Sojouppa and the Art of the Short Stay Back Home
Say the word sojouppa out loud and it sounds a lot like sojourn, an old word for a temporary stay. We could not confirm what sojouppa actually is, and we have not reviewed it in detail, so we will not pretend otherwise. But the idea of a sojourn is something every NRI knows well: three weeks in December, a month for a wedding, a summer at the family house. Here’s how to make those short stays work.
The trouble with three weeks
Three weeks sounds long until you arrive. Jet lag eats the first two days. Relatives want you for lunch every day. The plumber finally shows up on the one morning you are out. Before you know it, the suitcase is open again.
So the first rule is simple. Decide what matters most, and protect it.
Write your top three
It may be time with your parents, a property matter, a medical checkup, or just sleeping in your own childhood bed. Whatever it is, write it down before you fly. Everything else is a bonus.
Where to stay
Staying with family is warm and cheap, and it can also be crowded. If you own a flat that sits empty, check it a week ahead through a neighbour. Is the water on, the geyser working, the mattress damp? An empty house in the monsoon surprises you.
Short-term rentals and serviced apartments are an option when privacy matters. Read the terms carefully, ask about check-in hours, deposits and any extra charges. Choose listings with a real address and genuine guest comments, and confirm by phone before you transfer money.
Paperwork you should not leave to the last day
- Passport and OCI card validity. Check both months ahead.
- Any bank or property errands that need your signature in person.
- Prescriptions and a short medical summary if you take regular medicines.
If you plan to do property work, book appointments before arriving. Government offices have their own hours and holidays. A trip timed over a long weekend can waste days.
Money matters on short trips
Carry a mix of payment methods. Tell your bank you are travelling so cards aren’t blocked. Withdraw cash from known ATMs, and use UPI where your account setup allows it. Check the current rules for NRI accounts and foreign cards with your bank, since they change from time to time.
Making the days count
I once watched a friend spend a whole visit in a car, ticking off relatives. He came home exhausted and said he never really saw anyone. Try this instead. Host one big family meal at home, and visit the elders individually, one at a time, with actual time to talk.
Leave a free afternoon. Walk the old street. Buy vegetables yourself. These small things are what you will remember in March, when you are back at your desk.
Leaving things in order
Before flying out, switch off the main valve, leave spare keys with someone dependable, and take photos of the rooms. If something goes wrong later you have a record. Share your contact details with the building’s secretary.
Food, health and the first few days
Your stomach may complain after months of different food, so ease in. Drink bottled or filtered water, take any regular medicines with you in original packs, and keep a copy of the prescription. If you have older relatives at home, wash up and rest before hugging everyone, especially if you have been on a long flight and feel run down. A little care in the first days keeps the whole trip pleasant.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM plan early so you can reach people without hunting for wifi.
A sojourn is still a stay
Maybe sojouppa caught your eye, or maybe you were just hunting for a quiet holiday place. Either way, plan the visit a little, and then let it breathe. A short stay done thoughtfully feels longer than a long one done in a rush.
