Ordered Wandering
Falling into order: explained through trip anecdotes
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely heard me talk endlessly about how much I wanted to travel before starting work. That thought circled my mind for months, and eventually, the trips came to fruition. Now, as I settle into my full-time job, I look back and feel deeply grateful for the uninterrupted time I had with friends and family. It was a rare luxury—seven weeks of experiences that don’t come easily.
Trip planning isn’t my forte. Our week in Japan was built on a mix of recommendations and some experimentation with the Wanderlog app. I’d start each morning with an ambitious plan, only to have it unravel. Being a stickler for time (I have a fear of getting stuck far from where I need to be), I spent a lot of time using the "arrive by" feature on Google Maps to ensure we stayed on track.
One day, we took the ropeway to Togendai for a sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashinoko to Hakone-machi. I was constantly mindful of getting back before the ropeway closed at 4:00 p.m. We had Father’s Day brunch overlooking the lake at Cafe Komon and lost track of time in conversation (and taking so many pictures). Our next stop was Hakone Shrine, but it required another boat ride and an hour long walk. Despite my mom’s initial disappointment, we chose to take the cruise and ropeway back to the inn in Gora.
As we exited the station, we stumbled upon Hakone Gora Park, which still had an hour before closing and was featuring a hydrangea hill exhibit. The park, with its steep incline, had so much to offer—there was a ceramics center, a rose garden, and the most delicious rose-flavored ice cream. The view from the park was breathtaking, easily one of the most picturesque I’ve ever seen. It wasn’t part of our plan, but it was exactly the kind of discovery that makes wandering so rewarding. By letting go of rigid plans, we stumbled into something even better. A reminder that the best moments often happen when you just go with the flow.
Then followed a month in India which felt far too short, yet I don’t know when I’ll get such a long stretch there again. It was a homecoming of sorts: I returned to the apartment where I had spent seven years of my life. So much has changed: new buildings, new roads, and friends gradually leaving the city we grew up in. On my birthday, a few of us went to Artizen an art cafe, where we spent an hour painting together. My friends left little messages on the back of my canvas: a keepsake until the next time we’re all together again.
Family is something I’ve found myself reflecting on during this time—especially the strength and resilience of the elders I encountered. My great-grandmother, who turned 94 this year, wanted to visit a temple with steep steps at the entrance. A lot of my family had hesitated to take her back there, but with the support of my brother and grandfather, she made the climb. When the priest saw her, he marveled, “You don’t see people like you anymore.” Her determination resides as a constant inspiration to me.
Another vivid memory comes from Selin’s grandparents, who spend their summers in a town in Türkiye’s Aegean coast. When we arrived, they discovered their apartment had been infested with black mold. Despite everyone’s suggestion to stay in a hotel while repairs were underway, her grandfather was adamant about staying. The apartment held so many memories, and he wanted to personally oversee its recovery. Their resilience in the face of hardship was remarkable; they still hosted us for late night snacks on their balcony, determined to protect us from the black mold exposure and to make memories with their granddaughters.
… There’s a ton more I could ramble on about, but I hope this gives you a taste of my travels and the memorable moments that made it all worthwhile. :)
Now, after two months of what felt like endless movement, I’ve settled into a new rhythm, workdays and life with my new roommates: Mirah and Jeanie. It’s amazing how quickly things can change, but the memories of this "ordered wandering" still feel fresh, reminding me of the beauty in both the journey and the stillness that follows.
Here are some lists (enter skim readers and busy bees), Thanks for being here:
Japan
Laugh Worthy Moments:
Accidentally ripping my Hakone Freepass ticket with the zipper of my fanny pack and having to present two torn pieces at every mode of transport.
Spilling matcha at the spotless Narita Airport on my suitcase and white shoes. (Grateful for stain remover!)
Spending 10 minutes trying to exit Shinigawa Station after taking the wrong exit from the Keikyu line, then slyly walking out through the ticket office.
Vegetarian Food Favorites:
Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen at Tokyo Ramen Tower
Vegan and gluten free donuts at nukafuka
Vegetarian Okonomiyaki at Okonomi-yaki Kaji
Tuba Soboro Dan (with soy meat) at Marmie Kitchen
Matcha and Red Bean Pancake at Cafe Komon
India
Sentimental Highlights:
Reuniting with my dad’s side of the family after six years and meeting my younger cousin, who’s now 9 (last time I saw her, she was just 3!).
Sitting down with my grandma and showing her how I knit, which brought back memories of when she used to make us sweaters and tote bags (I still regularly use a tote bag she made for me).
Visiting the mall with Tanya, my first friend in a new school in 7th grade, telling her it wouldn’t feel like a trip to India without seeing her.
Tapas at Loco Otro, walking through a bookstore and Naturals mango ice cream with Sakshi.
Getting coffee with Tanya and Vasundhara before I left, with another mall trip where Tanya surprised us with chocolate bars she brought back from Italy.
Sharing dinner with Ritisha, Ananya, and Disha, and chatting about the special people in their lives.
Celebrating my birthday with dear friends at an art café called Artizen (thank you, Sakshi, for the recommendation!) followed by a lovely dinner.
Celebrating my grandparents anniversary, my grandma’s birthday and my graduation all in one family get-together on my mom’s side.
Receiving pictures of my grandma and great-grandmother in the saris I bought for them.
And many more….
Türkiye
Motivators:
Slamming my knee while I was trying to climb pre-historic hollowed out steps in a cave. (Worked as motivation to get me to become a consistent gym goer, upper body strength coming 2025).
Waking up at 3:00 a.m. for a sunrise hot air balloon ride in the Ihlara Valley reminded me of the peace I find in early mornings. (We landed on a farm and had to walk through mud—yes, I was once again in my white shoes.)
Savoring the daily breakfast spread Selin’s grandparents set out, eating family-style, which kept me on my toes every day we were in Istanbul. I still think of the karpuz (watermelon) Selin’s grandfather would cut up for us at night, along with trying Rakı (twice-distilled grape pomace flavored with aniseed).
Going through Selin’s grandmother’s art creations and picking out a beautiful scarf and a sock monkey to take home (this kickstarted my desire to continue knitting - hopefully a picture of a sweater will be included in my December letter).
Sitting out at the beach, watching the sunset and having deep conversations with Selin.
Watching Esra and Anagha stop to pet every single cat we encountered.