Turkey's Must-See Sightseeing Spots

Having explored Istanbul's rich of history and culture (ISTANBUL TIMELESS TRAVELS), which was not only fulfilling but also breathtaking during this early winter (DENMARK-NORWAY REFLECTIONS), my journey through Turkey continued to other places for more famous sightseeing spots. From ancient marvels to picturesque landscapes (COMO, LUGANO & MILAN), each stop offered a new perspective and unforgettable experiences. Join me as I share the highlights of my travels beyond Istanbul.

Çanakkale - Troy

Troy, one of the world's most renowned archaeological sites, boasts a history spanning 4,000 years and was unearthed in the 19th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient Troy is famed for its association with the legendary Trojan War. This pivotal Greek mythological tale, centered around Trojan prince Paris and his abduction of Helen, sparked a decade-long conflict.

Crispy Bitter Gourd Chips & Sri Lankan Karavila Salad Recipes

(Updated Version)

Growing bitter gourd aligns beautifully with Nava’s Zen philosophy. The glossy, dark green fruits are stunning but don’t last long, prompting a cycle of growth. After initial setbacks, I’m ready to cultivate them again.

Cultivating bitter gourd is straightforward - you can either dry the seeds or use them directly from your cooking. To my delight, seeds from my kitchen have sprouted new plants.

Suji Cookies: Sugee/Semolina Melt-In-Your-Mouth Bites

(Updated Version)

How can Deepavali be complete without Suji Cookies? For me, they're a beloved tradition. Growing up, baking Suji Cookies was a family event. We used an old round silver oven with a glass window to check on the cookies, but the round meter rarely worked - talk about old-school. Unlike today's high-tech ovens, that round one was all we could afford, and it did the job for our Deepavali baking. While Mom made the dough, the rest of us rolled, pinched, and added cherries before she popped the cookies in the oven. And yes, the raw dough was just too tempting (EGGLESS CAYENNE CHOCOLATE COOKIES).

Sambal Belacan: Fiery Guide to Malaysian & Indonesian

(Updated Version)

It's sambal belacan. Wowww! Who's a fan of sambal belacan? If you are, we’re in the same sambal belacan tribe. My love for sambal belacan began in my teens, and it's curious how I’m the only one in my family who drools over it - neither my late dad, my late mum, nor my two brothers share this passion. It’s a bit of a mystery.

 

Let’s start with belacan. Belacan is a fermented shrimp paste, widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA INDONESIAN TASTES), and Singapore. It’s made by fermenting tiny shrimp, often krill, which are salted and left to ferment for several weeks. After fermentation, the shrimp are sun-dried and ground into a paste, which is then formed into blocks or cakes and left to mature, developing a strong, pungent aroma. Belacan adds depth and umami to dishes and is often used in sambal belacan, curries, or stir-fries. It’s typically toasted before use to enhance its flavor (ASAM PEDAS IKAN BAWAL).

Misdiagnosis of Depression in Menopause: Yoga for Relief

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This article examines the misdiagnosis of depression during menopause and the potential benefits of yoga as a complementary treatment. It highlights the limitations of conventional approaches that often oversimplify menopausal symptoms by labeling them as depression. Through the author's personal experiences, it is demonstrated how yoga can offer significant relief and mental clarity beyond what is typically achieved with standard medical treatments. 

The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating yoga into mental health care, not only as a supplementary remedy but as a vital tool for enhancing overall well-being. The findings suggest that a more nuanced understanding of menopause-related mental health issues and the inclusion of yoga in treatment plans can lead to improved outcomes and greater self-reliance.

Easy Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) Recipe

(Updated Version)

Khao Niew Mamuang, or Thai mango sticky rice, is a dessert loved across the globe (TAM TIM KROB: THAI RED RUBIES). "Khao Niew" means sticky or glutinous rice, and "Mamuang" means mango. I’ve had plenty of Thai Mango Sticky Rice, but trust me, not all are worth raving about. Even in Thailand (CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI), some were just average, and the worst were those sold in the evening but made in the morning. But when it’s good, it’s really good - like the street food version I had in Pattaya. I tried a few varieties, including Sticky Rice with Dried Shrimp Sugar, Sticky Rice with Custard, and of course, the traditional Sticky Rice with Mango. I couldn't resist packing back to my hotel, stashing them in the fridge, and enjoying them bit by bit.

Nyonya Pineapple Tarts: Handcrafted, Buttery, and Crispy

(Updated Version)

This Indian lady is definitely a bit different. While most Indian women and men make pineapple tarts for Deepavali, I chose to bake them for Chinese New Year. Strange, right? It was just me using my semester break to make Nyonya Pineapple Tarts. I wanted to practice my baking skills (EASIEST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE) - after all, practice makes perfect. But I’m not looking to turn this into a business; it’s just a fun hobby for me (INDULGENT CHEESECAKE SWEET DELIGHTS).

Istanbul, Turkey: Discovering Through Timeless Travels

Turkey, the crossroads of Europe and Asia, boasts a rich history influenced by both continents. This unique blend of European and Asian (CHANDIGARH, NORTH INDIA URBAN MARVELS) traditions creates a vibrant and diverse culture. As a popular tourist destination, Turkey attracts visitors year-round. I recently spent 8 days exploring this fascinating country, starting in Istanbul and traveling through Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Ankara, and Bolu. The long coach journeys, depending on the distance (SURAKARTA INDONESIA HEARTBEAT), sometimes took almost a full day, with stops at attractions and breaks for meals and comfort. Curious about the places (PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA MOMENTS) I visited in Turkey? Come, follow me on my journey through this country.

Pork Belly With Salted Fish: Steamed and Stir-Fried

(Updated Version)

Shhh, let’s keep this between us! Ms. Nava’s got a soft spot for pork—don’t let the holy rollers know! The ultra-religious crowd might bring out their Hinduism rulebook and wag their fingers at me. Yes, Hinduism emphasizes vegetarianism and non-violence, but nowhere in the sacred texts does it say pork is off-limits (MALAYSIAN WILDBOAR CURRY). Ah, Hindus - whether you’re all about pork, mutton, or are a part-time vegetarian (you know, on those countless Hindu holy days), there’s no express ticket to heaven based on what’s on your plate. So, let’s leave the judgment at the door, shall we? Zen Cuisine and Zen Wellness certainly don’t discriminate based on diet (EXQUISITE CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES).