A year older… A year wiser…

I turned 29 this week, amidst this huge pandemic situation another year passed being locked indoors and the freedom to explore has been cut short.  Though the thought of how much I missed being outdoors on my birthday played on my mind. This year it was indeed different besides for a change I liked being indoors. It is a blessing many of us are surviving this and still fighting this pandemic that never seems to end. In all this chaos I discovered that becoming older and getting through this, is considered to be a true blessing.  

Therefore, as I turn 29, I would like to say thank you for 29 things that I consider to be a blessing in this small life of mine.

  1. Mommy’s lap and the stories that come along
  2. Husband’s tea with the extra bit of Chaaaaai 😛
  3. Friend’s unexpected surprise
  4. Cozy comforter and the warmth that it gives ❤
  5. Netflix series – what would I do without these 😀
  6. Sister’s advice and my go to keeper
  7. Open windows and the sunshine that it brings along
  8. Late night conversations the best of all
  9. Hot soup never truly appreciated until now
  10. Long phone calls the much-needed dose of happiness
  11. Being paid of course a blessing in these uncertain times
  12. Midnight cooking something that I enjoy doing
  13. Birthday candles adding another year
  14. Clear sky the bit of freshness it brings to the soul
  15. No cooking days – much loved days 😛
  16. Online shopping that keeps me busy indoors
  17. Writing again – always a pleasure
  18. Mommy’s cooking tips life saver moments
  19. Movie nights and the added popcorns along with it
  20. Video calls the new way connecting
  21. Turning a year older
  22. Experiencing life through closed doors
  23. Loud music to lift the spirit high
  24. Ice cream nights – the yummiest of all 😊
  25. Working from Home
  26. Scented candles that actually helps in relaxing
  27. No dress up days
  28. Learning something new
  29. A perfect 29th Birthday

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Copyrighted © June 15th  2021-22 fetinatwinkle| purpleorangesite. All rights reserved

My first Solo Trip to the French Connection… Pondicherry <3

“Traveling alone will be the scariest, most liberating, life changing experience of your life. Try it at least once!” -Unknown

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Pondicherry or officially called as the puducherry is the french connection that stay’s close to the city I come from and now close to my heart. Wondering why?? I made my first solo trip to this beautiful territory with a total length of coastline spanning up to 45km.

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Why I choose pondicherry?

Consisting one of the most beautiful coastline and being Thalassophile (lover of the sea), I couldn’t think twice to start my first solo trip right from here. Their beaches and their sunrises are awe inspiring that it would intrigue anyone to visit this beautiful piece of land.

Here’s how it began…

With a lot of confusion, research and a big “No” from my parents I gathered the courage to set out for a four-day solo trip. Dreaming, thinking and planning started right from this very room where I am also writing this post. After reading quite a few blogs about the courageous women travelers who took their first step to overcome the fears of traveling alone, so did I. I researched an ‘n’ number of sites for deciding my stay and finally, I settled upon choosing Le Chateau – Romain Rolland, Pondicherry. It wasn’t like any typical hotel room but a beautiful heritage building situated on the streets of “White Town” the french quarters, where one would feel like walking on the streets of France. It is artistic and is the closest to the beach. Every street you take would lead you to the ocean. One of the most fascinating places to see stunning sunrises.

Day 1: September 7th (Saturday)
After my 9 hour shift, I started for this amazing trip which I was planning on for months. Following my breakfast, I boarded the bus and my journey began at 8:05 am. I managed to get a seat near the window got my ticket which was priced at 150 INR for a one-way trip. It was a roughly 3-hour journey where people were on and off boarding the bus. I dozed off here and there while watching the fields, cities, towns pass by. I reached Pondicherry exactly at noon. I booked a cab and after 10 to 15 mins ride I arrived at my hotel “Le Chateau”.

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Once the formalities were done I was shown to my room. The bed looked so warm and cozy, since being overly sleep deprived I hit straight to bed. After two hours of sleep, I woke up got refreshed and headed straight to the Ocean. In the evening the roads leading to the vast ocean were all lit and beautiful. I strolled along the beach watching people come in with families, kids running around, babies on prams. Being the weekend it was crowded and busy.

There was a small dedication to the “Mission Chandryaan 2” along the pavement. I stopped at a cafe named “Aura cafe” and placed an order for a refreshing cup of filter coffee. The cafe is small right outside the shop called Aura. With their small wooden tables and gravel flooring, it was indeed the best place to have my first cup of coffee on my solo trip.

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After the refreshing cup of coffee, I strolled a little further and I saw a little patch of shore and people playing in the sea. I popped myself on the sand stretched my legs and admired the beauty of the moonlight dancing on the sea.

Day 2: September 8th (Sunday)
After a good night’s sleep, I took my camera and headed to the Rock beach to capture the perfect sunrise. This stretch starts from the war memorial to the statue of Dupleix park. I took my place on the rocks and waited for the sunrise. While I anticipated, I watched fishermen cast their nets for an early catch and people jogging along the stretch. There were quite a lot of people waiting to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. I got my equipment ready as the sky started changing its color from purple to pink and reddish-orange. It was by far one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen.

After capturing a few pictures of the sunrise I strolled alongside the beach in the opposite course of the stretch I visited yesterday. Fishermen were severing the fishes while people were coming in to buy. After spending 2 hours on the beach I headed back to the hotel for breakfast. Later I went down to the hotel reception to rent a bike. They provided me with details and in about 30 minutes the bike was delivered. Wearing a helmet isn’t mandatory there but still, I would request to check for one cause what more is important than one’s safety. I started off to a place called “Arikamedu” it was a 21-minute ride from my hotel. The road leading to these ancient ruins was a bit of scary and adventuresome. First, It was quite hard to find the place but the local people did help (asking the locals for direction isn’t a bad idea)

Second, I was surprised not to find any tourists there on a Sunday morning. The road was of sand and racing through it was difficult. All I had was the GPS guiding me to the place and there were hardly two or three men who crossed my path on their motorcycle making a full quick scan. This is where a pepper spray would come handy as I said above one’s safety is important. After about 20 mins, at last, I saw an old lady who was busy cutting the tall grass that covered the roads on both sides. I stopped my bike and enquired to know how far I had to go and if it was safe. She nodded her head and assured me it was safe. I continued to ride again and finally, I saw the ruins there was a gate that was locked and slightly ajar giving a little space where a person could walk in. I stopped my bike and wandered in while my heart was racing at full speed. I held on to my rucksack tight and took out my camera to take a picture of the ruins.

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The place was vast and extremely quiet that I could hear my heartbeat. There was no one around and I knew at that moment that I was risking myself of being there all alone and most importantly being a woman. My legs refused to move any further seeing the place surrounded by tall trees and grass. I stood there took a couple of pictures and left quickly. I started my bike and never stopped until I saw that old lady again. She asked if I had water and I shared the bottle of water I brought with me. We conversed for a few minutes where she spoke about her work and the place she was from. I left from there as it was almost noon and the sun was scorching hot. I visited the basilica of the sacred heart of Jesus for my Sunday mass.

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I checked the mass timing and there was a mass held at noon. It was a beautiful ceremony after which I headed back to my hotel. Following a delicious meal, I took a quick nap examining weather outside. Later that evening I walked to the war memorial and then visited an art exhibit. It was enchanting and unconventional and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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I walked for a stretch and later went back to the hotel for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Day 3: September 9th (Monday)
I was up early. I checked the time on my mobile phone and it was around 4 am. After a nice hot shower, I headed to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral to start my day with the blessing. It was situated in a serene location close to the beach. The architecture of this cathedral which is a mix of Indian and French design would surely make one’s jaw drop. With its high ceiling, the intricate design and the beautiful exterior make it a must-visit. Following the early morning mass, I headed to the beach to catch another perfect sunrise. After breakfast at the hotel, I headed to another historic place which is 1hr 13 minutes away from Pondicherry called the Gingee fort.

I will be writing a separate blog on my visit to Gingee fort and posting soon.

After returning from Gingee I headed straight back to the hotel. After a good hours rest, I was back on the streets of Pondicherry. I headed to the La cafe which is situated on the beach. After a dilemma to choose between ginger beer and the lemonade, I placed an order for the ginger beer cause lemonades can wait. After being served I took my bottle and went to the rooftop from where one can see a striking view of the ocean at night. Later spending the amount of time enjoying the view of the beach I walked back to my hotel.
Word of caution: Never roam in white town late at night or at the early hours of the day (12 to 4 am) you might end up being caught by the police.

Day 4: September 10th (Tuesday)
The day I return home, I got ready and checked out of the hotel. I headed to the shop called Aura and bought a few items from there as a memory of my first solo trip to this beautiful piece of land.

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Later I took a cab to Auroville which is called the “City of the Dawn” where people from all over the world come and live together in peace. On the way, I found quite a few restaurants, cafes, and pottery shops. After a 10 minute drive, It is quite a long walk to the Matrimandir but it is quiet and relaxing. This place is perfect for those who are looking for peace. After the walk and visiting the Matrimandir I bought a gelato Italiano ice cream from the dreams cafe located on the premises. It was just yum truly heavenly and after spending 2 to 3 hours here I headed back home with loads of memories and satisfaction for completing my first solo trip to this lovely piece of french connection.

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Copyrighted © February 19th  2019-20 fetinatwinkle| purpleorangesite. All rights reserved

Day 15 – The fall of a Banyan Tree…

This is a 365 days Challenge… Each day I will be writing about different random things. If you think it is fun you can certainly join this challenge.
All you have to do
1. Post the name of the blog that inspired you to take up this challenge
2. Do link your post to my blog so that we learn to appreciate each other.

#15 – Tree

A Tree with strong roots laughs at storms… – Malay Proverb

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Started its life by growing on another

Leaning to gain its strength from one another

It sprouted with beauty

And jealousy surrounded

Trampled and crushed

But roots deepened

Though it grew with the countless others

It made sure it stood matchless

Nurtured with the love of every kind

It learned to survive in the storms that came

For it danced beautifully in the wind and rain

Not once or twice but countless times

Toughened and strengthened with every pain

The time came when a man met the tree

Used it for its shade

For countless of sleep

Until a day when the trunk of the tree

Brought jealousy in the eyes of men

For greediness played its fate

And wealth covered his eyes

The jealousy of its riches brought it down

Poisoned little by little every time

And there fell the branches one by one

With the swift stride of the axes in motion

Brought down the fall of the banyan tree.

Note: The banyan tree here is depicted the life of J.Jayalalitha the EX Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Copyrighted © September 15th  2018-19 fetinatwinkle| purpleorangesite. All rights reserved

Day 14 – The Closed Window

This is a 365 days Challenge… Each day I will be writing about different random things. If you think it is fun you can certainly join this challenge.
All you have to do
1. Post the name of the blog that inspired you to take up this challenge
2. Do link your post to my blog so that we learn to appreciate each other.

#14 – The Closed Door 

What’s behind the door? Why is it closed?

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Though the challenge says Closed Door but I am going to be writing about a closed window I wish it opened again.
It was one of the most beautiful windows I have seen in my life. A simple wooden window which touched so many hearts and even changed some. A gorgeous woman, the best grandmother one could ask for and most of all a beautiful soul. This challenge is about her and maybe you are wondering what it is to do with the window.

My grandmother, a woman who proved that no matter what difficulties life throws at you, you can still handle it with calmness. She was our pillar of strength. She gave and gave as much as possible for everyone. And the things that she have gone through are unimaginable. The disaster happened when she fell sick and couldn’t go out. she was scared that people would avoid going close to her. So the lonely window became her best friend. It showed her the outside world. The beautiful sea to which she lost the love of her life years before. Her friend came and stood outside the window and they spoke for hours but her own son and his entire family despised her. For money played its fate. They treated her like an untouchable and she would still not complain about them to her daughters. No matter what her son did she loved him more each time and would refuse to move from his side. All this while the only one thing we didn’t know was she prayed silently for her death.

on September 5, 2016, her wish came true and she silently passed away in her sleep. She took a part of me with her and I miss her so dearly of course words are not enough to describe that pain.
From then on the window remains closed as much as I want to see them open while sitting beside her and seeing the world out of that lone window once more.

She taught me a lot of things the greatest of all is love.
She was one of the rares ones, so effortlessly herself.

I will always miss you, grandma…

Love
Your miserable grand-daughter

Copyrighted © July 4th  2018-19 fetinatwinkle| purpleorangesite. All rights reserved

Day 13 – The Letter Poem

This is a 365 days Challenge… Each day I will be writing about different random things. If you think it is fun you can certainly join this challenge.
All you have to do
1. Post the name of the blog that inspired you to take up this challenge
2. Do link your post to my blog so that we learn to appreciate each other.

#13 – The Letter Poem 

Write a poem using words from a famous letter or a letter from your own collection.

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Picture courtesy – Pinterest

This poem is been written from the controversial and famous letter of Siegfried Sassoon who In July of 1917, mid-World War I, following a period of convalescent leave during which he had decided to make a stand by not returning to duty

The Letter titled “Finished with the War: A Soldier’s Declaration”

 

A soldier’s heartfelt declaration towards the destruction of war

He made his statement with an act
of wilful defiance of military authority

For the ones who have deliberately prolonged the war
Are the ones who had the power to end it.

I am a soldier and am speaking
on the behalf of my brothers

The war upon which it was started
Was of defense and liberation

But now it has prolonged
For aggression and conquest

I have seen and endured
The sufferings of the troops

And I believe it is pure evil and unjust
For prolonging the sufferings to the ends

I protest against the conduct
Of war and the political errors

For which the fighting men are
Being undeniably sacrificed

And on behalf of those who are suffering now
I the soldier humbly ask

To stop what was started
For it has changed the course of time…

Copyrighted © June 5th  2018-19 fetinatwinkle| purpleorangesite. All rights reserved

 

 

Day 12 – Greeting

This is a 365 days Challenge… Each day I will be writing about different random things. If you think it is fun you can certainly join this challenge.
All you have to do
1. Post the name of the blog that inspired you to take up this challenge
2. Do link your post to my blog so that we learn to appreciate each other.

#12 – Greeting

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Picture courtesy – Pinterest

He walked into the office and it was unlike the other days. The corridor and the cubicles were decorated in bright colors and it created a happy environment distant from the days where they have no time to simply look at the fellow-mate. He never knew that there was a celebration going on and he slowly walked to the area where the celebration was taking place. Colors and ambiance were simply stunning but what caught his eye was a girl dressed in ethnic wear in a world where westernization has taken its turn. She was a sight to behold he looked at her in between the crowd and the way she slid her hair behind the ear made his heart skip a beat. Seeing him in-between the crowd his friends called him.

Hearing his name among the music and sound he turned towards his friends signaling to them that he will come there after some time he turned back his attention towards girl but to his dismay, she goes missing. He turned in every possible direction and searching with his eyes straining but she was nowhere to be found. Though he was not a person who believed in love, at first sight, it happened and made his heart race to see her just one more time. Ignoring his friends he swims and sweeps through the crowd to find her, to see if luck favored him. After all the pushing and pulling he reached the spot, she first stood, where he first saw but she wasn’t there. An instant of sadness questioned himself “what am I doing? ” he just stood against the pillar listening to the music thundering and the crowds screaming in response while he was lost in thought of a simple girl. Feeling lost he walked back to his floor to his place and sat before his laptop trying to find what that feeling was.

He leaned on his chair resting his head on his arms and closed his eyes lost in thoughts. The sound of the metal bangles disrupted his thoughts and he turned just in time to find that very same girl crossing his bay. He stood seeing his eyes transfixed on the girl who he saw among the crowd now walking with the group of girls chatting and giggling. His legs stuck to the ground, forgetting to breathe he stood there seeing her laugh he smiled. After a brief moment, he finally remembered to breathe again.

The next day he walked into the building and stood with the crowd waiting for the lift. The lift door opened and he entered with a bag on one shoulder. There she was standing with her friend and an instant glow appeared on his face. He stood there facing her. As the lift became less crowded he tried looking at her id card to read her name. Seeing him stare at her waist she mistakes and adjusts her dress. Their eyes meet for a brief moment and she stared at him while he turned away cursing himself. After a minute the door opened and she walked out with her friend though she stared he finally got to know her name. He calls out her “name” out loud for the first time in the empty lift.
His friends called him to have coffee and along with him, they went to the pantry together with making fun of each other. After waiting for his turn he filled his cup with hot coffee he sat next to his friend only to find she was there drinking coffee with her friends. An instant joy lighted his face and watching her sip his coffee delighted him. His coffee time had never been this interesting.
He wanted to talk to her by building up a little courage he went in search of her and as usual, he couldn’t find her. she was some kind of a mystery to him and that excited him. He stood there searching, seeing her friends standing a few yards in front of him his courage faded with every turn of his head to find her. There was a pat on his shoulders following with an “excuse me” he turned, his frustration transforming into a complete amazement. He moved so she could go. she crossed him and their eyes met again for an instance yet so powerful. His eyes followed suit as she went away with her friends. He stood there watching has his courage drained once again.
It was post lunch he came and sat in his place restless after watching her enter. Time ticked away and he made up his mind to talk to her today. Building courage he thought of relaxing a little he opened his Facebook account and a notification arrived. He clicked on the friend request tab and found her name. He stood up in his place trying to see her place but she was not there he turned to find someone leaning in the entrance of his bay. He was astonished to find her standing there and smiling at him for the first time he said
“HELLO”…

Copyrighted © May 27th  2018-19 fetinatwinkle| purpleorangesite. All rights reserved

 

 

Day 11 – Dragon

This is a 365 days Challenge… Each day I will be writing about different random things. If you think it is fun you can certainly join this challenge.
All you have to do
1. Post the name of the blog that inspired you to take up this challenge
2. Do link your post to my blog so that we learn to appreciate each other.

#11 – Dragon

The brave men did not kill dragons. The brave men rode them – GOT

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Picture courtesy – Pinterest

 

Here I would be writing about the list of 5 dragons in Mythology and Folklore

  1. Chinese Dragon

Which is also called the Oriental (or Eastern) dragon. This snake like creature with limbs typically represents the Chinese dragons but when we explore China we might find dragon depictions that are also like turtles and fish. It is also a belief in China that Emperors were believed to be descended from dragons. Many historical leaders like Bruce Lee, Martin Luther King and Vladimir Putin were born in a Year of the Dragon. This is the country were most places are named after dragons.

  1. Japanese dragon

This dragon is called Ryu that also looks like a serpent and has legs like claws. They usually live in ocean, the clouds or heavens but Japanese dragons usually live in the sea. This is because Japan is an island, and the sea is present in most of its geography. It has often been the symbol of the Emperor or of a hero.

  1. Korean dragon

These dragons are nearly as popular as the Chinese and the Japanese dragons but they also hold several differences compared to the other two.  These dragons have four toes on each foot with the eyes of a rabbit and the underbelly of a frog. They also have a very long beard. The Korean Dragons are divided into three subspecies. These are the Yong, the Yo, and the Kyo. They are sky, ocean, and mountain dragons respectively. Yong is the most common and also the most powerful. They protect the upper realms. The Yo have no horns and guard the underwater kingdoms. The Kyo live in the mountains. Korean Dragons are more aggressive than their Chinese counterparts and they do not help humans as much, preferring simply to guard the kingdoms of the world or live in solidarity.

  1. Turkish dragons

The Turkish which are called as Ejderha or Evren secretes flames from its tail. There is no mention of these dragons having wings or legs because most Turkish dragons are described as gigantic snakes.

  1. Portuguese dragons

In Portuguese mythology Coca is a female dragon that fights with Saint George. She loses her strength when Saint George cuts off one of her ears.

Fascinating ain’t it? 

Copyrighted © May 24th  2018-19 fetinatwinkle| purpleorangesite. All rights reserved

Day 10 – Friendship

This is a 365 days Challenge… Each day I will be writing about different random things. If you think it is fun you can certainly join this challenge.
All you have to do
1. Post the name of the blog that inspired you to take up this challenge
2. Do link your post to my blog so that we learn to appreciate each other.

#10 – Friendship

There is no better friend than a sister and there is no better sister than YOU!

 

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Picture courtesy – Pinterest

This post is dedicated specially to my sister who has always been my best friend.

This is the speech I wrote for her to be read on her big day. Unfortunately due to some circumstances I couldn’t tell her.

So here it is… I hope she reads…

To my sister…

My support, my ally, my entertainment, my audience, my critic, my biggest fan, my best friend… my sister!

Good evening! for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sandra the very proud younger sister of our beautiful bride. I want to start by congratulating the bride and groom and thanking all of you for making the journey here today.

To my parents, who taught us that love isn’t perfect but every second of it is worth because you did it together…

To my brother in law, I would say… stay strong and happy for, your incredible journey has just begun… I’m glad I’ve got a new brother… And welcome to our crazy little family where you will receive love abundantly…

Now to my sister, I haven’t told you this but I have always admired you for your incredible patience… That’s what makes her even special…
Well, She really is a favorite… I mean an ideal child, Whether it is excelling in academics, Keeping the emotions under control or generally being awesome in the real world… She really has set the bar high. It really is difficult to keep up… I was forced to follow every rule Mom and Dad made because she followed them. And I would like to thank her for letting me be the black sheep for the past 24 years… 😛 Jokes apart…

I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. To this day, And I can honestly say I wouldn’t be half of the person I am today if I didn’t have a big sister like her to look up to and I’m proud to call you my big sister.

I actually drafted this speech not knowing where to start, but I’ve got to tell you, there are no words for me to come up with, to tell you how much I love you or how much you mean to me…You have been a beautiful part of my life and will always be… You taught me that there is beauty in everyone and in what they do… You taught me that you cannot find peace by avoiding it…

As young girls, we have shared our secrets, Giggled late into the nights, bickered over clothes to wear and slammed doors when we would fight… As women, we still share secrets And remember it would be you who I’d choose to call when I need an ear to hear or a shoulder to fall. No one else can understand the lives that we have had, from funny relatives to family jokes and also the times with mom and dad. I’ll treasure all the memories of growing up with you for sister’s form a lasting bond that’s trusted, lasting and true.

I just want you to know that I am always here for you in sickness and in health, for better or for worse. As a sister, I have always been there and this could never change. In this new path leading to the rest of your life, I will walk hand in hand with you today on your big day, and every day after. I love you and could not be more happier for you.

Separately, you are two special and remarkable people, but together you are complete. As you sit side by side through this roller coaster of life, remember to scream from the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loops, and enjoy every twist and turn; For the ride is much better when you share it together. My greatest wishes for you both are that you have a continued loving friendship and partnership; that you enjoy success and laughter; that you are blessed with children and that you always see and talk with your heart.

As I toast to my sister and my brother-in-law.

Take each day and cherish your time together. Love one another and stand together. Take time to talk to one another. Put your love and family first, your job and hobbies second. May your love be like the wind—strong enough to move the clouds, soft enough to never hurt, but always never ending.

So here’s to love, laughter, and happily ever after.

Cheers!

May 20th  2018-19 fetinatwinkle| purpleorangesite.