Updated on November, 2025

Mount Batur Lava Fields, Bali, Indonesia.

Basil and I met as physics undergrad students in 1999. We started off as best friends, dated each other for 7 odd years, and eventually tied the ‘knot’ after settling in our jobs. Basil was a scientific editor before transitioning to marketing and senior management. I quit my dreams of being an astro-physicist and briefly worked as a copywriter and occasionally dabble in freelance writing.

Learning Archery in Kazakhstan.

What’s our travel story?

We grew up and also spent pretty much of our early adulthood in suburban Bombay (Mumbai). Basil is one half Goan (with a pinch of Portuguese ancestry) and his other half originates from God’s own country: Kerala. I’m pretty much Manglorean (Karnataka) — or that’s what I’ve been told. As kids, we didn’t travel much. Most of our summer holidays were spent in our hometown — in southern India. I guess: that’s what made us want to travel.

 Seven Bulls (Jeti-Ögüz) Red Rock formation, Kyrgyzstan.

Initially, travel was an escape for us. An escape from the drudgery of work and mundane life. As we explored more places off the beaten path, immersed ourselves in new cultures, and met an eclectic bunch of people; travel became our calling. Our travel blog is a collection of those experiences and a memoir of how we travel. What started off as a personal journal for us and few close friends has completed a decade in 2024.

With the Voyager, Idukki (Kerala), India.

On our trips, Basil is the photographer, travel partner and sounding board. He dreams of far-flung places to explore. His inspiration comes from his avid interest in stamps and notes.

I (Cheryl) think being different from each other is what makes us click. While he takes hours to photograph subjects or places; I choose to get lost in my thoughts or talk to local people. In a way, our blog represents the best of both of us.

Why ‘two brown feet’?

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” 

― Lao Tzu

I took a really long time to think this one out. Anyone who follows our trips, will realise: ‘walking’ is one of our top choices. Basil avoids the straight route and we often get lost, going off the marked tourist trail. The name is our interpretation of what a good trip must result in: a pair of tired & muddy feet.

And yes, there’s an undeniable fact of our own colour. We’re living in trying times and I understand the need for representation. You could read more about my musings here.

  • Sunrise over Mount Bromo, Indonesia.
  • Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan.
  • Halong Bay, Vietnam.
  • Gullfoss Falls, Iceland.
  • Desert in Mongolia.

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” 
― Anita Desai

The view of the Han River, Mapo, Seoul.

In 2016, we relocated to Seoul, South Korea after short stints in Shanghai (China) and Tokyo (Japan). It wasn’t the mountain town or quiet life we were dreaming of. Fortunately, Seoul did have its fair share of rocky peaks, green spots, and towering mountains. The six years that we spent in Korea changed us.

Expat life can tear you down whilst building your strength in ways that you’d never expect. I will always have a bitter-sweet relationship with Korea and memories that even brain fog can’t erase. What’s more, I’ve made life-long friends with people around the globe.

Tea Estates in Wayanad, Kerala, India.
Tea Estates in Munnar, Kerala, India.

“I think you travel to search and you come back home to find yourself there.” 

― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

In 2021, we returned back to India. The pandemic had been tough for everyone (including us) and our parents (especially my mum) required us to be closer to them, After dabbling with many possible options, we chose to stay in my hometown. It wasn’t the secluded mountain town that we had always dreamed of settling in, but it opened the gateway to southern India.

We bought a SUV (our voyager) and set off on a 6,500 KM cross-country road trip in 2023. Travel has been very different since our return. It’s hard with ageing parents, mid-life shenanigans, and loads of retirement planning. There’s lesser walking and more driving, but the need to explore still prevails. And we hope: you’ll still enjoy our journey!

125 replies on “Our Story”

  8. Pingback: Seven Day B&W Photo Challenge – Day 5 | Leya

  10. I just came across your blog and I’m glad I did! I’m amazed by how many countries you’ve been to and the way you write about your experience and the photohraphs are both awesome. I’m from Spain but I currenty live in Japan (we’re neighbours!) and I’m hoping to expand my horizons as much as you guys did, little by little!

    Reply

    1. Hi Lola! Thanks a bunch for stopping by. And your wonderful comment just made my day. 🙂 Yes, we are neighbours! My husband and I visited Tokyo last month. Keep dreaming and you will visit the countries on your bucket list. Spain has been on ours for ages!
      Cheryl

      Reply

  12. Cheryl and Basil, had a request to make. Can I please borrow this format for my upcoming post on Hebron — pictures interspersed with text and quotes? I have only seen it on your blog and it is a fantastic structure. I feel it would work beautifully for my upcoming post. Due credit will of course be given. 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi Rama! Yeah, sure! No worries. 🙂 I’ve seen many bloggers using this format and you didn’t need to ask permission. 🙂 I’m touched you did! I’d taken a rather long sabbatical from blogging and I’m sorry I couldn’t respond earlier. Hope you’re doing well! xo

      Reply

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