Tuesday, March 14, 2023

New Delhi - Nava's Travel

Back in New Delhi (New Delhi to Shimla). Not my first time, because Delhi was also the same in and out route during my previous North India trip (New Delhi - North India). Let alone, I was again back in Hotel Sohi Residency, Karol Bagh, which seemingly is the ideal location for those who, do or die, must shop in Delhi. Specifically, in "Karol Bagh Shopping Market". Ah, this shopping thing in India. Amongst the Malaysian Indians? The shop till your drop concept. For a matter of fact, even in other parts of India, including Chennai? Seemingly a major hype. Unbelievably it is. Sorry loves, I know I shouldn't judge others, but, I still can't comprehend. I'm lost for words actually, because for someone like me, you mean you only can buy India's goods in India? They are not available in Malaysia? Or have people not digested the reality to, you can shop for India's products online, which can be cheaper? I shut my big fat mouth now. I surrender. 

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Chandigarh, North India - Nava's Travel (Part 2)

Hopefully, hope is life by the way, my biggest hope on the second day in Chandigarh? Please, a big full-stop to health issues please. Arrr, as it is, sightseeing didn't materialize the previous day (Chandigarh Part 1), and in case health cases are back to square one? Dang! Anyway, come or go whatever, going by our itinerary, we must return to New Delhi by tonight. Thankfully, so far so good. No "health is not wealth" casualties. Meanwhile, breakfast was broken by the usual hotel buffet breakfast. On my dead palates. Literally dead due to eating the same type of food for the last 6 days, for almost every other meal. Ahhhhh!!! (Kullu Manali & Shimla).

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Chandigarh, North India - Nava's Travel (Part 1)

New Delhi, Shimla, Kullu Manali and ......? 
Chandigarh. The capital of the northern states of Punjab and Haryana. Ohlalala! Another travelling feather on my travelling hat. Of course, I was all fired up and down for "Here I am Coming For You Darling" Chandigarh. Nevertheless, in the midst of the approximately 6 hours journey from Manali, the unexpected became the expected, because tour members, one after another had fallen ill. Most probably, for reasons only they know best? If by chance you are asking me why, let me spill their ugly eating truth. Hate me now if you want to, yet, I believe it was due to constantly pigging at hotel buffet breakfast, also, at the late hours complimentary dinner meals in hotels too. Oh-well. the sly me who have been slyly watching them from the corners of my eyes. Doink!!

Friday, February 24, 2023

Ms. Nava's Late 50s Social Entrepreneurship Journey - The Pull Factors

Assuming you have already familiarized yourself with Ms. Nava's push factors (Ms. Nava's Push Factors), it's time to delve into the other side of the coin—her pull factors. Pull factors, as we explore today, are the positive motivations that compelled Ms. Nava towards her path as a social woman entrepreneur. This captivating topic has been extensively researched and discussed in academic forums and journals, continually evolving in the literature review section. Unlike push factors, which involve external influences, pull factors are rooted in intrinsic motivations. They can be classified into various categories, such as the need for achievement, freedom, a desire for a challenging lifestyle, and the pursuit of financial success. Now, let's take a closer and personal look at Ms. Nava's pull factors.

Friday, February 17, 2023

Ms. Nava's Late 50s Social Entrepreneurship Journey - Unveiling the Push Factors

Step into the extraordinary story of Ms. Nava, a remarkable woman who embarked on her social entrepreneurial journey last year, defying age stereotypes and embracing boldness. At the ripe age of fifty-eight (58), she took a leap that left many wonderings, "Starting a business now? How intriguing!" Even Ms. Nava herself couldn't believe it at first. With hundreds of doubts clouding her mind, she pondered the challenges ahead. But as the saying goes, "You never try, you never know," and she understood that without risk, there can be no reward. Ms. Nava thrives on new challenges, ready to conquer whatever comes her way. Fascinating, isn't it? The intrigue only deepens.

Monday, February 13, 2023

Kullu Manali - Nava's Travel (Part 2)

If its Kullu Manali (Kullu Manali Part 1) it has to be Rohtang Pass. Of course. Why you think I came this far (Shimla Part 2)? One of the top spots, one of the most spectacular nature delights in India, Rohtang Pass is indeed a major attraction for people of all walks of life. The gateway to fun, happiness, excitement and soul touching high altitude nature, ah, ah, ah, without a doubt, Rohtang Pass is truly a mesmerizing sight. Snow blanketed mountains, snow paths, streams of luscious and melting snow, and these being the winter essence of Rohtang Pass. Nevertheless, nothing new for me, neither not something I have not experienced before. Because I have had similar winter highlights in Turkey, Hokkaido/Sapporo & Norway. Having said that, for the majority in the tour group, they were all at their highest degree in love for the heights of the mountains and snow in Rohtang Pass. 

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Kullu Manali - Nava's Travel (Part 1)

Bye-bye Shimla (Shimla Part 2 & Shimla Part 1). Sadly. Although, deep down inside me, I would have appreciated, least to least, another day in Shimla. Then again? The reality to travelling is otherwise. You got to move on darling. Move on to the next destination. Indeed, on this particular morning, we began, give in and take, our seven hours journey to - Kullu Manali. Hah! Ah! Finally, my moment to the beauty of Manali, after the years of listening to others. Also, this drive towards Manali, was the moment to viewing Shimla's slopes, mountains and valleys, which we missed on the way up, due to night has fallen. 

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Plant Based/Vegetarian Tofu Rendang

Namaskar Loves, no, I have not ditched my cooking segment, neither any of you who are my ardent fans of my recipes. Just that, gosh, let me not start again, on being fully occupied with my time. No need, and lets get to the recipe. Plant Based/Vegetarian Tofu Rendang. To tell you the truth, I'm a major, massive lover of tofu. I love, love, sincerely love tofu. Affordable, for the varies types of tofu as well and tofu, easily converted to a dish. However, bear in mind that, tofu by itself can be rather bland. Henceforth, we need to uplift the taste of tofu alongside other ingredients. Neh, not a major brain cracker and for the ideas, please refer to these recipes of mine - Vegetarian Tofu Sambal, Mapo Tofu, Tofu Katsu, Masala Tofu & Tofu Curry

Friday, January 27, 2023

Shimla - Nava's Travelog (Part 2)

I starting walking and can you imagine, how the walk must have been? Right after the bouncy horse ride, followed by stepping up and down on the stone path, leading up to Mahasu Peak (Shimla Part 1 & New Delhi To Shimla)? Hah! Testing, testing, the endurance test of my legs and my will power. As I continued walking, I also couldn't help noticing the line of stalls on both sides, selling souvenirs, clothes, food and drinks mostly, also games fun time. However, my shopping enthusiasm didn't scream high, neither rushing as high as Mahasu Peak. Simply said, I didn't see anything special at these stalls. Basically, similar stuffs as at the road side stalls, across the starting point of the horse ride area. Pretty much as well, the standardized North Indian street shopping. 

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Fake People - What Should We Do?

FAKE People! Watch out for them. They are everywhere. Literally everywhere and these days, due to the tremendously lifestyle, the lifestyle to success - success in terms of position, power, money, materialism, achievements and what not? You find more fakes compared to genuine personalities. Gone, gone are the days people were simple, humble, down-to-earth, practical and logical. These days, everywhere you turn to, fake people are there and mind you, they can be amongst your close friends and relatives. Some of these people can be easily identified, whereas, the rest, tell me about it? Sneaky and so sly until it will take a while to find out who they are. Including those closest to you. Scary right? I know. 

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Shimla - Nava's Travelog (Part 1)

The journey, the long journey from New Delhi (New Delhi To Shimla) for landing us in Shimla. Shimla! The summer capital of Himachal Pradesh state, northern India, renowned for its breathtaking nature surrounding. Hills, mountains, valleys, all of these as one big nature bundle, alongside greens, trees, and flowers, for capturing Shimla as the essence to nature unspoiled, at its best. However, all of these, Shimla's nature beauty, were massively shadowed, swarmed by pitch dark darkness, due to night has fallen. Right from the beginning, from the bottom-up drive, all the way before we step foot in the resort, perched atop a hill, at about 10.30pm. Ms. Nava, feeling a bit off-track, tell me about it, the hours being seated in the coach and also, the winded drive up, she decided to split away from the rest by skipping dinner in the resort. 

Thursday, December 29, 2022

New Delhi To Shimla - Nava's Travelog

Ah! Covid! Wasn't something we expected, did we? And because of Covid, my travelogues have been halted, for almost, 2 1/2 years. Finally, though the borders were opened much earlier, I on the other hand, made my first trip, another one of my solo trips, on 18th November, 2022. Imagine! Please do. Imagine how it must have been, for someone like me, who given a chance, will travel non-stop. Nevertheless. the reality is, money must be sunny for travelling as well? Nevermind, let me work hard, save and then pack my bags again. 

Monday, December 12, 2022

Vegetarian Devil/Debel Curry

Its the devil! Hahaha! No, no, not like some of the human devils we know or we bump into. This one, Vegetarian Devil, aka Debel Curry is a fiery, spicy and thundering with lotsa of flavors Portuguese/Eurasian curry. Remember, if you still recall, even if you can't, let me attach those non-vegetarian devilish Portuguese/Eurasian dishes. Here we go - Mutton Devil Curry, Devilled Prawns & Chicken Devil Curry. This latest devil, the vegetarian devil, trust me, believe me - is my own invention. I created this Vegetarian Devil/Debel Curry. Ditto. Enough said, to the recipe now.  Oh, by the time you read this recipe pitching of mine, I will off for my solo travel, the first after the pandemic. See all of you loves sooner or later. Take care!

Update - I'm back home and once I returned home, all hell broke loose. I will tell you which hell it was, in the next pitching. 

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Vegetarian Tofu Sambal (Malaysian Style)

Hi loves, 
How are all of you doing? I bet  you are doing well and good. As for me, as I have repeated myself, over and over again, its packed to the rim, from the ground for strengthening my business, Nava's Zen (Sun Dried Mango Vegetarian Curry & Drumstick Egg Masala Curry). Nevertheless some things have been put into perspective and one of it, dang, my YouTube Channel, which has been giving a facelift. Of course, there is much room for further improvement and enhancement, without a doubt. For the time being, it is my sincere hope that the facelift will attract you further to return to my YouTube Channel for checking out, what is "Nava's Cooking" latest recipe.  

Now, let me usher you back to this, another precious space, like Nava's Zen, of mine. Well, its another cooking story. Basically, another food love. After all, I believe food is one of the connections for friendship and food is the love to our soul. Any kind of food for the matter and sure, we have our favorites as well. Having said that, unsure I am if this "Vegetarian Tofu Sambal" (Plant Based Masala Tofu, Mapo Tofu & Tofu Manchurian) will be a hit to your palates? Then again, even when it comes to food, lets keep our option open please. 

Friday, October 21, 2022

Nyonya Prawn Sambal (Sambal Udang Nyonya)

Hi darlings, 
Sincere apologies to those of you who may have been on the look out for a new pitching in this precious space of mine. Ah! Tell me about it. Time and time, apart from, I am one of those who can't stay put in front of my laptop for pitching. Oh-yes, the fidgety me, the hyper me. Nevertheless, there has to be, yes, the moment I must surrender my butt on the chair for pitching. So here I am. I also sincerely wish, I can pitch something different, instead of recipes all the time, but when the mind is tired, the thinking capacity will be swinging like a pendulum. Therefore, in such instances, the best will be? The familiarity to my cooking and sharing my recipes. Today, I bring you another Nyonya recipe (Nyonya Okra Sambal & Nyonya Acar Fish). No, no, I'm not a Nyonya. I am actually the Indian lady, who not only love exploring Nyonya dishes, but also a big fan of? Imagine, please do right now, the role play, the interlinking, profound, spicy, and aromatic bloom and boom of our Malaysian herbs in Nyonya dishes (Ayam Pongteh, Nyonya Mee Siam & Ikan Goreng Asam). Precisely too, in this Nyonya Prawn Sambal. Right on, right into the recipe now. 

Malay Style Prawn Noodles/Mee Udang

Let's chat about food and how it fits into our busy lives. Nowadays, it's pretty common to eat out because, let's face it, every...