Outlandish Memories

July 2015

( Flight from Mumbai to Zurich, and further on to San Francisco) 

After my eventful entry into the flight (refer to previous post) , I managed to squeeze in some sleep through the night. A few hours in, I woke up to breakfast being served, as we flew over picturesque mountains. 

Whenever I fly, my gaze always remains outward. Therefore I end up choosing the window seat by default. I can gaze into the sky, and the clouds for hours together. I could watch the sun go down, moon come up, and watch every hue in the sky through this transition. 

That morning I watched in awe, an enchanting sight. The sun rose up into the sky, and was just above a series of hillocks. By the foothills, ran a river. The sun reflected itself on to the pristine waters, and shone through, waking the town that lay beside it. It was green. And I could see tiny houses by the waters. 

Oh, could I live there? 

(I'm quite patriotic, and wouldn't like to live anywhere apart from India. But for this view, I could key in a few changes!) 

We had a very long haul before flight to San Francisco. The worst thing on long flight overseas, is to not being able to web check in. All 14 of us got seats spread out all over the aircraft. What a bummer! I was seated in the middle aisle, middle seat. I had a couple on one side, and a guy on the other. To add to that, my entertainment unit wasn't working. Talk about luck!! Well, the Swiss Airlines weren't of much help either. So I was stuck there, on a 10 hour- turned - 12 hour long flight. 

You want to teach someone patience, put them on this flight. You want to teach someone how to socialise, put them on this flight. You want to teach someone how to practice meditation, put them on this flight. You want to teach someone to lose inhibitions and share arm rests, put them on this flight!

I am quite an introvert, most of the time. But I picked up a conversation with the couple on my right. They were surprised that I spoke good English, being from India. Well, they don't know that the British left quite a strong impression on us all. Our spoken English seems to be better than our regional languages, many times. (Unfortunately, I must add.)

The guy on my left was quite quiet, himself. So I don't remember how we started the conversation. But in a matter of minutes, we couldn't stop talking... Turns out, he was from the town at the foothills, by the river I had seen that morning in Zurich *gasps* Too much of a coincidence!

We spoke for hours, about India, Indian dance, music, art, culture. About Zurich, and the US. His father was American so he had spent time in both the continents, and didn't even need a visa as his passport was half and half (uber cool!) 

He even shared his bar of Lindt dark chocolate with me (far too kind. I'd never share my chocolate!) 
At that time (read, before yoga), my usual reaction to change in climate or the slightest change in temperature, used to be sneezes, and a cold. So inevitably in the flight, I started sneezing, following up with "excuse me". He asked me, 
"is it rude to sneeze in India?" 
Hahahha!! Hmmm could put some thought into that.....  

Very soon (maybe not that soon), It was​ time for us to land. I really regretted not getting a window seat at this time. The runway in San Francisco runs into the sea. Oh how I wish I could have watched this spectacle. 

A very fidgety vibe in the flight, each of us were tired of the unending wait. We soon got off, and reunited with our family and friends. 

The one thing I realised then, was that I didn't even know his name. I didn't know any personal details. It's unlike me to ask, and we never got to discussing anything personal. Well, it's one of those dreamy stories then. That are just going to be memories, fond memories. He was my saviour on a long flight, where I had nothing to rely on. And it will stay so. 

I'm just very grateful for such lovely experiences, and beautiful people that I meet. This instance is one of many such, that I have had. I intend to pen them all down here on my blog. I want to share with you, the joy of travel. Knowing that there are magical stories waiting for you, just around the corner. Go out, and get them. 😊

Travel. 

Foot'loose'

July 2015 
(Flight from BOM to SFO) 
A mid night flight from Mumbai to San Francisco. Stop over at Zurich. 

This is how the countdown to the take off began... 
*excitement into times ten*
*yawn*
*excitement into times twenty*

Nrityanidhi was to perfom in the USA for the very first time. We couldn't have been more thrilled about this. Additionally, we had a huge troupe travelling, and also one of our very close friend. A friend who laughs uncontrollably along with us. *excitement into times forty*

So on the flight, I was to sit next to this friend; and our seats happened to be at the very end (repercussions of not web checking in, on time). 

The flight was so quiet; a typical overseas, late night flight. People talking in hushed tones. Many of them snuggled into their blankets, half asleep. 

The air hostess showed us the way to our seats. Our friend was walking ahead of me, and my sister, behind me. Having to travel for a show has us with big cabin bags too. So we're all trying to fit into the aisles with minimal intrusion into others' spaces, avoiding bumping into elbows or pushing our bags into someone's face (yeah those people are so annoying. But when you're one of the plausible annoyer, {is that even a word?} then the empathy really surfaces.)
We're walking down the aisle, and Ranj (the friend) points to our seat. I give one upward glance at it, and within a fraction of a second, take an extraordinary flip over the bag in front of me, drop my own bag into a sleeping man's face, and fall with my legs up in the air and face on the floor. 


Needless to say, I'm laughing really hard while trying to balance myself up, rolling out an unsatisfactory apology to the poor man who was jolted out of his REM sleep. Ranj and Akku are unable to help me as they are turning away, trying to stop themselves from bursting into loud splits of laughter. 


Why God, why does this have to happen with me? My poise of being a dancer, all shattered! 

Well, I could say that enough number of experiences bring us "down to earth";
A little too literal in my case. *wink wink*

Embrace them all, and laugh along. These memories either teach us lessons or give us a tickle;. both lasting a lifetime! 

Lesson learnt : 
1. Do not carry heavy luggage into the cabin. 
2. Stay away from snoozing strangers. 
3. Do not depend on your sister or friend for help when there's a laughable situation. 

Bag, Boarding, and.... Catastrophe?

April 2016:

I was supremely excited about travelling alone! I was doing it after years, and it would be the first time that I was doing this on my own, no help whatsoever, in planning or execution. I decided the place I wanted to be at:

~ Bali ~

Aah! Just the thought now makes me travel back to those blissful moments!

I had gotten all my bookings done, and was prepared with all my notes organized, thanks to lonely planet!

My notes, you have got to see my notes.

They are organized and reorganized based on;

the information I receive,

then categorized under the places I would be visiting,

further organized into the order that will be plausible during my visit.

I also have a sub category based on priorities and the ones I can forego.

Try it, you’ll be grateful ! :D

I knew that I would want to cycle around, so I wanted free hands and something more practical for all my stuff (there’s A LOT of stuff!)

So, I ditched my purse for a new (and pretty) backpack.

The bag was perfect. It was everything I wanted it to be. It had so many pockets, it was light, yet big enough to hold all of my things. I had carefully picked it out after much contemplation. I had taken days to decide which colour I wanted, and what size would be best.

On the day of my journey, my bag was all ready. After checking in my suitcase at the airport, I felt even more liberated. I gave myself a mental high five, for my wisdom and acuity. I know what you’re thinking…*exaggeration much??* Okay, so it may seem like a small thing to you, but I am big on doing silly things and then repenting. But noooo, I was on top of the situation this time. (Well done, Ashwini!)

I walked with long strides and free hands that moved in abandon. I may have danced along the way until the security check (oh travel has never been this easy, I nailed it!)

*Random Internal dialogue* :

“I can’t see what’s happening behind me, what if something falls out from my bag?”

“tch! Nothing like that will happen. Why do you get weird thoughts like this?”

Cruising through the security, I headed to the washroom that is just past the security counter.

(Have you visited the washroom at the Bangalore airport? Oh you must! I know it is weird stating this, but it will be your best and most convenient experience.)

There happens to be a platform above the WC. Very convenient for keeping the million things that one is generally carrying while travelling. My boarding pass was still in my hand, so I placed it there; and made sure I picked it while leaving the restroom.

*Internal dialogue* :

“What if I had left it there?”

*walking towards the wash basins*

“Phew that would be disastrous! “

*washing hands*

“Really, what does one do if one loses their boarding pass?”

“Ashwini!! Why do you get thoughts like this?”

*walking out and passing through the artefacts store*

“Sorry but just hypothetically….”

“No!”

“But just….”

“Nooo!!”

“Okay, lets eat?”

“Yesss!” *wide grin*

Now I am beyond the Malgudi eatery. I decide to check my boarding gate number on my pass, so as to be prepared and eat at a counter close to my gate.

I slide my bag off my shoulder and look for my pass.

Wait.

What?

Wait.

Noooooooo!!!

Where is my boarding pass??!!

Proof that a thought is quick to manifest.

Dear universe, I know that works, and works really well. Why did you have to find this moment to reaffirm that with me?!

*retracing my steps*

There were probably twenty steps that I had taken. How did this happen?

I couldn’t find it anywhere! Even the police at the security counter said they hadn’t found it. The ‘lost and found’ hadn’t found it. That’s it! I thought it was the end of my trip. I’m going to be asked to go back home. I was laughing! Literally standing and laughing, all by myself. I always do that when I’m in a spot like this. One of the best things I learnt from my family; the world doesn’t end, right? Papa always says, “maximum what will happen?”

I mustered up enough courage to go and report at the boarding gate. The lady at the counter was on a call. Those were probably the longest minutes of my life. (hurryyyy, I have a flight to catch! Umm….hopefully. *fingers crossed*)

When I explained the issue, with great remorse; she gave me that really horrible look. Wow, I could actually feel worse about what I had done. 

Turns out this happens often, and she was sick of passengers being casual about it. Oh I wasn’t casual, I surely wasn’t!

As we prepared to get a new copy of the boarding pass for me, I explained how I thought I wouldn’t be allowed to board the flight, and sent back home. 

Well, at least I gave her a reason to laugh….

All is well when you know that you are back on track.

*Internal Dialogue* :

“No time for a snack though!”

“*hmph* okay, will make peace with that. As long as I got to go on my trip."

“Yaayy Bali, here I come…..”

Bangalir Bhuribhoj (a big fat Bengali meal)

Just past silkboard, in one of the by-lanes, is situated the home of a lovely couple.

Greeted at the gate with a huge smile, and a happy face; our beautiful host for the afternoon, Sonali brought us up the stairs. They were lined with earthen pots carrying flowering plants and herbs like basil, mint,lemon and many more.

Shom greeted us at entrance of their home on the second floor, to guide us straight into a cosy afternoon. The drapes that hung loosely against the walls, were tactfully picked up to complement the art that was displayed through the house.

As we prepared to begin our meal, Sonali gave us an insight into the differences between the styles of cooking that varied between the East and West of Bengal. Quite fascinating! While one focused more on the spice, the other had typical ingredients more specific to their style of cooking.

You know that being Bengali means having distinctive flavour; not just in food, but in art and culture as well. There were posters, and paintings that were all around, and a few pieces of artefacts tastefully brought in from different parts of the world.

The huge dining table that sat up on an elevated area, created an atmosphere that showed us that food was certainly the highlight here. 

An array of serving bowls had hot food waiting for us.
One would wonder if their appetite were enough, to do justice to what's put forth.

The host was quite specific about how we went through our meal. Kind and compassionate, her love for food shone through.


First Course:

We were to relish the luchis with aloo dum and baigun bhaja . I've of course had them earlier, but this has just beaten those straight out! I'd say that if you impress me with veg food, then you really impress me!

The aloo dum was delectable It had a semi gravy, and was laden with flavour. The baby potatoes were kept whole; as should be, in an aloo dum. Dressed with a luxuriously creamy coating and lightly spiced, the potatoes certainly uplifted the first course of the meal

The baigun bhaja was soft, and rolled mercifully in spices that were balanced just right. It added character to the softness of the insides of the eggplant. Fried perfectly well, they really were a great combination with the aloo and luchi. I would have had more; but this was just the beginning... I had to move to the heroes of the meal.

Second course:

Next in line were the accompaniments with rice.

Rice is important to bengalis, as is to south Indians. The rice was cooked perfectly, with the grains harmoniously in sync with each other. A rice lovers heaven!

"Moong dal macher matha diye" - Lentils cooked with Rohu fish head. At first that sounded completely bizarre to me. Firstly, fish head. Secondly, in dal? Okay, yes, that's an interesting one. I urge you to try it and then conclude; based on your taste buds.

It's a unique taste for sure. And certainly authentic to their cuisine. Shonali says that's its hard for her to cook anything vegetarian. She always ends up adding meat to bring in flavour (although if you ask me, she doesn't have to worry. The first course was proof enough)

The moong dal was interestingly brought in from Calcutta, as the type isn't available here in Bangalore.

The fish curry was a typical Bengali style fish curry, "Katla Kalia". The ground spices brought out distinct flavours and warmly cuddled the fish into the tomato based curry.

The "Kasha Mangsho" was Mutton done right! I mean, I generally prefer not to eat mutton. But if it is made like this, then there's hardly anyone who can resist. The meat was chosen well by Shom (who apparently spends a lot of time selecting the meat) and was cooked perfectly well by Shonali. The pieces had well soaked in the flavours of the gravy, and would just fall off the bone! The spicy curry went very well with the rice, and I couldn't resist having another round of it with the Luchis.

We ended the meal with the "Aam er Tok" , Kairi mangoes done refreshingly sweet and sour. A lovely note to end the meal, the last being a glass of Aam ras.

A huge meal to fit into our appetite!

My verdict : Must go. Must do.

A home meal with a home chef. This is the closest you will ever get to knowing someone's food and culture.

Tip: Skip breakfast. You can thank me later.

Authenticook is started by a bunch of young crazy travelers and nature lovers. They say that some of their best travel experiences have been when they have had an opportunity to interact with the locals and eat a meal with them.

That is something I totally stand by; I've had the best experiences during one on one interactions with the locals!

They go on to say that It’s the food, the history, the legacy that captivates you. Spending a couple of hours eating the regional cuisine, learning about the culture is what makes the journey exciting!

Authenticook believes that food is a religion that transcends boundaries, regions and prejudices.

Amen to that! Food is my religion too.


You can book your meal with any of the cuisines that interest you, on authenticook.com. They have an array of choices.


Wishing you luck to get through the day. (you're going to be reeeeally tempted! )

*looks for something to munch on*


Picture credit (food) : @gauravrajaram on instagram 
Blog : gaav.me

Are you done??!!

"Are you done??!!" Mamma used to ask me, totally saturated.

For a tiny girl in school, who was just skin and bones, I had a huge appetite! 

Akku (My sister, Shoma) and I used to sit at the table; and Mamma used to prepare delicious meals for us, on her holidays. They were special, to a whole other degree. Anyone with working mothers would know how precious that one day with them is. 💖

My love for food started way back! I know that the love has been passed down to me, from Papa. Although he may deny it, I do see the passion and excitement in his eyes. It mirrors mine 😉

My entire extended family is well endowed with food genes, and I have gratefully been brought up knowing and understanding good food.

I must say though, that there's very little that would displease me. Akku says that we probably have some kind of varied vision, so we see the world differently. It's always beautiful, for us. Things seem to be enhanced more than the others know it to be....

...Or its probably just an artist's heart! 😊😉

Travel has been a big part of my life. I can't remember when it started, but I know that it has been an important aspect of "me". What intrigues me most, is the lives and ways of other people. It fascinates me, just thinking about another person who maybe either next door or in another corner of the world.... Their thoughts, their words, every day of their life... What they must be going through, and what it has brought them to, today... 

The wrinkles on faces tell more stories than we can imagine. 

The food they eat, the work that they do, their ways of relaxation, their beliefs, their spiritual understandings, and much more... 

I've been blessed to have the opportunity of gathering so many memories over the years. After much nudging from my friends and family, I finally share my thoughts and experiences here. I'm hopeful that you enjoy the read. I have had situations that have been scary, funny, outrageous, embarrassing, exciting and thoroughly invigorating! 

They have taught me so much, and more than that, brought me laughter and happiness.  

An adventure always provides a story to tell. And I happen to have many of those! 😊😊

Sending out love and hugs to each one of you who have contributed to my experiences.

And yes, you are contributing too, with your presence here on my blog. 

Thank you.  🙏