Last summer, lured by the prospect of Fika — the Swedish art of taking coffee breaks, I planned a trip to Stockholm. I was thrilled at the idea of a relaxing holiday where I would leisurely relish my coffee (the way Swedes do rather than buying it ‘to-go’ on my way to work) and savour every moment with each blissful bite of Kanelbullar (the Swedish cinnamon rolls to die for)! And of course, my itinerary included a day trip to the largest archipelago in Sweden- the Stockholm archipelago.

The plan was to go island hopping and exploring, try some local food, and be back in the city by night. We started sailing early in the morning; and as the city sights began to slip away, we moved further into rugged shorelines. Soon, I found myself drifting into the lap of idyllic countryside dotted with charming little Falu red houses.

As I stood on the deck, feeling the balmy August wind on my face while taking in the sights around me, I had an epiphany. I, suddenly, realised how tiny we are in this great, great universe. Yet, we spend our entire lives creating this sense of ‘identity’ that (most likely) might not align with the true ‘self’.

We partake in the compulsive pursuit of material possessions and embrace the grind to feed our egos. We constantly try to be ‘somebody’ with the belief that those very roles shape our ‘identity’. I began to wonder how this persistence to fulfil our societal roles could increasingly lead us to move away from our own, true selves.

This inclination can slowly drain us off mentally and physically, leaving us exhausted, if we do not try to find, at least, an occasional, escape. And what could be a better escape than traveling? This prospect of being in a place where no one knows me, where I can be a ‘nobody’ fills me with insatiable wanderlust. This moment where I can just be myself, without any commitments to take care of and deadlines to meet! This strange feeling of freedom, away from all the humdrum of life, feels so precious.

I pondered on how travelling allows me to have a breather from the constant efforts to fit in. Wherever I travel — in the wilderness, on top of mountains, in deep waters, in quaint little towns, or in bustling cities; the fact that I do not need to put up a façade of any sort, is immensely liberating.

My tryst with my thoughts was interrupted by distant sounds of peppy music. I realized that we were slowing down, making our way to Sandhamn, our last stop for the day. This lively little island, with sandy beaches, shops, and restaurants, had a different vibe altogether; so very different from the islands of Kymmendö or Bullerö that we had explored earlier that day.

Well, that is the beauty of these islands — each has a story of its own; each has its own personality — from charming fishing villages to wildlife reserves, magnificent beaches to rugged coastlines, and so much more.

Honestly, one day wasn’t enough to explore and admire the beauty of the Stockholm archipelago. Nevertheless, it filled me with this feeling of euphoria which I experience when I connect with nature. This trip provided me with the time and space for introspection. Travelling gained a new meaning as my experience of it deepened. I came home rejuvenated, with a connection to my inner thoughts, and a tad more awareness of myself and the world around me.