Post pandemic, many of us are taking stock of the gains & losses of the past three years. Priorities, views and things we once placed value in have changed.

Many I know are struggling to get back on track in many ways – grappling with a multitude of new challenges & changes.

For me it is a career change, grappling with new demands and prioritising what to take on and what to let go.

When I started this blog in late 2016, I wanted this space to be a place where I could record, keep track and share our beautiful travel photos, videos and experiences with potential visitors to a destination.

It was a challenge for someone not very tech savvy like me. I would have given up a long time ago if not for a supportive few who constantly kept me on my toes and pushed me to keep going.

I’ve met some amazing people from across the globe, whom I have had the honour of collaborating with via this blog.

It was rather fulfilling to hear that some of my pieces, simply brought joy and resonated with readers who would have liked to visit a place, but for various reasons could not travel there themselves.

I must however be honest and say that despite all the ups, it has been a struggle to keep a steady pace, and to blog consistently while juggling jobs, projects and other responsibilities.

Which brings me to the title of this post – ‘At The Crossroads … ‘ – to persevere and go straight on or to veer on to a different path?

I was contemplating calling it a day with this blog to concentrate on other ventures when I got a much needed kick-in-the butt! That same week, I was listed as one of Malaysia’s Top Travel and Food Bloggers on 100 Comment .

The  special mention of mariadasstheworld.com said: “Maria J Dass runs a travel blog named “Maria Dass The World,” through which she documents her travel experiences.

“Why we like it: Her blog name caught our eye as it sounded very saucy, quite along the lines of the notorious “Debbie Does Dallas” vibe. Very tongue-in-cheek indeed! We love her travel writing style and the faraway places and adventures she brings us to. How she ties pop culture with the places she visits is truly fascinating.”

“Though her web visits are not high at the moment, we thought it’s worth a special mention and if she knows she’s listed here, it might just encourage her to continue blogging her awesome adventures.”

That listing truly meant a lot and is that much needed tonic I need, that boost of energy, dose of enthusiasm and shove out of my comfort zone – required ever so often.

Call it what you want – divine intervention or the universe speaking to me … but I’m listening, and pledge to continue telling my stories to the world.

Thank you 100 Comments, and I must say a big THANK YOU 🙏🏽 to the folks who have stood by me over the years – my readers, subscribers, friends, family & acquaintance; my ride or die cheerleaders, who have journeyed with me through these past 7 years 🙏🏽🥂✨