Shimla - Capturing Nature's Love

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). 

Uttar Pradesh & Haryana: Sacred Legends of North India

Back to India, this time to explore Shimla and Chandigarh. On another solo trip, I joined a tour group with a mix of familiar faces, 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

Unable to resist, I also indulged in some Paan. I have a true weakness for Paan, not just for the traditional variety but for the modern Paan, which has evolved to include innovative ingredients like chocolate, fruit syrups, and even ice cream, making it a trendy and versatile treat. It's such a delight, and if you come this far and don’t try Paan, what a waste.

Continuing our journey, we reached Jyotisar Temple in the Kurukshetra district of Uttar Pradesh, renowned as the site where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, a pivotal moment in the Mahabharata epic. Surrounded by tranquil landscapes and featuring a sacred Banyan tree where the divine discourse is believed to have occurred, the temple also includes a marble chariot symbolizing Krishna and Arjuna's conversation.

Having studied the Bhagavad Gita extensively, I felt a deep connection to the profound teachings shared in this sacred place. The dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, addressing duty, righteousness, and life's essence, resonated profoundly as I explored the temple grounds, prayed, and sat beneath the Banyan tree. Reflecting on my visit, Jyotisar Temple not only provided a spiritual experience but also prompted introspection on the principles that Hindus cherish and strive to embody.

Next, we visited Bhishma Kund in Narkatari, Haryana, a site steeped in historical and religious significance from the Mahabharata. Legend has it that this is where Arjuna pierced the earth with an arrow to provide water for Bhishma Pitamah, who lay wounded on a bed of arrows during the Kurukshetra battle. The sacred water body formed by Arjuna's arrow symbolizes the profound respect and bond between these legendary warriors. For me, as someone deeply fascinated by the Mahabharata, experiencing the history of Bhishma Kund in Narkatari was truly meaningful.

Stopping for lunch at Mannat Haveli in Haryana, the bustling atmosphere saw our group eagerly ordering food. I opted for "Raj Kachori," a popular Indian chaat consisting of a crispy fried shell filled with potatoes, boiled moong dal, yogurt, spices, and chutney - a hearty and flavorful choice. Arriving at our Shimla hotel around 10 PM, I decided to skip dinner, mindful of the late-night meals that often accompany travel and lead to unwanted weight gain. Retreating to my room, I unpacked, showered, and called it a night. 

Easy Malaysian Devil Curry Recipe

(Updated Version)

Devil Curry, also known as "Debel Curry," has Portuguese origins and is widely enjoyed in Sri Lankan, Goan, and among the Malaysian Eurasian community. This rich, fiery red curry is crafted using a blend of spices, vinegar, and soy sauce. The choice of meat can vary, with options like beef, prawns, or chicken. Over time, I have created numerous variations of Devil Curry (EASY DRUMSTICK EGG CURRY), experimenting with different ingredients and combinations, including mutton, with and without potatoes.

Easy Drumstick Egg Curry Recipe

What a combination - drumsticks (moringa fruits or murungakkai sticks) and boiled eggs. All simmered in a spicy curry that tantalizes your taste buds with every mouthful, Aha! Is drumstick egg curry one of your favorites too? Maybe I shouldn’t assume, but this dish is truly a delight to your food senses. And the best part? You don’t need a million ingredients to whip it up. Budget-friendly cooking can be just as delicious, especially with yogurt enhancing the spices and elevating the curry’s flavors. Come on, let’s cook. 

Best Mango Curry recipe - Vegetarian

No, no, not just another mango curry with green mangoes. This one’s special - a classic, heritage mango curry made with sun-dried mangoes. Back in the day, instead of letting mangoes rot, people sliced and sun-dried them, preserving their goodness. 

These sun-dried mango pieces bring a unique depth to the curry. Alongside them are potatoes, spices, curry leaves, and a drizzle of Indian sesame oil to honor the heritage of Indian cooking.

Balinese Fish Sambal & Ikan Masak Merah

Back in 2009, I had the pleasure of spending six unforgettable days in Bali. This island, with its rich culture and history, left me spellbound. Years later, when I returned to Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA THE KICKOFF & SURAKARTA HEARTBEAT), my passion for Indonesian cuisine led me to savor a variety of dishes to my heart’s content. While Indonesian cuisine share some similarities with Malaysian Malay cuisine, particularly in the use of sambal - a fiery blend of fresh or red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, and tangy tamarind or lime juice - Indonesian sambal has its own unique charm. My sambal recipe also includes terasi (belacan) for an extra layer of depth.

Easy Carrot Yogurt Salad Recipes

The bright orange vegetable - are we talking about carrots? Affordable, packed with nutrients, and perfect for snacking. Carrots bring a wonderful touch to soups, stir-fries, and curries. But nothing beats a simple carrot yogurt salad. They offer a double or triple punch of health benefits, and the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make. Let me share a Turkish version, along with an Indian option - choose one or love both for different occasions. 

Langkawi: A Memorable Island Escape

The next morning (LANGKAWI SKY HIGH) was dedicated to shopping at the duty-free shops. One of those things I am not fond of? Shopping. It felt like an hour of wasted time before finally stepping foot in Underwater World Langkawi. Located in Pantai Cenang, this is one of Malaysia's largest marine and freshwater aquariums, offering a captivating journey through the wonders of the aquatic world. Spanning over six acres, this renowned attraction features a diverse range of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and vibrant corals.

At first glance, it didn't win me over. I doubted its worth and wasn't sure if it was worth paying for. But once inside, ohlalala! The place was spellbinding with its bountiful, beautiful, and vibrant displays. My eyes almost popped out. Underwater World Langkawi proved me wrong and kept me thoroughly occupied. I loved every moment. I could have spent all my time leisurely exploring the strikingly colorful underwater creatures.

Langkawi (Kedah): Sky High and Artistic

Embarking on a road trip to Langkawi with a large group required two coaches. This was my second visit, the first being 25 years ago, leaving me curious about what had changed. Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, is known for its natural beauty and rich history. It has been a significant trading post influenced by Malay, Thai, and colonial cultures and is steeped in local legends like that of Princess Mahsuri. Now a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi's rainforests, beaches, and wildlife showcase Malaysia's heritage (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

We arrived in Kuala Kedah and took a ferry to Langkawi. Once there, we divided into cars and headed to Oriental Village. After a walk from the car park, our first stop was the food court to satisfy our hunger before starting our exploration of the village.

Perak - Authentic Finds

The day to return home arrived, but with plenty of time still on our hands, the adventure continued. We began by joining the line outside Restoran Xin Quan Fang in Taman Jubilee, where anticipation built as we waited a good ten minutes before being seated and another ten before placing our order. The Curry Mee, a local favorite, was the highlight of our morning (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

As one of the most sought-after dishes in Ipoh, patience is key. The small but tantalizing bowl of Curry Mee arrived, its fragrant, not-too-spicy broth perfectly soaking up the noodles, seafood, chicken, and pork, all garnished with fresh spring onions. Truly a delight, and nothing complemented it better than a hot cup of coffee or tea.