A Europe trip has been on the books since I can remember. Baba always kept going on and on about Switzerland. Mamma about Paris. And me about working hard to be able to take them on this trip.
But if you think this article is about my achievements as the daughter that everyone wants, you are sadly mistaken.
On our last day of vacation in Dubrovnik, Croatia, we woke up slightly later than most days. We had had very fulfilling days of staring at the beauty of Europe and on the last day we decided to have a lil celebration of our own.
Baba took a quick trip to the meat market near our apartment and bought a Kg of lamb. Mamma prepped for lamb chops and lamb curry. I ate strawberries on the front porch.
Team work.
Ate a heavy Koli-Style lunch in Dubrovnik and got ready to explore the city one last time.
It was particularly hot that day and I was already looking like the piece of toast everybody leaves untouched at breakfast buffets. So with close introspection and the lil knowledge of science I have, I picked my favourite white linen jumpsuit.
All the ‘Black absorbs- white reflects’ BS was making complete sense to me.
Picked up our bags, locked the apartment and started walking towards our bus stop.
The bus was crowded but we are from Mumbai.
Got off at our stop and started walking. We’ve walked so much on our trip.
Walking’s great. Helps with digestion.
Old town Dubrovnik is gorgeous. It’s a fairytale bound safely inside the 2km long city walls. Looks like a dream. Feels like one when you walk through the narrow cobbled streets.
We had walked through old town the day before so we decided to go see the rocky beach front on the southern end. The walk from the north end of town to the south was a total of 7 minutes.
The day was getting hotter so we decided to get ourselves a cone of ice-cream each.
Maa got raspberry and I got Nutella.
Predictable.
Walked our way to the docks. There were a bunch of small boats and salesmen screaming at us with offers to ride the boats. Chose a stall randomly and got us 3 tickets to the boat that takes a panoramic ride of the entire island in 60 minutes.
60 minutes.
Perfect.
An hour of staring at the clear waters.
An hour of chilling in a boat with a glass bottom and staring at all the fascinating marine life.
An hour of clicking the best pictures to bomb my Instagram feed.
One whole hour.
Perfect.
Got on the boat.
There were two more families with us on the tour. Everyone exchanged smiles. One of them was Indian and they recognised me.
Yay. I am international now!
Meeting fellow Indians in foreign lands is a whole new experience. You really step on the gas with patriotism in such situations.
I have always loved boat rides. I remember mamma baba taking me to TalavPali, a lake close to my childhood home, every weekend for boat rides and candy floss.
And there we were again, several years later, in a boat. One happy family.
What do you call the guy who drives a boat? Who cares.
The boat driver got on board and started the engine.
Three.. two… one.
And we were at sea.
The coast kept getting tinier as the boat shuddered its way away from it.
Everyone was all smiles. Ahh what a jolly ride.
We were about 4 minutes into the boat ride when it first happened.
I looked down at my tummy and whispered, “Not now.”
I trust my understanding with my body. We’re good.
Went back to staring at the sea.
And then it happened again. This time slightly scarier than before.
I clenched all that can be clenched and kept staring.
And then it happened again.
This time the pang was hard enough to knock me out for a couple seconds. Came back to my senses only to be welcomed by another hard hit in my lower abdomen.
Kept pacifying myself.
Kept staring at the sea that looked so average all of a sudden.
Its okay.
We good.
God loves you.
She sells sea shells on the sea shore.
Chandu ke chacha ne chandu ke cha…
I am wearing a white jumpsuit.
I AM WEARING A WHITE JUMPSUIT.
Maa and baba kept observing my lil performance from a distance.
“You good?”
Yes. Don’t worry.
“Do you need to…?”
I said I am good, Maa.
“Okay.”
Somehow I was convinced that I needed distractions so I kept moving seats on the boat.
I am known for making bad decisions in desperate situations.
Please note: Do NOT move when you are in a sticky tummy situation. Movement circulates blood and increases pressure.
SWEET MOTHER OF GOD.
The sea looked so ugly now.
Water so blue, I could see my face in it. Clinging on to dear life. Staring at my reputation, which was hanging by a thread. Along with last night’s dinner.
“You are making that face. Do you have to?”
YES.
“Now?”
YES.
“But how? We are in a boa…”
I KNOW.
There was a 3 second silence before my parents burst into what was the loudest laughter I had heard in my entire effing existence.
Its crazy how your own people turn against you at the time of crisis.
But I was strong. I was gonna pull through.
I just had to sit tight for 50 more minutes.
Should be easy.
Or not.
I was on the verge of having an emotional breakdown when the Indian family next to us thought, ‘Hey, now is a nice time to initiate conversation with this YouTube star who is known to 2 Million people back home.’
“My daughter is a huge fan!”
Thanks, aunty. Tell her I said Hi.
“Should we get a picture together? For memories?”
Sure. I don’t see why not.
Baba generously offered to click.
“Say CHEESE!”
My job has never felt like hard work till about that moment.
False are all the prayers made at temples and examination halls.
Ask someone stuck in a boat in the middle of an ocean for an hour with an upset stomach praying for everything to stay where it is!
The clock has never ticked slower.
I was beginning to get dizzy. My stomach was a gas chamber and explosions were happening at regular intervals.
The shore and the sea became blurry.
Whoever invented Massaging Toilet Seats must have spent an hour on this boat. The boat-shudders were hitting the right spot. EVERYTIME.
Why can’t Boat makers put tiny toilets on board?
Should I ask everyone to shut their eyes so I can free myself from all this torture in the ocean?
Should I ask the boat driver to dock on hell’s gate because there is no way I am getting through this alive.
20 more minutes.
My parents put no effort in hiding their clear amusement.
Instead, baba clicked this picture of me.
You could laugh now. But just think about that one time you wanted to go so bad but life had other plans.
God had mercy and we could finally see the coast.
I started prepping for my marathon treasure hunt.
“The coast isn’t even close yet. Stop standing at the tip of the boat. Come back. Sit. Look how pretty this view is.”
DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!
If you are thinking about what everyone else on the boat was thinking of my lil adventure?
Who cares!
Important lesson learnt.
Not the easiest way though.
The guy took forever to dock. Ugh. Wasn’t this his everyday job?
Inefficiency is the cancer of the working class.
I have the weakest eyes but did I spot the restaurant washroom from 1200 kilometres away or WHAT!
The slowest boat driver in the world finally docked the boat and I flew out of it and dashed to the restaurant.
Knowing how down my luck was on the day, I was prepared for the worst. And worst was what life gave me.
The ladies washroom was a single stall room which was occupied. I counted to 3 and dashed into the men’s room.
There were two clueless but very attractive men peeing and an empty stall in there.
Its a new country, they don’t speak the language, they don’t know me. I dashed to the stall and locked it.
Good Job Prajakta! I could feel the storm approaching but I had it covered. I was good on time. Until I realised I am wearing a JUMPSUIT.
A JUMPSUIT.
The outfit invented to make you sit butt naked on the toilet seat. And also came with the worst zippers.
The zipper and I got into a heated argument. Which unfortunately didn’t last long.
Much like my self-respect.
Badaboom Dhissh.
I was quite young then though.
I was 24.
Not anymore.
Yesterday was my 25th Birthday.
Happy Birthday to me.
Hey Prajakta, liked all your blog posts and the latest is no exception 🙂
The one below is mine. Read it when you can and let me know what you think 🙂 I know your definitely gonna disagree on one of my posts!
https://thebroadmindedtraditionalist.wordpress.com/
Haha..it was very funny😂 now I can get it why you kept saying that ” it is very personal to me” on YouTube..😂
Hey prajakta it was an awesome experience reading your experiences. You should write more about it I would love to read it. Great job ♥️❤️
True that on this one happened with me too and not fortunate enough to find a washroom men’s or women’ s “in India” finally entering into watchman’s washroom of oberoi requesting him to let me in !! Totally agree with you parajakta di at age 20 and you at 25 !!🙂❤🌹😅
This is the best!! Reading experience inspire me a lot and yours made me smile and was damn good. ♥ ♥
Also age doesn’t matter.. We all are kids. Who just look old. ♥ ♥
Was awesome ❤️
It was so damn hilarious.. I know I should not be laughing but my stomach is aching now. The picture that sir clicked is so damn good. You made the day. Thanks and keep posting
You are such an inspiration ❤️ I too write and trust me this was something which bounded me till the end and at last I was like ahhh.. khatam kyo hua? I need more of it..😅 well that was literally the best to start day😂😅❤️ you are amazing ❤️ LOVELOVE❣️
It was damn good . I laughed a lot and you made my day it was awesome to read your experience.
The ending was Hilarious! 😂 I really loved the way you write your articles. This was the best article so far and loved your picture too with your mamma! Can feel your pain 😂 #HappiestBirthday 😘♥️
This is one of the best blog I have ever read… It was funny as well as personal… Actually one day I was also in the same position nd I can imagine clearly how u were feeling at that time… The ending was superb🤣🤣🤣couldn’t anticipate that🤣🤣🤣please keep writing like this… Eagerly waiting fr ur next blog😃😃😃😃
It was damn good.I laughed a lot and it my day .Thankx di
Bwahahahaha!! The #ross experience!! 😂 not exactly, but yeah!
Well, I’m not one of those who has any particular interest in reading but this piece kept all my attention till the end and wishing you a happy effing 25th birthday PRAJAKTA! ❤️ (with same stomach condition though not in a boat. Ugh.)
It requires so much of courage to share such a personal incident with the fans/world..
But I know you have it.. more power and love love to you 💙💙
It was amazing it as suprateem (super+aprateem)……I enjoyed it to the fullest…. thanks to you for entertaining….u write the blogs in small Paras…but other write big bug Paras which makes there blogs boring to read…..but u make it interesting but ur punches between…..jite raho and likhte raho…..jite raho aur videos banate raho…..😇😘😄😁
Loved this one!! Few people share this sort of personal experiences. But as we are all part of the same family you thought to share it with us. We want you you write more often! Was missing your blogs. Anyways lovelove.♥️
Awww.. That’s such an inspirational experience you shared. Thank you Prajakta. I’ll remember this if I’m ever caught in such a situation. The title didn’t seem to portray what the body actually carried. I burst into laughter after seeing the photograph u attached. Love love 😚😘
This is insanely hilarious. Right more such awesome post. Your life is a hell of a ride. 😂😍😘 #foreverdumdum
This is insanely hilarious. Keep writing such awesome personal experiences because your life is a hell of a ride. ❤️💐😍😊
#foreverdumdum
Omg I am sorry but I was laughing soo hard while reading your blog
I can totally understand your situation and can feel because I am also an experienced one in this type of problem 😂 LOL
Prajakta you never fail to amaze me and all your dumdums. I love how fastening this blog is. ❤
Heyy this is bhumika huge fan of urss !! Ur oll vlogs r amazngg this 1 too love ur work love youu
Very daughter wanna sew this how to keep her family happy. Being indulged with them is so special. And this made my day cool and biggest youth inspiration Prajakta love you so much
Please visit TalavPali again ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lol🤣🤣…ur words make me travel in the scene. And baba took the picture was completely cheer on the top(good job baba😂✋)
Wowwwww di just wow….you are jst amazing dear….. It’s jst your experience how you enjoy it…. .And do you know di I just follow you… I always pray god for you why I don’t know I love you unconditionally…. stay blessed di.. 😊
Nature description… and the feelings sketch while you r in a bad situation… Its really well hard..but you done this..good job Prajakta
Carry on..but you can also give us more funny blogs
That was nice prajakta! I really love ur everything videos,vlogs ur stories on insta and else everything🤣
Hey prajakta di❤️ love u n ur videos and this blog too. 😊 and also Happy belated birthday to you. 🎉🎊🎂🎈🎁 please make more vlogs and videos. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😊#forever dumdums💕💕💕#mostlysane😊❤️
Haha! This was the funniest thing I’ve read in a while. Can’t wait for the day you launch your own book because it’s going to be BOMB! Lots of love ❤️
Here’s an inspiration to all out there and me too, yes you can write about anything and everything.
Sweets, you are really a blessing!!
Lots of Love..
Most absorbing, exciting and amazingly written article I have ever read Prajakta di….Love love😘😘💗💗
Prajakta Di, your honesty and simplicity shines through your writing and that is what struck me the most. I loved this and all other blogs that you wrote. You write from the heart,and that is the most important thing for any writer. Love love💗
This was amazing, your use of words is so unique. I could completely picturize your situation . Even I am a blogger lifehealed.wordpress.com . Thoroughly inspired by you . Love you♥️
Hey prajakta di 😊love you n ur videos and this blog too ❤️. And HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO YOU 🎁🎈🎂🎊🎉. plss make more vlogs and videos. ❤️❤️💕💕. #forever dumdums ☺️#mostlysane ❤️❤️luv from lko.
Hello Prajakta mam, i really love reading your blogs and this one is really awesome. Your story is so relatable. And we hit 2 Million yeyyyy.. and happy birthday mam. Have a wonderful year ahaed.
Best blog Prajakta…. good job
Hahahaa 😂 Too good! Well written. I could actually imagine the whole scene in my mind. But im sure everyone must have gone through a similar situation atleast once on their lives.
I too have started writing after reading your write Up’s 😁💃
I love reading your blogs! They are realistic and I can actually feel The whole damm situation 😂💓 I lovee youu! Keep writing
Imao it’s just awesome. Love yoi mostlysane.
Hey that was sooo funny and relatable
Did happen to me on a boat ride 😅😅 could feel ur pain, loved the blog keep writing Love love❤❤❤
Its really nice reading your blogs it encourage me a lotttt … I m also trying hard to be on youtube every tuesday your realtalk tuesday and listening to those stry of everyone strugle ao much make me inspire everyday to work hard.. I dont miss a single video of yours thank you so muchhh you help us so muchhh😘😘😘
Amazing!!😘 n even i don’t know what is the boat driver called😅😂
Love love❤❤
You are just superb prajakta and your blogs just inspire me❤❤
Hahahaahhaaahahaaha
I felt as if I was on the boat with you ,laughing at you😂😂😂😂 I love you the most babe!!! Also I too write ❤ and I thoroughly enjoyed this one!!!!!
Your blogs are just awesome and you inspire a lot of youths around you bt i wanted to say that your youtube contents are not as intetesting as they were used to so i hope you come up with something bnew this time . All the best❤❤
Hi there…. This is Saritha From Mangalore.
I just loved 😘😘😘 reading ur blog… Feel really happy for u dear. U have explained ur experience so very well dear… U made my day dear I totally understood 🤔🤔 and totally enjoyed ur experience… And u know what I love all ur vedios dear….. God bless you always dear and I wish u be happy and also continue making others happy dear…. All the best and once again God bless you sweetheart…. Love love 💕💕💕😘😘😘
Loved the blog mostlysane 💕💖❤❤
Awesome 💞