observe and be mesmerised. The clear blue skies, the lack of pollution, some sun and the many stories from the motley crew on the boat made it a perfect day to just be.

As always, and especially these days, I’m grateful for a life that allows me to travel and be myself.

#giethorn #4amthoughts #amsterdam #travelamsterdam #latergram #everythingdiaries

Giethoorn, short drive away from Amsterdam is called the Dutch Venice. Its spectacular views and untouched beauty stole my breath away and made me feel so content.

A must visit if you ever do get the chance!

#visitamsterdam #travelamsterdam #giethoorn

Giethoorn in Netherlands is a short drive away from Amsterdam and is an epic fairy tale village that transports you to a land you couldn’t have imagined.

There are no roads in the village - you park at the entrance to the village and its waterways and boat rides all the way. And the walkways!

The houses are beautiful and the landscapes so well managed. I could look at this place all day long and not have my fill - cos that’s what happened. There’s a gentle symphony of water flowing, the Aegean blue skies and a feeling that all is quite right with the world (even when it really isn’t)

I’m just grateful to see so much of the world. I’ve only just begun and there’s so much more to see!

This wasn’t in my bucket list, but I’d say it should be!

Also - can you see the house that pretty much everyone falls in love with!

#giethoorn #giethoornvillage #giethoorn_village #visitamsterdam #travelamsterdam #latergram #amsterdam #traveldiaries #

Anne Frank Huis (House) is described as a writer’s house and biographical museum. It contains personal belongings, furniture, photos of the Frank family (and others) while they were in hiding during WWII.

It’s hard to describe the feeling that hits you as you walk through the Anne Frank house. We were lucky to get the tickets needed to visit Anne Frank Huis.

You walk in through the revolving doors and get into a queue, store your bags and belongings and then head to the turnstile, scan your tickets and walk in.

I remember there being narrow, steep steps to climb up to the secret annex. I saw the Frank’s belongings - preserved over time. There are photographs and timelines on the walls as you walk through the various rooms. I imagined them trying to not make a sound for fear of dying. I imagined a young girl with dreams of studying to be a journalist and all the other hopes and dreams a young girl of her time would have. All taken away - for what? It makes me think of everyone who did and is losing because of war - for what? Who gains?

I was deeply moved, overwhelmed even. If anyone walks through this place and is unaffected- I don’t think I’d understand.

I’m affected even now when I’m miles away and so removed from Anne Frank Huis and am in my cocoon of routine and work and everything else. As I’m recollecting this experience I realise why it’s important to remember.

PS: I saw so many people clicking photos against the Anne Frank Huis sign with big smiles on their faces. A fellow tourist and I were baffled. Do people see it as just another tourist attraction, a bucket list check? It made me question what we value as “tourism” these days.

#annefrank #annefrankhouse #annefrankhuis #amsterdam

Happiness is often fleeting, but can be found here in abundance. There’s a joy, a thrill to experiencing a new place especially when you take your time to find your way around it.

#visitamsterdam #travelamsterdam #latergram #traveldiaries #traveltheworld #travelgram #amsterdam #travelinspo #dutch #dutchlandscape #zaanseschans #windmill

I had resolutely not looked at any photos of Zaanse Schans and most of the places we explored in Amsterdam, Netherlands. And boy, I was so immensely rewarded for it!

With its historic windmills and cute wooden houses, this village feels like it’s shrouded in an era long gone. The happiness you see in our first pic is the pure, unadulterated joy of being in a place that’s seemingly untouched by modernity. It’s quaint and ethereal beauty touched my soul, putting me in a state of tranquility

This was such a blissful day made perfect by the wonderful company I had. Every sight was mesmerising and spectacular and all the superlatives one would put down if they weren’t lazy :P

#travelamsterdam #visitamsterdam #amsterdamtravel #traveltheworld #travelgram #latergram #traveldiaries #lovetravel #nofilter #nofilterneeded #beautifuldestinations #zaanseschans #zaanseschanswindmill #zaanseschansvillage

There’s a wonder in exploring the canals under the spell of the city and the lights. Every new view makes my soul giddy and every new turn makes my heart fill with gratitude. That little girl from Udupi never thought she’d get to explore the world quite like this!

#traveldiaries #everythingdiaries #travelinspo #canalsofamsterdam #amsterdamcanals #amsterdam #dutch #travelphotography #traveltheworld #latergram

It’s a cliche, yes. Everyone who visits Amsterdam would go on a canal ride. And I can see why.

I’ve always felt a special bond with water and water bodies. The first time I took a swim class as an adult made me realise the happiness being in water brought me.

A canal ride is of course not the same. And yet, with a funny and knowledgeable guide (canal host?), a 45-an hour long ride through the many canals felt magical.

As evening turned to dusk to sunset, I witnessed the golden hour. Evenings are my favorite (just like the rest of the day) haha. And this ride just made it a perfect start to the Amsterdam adventure.

It was wholesome and spectacular and 10/10 would recommend.

PS: did I say bonus points for being romantic?

#visitamsterdam #travel #travelamsterdam #amsterdamcanals #amsterdamcanalcruise #traveleurope #dutch #canalsofamsterdam

As I scroll through all the photos and memories from Amsterdam, I’m filled with both excitement and melancholy. Excitement that the experience happened. And melancholy for all the little things that I don’t get to live anymore.

Endless walking and cycling. Discovering new locales and restaurants. Falling into bed exhausted but thrilled for the next day and adventure.

This is of course #latergram We travelled to Amsterdam in October’24. We reached our hotel way too early but our wonderful hostess suggested a cafe nearby - blue Amsterdam. That’s where the amazing video is from. Sights all around. And the food and coffee were spectacular! I fell in love with the coffee and the music (artist - Mogli)

There’s so much I want to (and will) share over the next few days. Fair warning:)

#amsterdam #travel #travelamsterdam #travelgram #traveldiaries #visitamsterdam #travelinspo

It’s been almost 3 years since I last posted on this account. Moving to US has been a wholesome and wonderful experience. I’ve moved cities within India but nothing compares to moving a whole country. Navigating grocery and pack sizes to getting a driving license and getting a job that’s given me immense freedom- it’s been a ride!

All is not hunky dory though. I miss my close knit group of friends. I miss daily interactions. I miss seeing their kids grow up. Having to know 3 different time zones (cos friends and family are f**%# nomads) and somehow manage 1 call a month to know my lovelies are still living and breathing- that’s also been a ride.

I’ve gotten to travel quite a bit within the US. These pics are from Miami. What a city! The nightlife is amazing - even for a home body like me. I loved walking through the brightly lit streets on Lincoln Ave I think… very European like piazzas. It was such a mood. I was almost tempted to write (fiction).

I realise writing this that my hearts so full of love and I’m thankful to this Universe for bringing my introvert a$$ to California - it’s like planting me in fresh soil rife with herbs and all good things and getting a chance to reinvent myself ❤️

#usa #usatravel #livingintheusa #travel #travelgram #longcaption #writing

Rains and greens. What a splendid combo
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#udupi #nammaudupi #karnataka #home #monsoon #rains #greenery #naturephotography #naturephotos #naturelovers #nationalgeographic #natgeo #natgeodailyshot #nature

I often wonder if it’s ok to click photos of strangers and always, always, always decide to not. There’s something extremely obtrusive and disrespectful… as though one is snatching a rather important part of these strangers. It stems from consent and permission.

For this pic, the girl wanted to get her pic clicked and posed readily for it even though my camera wasn’t aimed at her. She offered to pose again without the visitors in the background, but I was happy with this one.
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#photos #portrait #ladakh #ladakhtrip #ladakhtourism #tyakshi #tyakshivillage #tyakshiturtuk #turtuk #life #people #peoplephoto #photography #shotoniphone #travelstoke #travelstoriesworld #worldtravel #worldtraveler #travelpic

Views through windows

I think about writing long format captions but am averse to prepping content beforehand. I like the immediacy that writing for Instagram brings.

I love the views at any point in time in #ladakh and the joy that the views bring. More than the green, I’ve come to appreciate the la k of traffic, the chirping of birds at the ready, the warmth of the locals here. I had terrible cramps at my sides and I asked for a hot water bottle and the resort we stayed at brought it to me in minutes. I wouldn’t expect it anywhere else! I love being cared for. Everyone does right?
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#windows #nature #photo #photography #travels #travelstories #leh #india #longcaptionposts

So that’s me. Happy to just be. 💛
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#pangonglake #me #everythingdiaries #india #ladakh #3idiots #3idiotslake #beautifulplaces #destination #journey #throwback

If you never go, you’ll never know.
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#ladakhtourism #ladakhtrip #throwback #throwbackmemories #snowfall #everythingdiaries #traveller #travellist #travellingthroughtheworld #igers #igersindia #2021 #instadaily #instalife #photooftheday #photo #photography #photoindia #natgeoyourshot #nofilter #reallife

I miss this.
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#lovetravel #misstravel #travellife #ladakh #nubravalley #beautifuldestinations #water #scenic #scenicview #wonderful_places #igers #igersindia #ig_captures #shotoniphone #viewsfordays #mobilephotography #mobilephotographyindia

There’s a huge difference between what we want to remember and what we actually do remember.
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#photooftheday #travel #ladakh #slowtravel #livelife #view #views #roadtrip #click #shotoniphone

Trying on a few Pashmina shawls to take home. The variety is insane and beautiful of course. But there’s no way of being assured of quality, even when you go to govt authorised stores. You simply believe you’ve got a great deal and the memories flood you when you wear it during winters!
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#souvenir #souveniers #memory #buildingmemories #pashmina #pashminashawl #shopping #travel #traveldiaries #travelmemories #travelshopping #india #ladakh

I've learned photos don't do justice to the views our eyes can see
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#ladakh #pangonglake #beautifuldestinations #aroundtheworld #photooftheday #views #pictureperfect #bluegreen #turquoise #perfectview #perfectpic #capture #ig_india #igers #igersindia #travellife

Tyakshi, India's last Village.
The view is spectacular. This photo does no justice. Walking through the village and looking out to the fields and the way of life makes me realise how far removed we are with 'city' lives!
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#turtuk #turtukvillage #tyakshi #ladakh #ladakhtourism #ladakhdiaries #ladakhtrip #leh #northindia #india #travel #traveldiaries #everythingdiaries #view #views😍 #mountains #nature #blueskies #picturesque #photooftheday #indianphotography #instagood #instamood #instapic #photography

Snowfall in Leh. It's windy and heavenly. Put on loads on sunsreen though!

Flowers make almost everything wonderful
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#flowers #flowersofinstagram #flower #flowerphotography #pink #pinkflowers #nature #naturephotography #nubravalley #leh #mountains #prettinessoverload #peace #wonderfuldestinations #lchangnangretreat #naturelovers #photography #photo #photoshoot #greenery #landscape #photooftheday #prettyinpink #outdoors #outdoorphotography #natgeotraveller #natgeotravelindia #natgeotravelpic

Here's to spectacular views
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#view #views #viewsfordays #travel #travelindia #traveling #travelinspiration #2021 #travelgoals #instadaily #insta #instagood #lovetravel #travellife #worldtravel #traveldestination #destination #destinations #everythingdiaries #traveldiaries #aroundtheworld #twostroke #travelstoke #travelstories #lchangnangretreat #ladakh #nubravalley

Finding beauty in everything I see
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#cactus #ladakh #travel #nature #naturephotography #cactuslove #flowers #photo #photography #photooftheday #ladakhtrip #leh #shot #shotoniphone #iphonephoto #iphonephotography #traveldiaries #everythingdiaries #lovetravel #travelling #letsgosomewhere #letsgoeverywhere #love #green #pictureperfect #picturesque

Driving to Nubra Valley
The view is magical.
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#nubravalley #drive #roadtrip #travel #travelgram #travelphotography #nature #naturelovers #naturephotographer #ladakh #heavenonearth #pictureperfect #tothemountains #valley #india #instagood #instadaily #ladakhtourism #travelladakh #2021 #travelgoals #view #views😍 #ladakhview

The drive to Khardung La is both scenic and treacherous. You've got to have a skilled driver who knows the place and the roads.
The masks are a must for the pandemic and also to protect against the cold dry winds. I'm in awe. Ladakh is a must visit and I can't believe it's taken me forever to get here
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#khardungla #khardunglapass #ladakh #leh #ladakhtourism #ladakhtrip #travel #travelladakh #travelphotography #traveling #travelgram #snowfall #snowcladmountains #snowclad #mountains #travelawesome #traveltheworld #picoftheday #pictureoftheday #snow #lovetravel

A walk in the park can feel like magic
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#flowers #flowerphotography #flowersofinstagram #bangalore #valleyofflowers #phool #lavender #prettyflowers #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #photo #photography #photographylovers #photogram #instadaily #instagood #travel #travelindia #everyday #walkinthepark #parkday #throwback #bangalore

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Writing

In the blink of an eye

Poster Child for Failure

Believing in myself. It is insanely hard.

Jealousy, envy, and friends

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