Where Travel Meets Design

 Some of my best design ideas haven’t come from a studio.

They’ve come from walking through unfamiliar streets, pausing at local markets, and quietly observing how people live.

This particular moment was captured at Little Kook in Athens, Greece.

Tucked into the narrow streets of Psiri, it feels almost like stepping into a different world. Overhead, umbrellas float across the sky, colors shifting with the light. There’s a sense of playfulness in the air, a kind of controlled chaos that somehow comes together beautifully.

And then there’s the food.

Athens has a way of slowing you down just enough to truly enjoy it. A simple Greek coffee, a flaky piece of baklava, or something whimsical from a place like Little Kook, where desserts feel almost too pretty to eat. It’s indulgent, a little theatrical, and completely in sync with its surroundings.

Athens itself carries a similar energy.

It’s a city where history and everyday life exist side by side. Ancient ruins stand quietly while cafés buzz with conversation. You turn a corner, and suddenly the mood shifts. It’s textured, layered, a little imperfect, and deeply alive.

And perhaps that’s why it stays with you.

Not because everything is perfect, but because everything feels real.

Over time, I’ve realized something.

Travel and design speak the same language.

Both begin with curiosity.

Both are forms of storytelling.

Both embrace imperfection.

And most importantly, both are about how something makes you feel.

For me, travel has never been about ticking places off a list. It’s about absorbing moments.

The way a street looks just before sunset.

The rhythm of people going about their day.

The colors that don’t quite match, yet somehow belong together.

These are the things that stay.

And slowly, quietly, they begin to influence how you see the world.

As a designer, I’ve come to realize that inspiration doesn’t always arrive in structured ways. Sometimes it comes from places like this, unexpected, slightly whimsical, and full of character.

It shapes not just what you create, but how you create.

With more ease.

With more openness.

With a little less need for perfection.

This blog has always been a space for my travels and my love for food.

And now, it’s slowly becoming something more.

A place where travel, design, and everyday moments come together.

Maybe this is where a new journey begins.

Some places you visit. Some places stay with you

Baan Rim Pa, Phuket - Excellent Thai food

 Excellent Thai food with spectacular sunset views - A must visit

Excellent Thai food, beautiful sunset views, and a very relaxed evening

We had a lovely dinner at Ban Rim Pa, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable meals of our Phuket trip.

The restaurant is located just outside the main Patong area and is about a 10 to 15 minute drive from central Patong. Sitting on a cliff overlooking the sea, the location itself is a big part of the experience. We reached just before sunset and the views of the Andaman Sea were truly beautiful and calming.

The food was consistently good across everything we ordered. We began with prawn rolls fried with crispy noodles that were crisp and light, followed by chicken and shrimp spring rolls which were fresh and comforting. The accompanying dips and sauces were the best. The Tom Yum soup was very well done, tangy and warming without being overtly spicy.

For mains, we ordered the chicken green Thai curry with steamed rice, which was fragrant and satisfying, and flat noodles with mixed vegetables and chicken that were well balanced and not heavy. One dish that really stood out was the tangy steamed fish. It was delicate, fresh, and full of flavor, and easily one of the highlights of the meal.

The menu offers a good variety of traditional Thai dishes, including seafood, curries, soups, noodles, and vegetarian options. Everything tasted authentic and thoughtfully prepared. The menu has more Thai dishes than any other Asian items.

In terms of pricing, Ban Rim Pa would be considered upper-mid to upscale by Phuket standards. For four people, including starters, mains, soup, and cocktails, the total bill came to approximately THB 10,000-11,000. We felt it was worth it for the quality of food, service, and the stunning setting.

Service was warm and attentive without being intrusive, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed and unhurried. It is a great place for a sunset dinner, a special evening out, or simply a quiet meal away from the busy Patong area.

If you are in Phuket and looking for good Thai food paired with beautiful views, Ban Rim Pa is definitely worth a visit. We would happily return.

Athens - Part 1

 Athens ~ Champagne, The Acropolis & a Toilet Tip

While in Athens, we were staying in the most awesome place, Falirou Street, literally just five minutes away from the colossal Acropolis, rising like a dream over the city skyline.

Our hostess, warm and smiling, greeted us with a bottle of champagne and a head full of touristy tips, exactly what I needed to start calling this cozy spot home for the next few days.

The calmest Athens skies, the perfect weather, the grand old structures, and of course our kids made this holiday vibrant, a heady blend of laughter, discovery, and sun-soaked wanderlust. We have loved every corner of Europe we have travelled through, each with its own charm, but Athens felt different, softer in rhythm, richer in flavor, warmer in culture, and simply more alive in its pace and pulse.

And one funny whisper, no one was allowed to flush down toilet paper after the job! Due to the ancient pipelines, old infrastructure, and narrow pipes, you may end up with a clogged or overflowing toilet, unpleasant and embarrassing to say the least. You will find bins to the side of the toilet where you can dispose of your tissue instead. There was plenty of water and resources, but this quirky little rule made it a memory to remember forever.

So if this bothers you, please look up modern hotels for your stay. Old heritage hotels, ancient buildings, and charming home stays often come with this quirk. Though this was the first ever in all my travels, it made the stay both memorable and unique too.

Well, there’s so much more about Athens, coming in Part 2 soon.

Masor Tenga - Oxomiya Fish Curry

 A recipe shared by Swati Chaliha ~

I’ve tasted curries in more countries than I can count, but Swati’s Masor Tenga (Assamese Fish Curry) carries the kind of warmth that no airport lounge usually serves.

It’s tangy, homely and beautifully rooted in Assam, just the sort of story I love collecting onfor my blog!

About the Dish

Masor Tenga is a light, tangy fish curry from Assam that pairs perfectly with plain steamed rice. The word tenga means sour, and the dish can be made with lemon, tomato, elephant apple (ou tenga), hog plum (omora tenga), or garcinia (thekera). This version uses lemon for its bright, fresh flavour.

Ingredients

• 500 g firm fish pieces (rohu, katla, pomfret or similar)

• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

• 1½ teaspoons turmeric, divided

• 3 tablespoons mustard oil

• ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi)

• 1 to 1½ cups chopped lauki (bottle gourd)

(or 1 medium potato, boiled and lightly mashed)

• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped

(or 1 cup blended tomatoes)

• 2 cups hot water

• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• A few coriander leaves, chopped

• Optional: 1 green chilly, slit

Method

1. Marinate the fish

Rub the fish pieces with ½ teaspoon turmeric and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside for 10 to 12 minutes.

2. Lightly fry the fish

Heat mustard oil in a pan until it begins to smoke. Lower the heat. Add the fish and fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Do not brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Temper the oil

In the same oil, add fenugreek seeds and let them turn light golden. Do not let them burn.

4. Cook the vegetable

Add lauki with a pinch of salt. Cook on low heat until soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.

(If using boiled potato, add it now and sauté for 1 minute.)

5. Add tomatoes and spices

Add tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy. Add the remaining turmeric and mix well.

6. Make the curry

Pour in the hot water and bring it to a gentle boil. The curry should be light and thin.

7. Add the fish

Slide the fried fish pieces into the curry. Add the optional green chilli.

8. Add lemon juice

Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

9. Simmer

Cook gently for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and sourness. Add a little more lemon juice if you like it tangier.

10. Finish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves.

To Serve

Serve hot with steamed rice. The curry should taste light, fresh, and gently sour.

Notes and Tips

• Souring agents: You can use tomato, elephant apple (ou tenga), hog plum (omora tenga),                    or g
arcinia (thekera) instead of lemon.

• Tomato version: Use 3 to 4 tomatoes and skip the lemon.

• Thekera version: Soak 2 to 3 slices in warm water and add the soaking water to the curry.

• Mustard oil tip: Heat until it just begins to smoke, then lower the flame to remove the raw                    smell.

• Fenugreek tip: Do not over-brown the seeds as they can turn bitter.

• Consistency: Masor Tenga has a thin gravy, so add a splash of hot water if it thickens too                    much.

Bon appétit

🍲 One Pot Chicken & Egg Fried Rice

 🛒 Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old, for best texture)
• 200 g boneless chicken (cut into small pieces)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup mixed veggies of your choice (carrots, beans, peas, capsicum, corn)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame for extra flavour)

👩‍🍳 Method

1. Heat oil in a wok or large wok.
2. Add the chicken pieces with a little salt & pepper. Stir-fry on high heat until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and onion. Sauté until golden and fragrant.
4. Push the onion/garlic mix to one side and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until just set.
5. Add your veggies and stir-fry on high heat for 2–3 minutes. Keep them crunchy!
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
7. Add the cooked rice and drizzle over the soy sauce. Mix everything well, breaking up clumps of rice.
8. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, straight from the pan ~ comforting, wholesome, and flavour-packed.

Tip: Use cold, day-old rice > it fries better and doesn’t turn mushy

Melbourne : Love at first sight

 

In October 2018, my little girl, just 7 years old at the time and I boarded a Qantas flight from Singapore to Melbourne. The journey took about 7+ hours, long enough to slip into travel mode, but short enough to keep our excitement alive. My husband, Rakesh, was already in Melbourne on work. While he wrapped up his office agenda, the two of us explored a little on our own, waiting eagerly for family time to begin.

Once his work was done, Melbourne became ours to discover, together. What followed was a holiday stitched with laughter, discovery, and the kind of memories that warm you years later. This was October, 2018.

Melbourne, love at First Sight

Melbourne is a city that wins you over instantly. The tram lines make getting around so easy, while the laneways hum with life, cafés brimming with coffee aromas, bookstores you could spend hours in, and colorful bursts of street art around every corner.

Evenings carried their own magic. As the sun dipped, the air turned sharp, cold, and windy, yet the city glowed with warmth. Fireplaces flickered along the sidewalks, cafes buzzed with golden light, and people huddled over steaming cups of coffee and mulled wine. That cozy energy is etched in my memory forever.

Staying at W Melbourne

Our base was the chic W Melbourne, set on Flinders Lane in the heart of the CBD. The location couldn’t have been better, surrounded by Melbourne’s famous laneways, buzzing cafés, nightlife, and some of the most incredible footwear stores. (I love shoes :)

But what I remember most isn’t just the style or convenience, it’s the people.

There was Chanessy, a hostess at the hotel, who left a lasting impression.

• She wore black lipstick. and carried it off with absolute elegance.
• My daughter bonded with her instantly; their little exchanges became daily sparks of joy.
• And above all, she was warm, engaging, always ready with questions and stories to share.

Not many people leave such a lasting impression, but she did. To me, she will always be one of the faces of Melbourne.

Healesville Sanctuary: Meeting Australia’s Wild Side ~

A short drive from the city took us to Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley. It was one of the highlights of our holiday, offering close encounters with Australia’s most iconic wildlife.

• Koalas curled into eucalyptus branches.
• Kangaroos hopped lazily across open fields. (I was the most excited) 
• The Spirits of the Sky show filled the air with eagles and owls in flight.
• The shy platypus made a rare appearance.
• And the dingoes, calm yet powerful, embodied the spirit of the bush.

For our daughter, it was discovery at every step; for us, it was the joy of watching her eyes widen with wonder. For me personally, I ticked off a long-standing wish to see a kangaroo carrying the little one in her pouch, AND I DID! 

The Barn: Straight Out of an Enid Blyton Book

One afternoon we stumbled into a barn that felt lifted from an Enid Blyton story. Wooden beams, the smell of hay, and the sound of animals made it feel magical.

There were playful lambs, cows grazing gently, horses with glossy coats, and even tiny guinea pigs, squeaking for attention. My daughter was enchanted, moving from one animal to the next with joy.

It was rustic and wholesome, the kind of memory that stays with you because it feels like a page from a storybook.

The Great Ocean Road Drive

No family trip to Melbourne is complete without the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road is 243 Kms along the coast of Victoria. The Road stretches from Torquay to Allansford. It is absolutely unreal & stunning. We set off on a drive that felt cinematic, curves along towering cliffs, the roar of waves crashing into rocks, and lookout points that made you stop in sheer awe. It was wild, dramatic, and breathtakingly beautiful.

A Shopper’s Paradise

Back in the city, Melbourne gave me plenty of reasons to shop. From luxury boutiques on Collins Street to quirky laneway finds, there was always something unique. Add to that the shoe stores around W Hotel, and it became a delight for fashion lovers like me.

Cuisine & Comforts

Food became an essential part of our Melbourne story:

Melbourne coffee ~ crafted to perfection.

• Library cafés, where books and aromas created the perfect retreat.
• My daughter’s happy discovery of fish and chips & filling up on more dumplings along the way (were we bored? :()
• And for me, the ultimate treat, barramundi, grilled or poached, delicate yet rich.

Meals were never just meals, they were conversations, pauses, and laughter shared across the table.

For the Cricket Buffs

And of course, a mention must be made of the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, its sheer scale and history make it worth a visit. But for any Indian, or Kiwis or the English, for the matches and iconic victories, is to feel part of the game’s living history.

A Reunion to Remember

Melbourne also gave me something deeply personal, an unexpected reunion. I met Uncle John, a dear schoolmate I hadn’t seen in 25 years. The moment we sat down, time dissolved. We laughed, reminisced, and slipped right back into the easy bond of school days. It felt like no years had passed at all, and that one meeting became one of the most treasured memories of the trip.

Why October 2018 Lives On

When I look back, this holiday feels special not just for where we went, but how it unfolded.

• A mother-daughter journey that began in the skies.
• A family holiday that bloomed once Rakesh closed his laptop and stepped out of work mode.
• Days filled with wildlife, barns,drives,shopping,books, coffee & fireplaces.
• A heartfelt school reunion after 25 years.
• And faces like Chanessy’s, reminding us how people often become the heart of our travels.

Melbourne is a city that lingers long after you leave. Not just for its sights, but for the warmth, the stories, and the way it makes even ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

 

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