Malaysian Wildboar Curry/Kattu Pandi Kulambu

I find it rather curious, or perhaps understandable, that among 10 Indians, only one or two would indulge in pork. While this doesn't particularly bother me, it's quite a phenomenon when dining with them, as they tend to avoid eateries serving pork dishes. This preference is more prevalent among the older generation, although a fair number of younger individuals do enjoy pork. Interestingly, those who abstain from pork often struggle to articulate the reasons behind their choice. Some perceive pork as unclean, while others cite religious beliefs. Many were simply not exposed to pork consumption by their parents, leading to a perpetuation of dietary habits. In general, Indians tend to favor familiarity over culinary exploration, which contrasts with my own adventurous palate.

Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage): A Taste of Tradition

My culinary journey began long ago, but it truly intensified after I got married. At first, cooking felt like a monotonous chore - repeatedly preparing the same dishes to please my husband's palate. It seemed as though cooking had been conveniently handed to me as part of my marriage responsibilities. Yet, as the years passed, I discovered the therapeutic joy of cooking. I began experimenting with dishes from around the world, eager to explore new flavors and techniques.

 

While my husband remained somewhat hesitant to try new foods, there were occasional surprises. When I introduced him to Rotkohl, a traditional German dish, his reaction was unexpectedly positive. He savored the soft, tangy bites of this vegetarian delight, a departure from our usual fare.

Discover Your Zen: Yoga for Everyone

Beginning on a zen yoga journey can feel intimidating, especially if you're new to the practice. It's natural to have concerns about flexibility or past experiences with strict instructors. But rest assured, yoga (yoga magic) is truly accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience, or body type. 

 

I often hear questions like, "Am I too old to start yoga?" or "I've never done yoga before, can I still join?" These doubts are common, but they shouldn't hold you back. Some individuals hesitate to join despite reassurances, while others have had negative experiences that left them feeling discouraged and lacking confidence.

Yoga Magic - Ms. Nava's Journey To A New Lease Of Life

Zen yoga is undoubtedly at the heart of holistic wellness, a concept that continues to resonate in our modern world. It's the epitome of natural therapy, nurturing the breath, body, mind, and soul, with the power to reshape lives in unexpected ways.

 

However, it's essential to recognize that while yoga is a potent tool, it should never replace medical care. Doctors are vital in our healthcare system, offering essential services such as emergency care, managing chronic conditions, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive patient care. Yoga can complement traditional medical treatments but should never be seen as a substitute.

Nava's Menopause: Zen Yoga Healing

Menopause, once cloaked in silence, now steps into the spotlight, shedding light on a journey often veiled in secrecy. As an Indian woman, I've traversed this path, navigating the turbulent waters of hormonal shifts and societal whispers. But remaining silent was not an option; I knew that by sharing my story, I could extend a comforting hand to others walking a similar path.

 

At 45, my body began its farewell to the reproductive years, yet the journey of menopause had commenced long before. It tiptoed into my life, casting shadows over my days and nights. The symptoms arrived uninvited: hot flashes, restless nights, and tears flowing without cause. Seeking guidance, I consulted medical experts, only to receive responses ranging from dismissive to disheartening. It was a male gynecologist who finally offered the advice I needed.

Tantalizing Tomyam Fish: A Flavor Explosion

Tomyam - a name that resonates with food lovers worldwide, synonymous with the bold, unmistakable flavors of Thai cuisine. It's a culinary journey I've savored for years, honing my skills after exploring every nook and cranny of Thailand's diverse gastronomic landscape.

 

From the bustling streetside stalls to the refined elegance of upscale eateries, Thailand's culinary scene offers a spectrum of delights. Yet, amidst the array of options, one dish stands out - Tomyam. Its fiery spiciness can be a challenge to stomach at times, but oh, the rewards are worth it.

Malay Style Turmeric Rice/Nasi Kunyit

Malay Style Turmeric Rice, the comforting to the soul dish, has been available on my YouTube channel for the last two years. But you see, the thing is? Not everybody prefer video recipes. Some, I believe, prefer a written recipe. Pretty much, summing up, why people like Ms.Nava are still blogging. I am and I stand by my opinion that recipe blogging is still relevant. Relevant and relevancy in my opinion. Correct me if I am wrong. Of course, you can correct me. Please go ahead. Meanwhile, while waiting for your reply whether you agree with my opinion or not, please allow me to proceed with the said recipe. Thank you millions.

Chandigarh, North India - Urban Serenity & Marvels

From Kullu Manali (KULLU MANALI MAJESTY) to Chandigarh. India's first planned city, Chandigarh stands as a testament to modern urban design and efficiency. Renowned for its well-organized sectors, lush greenery, and wide avenues, Chandigarh blends functionality with aesthetic charm. Designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s, the city boasts clean, tree-lined streets, serene parks, and distinctive architecture. Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana states, fostering a vibrant cultural scene alongside its administrative importance. As a model of sustainable urban living (HOKKAIDO WINTER TIME), Chandigarh continues to offer a tranquil yet dynamic environment (SURAKARTA HEARTBEAT & BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND). 

During the six-hour journey, we encountered unexpected challenges. Several tour members fell ill with stomach upset, vomiting, nausea, and fever. Despite their boasts of extensive travel experience across India, they were unprepared for the winding mountain roads, plus, I reckon it’s the effects of late-night meals followed by over-eating again at breakfast buffet. This lack of foresight led to unscheduled stops for fresh air and medical assistance, disrupting the journey. Some had to visit the doctor while others waited on the coach.

Kullu Manali - Experiencing Himalayan Majesty

Next on our itinerary was Kullu Manali (SHIMLA ESSENCE OF HIMALAYSAN GEM). After a comfort break and lunch, we arrived at the Westin Hotel and Resort in Manali past 10 PM. Declining the late dinner, I headed straight to my room and was impressed by its cleanliness and comfort. A refreshing shower marked the end of my day before bedtime. The buffet breakfast the next morning wasn’t remarkable but provided the necessary fuel for our activities at Rohtang Pass (HOKKAIDO WINTER LUST).

Rohtang Pass, nestled in the majestic Himalayas at an altitude of about 3,978 meters, holds significant historical (VARANASI SACRED GANGES) and geographical importance. It has served as a crucial trade route since ancient times, connecting the lush Kullu Valley to the arid Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. The name Rohtang translates to "pile of corpses" due to its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, which historically made it a difficult passage. Today, Rohtang Pass offers breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows.

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.