Re-discovering roots

dot-to-dot is a collection of essays about a family’s travel from the United States to re-discover their roots in India with 2 little kids.

History, tradition, culture, lifestyle, environment, food, social customs, the sounds and smells and above all, the people. Dot-to-dot is an effort to connect all of these dots one by one – carefully, patiently and happily to create a complete picture of who we are. This blog organizes research, shares experiences and quirky stories and gives insights into what makes this exploration possible.

We are a typical family of 4. We work around allergies, time off from school and work, car sickness, living out of 2 bags, waking up early and getting the act together to so we can make the most out of this journey in a safe and fulfilling way.

When you are able to bring the traveler in you along, even a stroll down the neighborhood can be full of exploration.

Travel doesn’t always have to be about visiting exotic places.

It is about finding connections with your surroundings and chancing upon interesting facts in the most unlikely places.

Many of our friends have asked us about how we plan, how we approach a trip and how we make a long haul possible with little kids. While there isn’t one single answer, we can touch on some of these points through our stories.

I hope the work that we have put together will inspire you to use your kids as a reason to explore instead of an excuse not to.

The Authors

Ms. Chronicler is Priya Khatri

I am a designer by profession. My interest in travel and exploration began at the age of 7 with sending letters to a pen-pal in Italy. If I couldn’t travel myself, the thought that my letters were traveling was just enough!

I had the opportunity to work and backpack for 2 years in Europe in the pre-smartphone era. During this time I developed a liking for planning, way-finding and exploring the unknown by often traveling solo. To be safe in unknown locations where you don’t even speak the language is one thing I figured out quickly. I took photos and I kept a journal.

I also ended up meeting my childhood pen-pal in the Italian countryside, 21 years after we had started writing to each other. Exploring and writing really have the power to surprise!

Now as a mother of 2 kids, nature and culture are a constant inspiration. I am also a practicing Communication Designer.

Chronicler is Nachiket Bhawe, my husband.

He has traveled extensively to present academic research papers at international conferences. Where ever he goes he takes the time out to hop on a bicycle to feel the lay of the land. He brings his unique historic and research perspective to this blog.

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