I’m a lifelong traveler. I made many trips to India as a child and teenager to visit grandparents and extended family members. Time spent with my late grandparents is time to be cherished life long. I remember my Nani ji (late materal grandmother) making ladoos (South Asian sweet balls) for me by hand when she wasn’t in the best physical condition so I would gain more weight as a skinny 18 year old. I remember sitting next to my Dadi ji (late paternal grandmother) discussing events impacting our community in the 80s and how we lost our aunt (her youngest daughter) in those sad events. I remember watching entertaining Indian soap operas where the men and women would wake up looking all decked up and just perfect with my cousins, aunts and grandmother. Now this was the original “Woke Up Like This“, way before the Beyonce song existed. What an oxymoron but its true! I also visited Canada as a child and teenager. Growing up we did most of our vacations in India, Canada or within the United States. Since 2012 and as of July 2023, I have traveled to over 23 countries and counting. The pandemic interrupted some of my travels but it was best to be safe and protect those around us at that time. Now I am back to my travel plans and plan to add to my travel list each year. Fun fact is my travel style mimics my father. We both like to carry back bags, cameras and like to see everything when we travel. Its called maximizing the amount of time you spend in one place or city. I’ve slowly learned that relaxing on vacation is okay and its not necessary to visit every single museum or every sight or building in town. My mother, sister and brother will appreciate that 🙂
My goal is simple. To travel as much I can. I’m a full-time software engineer by profession and truly love all things technology and programming. My career choice provides me the financial means to travel comfortably a few times a year. Like most professions, my career choice also somewhat limits the amount of time I can spend traveling. Typical Catch 22 scenario.
In addition to travel, I also love long distance running. I’ve completed two “destination” half marathons and hope to finish many more in the future. Running tourism.
I’m also identify as a Sikh and enjoy visiting Gurdwaras in the countries and cities I visit. I like to combine all facets of my life in travel – my profession, my culture, my heritage, my hobbies. Travel shouldn’t be an isolated part of your life and can be immersed throughout it.
While the world is physically big, its small enough for us to be friends. It is my opinion that the joy of travel bridges gaps. In the end, it helps to appreciate and embrace our differences.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Feel free to reach out with your comments and experiences. I would love to learn more. Please sit back and enjoy my blog and do share your feedback.