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Nepal Musings

A tiny Shangri-La hidden in between the towering Himalayas and the gargantuan sub-continent, this is a land of friendly people, proud Sherpas, awe-inspiring mountain peaks, yaks and yetis.  In Nepal the sounds of mantras in the remote monasteries bounce back playfully from the snow clad mountain peaks, drawing in seekers of spirituality to its mystical allure.  Nepal is nirvana for the spiritual, the adventurous, the lonely souls in search of moksha.     Wait, I mentioned tiny.  The biggest conundrum when travelling in Nepal is how would you fit everything in?.  I have met people who have been coming back to Nepal again and again, to explore the mighty Himalayas, the picturesque towns and sit around the bonfires on a chilly night with the smiling people.  When you leave, the desire to be back again lingers...   When I go back to Nepal this would have all changed. It was 25th April, 11:00 am.   People slept unaware of the tragedy that was sneaking into their dreams.     The quiver
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Recent posts

Amazonian Shaman Dona Otilia Sings an Icaro

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Appam and Egg Stew

The double yolk did freak me out but it did not stop me from making appam and egg stew...I don't follow traditional recipe but improvise to make my life easier:-)  I love appams, which are kind of rice pancakes with fluffy middle and lacy edges.  I love to soak these delicious morsels in egg stew made with lots of coconut milk...labor of love and worth all the effort.  Oh, BTW, make sure that the yeast you use for the batter is fresh (check the expiry date).  I have gone through the pains of using old yeast and having a flat batter with no air! 2 cups rice 1 cup cooked rice (I used jasmine rice) 3/4 cup coconut milk (I love Aroyo brand, which comes in tetra-pack) 2 tsp sugar pinch of salt 1 tsp dried yeast 1/2 tsp baking soda 1.  Soak the rice overnight 2.  Grind soaked rice, cooked rice, sugar, salt and coconut milk.  Add little water if the batter is too thick.   3.  In a bowl, add yeast and pour 1/2 cup of warm water. Mix well and leave it for 10 mi
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Double Yolk...Again!

It was a year ago that I had cracked open a whole tray of eggs and each one of them had double yolks! So, I am not new to double yolks though they still gives me the heebie-jeebies.  This morn, I cracked open another one and there it was again...a double yolked egg.  They did not taste any different but still creeps me out a bit.  Let me know if you feel the same.  
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Etihad Airways - NEVER AGAIN

The National Airlines of United Arab Emirates! Traveled by Etihad from Toronto to Cochin and had the worst experience ever. In comparison, United Airlines trip to Singapore was luxury. I was happy with my flight until the time I landed in Abu Dhabi. Due to security breach, we were booted off the aircraft (Abu Dhabi/Cochin) and cordoned off in an area with no washrooms, drinking water and supremely unfriendly crew. The passengers included infants, older people and couple of men in dire need of medication. "Bathroom" breaks were restricted and an airlines staff informed me in a condescending way that I was fortunate to get a one! I protested on behalf of the unusually quiet passengers and the police asked me for my passport. I couldn't believe this was happening. Taking care of security is understandable and paramount, but treating everyone (including new born infants) the way Etihad did, was unforgivable. After a long wait, we were finally lined off to board the flight. As
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