Caterpillar 🐛

 Dear Reader, 

How are the buds of Spring treating you? 🌱

Perhaps you are in Autumn, like me, noticing the slight change in moisture in the air. 

Internally, my soul is softly matching the Other Hemisphere, as I find myself on the upwards journey of the Circle, moving towards blossom and light ✨

…

I come to you today from my Petit Coin, created for me by a Shining Star, so I may hear the birds sing, so I may admire the plants and have a space in safety. 

So much has happened since we last spoke.

One of the most special people in my life has brought a new person into the world 🐣

Which is partly why I will be reunited with my friends again soon. 

I am also hotly approaching the longest time I have ever spent in one place in recent years. 

And after suffering a hard knock to my ego, there are changes happening…

Manifestations ✨

Things that only transpire through Surrender. 

From the spiritual books, to the pieces of the puzzle; from the colleagues who just happen to tell me the very thing I needed to know, to the love I never knew was possible to receive. 

…

The thing is, when you are a nomad at heart, you are also a citizen of the world. 

As are you, Dear Reader.

You have the possibility of opening your mind to every micro connection and allowing it to bring you energy and sustenance. 

So that when you are surrounded by people who speak a different language, you force yourself to learn it, to allow your insecurities to be submitted in place of peace and joy. 

You learn to listen to love in whatever form it comes. And sometimes, that means admitting some hard truths. 

As long as the dance continues through the thorns, you can basque in the breeze of time, which is life itself.

…

I haven't explored the island as much as I would like recently. 

I haven't made as many friends. 

I haven't exercised as much as I used to.

I haven't been as disciplined. 

Even my cooking has lacked inspiration.

But I have been reading again. 

I have been speaking with my amazing friends who are spread so far across the globe.

I have joined a freaking Bollywood Zumba class, where there's more energy than that which was emitted from the Big Bang 💥 

Against all odds, I joined a belly dance group. Sensuality Unlocked 💃

But more importantly, I've started to listen again. 

To the whispers of the leaves in the trees 🌿

To echoes carried in the breeze. 

To the chimes in my head when the Universe sends me a gentle reminder. 

To my heartbeat when my Shining Star gently quietens years of internal tears…

… 

Though I do long for more time with my favourite ocean, the hours we have spent together recently have been a dream. 

New friend

My horse with the relentless hanger

Despite my horse being totally adverse to water and preferring to eat every square inch of vegetation in our path, beach horse-riding was a great experience. 

And as always the cleansing of waves bring a timeless sense of calm. 

…Among the tall grass, a little caterpillar tramples along towards a bud, as a shooting star softly strokes the night sky…

…

So if you made it to the end of this disjointed ramble, and for some reason, you feel inclined to delve deeper into the intracacies of nomadic life, check out my episode with the King of Aha Moments:

https://apple.co/4iv5wpC 

https://youtu.be/OB5NBLxLj00?si=hkqYb4NFpl8ELD_V 

And thank you, Dear Reader, for joining me again. 

We will speak again soon, as the warmth of the flame continues to cleanse.

I hope you find some inspiration to explore this week. 

Be that your surroundings, your mind or your spirit. 

⭐ Happy Wandering…

The Corner of a Circle

Dearest Reader, 

Oh how I've missed you. 

How have you been? What form has your journey taken over the past few weeks? 

My path has been filled with uneven ground and loose stones, trying to trip me, make me lose my step. 

The corner of a circle. 

A challenge. 

A fall. 

A threat. 

A moment. 

A moment. To remember the Now. Where I find myself in the universe. 

So easy to slip and fall in the thorns. Sharp edges all around. 

No. 

This time, I saw the roses. Just in time. I smelled the sweet scents and touched the soft petals, reminding myself of all the wonderful people in my life. Those who care, about me. Those who know exactly how I feel, all the way across the oceans. 

And that there is magic within arm's reach. I need only dance 🪄

So I danced💃

And here I am, after surrendering. 

New goals. New perspective. New freedom. 

I found a home for the Wandering Soul. It was here all along. 

... 

A painting of a dark house. A creaky gate. A dark room. A somber space. 

A transient light. 

The truth is illuminated. 

What you saw was a silhouette. A shade of reason.

With each breath, the dust blows away and reveals a reality of richness. Vibrant colours and endless interpretations. 

And small corners of hope

... 

The blanket of heat is striking. 

The white walls, tall and proud as the car pulls up. 

I open a gate that doesn't creak. I walk to my familiar spot. I take in the nostalgia. I sit with my Shining Star, playing cards and laughing. Reliving a time of happiness. Realising that it never left my side. It merely dreamed. 

Being present with the Unmanifested, allowing the perfect breeze and heavenly glow of sunlight hit my face, concluding a shared practice. A sense of belonging, felt only on my mat. 

The familiar faces of red fody birds and lush streets of brightness. 

The Asian rain, taking me back to when I last set foot on my Little Slice of Heaven. 

... 

My body is tired. I have listened to the calls for rest, sweetness and love. Now I hear the faint song of energy and Gentle Strength. Grace. Rebirth. 

The warm tingling that never left my hands. The smooth strokes climbing up my spine. The rootedness as I sit, listening to what the universe would like to tell me today. Greeting kindly any thoughts and letting them pass and float away. 

🪷 

My mind, is on the cusp of something. Fatigued and healing, but mending the fragments and placing them carefully in the shape of something new. 

I take a breath. 

And another. 

One more. Over and over. Filled with life. 

Complete and incomplete. 

Perfect and imperfect. 

I will continue to touch the waters of wonder and smile. The next stop is my favourite ocean 🌊 

The Second Letter

Dear Reader, 

February 1st was an important day. 

It is the 32nd day of the year. According to my horoscope (hear me out, cynics), 5 is my number this year. 3+2 makes 5. A friend told me last year that number 5 came to her when she was in prayer, along with the image of me. 

February 1st is also 333 days until the end of the year. In numerology, 333 symbolises abundance, harmony and love❤️

February 1st of this year, was my first day back in the Melting Pot. It was also the one year anniversary of this blog. So cheers to you, Dear Reader, for joining me on my global adventures 🥂 

I started this blog to share with my friends and family, the random things that happen as I travel, and to occasionally impart some wisdom through the Fellow Wanderer entries 🦉 

But this past year, you have joined me across 4 continents, held my hand as I tackled steep learning curves, and got a small glimpse into the mysterious corners of the mind. 

Thank you for sticking with me 💪 

As I follow the soft petals, the loving scents, bright colours, and mystical sounds of the universe, I continue to explore the infinite tunnels of hope and depths of challenges. 

I seek a triangle to place in the sharp squares around me, but instead find a circle, and today I'm feeling the farthest from the centre...

There goes that symbolism again, you should know me by now... 🙃

Two years as a nomad, 3 as a traveller. 

The rise of a feeling 

So much change. So much novelty. Fun that I'd have never known, had I not defied all odds and finally quit my toxic job. 

Peace in Pokhara 

The "introvert", the "shy" girl. Labels that I always resented. 

Yea. No. 

Had I not made the choice to leave behind familiarity, stability and comfort. 

To instead force myself to find a home away from home. 

To cross the vast expanses of chaotic beauty in our world, passing beautiful chaos at every stop. 

To have made so many mistakes. Not regrets, but rather errors of the heart. 

Until finally realising that home can only be found within my Wandering Soul. 

Acceptance is still in progress...

But step by step, across the meadow of thorns in my mind, I approach a place of stillness. 

The journey will continue forever, passing the shadows and stars of the night, through the leaves and calm waters of the days. 

And as I keep at my incessant gallivanting, in whatever capacity that may be, I invite you, Dear Reader, as my plus one. 

Let's continue the adventure 🦋🦋🦋

Ripples

Dear Reader, 

Endless chirps, constant hums. Rustling. And the dampness- you can almost hear it. 

🌴 

Yes. 

I come to you, from the jungle. 

Though, not so different from a Slice of Heaven. Or perhaps Lombok... 🖤 

...The same smells as I disembarked the ferry, the familiar haze as the sun sets. The greetings from locals...

...The same lost souls wandering, hidden but always there.

... 

Waking up this morning, to heavy rain, I thought my 8 hour bus journey was in vain (supposed to be 4), and that I would spend my time here secluded in my little hut. 

But against all odds, the rain stopped, and so I took advantage of this change and made a beeline for the beach. 

As I dipped my feet in the water, admiring the shells, gentle sparkles of sunlight slowly appeared across the sky. 

I passed the locals by the sea, happy families, kids swimming, many smiles. I walked past a kayak and realised that I could complete what I planned to do after all. 

So I left my valuables (not recommended travel advice), in the trusting hands of the universe, having decided that it was less risky than me keeping my bag dry, and I set off full steam ahead.

I stopped at Palau Giam, did some snorkeling without a snorkel, and saw a few fish in murky post-rain water. I also passed by a quirky Buddhist temple, with colours and architecture that made it look like something out of Alice in Wonderland, and took me back briefly to The Elf. Oh the parallels 💜 

As boatfuls of locals went by, waving and gawking at the overexcited white blob bounding across the water on her own, I realised something: I love kayaking. I thought about my journey in lakes Taupo and Tekapo, about this time last year, and how much fun I find this random activity. 

I want to buy a kayak and take myself around all my favourite islands. But it won't fit in my backpack...

Anyway, to finish off what was a surprisingly successful day, I went to "Daddy's Cafe" - not as creepy as it sounds- and watched the sunset. Lovely.

Pankor island has been a most welcome change to Kuala Lumpur's typical chaotic Asian city vibes. 

But KL is also a great place. Chinatown especially. Great food, from all over the world. Everything is affordable, apart from massages given by tiny women who want to paralyse you. 

The bird park and butterfly sanctuaries were both incredible. An indulgence of colour, beautiful nature at its finest, and all within one enormous park 🦋 🐦

The National Museum was also great, giving me insight into a country that I never heard very much about. Another melting pot, a strategically important place, and historically rich. 

But my favourite spot in KL so far, must be the Batu caves. I never expected to see temples built, and perfectly preserved, within caves. 

💕

I paid next to nothing to enter. There is information on all the deities inside, whilst there is even a mini reptile park in one of them! Unfortunately, the reptiles, including my beloved turtles, were not well cared for. The staff seem harmless, but the conditions were very poor. It did however, allow me to see these beautiful animals closer, and I appreciate that 🐍 

After being treated to a cultural dance performance, I made my way to the main temple. Up around 400 steep steps. In the middle of the day. It was worth it for the view and the enormity of the cave. However, I did have to part with the rest of my iced tea on the descent, as it was stolen by a monkey 🐒 

...

Malaysia feels so familiar to me that it's eerie. Maybe because I've been to Singapore so many times as a child. Perhaps because there are so many similarities to Indonesia, notably the language. 

Little friend

🦋 

Really, I think that it just feels safe here. There are so many cultures but everyone is welcome. Now I understand some regions are more dangerous. But this part, it feels good. 

And here, I'm closer to where magic is born. I feel it in the air. Every essence of my being, moving forward. I wonder where the roots will form... ✨ 

***

With only a few days of solo travel left before I return to the melting pot, I am lost in thought. 

As I watch the evening sky reflect off the water, the timid ripples growing ever more courageous, I feel a perfect blanket of warmth on my shoulders. The pain has shifted and everything feels lighter. Even as the shadows dance around me, I look to the water and feel peaceful. I glance at the trees and feel strength, and I gaze at the sky and feel wonder. 

Dear Reader, hear the birds in the sky above you. Notice the colours in every flower. Dip your feet in the water, wherever you may be and watch the ripples. Remember how delicate movements can change the flow, be it a breath, a smile, or even a swipe... 😏

A Kiss from the Ocean of Mystery

Dear Reader, 

What an unforgettable few weeks... 

I come to you this time from a cafe in Kuala Lumpur... 

Yes...

Here I am, in a place to which I was invited many moons ago... In a cafe I already visited this week. I'm breaking my rule of eating somewhere new each day... But this is where I wanted to speak to you today, so here we are... ☕ 

Sometimes a basic b**** brekkie just hits the spot 

Low on energy, weighed down by things that do not matter... Reminding myself each morning, through my own version of salutations, of the power of now ✨ 

The adventures here will be for another time, as this article will be about my wonderful month in my quasi-home down unda 🐨 

...

I made it to Australia again...

And those I love made it as well. Because of me.

 

The power we have to make good things happen... It's always there... Sometimes it takes time. But if you feel it in your veins, you will eventually watch the images unfold... Just how you painted them on the canvas, from the comfort of a safe space 🎨 

💙💜🩷

Things are never the same again twice. No matter how much you wish. 

I longed for the little veranda where I practiced my Ashtanga every morning last year, for the laughter, for the novelty of being back to a sort of home again after so many years... 

But this visit, I filled my time, saw everyone I miss so much, smiling, chatting, admiring the breathtaking views of my cousins's lakeside apartment, which they so kindly allowed us to stay in 🩵

The spectacular beaches, the blanket of heat, combined with the captivating electric storms, a country that has its problems, like all do, but acts as a second home for me. 

Full of love from people who make me feel like I belong. And the radiance of my mum, every time we are together in this place 🩷 

Closing last year was very different from how it opened, and I can only imagine what magic lies ahead 🪄 

...The fairy welcomed the shining star to the night sky in this part of the world, and so they celebrate a new cycle of wonder... 🧚‍♀️🌟

Turns out Melbourne is a blast! Coffee is outstanding, as everyone says, and I now understand better the term "Melbournite".

My mature cousins showed us some great spots. Their fitness and vitality, combined with their warmth and fun, make them an inspiration. I hope I'm that cool some day.

That cake was unreal 🤌

One of the most special moments, after waiting one year, one epic loss of the West Indies, finally, my dad and I were able to go to the cricket together again. First time in Sydney. Australia v India... A tough choice... Made easier by the mob of drunk Aussie men surrounding us 🍻

And we were joined by some friends... 

🏏 

Of course, sometimes things don't work out the way you hoped, such as our epic trip to the blue mountains...

Thanks to Eric who drove so far 🫶

But it did mean that I got to hold a snake... Just after my recent ink addition... Funny old world... 🐍 

I accept that things are ever so slightly out of reach. I want to know how things will be, I do not want to feel pain that can be avoided. 

But I am reminded, that every story is different, every adventure is a new tale, and nothing is ever the same again twice. 

So I embrace the change in the wind, and I let the ocean of mystery guide me as I step through the tall grass of obscurity. After all, the thorns have already strengthened the soles of my feet. 

🩷 

As the frangipanis line the path back to the cultural melting pot in the Indian ocean, far away... The fairy decides on the scenic road to return... 

And so here we are.

Kuala Lumpur is filled with people who smile... It's why I love visiting South East Asia. As my Filipino colleague mentioned this week, people in this part of the world are just happy with what they have. They choose happiness. So do I. 

I'm here for a reason. And whilst I miss my Little Slice of Heaven, it is not my time to be there. I have a different space waiting for me, and I'm looking forward to returning. 

And you, Dear Reader, as I have not wished you already. Happy 2025... 

May your year be filled with the fullest beauty of life 🌳

India III: Punjab & the Last Day

Dear Reader, 

How I have missed you. 

Reflections from Banaras

I come to you from Sydney, where shadows take the form of raindrops this morning, and so I write, to you. 

As Christmas days are so busy, filled with friends, love and laughter, I have taken time to reflect on India and the different feelings I have since then. 

Arriving at 4am in Amritsar had its own set of problems, and for the first time, I prepared myself for a fight. It wasn't necessary in the end, but serves to remind us all... Always choose the safest option when travelling, especially alone. Regardless of gender.

Winding my way through the narrow streets, admiring the perfectly coiffured moustaches of practically every man around me, and being careful to avoid the sharp spears, which Punjabi men may carry by law. Thanks colonial Britain for that entrenched horror. 

Devastated at the total destruction of my favourite bangles, which were made of glass and had mostly shattered by the time I arrived here, I decided to hunt for more- not a difficult task when you're meandering through the street of the bridal market. 

I happened upon a tiny stall, owned by an old man with a face full of character, who patiently opened up about 50 packets of bangles for me to gawk at. It's safe to say I replenished my collection.  

That afternoon, I was able to attend the bizarre border ceremony, where Indian and Pakistani border force security partake daily in an elaborate dance, march, and a lot of growling.

I have never seen anything so hilarious in my life. 

If you ever get the chance to go, you should. It's a unique spectacle, but although it was fun, and I ended up dancing with one of the Austrian girls from my hostel and about 100 Indian women, the whole thing does have dark undertones, signifying the temperate past between these nations. 

The next day, I had to make my last stop on the tourist train- The Golden Palace ✨ 

Oh baby, this place is something else. Just like the Taj, it's becoming cooler to dislike this kind of spot, but I don't give a hoot. It's absolutely stunning, houses the biggest kitchen in the world, it's free and it's spiritually powerful. 

Anywhere that allows anyone at all, from any walk of life, to come in, eat as much as they like, and leave, without asking for anything. That is a place of humanity. Well done, Siqs. 

After taking all the recommendations from the lovely staff at Madpackers, eating my way through the city and all the side streets, I prepared myself to head back to Delhi. 

Shout out to Vikram, Amritsar's nicest old man and best tuktuk driver. May he find is old friend from so long ago. 

♥️ 

...

Chandi Chowk. 

Most famous old market in Delhi. 

Old Delhi. 

Chaos. 

Finding it was hard, getting out was harder. 

Worth it for the amazing bargains and great vibes 🪷

Thankfully, I had a motorbike rider to take me back to my hotel. He waited for me, drove me through traffic and all for 50 rupees. He deserved 5000.

That ride was probably the most impactful. The poverty. The bleeding animals with their glazed eyes. The people fighting over some wheat. Everything decaying. And 4 hours later, I was walking through Khan market, where a macaron costs 20,000 rupees. It's not right. 

🐄 

Thankfully, I ended on a positive note, by seeing the wonderful Kanchana and her sweet Akshi that evening. 

Their warmth is reflected in the hearts of most Indians I met. 

Weather it's the stranger helping me to choose sweets, the man who made sure I got local prices for monkey nuts, the Guest House host who called her driver 1000 times to ensure I was safe, the couple who walked with me, the people on the train, the staff in the hostels, making sure I was warm. Kindness for karma. 

So I will write to you again soon, to tell you all about Australia, the peace and love 💕 

But life will never be the same again. India changes you. The smells, the noise, the abundance of colour. The smiles, the eyes and the warmth. May this special place find it's own peace, that it's so willing to share with others. 

🇮🇳