Title: Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik

Author: Dr. Aparna Ajith 

Genre: Fiction 

*Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik* is one of those quietly affecting books that stays with you long after the last page, not because of grand plot twists, but because of the emotional honesty threaded through everyday moments. Reading it feels like sitting beside someone who is unpacking their life, piece by piece, with care and courage, inviting you to look inside without rushing you.

At its heart, the book is about motherhood, migration, and the way love reshapes identity. The recurring image of suitcases instantly sets the tone. They are not just objects used for travel, but symbols of constant movement, uprootedness, and hope. Each journey carries expectations, fears, and the weight of starting over. The writing captures this beautifully, especially in moments where the narrator reflects on how leaving one place never truly means arriving whole in another.

The sandcastles are perhaps my favourite metaphor in the book. They represent childhood, fragility, and impermanence. As Anvik grows, these sandcastles become reminders that some things are meant to be built knowing they will eventually be washed away. One particularly poignant scene shows Anvik playing by the sea while the adults quietly grapple with decisions that will alter his future. The innocence of that moment contrasts sharply with the emotional turmoil beneath it, making it deeply moving.

Little Anvik himself is the emotional centre of the story. Through him, we see how children absorb far more than adults assume. There is a scene later in the book where Anvik questions why home feels different in each place they live. This moment is a soft spoiler, but it is crucial because it marks the point where the child begins to articulate the silent tension that has been hovering throughout the narrative. It is heartbreaking and grounding at the same time.

The book does not shy away from difficult truths. The strain on relationships, the loneliness of starting over, and the quiet guilt of parents who wonder if they are doing enough are all laid bare. Yet it never feels heavy handed. Instead, there is tenderness in how these themes unfold, often through small details like bedtime routines, lost toys, or the careful packing of yet another suitcase.

What makes this book special is its restraint. The author trusts the reader to feel the weight of what is unsaid. The ending, while not neatly resolved, feels honest. There is no dramatic closure, only acceptance and growth. The final image of Anvik by the shore, older and more aware, ties back beautifully to the sandcastles of his early years and leaves you reflecting on how much we all carry forward from our childhoods.

Overall, *Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik* is a gentle, reflective read that explores belonging and love in a deeply personal way. It is ideal for readers who appreciate emotional nuance and stories that mirror real life, messy, tender, and quietly brave.

Rating: 4/5

This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program

Indian Railways is the lifeline of the nation, transporting millions of passengers daily across cities, towns, and villages. Despite its vast network, securing a confirmed train ticket often feels like winning a lottery, especially during peak seasons, festivals, and long weekends.

As a doctor and a mother of two, my days are usually measured in clinic hours, school schedules, and endless to do lists. Life is fulfilling, meaningful, and deeply rooted in responsibility. Yet somewhere between saving lives and raising little humans, I learned that joy does not always arrive quietly. Sometimes, joy needs to be chased across time zones.

Travel has become my way of reconnecting with myself. Not the rushed, checklist kind of travel, but slow, thoughtful journeys where comfort, beauty, and intention come together. For me, joy in travel is not about escaping life. It is about returning to it with renewed energy and clarity.

In medicine, we are trained to give endlessly. Compassion, focus, empathy, and precision are required every single day. Over time, that constant giving can quietly drain you. Travel gives me the space to refill my cup. The joy of waking up in a new city, opening hotel curtains to unfamiliar views, and sipping coffee without urgency is deeply therapeutic. As a doctor, I understand the importance of rest. As a mother, I rarely prioritize it. Travel forces me to.

Traveling with my children adds another layer of joy. Watching them experience new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes reminds me of the wonder we often lose as adults. Their laughter in hotel pools, their curiosity in museums, and their excitement over simple discoveries bring a pure, grounding joy that no luxury can replicate. These moments strengthen our bond and teach them that joy can be found in exploration, not just possessions.

Style and comfort matter to me when I travel. I believe joy is amplified when you feel good in your surroundings and in your own skin. Choosing beautiful hotels, well planned itineraries, and thoughtful outfits allows me to move through destinations with ease. This version of travel supports my identity as a woman who values grace, aesthetics, and self respect. Joy thrives when there is less chaos and more intention.

As a doctor, I often speak to patients about mental health and balance. Travel reinforces those lessons in my own life. Changing environments resets the nervous system. New sights stimulate the mind. Moments of stillness improve emotional well being. Joy, I have learned, is not indulgent. Joy is necessary. It is a vital component of long term health, especially for women who constantly care for others.

Time zones blur when you travel enough, but joy remains constant. Whether it is a quiet breakfast overlooking the sea or a late night walk through a glowing city, these experiences ground me. They remind me why I chose a life of purpose and passion. Travel allows me to return home as a better doctor, a more present mother, and a calmer human being.

Chasing joy across time zones is not about luxury alone. It is about intention, healing, and balance. It is about choosing experiences that nourish the soul. And every time I pack my bags, I am reminded that joy is not something I stumble upon. Joy is something I consciously choose, 

again and again.

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (December) Challenge with theme word (Joy).

As a doctor, I was always taught to look beyond myself — to heal, to diagnose, to treat others before me. But somewhere along that journey, I forgot YOU. Not just the “you” sitting in front of me as a patient, but YOU — the deeper essence within. The part that dreams, feels, and wants to live a little beyond duty. It took years, words, and travel to find that YOU again.

When I hung up my stethoscope and picked up my pen, people asked, “Why?” My answer was simple: because YOU can’t pour from an empty cup. Medicine gave me purpose, but writing gave me peace. I realized how much of life I had missed — the sunsets I didn’t watch, the stories I didn’t tell, and the moments I didn’t feel because I was too busy saving everyone else’s you.

Travel became my therapy. Each journey whispered a truth — that healing doesn’t always happen in hospitals. Sometimes, it happens when YOU lose yourself in a mountain mist, when YOU sip coffee in a small Polish café, or when YOU write your heart out beside a quiet sea. I learned that YOU are not defined by your profession, your success, or your failures. YOU are defined by how deeply you live, love, and create.

As a doctor, I was surrounded by lives on the edge — people fighting for every breath. It taught me the fragility of time. But as a writer, I discovered the beauty of slowing it down. The words I now write are not medical prescriptions, but emotional ones — for YOU, for me, for everyone who’s forgotten their inner spark.

If YOU are reading this and feeling stuck in a role that no longer excites you, know this: YOU have permission to evolve. YOU have permission to rewrite your story. The world may define you by what you do, but only YOU can define why you do it.

Through my travels, from bustling streets of Warsaw to the serene cliffs of Santorini, I’ve realized that stories are everywhere — in people, in places, in pauses. Every adventure is a reminder that YOU don’t need to have everything figured out. Sometimes, YOU just need to take that first step, even if it’s away from everything familiar.

So here I am — a doctor turned writer and traveller, learning, unlearning, and discovering life one story at a time. And I hope that somewhere in these words, YOU find a little bit of yourself too. Because at the end of the day, life is not about who you heal, where you go, or what you achieve — it’s about how fully YOU .

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative November Challenge with theme word You.

 Krakow, Poland’s cultural gem, is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities — and the best part? You can experience much of its charm absolutely free. From medieval squares to serene riverbanks and fascinating street art, Krakow offers plenty of no-cost adventures for travelers on a budget. Here’s your guide to the best free things to do in Krakow, perfect for soaking up its rich history, culture, and atmosphere without spending a złoty.

1. Wander Around Krakow’s Old Town (Stare Miasto)

Krakow’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect place to begin your journey. Stroll through the cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, historic churches, and hidden courtyards. The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is Europe’s largest medieval town square, surrounded by landmarks like the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the St. Mary’s Basilica. Don’t miss the hourly trumpet call, the Hejnal Mariacki, from the basilica tower — a centuries-old Krakow tradition.

2. Climb Wawel Hill and Explore the Grounds

Overlooking the Vistula River, Wawel Castle is Krakow’s crown jewel. While entry to the castle’s museums requires a ticket, exploring the Wawel Hill and its courtyards is completely free. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, visit the Wawel Cathedral’s exterior, and meet the legendary Wawel Dragon statue at the base of the hill. It’s a magical experience that captures the city’s mythical spirit.

3. Walk Along the Vistula River

A walk along the Vistula Boulevards offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Locals come here to jog, cycle, or relax by the water. During summer, you’ll find street performers, pop-up food stalls, and outdoor events along the riverbank. The stretch between Wawel Castle and the Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) is especially scenic, connecting to the artsy Podgórze district.

4. Explore the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)

Once the heart of Krakow’s Jewish community, Kazimierz is now a vibrant district filled with culture and history. Wander its cobbled lanes to discover centuries-old synagogues, vintage shops, and creative street art. Don’t miss Plac Nowy, the district’s central square, where local life unfolds around quirky cafes and weekend markets. Kazimierz perfectly blends old-world charm with bohemian energy — all free to experience.

5. Visit Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa)

For a panoramic view of the city, head to Krakus Mound, one of Krakow’s oldest landmarks. This prehistoric mound, said to be the resting place of the city’s mythical founder, King Krakus, offers one of the best sunset spots in town. It’s a peaceful spot for a picnic or a photography session overlooking the Old Town skyline.

6. Discover Krakow’s Street Art Scene

Krakow has a thriving street art culture, particularly in Kazimierz and Podgórze. Take a self-guided walking tour to find murals by renowned artists like Blu and M-City. Each artwork tells a story about Krakow’s past and present — a free, open-air art gallery for all.

Final Thoughts

From historic landmarks to local art and scenic walks, Krakow proves that some of life’s best experiences don’t come with a price tag. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture lover, or simply a wanderer, these free things to do in Krakow will make your Polish adventure unforgettable.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025