Join
me on a journey through my personal gardening experiences, filled with
mistakes, failures, and invaluable lessons (Blossoming Passion: A Journey Of Gardening). Let me reveal the honest truths
about home gardening and captivate you with the wonders it holds.
Home gardening should be a convenient
endeavour, where simplicity reigns supreme. It's about finding an approach that
fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. The essentials revolve around watering
your plants according to their needs, providing fertilizers when necessary, and
repotting those that have outgrown their containers. However, it's important to
recognize that not all plants can be saved, and sometimes letting go is the
only option. Consider replacing them with similar varieties or exploring new
possibilities. Remember, the size of your garden matters. The larger it is, the
more time you'll need to allocate for its care. Don't overlook the importance of
keeping your surroundings clean, even if you're gardening in pots. Regular
cleaning and sweeping will ensure a tidy and inviting atmosphere. The time you
invest will depend on the number of plants you have.
Are
you one of those people who are obsessed with their skin? Well, there's no
shame in that. After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body and it
deserves all the attention and care that we can give it (Embracing Eternal Youth With Yoga And Skincare Mantras). In this post, I want
to focus specifically on the skin on our face because it is the most visible
part of our body and it requires a different level of care than the rest of our
skin.
You might be wondering why I'm making a
distinction between the skin on our face and the rest of our body. The reason
is simple - the products that we use to take care of our skin are not all the
same. For example, the lotion or cream that we use on our hands or legs might
not be suitable for the delicate skin on our face. That's why it's important to
use products that are specifically designed for the face.
I’m the ultimate foodie - always on the hunt for
new flavors and never one to shy away from a culinary adventure (SZECHUAN LONG BEANS). From five-star
restaurants to roadside stalls, you’ll find me indulging in just about
anything. There's no "mudguard" mentality here; I'll eat wherever and
whatever catches my fancy. But there’s a downside to this passion: the people
in my life are fussy eaters with endless restrictions. “I don’t like this, “I
can’t eat that,” and “Street food? No way!” - you get the idea.
Eating out with them is like replaying the same old
song at the same eateries, ordering the same dishes. It’s become so monotonous
that I’ve resorted to dining solo. Even my husband, bless him, has a laundry
list of limitations - except when it comes to Indian food. Put a plate of
curries in front of him, and he’s all smiles. It took me years to expand his
culinary horizons (TOM YAM FISH), and while he’s gotten better, he’s still pretty reluctant to
try new things. The funniest part? These folks won’t even try something before
deciding they don’t like it. Funny, right?
Step
into the tranquil beginnings of my journey in Kota Kemuning two decades ago,
where amidst the calm, a yearning for vitality stirred. With my spouse often
away, I craved solace and purpose. Balancing academia and domesticity, the idea
of crafting a blog and delving into culinary ventures beckoned.
Yet, it was the sight of the barren plot
outside my home that ignited an insatiable desire for lush greenery. Having
only dabbled in indoor plants before, the notion of gardening felt foreign.
However, the vast potential of this newfound space sparked an intense passion
within me.
A couple of years ago, I grew long beans, but
unfortunately, their lifespan is only about 4 months, so you need to replant
them to continue harvesting. I didn't get around to replanting them back then,
but now I've started growing them again. The plants are slowly coming up, and
I'm hopeful for a good harvest for my cooking. In the meantime, I buy them, and
they are quite affordable (VEGETARIAN TOFU RENDANG). Long beans are a favorite in my household.
I cook them in
Indian style (VEGETARIAN DEVIL/DEBEL CURRY), but for a quick Chinese-style dish, stir-frying is the way to go.
This recipe is quite simple, and as someone who cooks Chinese dishes regularly,
I always keep peanut oil, sesame oil, and soy sauce on hand. Szechuan
peppercorns, available at Chinese grocers, also last a long time and should be
stored in the fridge.
Have
I mentioned how yoga can work wonders for anti-aging? If I haven't, my
apologies, because the benefits of yoga go far beyond just flexibility and
relaxation (Unveiling The Truths of Yoga & Yoga Magic). Picture this: while striking those yoga poses and engaging in
mindful breathing (DBT MINDFUL BREATHING), you're actually giving your body a secret weapon against
aging.
I
find it rather curious, or perhaps understandable, that among 10 Indians, only
one or two would indulge in pork. While this doesn't particularly bother me,
it's quite a phenomenon when dining with them, as they tend to avoid eateries
serving pork dishes. This preference is more prevalent among the older
generation, although a fair number of younger individuals do enjoy pork.
Interestingly, those who abstain from pork often struggle to articulate the
reasons behind their choice. Some perceive pork as unclean, while others cite
religious beliefs. Many were simply not exposed to pork consumption by their
parents, leading to a perpetuation of dietary habits. In general, Indians tend
to favor familiarity over culinary exploration, which contrasts with my own adventurous
palate.
Zen
yoga is undoubtedly at the heart of holistic wellness, a concept that continues
to resonate in our modern world. It's the epitome of natural therapy, nurturing
the breath, body, mind, and soul, with the power to reshape lives in unexpected
ways.
However, it's essential to recognize that
while yoga is a potent tool, it should never replace medical care. Doctors are
vital in our healthcare system, offering essential services such as emergency
care, managing chronic conditions, and collaborating with other healthcare
providers to ensure comprehensive patient care. Yoga can complement traditional
medical treatments but should never be seen as a substitute.
Tomyam
- a name that resonates with food lovers worldwide, synonymous with the bold,
unmistakable flavors of Thai cuisine. It's a culinary journey I've savored for
years, honing my skills after exploring every nook and cranny of Thailand's
diverse gastronomic landscape.
From the bustling streetside stalls to the
refined elegance of upscale eateries, Thailand's culinary scene offers a
spectrum of delights. Yet, amidst the array of options, one dish stands out -
Tomyam. Its fiery spiciness can be a challenge to stomach at times, but oh, the
rewards are worth it.
While Indian cuisine often relies on turmeric
powder, Malay dishes make use of fresh turmeric. Fresh turmeric is the raw form
of the spice, which is later dried and ground into powder for Indian recipes. (SPINACH TURMERIC). The flavor and aroma of fresh turmeric differ significantly from its powdered
counterpart. Fresh turmeric imparts a bright, earthy, and peppery taste with a
hint of ginger, while turmeric powder offers a more concentrated, warm, and
slightly bitter flavor. Fresh turmeric’s aroma is vibrant and pungent with a
subtle citrusy note, whereas the powder has a deeper, more intense earthy
scent (VEGETARIAN TOFU RENDANG).
From
Kullu Manali (KULLU MANALI MAJESTY) to Chandigarh. India's first planned city, Chandigarh stands as a
testament to modern urban design and efficiency. Renowned for its
well-organized sectors, lush greenery, and wide avenues, Chandigarh blends
functionality with aesthetic charm. Designed by Swiss-French architect Le
Corbusier in the 1950s, the city boasts clean, tree-lined streets, serene
parks, and distinctive architecture. Chandigarh serves as the capital of both
Punjab and Haryana states, fostering a vibrant cultural scene alongside its
administrative importance. As a model of sustainable urban living (HOKKAIDO WINTER TIME), Chandigarh
continues to offer a tranquil yet dynamic environment (SURAKARTA HEARTBEAT & BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND).
During the six-hour journey, we
encountered unexpected challenges. Several tour members fell ill with stomach
upset, vomiting, nausea, and fever. Despite their boasts of extensive travel
experience across India, they were unprepared for the winding mountain roads, plus,
I reckon it’s the effects of late-night meals followed by over-eating again at breakfast
buffet. This lack of foresight led to unscheduled stops for fresh air and
medical assistance, disrupting the journey. Some had to visit the doctor while
others waited on the coach.
Next
on our itinerary was Kullu Manali (SHIMLA ESSENCE OF HIMALAYSAN GEM). After a comfort break and lunch, we arrived
at the Westin Hotel and Resort in Manali past 10 PM. Declining the late dinner,
I headed straight to my room and was impressed by its cleanliness and comfort.
A refreshing shower marked the end of my day before bedtime. The buffet
breakfast the next morning wasn’t remarkable but provided the necessary fuel for
our activities at Rohtang Pass (HOKKAIDO WINTER LUST).
Rohtang Pass, nestled in the majestic
Himalayas at an altitude of about 3,978 meters, holds significant historical (VARANASI SACRED GANGES) and geographical importance. It has served as a crucial trade route since
ancient times, connecting the lush Kullu Valley to the arid Lahaul and Spiti
Valleys. The name Rohtang translates to "pile of corpses" due to its
challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, which historically made it a
difficult passage. Today, Rohtang Pass offers breathtaking vistas of
snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows.
Once
I dismounted from the horse (SHIMLA - CAPTURING NATURE'S LOVE), the guide shared his number for arranging the ride
back down the hill. After waiting for ten minutes and seeing no sign of the
rest of my tour group who had opted for the ride, I decided not to wait any
longer. I paid the entrance fee and began my trek up the uneven path.
As I
ascended, the challenge became evident - each step tested my endurance and leg
strength. Halfway through, I found myself questioning whether to push forward
or turn back. Despite the struggle, I continued, passing stalls selling various
local products on both sides of the path (PRETORIA MOMENTS & CAPE TOWN MAGIC).
While my interest in shopping wasn't
particularly high, the allure of local bites and drinks was hard to resist.
However, observing food vendors handling items without gloves in such a dusty
environment gave me pause. The lack of covering for the food at these stalls
added to my concern.
My walk eventually brought me to what seemed like the viewpoint (KATAGARAMA SRI LANKA) at Mahasu Peak, where I hoped to catch an overview of Kufri or even Shimla. However, the area was packed with locals who showed no signs of moving. Waiting for my turn seemed futile, especially considering the time constraint to rejoin my tour group, so I decided to return to where my guide was supposed to meet me.
After waiting for 20 minutes with no response to my calls, he finally appeared, casually taking photos as I called the horse "Darling." He corrected me, revealing the horse's name as "Raku." Oh, the innocence of it all! I thanked him profusely with a namaskar and a token before we embarked on the ride downhill.
Back
in the van, we switched vehicles midway and eventually reached Jakhu Road by
4:30 pm, missing out on visiting the Shri Hanuman Mandir and Christ Church as
per our itinerary. Despite this, hunger was gnawing at me after climbing steep
steps, and all we could find was Cafe Under Tree. Quite a surprise! Famished,
we indulged in a mix of Western and Indian vegetarian dishes - Mushroom Fried
Rice, Vegetarian Biryani, and Manchurian Kofta - all delicious and reasonably
priced.
Satiated,
we returned to the hotel where the experience of bucket bathing added a
nostalgic touch to our day. Seated on a stool, filling the bucket and using the
scoop brought back memories of simpler times, reminiscent of my childhood in
Jalan Chan Ah Thong Brickfields government quarters. A classic way to end my
adventurous day in Shimla.
Waking
up (UTTAR PRADESH), oh-my! I realize that I am in Shimla. Shimla is like a love name for me,
just like how I felt when I was in Jaipur and also Agra. Shimla, nestled in the
serene hills of Himachal Pradesh, holds significant historical importance as
the former summer capital of British India. Established in the early 19th
century, it served as a pivotal center of colonial administration and cultural
exchange, reflecting the grandeur of Victorian architecture and British
influence. Today, Shimla stands as a testament to its storied past, attracting
visitors with its cool climate, panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, and a blend
of colonial charm with vibrant local culture. Its enduring appeal lies not only
in its historical significance but also in its role as a picturesque retreat (SURAKARTA HEARTBEAT & BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND).
Back to India (NEW DELHI & JAIPUR ),
this time to explore Shimla and Chandigarh. On another solo trip, I joined a
tour group with a mix of familiar faces (CHENNAI & MADURAI )and new acquaintances for a 7-day,
6-night adventure. The journey began in New Delhi, where I finally hit the bed
in my room past 1 AM. By 8:30 AM the next morning, we were on our way to
Shimla, embarking on an almost 10-hour road journey. Leaving New Delhi on a
busy Saturday, we faced peak weekend traffic, taking at least an hour to get
onto the roads leading to Shimla (HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST & GALLE SPOTS).
About two
and a half hours later, we stopped for a comfort break at Mama Yadav, Shiva
Dhaba in Babugarh, Uttar Pradesh, which was bustling with people. After a quick
visit to the loo, I opted for a fresh, hot tea in a clay cup instead of sitting
down to eat. The experience of watching the tea being poured into the clay pot
made me grin, and the taste was delightful, transporting me to an ancient time
