27 Comments

Top-tier. As someone who makes it a point to keep a chunk of their trips for just "hanging out", I couldn't agree more. So well-described, but. You took us into your mind while you were doing nothing, and I loved that bit.

Expand full comment

Thank you! ❤️

Expand full comment

Beautiful. Most of my trips, I go unplanned, slow down and appreciate being witness to the extraordinary ordinariness of life.

Expand full comment

That's such a wonderful way to experience a place! 🌸

Expand full comment

This was such a soft and beautiful read❤️ Beauty really is all about paying attention, isn't it? I remember going to a public park when on holiday in Pondicherry and spending 45 minutes just looking at how different trees sway in the wind and it was one of my favorite memories from the trip!

Expand full comment

How lovely! Thank you for sharing this beautiful memory, and what better way to experience pondy than slowing down and taking in the surroundings ☺️

Expand full comment

The kind of trip that I would like to do , someday!! For now, travelling vicariously through your wonderful posts..And a dash of Mary Oliver makes everything better!!

Keep writing.

Expand full comment

Thank you! And I hope you get to make that trip very soon ☺️

Expand full comment

Lovely read! I wish I had your clear-sightedness of vacations being experiences instead of frantic Fomo-driven top attractions hopping. I'll get there, one day.

Also, your newsletter (and social media) is my window into poetry so thank you for that.

Expand full comment

Haha, there are all kinds of trips! But yes it takes some conscious effort to not try and fit in everything one can in a trip! I do that sometimes too 😬 And you’re welcome 🌸

Expand full comment

Hey, I am planning a trip to Bali in April. I plan to stay in Ubud. Could you please share the link to the AirBnB you stayed? Thanks

Expand full comment

It’s called Seta House

Expand full comment

Thanks much!

Expand full comment

Your writing soothes me. It moves me. I somehow feel you're writing for me, sometimes I feel you are me - the voice, tone and how you think. I have wanted to be a solo wanderer for ever. Have done some solo wanderings. But now there's an urge. I loved the poems by Mary Oliver and the last quote by Michael Montaigne. Your writing urges me to pick up my writing from where I left off. Thank you. Lots of love.

Expand full comment

This is such a heartwarming comment to wake up to! Thank you for the kind words 🌸 I hope you get to take that solo trip you have been craving for very soon! Glad to hear you resonated so deeply with the post.

Expand full comment

I have been following your newsletter for a few months now and you have done the impossible- prompt me to travel when it isn’t forced on me by friends or work. Indonesia (Mt Bromo) calling!

Expand full comment

Wow! Delighted to hear that! Hope you have a fantastic trip 💃🏽

Expand full comment

What a delightful read. It was like sipping on comforting tea.

Just the mention of Rajnigandha and Champa cheered me up so much. This one is a special post.

Expand full comment

Thank you! ✨🙏🏼

Expand full comment

I have no plans to go to Bali anytime soon but this is literally my dream vacation, wherever I go. I love doing nothing other than maybe taking walks and exploring cafes in unknown places. Thank you for this post, which I am going to use next time I'm traveling with my partner - a Duracell Bunny traveler, if there ever was one 😊

Expand full comment

"Duracell Bunny traveler" 🤣 Thank you for reading!

Expand full comment

Beautifully written Ila. As always :)

Expand full comment

Thanks Tippu 💜

Expand full comment

Just existing in a place and not doing anything - this has been my life everywhere. Loved it. I wonder if you also feel that all Sundays look and feel the same everywhere. Aimless, explore worthy and peaceful. What a lovely post, as usual. Thank you.

Expand full comment

Haha, I'm not sure if all Sundays look and feel the same everywhere - Sundays by the sea or in the mountains are certainly more appealing than in Delhi - but yes I love the common thread Sundays hold of sleeping too much, eating too much, reading a little, and generally being at peace with oneself and the world - even if for just a day! Thank you for reading my post, as always ❤️

Expand full comment

Where you stand depends on where you sit. I have not travelled at all. So my ‘sundays’ comment was more from a point where I am in one place. And then in some other place. That’s all, but Sundays feel oddly similar. Full of nothing. Wo point tha mera.

Expand full comment

I like your "i dont give a damn attitude"

Expand full comment