Monday, May 11, 2020

New Delhi - North India (Winter Time)

Delhi. Old Delhi or New India? New. New Delhi. Two days in New Delhi, the morning after Agra (Agra & Jaipur Rajasthan). Delhi at our helms by 1.30pm, after, almost, 5 hours of road tripping. Delhi. The capital city of India, and Delhi, which was the landing right of ours as well. As in? Meaning? In other words? Delhi is where we landed on the first day, for kick starting this, North India tour of ours (Varanasi), and Delhi, yes, will be our closure too. Closure? Closure as in? Up, up in the air. Delhi sky high up. When night has fallen in Delhi. We will be flying sky high for grounding back, on the ground of our mother land or father land, Malaysia. Delhi. The city to messy massive traffic. What else, by the way, is new in other parts of India as well? Almost the same story (Chennai South India). Let alone, the honking that can literally rip your ears apart, plus, Oh-God-Oh-No. The sheer number of crowded congested human traffic in Delhi? Pretty much? Mmmm!! Welcome to the hustle and bustle, craziness of Delhi. The day in day out, life and style of Delhi.

On our itinerary? In the moment in time, upon stepping foot in Delhi? Of course. Food start up. Our first ever meal in Delhi. Basically, lunch in Delhi and lunch in Restaurant "Flavour Of Southvala" (Karol Bagh). By the travelling guide line of this tour, lunch to each our own concept, since meals are not covered. Me? Me. The, eating a bird person. Three of us to sharing. Paper Tosai and Non-Veg Thali Set. Wah! Good Food. Nice Food. Delicious food. Yummzii Food. Of course, how can not yours truly, she love, love, love and love India Made Bru Coffee.




Over. Lunch concluded. Thereafter? To Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi. Goodness me! In the Indian snaking (opphs!!) queue. Long queue mind you, and winter on this particular day? Bang! Winter wild like me, winter wild coldness practically banging all around for quivering my bones. Huhhhhhh! Cold. Anyway, from the queue to the security check. Thorough checking for ensuring that none is carrying handphone or camera, and then, into Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi.

Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi
Opened 6th November 2005
Constructed by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
Inspired by HH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE)
Created by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
More than 300,000,000 volunteer hours went into making the complex
Over 8,000 volunteers from across the world participated in building it
Mandir built from intricately carved sandstone and marble 
Exhibitions on Hinduism, including Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life and teachings such as prayer, compassion, and non-violence.
Open gardens, water bodies and step-well styled courtyard 
(Picture credit - akshardham.com)

Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi. Awww!! Amazing! The luxurious stunning master class piece. Damn nice. Yea. I am ranking Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi  as one of the prides of New Delhi and one which, I didn't honestly, know nuts or bolts about. Worth it. So worthy Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi. In fact, some of those in this tour commented that, Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi is as equal or even better status standing in comparison to Taj Mahal. Really? Should I agree? No. Not at all. Both Taj Mahal and Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi are a class to their own uniqueness. I won’t compare. I don’t think you should look at both of these and make a comparison. Just set them apart as they are please.  The end. 

End of sightseeing. In fact. The one and only, Day 1 New Delhi sightseeing. What about for the rest of the day? Late evening till whatever time you want to cap time? Shopping. Shopping in Karol Bagh. Shop, please go ahead, shop till you drop if you want in Karol Bagh. Karol Bagh! A major hype amongst tourist shopping district. Especially, our Malaysian Indians? Shopping on the whole in whichever part of India.  What about me? Did I shop or least to least, did my jaw drop? Oh please. Neh. To tell you the truth, Karol Bagh wasn’t a big deal or biggest deal for me. As it is, shopping is not at all the reason why I travel. Shopping by the way, has already long been abolished from my list. Furthermore, for someone like me who have been in and out of such shopping districts in other parts of the world? Like what? Like nothing I will die for. Having said that, in all fairness, I did my honor to seeing and exploring Karol Bagh. I mean, if you have come this far to New Delhi and you wouldn’t even want to leave your foot prints in Karol Bagh? What a shame. 


Almost an hour, in and out of a couple of boutiques, street shops and street stalls, enough. Enough of Karol Bagh. More than enough of aimlessly walking up and down. The logical choice then? To the hotel, located within a 15 minutes walking distance, But, ahhhhhhh! How frustrating. The two of us lost it. We got lost in the midst to the direction. Such a confusing matter it turned out to be. Imagine? You are in a carnival like busy street, surrounded and swarmed by hell of a lot of, mostly locals and making the matter worst, the chaotic traffic. Not to forget, the stares. Stares from of course the Delhi men, who were mind you, come to think of it, not bad looking. Yet, when they dare stare right into your eyes non-stop? Phew! Oh boy! Having no other choice, we braved ourselves in asking for the direction and. Thank god. Thank all the gods in Delhi. We made it one piece. Into the hotel and straight up to my room. Done! The end. Day 1 in Delhi.  







Thursday, April 23, 2020

Taj Mahal Agra - (North India)

And the journey. The journey of five and a half hours (More or less. Approximately). The journey from Jaipur (Jaipur The Love City & Jaipur Part 1) to Agra. The journey to, keeping my ass, staying put in my seat in the coach. Ahhhh! Ass. Ass literally. Fried up, down, under, above and inside. You know. This kind of long journeys. Especially for yours truly? Someone who can't keep her ass quiet. Hahaha!! She. Nava K. The hyper, fidgety, colors of "My Fifty Five Life" bright colors lively character, and tell me about my mouth. Mouth of mine? My big fat mouth which must battle wrestle out of me. The chatter box mouth of mine. Mmmmm!!!! Thank god. I had company. Company to a small number of liberal, happy go, lucky come ladies and guys in this tour (Varanasi Part 3). The bubbly and cheerful characters like me. We had fun. We giggling over silly jokes and of course, Nava K? The crowned glory to "Laughter Therapy Guru".

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Jaipur, Rajasthan - The Love City (North India)

Jaipur! So far, so absolutely amazing, fascinating and an absolute wonder world. To tell you the truth, Jaipur, without a doubt, had already conquered and captured my travelling, shining like diamond love essence. Even from the moment I was passing by and before getting down from the coach. Jaipur! Known as the "Pink City" obviously, for me personally, on the contrary, Jaipur is the "Love City". Why love are you asking me? Oh-Well. I somehow seemingly felt the love connection for Jaipur. Yea! Love! Love. Always the number one priority for literally everything in my life, and in whatever I do, and in Jaipur (Jaipur Part 1), my love for Jaipur, was pouring, oozing and dripping non-stop. Due to the underpinning, openly shown or hidden love at the sightseeing spots. In fact, even the North Indians (South India, Chennai) I bumped into and spoke to. By virtue of, staying at the hotels, shopping, whether at the shopping malls or streets, of course sightseeing places must be included as well, plus the tour guides (Varanasi North India). The tour guides who were directly or indirect correlated to love. Love as in the tour service they provided by not being selfish with their knowledge, bundled alongside bundles of smiles and laughter. All of these, all, lock, stock and barrel, trust me, whispered the language of love or akin the loud love bells ringing into my ears and on every note, in and out of my inner and outer senses.  

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry)

Hi beautiful lovelies, recipe time, recipe moment right now. The recipe to? Yea. Kari Kambing Malaysia, aka, Malaysian Mutton Curry. Why, if you are asking me, why to a Malaysian version mutton curry? Oh-Well-Well-Well! I could have named this recipe as, Nava Sanam's or Nava Sutra's Kari Kambing or Mutton Curry. Then again. Because of my undivided love for my country, though "Malaysia My" can be crappy and complicated life style as well, aha, as in other countries as well, I decided to honor my born and bred and in no way, I will migrate to another country, my Malaysia.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Jaipur, Rajasthan (North India) - Part 1

Heart sank. Yesss! Mine. Mine, mine, mine. My, my one and only fragile heart. My heart gradually sinking, as if, to the lowest and deepest, plunging into Ganges River. Or maybe. Sinking like, the fast or slow sinking of the "Titanic". Trust me. Wasn't easy. When I have to say, when I to bid bye-bye to Varanasi (Varanasi Part 3). I felt, as though,I'm leaving behind a part of me in Varanasi. Varanasi which touched my Hindu Indian sentiment so profoundly until, I wanted more of Varanasi (Varanasi Part 2). One more day, one more night and what more, furthermore of Varanasi (Varanasi Part 1). Then again. The reality was otherwise. Because? Pretty much. We have already covered, if I am not mistaken, the lock, stock and barrel of Varanasi and coming with it, the quintessential Varanasi sightseeing spots.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Varanasi - North India (Part 3)

Varanasi. Yes. Of course. Precisely. Varanasi. So far. So good. Nothing much, honestly, no much I should complain about. In fact. A promising, fulfilling start I must state. Except maybe. The setback? Hotel Silk City. Mmmm!! Like a dungeon. Furnitures, fittings and the overall set-up? As if you have checked into an ancient old, war-torn hotel. To tell you the truth. I didn't know how to react the moment I stepped in. Sadly. Not at all to my taste infinitely. Then again? When you didn't pay for a  5 star  or even 4 star hotel? Keep quiet. Don't act, or behave like a standard mudguard please. Just make do with it. Yep. I had to remind myself.  Over and over, again and again. On a better note? Bathroom. The blessings to a clean, spic and span bath and toilet area. Thank god. The only bingo. The only bonus seemingly.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Varanasi - North India (Part 2)

Varanasi! Alright. From Delhi. Flight up, up and away in the air, before safely landing us in Varanasi. Thereafter. To the hotel and lunch (Varanasi Part 1). Up next? What else? Varanasi sightseeing. Pretty much. I mean, sightseeing must begin right? Of course. Without a doubt. Where to? As per our listing on our Varanasi itinerary card? For kick starting or jump starting our tour? Shri Viswanath Mandir. Aka, Viswanath Temple, New Viswanath Temple or Birla Temple. Temple located in Banaras Hindu University. Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known for its tallest temple tower in the world and when holiness is a righteous or rigorous matter in Varanasi or even holiness "Holy Art Thou" in other parts in South India (Chennai & Bangalore) as well? Oh-sure. For us Hindus? Prayers and praying. Or apart from seeking god's blessings, we fulfilling our vows we have prior prioritised. What about Nava K? Good question? Remember? I think I have told you before? Me nor not definitely the most holiness Hindu grain. Yet. Sincerely. Honestly. Needles to say. I am a strong and firm believer of god, in god and towards god. Whichever god. Any god. Any god from any religion or ethnicity for the matter. But. Definitely. I will forever remain as the number one Indian Hindu holiness.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Sambal Ikan Asin Kurau (Salted Fish Sambal)

Salted fish in sambal. OMG! Both of them. Salted fish and sambal in one, or in tandem or both akin synchronised together. Believe me. both of them, also, like match made in heaven, or the perfect combination in hell. Pretty much. Needless to say. Sambal Ikan Asin Kurau (Salted Fish Sambal). The power house mouth packing, mouth watering, spicy salty Indonesian (Terong Balado & Ikan Goreng Bumbu Sambal) or Malaysian side dish. I am, yes, me, myself and I alright, mind you, let me admit. Yes, yes, yes, all the yesses in the food world, I am the number one sambal queen (Sambal Goreng Udang Pete & Sambal Tumis Telur). Any kinda sambal (Nyonya Okra Sambal) for your information. Strange though. I can't help but wonder. What went wrong where. By right, I should be hailing, clapping, praising and jumping high up for Indian food (South Indian Fish Curry & Mushroom Sour Curry). Me the born and bred Indian who should, by right, be loving Indian food. Indian food. On the other hand. Aha! The food love of the man I have been married to for donkey years. Logically then, mostly, in fact, all the time, its Indian food on my home ground. For the sake of my marriage love, or maybe best said as marriage responsibility or commitment, or, like I am forced to believe as well, cooking with love for marriage housekeeping. Otherwise? I beg to differ. What the consequences will be. Maybe. Just saying. My marriage may have rocked, shattered and fallen apart.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Varanasi - North India (Part 1)

South India! Oh-My-God. Hallelujah. Finally. After all these years. Me in this earth for 55 years. Finally. I achieved. I achieved a fair share of South India (Chennai). 3 months ago. Having said that, there's still, still, a good number of places in South India, yet for Nava K to be seen and explored. Those places. Aha! Call me the earliest worm for putting my globe trekking in place, those places have already been plotted and projected as part and parcel of my, towards 3/4 of year 2020 travelling itinerary. Furthermore. If all goes well, hopefully, as I badly want to, this coming South India holidaying of mine. Yes please. Back to solo. All by myself in an arranged tour. Solo travelling personally for me? To tell you the truth, I've been missing it. I do, mind you, long for solo travelling every now and then. Why? Well. Obviously. I can do as I like. At my own whims and fancy. My free and easy time. Plus, I tend to embark on soul searching on my future each time I travel alone. 

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Vegetarian Potato Varuval (Urulaikizhangu Varuval)

Pure, authentic, traditional, exciting or even sex-citing like Nava K, "Vegetarian Potato Varuval, Urulaikizhangu Varuval, Potato Fry or Potato Simplicity.  Vegetarian Potato Varuval. Oh yes please. Such a delight to or in your mouth. Yes. Of course. Believe me. And potatoes, also known as "Aloo" in Hindi (Dum Aloo, Saag Aloo & Jeera Aloo). Aside to vegetarian potato varuval now, potatoes by themselves? Remember, I told you before? The kilos I buy weekly and no matter, how you cook potatoes? Potatoes as in, being the central, core or main highlight in a dish (Indian Potato Balls) or into other dishes (Mutton Meatball Soup, Egg Potato Curry & Spicy Potato Anchovies) and curries (Mutton Chukka & Indian Masala Chicken Curry)? My-My! Nope. Trust me. You can't go wrong with potatoes.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Chennai (South India) - Nava K Explored

Chennai! Welcome to noise, pollution, traffic jam honking and honking non-stop, and the crazy hustle and bustle of daily life. Chennai! Where smile is like a rare commodity as well. Duh! What a life. The cut and dry Chennai culture. Unlike in Malaysia. Though, I must admit, its a mad life in our Malaysian cities too. Yet. Chennai life. Far out, the shocking shocker rocker, which really shook me and believe me you, never ever will I even consider uprooting my Malaysian roots to be planted in Chennai, or anywhere in South India (Madurai/Trichy). Of course, without a doubt, Chennai has made its mark as a popular holidaying and shopping destination amongst Malaysian Indians. Especially the shopping obsession in Chennai. As if, come of it guys, as if we are short of those things you can buy in Chennai and mind you, sometimes, some things are actually cheaper in Malaysia due to our Malaysian traders importing in bulk. In return, we paying a better price. Then again? Why bother putting sense to those who think they know better? I won't anyway. No doubt, maybe for certain items, like sarees, there's millions of choices in Chennai. Otherwise? I rest my case.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Masak Lemak Sayur (Malay Style Vegan Coconut Milk Stew)

Of course. Anything is possible. Including a Malay style vegan coconut stew. Who said you can't?  Who? Who is saying. No. Not me though. In fact, this recipe of mine, evidently? Pretty much, proven. Our Malay or Malaysian vegan or vegetarian coconut milk stew (Sayur Lodeh VegetarianGado Gado Vegetarian & Vegetable Kurma). Coconut Milk (Vegetarian Nyonya Laksa, Vegetarian Nasi Lemak  & Vegetarian Mutton Rendang). Oh yes! Once said as the disaster for our health. But today, the same smart ones are professing that coconut milk or even, because coconut oil has been re-branded as "virgin coconut oil", these are for our healthiness. As if, like, our Malaysian coconut milk (Curry Mee Vegetarian) and coconut oil has never been virgins. Damn! How ingredients theories can be twisted and turned. By the way, for your information, I'm not a virgin or even "like a virgin". Hehehe!! I speak the truth and nothing but the truth. Tadaa!!

Friday, November 8, 2019

Chinese Style Eggplant

Eggplant. Sure. Truly and sincerely. A favourite in my house and eggplant, the edible fruit which, by far, as far as I know, pretty much really affordable as well. Like, you can pick up two or three eggplant, for, let's say, RM3.00 and the other I must say is that, you can convert eggplant to various types of dishes (Eggplant Tikka Masala, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Thai Style Eggplant & Indian Style Fried Eggplant). Of course. I know better because, if you are looking for eggplant recipes, look no further. Whether eggplant by itself, or into curries or gravies (Goan Prawn CurryNadal Meen/Fish CurryVegetable Kurma & Dhal Mutton Curry). Also, either as a vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal tucking in. Eggplant. Yes. They are, mind you, from same purple or green family. Eggplant, or brinjal (Terong Balado Pedas ManisEnnai Kathrikai Kuzambu/Brinjal Curry, Baingan Bharta & Brinjal Stir Fry) or aubergine (Thai Green Fish Curry & Thai Vegetable Curry).

Saturday, November 2, 2019

South India - Madurai/Trichy (Nava K Explored)

How's the going been so far? Pretty much. Interesting and exciting. Of course, there's room, mind you, of course for bitching. Bitching about those things that didn't take off promisingly or didn't fall in place as expected. Still, in all fairness, I must credit this South India tour travelling of mine. Now, what about, the characters I have been travelling alongside so far? Aha! You meet all sort of characters in life, likewise, in a tour. The ones you can click with, the ones who can get on your nerves, the ones who love to complain for no apparent reason, the ones who think they are the smartest in the world and who not. Then again. Even when family travelling together or best buddies travelling together? I know. There will always be bitchy bitches bitchiness? Or males like pussycats, or pussy in boots? Unless, of course if you solo travel? Which by the way is my traveling call as well. But. South Indian solo me? Noooo!! I didn't dare and I won't dare as well in the future. The reason why I hopped into this tour (Mysore/Coimbatore & Bangalore).

Monday, October 28, 2019

Bitter Gourd Omelette

Says it all I suppose.  Bitter Gourd. Either, you love bitter gourd or you don't. Of course, there's no two ways about it. However, trust me, believe me, when age comes popping in front of us or we decide to put put age behind us, we will somehow embrace bitter gourd. We will. And why it is so? Well, for a fact, we have digested the fact that, anything bitter is the healthy, bullet truth to health is wealth (Pachai Sundakkai Kulambu/Fresh Turkey Berry Curry). After all. The biggest fear as we grow older. I don't know about you, for me personally, nothing is more important than keeping my health so, so, so close to my body, mind and soul. Bitter gourd. As you know or don't, already classified as the health is wealth unique vegetable-fruit, and bitter gourd, you must believe me, can be converted to various types of dishes. Whether you prefer all the bitterness, as bitter as bitter gourd can be, or you prefer to remove some of the bitterness by soaking sliced bitter gourd in salt water prior to cooking.

Friday, October 25, 2019

South India - Kodaikanal (Nava K Explored)

Kodaikanal! The high up altitude. Yea. High up. Up there. 2,000 meters above sea level, also, a city in the hill of Dindigul district and obviously, sure, Kodaikanal as a nature grandeur. Of course. Of course. Me and nature? Nava K the nature loving and hailing person, though, lemme admit, no, nature walking or nature hiking is not my interest. Pretty much. Nevertheless, I am sincerely with any one of you who are into admiring nature and coming with it sightseeing. Henceforth, the moment we departed from Coimbatore (South India - Mysore/Coimbatore), I was already geared up for embracing nature in Kodaikanal. After all, throughout the years, much I have read and digested about Kodaikanal in the virtual world and should I also must mention all those Kodaikanal sharing on social media? No need right?

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

South India - Mysore/Coimbatore (Nava K Explored)

From Bangalore/Bangaluru, approximately, give in and take, our 4 hours drive landing us in Mysore. The start in Mysore/Mysuru? We being driven up the hill via the tight narrow route to Chamundeswari Temple (New Kantharaj Urs Rd).

Monday, October 7, 2019

South India - Bangalore/Bengaluru (Nava K Explored)

Finally! Oh My God! Must be the blessings showered upon me from afar, from the gods in South India. After years of faulty failures to planning and literally coaxing my other half-half for years as well. Hah! In the end, I gave a damn to every damn thing aside. Let alone this man I have been married to for donkeys years who wouldn't move his butt in accompanying me for a trip to South India. His reason. Mmmm! Plain simple and nothing new. Work commitment. Nevermind I told myself and instead of still keeping my fingers crossed, hoping things will change on my home front, I gave up. I went ahead by joining a tour. Tour of 8 people and mind you, except for knowing one person, the one who organised this tour, the rest unknown. Like it mattered to me anyway? Like you are friends needy for travelling and me, already crowned as a solo-traveller.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Sekinchan (Selangor) 1 Day Trip - Part 2

What else (Sekinchan Part 1)? What else must or should be considered as part and parcel of our sightseeing in Sekinchan? Okay. Lemme start. Ah Ma House, which by the way, wasn't like a major thing for us, thereafter, we heading to Paddy Processing Factory & Gallery. Just a short drive by the way. Within a distance of 3 or most to most 4 minutes. Anyway, Sekinchan, for your information, is a small town and most, in fact, all the sightseeing spots are located within a short distance. Plus, let me tell you ahead that sightseeing in Sekinchan can be completed within, a day or even lesser. Unless, of course, you want to remain in Sekinchan for another day or two? For reasons best known to you? Go ahead. Your time, you decide.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Sekinchan (Selangor) 1 Day Trip - Part 1

Sekinchan. I was told that Sekinchan located in Sabak Bernam, Selangor is a must do. Yes. Must do (Cameron Highlands Pahang). Do or die kinda, I shouldn't miss out on exploring Sekinchan (Alor Setar Revisited). Told by who by the way? Well. Those who have already, obviously explored Sekinchan and Sekinchan, obviously too, for your information, already profoundly known in the virtual world (Frasers Hill Pahang). What else was I told about Sekinchan? I was told that the primarily or central attraction in Sekinchan must be none other than the paddy fields. Paddy fields, especially when they are at their green-green or full blown yellow lush. Also, just before or right before harvesting. Honestly, to tell you the truth, I have been planning for a trip to Sekinchan for almost a year, but been put on hold due to the weather. Weather either unbearably burn-baby-burn hot or rainy season lashing merciless. Finally, somehow, taking into considering that weather can be tolerated, though still the hot season, me tripping to Sekinchan and prior to arriving in Sekinchan, we stopping by in Restoran Suang Le River (Tanjung Karang, Kuala Selangor) for lunch. 

Zen Style Chronicles: The Serene Aura of Home Attire

In today's Zen Style spotlight, let's explore the serene world of home attire. Let's start with a simple question: What's yo...