Travel

Exploring life one breath at a time.

Florence in Sepia: A Photo Diary of Romance and Memory

Florence and the trip to Italy made me fall in love with long walks through streets and parks. It led me up a long flight of stairs replete with a busker - here I was living an experience I thought only existed in the movies!

Travel

3 min read

Scottish trip dashed by Quarantimes!!

Travel plans - meet COVID 19 Here's the gist of EVERYTHING we did once we figured our trip to Scotland had to be pushed forward...

Travel

2 min read

PARIS JE T'AIME

A photo journey from the 3-day trip to Paris in March 2019. No trip to PARIS is ever complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower! We...

Travel

2 min read

Goa: a delightful, fluffy weekend all year long

Go to Goa for the ultimate holiday feel; where the days and the beer run smoother. An early (or late) morning jog along the beach, the...

Travel

3 min read

Alila, Ubud: The Perfect Getaway

Alila, Ubud is a serene, impressively large and beautiful resort that spells luxury. Nestled in the Balinese rainforest, and atop the...

Travel

3 min read

Eateries in Bali!

I've listed my top recommendation for eating out in Bali. These are in no way comprehensive - just my top picks out of all the places we...

Travel

4 min read

Hampi - the lure of the ruins & the hippies

Vittal Temple, Hampi Hampi: The name brings images of the famous Vittal Temple, ruins and mesmerizing stone architecture. The entire...

Travel

3 min read

Extremely random video of me writing my morning journal. There’s no reason for me to even record it apart from a narcissistic curiosity to holding a mirror to my life. To see what do people see when they see me.

And this need to put it out here is also oh-so-random. I remember writing in the morning journal - a practice I began from reading The Artist’s Way back in 2022. I’d just moved to the US and when I read those pages recently, I realised how bleak my outlook to life was. I’d written in pencil, like I wanted my own life to fade away in time. Unwilling to make any mark because I felt so invisible. And all that even when I moved here - a place I only dreamed of moving to.

I know I’m a stronger and happier and calmer person inspite of insecurity and an imposter syndrome.

I read today that what humans most need is to seen and to be heard. And I did realise that that’s the reason for me to post this. To say - see me. Hear me out but oh please do not do that in the a la Meredith in the Gray’s Anatomy

Ok then. Happy Friday everyone!

#randomfridaymusings #musing #thought #innerthoughts #justthinking

Here. Some very random photos from a cherished Amsterdam trip last year. I love the photos, and yet they’re so random for this time.

There’s a war back home and my mind worries for parents, friends, family and everyone. I love Anukriti_u’s post that says you don’t war, and neither do I. It resonated.

I say I’m worried and yet I haven’t called my parents. Not yet. I know they’re away enough to not be affected. But that doesn’t hold true for my in laws or friends. It’s a relief to be physically away from it all and yet it’s not. It’s easy to forget when I’m so removed from it, go on with my day with just a mild earthquake this morning. Yup. An earthquake happened. And nothing got affected or even fell out of place. It felt like the gentle rocking when you’re seated in the train.

I do not know the point of this post. I don’t even see the point of posting. How is this even relevant? When I began writing, it was with an intention to distract - myself of course. What do you think? Has it helped?

Also. My favorite text response to most things these days is ‘eh’. A friend asked me how I’ve been doing. And Eh felt like such an apt and perfect response.

No hashtags. Cos. Unnecessary. Who’s reading this anyway.

Recent reads.

I read Crying in H Mart for a second time and liked it better. Perhaps my reading was unhurried this time around.

I loved the title and cover of I Cheerfully Refuse. I find it next to impossible to refuse and say no. So it felt like an interesting title. It wasn’t for me though. I’ve stopped forcing myself to read books that don’t I don’t enjoy. It makes me think of what kinds of book I do enjoy. That’s another conversation though.

Then there’s The Restaurant of Lost Recipes. While it initially felt monotonous, I found the premise and the structure quite soothing. I’d definitely read this again.

A Little Life is an amazing read that’s so, soooo well written. And that’s just from the few pages I read. It is a widely popular book with a cult following and therefore had a lot of readers waiting for the book. With 600 pages +, I wasn’t willing to read it in a hurry. I also know that the ending will have me bawling my heart out. So I’d like to take my time reading and savouring it.

That brings me to Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. The latest book I’ve reviewed in my blog (link in bio). I loved the book. I love the author. It’s a short read at 170 odd pages. But not a quick read. You want to take your time with this one. The author (feels weird to say Anne - like I know her personally and I don’t or even Tyler - not my style)… so… the author delves into family, relationships, love, loss and identity. Highly recommend for lovers of such reads.

That’s all.

#books #bookish #everythingdiaries #reading #booklove #bookreview #recommendreads #booksarelife #lovereading

I realise it’s been a while since I showed my face. I’m enjoying the short hair moment enough to not move away from it yet.

I’ve been feeling burned out and tired lately and I realised I’ve not done one thing that’s always brought me joy - writing. I’m writing more actively than before, regardless of whether or not I think it’s perfect or worth sharing. I’m an overthinker even when I exude this persona of calm and put together (or so I think. Please don’t feel free to correct me). I’m decidedly not.

So words. I’m writing on everythingdiaries.com and the plan is to write something every week. I have so many items in drafts and I’ll start easy by polishing and publishing those. I would be happy to get comments and feedback especially if you’ve enjoyed my words (wink wink)

So go read. Or don’t. I’m doing this for myself. External validation has a dopamine I’d never say no to.

PS: it’s just a very very public personal diary.

PPS: how do I even hashtag this?

Post ski break in Tahoe after ski day. Skiing is an experience I do not know if I’ll take up again - I want to. But age is not my friend rn!

The views here were mesmerising though. Definitely a day that’s looked at fondly. We found parking quite easily too! Priorities in life are surely changing!

I want to do that kayak thing. Might be better suited to my aging body. Lol.

Been busy reading.

First one was an unfortunate DNF as I couldn’t really relate. The next 3 have been marvellous and interesting. I’m reading 2 of the books a second time - one of them, cos I loved it (If I had your face). And the other one (Useful phrases…) I didn’t remember reading before. And I liked it more than the last time I read it.

I love books. I always have. Fiction specifically. For a whole year I hadn’t picked up a book to read and I find that hard to believe it about myself. But it happened. I picked up a random book again middle of last year - thanks to a friend - and I haven’t stopped. All of these books are from the local library btw- not that I haven’t bought any.

I got Intermezzo by Sally Rooney cos I’ve loved all her work so far and this one wasn’t any different. I also have a couple by Murakami that I’m yet to read.

Wondering if I should started on the next one right away or should I savor the last one. I’m not asking. Just wondering.

Highlights from Amsterdam. As always, feels like the trip was too short. And yes, we did see a panda. Penguins 🐧 are still my fave.

#amsterdam #travel #travelgram

We spent half a day in Amsterdam in 2019. The memories of walking around, drinking hot chocolate (me) and beer (him) and taking in the city felt perfect. And so in 2024, a trip to Europe meant a trip to Amsterdam.

Every day has been monumental. Walking around town, the museums, the little day trip to villages that are fairytale perfection. I could sit and look at the trees all day - there’s something mesmerising about them!

This is of course the quintessential canal - show it to anyone and have them guess where this is - Amsterdam will probably be the first guess (don’t correct me if I’m wrong. I hate being wrong and abhor being corrected :P)

#amsterdam #amsterdam🇳🇱 #amsterdam_streets #canal #vacation #travelphotography #shotoniphone

Please look after Mom.
Reading it has been an experience. I’d marked it as Want to Read on Goodreads in Jan 2021. And I finally got around to reading it because of a post review by @spiritualminion - thank you!

The book starts with - it’s been a week since mother went missing. And it takes off from there in a first and second person narrative that to me, was such an emotional roller coaster. It triggered me enough to have to put down the book and I came back to it over a week later to give it a go, feeling apprehensive but also needing to see the book through (something I’ve felt with all books I’ve picked up).

Please look after mom is about familial relationships and how mothers - or at least the mom in the book - was seen by her family as so deeply entrenched in the role of a mother that they don’t see her as an individual with hopes and dreams. It is only after she goes missing that they think - oh if only I could spend another day with her, I would…. And that list of ‘If only’ and ‘I would’ve is endless.

The book is written beautifully. I’m a sucker for well written books - books that I think are well written. There’s a flair to writing that brings me such joy and satisfaction and this author has that. The author, Korean, is brilliant. The narrative, the examples, the metaphors and the writing style. Brilliant.

I plan to read at least one of her other books - I don’t know which one yet.

It isn’t an easy read. It will make you think. And ponder endlessly about love and relationships and liking and family, and maybe even what it means to be one.

There’s a lot more to say, but only to myself.
I don’t plan to pick another book anytime soon. There’s way too much to unpack in this one.

#book #booklover #bookcover #pleaselookaftermom #kyungsookshin #koreanauthor

Quick check in to say hey and that I’m alive. This check in is with myself btw. But thank you for stopping by. Life has been good. For once in my life I feel happy and content. And you might think ‘what does she have to be unhappy about’. And I’ll tell you friend/lover/stranger/ you know this - everyone’s going through something you know nothing about.

So anywho… life is good. I’m happy. I’m going places I’m happy about. And meandering about nothing (on paper, mind you) is my forte. I have so many books unread and untouched. It’s a shame. Th grace though, is that I’m not buying more books to be left on the tbr pile.
Eh. That’s all for now. There are more posts coming - I think. Omg. Remember that magazine where the editor/writer would share Bollywood gossip and have an absurdly high number of methinks??? Hilariously ridiculous.

It’s been 5 years to this brilliant first visit to Europe. Everything is a happy, exciting memory to re-live. Soon!
Also we look like shiny eyed bright energetic babies!!

Perfect Saturday morning. In the lap of nature. A 1400 year old tree. And whole lot of photo op and walking. Big smiles all around

In and around February. Belly full of Nutella and aalu sandwich. Guiltily sulking about being too lazy to go to the gym. Conversation with friends has been the highlight when as always we forgot to take a group pic. At least this time round, it got mentioned.

In other news (about me) I’ve been in my head way too much. It’s way too comfortable and cosy.

Nothing. Just a soothing scenic boat ride through lush green beauty.

#srilanka🇱🇰 #srilankatravel #srilankatrip #travel #hashtagsareimportant

Spectacular sunset. Looks like a painting. Perfect and just, you know…. Soul satisfying. 💜

Just a pretty view on a Monday afternoon. Feels like fall y’all.

Why this need to post? What am I hoping to achieve/feel? Is it about validation again? Hey I exist?

Whatever. I clicked a pretty pic. Here you go.

Just good ol California sunset.

It’s been almost 2 years of living in a different country, and it’s started to feel like routine. The beautiful view, the way of life, the Costco aisles… they all feel like I’ve experienced them since birth. And that means the novelty factor has worn off until I tell myself - Hey look! That’s a fabulous breathtaking view. Appreciate it. You may not have it forever. And even if you do have it forever, why would you take it for granted and not appreciate it!!!

Yea… so that’s where my brain has gone quiet and refuses to indulge in my long caption agenda. Ok bye. And hope you have a great weekend.

#hashtag #california #californiasunset #sunset #sunsetphotography #sunsetporn #shotoniphone #shotoniphone15pro #shotinamovingcar #longcaption #longcaptionposts

Just snapshots of my time at Yosemite. It was perfect. The awesome Airbnb, the drive, the views, the company and the conversation. 💜

I didn’t realise just how much I needed the break. As much chill as my everyday life is, I guess getting away from routine can be fulfilling.
And then of course connecting with new folks has its own magic!
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#yosemite #travel #roadtrip #shotoniphone15pro #iloveiphone #weekendvibes

Who reads captions anyway?

But that’s never stopped me from typing any and all nonsense going through my mind. I kept retyping the word ‘through’ because the word just felt wrong. I kept - in my head - pronouncing it th-rough. All these years I’ve been able to pronounce it no questions asked. But suddenly all I can think when I see the word through is rough. The brain does react and behave funnily sometimes.
And as always there’s no real point to my rambling. Just like there’s no real ‘point’ to anything anyway. Like… we’re just really tiny insignificant beings in this vast Universe.

Omo. No hashtags??? What’s the point of this post even!

Scenes from NY.
I’ve always wanted to visit New York ever since I knew something like New York existed. There was no rhyme or reason to it. I probably didn’t even know what vibe meant. And what I saw, felt and heard in NY, is so much more than a vibe.

In my mind, it was always a dream. I never thought I’d actually get to go there. But as I walked the streets in Times Square by myself, blending into thousands and taking in everything around me, it struck me all of a sudden - that I - a small town nobody riddled with self doubt and resilience - was here. HERE. In N.E.W Y.O.R.K

I barely scratched the surface of all that I could probably see and do. But I know I’ll be back. And I’ll enjoy the heck out of it.

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#longpostalert #newyork #travel #travelphotography #streetphotography #streetstyle #photo #photography #photogram #photograph #instaphoto #nyc #ny #onthestreet #architecture #justphoto #traveltales #longcaption #myworld

The guy stood still till I clicked all the pics (I clicked may more). I was clicking to check how long this dude would actually stay unmoving.

Also continuing to filter the photos to no end. Because. Why not.

I have a pretty winding stream of consciousness going in my head. But all the photo editing got me distracted so now I see my fingers fly across the keyboard with absolutely no control over what I’m typing even as I think who’s even interested in all this. In all likelihood no one’s even reading this or even looking at my posts so really I can go crazy and type absolutely anything and get away with it. Lol. Being a nobody is fun.

#longcaption #whatamidoing

Filtered the $h*t out of the original pic.
Also, I realised I hadn’t posted anything on the page for all of May- which in all honesty, nobody cares about. I know that. But I thought it’s good to show up sometimes and make people think - oh this weirdo is still alive huh.

Anyway, posting a pic from last month.

Also. Have a great day. Byeeee.

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#whathashtags #chicago #building #architecture #structure #whatamievendoing #clueless

When Sunny days = bubble tea time! 🧋
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#bubbletea #boba

Nothing to say except that I found this pretty and thought I should share it cos you would maybe find it pretty too. And that this could brighten your day in some tiny way and so it felt like a good idea to share it and that maybe I like run-on sentences a bit too much for anyone’s liking. Oh hashtags are necessary.
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#hashtags #photo #monterey #flowers #pretty #prettythings #nature #walk #sun #light #okimdone

Strolling through the city. And into a bookstore, getting excited about a book on the Korean wave and finger hearts. But mostly, strolling about the city.
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#scotland #2023 #travel #travelgram #traveling #travelstagram #traveltheworld #travelstoke #edinburgh #edinburgh_snapshots #walking #street #streetphotography #latergram #nofilter #photo #photogram #instaphoto #amateurphotography #messyphoto #captionthis #uk #unitedkingdom

It’s been a fascinating day at Edinburgh Castle. Perfect, cold, scintillating weather and a whole lot of history.
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#edinburgh #scotland #scotland_ig #travel #travelgram #travelholic #traveltheworld #travels #travelstoke #edinburghcastle #2023 #photogram #captions #hashtag #travelhashtag #life #travellife #travelig #ig_captures #ig_travel #ig_travels #instaphoto

A Moroccan sunset.
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#morocco #sunset #travel #photo #orangesunset #orangesky #travelgram #travels #travelholic #marrakech #sunsetlovers #sunsetporn #justanothersunset #living #livingthedream #livingthegoodlife #travellife #adayswork #instaphoto #picoftheday #picasso

The happy vibe!

I’m usually so judgmental about and unhappy with my face. But this pic makes me happy. I know I should accept myself, and I’m working on doing that.

Pssh. Who reads captions anyway! Let’s hashtag
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#happy #happiness #happyholidays #2022 #morocco #marrakech #essaouira #travellife #travelgram #travel #photo #happyme #selfie #selca #selcagram #gram #instagood #instatravel #travelholic #beautifuldestinations #captionswhat #whosreadingthis #enoughcaptions #life #makeitfun

Life is good 🖖🏻
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#timetohashtag #london #london🇬🇧 #travel #travelgram #instatravel #travelphoto #travelpics #justgo #justgoifyoucan #photo #random #snow #throwback #lifeisgood #feelinggood #howmanyhashtagsistoomany #howmanyhashtagscaniuse #instagood

That one time I went to Italy and vowed to never let anyone forget it. Ever!!
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Photo 3 & 4 are of the grotto I mentioned in my previous post. Also saw a series of photos of stairs - they were taken as a memory of all the stairs we had to take to get to our #airbnb in Amalfi. The last pic is of the view from that fantastic place (regardless of how much I crib about stairs, that place was 😍). Of course lots of wine was had.
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#travel #travelgram #travelitaly #amalfi #rome #ravello #instamood #insta #photo #italyphoto #photogram #latergram #traveltheworld #italy #travelholic #everythingdiaries #travelmood #travelonmymind #letsgo #throwback #throwback🔙 #through_the_travel_lens

It was one of those unforgettable views that made up my memories from Italy. We went to the grotto at sea level and saw stalactites as we rowed in a boat against the background of live Italian music.
Memory is a wonderful thing.
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#memories #italy #throwback #throwbackthursday #amalfi #beauty #traveltheworld #travel #travelgram #instatravel #instamood #instalike #love #captions #photo #travelphoto #travelholic #whereveryougo

Another throwback to that time in Italy. We stayed at an AirBnB in Amalfi - we had to climb a series of stairs that took us to the bnb with a spectacular view. But lugging heavy suitcases had us bamboozled. The views were epic, I concede.
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#italy #amalfi #view #seaside #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #instatravel #instagood #instago #instamood #beauty #memories #blog #europe #europetravel #europe_vacations

Throwback from a trip to Italy in 2019. I was and still am such a newbie to travel. The more I see, the more there is to see.
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#italy #throwback #travel #travelgram #traveler #instatravel #instamood #travellover #nomad #photo #photodump #traveldestination #mindtravel #beautifuldestinations #insta #mood #travelmemories #memories #memory #everythingdiaries #everythingdiariesdotcom

Driving into dreamy lands.

Hashtagging is an art. It’s also a measure of confidence and self awareness, I realise. Like I put photo. And went a step beyond to say photography. But I drew the line there cos photographer, I am not.

Also, does anyone really read captions?
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#drive #california #clouds #cloudscape #travel #travelgram #driving #cali #nature #photo #photographer #travellove

So we went to Shark Fin Cove. It stopped raining when we got there. So we decided to climb down
1. There. Let’s go to the cove. It looks pretty
2. Let’s sit in one corner by the rocks
3. See the waves are away
4. Oh they’re getting closer
5. Damn the waves are way too close

The waves got really playful. We got splashed on. And it took away one of my crocs. But the waves returned it to me so I didn’t have to walk barefoot.
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#lifehappens #sharkfincove #california #cali #socal #beach #beachlove #nature #picturesque #weekend #mood

The weekend that is! A walk last evening and then a park right across the street. I realise there’s beauty in the simplest of things. And now driving in the rain to the beach. Because why not!
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#weekend #living #drive #weekendvibes #happiness

The getaway that was! Rain showers to scalding, sunburn causing heat and then to those soul satisfying sunsets - Lake Tahoe had it all.

#laketahoe #travel #travelphoto #beautifuldestinations #travelgram #california #weekendvibes #weekendgetaway #instagood #instadaily #instamood #happiness #travellove #okthatsenough #okthatsenoughhashtags

That one time I went to London and then stupidly left.
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#london #throwback #londoncity #londondiaries #travel #travelphotography #beautifuldestinations #travellife #lovetravel #life #nomad #landscapephotography #architecturephotography #buildings #nature #photo #photogram #travelgram #instagood

2020 me called. She said the 2022 me Is doing wonderful. 😘
PS: yes. I can get really random.
Also, this was clicked in 2020 at Taiki Bangalore
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#throwback #photo #memory #eatingout #taiki #taikibangalore #photogram #instadaily #random

Hands down @lchangnang_retreat_ladakh has been one of the best resorts I’ve stayed at. From keeping the landscape pristine and true to its natural self, to the beautifully designed rooms, decently stocked library, the hammock I fell in love with and the scenic vista that transport you to bliss, everything was perfect.
It’s been a year but my heart still sings when I think of this place.
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#ladakh #travel #tourist #travelphotography #travelphoto #placestovisit #resort #lchangnangretreat #beauty #nomad #india #travelgram #photography #nature #mountains #picturesque #beautifuldestinations #scenery #scenicview #lovetravel #travellove

The last trip in India earlier this year. You could legit point your camera in any direction and walk away with an epic photo. Or you could not use any lens other than your eyes and walk away with epic memories. That’s same same but different I think.

Ladakh took my heart, made her sing and dance and hum. Next time, I would definitely want to stay longer.

PS: transferring posts from @everything.diaries which is my other account that I plan to shut down soonly.
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#ladakh #ladakhdiaries #ladakhtrip #pangonglake #pangonglake❤️ #leh #photo #travel #travelphoto #travelgram #india

Finding pics from last year. Also, I have too much time on my hands and so ‘just because’ I will be moving posts from my other account @everything.diaries here. Prepare to be bombarded
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#sorrynotsorry #throwbackthursday #udupi #beach #beachbum #wave #sunset #sunsetphotography #sunsetporn #color #photo #india

Photo dump. Apparently this is a thing now? Or it was, maybe?
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#photodump #from_your_perspective #fromlife #photooftheday #photo #blackandwhite #bwphotography #bwphoto #random #monday

The landscape is magical and the roads go on forever.
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#drive #roadtrip #travel #journey #usa #california #landscape #landscapephotography #travelphotography #travelgram #traveler #photography #photogram #livingintheusa #ustravel

Sunset view as promised! It’s been fantastic at #pismobeach
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#beachislove #beachlover #beachlife #beachlove #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #sunset #sunsetphotography #sunsets #sunsetlovers #california #pacificbeach

Having an amazing time at #pismobeach
It’s sunny. The winds are chill. There are seagulls (or what I think are seagulls). Also - can’t wait for the sunset view!!! 😍
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#beach #beachlife #beachlove #beachlover #california #pacific #pismo

Flower(s)
Yes. Yes, this is an extremely random post.

Ladakh is mesmerising from the get go.
#ladakh #ladakhtrip #ladakhdiaries #madeoncanva #canva #lifegoeson #firstreel

Let’s have some sandwiches and coffee and cool, fresh air.

#downtown #downtownsunnyvale #sunnyvale #california

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@laxmi_nayak

Florence in Sepia: A Photo Diary of Romance and Memory

Scottish trip dashed by Quarantimes!!

PARIS JE T'AIME

Goa: a delightful, fluffy weekend all year long

Alila, Ubud: The Perfect Getaway

Eateries in Bali!

Hampi - the lure of the ruins & the hippies

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