Welcome to Rooted Realities

Hello you,

 

If you’ve landed here, welcome — I’m so glad you’re here.

 

I’m a South African Indian woman, born in Johannesburg and now an expat in the Netherlands. Rooted Realities isn’t just my story — it’s for anyone navigating life’s biggest transitions, one beautifully messy moment at a time.

 

This blog grew out of culture shock, homesickness, joy, growth, and a craving for real talk. When I moved in 2022, I noticed how little the world knew about South African Indians. That made me proud — and made me want to share our stories. Not just the spices and ceremonies, but the everyday moments, the raw stuff, the quiet stuff we carry.

 

Motherhood brought its own chapter — fertility struggles, raising a child with one foot in the past and another in a new world — and made me want a space that’s unfiltered, unpolished, and real.
 

So whether you’re a South African Indian, an expat, a parent, a curious foodie, or simply searching for more “real” — welcome. Pull up a chair. Let’s talk, laugh, cry, and share.

 

This is Rooted Realities.
And it’s just the beginning.

 

Lotsa love,
Alisha