I wouldn’t be here if not for the travel editor of our local daily, who edited butchered my article to accommodate his own piece in a weekend supplement.
That decapitated article led to the birth of ‘The Urge To Wander’, exactly a year ago today. The start of an uncharacteristically unplanned journey, that I half expected to derail along the way.
But here I am, a year later. With a whole lot more to share.
I know you have had a surfeit of reviews over the past couple of weeks, so I won’t add to your agony with more stats and links to past posts. Or future plans for that matter.
All I want to say is that I have enjoyed every minute of the journey. And the most rewarding part has been connecting with the wonderful community we have here.
You my virtual friends, are the reason this has been worthwhile. And I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
And on this anniversary, I acknowledge your generosity and kindness, by setting up a special page here, to showcase all the awards you have showered me with – over 90 to date! I am touched and honoured, and wish I could find enough time to acknowledge each of them individually.
Thank you once again for an amazing year!
The Urge To Wander 
I remember reading your earlier posts on China and Egypt, and I knew this blog was different — and it still is! I’m glad you keep producing eloquent and enticing blog posts Madhu! Keep the spirit up — and travel more! 🙂
Thank you Bama. It has been my pleasure to share this journey with you 🙂
Schöne Fotos.
LG. Wolfgang
Vielen Dank Wolfgang 😀
Happy Birthday! And by the way, adore that first picture. So atmospheric.
Thank you Kat! And so glad you like that picture, it is one of my favourites to date.
I love your beauty of writing interesting posts in a soft and engaging manner. Your pictures are always high quality ones and I do savour your blog. Keep going – you are the one I’m always waiting for…
Such a lovely thing to say Ann…..thank you so much 🙂
A wonderful year for you, but even better for us! I consider myself lucky to have found your blog, and having had the opportunity to travel along with you to places I would otherwise never have seen.
Happy anniversary!
Thank you Angeline! It is your company that has made my journey worthwhile 🙂
What a milestone, Madhu. I’m grateful to the editor who butchered your article. I believe you reach a broader, more appreciative audience and can do your own editing. How great is that. I’ve said before, your standards are high and it shows.
Thank you Lynne!
I never expected to enjoy this so much, so I guess I owe him one 😀
🙂 yor are to be thank… :-)claudine
Thank you dear Claudine……wouldn’t still be here without the encouragement I have received from friends like you 🙂
my pleasure, dear Madhu!!! have a lovely night (here is 8:30 PM… but these is a little ahead…
Proud of you mum !!!
Thanks Rach, how lovely to see you here 🙂
All I can say is, you have an amazing gift Madhu. Your photography and your ability to tell a story and draw us in is very unique. I look forward to your travel adventures this year. Thank you. 🙂
Thank you for your ever encouraging words LuAnn. I so look forward to having you on board 🙂
The pleasure is all mine! 🙂
Hey!! Happy new year!! I love reading your blog and have nominated you for the Very Inspiring blogger award. Please check my blog for the details… http://hearingwiththeeye.wordpress.com/2013/01/12/gratitude/
Appreciate your kindness Sumithra, thank you so much. Have added this award to my brand new awards page 🙂
Have enjoyed landing here .. nearly every day too … you take me to the most fantastic places, and you tell me about what I see … just like a perfect guide. The top photo today is fantastic – the clearness in it. It’s just like I’m in a boat behind … You bring so much beauty and excitement to my every day.
What more can I ask for Viveka? Thank YOU…….it has been a pleasure having you on board 🙂 That first image is a particular favourite of mine.
My pleasure … *smile
Hooray! I’ve really enjoyed your year Madhu 🙂
And I your company Gilly 🙂 Thank you so much.
Congratulations and Happy Blogversary!Lots of good wishes:)
Thank you Nabadip 🙂
Congratulations!!! Bravo
Thank you Boomie 🙂
Congratulations!! Looking forward to read many more travel stories.
http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Thank you Niranjan 🙂
Congratulations, you’re sooooo great… 😉
‘Great’ is rather a stretch, but I am flattered nevertheless Ledrake 😀 Thank you so much.
Congratulations. I look forward to another year of travels 🙂
Thank you Judy. Look forward to seeing you here 🙂
It is a pleasure and an education to read your posts and see your amazing photos. Happy Anniversary. Wishing you all the best in 2013. We are blessed to have you in the blogging community.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
No, I am Francine! Thank YOU 🙂
Hi,
Congrats on your first year in the blogosphere. It has been wonderful going on these fantastic travels that you have shared with us, and so many amazing photos. I am looking forward to seeing a lot more . 🙂
Thank you too Mags, for coming along with me 🙂
Happy blog birthday Madhu !!!
Yo have certainly made my year more fun, more entertaining, and much more besides…so without any further ceremony…
Aah, these are the best birthday wishes I have ever received 😆
And you couldn’t possibly have had more fun at my blog, than I have had at yours! Thank YOU Jo!
Well here is hoping that many many persons kiss your butt Madhu…hehehehe…because I am sure it is a very nice butt.
😉
I did…have loads of fun at yours…glad to hear you did at mine too.
😉
Could be nicer 😉
Nah…cause it is just the way it is supposed to be, I’ve seen it on a photo once…it’s a very very nice butt…
If you say so 😉
I love your blog and look forward to another year of wonderful photos and stories.
Likewise Debra 🙂 Thank you so much.
Madhu, I have loved accompanying you on your travels through your stunning photos and sharing your blogging journey has been an absolute priviledge – here’s to the next year!
Thank you Dallas, and I hope you know that the feeling is mutual 🙂
Hi Madhu,
It was a fortunate thing for us when you set out on your own with The Urge to Wander! I can hardly believe your blog is only one year old! I look forward to many more years of beautiful photos, great histories and stories, and vicarious travel!
Oh thank you Naomi. It is I who am fortunate to have connected with all you wonderful people 🙂
Congrats on all your blog awards Madhu! So well deserved! I can’t believe it’s only been a year!! xo
Thank you Rufina! Does it seem longer? To me the year seems to have flown by…way too fast for my liking 🙂
I enjoy reading your posts and love the pictures you share with us; and you are absolutely right,,, the community spirit on WP is the best. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Marcia. Truly appreciate your support 🙂
Your are welcome Madhu!
it’s been an honor to know you, and i’m so glad that wordpress compliments you and your life so well! z
And mine to know you Lisa. You know I am a huge fan of your work….thank YOU 🙂
Congratulations on the anniversary Madhu! 90 awards and counting….100 awards very soon…..it has been a rewarding year, isn’t it? In a year of reading your posts I’ve wished a million times I win a huge lotto so I could travel and see what you show us. Thanks for the beautiful posts with awesome pictures and narrative. Good Luck!
Thank you Shaantz. It has been my pleasure entirely 🙂
Apologies for my long absence from your site. Have been rather busy with some community projects and visiting family ever since we returned from holiday. Shall catch up soon, I promise 🙂
I am still here…stop by when you can. I haven’t blogged much, just the occasional pictures for the photo challenges. By the way, according to the WP helper-monkeys, you commented most on my site 🙂 Thanks for keeping those stats soaring!
Congratulations!!!
Thank you Rexlin 🙂
I’ve been on WP around a year now too (although blogging for six years now) and totally agree with your comment about the community aspect. Blogging is enoyable anyway, but all the comments and exchanges really are the icing on the cake.
Absolutely! Feels like I have known some of you forever 🙂
We are grateful to that butcher!!
Kind of you VC 😀
I am too, I got to ‘meet’ all of you didn’t I? 🙂
Yes we are! !!
Kathryn
An entertainng year made all the more special by your wonderful photographs and narratives.
And by the company of wonderful friends like you! Thank you Judy 🙂
My, oh my…Gorgeous shots!!
Thank you, the top one is a particular favourite 🙂
From one traveler to another…I LOVE your pictures! Sorry I can’t comment too often but I do read and enjoy.
Here’s to many more years of great blogging!
Please don’t be sorry Ameena. I have a tough time catching up with my blog reading, and I don’t even have young children to look after. I admire all you young mothers who juggle so many identities perfectly. Thank YOU.
How fortunate for us that that editor botched your piece and you are sharing with all of us!
Aah, kind of you to say that Ruth…..thank you so much 🙂
a wonderful chance brought you to The Urge to Wander, a great joy for all of us who read your posts and drool over the beautiful photos and stories of places far away … you are a blessing to us all Madhu, happy birthday, and wishing you many more 🙂
Aah, thank YOU Dadirri 🙂
I wouldn’t still be here without the validation and generosity of friends such as you!
HUGE congrats!! I love your blog, it is truly inspiring!! Thanks for sharing all this good stuff, Madhu! Happy anniversary 🙂
I am overwhelmed by all the good wishes Marie 🙂 Thank YOU for reading, and taking the time to leave words of encouragement.
I’m sorry that you had a bad experience with your editor, but your loss (more like his/her loss) was our gain! Best wishes and congratulations, Madhu.
Thank you so much Elisa.
Yes I am grateful that episode led me here…I got to ‘know’ all you wonderful people didn’t I? 🙂
Great work and I look forward to the next year.
Thank you Mark 🙂
I missed your blogs this past week, Madhu, so came looking. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with you, hon. Here’s to many more wonderful posts.
Thank you dear Jo…..always a pleasure to see you here 🙂
Am falling behind again….caught up in some community programmes and looking after my dad in law who is spending a few days with us while it is still pleasant here (as pleasant as Chennai can get!)
Don’t worry, Madhu. I have no idea how you cope with the number of followers you have and still manage to post. (suspect you don’t sleep a lot) Take care of yourself.
You suspect right 🙂
Plan to slow down a bit this year. No more A-Z’s and other deadlines. But it is rather addictive isn’t it? 🙂
Afraid so. I’m in a bit of a “why am I jumping through hoops/doing this” phase, but the answer is I love the praise, and that most certainly is addictive.
It certainly is 😀
Madhu, sending you all the blessed for a splendid 2013! It’s been a joy traveling along with you this year. What a stunning shot of Ta Prohm too. 🙂 I really like the angle.
oops: “all the best” 🙂
It has been a pleasure having you along for the ride Triicia, thank you so much 🙂
You are deserving of all of those rewards and more, Madhu! Happy 2013 – looking forward to more “travels” alongeside you 🙂
So sweet of you to say that Anne. Looking forward to taking you along 🙂 Hope mom is feeling better.
Thank you once again, Madhu, for your amazing comments!
You are most welcome Frizz 🙂
Glad I’m there! 😀 Hihi. I can’t believe this blog is only a year old! It has gone far………………………………………………………………………………….. very far. In numbers, in success, in quality, in brilliance, and the community engagement. The Urge to Wonder is truly a top best blog in my opinion.
Aww Rommel, you say the nicest things! Means a lot….thank you so much 🙂
Madhu-I am still discovering your blog, one post at a time. But from what I can see, this is a courageous chronicle of somebody who dared to test the borders of normal. I look forward to reading all your posts in the coming days. Lovely photos accompanying your heartfelt words. Love it!
Oh, thank you Amba….look forward to seeing you around here 🙂
You have an amazing blog and I have enjoyed every single post.
Kind of you Mona, thank you so much 🙂
What an achievement! From the moment I delved into that first post (of yours I stumbled upon) I’ve been addicted to a little Madhu in my life – first simply reading our wonderful posts – and photographs, and then later the tremendous encouragement you’ve given me, and the things I’ve learned from our ‘talks’ – all because of a vainglorious editor … how lucky are we 🙂
Oh no no, I am the lucky one Meredith. Ever grateful to that ‘vainglorious’ editor, because I wouldn’t have gotten to know you otherwise…..and what a pleasure it has been 🙂
It’s been my pleasure to have visited with you this past year. Oh my, a year does go by quickly. I hope you have a great many more years … and … lots of other well deserved awards.
Truly grateful for your generous support Isadora. Thank you 🙂
Adding my congratulations to the many.
As I age into traveling virtually by mind and blog rather than in reality, I gratefully appreciate the vicarious journeying I do in your wonderful photos and text.
Thank you so much! It is such a pleasure to have you visit and share your thoughts 🙂
Congrats Madhu!! Woo Hoo!! Here’s to many more years sharing the beauty of the world with your readers through your eyes. Cheers! Margie
Thank YOU Margie, grateful for the support 🙂
Happy Blogiversary to you, Madhu. Yours is one of my very favourites. I can’t ever imagine you sitting at home in your armchair, unless it’s to peruse a new travel catalogue and plan your next trip. 🙂
Thank you AD 🙂
That’s all I did till I started this blog. Now I am hard-pressed for time for my travel research!!
Thank you Madhu for so many wonderful and engaging adventures, specially to such exotic places as Cambodia & Thailand. Great shots!
Thank YOU Patti, for your interest and support 🙂
i too would like to add my thanks for all the adventures (and sometimes the meals!) you have enjoyed – or at least enjoyed via your camera. will never forget your green tea post!
continue to enjoy the journey and all the very best to you for 2013. may it be a year full of unexpected blessings! happy blogging.
Thank you so very much! I look forward to seeing you around the blogosphere 🙂
Wow! What stunning images! That picture of the ruins is absolutely breathtaking 🙂
Thanks for noticing Kasturika! I chose two of my best images for this post, I guess it kind of got buried under all the sentiment 🙂
Lovely images. You’re a great photographer 🙂
Oh my, that’s big coming from you Cardinal! Thank you 🙂
Madhu, you have been, and continue to be, a wonderful blogpal. Please keep on inspiring us to get out of our comfort zones and feel more alive by by traveling. 🙂
Thank you dear Tita! I hope to see more of you in the year ahead 🙂
Thank you too Madhu. You rock! 🙂
Thank you so much Eliz 🙂
Wow, 90 awards! And all well-deserved. Thanks for bringing us along on your journeys, Madhu!