India. Indeed so dear.

Hello friends,

It’s been quite some time since I posted on this platform. How are you faring? There has been so many moving parts within the last few years for all of us, and while I haven’t posted in quite some time, I hope you and your loved ones are holding up well. It’s amazing to see how much can change globally in 2 years. The past few years have taught me to live with a deeper sense of urgency, love harder and explore passions even more intentionally. And as you know, that one last bit will always lead me back to travel.

So just before the pandemic hit, I went to India. It was my fourth time visiting the country but first time visiting Mumbai (also known as Bombay- I’ll leave any political commentary out of this). In the past, I visited Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, New Delhi, and Ahmadabad—a blast, I tell you! This trip gave me an opportunity to delve even deeper into a country that is so diverse and brimming with culture. My love for India has always been inexplicable.

One of my first few cities to visit on this leg was New Delhi, I was shocked at the level of air pollution as the plane began its descent into the city. On landing, I noticed a number of people with face masks on. I wondered how people could go through life each day with the limitation of masks on due to the air pollution. Fast forward to three months later and the United States along with many other countries had put strict mask protocols in place. In true fashion (no pun intended) I had the fancies of lace mask but a mask nonetheless…life comes at you fast, huh?

I’ve always described India as a beautiful chaos- the colours, the people, the fashion- it’s a beautiful assault on all your senses and I am here for it! During my last trip to India, I was fortunate to spend time with the world-renowned Dabbawallahs, following in the footsteps of lesser known folks like Prince Charles and Richard Branson. Dabbawallah translates to “one who carries a box” The crew goes into the homes of subscribers, pick up the ready made lunch (most times prepared by housewives) and then delivers it to the office of the bread winner. At the time of my travel, employment rate for women in India was a measly eight percent but I digress. Dabbawallah service ensures a nice home cooked meal that is delivered fresh and still hot by lunch time. Brilliant, right? I also visited the Dharavi Slum of Mumbai- think slum dog millionaire. The experience touring the slum, without anyone asking for alms- truly shifted my perspective on the inhabitants. I was met with children playing carelessly on the ground, smiles from parents, and a warm welcome at every turn. At some point, we may need to redefine the notion of happiness in the west. In the meantime, check out my pictures and leave a comment.

Love Always.

I present to you the Taj Mahal- the iconic symbol of an always enduring love- agra

lunch delivery with the dabbawallahs- mumbai

Delivering lunch with the Dabbawallahs.

Did you know the Dabbawallahs are never late. They began delivery service is 1890 and they have a six-sigma rating! Your lunch is guaranteed to always arrive on time, like clockwork!

Newspaper delivery hot and fresh off the press every morning like clockwork- maybe not as efficient as the Dabbawallah’s- but who’s comparing industries.

at the taj palace. ah la la!

At the Taj Palace, hotel.

This was one of the highlights of my stays at The Oberoi in Bengalaru! Dear Siddhant, take all my rupees! You’re the best!

Restaurant: Khyber, Mumbai

“You must set forth at dawn”

Spice Market, Laulbag

The Dominican Republic Report

Perfect weather. Gorgeous beaches. And the food? Yes, the food is to live for. Oh, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the vibrant disposition of the dominicanas. If you are a beer lover, you want to try Presidente. If you consider yourself remotely close to human, you’d want to try rice, beans, and some plantains. Try it, ask questions later.

While many know Dominican Republic for the (in)famous Punta Cana; an area where spring breakers forget the mounds of research papers waiting to be submitted at colleges throughout the country and succumb to those youthful desires, Punta Cana is more than that. You can find some respite far from the maddening crowd of twenty-something year olds and enjoy some quiet time. But do you really really want to?

I’d recommend staying at an all-inclusive resort such as the Melia-opt for the adult section, if you want to get in on all the action. Fine white sand, yoga classes on the beach, champagne bottles delivered to your room, and the most gorgeous (and potentially dangerous) men could be seen galavanting around the DR. Where, you ask? It doesn’t matter…pick a street, any street.

Genesis.

The Lagos sun was shining down with an uncommon kind of vengeance that day. I rolled down the window of my father’s car as he drove and put one arm out the wide opening. I closed my eyes and felt the wind pass through my fingers. There are many memories of my childhood, but this one stands out so vividly. I didn’t care where we went as long as we were taking a journey. The journey made me feel uninhibited. Over 20 years later and nothing has changed. The journey is, and always will be, more important than the destination.

This blog is not only about travel in the sense of packing up a luggage with your favourite swim wear, a fabulous pair of sunnies, and boarding a flight to some exotic location. I won’t let you down -this blog does include those- but more importantly, it deals with our interactions with each other in spaces outside of where we call home. Sometimes those interactions are filled with love and acceptance. Other times, they are horrid and make you lose faith in humanity. No matter the exchange, the point is to learn something new, see God in all things, and leave your space better than you found it. This, to me, is the genesis of meaningful travel.

Location: Ouro Preto (Black Gold), Brazil

Fun fact: Ouro Preto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.