Don’t we all say – what happened to the year – it flew past as quick as a teenager avoiding chores. I asked and got a whole lot of answers – it was a whirlwind of adventures, discoveries, and connections. It’s been a year full of surprises and learnings. For the audio click here.

Sudden Spontaneous Travels
A surprise visit to Mysore kicked off my year in style, quite literally. My dear friend Shanti invited me to a family  wedding—one of those classic Indian “family and friends” invitations. I didnt want to impose, but Shanti assured me I was indeed invited personally. It was a beautiful celebration of love, tradition, and community, wrapped in the vibrant hues of sarees, saffron-hued sweets, and henna.

Royal Rajasthan Roamings
From Mysore I headed to Jaipur, as I took up an offer from a school friend to explore Rajasthan. Reconnecting during a school reunion in 2022, her invitation to see the “real Rajasthan” was irresistible. The experience was transformative. I had a window into the world of Rajput heritage and the families who ruled their kingdoms for centuries. It was a glimpse of history, culture, and resilience that deepened my appreciation for India’s royal past.

Goa Wanderings
As spring crept in, I returned to Goa for a quieter kind of adventure. This time, I ventured further afield to the serene Terekhol Fort, now a boutique hotel. The fort’s ancient church of St. Anthony—roofless yet captivating—whispered tales of its miraculous past. Quiet walks, ferry crossings, and a sense of timelessness made it a perfect escape.

Another Camino
The Camino called again, and this time, it was the Portuguese Way from Porto to Santiago. Seven of us set off on this journey, bonding over shared steps and stories. Porto’s charm, Lisbon’s vibrancy, and a side trip to Fatima added layers of meaning to our pilgrimage. And yes, a book about this Camino is in the works—albeit a little delayed.

New Beginnings
This year marked a personal milestone: I officially retired from corporate life. But as you know, writers never truly retire. I’m busier than ever, dreaming up new projects and looking forward to more creative adventures with all of you.

Writing Retreats
Though my grand plans for retreats in the Himalayas and Rajasthan didn’t pan out—the crowds were just too much for the quiet space writers need—I hosted a local day retreat. It was an intimate and inspiring day, and I’m eager to build on that success in the coming year.

Crafty Tales
The heart of India, Madhya Pradesh, became my next destination. This wasn’t just any trip; it was a textile craft tour that taught me the art of block printing, batik, and eco-dyeing using natural plant materials. Immersing myself in these age-old crafts was a lesson in patience, beauty, and heritage. Who knew that I would love it despite not having inherited the artistic gene that others in my family have.

Doing Things Myself
While on the tour, one morning I decided to explore the ghats along the Narmada River in Maheshwar. The palaces, terraced temples, and steps cascaded down to the gleaming waters filled with small and large fish. I took a boat tour on my own and, on the way back, stumbled upon what I thought was a wedding photoshoot. It turned out to be a shoot with the “Chota Raja” of Maheshwar! This royal family’s history is fascinating, filled with strong figures like Ahilya Bai, who ruled with wisdom and strength during the Middle Ages.

Bangalore Connections
Back home in Bangalore, I reconnected with friends from every circle—old Air Force buddies, work colleagues, and more. Exploring both new and familiar corners of the city brought its own joy, including an expedition to Malleswaram and Chickpet for some nostalgic shopping adventures. Also, we ate – Bangalore is a foodies paradise.

Divali in Mysore
Divali in India is magical, and I was invited to the family Divali celebration in Mysore with my friend Vibha and her family. Immersed in family rituals, I marveled at the creation of dishes featuring nearly 50 vegetables (which I had a large part in chopping, the sparkling fireworks, and the warm glow of festive lights. It was a reminder of the joy and richness of tradition. And surprisingly – we found a great Italian restaurant in Mysore, Sorrento, which did stunningly authentic Italian food.

Mountain Magic in Coonoor
From Mysore we headed up into the mountains of South India, the Nilgiris for a girls trip. The five of us had long ago working in the same company in Bangalore in the earliest days of the IT invasion of Bangalore. And we’ve kept in touch ever since. The days in the misty mountains, spent doing not at lot – were highlighted when I found a friend from Calcutta was also there. It was great to meet Nina again and introduced her to our girls gang from Bangalore.

Back to Goa
More partying – an Air Force reunion brought us back to Goa. Hubby reconnected with mates he hadn’t seen since their cadet days, along with old friends who had served together—many of whom I knew as well. The Air Force knows how to throw a party, and this was no exception. It was a memorable gathering of laughter, camaraderie, and celebration. So what if we are slightly greyer now?

A Cricket Surprise
Finally, back home, my sons surprised us with tickets to the Big Bash—a T20 cricket match between the Brisbane Heat and the Adelaide Strikers. I went along reluctantly, unsure if I’d enjoy it, but to my surprise, I had an incredible time. There’s always something new to learn about oneself, and this was one of those delightful discoveries. Also Brisbane won on the last ball of the game.

Conclusion

Looking Ahead
As we step into a new year, I’m excited for more journeys, more stories, and more connections. Whether it’s through retreats, books, or simply sharing experiences, I’m so grateful to have you along for the ride. Here’s to a year of creativity, exploration, and the joy of storytelling. What happened this year in your life? Do share!Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a bright, adventurous New Year!