wontEatWillTravel – Of Sun and Sand

Grateful for 2025: A year that overflowed

As I sat down to put together an end-of-year photo dump, I realized something unexpected. I was scrolling and scrolling—and I hadn’t even made it past the last three months. That’s when it hit me: 2025 wasn’t just busy, it was abundant and for that I am eternally grateful.

This year overflowed in the best ways.

There was travel—loads of it. New places, familiar places seen with new eyes, long walks in unknown streets, airport goodbyes and arrivals that always felt a little like home. Travel stretched time in that magical way, making months feel longer and memories feel richer.

There was reading too. Pages turned on flights, before bed, in quiet mornings, and slow afternoons. Stories that stayed with me, ideas that reshaped how I think, and books that felt like companions rather than distractions. Reading gave this year depth—it slowed things down when everything else was moving fast.

Most importantly, there was family. Reunions that felt overdue, conversations that picked up right where they left off, laughter that came easily, and moments that reminded me how grounding it is to be with people who know you beyond your accomplishments or plans. These were not just gatherings; they were anchors.

2025 was also a year rich in celebration and tradition. We celebrated Ganpati festival with devotion and joy, welcoming Bappa with full hearts and loud chants for the first time in our Phoenix home. We were lucky enough to be able to celebrate Chhath Pooja that brought quiet discipline and gratitude—to the sun, to nature, to life itself. Diwali lit up not just our homes but our spirits, and Navratri came alive in full swing—music, color, energy, and faith all woven together. These festivals weren’t just checkboxes on a calendar; they were lived experiences that grounded me in culture, rhythm, and meaning.

Throughout the year, I found myself returning to the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, words that felt especially relevant in moments of reflection:

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
You have the right to your actions, but not to the fruits of those actions. (2.47)

A reminder to stay present, to do the work, to live fully—without constantly calculating outcomes.

And another verse that echoed softly in the background of a year full of change:

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥ (4.7)

A reminder that renewal is constant, that balance returns, that beginnings often arise from moments of transition.

Looking back, 2025 doesn’t feel like a highlight reel — it feels like a collection of small, meaningful moments woven together, many of which I only truly appreciate now.

As I step into 2026, I do so with gratitude first. Gratitude for a year that gave me more than I expected, taught me more than I planned, and filled my camera roll—and my heart—to the edge.

Here’s to new beginnings, fresh chapters, and the quiet excitement of what’s yet to unfold in 2026.

When the Canyon Whispers: A Lesson in Presence from the North Rim

We had planned to go to LA for the 4th of July this year. However, wildfires along the route forced us to change our plans. We decided to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon instead. I had never visited, and the chance to explore other gems along the way made the long road trip worthwhile.

It was a quiet escape to the North Rim. Nature felt untouched. The views stretched endlessly. The historic Grand Canyon Lodge hugged the rim like a secret waiting to be discovered. Nestled in pine forests, with cool breezes and golden sunsets, the resort promised a peaceful stay, and it delivered. The rustic cabins and the stillness of the nights felt timeless. The moment you walk out and see that canyon drop away is unforgettable.

And yet, just days later, we heard the heartbreaking news: the lodge had been destroyed by wildfires.

It is difficult to put into words the emotion. Shock. Grief. Gratitude. We had just been there, sipping coffee in the sun room while the baby tried out her new binoculars, watching light dance on ancient rocks. We had walked those beautiful wooden floors, attended the Junior Ranger Program (and even answered questions like a front bencher), waved to strangers as if we were all part of some secret club that got to witness something sacred.

And now it’s gone.

This experience hit me in a way I didn’t expect. It was a loud reminder of how unpredictable life is. Places, people, moments—they don’t last forever. Nature is powerful, beautiful, and, at times, unforgiving. But in that unpredictability lies the message: be present. Be present wherever you are, with whoever you are. The present never comes back.

I’m so thankful we didn’t rush through that trip, that we stayed for a day longer than we should have, appreciated beautiful sunsets, stayed up late looking at the stars, enjoyed beverages at the saloon, relished delicious dinners at the restaurant, stared at the canyons, and sat still in silence just to soak it all in. If I had known it would be the last time that lodge stood there, I wouldn’t have done anything differently, because we truly lived in the moment. I am glad we did.

Let this be a reminder: don’t wait for “someday.” Take the trip. Check things off your bucket list. Watch the sunset. Sit by the fire (not in a forest, though). Life is fleeting—make the most of it.

Underrated Arizona: A Road Trip to Hidden Gems

This past weekend, we ditched the usual tourist spots to go on a road trip through some of Arizona’s most underrated (and jaw-dropping) places. If you are looking to explore new and culturally rich sites, this itinerary could be the one for you. This trip promises you genuine Martian vibes and unforgettable colors.

Start from Phoenix, AZ, in the morning.

Stop 1: Montezuma Castle National Monument – It’s basically a five-story high-rise… built into a cliff… 900 years ago. The ancient Sinagua people knew what they were doing. The trail is short and easy (kid-friendly), so you have time to marvel at this real-life time capsule before heading back on the road.

Stop 2: Walnut Canyon – One of the trails is a stair-filled trail that leads you into a canyon sprinkled with cliff dwellings. You can also take an alternate, easier route – the Walnut Canyon Rim and Ruins Trail, which is more kid-friendly.

Stop 3: Wupatki National Monument – Here, you can see the red-rock ruins rise out of the desert like something out of a movie. You can explore ancient pueblos, learn about the Hopi and Ancestral Puebloans, and soak in the surreal Martian landscape.

Stop 4: Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center and Marble Canyon – Cross the Navajo Bridge, stare down at the mighty Colorado River, and enjoy the serenity.

Stop 5: Vermilion Cliffs – Driving alongside the Vermilion Cliffs was unreal. It is like an abstract painting. Pro tip: Do not skip the Cliff Dwellers Stone House. You may drive past by and miss the Martian experience.

We stopped for lunch at the Himalayan Grill in Flagstaff and for coffee at the Jacob Lake Inn. Jacob Lake could also be an optional stop.

We wrapped it all up at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim is not crowded and less commercialized. It is at a higher elevation and is much cooler than the South Rim. There are no public restrooms (not even at the visitor center or restaurant), and one must rely on porta potties for answering nature’s calls. For that alone, I am glad that we booked a cabin at the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge.

You can do mule rides, camp, and hike at the North Rim. Key spots at the North Rim are Point Imperial (the highest point), Cape Royal, Cape Final, and Bright Angel Point. The sunset at Bright Angel Point was absolutely stunning. Fewer people, cooler temperatures, and the magnificent view will leave you speechless.

The trip made me realize that Arizona is a sneaky beauty. Arizona boasts a rich culture, ancient ruins, Martian-like features, stunning canyons, and colors that one will never forget. Over the last five years, I have learned to love the desert. Can’t wait to explore more hidden gems soon.

Finding peace

We had an Airbnb trip with our friends last weekend. The property was surrounded by tall green trees, wildlife, and mountains. It had a beautiful patio, a hot tub, and, most importantly, loads of chill.

On the last day, I woke up early. The sun was shining, and the weather was sweet – summer in PNW felt like winter in Arizona. I looked outside the French windows. The patio looked like a perfect place to sip morning coffee. We had bought coffee beans, so making coffee meant grinding the coffee to the right consistency to begin with. Of course, I could not find the coffee grinder. Not everything needs to be perfect.

I wore a borrowed jacket and went to the patio. I sat on the couch, wrapped in the gentle quiet that only early hours bring. The sun stared straight at me. The world hadn’t fully woken up yet. There was just the soft rustling of leaves. Birds were chirping. Occasionally, I heard the sound of a breeze brushing past. I let the stillness settle into me. It was unbelievably beautiful and calm.

Surrounded by lush greenery, I felt the peace I had been seeking. The trees stood tall and serene, their leaves swaying gently with the breeze. The sky above was an obvious, endless blue, with no noise, no clouds, just openness. It felt like nature was holding space for me to simply be. I needed the peace.

At that moment, I wasn’t thinking about responding to Slack messages, to-do lists, or emails. I wasn’t rushing toward the next thing. I was simply present, anchored by the greenery around me, yet lifted by the sky above. It’s incredible how something as simple as a quiet morning on a patio can realign your entire mindset.

I didn’t miss the coffee I initially intended to include in my plan. This experience led me to realize that plans don’t need to be flawless. They don’t need to unfold exactly as we want them to. It is perfectly okay if certain elements are absent; sometimes, flexibility is key. Instead of dwelling on what’s missing, it’s more productive to embrace the original intent. Then, proceed with the journey as it currently stands. Every plan can have its own unique twists and turns. These deviations can often lead to unexpected discoveries and new opportunities. Such is life.

Sometimes, true peace doesn’t stem from the hustle of daily tasks or relentless ambition. Instead, it emerges when we take the time to slow down, step outside, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the outdoors. Nature reminds us of what truly matters.

Wishing you peace and calm, so you can appreciate the present moment and feel centered.

Week 2, 3, 4, 2025: Updates

Week 2
The 2nd week was a tough one. Everyone returned from vacations, and a mountain of workload was upon us. Everyone felt like a headless chicken – overwhelmed and a little crazy. The list of to-do’s seemed endless. Everyone worked longer hours.
I had other issues, though. While everyone had just returned to the office, I prepared to go on a vacation the following week. I was busy tying loose ends, making hours, and preparing the team to function without me. The following two weeks were going to be hectic and tiresome.

Week 3
We left for the shortest trip ever to India. The baby and I traveled 35 hours one way and changed four flights to reach our destination. The first three flights were smooth; the baby decided not to board the fourth one. The baby threw tantrums at the Mumbai Domestic Airport. I was not embarrassed at all. Reasonable.
The event we traveled to attend was a somber one. It was my Grandmother’s first death anniversary, and all the close family members were present. The event was beautiful. Our Grandmother would be pleased.
The baby was jet lagged and could not sleep at night. I made lunch items at 2 AM and snack items at 4 AM. The baby missed her father.

Week 4
The fourth week started with our travel back to the US. We hopped on multiple flights and traveled to various destinations to reach the United States. We explored a new destination on the way – magnificent palaces and pristine beaches.
The trip to New York this time was unlike any other. I returned to work – 500 emails greeted me (77 are still unread), things seemed to fall apart, and the team did everything they could. I pulled another 18-hour shift for a critical project to go live. Such is life dearies.
The family continued to be jet-lagged. We did not do much sightseeing. Everyone took turns falling sick. The baby continued missing her father. I missed N, too. We realized that 2 weeks away as a family is a long time to be away.

We also realized that the baby needed both her parents. She is transforming from Momma’s Girl to Daddy’s Princess, and it is beautiful to see. We could not wait to reunite as a family. ❤

Keep watching this space for more beautiful moments and health updates in Week 5.

2024 in Review: Embracing Memories and Life’s Lessons

2024 ends tomorrow, and it is time to reflect upon it. I do not remember the resolutions that I made for 2024 and if I lived by them. All I remember were the beautiful moments that we spent with family and friends. Here are the highlights by month.

January 2024 – This was the toughest month of the year. Our grandmother passed away after being critically ill for a year and a half. I am glad we could meet her one final time before she passed away. We dwelled in our childhood memories. It is tough being away from the family at such times.
February 2024 – Mama A visited, and the baby was on cloud 9. Also, took a trip to Mexico for some good sun.
March 2024 – Aunts M&M visited Phoenix with families. The three siblings (N, M&M) met after four years. The baby turned 2. We packed for the temporary move.
April 2024 – We moved to Portland, OR, temporarily for 6 months. Being a PNW fan, I always wanted N and the baby to experience the summers of PNW, and my wishes were granted. We moved with our luggage, and our trunks followed. N’s employer put us in a beautiful, fully-furnished apartment, and the journey began. The baby was introduced to the color green, tulips, and rain. Beaches are beautiful when foggy. The struggle with the baby’s daycare was real.
May 2024 – May was one of the most happening months. It started with family visiting from India for Mama S’s graduation. The Kulkarni-Paranjape residence was filled with love and laughter. We took our first cruise trip as a family. We also traveled to the mountains of Washington with friends. We made beautiful memories.
June 2024 – June took us to the East Coast for our first International Cricket World Cup Match in New York! I will be eternally grateful to Mama A for taking the week off and caring for the baby while I worked. We basked in the New York vibes and explored new areas of Central Park.
July 2024 – Ofsunandsand turned a year older around her beloved friends in an Airbnb by the beach (which was not visible even when we went to the beach) with pani puri and ras malai cake in her mouth. What more can you ask for? I wanted to feel like my old self, and this trip helped.
The baby discovered how therapeutic ‘Me Time’ is and demanded the same.
August 2024 – Mama A visited, and we all took a road trip. The Oregon coast was explored. The best-smoked tomato soup was discovered.
September 2024 – We made our final visit to the beaches to pay homage to the beauty that PNW has. The baby parted ways with her best friends at daycare. We moved back to Phoenix. I could not recognize the cutlery. We had been living a minimalist lifestyle in Portland, and being back in a place with 950735636 utensils confused my tiny brain. The baby was happy to see her older toys.
We left Portland with mixed feelings. Though we loved PNW, we could not wait to move back. We missed the feeling of belongingness.
October 2024 – We spent a few days trying to place our dishes. We also spent a lot of time cleaning up things that did not fit/would never fit/were not needed – receipts, clothes, toys, and shoes. We took a spontaneous surprise trip to India. The smile on everyone’s faces was priceless.
Mom retired from her job after 35 years of employment. I realized that maybe none of us would have a retirement party like that one. Gen Y/Z have been switching jobs so often that the term ‘loyalty’ barely exists. Most of us are running the race for a higher salary and better perks. Will we meet an employer who will be loyal to us like we are loyal to them? One will never know.
November 2024 – The India trip continued and ended in the middle of the month. The annual health check-up reports were good! All of us traveled back to the USA with Tylenol down our throats. We celebrated Thanksgiving, our anniversary, and N’s birthday surrounded with love, laughter, light, and friends.
December 2024 – Things got slower. The baby had adjustment issues with her old/new daycare. We decided to start with traditions. We spent substantial effort on a Christmas tree and related decorations. I learned the concept of a ‘Christmas tree skirt.’ The train of friends, relatives, and good food halted at the house one after the other. The year will end with 4 hours of ‘sick leave’ because that is all I have left.

In hindsight, 2024 was a beautiful year. I saw some highs, some lows, some very lows, and some much-awaited comebacks. A few things I realized were that our parents are getting older and life is fragile. Make memories while you can. One must live in the moment because the present does not last forever.

Wishing you all loads of light, love, laughter, and good food in 2025. Wishing myself the ability to finish my train of thought, and complete a conversation without being interrupted, peace, snow, and pani puri in 2025. God speed.

#wontEatWillTravel – Rocky Mountain National Park

Venue: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Best time to visit: Pretty much all around the year.
Accommodation: Estes Park or cabins around the national park. Denver or cities nearby could be a good option as well.

It was a last-minute trip. We did not have a list of things to do for the long weekend and had decided to go with the flow. The itinerary is as below. You have to make reservations to enter the national park and can only enter during those hours. The link to make reservations is here -> https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910.

Day 1:
A few must-visit places –
Estes Park: This place is slightly outside the national park. It is a busier area with beautiful lakes, breathtaking views, and loads of restaurants and shopping areas.
Moraine Park: This spot is on your way to the Bear lake corridor. Moraine Park offers abundant wildlife and breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains.
Bear Lake: This one is a short 0.8 miles walk in the park. The lakes were still frozen and added to the beauty.
Dream Lake & Emerald Lake: The trail starts from the Bear Lake trail. It can get trickier due to the snow.
Trail Ridge Road: This drive offers gorgeous views of the mountains. The views from the overlook spots are stunning. The Forest Canyon overlook has panoramic views of Hayden Gorge, Gorge lakes, Longs Peak, and Stones Peak.
Alpine visitor center: It is the highest visitor center in the US. The alpine ridge trail is an easy, 0.6-mile hike that takes us to the panoramic views of the entire national park.
Alberta Falls: This is one of the popular waterfalls in the park. This 1.7 miles trip takes around 1-1.5 hours. It could take longer due to snow.

Day 2:
The second day was reserved for the Royal Gorge Route Railway trip, Garden of Gods, and Pike’s Peak. You can book the rides here –> https://www.royalgorgeroute.com/. This spectacular 2-hour train ride takes through the Colorado Rockies and tracks the river along the way. The open coaches guarantee you a ‘Chhaiyya Chhaiyya’ feel. We could not do Garden of the Gods and Pike’s peak due to hailstorms but they are must-visit spots. We ended up celebrating our friends’ engagement instead.

More things to do in Colorado:
Colorado has varied landscapes. You could ski, snow-shoe in Aspen, hike in the Rockies, do kayaking and river-rafting in Canon city, or enjoy a hot-air balloon flight in Lafayette. If you feel adventurous you could do ziplining, via Ferrata, take an aerial gondola, or ride the world’s scariest sky coaster. Visit this website for more –> https://www.colorado.com/.

#wontEatWillTravel Arizona Road Trip – Thanksgiving week

Picture courtesy: Ninad Paranjape/Me.

This was the first trip N and I took as a couple. The states neighboring Arizona are closed for business so we decided to go local. Owing to the pandemic, we researched and made a list of 34 lesser-visited destination in Arizona. We mapped a few destinations out and left the next morning.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Morristown, AZ: It is one/one and a half hour away from Chandler. We reached around noon. The drive to the park was amazing – loved it! I recommend you to check the working hours and routes before you travel. The last leg to the lake was shut so we viewed the lake from the Pleasant Harbor Marina. You can rent boats and kayaks here. The lake is as blue as it can be.

Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ: Watson lake is one and a half-hour away from Lake Pleasant. The route from Lake Pleasant to Watson Lake is amazing. Arizona suddenly turns into scenic Montana and ends as Colorado with all the granite at Watson Lake. This charming lake is surrounded by granite rocks.
You can hike the Watson lake loop trail. We chose to maintain distance and climbed down to the lake by taking the rocky path to the left. It’s nothing that you cannot do in slippers (though I recommend you wear shoes). We did not see anyone kayaking/boating here.

Sycamore falls, Williams, AZ: This was going to be our sunset point. The last 10-15 miles of the road to the Sycamore falls is a dirt road lined with private properties. We re-checked the map several times en route to this one. The road ends at a place with a signboard and restroom. There were no markings for the trail. After guesswork, we decided to take the route that started from behind the signboard. We climbed down for 30 seconds (no markings. only logs.) and took a right. Unexpectedly, the falls were frozen. Yes, you read it right. It was not snowing but the falls were frozen. There was no sign of life (at all!). Pretty spooky.

On our way back we saw the best sunset ever.

Williams, AZ: We were not sure if we could visit Sycamore on Day 1. So, we had booked a room for the night at Williams. Good life choice. We stayed at the Holiday Inn – a comfortable stay. Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery is right next door. It has great ambiance (Christmas lights made it look even better), and good food. The portions are substantial. You will enjoy the adult beverages here.

Bearizona, Williams AZ: LOVED this place! If you are accompanied by kids, this place is a must-visit. As adults, we could have spent a few more hours for sure. This is a drive-thru zoo attached to a walk-thru zoo! It is recommended that you shut down all doors and windows while driving. A few pictures below to get you excited!

Sedona, AZ: The route from Williams to Sedona is beautiful. You can still see fall colors! The red rocks are mesmerizing. The next destination was the Devil’s bridge. We did not find a parking spot and looking at the crowd we decided to pass. We walked the lonely Two Fence Trail for a little bit instead. It has good views and is not a tough walk at all. Later, we went to Tlaquepaque for lunch and shopping. It is very picturesque. I recommend that you visit The Chai Spot here. A few pictures from Sedona.

Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, AZ: We stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross after lunch. The views from here are fantastic! It was on the way to our next destination. It was very crowded though. FYI, public restrooms are not available.

We were going to end the trip at Montezuma Castle National Monument but we could not get there in time. It shuts down at 4:45 PM and we reached at 4:55 PM.

Since we could not find a spot for sunset, we stopped at a random place to see the magic. Photos from the valley. We left for home soon after.

Arizona is enthralling. Overall, it was a very good road trip. Hopefully, we will take more trips in the future. Keep reading this space for more. Stay Safe.

#wontEatWillTravel Malaysia (Overview)

It’s been forever since I’ve had the mindset to put pen to paper. My recent solo trip to Malaysia changed things. This post is an overview of my trip to Kuala Lampur/Malaysia. Details to follow.

Airport – KLCC
Airline – Malindo Air (Not recommended. Please choose another airline. Poor customer service. On my way over all I was offered was water. The flight was delayed by 2.5 hours. You have to pay extra for food when you book your ticket (was unaware of this concept). The food wasn’t good either.
Visa – Easiest Online Visa ever (one of the reasons why I chose to visit Malaysia). Beware of fake Visa sites. Your visa expenses should not exceed $60-$70. Make sure you apply for your visa only via an official Malaysian website ending with .my.
Hotel – Furama @ Bukit Bintang. It is a good hotel except for the construction going on all around. That makes the commute very difficult. I would recommend staying at KL ‘downtown’ (area near the Petronas twin towers) instead.
Transportation – Mostly Grab. Not all the tourist destinations are connected by public transport (surprisingly). You will need to alternate between Grab and the train.
GRAB – Impressive application. The drivers are pro-actively responsive. Loved how easy to use it was. I could not sync my credit card for payments so had to rely on cash.
I struggled with time management on my last day in Malaysia. I asked a Grab driver if he would wait for me at one of the attractions and drop me at the hotel later. I’d pay him accordingly. He agreed!! That made my life so convenient!
Trains – Trains have a good frequency. The tickets cost around 1-3 RM. Tickets can be bought at the kiosks apart from the ticket counter. The kiosks do not accept folded currency.
Funny but true, the trains to and from the airport cost you 55 RM!! Grabs cost you 65 RM. Weird!
Regular Taxis – They charge you at least double of what Grab would. Also, they have no tracking system so definitely not a safe option for solo travelers. Feel free to test your bargaining skills.
Buses – Debatable frequency. The construction going all around must be one of the issues. Also, some of the bus stations are located at shady places where you may not feel safe as a solo female traveler.
Demographics – Malay + Chinese + Tamilians; most of them are 2nd or 3rd generation Malaysians. Inter-caste marriages have led to cross-cultures as well.
Culture – I’d go with conservative. Most women adorn a headscarf. You can see a good mix of Malay-Tamil-Chinese culture with all the sects protecting their own cultures well.
Don’t be surprised if you hear ads of ‘Folic acid’ and ‘Stay in your own lane’ on the radio channels.
Languages – Malay, Tamil, Mandarin and English. Also, Manglish. Add ‘La’ at the end of every sentence to sound like a local. Can definitely help you bargain better.
Weather – September through January is monsoon. If you travel during this period (like I did) be ready to forgo a few attractions. The rains dampened Melaka city tour and all of my evenings.
Attire – Multiple forums advise you to go conservative. You can differentiate between locals and tourists based on the way they dress. I’d suggest go all cotton and conservative (I went from Denims to Uniqlo 3/4th in the middle of Perdana botanical gardens to Save My Soul). Temples require you to be dressed appropriately (read: no legs showing) in order to enter. Mosques provide you with the traditional Islamic attire at the entrances that you have to wear if you wish to enter. I recommend carrying a scarf in your bag and a bathtub of sunscreen.
Safety – As a solo female traveler, I tried to be aware of my surroundings at all times. Malaysia is notorious for bag snatching and robbery (ALL Grab drivers warned me against it). I don’t know the statistics for crime against women/sexual assaults though (red: prefer not to google either). All the tourists seemed to be guarding their purses more than their lives.
I chose group tours instead of private ones. Grabs felt pretty safe/Normal cabs did not. Trains are safe. I waited at a shady bus-stop, all decked up, for half an hour in complete darkness and received some unwelcome attention. I’d avoid doing that in the future. Along the same lines, Chinatown becomes shady after dark.
PS: You can keep your passport in the hotel locker. I was not asked for any ID ever. Please do not carry it if not required.
Currency/Money – Ringgits/Dollars/Rupees everything seemed to work there. I was the happiest since Chase Sapphire Reserve worked at most places (it doesn’t work everywhere in India).

Itinerary Overview

Day 1:

KLCC Aquarium
KLCC Park
Batu Caves
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Reggae Bar
Chinatown
Petaling Street

Day 2:

Melaka – Day tour
Bukit Bintang
No Black Tie – Jazz concert
Pisco – Peruvian bar

Day 3:

Suria Mall
Bukit Bintang
Perdana Botanical Garden – Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Deer Park, Tun Abdul Razzak Memorial, Unique trees park (or something to that effect)
Petronas Towers
Heli Lounge

Day 4:

National Mosque of Malaysia
National Museum of Malaysia
Central Market + Kasturi Street
National Textile Museum
Thean Hou Temple

Attractions I could not cover/would want to cover the next time I am in Malaysia –

Hibiscus & Orchid garden – Closed for renovation
Jalan Alor AKA Khau galli of KL – I am sad to have missed this. The rain dampened my spirits every evening.
KLCC Eco Park – Rainforest in the middle of a hustling city. I chose not to visit.
KL Tower – Fell short of time. Also, having lived in the city of Space needle I did not feel the need to go to another needle kinda space.
Genting Highlands – I heard rave reviews about this place during my Melaka day-tour. Sadly, I did not have enough days to cover it. The pictures look amazing though.
Penang – The pictures were to die for. But Penang is farther away from KL and not a day-trip material. I’d suggest a road trip for this destination.
Little India – Fell short of time. Also, coming from India I opted out.
Glittering Fireflies & Kuala Selangor Night tour – Not enough time, guts and energy. Also, probably not a good life choice during monsoons.

Pro tips –

Wear cotton as much as possible.
Beware of purse snatchers.
Carry a portable charger. In hindsight, life would have been simpler with it.
Do not fold your Riggits. The kiosks won’t accept them.
Map your destinations beforehand so that you don’t lose time searching for them and don’t miss out on the fun.
Mind the timings for temples and mosques. They are not open throughout the day.
Grabs are difficult to find during prime time. I waited for an hour on Day 2 and ended up taking a cab.
In hindsight, taking trains would have been much more economical and would have caused lesser frustration. Trains are traffic-proof.
Hydrate.
I’d rather stay in a hotel near the Petronas towers and Changat Bukit Bintang than farther away. Though my hotel was in close proximity, the construction and rains made it impossible to commute to the more happening places.
Alcohol is expensive – or at least it was wherever I went.
It is okay to carry a backpack everywhere. Most tourist attractions have stalls to take care of your bags.
You are in good hands with T-mobile. God bless T-mobile.
If you decide to click a picture with parrots at the Bird park please mind their toe-nails!
Carry a camera instead of relying on your phones for pictures. You need your phone battery for Grab.
Carry an umbrella/rain jacket if you decide to visit during monsoons. Most resorts/ few tourist attractions are closed during monsoons.
Always carry enough cash (you probably know that).

Keep watching this space for details and pictures.

#wontEatWillTravel Crystal Mountain, WA

08/18/2018: Day trip to Crystal Mountain.

Crystal mountain, Pierce County, is a ski area. Nevertheless, it is a good place for a short day-trip during summers as well. It is a beautiful 2-hour drive from Seattle. The view is ecstatic.

The view!!