Rathina's View Space

Skywatch Friday - Mystery of Stonehenge

2014-04-25T13:00:00.000+05:30

Stonehenge

The large stones stand testimony of time unheard. Spread over a circular perimeter of a vast expanse it is considered as a burial ground by few and astronomical observatory or a religious site by the rest. It is often told as Mystery of Stonehenge considering the multiple theories and myths that have been raised around these stones.

Stonehenge Stones

One of the Wonders of the world in Wiltshire, England the grey stones stood silently against the backdrop of the grey, overcast clouds one weekend as I walked past it with my friends. Till date they hide some unknown stories that we are in search of.

Stonehenge Mural

For some more sky stories visit http://skyley.blogspot.in/

Shimoga Verdant Beauty

2014-04-22T09:57:00.002+05:30

They swayed in rhythmic cadence like a long braid of a women swaying around her hips as she walks gaily. The two trailers tethered to the tractor carrying sugarcanes were a sight to watch as they swayed and rumbled on the NH4. I had left Pune on a spring afternoon and was driving down the Pune Bangalore highway towards Chikmagalur in Karnataka. Acacia, Mimosa trees lined the highway with the harvested sugarcane fields in the background.

The sight of the windmills welcomed me at Belgaum. I looked around for the Niyaaz hotel as I had heard that it was well known for its Dum Biryani. Considering it was pre poll time vehicles entering and leaving any city were frequently being checked. We were stopped at multiple entrances as we drove around the city in search of the Niyaaz hotel. There are multiple branches of this food joint across the city and we headed to the one near the city bus stand. A large red board with the tag line The Best Kitchen invited us.

Hotel Niyaaz

We were in for an early dinner considering it was just 7 p.m. but the hotel did cater to the dinner needs of the customers dripping in the off peak hours. We ordered Half Chicken Dum Biryani (they do have quarter option as well) and a platter of kebabs. All the varieties of kebab were chicken except for the mutton seekh kebab that turned out to be cold. The chicken kebab was not something to rave about. We then moved on to the Dum Biryani which again was not hot probably we had headed to this place at the wrong time. All in all my experience at Niyaaz was average and not fulfilling considering the fact that the cooks from Niyaaz are invited to places in and around Maharashtra like Kolhapur to cook for Muslim weddings. Having had my full we moved on from Belgaum.

The luxury of four lanes was limited and from Belgaum to Hubli it was a two way lane and this reduced our average speed. We moved on from Hubli and halted at Ranebennur for the night at Shree Nanda hotel a budget stay. It isn’t fancy but is good enough to spend a night. Early morning at 6 a.m. we left the hotel and hit the road. A small board denoting diversion on the highway to Shivamogga or Shimoga that goes unnoticed takes you off the NH4. The ride for the next thirty kilometers turns out to be rough, patchy and bumpy. But that is compensated with the beauty that you are surrounded by.

Rolling fields of sunflowers, paddy, and cotton, swaying coconut groves standing tall and reaching the limits are fit for the postcard. The greenery around is pleasing that brings about a freshness to the region and one’s soul.

Greenery all around

Villagers at work

The canopy of trees dotting the roads and the water gurgling down the small streamlets near the paddy fields is sheer delight.

Paddy Fields

Mynas are found in abundance in this region and could be seen hopping around near the roads. I looked at the beautiful, yellow sunflowers swaying gently to the tune of the breeze and the bees swarming around.

Sunflowers swarmed with bees

Sunflower

I frequently stopped to savor the picturesque locales and drink its beauty. Scarecrows in the paddy fields, with the locals at work are a common sight. It isn’t a surprise that Shimoga is called the Rice Bowl of Karnataka.

Scarecrow

Frequently you would stumble upon brick kilns with villagers working in and around it. This region is fertile as the rivers like Tungabhadra, Sharavati feed it in abundance. The entire stretch until Shimoga is an absolute pleasure for the shutterbugs.

Cotton Fields dotting the sunflower fields

We stopped by at one of the restaurants in Shimoga. An onion dosa (uttapa), sada dosa and one single medu vada sambar downed with two steaming steel tumblers of coffee was refreshing and fulfilling. The waiter came back with the bill and imagine our surprise all this for just 100 INR. Wasn’t that a steal?

Shimoga offers more than what meets the eye. There are many waterfalls like the world famous Jog Falls. Be there to explore nature’s bounty and get a taste of the North Karnataka cuisine.

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Skywatch Friday - Sringeri

Skywatch Friday - Sringeri

2014-04-11T18:17:00.000+05:30

We left at 6 a.m. in the morning from our homestay in Handi, Chikmagalur. It was a lovely morning and we were on our way to Sringeri the Adi Shankaracharya matha. The drive from Handi to Sringeri traverses through winding roads lined with tall, slender silver oak trees and coffee plantations.

Sringeri a small town in the Malnad region is around 72 km from Handi and around 90 km from Chikmagalur. You need to cross multiple mountain passes to reach this quaint and sleepy town. I would suggest an early morning drive as the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The hills were wrapped in mist and the small villages en route depicting a simple lifestyle with the sunrise in the background was a beautiful sight.

Tall Silver Oak Trees

Legend states when Sri Shankaracharya reached this place he found on a rainy day a frog spawning being sheltered by a hooded snake. It was a very peculiar sight considering the predator was protecting its prey. Impressed by this act he stay put in this region for twelve years.

We reached Sringeri around 8 and headed straight to the temple. The streets leading to the temple were empty and the shops were yet to open. The gopuram at the entrance is currently under construction. The Sharadamba temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati the supreme deity for knowledge and wisdom is in the premises. Another temple is that of Lord Vidyashankar which has influences of Hoysala architecture. There are 12 pillars in the temple denoting the 12 zodiac signs.

Shardamba Temple

Vidyashankar Temple

Beautiful carvings of God and Goddess

At the back of the temple I headed to the Tunga River. Devotees feed the fishes here with corn and puffed rice. Huge black fishes swim through the water close to the flight of steps. People offer their prayers to the sun god by dipping themselves into the water.

Tunga River

Black Fishes swimming around

Shops near the temple

As I walked up the steps I was greeted to the sound of shlokas being chanted by the brahmins in the halls. I circumambulated the temple and reached the nearby streets to have my cup of coffee and breakfast of piping hot upma and sheera drenched in ghee. The locals here have pulao as well for breakfast which in the North is considered as a meal for lunch or dinner. They call it as pilav and not pulao as in North. After a sumptuous breakfast I headed back to Chikmagalur to drench again in the beauty of the road that leads to the Coffee Land.

Visit http://skyley.blogspot.in/ for Skywatch Friday photos

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Shimoga - Verdant Beauty

Balloon Safari - Romancing the sky

2014-04-09T11:40:00.000+05:30

I woke up at dawn and got ready for the safari of my life. Have you ever been part of the limitless azure sky with white puffs sailing around? Carried away with the wind to places unknown, unheard and untouched. The smell, the colour and the taste of fresh air exhilarates the dull mind. You are in this zen state from where you wouldn't want to return.

Does it sound too much of a mystery? Well I was on my way to experience The Balloon Safari by Skywaltz. They have been in operation since January 2008 at Rajasthan ( Jaipur) and October 2013 in Maharashtra (Mumbai- Pune belt). Having read and heard a lot about this unusual safari in paper and radio I decided to experience it. We reached Talegaon (a town close to Pune) after which we were picked up by the Skywaltz team and brought to Kamshet. A small helium balloon would be released at around 4 a.m. daily to test the direction of the wind. Based on the wind direction the team would decide to take off from either Kamshet or Talegaon.

Sky Waltz Balloon being filled with air

Balloon ready to take off at dawn

Jerome a French pilot was to fly the balloon for the day. He and his crew were getting the balloon filled with air after having laid it down on a tarpaulin. The flight takes off before sunrise so that we can watch from the sky the huge ball of fire peep out and bask the land with warmth. After a cup of coffee and cookies we boarded the flight. This is one flight that has only window seats for all the passengers, so you have the whole expanse for your view. For the initial five minutes I found it a bit scary as the balloon started soaring to heights. But later all that mattered was the fresh air and the changing panoramic views every angle and every minute.

Sunrise left me spellbound

Beautiful Landscapes

It was a rhapsody of colours, sceneries, vistas and vignettes of fields, hamlets and rivulets with the sun streaming out in the background. The sky was filled with a kaleidoscope of shades and every moment brought in a change in hue.

I noticed that few areas above the ground were covered with white fog and the visibility was almost zero. It was as if white pockets of fog floated around the vast terrain. On checking with Jerome I got to know it is the inversion process that has led to the formation of white puffs. Nature has it's own way of beautifying the surroundings. It was perfect rolling hills, white puffs moving round and the sun streaming on the land.

Inversion

The nine seater basket hovered over mountains, dams, rivers, lakes, streams and the Pune Mumbai Expressway. Kids on their way to school waved at us from the ground. Villagers were at work in the fields as we floated across. The cool morning breeze pushed the balloon far towards the Pavana river. At a steady speed of 25 km/ hr over 3000 feet above the ground it was as if you are one with the universe. Jerome would occasionally rotate the balloon to give a 360 degree view of various locations. After an hour's flight Jerome made a perfect landing near the fields, close to a village road by the Pavana dam. The locals of the village rushed to check the massive balloon landing.

A mirror like reflection at Pavana River

A perfect landing

The Balloon being diffused

I got off from the balloon and wondered on Nature's beauty. I had romanced the hills and the sea but then finally I had got to romance the sky as well. Wouldn't you want to?

Call +919822988800 to book your seat now. They do have pick up and drop facility from Pune and Mumbai as well. Visit www.skywaltz.com/ for further details. My flight was sponsored by Sky Waltz.

Photo Essay - Land's End

2014-03-28T08:01:00.002+05:30

As we parked our car at Land's End entrance and walked ahead we were greeted to the sight of a vast glistening and glimmering Atlantic Ocean. The pretty coves tucked are a feast for the eyes and once can soak in its beauty for hours.

This attraction at South West of Britain in Cornwall is a pleasure to wait and watch as she changes colours and sceneries. This place is also used to calculate distance.

Shimmering Atlantic Ocean

Clifftops

Famous Sign Post

Head out to the cliff top for a panoramic view of Lands End, some souvenir shopping and later to the bar.

Malaysia, something for everyone

2014-03-24T21:30:00.000+05:30

Palm Trees lined the tarmac of the airport. I saw the leaves fluttering in the wind as the plane took off from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. With mixed feelings I sighed and pulled out the airline magazine and flipped through it. Malaysia had been absolutely fantastic in the last couple of days, with its ethnic mix of Malay, Indian, Chinese communities friendly and approachable. Though I had a great time I felt I had just scratched the surface of this multi-cultural country.

I had gorged myself with Indian food at the various joints in Little India, stood on the skywalk of The Petronas Towers and basked in the happiness of my niece's results in her Xth grade (I got a call from India out there on the skywalk), watched the newlyweds walk the roads at Putrajaya, climbed the steps to Batu caves and taken the rides at Genting.

This country has so much to offer and explore that every region has a surprise for you and there I was flying back with a feeling that my visit to Malaysia had been incomplete with many more attractions yet to be explored. I convinced myself that I would be back someday to see the unseen.

Here I have managed to note down my top five Malaysia bucket list from it's never ending and interesting destinations that I am yet to visit. It is indeed a potpourri of heritage, culture, adventure, art and colors.

Taman Negara, Pahang for adventure, heritage and culture- Somehow I do not seem to get enough of forests. The more the merrier. Thick, dense with a canopy of trees, impenetrable, rich with flora and fauna that has stood the test of time, this virgin expanse has been a mystery since ages. Rain forest with geological and ecological diversity has allured me since my last visit to Malaysia but unfortunately I couldn't visit her. She is more of an enigma, virgin and mesmerizing. She reveals little and shrouds the rest that leaves you wanting more. Meeting the local Bateq tribes and getting to know their way of living, culture would give a completely different perspective. Living close to nature surrounded by river, trees, waterfalls, birds far away from the concrete city life, is a fulfilling and serene experience that clears the cob webs off your mind. A refreshing tonic to replenish the soul.

Source - Malaysia Tourism

Mount Kinabalu for the adrenaline rush - Since long I have heard of the tallest mountain in Malaysia that talks of the vertical limit. Breathtaking views, a beautiful sunrise and a fulfilling experience filled with excitement, fear, thrill, surge of anxiety and finally a sense of accomplishment. Borneo doesn't stop to mesmerize you at every step and I am waiting eagerly to conquer this alp.

Source - Wikimedia Commons

Putrajaya for architecture and culture - There is something unique about this place that has left a permanent mark in me and I keep visiting it mentally every now and then. Vignettes of this calm, beautiful, serene place keeps flashing in my mind that I visited a year back. This intelligent garden city with its well-planned layout of mosques, administrative centers, shopping centers, lakes gives a feeling of east meets west. A blend of Islamic and modern architecture with splashes of colors be it the pink minarets or the blue ripples of the lake is mesmerizing. Watching the sunset from the various bridges each an architecture marvel is serenity at its best. Newlyweds getting their photo sessions in their best Malay outfits, walk the paths of this modern city. This time around I would want to have an aerial view of this city by being part of the Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

Putrajaya has the calmness and a eclectic mix of art with its steel and marble structures that leave a lasting impression. It is awe inspiring and each a masterpiece that stirs that deepest recess down your heart.

Source - Putrajaya Official Site

George Town, Penang for food, colors and culture - Being a foodie I love to explore and titillate my taste buds with world cuisine. I try to experiment and savor the local cuisine to get a taste of its culture. George Town with its colonial influence is considered a food haven to tuck in some Malay delicacies. I would say it's the Ambrosia of Malaysia and a Food Paradise. Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Char keuy teow, Satay are in my hit list, not to forget the Kaya Toast, Keh Tarik and Air bandung. A culinary trail by taking the food excursions in this heritage site is a must in one's itinerary.

George Town is a gastronomic delight for the food connoisseurs of the world that plays with your palate and provokes a epicurean.

Satay being coked; Source - Wikimedia

Shopping at Kuala Lumpur to explore art and culture - Malaysia has always been famous for electronics, perfume, fashion clothing. Last time around I had picked up a LED television for a friend who had requested for one and a tablet. This time I would want to buy clothing with Batik prints, Pandanus Mat, Beaded accessories from Sabah and Sarawak pottery all promoting arts and crafts by the skilled village artisans. After all sustainable living is the best part of promoting handicrafts.

A Batik craftsman Source - Wikimedia

Not to forget it is a taste of their culture that speaks volumes of Islamic influence. Natural elements like leaves, flowers and animals are prominent in this space. Tribal motif pottery, Chinese dragon kiln ceramics, Songket and Tekat rich and regal for the elite Malay. A riot of colors and designs that leave you mesmerized.

Malaysia entertains every age group and also enthralls people with different interests. Be it a nature lover, an adventurist, food and art connoisseur, culture seeker or the carefree. It has something for everyone. This country has intrigued, pampered and impressed me. I would want to rekindle it, go on an adventure spin, celebrate its culture and escape into a paradise, that is Truly Asia.

How I long to hear and see the board with the greeting Selamat Datang. Malaysia, do you hear me?

I am participating in the MalaysiaJao Blogathon Contest in association with BlogAdda.com

How Traveling Changes your Life

2014-03-22T17:59:00.000+05:30

This post appeared in Women's Web

Traveling is the tonic for life that keeps the soul replenished. Every moment brings in a new perspective to the journey called Life.

It needn't be an exotic location but a local market that brings out the colors and flavors of the inhabitants. It could be a life altering experience for a few or for that matter an adrenaline pumping experience. The benefits of these encounters that I term exuberance are multifold.

Live Life to the fullest -

Traveling opens the mind and the deepest recess of the grey cells. You live and breathe every moment of life. Simple facts that we seem to miss in our daily grind are enjoyed and absorbed though our senses.

When I had visited Toronto I made it a point to visit the CN Tower which is the tallest free-standing structure in the western world. I gathered courage to walk on the edges of this observation tower which stands 553.33 m high. I must say it was the walk of my life for I could feel the rush. The experience is out of the world and completely worth it.

One could be watching the raging bulls (Jallikattu during Pongal) running down in Madurai or a beautiful sunrise in Rishikesh. It could be the delight of a painter’s brush stroke or the verse of poet, every experience would be a memorable chapter in your life.

Blend with the culture -

Traveling introduces you to the culture and the history of the region. It could be the local food, the vivid colors, the cacophony, the smell or the language. You never know you might end up learning the local dialect or the cuisine of the expanse.

Few years back I had managed to book an accommodation at a homestay in Harnai, a beautiful hamlet in Konkan. Imagine my surprise when I reached, to find that the accommodation was in a fishermen’s colony with the smell of fish hanging heavily all around us. I was skeptical of their behavior and wondered if they would be well mannered. We stay put for the next three days and by the end of the trip I had a very different view to it. They had the humanity in them to help and care for others that we seemed to have lost in the burgeoning city life. These people lead a simple, no frills life yet they were content with it.

Meeting the locals of the region brings in a new perception to the trip. You could tap a foot with the locals on a Lezim folk dance during Ganesh Chaturthi in Pune or marvel the Taj Mahal’s architecture, the choice is enormous. The earthen symphony indeed refreshes the rancid soul.

Respect the Ecosystem -

Sivakasi, a small town in Tamilnadu receives scanty rainfall and experiences hot and dry climate throughout the year. The water table is salty which makes consumption impossible. Drinking water would be supplied through water tankers twice a week. Ladies would run to fill in their containers whenever they would get to know the tanker has arrived. When I was in my sixth grade I visited my grandparents who resided in a small colony in Sivakasi. The colony hadn’t received drinking water in the last five days and we had no stock at home. As me and my cousins played in the scorching heat we all were very thirsty. The six of us had to visit the neighborhood locality and borrow three bottles of water from one of the families. I was in for a surprise when I faced this stark reality. At that age I had not considered water to be a valuable resource that needs to be conserved and not splurged upon.

When you travel to the western countries or places closer like Singapore, the startling observation is the clean roads wherein people never drop dirt. Next time you would think twice before you ditch that plastic bottle in a sea shore in India. Traveling embarks the values of cleanliness and the need to go for sustainable travel solutions. How about cooling your heels on a bicycle in Coorg, sounds interesting?

Plan, Budget and Manage

Traveling teaches you to live a disciplined life. Though you are independent, carefree and live a life of your choice it brings in a sense of budget living. It teaches you to live a life within the best possible ways and not go overboard. Traveling tightens the strings and enables to lead a life that doesn’t burn a hole in the pocket.

Prior to any trip you do your homework be it items to be carried as per the place you are visiting, cheap tickets, budget hotels or homestays, visa process, places to visit. The whole exercise sort of trains you to plan and manage effectively. Every trip has a lesson learnt that would help in the future jaunts. Traveling light is always better, when being with kids, in a group or solo. Doesn’t a homestay with the locals in Kerala sound exciting?

Enjoy some ME time - You inhale the allures of life be it traveling in a group or solo. It’s a sense of liberation from provincial thinking and a break from the mundane.

I had solo traveled on an official duty to London for two months. Being a mother of two kids back home my time is spent juggling between office and family. But in those two months in London I got the time of my life. I could spend some ME time with my friends, visit the Cornish coast (as a child read the Enid Blyton books which have references to it), dig into the local cuisine and bask in the English countryside. There weren't any strings attached or for that matter I didn’t had to answer a single soul. I was a bird set free to fly to the land unknown and explore the limitless sky.

It is to break free from the usual lifestyle and experience the unknown and the unheard. One needs to recharge himself from the daily stress. Above all it is to have an open mind to embrace, accept and experiment which is the essence of Traveling.

Are you game for it?

Photo Essay - Vintage Cars @ Cornwall

2014-03-13T18:30:00.001+05:30

I had set to the Cornish coast with a bunch of friends. We were on the look out for the Lizard Beach and accidentally stumbled into the Cornwall Vintage Vehicle Society's Exhibition.

Septuagenarians and Octogenarians having crossed their prime years and enjoying their carefree life had settled down in the city center on their easy chairs with a basket of sandwiches and a can of soft drink. Petite Pet Dogs walked in leash with their masters and mistresses. Few clambered into their masters vintage cars and pick up vans.

Oldies enjoying a sunny day

Colourful array of cars

One of the old timers- Morris

A regal Austin

Jaguars of all shapes and sizes

Another Jaguar

Colorful cars of all makes and nearing a century had lined up beside the road. Morris, Jaguar, Austin, MG wearing their regal best stood majestic.

Classic car lovers strolled on the lawn checking out the models and the make. It was a perfect clear morning with a carefree and laid back attitude.

Kufri - A paradox

2014-02-25T22:06:00.001+05:30

This post appeared in The Alternative

Could a journey be a delight for some and dismay for the forsaken?

It had been a long drive from Delhi to Shimla by road. I was tired and somnolent but the thought of sighting the mighty Himalayas kept me awake. The ride from Chandigarh to Shimla takes a good three and half hours and I was greeted to the sight of tall, cone shaped, deodar trees or the cedar. It was as if they tried to reach the sky and spread a layer of shadow on the ground. Every direction that I turned I could see civilization in clusters in the valleys surrounded by the coniferous trees. If you are lucky the sun god could show his grace and give a peekaboo appearance in the cold winter days.

Kufri

Next morning I walked on the narrow roads with layers of warm clothing for a glimpse and shower of the huge yellow star. It seemed as if he wasn’t much interested to appear from behind the clouds. Temperature had dipped down to zero degrees Celsius. Water on the roads had frozen to form a thin sheet of ice. Shimla had received its first snowfall for the year and the talks around the town were Kufri had started to turn white. I bought a cup of tea in one of the local stalls as I walked up the steep roads. Walking didn’t seem to be my cup of tea in Shimla for I was soon puffing and panting. The tea had started to turn cold as soon as it was handed over to me. Anything and everything had to be savored immediately else one would be left with cold food that would be despised by the taste buds. A cool breeze wafted around and I tightened the muffler around my neck. It was indeed contradicting considering for one moment I would find it warm when the yellow ball cast its heat around. I would have to peel off few layers and the next moment when I would walk elsewhere with not much light around, cast in shadow I would have to again pack myself.

Shimla, the queen of the hills a quaint town in Himachal Pradesh was quite intriguing. It had this old world charm all around it with its colonial architecture and structures with gabled roofs. Most of them were one or two storied and some of the rooms in the top floor hung out of the structure. In the distant I could see the snow clad mountains. I had traveled all the way from Pune with my nine year old son for the National Ice Skating Competition to be held in Shimla. He was all eager and perked up for his first sight of snow and cajoled me for a short trip to Kufri. Kufri is a hill station about fifteen kilometers from Shimla that could be approached by road. It is one of the skiing destinations in India which was a popular getaway for the British. We took a taxi and headed on NH 22 for the first experience of snow. I was in for a surprise as I saw a sea of tourists eagerly waiting at the base to go up the hill. There was commotion and a long queue to park the cars. Waiting time was high for renting the gum boots to protect ones feet in snow. The only conveyance to travel up the hilltop was mules, hinnies else you could walk. Hoards of mule (kacchar in Hindi) owners flock around and tourists are seen haggling with them for a better deal.

For a ride up and down the hill you are charged close to 200 INR. The arduous ride starts with around 3 to 4 of these animals tied together back to back and one attendant to manage them. The gallop traverses through curves that circle the hill filled with mud, sludge and stones. There are ditches and fissures that the poor animals trod upon. They urinate and poop en-route the grueling trip and are treated to lashes by the attendant intermittently. The earlier they reach the top the more the number of trips the animals would be able to make which in turn would lead to cash jingling in the owners pockets. The journey is adrenaline pumping as you are left to the mercy of the poor animals trotting the dangerous journey. The climb takes around thirty minutes after which you get to view the snow clad mountains.

People are seen playing in the snow, taking a dig into parathas, bhajis, noodles and momos or clambering on to a Yak and taking photographs. You also could experience the flying fox and the various rides in the amusement park. People throw plastic bottles and waste all around with no proper facility for garbage disposal.

Once you are done with your ordeal you would have to wait for long hours till you get the animals to travel back to the base. If you found the uphill journey scary then the downhill tread is multifold. You are left wondering when this journey would come to an end. Many of the riders fall off the horse and are seen being pulled for couple of meters by the mules. The slope is very dangerous and you are left worrying about your safety.

The state government could definitely work on the roads and also ensure rules are brought in on the number of animals per owner as well as the number of trips per day. Eco friendly means of transport like bicycles on rent could be made available. Sanitation facilities need to be set up. The drudgery that the animals go through is heart breaking. I returned to the hotel room glad to be safe and in one piece but the thought of the animals laboring day in and out under dangerous conditions didn’t seem to get off my mind. The entire ordeal had left me heavy.

Kufri, definitely not for the faint hearted!

Skywatch - Sea Gulls

2014-02-23T16:15:00.002+05:30

Sea Gulls - Tsunami Island

I was on my way to the Tsunami Island in Devbagh on a boat when I spotted a noisy colony of the sea gulls. Few flew above the ground while some stood close to the lapping water. They were an amazing sight to be watched.

I feel Alive

2014-02-22T08:49:00.000+05:30

I lay awake on my bed looking at the veil of darkness that night had worn. The silver disc looked beautiful in the star studded sky. She cast myriad reflections in the river. I could hear the silence of the night. There was a frequent plop noise followed by the frogs croaking and the owl hooting. The woodpecker didn't seem to find sleep like me and kept digging into the wood. I was amazed and over whelmed by the fresh and pure air. The river seemed to have slowed down, probably she was tired after a long day.

It indeed was an out of the world experience. Imagine far away from the concrete jungle into the forest a midst the wildlife on a tree beside a river. You are fifty feet above the ground in a tree house that is open two sides and a tree trunk inside your room. I was in Dandeli a wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, India.

Tree House

This thick forest is rich in flora and fauna. A haven for the migratory birds like The Great Hornbill, Parakeet and the mammals like the Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Bison, Black Panther, Flying Squirrel, it also houses various reptile species like snakes, crocodiles, turtles and water monitor lizard.

One can indulge in Camping, Wildlife safaris, Kayaking, River Rafting or soak in the River Kali like a Hippo. The breath of fresh air is invigorating. I woke up to the bird calls with the sun streaming into the tree house. The mystery behind the plop sound was unearthed in the morning when I saw the pygmy mole cricket jumping in and out of the river.

River Kali

Elsewhere in India and abroad I have noticed commercial water sports are rampant like Motor racing, Jet skiing etc. These adventure activities do whet our appetite for adrenaline rush but one drop of fuel in the river/ sea could cost the marine lives heavily. In that sense Dandeli is a peace loving, environment friendly abode. Having said that, I didn't had to compromise on my excitement as river rafting is an action packed activity that races your heart.

As the raft plunged through the river, cut through the tides and took me on a journey through wetlands and mangroves, sighting some rare birds, animals en route I was one with nature. I basked in its freshness and rejuvenated in its greenery. I soaked in the beauty of the swollen river and the mystic jungle. A welcome change from the burgeoning city life. Nature has its lessons on harmony.

I took a breath of the virgin air and lived in the moment that glistened and gleamed every particle in me. I lived every moment, I felt alive.

Dandeli – Truly satiating !!

I feel Alive

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When did you feel close to nature?

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This post is my contribution to Contiki Story Tellers contest.

Monmarte - Sacre Coeur

2014-02-15T15:25:00.001+05:30

Basilica Sacre Coeur on a clear day. The popular church in the highest point of the city of Paris at Monmarte.

Also read -

In quest of Tranquility

2014-02-07T08:12:00.002+05:30

This post appeared in Cox and Kings Blog

The holidays were nearing and we wondered on the next destination in our itinerary. My colleague informed me about this beautiful place in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state called Gokarna. I googled and decided to include Murudeshwar and few other places around Gokarna in our travel plan. The next question was on the mode of transport. Konkan Railways is a great option that could be explored considering the scenic beauty en route. The stretch between India’s commercial capital Mumbai and Mangalore that traverses across Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka is a great eye tonic. The paddy fields, mangroves, coconut trees, waterfalls and the Western Ghats are a tourist’s ecstasy.

We decided to give the whole trip a new dimension by driving down. We left early from office, hit the Pune Bangalore National Highway NH4 and reached Kolhapur a city at the south western tip of Maharashtra in 3 hours. We headed straight to the famous Mahalaxmi (Ambabai) temple. As it was a Friday the temple was crowded and we took some time to pay our respect to the goddess. It’s told that the visit to Balaji temple in Tirupathi is incomplete without the blessings of the Mahalaxmi at Kolhapur. Just outside the temple you would find the state transport bus stand and the stalls that sell chappals (footwear) that are synonymous to Kolhapur yes the well known handmade leather Kolhapuri chappals. You would also find an array of jewelry shops with various items on display.

Kolhapur is famous for its spicy food be it the Bhadang, Misal Pav or the Lasun Masala chutney. Bhadang is a snack made of puffed rice, salt, and a liberal serving of spices that gives it a lip smacking taste but is sure to fire your senses. We then headed to Hotel Opal, well known for its Kolhapuri Mutton Rassa a spicy mutton curry that would leave your tongue hanging. This curry is had with Bhakri or chappatis (Indian breads). Other accompaniments to this curry are the thambda rassa (red curry) and the pandhra rassa (white curry) made of coconut milk.

Pandhra & Lal Rassa

Misal

We had made our reservations at Hotel Tourist well in advance which is bang opposite to the Kolhapur railway station and a decent place to spend a night. We rose early had our breakfast and headed further south. The drive from Kolhapur to Murudeshwar would take six hours and you would traverse through the towns of Karnataka - Belgaum, Gokarna, and Kumta. We had booked our accommodation at RNS Highway Hotel.

As the name suggests, it’s right on the highway next to the diversion for Murudeshwar temple. The other resort RNS Residency is located next to the temple and was running at full capacity. It was past the lunch hours but the kitchen staff obliged us to some fish fries, kichadi and chicken curry. It was here that I first tasted the rava fish fry a Goan and Karnataka delicacy. The marinated fish is coated with rava (semolina) and fried. This version though crunchy isn’t as spicy as the non rava. My son preferred the rava version and gorged on it during our stay in Murudeshwar.

Murudeshwar Temple

All stuffed we returned to our room and took a nap after which we drove down to the Murudeshwar temple. And I must say what a sight it was; the Lord Shiva statue on the Kanduka Giri hill made a towering presence. The statue is around 120 feet in height and could be viewed from miles away. It had an imposing presence and everything around looked and felt miniscule. The soaring gopuram (an entrance to a temple) that is common in south India gave it a majestic look. The Arabian Sea at the backdrop and the temple in the forefront gives a panoramic view that would be a shutterbug’s delight.

Lord Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar is one of Lord Shiva’s many names. Legend of this temple is a leaf from the epic Ramayana in Threthayuga. It is told Ravan the asura king of Lanka did penance to become immortal. Pleased with him Shiva offered the atmalinga to Ravan on one condition if placed on the ground before reaching his destination it would lose its power. The Gods were worried as with the power attained Ravan could invoke havoc on earth. Lord Vishnu decided to play a trick. He blocked the sun with his Sudarshan Chakra (wheel). Mistaking it to be evening the time to perform his daily puja (Sandyavandhana) Ravan was in a fix, as to where to place the atmalinga when Lord Ganesh disguised as a Brahmin boy passed by him. Ravan asked the boy to hold the atmalinga till his puja was done.

The boy agreed to it but on one condition he would hold it till he could bear its weight after which he would call Ravan thrice and if he doesn’t return the atmalinga would be left on the ground. But Ravan didn’t return by the third call and the boy placed the atmalinga on the ground where it got entrenched. Vishnu then withdrew his chakra and it was broad daylight again. Furious with rage and wrath Ravan tried to pull the idol but it didn’t budge and took the shape of a cow’s ear (Gokarna). He flunged the case of the idol and it fell at Sajjeshwar. The lid fell at Guneshwar and the cloth tied around the idol at Murudeshwar. When Shiva got to know about it he visited all these places and called them his Panchakshetra. You could find the beautiful depiction of this story in the Murudeshwar temple premises.

The next day we headed for Gokarna via Honavar and Kumta. The drive along the coastline is scenic with the blue sea shimmering around. Gokarna is a small town and the temple of Mahabaleshwar finds devotees thronging. Here men need to unclad their torso while in the temple. This place is one of the seven Mukthisthalas in Karnataka the others being Udupi, Kollur, Subramanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara and Sankaranarayana. You could find many foreigners in Gokarna, as in Goa. There are many stalls outside the temple selling various handicraft items and souvenirs. Something to watch out for is the handiwork made of the roots of a plant.

After paying homage to the deity we drove to the well known Om beach. The beach has acquired this name as its top view resembles that of the Hindu symbol Om. It isn’t crowded like those in Goa. The waves ebb on to your feet probably with the sound of Om. The coconut trees on the threshold of the shores, the gentle breeze and the saline smell around you gives a mesmerizing feel. You are at peace and wouldn’t desire for more. One can sit on its shores for hours and watch the beautiful sunset. You would wish to stay for eternity in its calm, un-spoilt and serene expanse. Gokarna - bliss of life!

Earthen Symphony

2014-01-28T08:14:00.001+05:30

The colors and smell of Mother Earth has always intrigued me. The rustic and rugged beauty bathed in earthy tones has a sense of calmness and at the same time restfulness. The warmth and harmony demonstrated is inspiring to set up a home in line with Mother Nature's creation. The sun baked earth, the smell and color of wet mud, pottery, Terracotta; traditional handicrafts bring out the flavor of ethnicity and tradition.

My home is where I return after a long day's work to the sanctity of my life. This is the place wherein I revel into the tranquility of my inner sense and prod into the realm of my mind. My home would have all the attributes of the earthen tones that bring out a perfect harmony. A courtyard in the center, like the bygone era of Chettinad/ Karakudi homes in Tamilnadu.

Lighting & Ventilation

The open courtyard has the perfect ventilation and lighting and is also the best place for kids to play or catch up on some mundane activities for the grown-ups. The tall and colorful pillars and the wooden doors bring out the ethnicity of the south Indian culture.

Source - Wikipedia

For the Rustic Look -

Add on some artifacts that breathe out the intricacies of Indianness like the uruli (huge metallic urns), traditional bell metal lamps (hanging and standing), wall hangings, coir, bamboo, terracotta figurines and wind chimes. Cow dung flooring in front of the house with rice powder Rangoli is appealing to every person walking into the house.

Source - raxacollective

Source asianpaints.com

Cane chairs in the garden to have your morning cuppa a perfect setting to start your day with a refreshing ambiance. You could witness a colorful sunset or a sunrise or a beautiful rainbow on a rainy day. A rocking chair in your study for a relaxing read of your favorite book. This is where silence would speak for itself and unearth your deepest hidden thoughts and skills. These ancestral homes indeed bring out the perfect harmony between life and nature.

Source asianpaints.com

My private space to ruminate over life's blessings bestowed on me. The cane blinds with the perfect setting of dawn in the background is enough to refresh a rancid soul.

Care for the wooden Items -

Wooden artifacts, doors, windows, cupboards, landings, staircases, cupboards, partitions, swings, ceilings would be dominant across the home.

Source asianpaints.com

They require extra care and maintenance.
Premium Satin Enamel and Premium Gloss Enamel from Asian Paints do rescue us from it. You also have the transparent finish option for cabinets et all. A coat of Asian Paints Wood Filler followed by coat of Asian Paints Touchwood or Melamyne coat solves the purpose. Asian Paints makes life easy by providing step by step guidance in their Video Asian Paints Exterior Wood Finishes

Care for the Interiors & Exteriors

Now that we have taken care of the wooden items in the house we also need to take care of the interior and the exterior walls of the house. Ancestral homes need to be managed and maintained well that is when they last long. The effect of time and weather shouldn't take a toll on this valuable masterpiece.

Asian Paints has a solution to every problem. Be it dampness, cracks or fungus a touch of Asian Paints Acryclic Wall Putty, an Undercoat, A Primer and finally the Asian Paints Royale with Teflon for a perfect wall that speaks volumes. A plethora of colors that they term Colour Spectra which one could select to match the style of the home. I definitely would go for my earthy tones complementing the interiors.

Source asianpaints.com

This traditional bedroom done with red and orange Asian Paint Royal Luxury Emulsion would steal anyone's heart. It does give a warm and cozy feeling. Look at the motifs on the wall, these special effects lend a unique texture to the room and bring out a touch of our culture.

Source asianpaints.com

A perfect setting to entertain the guests ain't it?

The Asian Paints Apex Ultima ensures sheen, color stay, protection from extreme weather condition for the exteriors.

With the 4 pics color preview program I could get a virtual feel of how my home would look in different colors be it interior or exterior. The Asian paints experts would give the perfect makeover to what we call Home Sweet Home.

I would suggest Asian Paints Home Solutions for an end to end Home Makeover. It is the perfect stop for expert advises, hassle free service experience, superior finish and warranty for 3 years. And to top it all the products are Environmental friendly and do not contain toxic substances. Guess what I have joined the Asian Paints Idea Lab community as well.

I would want my home to last long and speak stories of happiness, laughter, festivities, the first rain, squeals of a baby, anxiety and hope that it has witnessed for decades to the forthcoming generations.

After all Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai and this home would whisper a perfect earthen symphony.

Walk into my abode for a taste of this harmonious composition that I call Life.

This post is an entry to the Asian Paints The Beautiful Home Blogger Contest in association with Ripple Links.

Get up and Bounce

2014-01-11T14:37:00.002+05:30

She is the muse of every artist;

Tresses that hide the darkness of the night

Caress the cheeks as tendrils,

And ward off all the devils

They sway in rhythmic motion,

As she walks in cadence like a poem

Her veil is a poet's imagination;

It is every lover's adulation

Am I in a dream or is it reality;

For she is the epitome of sensuality

I am sure this lady described in the poem would be every women's dream to be. Who wouldn't want a mane rich and nourished that would speak for itself? Achieving this would be possible but can it be maintained all throughout the day? In today's pollution, wind playing with your mane, dust, heat taking a toll wouldn't it turn out to be a mess as the day progresses?

Well I for sure care a lot for my hair. But at the same time I wouldn't want to miss on the pleasures of life by confining myself to the four walls. Life is well spent when every moment is lived. After all -

The earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair - Khalil Gibran.

I love to be in the openness of the vast, wild earth and feel its beauty in every particle.

To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug - Helen Keller

That's me recharging my hair with Sunsilk

Today with Sunsilk Radiant Shine it not just recharges my dull and limp hair but facilitates to recharge my life. I can enjoy the beauty of nature as per my choice.

One of the items in my bucket list is to drive a sea plane and visit the exotic locales that are rich in flora and fauna.

How I long to soar the sky from the Alaknanda river. This mighty Himalayan river rising at the Satopanath and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers is a visual treat from the blue skies as she swells and flows in cadence through Uttaranchal. I could watch the rafters enjoying the extreme sport of white water river rafting as the water gushes down to Rudraprayag.

My Sea plane

Sunrise at the Nandadevi peak. A canvas splashed with hues of red, orange and yellow interspersed by a child. Ooh the wonders of nature are unfathomable. As I ride the amphibian ( read seaplane) in the early hours of the day Nandadevi peak would be bathed in the fingers of God sparkling like a ball of fire.

Nanda devi at dawn

If I am lucky I might sight the Snow Leopard and the Himalayan Musk deer as well.

With the windows rolled down in the cockpit I would drive across the Valley of Flowers to find a riot of colors all spread out in the vastness of the earth. Flowers in full bloom with silver streams and snow clad peaks would indeed be a sight to watch for. The wind playing with my hair soaring over the world in peace, ah BLISS.

That is me soaring over the Valley of Flowers

The end to this rhapsody would be perfect with me completely charged up and bouncy for a lifetime. And my tresses ooh how I love them they would still be shiny, smooth and bouncing just like me! Try it to believe it.

That's me all charged up

P.S All the doodles have been created by me.

This post is my entry to the contest held by Sunsilk in association with Indiblogger.

The Knot

2013-12-25T16:42:00.001+05:30

I was in my eight grade and as part of my school project work had to knit a pair of booties. I was busy needling the pink hued yarn when by mistake I happened to stumble into a knot. Try as I would I was unable to untie the knot. After struggling for five minutes I gave up. My grandmother was seated across the room reading a book. She was amused to see me struggling with the knot but refused to acknowledge the issue in hand and displayed indifference towards it.

I was frustrated and walked to my grandmother for help. Looking at my plight she asked me "My child if you lose heart with a small knot like this one how would you untie the knots of life? This is a very small issue as you grow you would face bigger huddles, how would you tackle them? You try to do it yourself as tomorrow you need to face the bigger knots of life".

Through these two statements my grandmother had taught me the first three lessons of life - RESPONSIBILITY, INDEPENDENCE, PERSEVERANCE.
She highlighted the need for ownership/ responsibility by saying it's my problem I need to resolve it. The fact that I shouldn't lose heart over petty things till the end result is achieved showed perseverance. A never say die attitude. She also gave me the freedom/ independence to explore, falter and reach my goal.

"The greatest gifts you can give your child are the roots of responsibility and wings of independence."

She would always insist in LOVING and sharing whatever little we had.

"Happiness doesn't result from what we get but from what we give."

She had instilled these moral values for a better tomorrow and her words still ring in my ears.

Her teachings have laid the foundation in our life. She would state " Only if there is a wall, a picture can be drawn" which means if you need to do anything you need to be in good health. Health and good education would give you the strength to survive in this world. She would insist on my father to INVEST for a secure tomorrow. Savings would help us take higher studies which in turn would lead to a sunny future.

I would always want to pass on these gifts which I have received from my grandmother to my children. These five spheres in totality would help brighten a child's future.

This post is a part of the 1001 Gifts Activity by HDFC Life in association with BlogAdda

Musing over last thirty years

2013-12-22T10:03:00.000+05:30

This post won the Indiblogger Dove Guessing Game with my friend contest

I had returned home early from work. Early in the software world means 5:30 in the evening with the sun having already set on a wintry eventide. I had clients visiting us and had to take them out for dinner.

As I stepped into a knee length skirt, lined my eyes with kohl my four year old daughter sat looking at me intently. I applied a final dash of lipstick and she gazed at me with inquisitive, intriguing eyes. They never stopped following me. She peeped into my cupboard to find a stash of jewelry and cosmetic items. The look on her face was that of a child drooling over a box of his favorite sweets placed in front of him. She couldn't fathom which item should be tried first and was making up her mind when I caught her fiddling with one of my lipsticks. The sound of rummage had made me turn around and catch her off guard. She could read the look on my face, she had to stay at arms length from those items. But then she was amazed as well as perturbed. Hard as she tried she couldn't refrain herself from looking at the treasure in front of her. Gently she asked me, "Mama, can I try one of those lipsticks, please?" I gave her a firm negation in response. She pleaded if she could touch my lips to get a feel of the red hue adorning the edges of my mouth. When she found nothing could work out she cuddled close to me and purred, " Mama you look amazing, shall I dress you up?" with that she gave me a peck on my lips and rushed out. The complete act left me stunned for few seconds I didn't know whether I should get angry or laugh at the cheekiness of the four year old. I smiled to myself and rushed for the dinner party.

I drove my beloved Santro through the traffic and reminiscent my childhood days. Memories flooded as I remembered my misadventures, silly pranks, foolery and buffoonery. It brought a smile on my face. Wait till you get an insight into it.

As a five year old I would always watch my father shave his stubble every morning while getting ready for office. At that age I was unaware that this cleaning act was only meant for the male gender. This daily act was more of a beauty regime in my eyes that would go with any sex. One weekend my partner in crimes Sudha visited me as every other. I took her to my room and whilst playing with our dolls suggested to try our hands in the act of shearing? She was game for it. Out came the razor, the shaving brush and the soap. I was full of beans and was the first to get into action. I placed a stool in front of the basin, opened the cupboard and brought an arm full of towels. I climbed on to the stool opened the faucet and left it running. I lathered my cheeks and then looked at my friend who gave me the approval to proceed ahead. It was afternoon time and my mother was lying on the bed in the adjacent room thumbing through a magazine. Scared that she might get suspicious of our operation we ensured that the whole exercise was carried out without any noise. I took a tissue paper and cleared my hands of the foam. But it didn't suffice as the area around the basin also had been messed up. We didn't know how much soap was required and had managed to litter the area around the basin with lather and bubbles. I took the towels and cleaned the whole area. The towels had gotten dirty so I dumped them along with the used tissue papers into the basin. Water kept running through the tap. I cleared the lather of my cheeks with the razor. The first stroke went well. My friend gave her nod and gazed at me intently as I carried on with the crime.

By now water had started to percolate in the basin as the paper and towels had clogged the drain. We both were unaware of the situation and continued with our misdeed. The shaving was almost done when suddenly the razor cut through my delicate skin and blood trickled down my chin. I was aghast and screamed in pain. My mother came running into the bathroom. She saw a teary eyed kid standing on a stool with razor in one hand and a basin overflowing with water. That was my first taste of the elaborate dressing up session.

My endeavors in getting dressed up didn't end there. In fact it kicked off at that very instant. Experiments like using sketch pen to color the nails was very common amongst the two of us. We even went to the extent of using them on our lips as well as our cheeks. I must say it was a major disaster as the lips and our entire face was painted red. The Kajal had just not been used to line the eyes but was smudged on the eyelids and the under eye area. We looked maniac probably like Red Indians. Dressing up our dolls was another interesting game that we played frequently. If our faces didn't suffice we painted our dolls as well. Over a period they lost their attractiveness and rather turned into zombies. We got them married in a fake wedding.

Sharing each other's cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, dresses and shoes has become our way of life. Sudha has always been a member of my family. Well I still remember us helping each other drape a sari when we were in class five me being Bharat Mata and she Jhansi ki Rani. For that matter the first experience of wearing a salwar kameez and carrying a dupatta is one that can't be easily forgotten. I was so very fascinated with the dupatta that I simply had to have one in my wardrobe. Wearing the dupatta as a half sari and walking around the house with Sudha, both playing the role of a teacher, teaching invisible kids in an imaginary class was a weekend activity. Down would go the canes thrashing on the floor followed by shouting the kids for not having completed their homework or talking with each other in the so called class.

We have always been together,

For we are partners in all endeavor

Our mishaps and buffoonery;

Are talks of the town certainly

Lipstick smudged over the face,

Colors adorn the make up case

Draping dupattas and sarees;

Cat-walking together was a hit story

Elaborate wedding of the dolls,

Decked up in make up and golden foils

Our first hand in shaving;

Left us together crying

Ooh Sudha these thirty years with you were a blast,

As I muse over the past

The first time she had a pimple burst it sent shock waves across the town. She was down in tears when I suggested her Dove face wash a mild and refreshing product and till date she swears by it.

Over the years our understanding on dressing sense improved but I didn't stop being experimental. One evening Sudha was getting ready for her date with Pradeep. She looked gorgeous in a halter top with a pair of jeans. Her long flowing hair was left open I suggested she should get a hair cut and go the short way. The change in hair length could bring out the magic. Well you might have guessed by now what would have been the next course of action well I did offer to cut her tresses. I wanted this affair to be something that would be remembered for long so I asked her to close her eyes. I pulled out the Dove Elixir bottle and gave her a heavenly massage for the next fifteen minutes. She was in a bliss, I then asked her to wash her hair. Once this was done I blindfolded her with the pink satin ribbon. Then I applied soap on her left cheek and Dove soap on the other. Post washing I asked her to feel her cheeks. By this time she was in seventh heaven and couldn't get her hands off her right cheek. She insisted I apply the same soap to her left cheek. Out came the scissors and I cut her tresses short. I blow dried them and out walked a confident, glowing Sudha with no make up giving me a thumbs up sign.

Our experiments haven't stopped over the years for didn't someone rightly say -

Sweet is the scene where genial friendship plays the pleasing game of interchange praise.

This post is my entry for the Dove Guessing Game with my Friend in association with Indiblogger

The City of Angels

2013-11-24T20:56:00.004+05:30

Bangkok - Krung Thep Maka Nakhon, “The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn."

I have visited this city earlier and it has intrigued me for its proximity to India due to similarities in culture, religion. India's Lord Ram's influence has been carried on to the monarchy of Thailand and Buddhism monopolizes the country. Its similarities and converging facets of cultural visage appalls the lot. The Spirit House is one such example.

Spirit House

I had visited Pattaya and Bangkok earlier this year with my family and had flown in the Air Asia carrier. A convenient low cost airline that suits the pocket of an Indian who desires to visit countries in the APAC region. It makes every common man's dream come true and doesn't restrict visiting abroad a reality only for the rich.

Despite having visited this city earlier I managed to scratch its surface only. Its depth needs to be explored and this I plan to do this time donning the hat of the locals. The colorful taxis, low cost buses, the ubiquitous thuk thuks and the taxi service on the moped (On the Road trail in Bangkok)

Travel in Bangkok

Noong Noong our guide in Pattaya and Chitra our guide in the Buddha temple managed to leave a lasting impression. Chitra's Beauthiful after every statement whilst showing us around the Emerald Buddha temple was interesting and amusing. These simple but endearing personalities made our stay in Thailand pleasant. I would like to meet them again and visit the places around Bangkok and live the life of a Siam local. The Siam architecture is way different and one of its kind. Be it the Emerald Buddha Temple or Wat Arun.

Wat Arun (Flickr)

This time around I would want to explore Ayutthaya that sounds similar to Ayodhaya and is close to Bangkok. This bygone era's temples, forts and palaces bear similarities to Hinduism and has been in my bucket list since long.

Though I have visited the floating market at Pattaya (Floating Market) this time around I would want to explore the colorful, vibrant, captivating Damnoensaduak.

Damnoensaduak(Flickr)

The street food of Bangkok is overwhelming and doesn't miss your nostrils. I would want to explore the by lanes of Bangkok to experience this gastronomic journey. The cacophony of this place could be felt only when you get into its core and be a part of it.

Street Food in Bangkok

A Thai massage could be relaxing and a heavenly experience. How about getting it done in the authentic way from a Thai who has been practicing it for years? You come out replenished body and soul.

I am all set for it and experience Bangkok as a local, how about you?

This post is a contribution to Worlds Best Travel Fair by Air Asia in association with Ripple Links http://bit.ly/AirAsiaTravelFair

“The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (unlike Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.
Read more at http://www.omg-facts.com/History/The-Real-Name-Of-Bangkok-Is-The-Longest/51705#oPIglYOvhMoMpVIw.99

Ecstasy

2013-11-08T01:00:00.000+05:30

They sat beside each other with apprehension;
Her eyes lowered in waves of tension

She waited for him to move,
This very moment in dreams having wove

The rustle of silk and the tussle of thoughts;
For the newly weds after the three knots

The first embrace and the shed of inhibitions,
Wrapped in nothing but sheer skin of each others

Tumble and fumble the desire for more,
As he explores her innermost core

The final catharsis with the explosion;
Concludes the ecstasy of emotions

CO[O]K A DOODLE

2013-10-19T23:58:00.005+05:30

This post was selected by Tasty Khanna as one of the winners.

Cock a Doodle Doo! Sorry its Cook a Doodle :)

Well when I saw this contest in Blogadda page I had no clue about doodle recipes, but I must say it had me captivated. Here is my contribution to this interesting and creative contest - SOL KADHI

SO[U]L KADHI is a refreshing drink from Konkan (Maharashtra). It can be had as an appetizer, after meals drink or during meals with rice.

Benefits - Aids cooling and digestion

Note - You might want to open each image (double click) to view better

SOL KADHI - Ingredients

SOL KADHI - Preparation

SOL KADHI - Benefits

I have had preparations with cumin, mustard added but I prefer to have it the authentic way.

It just doesn't cool your body, it COOLS YOUR SOUL.

What is your take?

Have you ever had this pink hued drink?

My Doodle recipe is a part of Easy Doodle Recipe contest at BlogAdda.com in association with TastyKhana.com

Together Forever

2013-10-14T23:11:00.000+05:30

Dear Hubby,

It has been more than a decade since we have been married. Ours being an inter-caste and interstate was more of a rushed and simple affair. There were differences between the two families that took its time to resolve. Our marriage was eventful with twists and turns and also surprises some not very pleasant.

The initial years were rocky be it emotionally or financially. On our first date you didn't have money to foot the bill. I still remember those days when money seemed to flow in and immediately disappear. We never did go anywhere for our honeymoon simply because we couldn't afford it. Our days of calculations and immature steps did strain and take a toll on our relationship. We did have our fights, differences and quarrels but I must say over the years both of us have turned into responsible adults who have seen the highs and lows of life and now have mellowed.

It did bring a sense of pride when we moved from our rented house to our own house albeit bare. I had my apprehensions when I couldn't bring my friends home as I didn't have furniture to seat them. Our first bike that we still can't part with has been loyal to us till date. Every object in the house has been bought after multiple computations and thinking. I am happy and a proud mother of two lovely kids.

Today when I look at my cousins getting married with an elaborate affair it gets me thinking. I see that they have a very happy, peaceful wedding and more of a pleasant time to remember. The sangeet, mehendi, engagement, pheras, music, laughter and the rituals are so very joyous and fun. These are times to remember and lived that can never be forgotten.

The preparation starts months before the event, the bride doing her shopping for costume, jewelry, footwear, accessories etc. She visiting the salon and preparing herself for the D-Day so that she looks her best. Friends and cousins casually tease her, the bride looking forward to the big event.

Sometimes I feel I have missed all the fun and excitement that a bride goes through in a marriage. The bride decked in her heavy silk sari with the mang tika in the traditional south Indian way, the groom tying the three knots accompanied by the nadaswaram and drums is an affair to be remembered lifelong.

Mangalyam tantunanena mama jIvana hethunA |

Kanthe: badhnami subhage! twam jeeva sarada: satam ||

“This is a sacred thread. This is essential for my long life. I tie this around your neck O maiden having many auspicious attributes. May you live happily for a hundred years (with me).”

Hubby dear, I would want to live these moments. Well you see down the line when you would turn sixty our Hindu custom has this ritual called Shasti Poorthi. Celebrating sixty years of your living! Couples wed again following the Hindu rituals. The sixtieth year in everyone’s life is a significant milestone. A memorable turning point, a touching reminder of the rich, mellowed life that would unfold in the years to come.

I would want to marry again in the traditional Hindu style. I would want to experience everything that a bride would go through. It might sound weird for that matter even funny. We would be in our old age with snow white hair, frail with joint problems and other health issues. Grandchildren prancing around us, we already have lived the good ripe days of our life. But this thought somehow does remain and keeps popping in my head every now and then.

Source - Huffington Post

I know I am not the best partner; I have my days of mood swings. I am not an easy person to deal with and kept happy. It might sound silly but I would want ask you -

Do you think you can marry me again;

Bound together in platinum?

For years that we have lived;

And the years to be thrived

Life comes full circle,

As the days trickle

Hand in hand forever;

Never to fade ever,

Love so pure and true;

Like the early morning dew

You for me and me for you,

Love bands in fingers until I bid adieu

Till death do us apart;

Stop beats of the heart

Do you think you can marry me again;

On our Day of Love with Platinum?

P.S. I have never ever proposed a guy. This is my first experience J

I am eagerly waiting for our Platinum Day of Love. RSVP.

Regards

Your loving wife.

Source - gagdonkey.com

This entry is a post to the Platinum Day of Love Contest in association with Indiblogger

Prayer - a state of mind

2013-10-13T15:33:00.001+05:30

Bhagvad Gita - Verse 5.27-5.28

sparaan krtva bahir bahyams

caksus caivantare bhruvoh

pranapanau samau krtva

nasabhyantara-carinau

yatendriya-mano-buddhir

munir moksa-parayanah

vigateccha-bhaya-krodho

yah sada mukta eva sah

Shutting out all external sense objects, keeping the eyes and vision concentrated between the two eyebrows, suspending the inward and outward breaths within the nostrils—thus controlling the mind, senses and intelligence, the transcendentalist becomes free from desire, fear and anger. One who is always in this state is certainly liberated.

For me prayer is a state of mind. Prayer can be in any form. Prayer is in the lullaby of a mother, chirps of the birds and the waves of the sea, early morning dew and innocent smile of a child and in the flow of the river. Prayer is bhakti or worship. Prayer elevates us into the sublime sub-conscious, brings peace upon us and opens our intuitive self.

When I asked my nine year old what he asks in his prayer, he stated I ask God to cure me of my fever whenever I catch one or rid me of pain. When I want to attain good marks I whisper in Nandi's (Lord Shiva's vehicle) ears. For me God is a friend whom I converse and have my monologues with. I love to have fresh cream and butter like Little Krishna.

As a kid I too have asked loads from the Lord in my prayers. From having a lighter complexion, reduce in hair fall; help me clear my exams to marrying my beau. Humans are selfish and when in need we reach out to the Almighty. Over the years my approach and view towards prayer has changed.

Prayer doesn't need a reason or a specific place. You needn't necessarily visit a temple or a puja room. Just watching the sunset can bring in a sense of peace and satisfaction. We are at peace when the virtuous and noble forces enter our heart and the demonic, evil forces from within and without, depart.

That said every item used in the puja symbolizes and brings in positivism in and around us. In the festive period we Hindus do use them in our rituals elaborately.

Whilst worshipping the Lord by performing abhishek, decorating the image and offering fruits, flowers and delicacies, we see the beauty of the Lord in all His glory. Aarti is often performed with camphor, diya and incense sticks. This holds a spiritual significance. Karpooram when lit burns itself out completely without leaving a trace. It represents our inherent tendencies. When lit by the fire of knowledge which illumines the Lord (Truth), our vaasanas burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of ego which creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate from the Lord.

Source - Wikipedia

We often wait a long while to see the illumined Lord but when the aarti is actually performed; our eyes close automatically as if to look within. This is to signify that each of us is a temple of the Lord. The kumkum covers the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves - the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows. That is why worry generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss.

The chanting of the shlokas has a profound effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the surroundings. Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in India. Om is also called pranava that means, "That (symbol or sound) by which the Lord is praised". The entire essence of the Vedas is enshrined in the word Om. It is said that the Lord started creating the world after chanting Om. This Diwali I would want to state the importance and significance of each puja item to my kids using Sampoorna Lakshmi Pooja Pack.

Our ancestors emphasized the use of these items for puja as they understood its benefits and this shouldn't die down in the coming years.

This post is a contribution to the contest held by Cycle Pure Agarbathies (www.pureprayer.com)

Street Food in Thailand - Photo Essay

2013-09-16T22:29:00.000+05:30

Thailand reminds me of Noon Noong our guide, the humid weather and exotic street food. Noong Noong would state there are three seasons in Thailand Hot, Hotter and Hottest.

Thai street food has an overwhelming experience that doesn't miss to reach your nostrils a kilometer away. So powerful and lasting is it that for an outsider it could be astounding.

I stayed around three days in Thailand 1 day in Bangkok and 2 days in Pattaya. As I walked on the beaches of Pattaya and caught sight of this pretty lady selling fish, crabs and prawns, she obliged a photograph for me.

There is more to Thai street food than crabs and prawns. I walked down the Pattaya floating market and was greeted to large varieties of squids, lobsters, shells, mussels etc.

Grilled Squids sold in a boat

Mussels and shells

Crowds thronged the stalls be it day or night. Considering the streets of Thailand especially the sin city of Pattaya are always busy there is no dearth of customers. Prostitution, pole dancing, strip bars are full house late night.

Lobsters

Pork, Beef is also found in abundance. But what surprised me the most was that insect eating is rampant in Thailand. This is because it is cheap and also rich in protein. Scorpions, Cockroaches, locusts, worms etc are also found here. For many it might turn out to be cultural shock.

The milder ones -

Mango with sticky rice

Dumplings made from coconut

Be there to experience and savor it. Not all are for the faint hearted.

Have you ever had such exotic food?

Related Posts -

World at your Bay

2013-09-14T23:46:00.000+05:30

Courtesy http://blog.flickr.net

I wake up to the soothing chants of Suprabatham by M.S. Subbalakshmi playing in the background. Well it was 6 a.m. and I opened my eyes to be greeted by the sun streaming into my room.

The curtains had parted and the mood in the room was transformation, well that was the setting I had done yesterday night before falling asleep. My faithful domestic, Jasper knocks the door with a steaming cup of coffee. I sip into the hot decaffeinated drink with 3 spoons of sugar, exactly as I desire. The sensors had picked up my mood and the settings of the room changed to tranquility. Jasper moves around the room and sets the bed in a jiffy. The climate of the house is controlled by the domestic network. Today it is warm hence the temperature had been brought down automatically.

I am in mood for some heavy work out. I step out of my room and walk few steps to enter my playground. Well this is where I exercise and play games. I indulge in some stretches, warm up and later enter the tennis court. I play my strokes for the next one hour taking breaks in between. While I play this virtual game the sensors have been reading my stats and also checking for abnormal signs. This has been fed into the local health care network. Though I have managed to keep myself fit over the years I miss the hum drum and human activity around me.

I check myself in the mirror to find grey strands around my temples. I have reached the golden jubilee of my life. Over the years life has changed dramatically. I take a shower and walk down the stairs to the dining room. Jasper has already set the table with my breakfast of cereals and juice. The local health station has sent across my meal plan for the entire month. Afternoon lunch would be prepared by the kitchen appliances based on the order placed by Jasper. He has been with us since last five years and never has he let me down. He arrived in a box from Japan through online shopping. Though he isn't a humanoid he can understand my talks and instructions.

I walk past my son’s room to find him having his business meetings with colleagues from across the world. I leave him for my day’s work. I had stopped travelling to work a decade back considering the concept had been phased out. We do not have company offices any more. I work on my virtual desk punching keys as I gaze into the wide virtual screen across the wall. On a second screen I switch on the live streaming of the tennis match.

Photo by sellingpix

I remember I had to buy some business suits for my meetings. The sensors read and display the choices of clothes on the virtual screen. As I wave my hand and select the color and design the virtual trial room has already scanned, checked my vital statistics and found the suits of my size. I place the order using the virtual money. Many a times I do not purchase goods that can be created using the 3d printer. Food supplies are currently being managed by the local superstore which is connected to the home network. They get a regular feed of the supplies available at home and refill it whenever required. The fridge is enabled with the bar code system and a transformer delivers the supplies home.

I decide to test drive the newly launched BMW. I get into the augmented reality mode and whroom through the streets of Rome. If I like it I would want to be the owner of one. Though I hardly step out of home, once a month I drive down to meet my real friends. I am sure these trial details would have been collected by the merchants, considering consumer data is used to tailor buying habits. Based on the massive data source retailers design the advertisements and products. Guided selling and personalized marketing is the norm of the day. Sensors and processors read data continuously. Neuro-marketing is the new field of science used for promotions.

I have my lunch on the dining table when the suits arrive. Intelligent warehousing machines have reduced the delivery timelines. I have been training for football since last couple of months. These sessions are being conducted by virtual sports academies and I had purchased membership of the same online. These academies aim at transforming individuals to world class players. I had never ever dreamt of playing football in my lifetime as a professional. Today age, time and distance barriers have dissolved. Virtual classrooms hone skills and interests of people and help them realize, fulfill their dreams.

I play a match of football and head back to buy me my share of virtual sleep. Today there are add- ons and freebies like virtual pleasures available. As I head for my slumber I sense myself being shaken and hear my son’s yells. I am brought out of my dream, it is time for me to wake up and get the kids ready. I stare into the mirror and find a younger me. I have to head to the office by beating the traffic blues. Back to the daily hum drum and cacophony of long queues. Welcome to the real world where you belong to.

Reality Bites J

This post is part of the Future of Shopping contest held by Indiblogger and eBay (bit.ly/eBayCheck_Extention)

Washed

2013-09-14T08:59:00.002+05:30

O thy pour from distant lands;

Delight of the dickens,

You waddle in puddles;

To splash the soul of muddles

O thy pour from distant lands

You are the tender whispers ,

On the dew drenched leaves;

Of a lover in peace

O thy pour with cracker

Respite for the cropper;

And hopes to prosper,

Blooms every Harper

O thy pour in rambles,

Pitter patter on roof tops

Shades of grey overcast;

Music for the peacocks

O thy pour and refresh

Parched soul replenish,

Life is all to relish;

Do away with the blemish