Annya's Enchanted Realities

2024 might not have gone exactly as I expected, but it ended on a happy note. I’d love to share this beautiful experience with you all so I can hold on to these memories and cherish them even more. This was a mother-daughter trip to Alleppey. Though it was an official trip, I made sure that Erin and I made the most of it. 

The Journey Begins: Alleppey, here we come!

The official trip started on November 29, 2024, but we began our journey a day earlier. In this blog, I’ll be focusing on the memories Erin and I shared. If you’re interested in reading about what happened during the official trip, click here.

We left home around 6:30 AM on November 28, 2024. In the rush of the moment, I didn’t check my train ticket carefully. Being a frequent traveler to Chennai, I assumed the train to Kerala would depart from the same station. Needless to say, I ended up at the wrong one. I usually double-check the platform number at the counter, and that’s when I realized my mistake. My daughter, of course, was super mad at me. She looked at me and said, ‘You’re the mother—you should be more responsible!’ Gosh, at that moment, she was ‘the’ strict mom. 

Question: Have you ever found yourself rushing to the wrong train station, panicking at the last minute? What was your funniest or most nerve-wracking travel mishap?

I quickly found an auto and made it to the correct station, barely catching the train. Thank goodness for Indian Railways’ usual delays! Relieved, we boarded the train, but my happiness didn’t last long. The third AC coach was infested with mouse pups—yes, an actual invasion! I couldn’t relax, let alone nap, and spent the entire five-hour journey in panic mode, guarding our bags from becoming rodent playgrounds. Erin, meanwhile, was cool as a cucumber, glued to her phone. I eventually gave up and started filming the pups to share in our family group chat. It was equal parts nerve-wracking and hilarious, but definitely a ride to remember!

My panic really set in when I saw the pups of mice. Yes, not just one pup, but pups—an invasion, really. The third AC coach was infested with them. After spotting the tiny invaders, I couldn’t even blink, let alone nap. I immediately alerted Erin, who quickly joined me. While Erin passed the time playing on her phone, I was making sure those pups didn’t get into our bags or climb up to us. I was in full-blown panic mode. Eventually, I started taking videos of the pups to pass the time and posted them in our family group. I even made a reel and posted it on my instagram account. Honestly, I think IRCTC should do something about it and clean up the train. It’s not really safe.

Question: How would you handle a train ride with unexpected little “travel companions”? Would you stay calm like Erin or go into full-blown panic mode like me?

Arrival at Alleppey

Time passed, and finally, by 11:30 AM, we reached Alleppey. The first thing I loved about the place was how clean everything was—not just the roads, but even the police! Upon entry, we had to stop at a police booth to register the reason for our visit and where we were headed. Even an auto was assigned to us by the constable at the booth. Everything was so structured.

Thankfully, before we arrived, I had already booked a hotel for our stay. We headed to the hotel in an auto, and it was a beautiful place called Hotel Palmyra Milford. The room was lovely, and the reception had a modern, inviting vibe. Everything about the place felt contemporary and welcoming.

Since we had woken up early and didn’t get a chance to nap on the train, we decided to stay in and rest. We were going to be in Alleppey for the next four days, so we had plenty of time to explore. I ordered lunch for both Erin and me, and while it was on its way, we freshened up and got settled in. The first thing we did was video call my mom and sister back home to show them the room we were in. Thankfully, our room had a beautiful view. Through the window, we could see a lush, green landscape, and the scenery was so calming. By this time, lunch had arrived, and we both enjoyed a nice meal. Afterward, I put Erin to bed so I could catch up on some work.

The day passed with me catching up on work while Erin rested. I also had to make a few arrangements for the games we were going to host during the official retreat. Afterward, we ordered dinner and settled in for the night. The next day, we were scheduled to meet my colleagues to head to the Punnamada Resort. 

The following morning, we had a hearty breakfast at Palmyra and headed up to our room to check out and meet up with my colleagues. However, I got a call from them saying they would meet us directly at Punnamada. So, Erin and I decided to book a cab. On our way to the resort, we made a few stops—one to take care of some printouts and the other to enjoy the scenic beauty of Alleppey, especially the boating views. Along the side of the road, we saw people on boat rides, and the whole scene was simply beautiful.

Exploring the Backwaters

We reached Punnamada Resort by around 11 AM, I think, and Erin and I were the first to arrive. I was excited, but Erin was even more so—she absolutely loves traveling. As soon as we got to the reception area, I made sure to take some pictures of Erin, because my family had specifically ordered me to snap plenty of photos. If I failed, I’d probably be ‘hanged’—😂! 

We checked our bags into the cloakroom and set off to explore the resort. As we walked around the property, Erin spotted a swing and ran over to it. After playing on the swing for a few minutes, we made our way toward the backwaters. The view was simply epic—still etched in my mind. It was the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. Around that time, a couple of my colleagues joined Erin and me. While the four of us were catching up and soaking in the beauty, we noticed a speedboat approaching. Apparently, we could take a boat ride if we wanted. Erin was eager to hop on, but I was terrified. I’m not very adventurous—if you haven’t figured that out by now! Not sure if it’s the age or Erin’s fearless nature, but she’s definitely the brave one in our family.

By this time, we were called down to the reception because our rooms were ready. Erin and I checked in, and let me tell you—it felt like stepping into a slice of paradise. Our room was located by the swimming pool, with a bridge that led directly to the restaurant. In front of our room, there was a traditional sit-out area that added a unique touch. Everything about the resort and the room was so authentic, it made us feel like we had stepped back in time. 

When we entered the room, a huge bed draped with white curtains greeted us. Beyond it, there was an easy chair, a dressing table, and a glass door that opened to the backwaters. The view was absolutely breathtaking. And I can’t forget to mention the bathroom—it was open and spacious, which added a really unique touch. Everything was just so beautiful, and Erin was over the moon. She looked at me and said, ‘Mommy, you’re the best!’ and hugged me for bringing her on this trip. I was speechless. 

Soon after, the rest of the team had gathered at the resort, and I was catching up with my colleagues while Erin found a playmate in Geetha’s daughter. The two of them were practically like sisters, looking out for each other as they played. It’s almost a tradition now—once a year, these “sisters” reunite and have the time of their lives. I felt such a sense of relief because, when these two are together, I don’t have to worry about anything. Erin can be quite a handful when she’s on her own, but with other kids around, she transforms into the responsible one.

That evening, we had a big meeting, so we all headed to our rooms to freshen up and get ready. After dinner, Erin and I came back to our room, and the first thing we did was undo the white curtains on the bedpost. We jumped inside, had a pillow fight, and laughed until our cheeks hurt. We were so excited, pretending we were in a castle and completely lost in our little world.

The next day, I was tied up with meetings and regular business, while the “sisters,” Erin and Kanishka, kept themselves busy hanging out together. They spent their time drawing, playing board games, and exploring the resort. After lunch, most of the team headed off to play cricket and other outdoor games, but Geetha and I decided we needed a break from everything. So, we took our kids to our rooms to relax.

Once Erin and I were back in our room, I had to convince her to take a nap. I told her it was to conserve energy to play with her sister later that evening, but the truth was, I needed the nap just as much! Before the nap, I had to talk to Erin about something serious. Throughout the trip, Erin’s behavior was a source of constant discussion among the people around us. One thing that stood out was how much she used her mobile phone. While I understood the importance of letting her have some downtime, especially on a trip like this, it became a point of contention. Everyone seemed to have their opinions, and unfortunately, I couldn’t seem to control the situation as much as I would have liked. As a single mother, I often find myself walking a tightrope, trying to strike a balance between being a friend and a parent. Sometimes, I find it harder to be the “bad guy” when I don’t have a partner to back me up.

I’ll admit, I may not always get it right. I’m not a perfect parent, and I’m still figuring things out as I go. But given the circumstances, I’m doing my best. Still, my colleagues had a lot to say about Erin’s constant phone usage. They criticized me, and while part of me agreed with their concerns, another part of me felt helpless. It was hard to manage without seeming too harsh, but it hurt to be judged so openly.

When I told Erin about the criticism I’d received, she felt bad. I explained to her that I was being accused of being a bad parent, and I could see the sadness in her eyes. I didn’t want her to feel guilty, but I also wanted her to understand why I was asking her to be more present in the moment, especially when we were out in public. I gently asked her not to use her phone so much when we were around others, particularly when we were outside, in the open, and surrounded by new experiences. It wasn’t just about the phone; it was about creating memories and connecting with the people around us.

I’m not sure if she completely understood the reason behind my request, but I could tell she wanted to make things better for me. Later in the evening, we all gathered near the restaurant, chatting and enjoying ourselves. Meanwhile, Kanishka and Erin were busy playing “train” at the restaurant, while Geetha and I seized the moment to click pictures and record videos—not just of the kids but of each other as well. In fact, we even made a fun reel video to the trending “Adipoli” song, though it never made it to the public! It was a lighthearted and memorable evening filled with laughter and creativity.

The Beautiful Houseboat Ride

The next day, we were checking out from the resort, but we were surprisingly excited—not because of the checkout, but because we were finally heading to the houseboat. This was the moment Erin had been eagerly waiting for. She had been counting down the days, asking every morning, “Is it time for the houseboat yet?” The idea of floating on water, surrounded by lush greenery, had her absolutely thrilled. She even started calling it the “Indian cruise ship,” imagining it to be something grand and luxurious. And now, that moment was finally here. We were supposed to board the houseboat by 12 PM, but there was a hiccup in the plan. The boat was delayed by nearly an hour. Erin, of course, was furious. She refused to listen to any of my explanations. Since Erin is only afraid of my sister—who plays the strict “father figure” role in the family—I called her for help. I explained the situation and told her that Erin wasn’t behaving.

While my sister was trying to help, something unexpected happened. We were sitting by the port area near the restaurant, waiting for the boat and trying to convince Erin when I noticed something moving in the water. At first, I thought it was a water bird, but then I saw its slender, long body wiggling. My heart skipped a beat, and I immediately screamed, “Paambuuu…” (snake in Tamil). It was heading straight for our port, and I’m not sure if my scream startled it, but it veered off and slithered toward the next port. And guess where that port was? Right behind the room we had just vacated!

By the time the ruckus settled down, we noticed something else heading our way. This time, happiness and excitement took over us. The majestic houseboat was arriving, and Erin and I were practically jumping with joy. I think Erin and I were the first to board. The crew then showed us to our rooms. Though compact, it was perfect for just the two of us. As we were settling in, I began hearing murmurs from the others. Curious, I asked what was going on. They told me the team was going on a speedboat ride.

I immediately checked for Erin, hoping she hadn’t heard the word “speedboat” because we all knew how much she wanted to go. Of course, she was standing right there. She looked up at me with those puppy-dog eyes and said, “Mommy, please, we gotta go. Please, pretty please.” How could I say no? I agreed, and the crew handed out life jackets. I hesitated for a moment, but there was no way I was sending my daughter alone on a boat. So, I gathered my courage and put the life jacket on.

Then came the most nerve-wracking part. Erin practically leapt into the speedboat from the houseboat. As for me, with my larger frame, I struggled to get on, but eventually managed to board. I sat in the front seat beside the driver, and Erin was right behind me. The engine roared to life, and so did my panic. I can still feel the wind slapping my face and the lake water splashing onto me, as if it just happened. A chill ran down my spine every time the boat made sudden cuts and turns. Then, I heard a clear voice in my ear, “I want more… I want more…” Yes, you guessed it. It was Erin. I screamed, “Iyo chetta, vendam (In malayalam it means, please don’t)… Erin, please calm down. We’re done!” We rode the boat for about 10 minutes.

When I finally stepped off the speedboat and back onto the houseboat, I turned around to collect Erin. She looked at me and said, ‘Mommy, once more please.’ At first, I sternly said, ‘No way.’ But of course, the crew and a few other team members convinced me. So, off we went for round two. This time, getting onto the speedboat felt a bit easier. I knew what to expect, so the fear wasn’t as intense. Looking back, I have Erin to thank for that. She helped me face a situation I never thought I could handle. Check this reel to see how the speedboat ride turned out. 

Question: Would you have hopped on the speedboat like Erin, or would you stick to the shore with me? Are you more of a thrill-seeker or a “play-it-safe” kind of traveler?

After the second round, we got back on the houseboat, freshened up, and had lunch with the team. Later that evening, most of the team went shopping, while Erin and I stayed back to spend some time together. Honestly, I didn’t feel like going out because I was still hurt from earlier, and I didn’t want my sadness to affect anyone else. So, I seized the opportunity to bond with my daughter over some board games to lift my spirits. Afterward, I called my family to update them on our day.

Memories and Moments

That night, we had dinner, and I hosted a game show for the team—a couples’ game show and also a team activity called Password. The team was thrilled, and it reminded me of another memorable work retreat I hosted in Alleppey with my colleagues, where we bonded over similar fun activities. Erin was so taken with the game that she insisted we play it before going to bed. She wouldn’t let me sleep without playing it! Even though I knew the answers, I had to pretend that I couldn’t guess any of her clues, and she absolutely loved it when I didn’t get them. She kept saying, “Mommy, you’re so dumb,” “Mommy, you could’ve guessed this, you knew it,” and “Oh Mommy, it’s okay, I know you can do this.”

Honestly, it wasn’t about the game itself. I cherished the time spent with her, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Then we slept in, and the next day, while the others were heading back to their hometowns, Erin and I stayed in Alleppey for one more day. I had booked a homestay, which was located near a lake, and the view was even more breathtaking. I must say, this trip made me seriously consider moving to Alleppey. Its beauty and scenery completely captivated me.

Once we checked in, I asked the owner if we could go out shopping since we had missed the chance the day before. We headed into town and did some Christmas and New Year shopping for the whole family. It felt like I was taking a piece of this paradise back home to share with everyone.

At midnight, we headed to the railway station to board the train back home. The property owner had arranged for an auto to take us to the station, and he even waited with us, helping us board the train. According to the ticket information, we were supposed to reach the station at 8 AM, but to our surprise, we arrived an hour earlier. It was by accident that I noticed through the window and realized we were already at our destination.

Question: When you look back on your travels, what’s one lesson or unforgettable moment that always stands out?

Then, in a bit of a panic, I practically carried Erin and the luggage and jumped off the train because, by the time we landed on the platform, it had already started moving. Phew… From start to finish, the entire trip was simply amazing. It was a mix of happiness, sadness, disappointment, and pain, but it also commemorated the beautiful bond between a mother and daughter.

Reflecting on the Trip

What a journey it has been! Reflecting on this trip, the memories Erin and I created are priceless, and they remind me how precious the moments we share are, especially when we take the time to be fully present with each other. From the chaos of catching the wrong train to the quiet joy of spending the evening in a houseboat, every moment was filled with a sense of adventure, laughter, and connection. I may not have been the perfect parent, but Erin’s constant support and our shared experiences remind me why I cherish motherhood so much. These small moments, like our impromptu pillow fight, playing games together, or just soaking in the beauty of Alleppey, are the ones that will stay with me forever. It’s not just about the destinations, but the bonds we strengthen along the way. Alleppey, with its serene landscapes and moments of bliss, has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I know Erin will carry these memories with her too, just as I will. This trip wasn’t just about a mother and daughter exploring a new place—it was about making memories that will last a lifetime. And for that, I am truly grateful.