Shruti Shivam, an Indian expatriate living in Portugal, has a newfound appreciation for the things she once took for granted in India. As she navigates her life abroad, she finds herself reminiscing about the simple pleasures she once overlooked. It wasn’t until she moved away that she realized the value of the little things that made her daily life richer in India.
A Taste of Home: Savoring Indian Cuisine Abroad
Shruti recalls the countless nights she spent savoring the flavors of Indian cuisine with her family and friends back in India. The aromas of fresh spices, the textures of tender meat, and the depth of flavors in every dish were all taken for granted. It wasn’t until she moved to Portugal that she truly appreciated the nuances of Indian food. ‘I never realized how much I took the variety of Indian cuisine for granted until I moved abroad,’ Shruti says. ‘The diversity of flavors, the different regional specialties, and the love that goes into cooking each meal – it’s something that I truly cherish now.’
Shruti’s appreciation for Indian cuisine has led her to explore various food blogs and recipes online. She has even started experimenting with new dishes in her kitchen, much to the delight of her Portuguese friends and family. ‘They love trying new flavors and textures, and it’s wonderful to share a part of my culture with them,’ Shruti says with a smile.
The Comfort of Public Spaces: Rediscovering Parks and Green Spaces
Shruti’s second discovery is the comfort and beauty of public spaces in India. She recalls spending hours in parks, gardens, and other green areas, enjoying the peace and tranquility. It wasn’t until she moved to Portugal that she realized how much she missed these spaces. ‘I never appreciated how much I relied on public spaces for my mental well-being until I moved abroad,’ Shruti says. ‘The parks, the gardens, and the green spaces – they were always there, but I never truly valued them until now.’
Shruti’s love for public spaces has led her to explore various parks and gardens in Portugal. She has even started taking long walks in the evenings, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of nature. ‘It’s wonderful to have these spaces to unwind and recharge,’ Shruti says. ‘They bring me so much peace and comfort, and I feel grateful to have them in my life.’
The Joy of Community: Celebrating Festivals and Traditions
Shruti’s final discovery is the joy of community that comes with celebrating festivals and traditions in India. She recalls the excitement and energy of Diwali, Holi, and other festivals, where people came together to celebrate and share in the joy. It wasn’t until she moved to Portugal that she realized how much she missed this sense of community. ‘I never appreciated how much I relied on festivals and traditions to connect with others until I moved abroad,’ Shruti says. ‘They brought me so much joy and a sense of belonging, and I feel grateful to have experienced them.’
Shruti’s love for festivals and traditions has led her to explore various cultural events and celebrations in Portugal. She has even started participating in local festivals and traditions, much to the delight of her Portuguese friends and family. ‘They love learning about our customs and traditions, and it’s wonderful to share a part of my heritage with them,’ Shruti says with a smile.
As Shruti looks back on her journey of appreciation, she realizes that it’s the little things that truly matter. From the taste of Indian cuisine to the comfort of public spaces and the joy of community, she has come to appreciate the richness of her cultural heritage. ‘I’m grateful for this journey of self-discovery,’ Shruti says. ‘It’s taught me to appreciate the things I once took for granted, and I feel richer for it.’
