The Trekking Pawns' Diary

Amazon - e-book, Audio, soft and hardcover! Before I go anywhere new, I have this little ritual — I read fiction set in the place I’m headed. It’s my way of slipping into the soul of a city before my feet ever touch its ground. Stories give me a dreamy, rose‑tinted preview of what to expect, and honestly, they make the anticipation feel like its own kind of adventure. And now… we’re planning a trip to Mumbai . I’ve been practicing my Hindi on Mango and Duolingo (slowly, lovingly, chaotically), but the real spark came from finishing Meet Me in Bombay by Jenny Ashcroft. I devoured it. I was swept away. I was in love with love by the end — all its forms, all its contradictions, all its quiet devastations and loud joys. The book opens on New Year’s Eve, 1913 , with Madeline Bright stepping into the heat and color of colonial Bombay. She’s homesick, overwhelmed, and unsure — until she meets Luke Devereaux at the stroke of midnight. From there, Bombay becomes more than a backdrop. It become...

Coming into Cabo San Lucas felt like gliding into a postcard. The water shimmered in every shade of blue, small boats zipped around us like water bugs, and those iconic rock formations—jagged, dramatic, and rising straight out of the sea—welcomed us as if they’d been waiting. With only eight hours on shore, we were determined to make the most of it. And what better way than trying snorkeling for the very first time? Stepping off the cruise ship onto the dock, we wandered along the promenade, soaking in the energy. Shops lined the walkway, bursting with colorful souvenirs, beachwear, and trinkets clearly aimed at tourists—but in a charming way. It was fun just people‑watching: families bargaining, couples strolling hand‑in‑hand, and locals chatting with each other between customers. What surprised us most was how friendly and relaxed the vendors were. No pushy sales tactics, no pressure—just genuine warmth. We had already booked a snorkeling adventure through Expedia after comparing rev...

 One thing we’ve learned over time as The Trekking Pawns is that transportation can make or break a trip — not just in convenience, but in cost, flexibility, and overall experience. And recently, we stumbled upon a little rental car hack that honestly changed how we think about getting around. 🚙 Why Renting a Car Just Makes Sense When visiting a new place, renting a car gives you a level of freedom that’s hard to beat: Go at your own pace — no waiting for buses or rideshares Reach hidden gems — places tours and public transit don’t always cover Save time — especially if you’re trying to maximize a short trip Potentially save money — especially when traveling as a group We’ve done the whole mix — Uber, taxis, public transportation — and while those all have their place, having your own car just feels different. It turns the trip into your adventure instead of working around someone else’s schedule. 💡 The One-Way Rental Surprise Here’s where things got ...

 I’ve been following the recent news about Puerto Vallarta , and while things may shift and evolve, I want to pause and reflect on how it felt when we visited back in November — warm, welcoming, and wonderfully easy to explore. 🚶‍♀️ The Long Walk Out Getting off the ship was not a quick step-onto-the-street situation. It was a long walk through the cruise terminal shopping area , and there’s essentially one main exit route that guides everyone through it. There were lines for the trolley, but we decided to walk instead of wait. Vendors were already set up before we even fully exited — colorful stalls, souvenirs, handcrafted goods. The people were kind and welcoming, and I genuinely hope they had a successful day. We also saw quite a few travelers getting massages right there near the port — definitely much cheaper than what you’d pay onboard the ship! At the very end of the shopping complex, taxis were lined up and ready, eagerly offering rides. 🚌 Taking the Local Bus We ...

Sorry for the late update about the cruise — but honestly, this is exactly how it started (and there’s much more to come once I find the time). I know it’s been a while since we got back from our cruise and I haven’t really talked about it yet. The holidays took over — preparation, events, gatherings — and everything else got pushed to the side. Now that the holidays are behind us and we’re officially in the new year, I finally have a bit of breathing room. Sometimes the end of one year rolling into the next just feels like one big blob of pressure and chaos. You’re invited to things you feel obligated to attend, you genuinely look forward to other events, expectations pile up… and then when the actual day comes, sometimes all I want to do is stay home. I had that feeling more than once this season and ended up skipping a couple of events because it was just too much. And honestly? The unexpected, unplanned quiet of staying home — having time to be still — felt like a gift to myself...

Now that we’re back from our cruise, I can confidently say one of my favorite packing decisions had nothing to do with shoes or outfits — it was hair sticks . I absolutely loved having different hair pins for different events, and they worked way better than I expected. Casual days, elegant dinners, even late-night dancing — my hair was handled. (I'll write more about the actual cruise soon. Hehe) I’m officially converted. (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  🐱 Cute, Fun & Gift-Worthy: Cat-Themed Hair Sticks First off, I’m already thinking ahead to gifts. These cat-themed hair sticks are adorable, practical, and perfect for friends who love cute accessories but still want something functional. They’re lightweight, travel-friendly, and feel like one of those small but thoughtful gifts that actually gets used. ⭐ The MVP: The Frenc...