Hi, I’m Anshu, an Indian Expat living in Amsterdam for about 5 years. I moved to Europe to pursue my love for travelling and exploring new countries. It has been an adventuours journey so far, with an increasing list of places to explore.
I have got a chance to visit 20+ countries thanks to the ease of travel in this continent, and this blog is an attempt to share my experiences and share what inspires me to explore and buzz around. I am not a blogger or influencer, I just started this as a hobby because I wanted to share my thoughts.
Why Toasted Pebbles? The name came out after a few weeks of brainstorming and attempt to gather together my 2 most favourite things – beaches and food. Hence, Toasted Pebbles is my love for everything around beaches, the soft sand, shining of the waters in moonlight, shades of blues, sunsets and boulevards. It amazes me how a simple stripe of land touching water can vary so much in different places and also through different times of the day. This curiosity of wanting to see as many beaches as possible inspires me to keep travelling.
I am also a big Foodie and an avid Masterchef binger, and like to try out authentic cuisines while I am travelling. Finding good cafes on a vacation is as important as finding the most popular monument, or sightseeing spot. As a vegetarian its just salad sometimes, but I look for what I can get. I also try to re-create the dishes when I am home or quarantined.
I have been lucky that I have lived in a few different cities (as part of my college, and later work) and I have always used that as an opportunity to explore as much as I can. I am not a full time traveller, just a weekend traveller for most days. So I try to get the best out of my budget and time.
Where all I have lived?
Delhi
I belong to Delhi and grew up there. It is the city that made me appreciate culture, architecture, and FOOD. This is my favourite place in the whole world for its unmatched flavours and variety of food!
Goa
I lived in Goa, the absolute paradise for four years and fell in love with its beaches, lifestyle, its lush-green monsoons, international food scene, and drives through palm packed roads. I am that person who is always down for a plan to GOA!
Bangalore
I started my first job in Bangalore, a simple metropolitan city in south India. It gave me access to a different part of the country and ability to explore new cities on many weekend getaways.
Amsterdam
I moved to the dutch city in 2018, and have been loving my time here. The canals, cute houses, greenery, biking and friendly locals sure makes for one of the best cities to live in!