Thursday 31 December 2015

Looking Back at 2015

Resolutions! There’s so much of that stuff going around these days. But honestly, I stopped making them years ago. While goals are great in business, I find that what works better on a personal level is taking a closer look at the year gone by because you’ve actually lived through it. 

Here are some of the things that stuck with me through these last 12 months

1. Love what you do. It’s ok to quit what you hate – Digital and Content Marketing fascinated me for the longest time… and I thought I could fuel this passion by working for a company. How wrong I was. The more time I spent working, the more I realized I was a mere puppet with limited growth and no learning – at the mercy of a paycheck. After quitting, I’ve learnt more than I ever have in those two years and I’m happier than ever before. Passion makes you look for ways to fuel it – I furthered my knowledge through Youtube, through people I met, and the opportunities to earn and grow, although uncertain at times, are endless! 


2. Never Settle for Average –I don’t understand people who settle for mediocrity. How does one satisfy oneself by doing just enough to get by? Whether it’s spending days trying to fix that glitch in my blog with zero technical experience (thank you, Google) or planning the next step in my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve learned that those who get ahead are hungry enough to not be average.

3. People Matter – Living in Mumbai has taught me that those who get ahead are those who value people. Technology and new gadgets are great, they save time, etc, etc. But business and life is and will always be about people. The more you understand that, the better off you will be. 

4. Persistence Pays. Always. – In business, in blogging and in general, results don’t always come when you want them to. Being persistent is so tough... but also the most rewarding. Blogging for half a year with barely any traffic, walking the entrepreneurial path for a year (and then some) with no results is excruciating. But if the vision is strong enough, instant gratification just doesn’t matter. Giving up on something I spent months and years building is just out of the question.

5. The Power of a strong, clear vision is amazing – It’s the only thing that will see you through setbacks. If you need a breakthrough, you must believe in your vision 100%

6. Make friends with people who make you think – Because anyone can ask you “Whats Up?” Those who talk about happiness, ethics, spaceships… anything! Those are people who make you think. I'm soooo over small talk!

7. Stop giving people second chances – This one was hard, because I always believe that given a second chance, people can change. Sadly, some never do. Waiting for someone to change only drags out the inevitable. If the person proves they are incapable of changing, why believe otherwise? Do yourself a favour and stop giving people second chances. It’s a waste of valuable time, they stop taking you seriously and you look + feel like a complete moron

Taking a look at what you have learned is just as important as planning for the year ahead. . I hope my lessons add value to your life. And if you have something to add value to mine, I’d love to hear them!

Wishing you the best of everything in 2016!
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Monday 28 December 2015

Restaurant Review - Bodega

Trying out new restaurants in Goa isn't as easy as I would like it to be. Because by the time I relish a few home cooked meals and visit a couple of my favorite food joints, it's time to leave. 

Then again, restaurants here start up and shut down as quickly as you can say "Fish Curry Rice" Which means that if someone recommends a place that isn't on the tourist map, it has probably shut down before you have the opportunity to try it out.



I visited Bodega Cafe today to meet up with a Tweep! Cicero is someone who regularly interacts with me on Twitter and he suggested visiting the place for the "best red velvet cupcake ever." 

Located in Panjim, in one of Goa's most well known art galleries, Sunaparanta Arts Centre, there are a list of things that set it apart, some good, some great!

Bodega is located atop Altinho hill, in an old, restored heritage mansion - one of the most stunning I've ever seen. With it's well kept lawn, brilliant white and blue facade, clay tiled roof and artistic grills - the place will have an architecture lover's jaw hit the Portuguese tiled floor! This tranquil little bistro looks like it belongs in a place like Pondicherry. One can't help linger around to take in the serene atmosphere that most cafes lack. 

Secondly, Bodega doesn't have the same menu everyday. One needs to check their Facebook page to look at what's on offer - or go there and be pleasantly surprised. Not many cafe's or restaurants take the trouble to do something as innovating as this on a daily basis, that too, given the small kitchen they have. The food is cooked right behind the ordering counter, and you can see the chefs at work on the menu for the day. Indeed commendable.

Patrons can sit around the open courtyard or in it on wooden furniture with a canopy of trees overhead. An ideal way to spend the evening reading the newspaper (that they conveniently provide) or catching up with an old friend.

Another thing that's worth mentioning is that apart from sinful desserts and refreshing drinks, they also have gluten-free options. 

Did I mention they have free wi-fi? Although I couldn't connect to it for some reason, there were a lot of people using it. I'm yet to come across another cafe that provides the same. 

Bodega is a semi-self-service restaurant. You place your order and pay the bill at the counter, but the food comes to your table. The service isn't very quick, but that's OK - considering that it's a place you come to laze around at. 



I ordered the Red Velvet Cupcake and Chocolate Milkshake. While it was nowhere close to the best red velvet cupcake, it was pretty decent. I love mine with soft cream cheese frosting, and this one came with semi-solid butter-cream frosting that isn't as exciting. The chocolate milkshake was rich and indulgent... just like it should be.

I noticed most of the patrons either opted for the English style breakfast of eggs and bacon with toast or the Waffles, even at 4 pm. I'm definitely making another trip at a brunch appropriate time to try these out.


Here are a few of the artworks on display inside the house. Isn't the shutter art work cool?



I absolutely adored these mosaic tiles at the side of the front lawns. Imagine sitting here and watching a performance!
















What would make it better: I visited on an... uhmm.. warm winter's day and it was hottt! Uncomfortably hot, once I finished my chocolate milkshake. A couple of more fans are definitely needed!

Meal for Two: Rs. 600/-

TGG Tips

  • There's a lot of hype over the Vietnamese Ice Tea and the various choices of Sandwiches. Try them out!
  • Go when you have a lot of time on your hands. Wander around the art exhibition in various rooms and look at the quirky exhibits on the lawn. 
Follow me on FacebookInstagram and Twitter because I'd love to grab a coffee with you too!!

Till next time!
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Monday 21 December 2015

Mum's Secret Neureo Recipe

I love spending the Christmas season at home in Goa for so many reasons. It's the time when friends and family abroad come home, the kids go carol-singing in the evenings, and everyone sets up their own Nativity scene (called cribs) with little statues. The sweet aroma in the air has me guessing what all the neigbours are cooking for lunch or what sweets have just come out of the oven next door.

I find small things like these reassuring. Food traditions, local festivities, the sights and smells that this time of year brings, remain untouched. 

Stable. 

A feeling that lacks in many other aspect of our 21st century lives.

I came home from Mumbai yesterday to find Mum cooking up a Neureo storm in the kitchen. No Christmas is complete without these stuffed, deep-fried dumplings of deliciousness. Made with flour and ghee with a variety of stuffing, these Empenada look-a-likes are swapped between families and friends on Christmas on decorative trays filled with a variety of Goan sweets.

NEUREO RECIPE

Mum's Neureos are like any other. They're crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth good, so it's no wonder she had to literally make a basket full of them. 

The most popular ones are stuffed with either freshly grated coconut or rava. 

OUTER SHELL:


1 1/2 kg flour
A few pinches of salt
200 gms of ghee
100 gms of cornflour

COCONUT STUFFING:

1 1/2 kg sugar
1 cup water
4 freshly grated coconuts
100 gms of cashew nuts
100 gms raisins
100 gms roasted sesame seeds
6 tbsp ghee
6 powdered cardamoms
oil for frying

Mix flour, salt and ghee with just enough water to knead into a soft dough. Keep aside.

Heat sugar and water to make a syrup. To this, add grated coconuts, ghee and nuts. When the mixture has thickened, add raisins and cardamom powder. Remove from the fire after the mixture has turned quite dry. Cool and keep aside.

Divide the dough into small balls and roll out into thin rounds. Put a spoonful of the coconut filling on each round, wet the edges and press down to create a half moon shape. Trim the edges with a cutter and deep fry in hot oil.

RAVA FILLING:

If you want variety, make the rava filled ones too!

1 1/2 kg rava
100 grams roasted sesame seeds
100 gms cashew nuts
100 gms raisins
4 dry grated coconuts
6 powdered cardamoms.
6 tbsp powdered sugar

In ghee, fry the rava till fluffy and done. Add dried grated coconuts and mix well. 
Then add cashew nuts, raisins, cardamom powder, sesame seeds and mix.
Lastly, add the powdered sugar and mix well. Keep to cool and mix every 5-10 minutes so that it doesn't harden. 
Place a spoonful of the mixture in the outer shell (recipe above) and deep fry.

If you haven't made Christmas sweets yet, make sure you try this out. Don't forget to share your pictures with me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And while you're at it, subscribe to my blog too!

Much love! Cya next time
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Monday 14 December 2015

My Take on “Cheesy” Tourist Attractions

I was at a Cafe the other day and happened to overhear a conversation at the table behind mine. One of the girls was planning a trip to London and the others were enthusiastically telling her where she should and shouldn’t go. 

“Stay clear of the London Eye,” one of them said. “It’s nothing but hype. There’s so many better things to see in London, so don’t waste your time over a giant glitzy Ferris wheel”

“And don’t get that typical photo of yourself in a red telephone booth that everyone does. That's so mainstream” said another. 

You’ve probably read and heard “warnings” like these on numerous travel review websites, And there's no shortage of articles telling you about touristy places you should avoid. But I’ll tell you what. This Philosophy? It’s nothing but BS.

Seriously.

I think a lot of you will agree. There’s a sudden trend that demands every travel experience to be “spiritually awakening” and “soulfully enriching.” The feeling that every moment of the journey must have a profound impact, or else it’s worthless. Popular listicle sites share the difference between a “traveller” and a “tourist,” making them appear to be two different breeds of people. There’s a great word for that. 

Travel Snobbery. 

Yes, it’s great to go off the beaten path and explore. It’s something I enjoy immensely. There’s no better way to experience the everyday side of a place. But that doesn’t make the popular attractions any less deserving of your attention. Travel snobbery demands that you abstain from being touristy and sadly, robs you of the chance to see some of the world’s most amazing places. 

Sometimes, travel is just about having a good time in a new place and I think an important part of that is taking in the famous sights. You can either take the attraction as a crowded, commercialized, overrated experience or as an enjoyable escape.

So what if your version of having a good time means wearing a floral shirt and clicking silly photos in front of crowded attractions? In fact, why would anyone go somewhere with a world famous site and lose the opportunity of seeing it just because other people want to see it too? 

I remember standing in line in Mont Tremblant, Canada, not once, but three times – to ride up to the top of the hill in a gondola and ride down in a go-kart. We could have just gone up by bus or cab to admire the scenic town from the top, but you can do that literally anywhere! The gondola + gokart... that’s special!

Sadly, we don’t have unlimited time to travel and most of us will only visit a new place once. So staying away from a historical or cultural monument, or even a silly tourist attraction, for the sake of being a “real traveller” seems misguided.

That aside, you can still enjoy a cheesy tourist attraction without being surrounded by a horde of people with some basic planning. Go early in the morning, buy tickets in advance so you skip the long lines or visit during off season (for cheap). If all else fails, thank your stars while standing your blistering feet, that while you’re in line to see a world famous attraction, there are people at work who are dreaming of being in your place. 

The next time you’re in a new city, take advantage of the fact that NOBODY KNOWS YOU and go to whatever embarrassing attraction you fancy. Let the man in the striped shirt, straw hat and tight pants sing to you in a boat in Venice, get a picture of yourself pushing the Leaning tower of Pisa, answer the hand-gestured call of a mime and jump on the damn Ferris wheel! 

When all is said and done, you’ll have some fabulous photographs. Just don’t upload it on Facebook and Instagram. 

Or do... who cares!
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Tuesday 8 December 2015

4 Great Products for Curly Hair


I was born with a mop of hair on my head and grew up thinking I had the worst hair in the world. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think of the single hairstyle I had all throughout school that made me look like part of the Jackson 5.

I tried cutting it short – didn’t work.

I tried straightening it – didn’t last.

And then I thought, “let’s just leave it the way it was meant to be - wild and freeeee.”

There are many breeds of curly haired girls – the ones with soft wavy curls and the ones with the killer permed-curls.
But that was never me. I was more of the “frizz and unruly strands” girl

Let me tell you a thing or two about our hair care regimen:
  1. We don’t wash our hair a lot – Alternate days? Nope. Every other-other day? Nah. Twice... even once a week is more like it. And it always looks best on the third or fourth day. Don’t ask me why.
  2. You won’t believe how much hair we lose – Just running our fingers through our hair will leave us with a fist full of it. It’s a miracle we still have some on our head.
  3. We don’t own a hairbrush. Yes, you read that right.
The struggles are real.

Random people coming up to you and asking “Can I touch your hair” is normal. 
Losing hairpins in our hair happens every day (wherever they are, I hope they’re happy.) 
And we absolutely must carry a spare hair tie or clip for when the one we’re wearing snaps. That reminds me.... Combs’ breaking is normal too.

Does it end there? Oh no!

We often show up to places with wet hair – because who can wait six to eight hours for it to dry? Plus, we do the same thing to it every day, yet it never looks the same on two occasions.
Going to the beach or driving with the windows down = giant frizz ball.
I could rant for hours, but only a fellow curly would truly understand.

MY TOP PICKS

Anyways, after years of experimentation, I’ve narrowed it down to a few hair care products that *actually* do what they promise. Take a look:

HERBAL ESSENCES - TOTALLY TWISTED 

Not only does this smell like a treat - it works brilliantly! I don't know how they do it, but this shampoo can gently remove oil, gel or whatever products you have in your hair with one wash, while leaving the natural oils intact. It also de-tangles hair and keeps it frizz free.

The conditioner defines curls like a dream! I love that it reduces volume, keeps your hair squeaky clean and leaves curls springy and well defined.

Cost: depends where you buy it from. I pay Rs. 205 each but it can go up to Rs. 1200 + online.

SCHWARZKOPF "EXTRA CARE"


This tongue-twisting brand has a wonderful range of Shampoos and Conditioners - and I especially love the "Extra Care" range. I've tried the gold bottle (Ultimate Oil Elixir), the brown bottle (Marrakesh Oil and Coconut) and the blue one (Moisture Gloss). They all had pretty much the same result. They made my hair shinier than I've ever seen it before, well hydrated and really soft. It does wonders for greasy hair!

The Schwarzkopf "Repair Rescue" range sounded like something curly hair could use, but that made my hair fall like crazy. However, it may suit your hair type. It comes in a long white and red cylindrical bottle.

Cost - Varies between Rs. 275 to Rs. 550/- each depending on the type.

        


L'OREAL PROFESSIONAL WILD STYLERS - SCRUFF ME


My hero! I started using this around 6 months ago and can't imagine my life without it. Just two or three pumps of it works wonders in creating that perfect out of bed, disheveled look. All you need to do is apply it onto damp hair, scrunch it up with your fingers and leave it to dry naturally

The best part is that you can work it in your hair on one day and just use wet fingers to touch it up on the days to follow.

Using too much will make your hair crunchy, though.

Cost - Rs. 700/-


L'OREAL PROFESSIONAL HAIR SPA

I don't know about you, but I find all these fancy salon services a complete rip-off. Hair is just as bad a day later.

L'oreal Hair Spa is my substitute to oiling hair as it has the same benefits, minus the greasiness. It hydrates well and nourishes deeply.

Work it through damp hair and tie your hair up with a soft cloth. Rinse after 15-20 minutes. Using it once every 15 days or so does the trick.

Cost - Rs. 570/- for 490 gms.

TGG Tips for girls with curls:
  • Never, ever buy the hair products you see on TV. Go for the professional stuff.
  • Only comb while conditioning your hair in the shower – however rare that may be.
  • If you find a hairdresser who understands your hair, stick with him/her. Follow them out of the country if you need to.
  • Don't dry with a towel - use a T-shirt.

So now that you’ve got some insight, and secrets, into the life of a curly, it’s time to wash my hair. Excuse me while I gather up my weapons and prepare for battle. You should meet me three days from now... my hair will be perfection.

Got any great hair products or tips I need to try out? Let me know!

Cya next time!

3.     
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Monday 7 December 2015

Hotel Review - Copthorne Orchid Hotel

The Copthorne Orchid Hotel in Penang, Malaysia is around a 40 minute drive from the Penang International airport. I chose to stay here because it was a short way from a conference I had to attend – and I got it pretty cheap. The Standard Room cost around Rs. 29000/- for 6 nights – which was decent since I shared the room with a friend and paid half. 

I didn’t get to go around and explore the area or the hotel a lot as we were out most of the day and only came back to sleep. The hotel looks pretty impressive from the front – with a wide driveway and flags atop the entrance. 

RECEPTION 

While the lobby looks well furnished at first glance – thanks to the shiny floors and sparkling counters, a closer look will reveal old and faded furniture. I checked-in in the morning and the staff at the reception were very welcoming. 



ROOMS 

The hotel itself has around 320 rooms that get more luxurious as you go up – and most of them have sea facing windows. Mine did too, although not an unobstructed one. There are a little balconies outside the standard room with basic furniture – from where I briefly watched a tennis match on the rooftop court atop a smaller building. 


The rooms have free wi-fi, a mini bar, a coffee maker and hairdryer. There were two cushioned chairs, a little table and a dresser – but again, they all looked really old and matched well with the faded carpet. 

The bathrooms were clean with basic toiletries – not what you would expect at a 4 star. The least they could have done was to put a shower mat outside the tub. 


The only thing great about the room was the bed. It was so comfortable you literally sunk in and drifted off to dreamland in an instant. That could have just been the tiredness after the long day, but the bed was sweet! 

FOOD 

While there was no opportunity to order room service, I did have the complimentary buffet breakfast everyday. It had a huge spread of Asian food, which was average at best. There was plain bread that you need to toast yourself – butter, jam and an assortment of fruits. 

The scrambled eggs and sausages did not look very appetizing and neither did the baked beans. There were a lot of people down for breakfast every day, so the entire place was messy – the spoons had fallen in the dishes, spillages everywhere... a clean freak’s nightmare. 

One can sit around in the a/c dining area or out by the pool, which, by the way, was spotlessly clean. 


THE BEACH 

An elevator near the pool takes you down to the garden area from where you go down a few steps to the beach. It’s a small beach called Tanjung Bungah, but very picturesque. There are signboards that warn people to beware of jellyfish so the idea of a short swim was dismissed. 




AMENITIES 

The Copthorne Orchid has a gym with three exercise equipment and a large mirror to create the feeling a lot more machines. They also have a gift shop, which you definitely must skip because it’s so full of junk. 

THE VERDICT 

All in all, it’s a very average hotel and it would make sense staying here if you have work in the neighborhood. Although the entire place needs a thorough refurbish, at least you can be assured of cleanliness. The public bus stops outside, there are plenty of restaurants in walking distance as well as convenience stores and chemists. 

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Sunday 29 November 2015

One Night in Kuala Lumpur

If “blogger’s block” isn’t a thing by now, it should be. I’ve had an unusually long case of it for the last week. Sitting down to blog, and waiting for inspiration to strike is not fun.

So after a week of watching cat videos and TLC (of course) during blog time, I finally came across the old picture of a taxi driver who shared my Kuala Lumpur mis-adventure.

So how did I meet Mr. Malaysian Taxi driver? Funny story. 

I was travelling from Mumbai to Penang and a last minute, hurried booking had me stuck at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for close to 16 hours. I landed in KL at around 3 pm and my flight out to Penang was at 7 am the next morning. 

No complaints there... I love airports. People watching, cafes, bookstores... what’s not to love? Apart from the fact that you can’t get a decent night’s sleep and free charging points – nothing!

After whiling away a couple of hours, I met Lydia... a girl who was in her late twenties or so and glued to her mobile phone. Turns out she was travelling from Mumbai to Penang on the same flight, and we went to grab a coffee somewhere in the airport. While I enthusiastically talked about stepping out to explore the city, she yawned and said that she was going to find the departure gate for next morning’s flight and stay there. 

We parted ways, and I stepped out of the airport. Standing outside his bright orange cab was... I don’t remember his name, so I’ll call him Cabbie. He was a polite, middle aged man and I felt I could out-run him, should the need arise (good tip if you're a female solo traveler lol)

"I want to go to Petronas," I told him.

“PETRONAS??” He shot me such a bewildered look that would have been more aptly used for someone asking to see the Statue of Liberty in Malaysia. “What do you want to go there for?” 

It appeared that the iconic Kuala Lumpur landmark was an ordinary sight to the locals. I’d probably react the same way if someone told me that they wanted to go to Juhu Beach.

Anyways, I got in the car and we drove for an hour along the highway with nothing to see on either side. He asked me about India and compared everything I said with that in Malaysia. We spoke about Bollywood, festivals, driving etiquette, pets, family and more. 

Finally he stopped the car and indicated that we had arrived. There was no Petronas Tower in sight. Instead, at the side of the highway was a Petrol Pump.... a Petronas Petrol Pump.

Was this a joke? Was he going to leave me at the side of the highway at a petrol station? 

“Where are the towers?” I asked him.

“Towers?” he turned around and looked at me.

“The Petronas Towers”

Cabbie then proceeded to grumble aloud (I’m assuming) in Malaysian with a little bit of English thrown in. Words like “you young girls,” “tourists,” “Petronas Towers,” were audible before he rattled off in Malaysian again. 

Then he turns to me and says “It’s called Twin Towers. Not Petronas. Petronas is a Petrol Pump. Do you want to go to Twin Towers? Will take 3 hours to and fro. 200 Ringgits.”

I would have considered if it wasn't 11 pm or if I had company.  

He probably knew what I was thinking and said “I’ll take you back to the airport... have you had your dinner yet?”

I hadn't. 

On the way back, he stopped at a well lit restaurant off the highway. There were a lot of cars parked outside with people standing around and eating delicious smelling Malaysian food. He parked and indicated to me to follow him inside. We went up the counter of the Malaysian fast food joint and he pointed out and explained the foreign dishes displayed on boards behind the cashier.

I ordered the Charsiew (BBQ Pork) to go. These long boneless pieces of barbequed pork were seasoned with honey, five-spice, and soy sauce. We ate in the car on the way back. My charsiew was sticky, shiny, and a delight to eat. Beautifully caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside it was delicious enough to make a grown man weep.

We reached the airport. I didn't see the Petronas... I mean, Twin Towers, or much of KL. But I had the most amazing Malay food and met a great person. And that sure beat staying at the airport all night. 

P.S. I saw Lydia fast asleep on a bench by the departure gate the next morning, oblivious to the announcements that boarding had begun. Should I wake her up or shouldn't I? I would have got to see the towers if she hadn't spent all night sleeping.

*Sigh*... I woke her up. 
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Wednesday 18 November 2015

Restaurant Review - Gonguura

Coming across Mumbai’s first and possibly, only Andhra eating joint, Gonguura happened by pure chance. I was catching up with a friend over coffee and we had so much to talk about that it lasted until dinner time. And you know what cafe food is like... ugh!

The restaurant is named after Gonguura, a leaf essential to preparing Andhra cuisine. Located just off Juhu-Versova Link road in Andheri, from the outside, it looks so ordinary that you may pass right by it without a second glance.The interiors are simple but well lit with around 7-8 tables and decor limited to traditional paintings on the wall. We were the only two customers present that evening, but apparently on weekends, the wait for a table lasts anywhere from an hour to three. 

The pure-vegetarian menu is short, and would probably amount to one page of what you would find in any given south Indian eatery. But what sets it apart is that you won’t find idli, vadas and uttapam as the centre of attraction. Instead, Gonguura features dishes that are practically unknown, such as Punugulu (a tea time snack), Pesarattu (moong bean dosa) and Pulihora (Sour rice)

I ordered the Special Thali... because that’s the only way to sample as much of Andhra cuisine as possible! Best decision of the day! It came with two dry vegetables – crispy spiced tendli with coconut shavings that had not a drop of excess oil in the bowl. And the second, my favourite– the dry brinjal tempered with curry leaves and mustard seeds. I’d go back again just for a bowl full of it! 

One of the gravies was rich ladyfinger curry which added a touch of sweetness to the thali. Pulusu or green gram gravy is a staple in Andhra Pradesh and was the second. It was melt in your mouth good and so healthy – just like all comfort food should be. That with rotis and home made curd really hit the spot. 

I really can’t fault any of it! The tamarind rice was delicious with peanuts and fried dal adding texture. The sambar was simply tantalizing – and came without radish and drumsticks in it, thank God! The Dal was excellent, the papads were fried, but oil-free (weirdly awesome!) and the chutney + stuffed Kashmiri chilli pickle were amazing accompaniments. 

My friend, who was engrossed with his Pappu Annan (Dal and palak Gravy, sambar and rice) ate in silence, relishing every morsel. He suggested that I eat the traditional way - by emptying the bowl of ghee over the rice, sprinkling "gun powder" on top and sampling it with a spoonful of every gravy. While it’s not something I would usually do, it was worth a try. I’ve probably said it before but it was deeeelicious!

I highly recommend the Gonguura special thali! Not only is it unlimited in terms of servings, but it’s super filling, without making one feel sick and sluggish afterwards. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet! The only disappointment was the dessert. For me, that HAS to be show-stopping good, and the lone laddu was a let-down. 

The service was quick and homely. I wanted to take a picture of a decorative bull that was framed on a wall, and they actually switched off all the lights so that I could get a good shot, without having the reflection glaring back. Although the owner wasn’t present, I hear she is an IIM- Lucknow pass-out. The food has her unique touch to it, and it tastes anything but commercial or business-like, and that's what makes it special. With no advertisements or PR, it's pure word of mouth that keeps patrons going back time and again. 

All in all, it’s the closest I’ve come to home-made cooking in a restaurant and I can’t wait to sample the rest of the menu. 

Gonguura, I’ll be back!

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Tuesday 10 November 2015

Things to do when you have nothing to do in Mumbai

Personally, I hate having my life disrupted by routine. But living in Mumbai does that to you. It keeps you running – work, meetings, deadlines, grocery shopping, family, train-catching... like a re-run of a very average movie.

And then the weekend arrives. Finally... some free time!! And you, like countless others, are sitting at home, scratching your head and wondering what to do.

You have 5 options:

Bandstand/Carter Road
Juhu Beach
Marine Drive
Malls/Restaurants and Pubs
Stay at home with the idiot box. 

Sure, these are great the first dozen times, but after that, potty training the cat becomes far more interesting.

So I’ve enlisted the help of my fabulous Twitter and Facebook followers to find out what there is to do in Mumbai apart from the above said dreary things. You won’t find eating places on the list. Some of them are on the verge of being “touristy” and the rest already are.

(Side note – If you AREN’T one of my fabulous Twitter and Facebook followers, and are waiting for Diwali to hit that “Follow” button... guess what!)

Here it is:

Spend a morning at Borivali National Park (@FlirtyTango) – Give your lungs a break from all that polluted air and go on a nature walk. Kids will love going on a ride in the toy train, experiencing the lion safari and marveling at the wildlife. The Kanheri Caves is a major attraction here, comprising of 109 caves with rock inscriptions. You can rent a cycle, go camping, and have a meal in the forest-restaurant.

Watch a Play (@FuschiaScribe) – Get a schedule of the Hive, NCPA or Prithvi Theater and attend live concerts and performances. Find out what’s hot and head over for plays, dances, and art.


Visit bluebulb.in (Jordella D’souza) – I recently checked out this website and found that it has a host of things to do. From lifestyle to art and sports to adventure, browse through their list of workshops and fun activities. What I found interesting were these: learn to make Vada Pao like a boss, turn that dusty window ledge into a garden and the art of tea appreciation. 

Visit the Planetarium (@iishitav) – Astronomy lover? The Nehru Planetarium in Worli conducts science quizzes and elocution. If that’s not your thing, simply gaze at the night sky in the planetarium dome. Good for a one-time visit.

Scour the Markets (Rajan Parekh) – Walk down the old streets of Crawford Market, Zaveri Bazaar, Pydhonie, Abdul Rahman Street and Gulal Wadi. Sales, discounts and deals are aplenty, just like the maze of shops and chaotic lanes! It has interesting architecture (like Brihan Mumbai Mahanagarpalika) and a ton of history (like Rudyard Kipling’s birth house). You’ll find everything from imported chocolates to magic tricks... all cheap!

Gallery Hop at Colaba to explore art (@FilmyKeedaa) – Held on the second Thursday of the month, this self guided tour shows you latest the art world has to offer. This isn’t the typical high-class event, there’s a lot of walking involved as you head from one art gallery to the other armed with a map.

Hang out at Powai Lake Waterfront (@Mitzyeah) – As simple as it gets! Take a walk down the promenade and enjoy the musical fountain show. 

Go Boating at Aarey Colony (Anshul Verma) – Choose a boat, decide how long you want to paddle for, pay accordingly and head out. This little green oasis is away from the noise and traffic. Finally, some peace!

Equal Streets and Happy Streets (Kalpesh Patel) - Happy Streets (Navi Mumbai) and Equal Streets (Bandra) have a buzz of events every Sunday, when select roads are made car-free. You can skate, attend a dance or yoga class, draw, paint, or do just about anything. Check if it's on that week before you go.

Walk through Parsi Colonies (Behoz Menon) – An interesting idea, considering how therapeutic these areas are. Rustom Baug, Malcolm Baug and Cusrow Baug, for example have gorgeous in roads lined with old cottages and solid stone buildings, and a personality of their own. 

Take a short cooking class (Khushnaz Y. Khambata) - Cooking classes don't require as much time and commitment as it did before. Weekend ones seem to be an upcoming trend, especially those for all-men. Learn regional cuisines, knife skills, french pastry or take a three hour pasta class. 

Boating along the Gateway of India (Aditya Londhe) There are short trips that start and end at Mumbai’s iconic monument as well as those that take you to the Elephanta caves. Get into a speed boat and ride the Arabian Sea, taking in the Mumbai docks, the Taj Hotel and the gateway from a distance.

Moonlight cycling Tours from Churchgate to Bandra (Parth Viradia) – When these crowded areas and those in between thin out at night, they undergo an amazing transformation Take the 20 Km-5 hour ride with 70 other people... how much fun does that sound?

Go Dancing – (Digvijay Desai) – Find out where dance classes or events are happening around you. Learn different styles and participate in socials. You’ll meet new people, have fun and have a great work-out too! 

I hope this list will give you enough ideas and motivation to get out of the weekend routine-rut. If you really, really want to rest, that’s what the office is for *wink*

Thank you for the overwhelming response, readers! If you have any more tips to help your fellow Mumbaikars out, comment below, tweet to me or let me know on Facebook. (Remember, nothing food related for now!)

Happy Diwali, everyone! Till next time!

*I claim no credit or ownership for images posted on this blog post. If you find an image appearing here that belongs to you and you do not wish for it to appear here, email me with a link to the image and it will be removed ASAP.
Image credits - the Hindu, prosperyoung.com, babble.com
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Thursday 5 November 2015

The Taxi Scam at Dadar Station

Dadar station, at the centre of Mumbai, is already bustling at 5 am. People are heading to/from work, flower and fish vendors are chatting away on the platform, and one can hear the occasional honking car outside.The station is divided into two sections – Central and Western – joined together by an overhead passenger walkway. 

As Konkan Kanya pulls to a stop on one of the Central Line tracks at the crack of dawn, I lug my heavy suitcase out and curse myself for packing so much. 

Happens every time. 

The thought of staggering with the weight, up the stairs to the walkway, across it to the Western side, down the stairs and into another train is exhausting.

“Madam, taxi?” a turbaned taxi driver asks.

A few drivers are waiting at the platform for passengers, unlike the rest of them who wait outside by their cars. They are approaching people who have gotten off the inter-city trains which seem to be arriving every 15 minutes or so. 

This man offers to carry my suitcase, and I quickly follow him. Outside, his taxi is parked in a narrow lane that’s beginning to light up with shops. He puts the suitcase next to me in the backseat and gets behind the wheel.

Just then, another man sits in the front passenger seat. Before the driver can start the car, I stop him.

“Who is this?” I ask.

“Old passenger. I need to give him change.”

“So get him change from one of the shops. I will not let the cab leave with this man sitting here.”

They look at each other. And then one of them asks me “Do you have change for Rs. 1000?”

I knew for a fact, beyond any doubt, that I had only Rs. 500 notes in my purse. The smaller notes were in my pocket and stuffed into various bag pockets.

I open the purse and give him two notes of Rs. 500 each and he hands me the Rs. 1000.

Before getting out, the man in the passenger seat says “Madam, you have given me one 500 note and one 100. See?” He shows me the notes and hands me back the 100.

I knew then, that something didn’t feel right. I had only 500 notes in my purse... didn’t I?

Maybe I didn’t.

I take the 100, and give him a 500 note. He leaves.

The driver fidgeted for a while. Irritated, I asked, “Now what?”

“We need to fill petrol. It will take 20 minutes” he said.

Argh! I needed to go home, and come all the way back to Dadar in two hours to get to work. I didn’t have 20 minutes to spare. And the prospect of taking a 15 minute catnap at home seemed to be slipping away.

So I take my bags, get out, and look for another taxi.

The episode was forgotten.

SIX MONTHS LATER

There I was again, getting off the 5 am train with a ginormous bag, cursing myself. Some things never change.

“Madam, taxi?”

It was a different turbaned man. However, the events that unfolded thereafter were identical. This time, I was better prepared.

“Old passenger.” He said. “Do you have change?”

“No”

“Madam pliss check.”

“Nope. No change."

Passenger gets out. The driver? He needs to fill petrol again. He courteously tells me in Hindi, “this will take time, and you will be delayed, You can get a taxi down the road. Just a five minute walk!”

I was furious, but it was dark, and there were not many people this time around. Using my better judgement, I left and got another taxi. The entire ride home, I Googled.and what I found wasn’t surprising anymore. 

Page after page of cheated people had shared their experiences. What was worse were the comments from foreign tourists who had already formed their first impression of Mumbai and India because of one cheating taxi driver.

My taxi pulled up at the building and I asked the man at the wheel, “There’s something wrong with the taxis in that lane, isn’t there?”

He laughed and said “Those cars never leave that lane. They never take passengers. Their business is that of switching notes.”
____

P.S. While many of the reviews on Google date back to 2008, I still find a few from as recent as Sept 2015 on Twitter. Maybe the police have a hand in the matter (Indian police.. who knows?) or maybe the drivers are just plain shameless. All I can do is tell you about it.. and hope that you tell someone else. 

P.P.S. If you're following me on Facebook and Twitter, you probably know that my next post is on "Things To Do in Mumbai that Don't Involve Eating." Comment below and give me your suggestions. Best ones will be featured with credits! No Bandra (bandstand + shopping), Juhu beach or Marine drive pleeeaaase!

Image credit - indianexpress.com

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Monday 26 October 2015

The Miraculous Church of St. Anne de Beaupre

Quebec, like a child of mixed parentage, has features of Europe and Canada, with her own distinct French personality. She takes you back to a time where people still valued the art of conversation, and sat at laughter-filled coffee shops that ran into cobbled streets, or worshiped at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral

My days spent here were like a stone being skipped happily across the water. Time just slipped through my fingers and the days passed by as quickly as the stone takes the next leap forward.

It was only four days, after all, and we had to make the absolute most of it. Plus, when you’re on a sightseeing tour with a couple of dozen other people, there is a schedule to be stuck to. We did sneak away to explore the unexplored, which left us with less time for both - the exploring and the time-bound itinerary.

CANYON ST. ANNE


Before heading to the miraculous Church of St. Anne De Beaupre, we stopped at the 1.2 billion year old Canyon St. Anne. The short 45 minute trek lets you walk along the falls and cross over to the other side of the gorge on suspension bridges of various heights.

Both sides of the path were lined with lush, dense foliage, still glistening with rain from the morning's drizzle. Apart from the rumble of the waterfall below and the twittering of birds overhead, there was silence. The road goes on, first uphill and then down, turning and twisting its way around the canyon.

The last of the three bridges is the one that is closest to rapids and to get to it, one needs to walk down 187 steps. At the bottom, we were met with a long, shaky, wooden bridge. It would have been amazing to zipline across the falls. but hey, when you have a bouncy bridge ahead of you, you jump!


The walk back up the steps is easy at first, and then  every step gets more painful than the last. After puffing, panting, wailing and countless “five minute” breaks, we get to the top... only to walk back uphill and downhill to leave for the miraculous shrine.

CHURCH OF ST. ANNE DE BEAUPRE

The Church of St. Anne De Beaupre, like the Notre Dame Basilica, is one of Quebec's priceless treasures. The entrance to the church are through beautiful copper doors made by Albert Giles (if you haven't read my post on him, click here) The interiors are warmly lit and give out a soft, golden glow. Every inch of the ceiling is covered in words and paintings so fine and regal, that it's impossible to believe it was done by someone lying on a makeshift scaffolding for days with a paintbrush.

The sombre church captivates every sense from the moment you walk in. One can hear the mutter of prayers, smell the smoke wafting up from burning candles and look at rows upon rows of kneeling people writing petitions on little pieces of paper before walking up to the statue and dropping it into a box at the foot of St. Anne.

St. Anne is the grandmother of Jesus, and the patron saint of pilgrims. The church was named after her ever since sailors were rescued by her intercession. The first known miracle at the church happened during the shrine’s construction when a hired worker, Louis Guimond was cured of rheumatism upon placing three stones on the Shrine’s foundation. Ever since then, thousands have been blessed with miracles and thousands more throng in the hope that their faith will bring them one. In fact, the pillars at the front entrance are covered with crutches, canes, braces and other signs of disabilities left behind by pilgrims who have been healed at the church.

After admiring the ornate ceiling and feasting my eyes on a glittering gold Statue of St. Anne, I make my way to a pew and write down petition after petition. That done, I head to the Statue and kneel with a dozen others around the base. Tied to the armrest is a printed prayer to be said before placing one's note into the box. With the prayer said and wad of paper stuffed in the box, it was time to wander around some more!


Walking around the church is like walking into a fairy tale. The light from the stained glass windows light up the ceiling, while below, dancing candle flames cast shadows on the mosaic, marble and stone. 

I come across the Pieta, a replica of Michelangelo’s world renowned statue, and walk along a circular passage that goes behind the altar and comes out the other side. The passage too, has its share of stained glass windows and statues of saints in white marble, 

Stairs lead downwards to a wide underground chapel that’s relatively empty, with a gold statue of Mary beside the altar. This shrine is different in style and design, and it's like stepping into a completely different church altogether. White frilly patterns criss-cross across the ceiling, breaking up alternating the star and floral pattern, all the way to the front altar.


More than spectacular architecture, intricate mosaic and polished sculpture – this church is steeped in history. Prayer mingles with the smoke of a thousand candles, making its way above. That’s what makes it more than just another tourist attraction.


















When I’m in Goa, I often visit a St .Anne’s Chapel, a couple of minutes away from my house, to attend Konkani Mass on Sunday. So the next time I’m home, I’ll be sure to follow up with Her on my miracle. It will probably come my way when the time is right.
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