Stories about travel, chess, coffee, business, and the people who shaped my journey. Some lessons were learned on the road, others much closer to home.
4500 Kilometers, 7 Days & One Unplanned Journey With Old Friend
26 Jul 2026 • 17 min read • Travel Stories • India
For us, a journey often begins with office work, a long drive, a phone call to an old friend, and an impulsive decision to meet somewhere along the way. Once the car’s engine starts, there is no telling where it will eventually stop. That’s exactly how this journey began.
From Saigon to Sasural: Family, Food, Taj Mahal & Familiar Surprises
19 Jul 2026 • 11 min read • Personal Stories • India
A few months earlier, she had introduced me to her family in Vietnam. It was an entirely new experience for me: meeting the family of someone from a different country, culture, language, and way of life. Yet, despite our differences, every member of her family welcomed me with warmth, kindness, and genuine affection.
My Second Chess Tournament in Vietnam: Five Rounds of Persistence
12 Jul 2026 • 11 min read • Chess Stories • Vietnam
After my first tournament in Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City, I realised how much I had missed competitive chess. It had been years since I had sat across from an opponent, pressed the clock, and felt the pressure of every move. That experience motivated me to sign up for another tournament—not only to test myself again, but also to create a monthly cycle of learning, reflection, and improvement.
Can Tho: A Tale of Indo-Viet Charm
05 Jul 2026 • 10 min read • Travel Stories • Vietnam
Can Tho was more than just another destination on the map. Between peaceful riverbanks, welcoming people, and familiar cultural echoes, I found a small piece of Vietnam that felt both new and strangely comforting.
Chitkul: Where Time Moved Slower
28 Jun 2026 • 10 min read • Travel Stories • Chitkul
Tucked away in the Baspa Valley, Chitkul reminded me that the most beautiful journeys are not measured by distance, but by the moments that make us slow down. Between snow-capped peaks, wooden homes, and the sound of the river, time seemed to move a little differently here.
No Doubt Northeast Is Beautiful. So Is My Mom
21 Jun 2026 • 6 min read • Travel Stories • Northeast India
As we travelled through the stunning landscapes of Northeast India, I found myself noticing something even more beautiful—the courage, warmth, and unwavering spirit of my mother. Sometimes, the most memorable part of a journey isn’t the destination, but the person beside you.
Sri Lanka: A Small Island, A Big Heart, and Memories That Stayed
07 Jun 2026 • 7 min read • Travel Stories • Sri Lanka
From misty tea plantations and ancient cities to wildlife safaris and tropical beaches, Sri Lanka surprised me with unforgettable moments and unexpected connections. Beyond the landscapes, it was the warmth of the people and the slower pace of life that stayed with me long after I returned home.
A Slow Weekend in Da Lat: Books, Freedom and Forest Retreats
31 May 2026 • 3 min read • Travel Stories • Vietnam
From misty pine forests and French-inspired architecture to cozy cafés and cool mountain air, Da Lat felt like a different side of Vietnam. This charming highland city reminded me that sometimes the best journeys are the slowest ones.
My First Chess Tournament in Vietnam: Seven Rounds of Humility
24 May 2026 • 7 min read • Chess Stories • Vietnam
What started as a simple weekend tournament became an unforgettable cultural experience. Beyond the chessboard, I discovered new friendships, different playing styles, and the universal language of chess.
The Women of Leh Who Taught Me About Life
17 May 2026 • 2 min read • Travel Stories • Leh & Ladakh
Leh was more than breathtaking landscapes and high mountain passes. Through conversations with the resilient women I met along the journey, I discovered lessons about strength, simplicity, and finding joy in life’s quiet moments.
A Business Trip to Nashville: Broadway Nights, Live Music & an Unexpected Air India Business Class Upgrade
03 May 2026 • 5 min read • Business Trips • Nashville
Known as Music City, Nashville offered much more than country music. From vibrant streets and live performances to warm conversations and Southern hospitality, the city left a lasting impression on me.
The Day Humanity Drove 130 Kilometers for Me: My Business Trip to Rayong, Thailand
26 April 2026 • 4 min read • Business Trips • Rayong
What began as an ordinary business trip to Rayong turned into an unforgettable lesson in kindness. When unexpected circumstances left me stranded, the generosity of strangers reminded me that humanity often appears when you need it most.