The night before the big day was the scariest.
I hate packing. So, I left that to be done on that night. The nerves were kicking in and the fear was real.
Wanting something all your life feels so much different from having it.
When my first solo trip got confirmed, I couldn’t stop raving about it to everybody!
I Imagined everything from outfits for each day of the trip to meeting cute strangers on my flight.
But on the night before my flight, the nerves kicked in hard enough for me to question my decision.
Was I ready to take this trip all by myself?
I am not particularly the kind of person who scares easy.
Or so I told myself until this trip.
I woke up early on the big day. The house was empty because mamma-baba were out vacationing with their friends. I did my daily chores, cleaned the house, packed everything, and made a quick trip to the store to get everything else. Done.
I still had four hours till I left for the airport and the thoughts in my head were not being my friend.
I am used to mamma re-packing my bags for every trip I take. She knows exactly what I forgot to pack. So, I pack, she re-packs.
She wasn’t home this time.
I am also used to baba dropping me to the airport every time. No matter how busy he is, he always clears his schedule. Taking a cab to the airport while leaving for a vacation was just depressing.
Vrishank says I am spoilt. I disagree. As always.
I decided to get ready and leave for the airport earlier than I needed to. I was alone and scared at home. I’d rather be alone and scared at the airport.
I always thought I needed company. Every time I had to go to the mall, my first thought was listing the possible people I could quickly call to come hang out with me. Even a trip to the store to buy milk and eggs comprised of nervous-calling everybody I knew so I had someone to talk to till I got home. Every once in a while, I would tell myself to spend some me-time. Which was poor translation for Netflix and Stuff-your-face-till-you-get-sick. I always believed I was the sort of person who needs people around all the time. I wasn’t quite sure I would enjoy my company. Maybe that is why I dreaded this trip so much so suddenly.
Since I was at the airport way before time, I decided to have a mini-meal before I queue at the check-in counter. Went straight for momos and a strawberry cocktail. The momos were delicious but the drink sucked. I finished it all anyway because I paid way too much for it. Yep. I am Indian in every way like that.
It’s frustrating how I can’t remember the last flight I took from Mumbai which wasn’t delayed. This time the delay was of a whole 90 minutes. I knew this was going to come bite me in the ass and so it did. Quite expectantly I missed my connecting flight to Penang from Kualalampur. I don’t know what I was more upset about. Missing my flight or spending 3 more hours at the airport.
Anyhoo! Took the next flight out and checked into my hotel room in Penang by around 4pm!
I’ve always been a fan of long, quite baths. So, took one and hit the bed right away.
I realized I hadn’t slept in more than 24 hours. Counting my overnight flight and the delay! I got no sleep on the plane. There were 2 screaming kids in a 10-meter radius from my seat.
I KNOW!
Woke up at around 9:30 pm, changed and decided to get some dinner. Walked to the hotel’s restaurant only to find it completely empty. Not a soul in sight. According to the waiter, everyone in town wraps dinner before 8pm. Thank god, my hotel had a 24-HR restaurant.
Got myself a table by the pool facing the sea. This hotel was snazzy. It had a private beach. I couldn’t dare to get a table closer to the sea though. I’ve always feared water after sundown. The sea sounds so angry to me at nights.
This was officially my first meal in Penang. So, I decided to order a local delicacy.
‘Mamak Mee’ is what I settled for. Noodles, chicken and fish cakes. What’s not to like!
This was also my first meal with myself. Back home I never really go out to eat by myself.
And I don’t know why!
I stared into my phone for the first couple of minutes because I was so confused as to what the rest of my body is supposed to do when I am sitting at a table alone with food and nobody to talk to or no television to stare at.
The food was GOOD!
I eventually put my phone down and ate in silence.
Hmm. Not so bad.
Finished dinner, cleared my bill, thanked the waiter and walked away.
I didn’t quite feel like heading back to my room just yet. It was too late to walk around town alone. So, I took a stroll around the hotel property. The roaring waves made my walk in the opposite direction from the beach. Walked around for a bit. There was a pool, another restaurant, a parking spot and a condo. Spotted a bench in the condo and sat down for a bit.
Mumbai is always buzzing. No matter what time of day. Cars, honks, people. Also, the weather back home is torturing.
However, it was surprisingly quiet on the streets here. An occasional motor-biker passed by but otherwise, I could still hear the waves. The weather felt great too. Not as humid as I had expected.
I sat on the bench with a blank mind. I had no thoughts. I stared at the street then at the parking lot and then back at the street. An occasional thought about home crossed my mind. But other than that, nothing really. I checked my watch, it said 11:20 pm.
Went back to staring.
Checked my watch again. It said 12:20 pm
WHAT!!
Killing time was always a task for me. I would deliberately reach places late because I hated waiting alone.
Not anymore, I guess!
That hour on the bench alone was the best part of my day.
To come to think of it, when was the last time you spent an hour being your selfish self? I have no memory of a time when I decided to think of myself and myself only and do everything that pleased nobody but me. I can’t even count the number of movies I missed or the restaurants I ditched because I didn’t have company.
I remember spending hours after lights-out, sitting on a stool in front of my mirror talking to myself about my day and going to bed happy because I knew my mind and my heart were on the same page. I have no idea why I stopped that exercise. People never believed me, but I never felt the need of having a sibling growing up because I loved myself as a child.
Nostalgically, I walked back to my room happier that night because now I knew I enjoyed my company. And finally, this solo trip seemed like the best decision ever!
Changed back into my PJs, got in bed, surfed the internet for a while and turned the lights off at 4:15 am.
And that was day one.
By doing this u have really motivated me i love reading😍😇 tysm for doing all this for us😘 keep going lot more to cm! #lovelove #gbu
Hey prajakta….
I am abdolutely in love with your videos and now with your blog too🙈
Believe me, you are an amazing youtuber and now a blogger as well.!!
I would love to see you progressing and making our (the viewers) life more beautiful❤
Lots of good wishes and positive vibes for you💌
#LoveLove😘 #stay_blessed😇
Hi Prajakta I have started following you recently . Am enjoying your vlogs and this blog is amazing. Even I love writing and had stopped writing but this has motivated me thanks a lot… Love Love
Now this has motivated to spend some me-time… 😄(Even I don’t like being alone) hope that turns out as good as yours.
Great work Prajakta! 😘 More success coming your way💓💓
This was so beautiful.. I had lovely time. Keep writing.
Awesome yaar…. I never thought that it would be this awesome…. Congrats on ur first vlog…… Until next vlog….. Love, love❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow! This was amazing, specially when I just back from a solo movie date with myself. You spoke my mind and encouraged me to take solo trips often. The nerves and anxiety before taking on the trip was my main reason I never really ventured out alone and also because I don’t have that many friends too. I know I’ll be coming back to this whenever I feel double minded about venturing out solo. Lots of Love <3
Hey prajakta hiii..I see everything of you on YouTube but I had never commented or write anything on it..I don’t follow you on any social media..I had no plans to even read this blog but I just took a look at it after your YouTube video.. and I felt good.. it was good..I just want to say that lot of you tubers give content and fun.. but I watch your videos because you look act and play it REAL.. please keep this realness alive in your blogs also don’t try to do anything fake or out of the box to impress us..JUST BE YOURSELF…YOU ARE BEST WHEN YOU DO THAT…I will be looking forward to read the next blog soon..THANK YOU
Nice i Was same as u but learned to spend time with my self on beach where there is no crowd feels good and bad at same time.
That was great… This is wierd but I could actually hear your voice saying this aloud… That’s how much I have watched your videos… BTW Congratulations and we all will look forward to further blogs…
That was amazing. Keep up the good work!
U r always giving good prajakta dont worry we trusted on u bea❤ keep it up 🤗🤗
I m not a big fan of reading but I really love this😊
That is reaallly awesome prajakta .. I m with you bae! ❤🎈
Khuuup Chaan👌👌👌
Keep it up!!
Great start❤
#lovelove😘
Well tbh I m not all interested in reading but I read ur whole blog without getting bored n it was worth reading I think so. It was written very good n d most important thing there was no link breakage!! I liked it.
N ya if there’s no 1 to give u company I m always there for you. Haha.
Some things were totally relatable with me…I got to know little things about myself after reading this blog, and little things do matter.
Keep writing.
Love love❤
Hey prajakta di! This is ankita.. kaisen?😂😂
Just loved your blog…loved the way you wrote… I love writing too..but i seriously hate reading gosh..its too boring😐………but for the first time i read such a big blog…all thankx to you…i hope for myself now i cn read more such blogs..
Thank uh fr telling that spending selfish time for me-self is also nt bad😂….
All the best for ur future…and hope uh write write more blogs and do more vlogs…
Do plsss…reply bec its free…till then bye…love love😂😂❤❤❤
This is a new side of Prajakta Kohli we’re seeing…and i love it💞
Frankly…I’m not a reader at all…can’t finish a book even in 8 months (not even Harry Potter🙈)…actually can’t even read those long captions on Instagram…
So when you disclosed the fact of writing a blog..my reaction was “ok.. I really like her and her work but reading blogs..not sure”
So now when i have finally read your first blog…omg..i really really liked it and i wanted to READ MORE…like seriously me wanting to read more…never knew that could happen..
I don’t know much about the “writing styles” and ol..but i loved what i read and i’ll look forward to your blogs🤗😘
PS : I really wanna meet you someday🌻💟
Lovelove
Anisha
I really love it. I’m not that creative to give you any suggestions but for me this is the best blog . And I never read Any blogs before I think it’s the best start one can ever have to read blog. I’ll start reading more blogs now. looking forward to see more blogs from you.
#lovelove
I loved the way you write, it’s so fresh. These was really my best 10 minutes of day.
Love to read more from you..
LovE LovE
This is so pure and real. Simple and sweet. It’s a good start ❤ All the best for your further blogs 😘
U r just amazingggggggg u r such an inspirational to all young ones like me gopd job yaar didudaa lyyyyyyy alotttttt😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘❤❤❤❤❤ a tonesss of good wishes to u
Lovelove😊😊
This is amazing.The only improvement that you should do is change the font. Otherwise it’s all perfect.
I am not so fond of reading bt I rely enjoyed reading this.. It was short, simple,real and sweet..👍👍❤😊keep up the good work @mostlysane 😊
Good one 😃
I don’t know what should I write here….. But you are one crazy,funny,loving,cute girl…..
I have been watching your videos on YouTube and I loved those….. And now here you are … All the best!!!! Gbu sister…
And every time I see you ,I remember her..
Pahili gosht tu koli ti koli 😁😁😁😁😁
Ani dusari gosht jashi tuzi badbad asate tashich tichi asaychi….. And another connection #Thane….. Lol…. I can’t stop writing….. Aaaaal the very best sister once again……
Did u mean 12:20 am above there?.. Because you wrote 12:20 pm😅
Hey Prajakta, your videos on youtube are awesome and your real talk tuesday one brought me to this blog of yours. I am really happy that you are exploring new stuff and expanding yourself through the net.
The first thing that caught my eyes were your pictures. You have awesome photography skills and know what you “really” want in a picture and know how to get it. The first few pictures had amazing captions below which actually helped me hook with and enjoy the pictures even more. I’d suggest that you add such one liner captions to all your pictures, it would not just make them more interesting but also captivate minds making it fun to go through.
One more thing i noticed is that you write in conversational english. I am sure you do that because you love talking (i am who doesn’t? duh.) and you are used to making youtube videos. But according to me, when you write, you need to have a different tone and style. Also, having one liner paragraphs is awesome and leaves the read on a small kinda cliff hanger thingy, but having too many one sentence or liner paragraphs is not ideal and might make your content even more boring. Furthermore, try linking stuff that is related and try and use more complex sentences in your writing and more linking or connecting words like however, furthermore, additionally etc.
When I first saw the title “Nice to meet me” I had different thoughts hovering my mind about what the article would be about therefore, when I started reading the first line, I was completely out of context. I suggest adding a sub heading under the main heading just having a 1 or 2 liner explanation about what the reader should expect. This will not only help the reader think towards one direction, the direction you want, but also help you completely remove your barrier so now you can keep as creative titles as possible.
This wasnt a hate comment at all, I was just trying to give you constructive feedback. And after what you said in your real talk tuesday video about you wanting criticism, i really hope you dont take it in a negative way instead take it in blissfully.
Love love,
Nicey
Very nice blog.. you kept it very simple and that makes it so beautiful. though I have one question , you don’t seem to be a person who can not go alone. I thought and imagined you as super-independent woman..!! who doesnt needs anyone.
nyc
what’s dumdums?
nice writeup
felt the leisure feeling of holiday reading this…….
very nicely put up.
Prajakta,where are the rest blog posts?
explored a bit and all I could find was Shameless video and drunk girls at bar video and some random clicks.
Don’t we already have Youtube and Instagram for that baby?
Why they’re here then? captioning too banta hai bhai….
Luv uh.
This was soooooo good. I could connect to this on a different level. It was so light but intense, both at the same time. Not read a good piece in a long time. Well, this was surely one. You make me like “reading”. You’re the best Prajakta! Loads of love. Keep writing and shining! ♥️
– Always your Dumdum! 🎈
Hi Prajakta,
I have been following you on YouTube for almost a year and I really like your work. Talking about the blog n the article..too good…..I had also seen your video based on this solo trip. Keep up good work n good luck 👍
Hi prajakta,
This is such a beautifully written piece. You are a truly gifted person who can express herself so well in every form. This blog really motivated me to take a solo trip somewhere.
Love you loads.
Nice yar.. you already live my dream life. while reading i feel like im living your life. you writing is fresh yar.. please write more often coz we can read. #lovelolve
Well I always enjoy being with myself and that is always the best part of my day!!
Thus happy that even you found your happy place with yourself!!
Love you a lots and lots <3 <3 <3 <3
nice article . the word play may lure me again to this place again . <3
i hardly read something.. but this was worth reading.. please write blogs more like this
This brought a smile on my face. Well,am same need ppl around always but staying alone have made me go n do Everything alone. It’s satisfying but sad too. But loved how simple it was written. N connected to heart instantly. ❤
Worth reading
I was very happy to know that you started blogging..!!… I have a dream of blogging and that too as well as you do!! I just loved the way you described things….i love you a lottt…
Your videos brings smile and laughter in my face.. Everytime I watch your videos… You are doing great…!!
Love love!!!
Take care .
Hey Prajakta, love your videos on you-tube, yet to go through your blog but it does seem awesome too.
Just want to say.. hey and just love watching you on YT, love your spunk and enthusiasm 🙂
Do you really reply to your fans (considering you have so many!)
Love Love
Its just an aswm blog . U alwys create a MAGIC in everything . Love u a lot keep shining
Hey Prajakta,your blog is really very nice and creative.As we all know you are a creativity lover so do check my website for creative ideas . #lovelove #creativity
http://www.thecraftsvilla.com
U r Amazing! Prajakta di… U r a Talented YouTuber and now a Blogger! I love you so much! Hope you write more such amazing blogs! And we all would love to read it.😊#lovelove #Dumdums ❤🙈
really nice blog…
While reading this blog, I felt myself sitting on that bench and talking to myself. Nostalgic.
Youu rock girl! I feel so motivated and inspired reading this! Also, I am a subscriber from Thane! I hope to see youu someday :’)
Love Love,
Vrindaaa