Let Go...

"Let go of beauty, wealth and luxury. It is the heart that makes every human being precious solitaires. And a pure heart makes one and the rest worthy of its price."

image source: google.com

Sweet Escape!

It's been a while since the feeling of heartfelt pain worth enjoying and reminiscing moments worth haunting, have swept me in the past few days. Although, I cherish  strong fondness around deary ones. This ardor is distinctive from the rest. 

Throughout my life, I tried strategies and containment to escape from this feeling of affection, illusion, romance and passion, giving reasons for my escape. And here I am, conquered by the same. Lost and confused, I still find it difficult to affirm this state of mind! On the other hand, consoling myself to comprehend it as a phase of life. 

It is a mess! to get lost in thoughts you never thought you would think of and finding solutions to control such intense force of emotion, to think straight at all times. One must acknowledge one's own state of mind, at any cause or event. To constantly think right, is the key to enjoy emotion and its acceptance. 

We are circled by people who would endlessly change thoughts and perceptions before accepting it. It is here, where one must follow what he/she finds best for him/her. A point may arise where your decisions turn out to be assertive, and times where they can be negative. The silver lining lies under the thought of individual decisions taken by a person with independent thoughts. In which case, the things that might not be liked can be left aside. 

Image: Google.com: i love art: Joshua Petker

The Land of Legends- Yemen

Hidden on the Southern end of the Arabian Peninsula lies a place filled with legends. Shem (son of Noha) found his ideal settlement in Yemen, whereas Queen Sheba looked upon Yemen as her homeland. One of the oldest civilizations in the Middle East, is defined by its mountainous landscape and its natural attractions, it is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the west and Oman to the east. Yemen treasures more than 200 islands, the largest being Soccotra. Bounded by mountains and sandy plains, reminds one of being back in time. 

Sana’a is one of the oldest cities on earth, and also the capital of Yemen. Your trip should commence by visiting one of the oldest cities on earth and also the capital of Yemen. This city is situated 3800 meters above the sea level making the climate chilled, as compared to the rest of the areas in Yemen, which is usually warm.  As you tour the land, you’ll find small settlements with stone tower houses which look like toy blocks that are white and brown. To make the look more spectacular, these houses have palm trees growing around them and roads connecting these settlements. It is amazing to look at settlements even on mountain tops, at times you would wonder “how did they reach up there?” The whole sight is stunning to watch!

Here is a city formed from an extinct volcanic eruption and falls on the eastern side of the Red Sea. Your next stop to visit is Aden, also the commercial capital of Yemen which consists of the finest sea ports in the country. It takes about six to seven hours by road and 30 minutes by flight to reach here.  Do not be surprised to find yourself like being on another planet. Aden constitutes of large mountains, surrounding the city like a shield. There are peculiar graffiti’s of the ‘sun’ on these mountains, with small settlements resting on them.  ‘Crater’ as they call it, is an extraordinary shopping hub of the city, divided into several lanes that all look alike, so in case you are lost, don’t hesitate to ask your way out. On the other hand, Aden has a sub city called “Little Aden” which is the residing place of the British Petroleum oil refinery. The settlement sites for the refinery employees were known as Bureika and Ghadi. Bureika are wooden houses and consists of family housings. Whereas, Ghadir consists of stone built housing made from granite, presently they are occupied by wealthier locals.

 Yemen is a country which is rich in heritage. It has the oldest yet advanced irrigation system, although there have been water shortage issues, people are good at conservation. People here speak Arabic. Houses here are unique in their infrastructure, traditional tower houses are a unique feature of Yemen. It is is divided into two halves by a staircase for men and women. The heart of the house is called as ‘masfraj.’ The room has oriental carpets with cushions placed along the walls, which are also known as ‘majlese’ and this is accompanied bya smoking equipment called as ‘hookha’. In the afternoon, men gather here to chew ‘quat’ (a stimulant leaf) for pleasure, producing ‘quat’ is a vital part of the country’s economy. Another feature of these houses are the half- moon shaped window decorated with mosaic glass pieces. And it is a startling view to see the colours it casts on the white walls, as the sun shifts.

The locals are often called ‘Yemenis’. They are tolerant and hospitable people, who earn their livelihood by fishing.  Men wear long white robes with white or green turbans. They always carry a small dagger called ‘jambiya’ which is used for traditional dances as a prop and also in case of extreme conflicts. Women dress conservatively by wearing an ‘Abaya’ (black robe). Although, women here have the freedom of unveiling their face and are quite free.

Yemenie cuisine generally consists of porridge prepared from fenugreek, with meat, eggs, vegetables, herbs and spices. Lentils and peas are traditional staples. People consume more of fish, poultry and dairy products. Alcohol and pork are prohibited in this country.  Cuisines one must relish are ‘Sahavaq and Kupus’. It is a dipping made from cheese, tomato and chilies with Kupus which is a type of bread, combine them and you have titillating flavours in your mouth. From the variety of sweets available, ‘bint- as- sahn’ is a puff pastry consisting of light flaky dough topped with sesame seeds and honey, it has a light and crispy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. One cannot leave without savoring their dishes and carrying with them dates and honey as souvenirs.

Other visits to stop by are the Socotra Island, the historic town of Zabid and the beaches of Aden and Little Aden. Yemen is worth exploring, as one feels like being back in sands of time and unlocking the mysteries of the country.

                                                                                                                           

My Distorted Wife

It’s been 25 years since I got married, we have two children, both well settled abroad.  Presently, it’s just me and my wife, Samantha living at home. I am a man with a fully fledged job from morning to evening and sometimes late hours at night. And yet,   I couldn’t help recall, the memories we made through all these years, our anniversaries, tour trips, dinner dates and so much more. Samantha has always been supportive and understanding, although she does get ‘high on heels’ sometimes. But that is something that makes her different.

From the past few days, she has been acting differently. Usually, after I am back from work, we have a cup of coffee together and then proceed for dinner, which is not the same. It feels like she’s losing interest in everything I do and not happy, when I am home.  At times she is too sweet that she would serve me dinner or she would just ignore me. I am finding it difficult to understand, what is going on with her. I have always known Samantha to be a strong woman, but there came a day, when I saw her sobbing like a baby, I asked her the reason and she would say “I don’t know!” So I decided to talk to Samantha about her behavior, but she wouldn’t talk. It was as though she was going through mood swings. Every night was a sleepless one; when Samantha would wake up panting and sweating, as though she had a heart attack. And I would quickly calm her down from her state.

Day and night her behavior would cause me to worry. I couldn’t even show my love with a hug or snuggle on a sofa with her, as that would leave her steaming…It was like living with a bull ready to knock you down. Just yesterday, I found her laughing her heart out, just by looking at a dog jump over the fence…which according to me was not hilarious at all. Samantha was never like this a month before and today it feels as though she is having a mental break down. Although, I think, it is some changes going on inside her or something like that, well… Samantha told me something about hormones and a….let me think…Ah! hormonal changes in her body.  But that used to be for a few days, every month. It’s not the same now.  At times she would burst out yelling with a sock in her hand, just because it was left lying on the floor. On certain days, her behavior would lead to arguments on small matters, and this would put me in a disappointing state.

I decided to meet our doctor. It was time I knew what was happening to her and she understood her condition herself. It was as though Samantha knew her problems but did not know how to tell me. Our visit to the doctor was fruit full. It was what every woman faced after reaching her 40’s.  Samantha was nearing her stage of menopause, the process is slow but all her moods, acts and irritation were all symptoms and signs that accompany the stage. Although Samantha was advised certain methods to avoid her hyper behavior, such emotions would continue till she has reached menopause.  On the other hand, I have to keep bearing all of it. Presently, I am glad to see her well… “Let’s go out for dinner;” she said, I was all ready to go. As we headed towards our car, she turned to me in astonishment, and said “Oh my! I forgot my purse at the doctor’s clinic.” 

Chained

The sky was clear, with the morning rays falling softly on her bed. Ranjani laid there looking at the ceiling. Series of thoughts were flowing through her mind, thoughts she could never explain. She envied her friends, who felt sorry for her. Although, she knew that they couldn’t help her. “Ranjani…!” her mother exclaimed; “your brother has already left. Are you going to just laze around there or get ready for college?” Ranjani was quite frustrated with her parents. There was no freedom. But she couldn’t help, but listen to them. “Yes mom… I am coming”.  She quickly got ready, picked up her phone and left. Ranjani was studying medicine and her elder brother Raju was studying engineering. Their parents were authoritative when it came to their carrier. Ranjani always knew that Raju was not happy with what he was pursuing, and so did she. Raju was fascinated about joining the army, and to get the designation of a ‘General’ before his name. Sometimes she found him alone in his room, looking in the mirror and pretending to be an army general. Whereas, Ranjani wanted to become an interior designer as she felt home décor was a skill she possessed. She tried several times persuading her parents but they always kept criticizing her for her choice. “What are you going to get by decorating”? Her father said. She could never raise her voice because that would mean disrespect, and she would be grounded. Raju had trouble excelling in his field. Once he told her; “I want to get out of this place!” Ranjani always had to make him understand the consequences. “Acha (dad) won’t like it;” she said.

Dawn had turned to dusk, when she returned home. Ranjani was surprised to see her aunt Viji at home. Ranjani loved her a lot.  She was kind, understanding and jolly to talk to.  “Hello Ranjani how was your day?” “It was hectic, but good;” she replied. “I was just talking to your mother about taking you to Mumbai after your exams.  You can continue your further studies there, that way you can get good exposure.” Ranjani couldn’t hold back her excitement; “Really! I was waiting for this day… Viji mema (aunty) I love you.” Aunt Viji did not bare any kids so she accepted Raju and Ranjani as her own. The first time she came to meet them, Ranjani was gifted a dress and Raju with a  toy submarine. Aunt Viji frequently visited them from their childhood years. But Ranjani could not help thinking about the freedom she was going to get. Once she was in Mumbai, she could tell her aunt everything she ever wanted. She could finally show her skill she possessed. That night, the stars seemed brighter than ever before. She went to bed with a smile on her face and said; “Freedom, here I come.”

Dahi Fusion

Yogurt or ‘Dahi as we call it, is a dish savored by Indians in various forms. It is a dairy product made from bacterial fermentation of milk and consists of high nutritional value. Yogurt has become a part and parcel of our daily meals. It is used to make unique dishes by different cultures. From shrikhand to curries, lassi and even rice and curds. Some accompany curds even with their meals or prefer it for dessert.

Today, yogurt is sold commercially and is available in different flavors. Flavoured ‘Dahi’, is gaining recognition in the market.  Dairy companies are positioning yogurt as a health food. They are trying to transform Indian consumption habits by making yogurt as a breakfast food or a dessert item. People consume yogurt for health benefits, but because of our fast paced life, it is getting difficult for people to consume homemade yogurt. Indian consumers are getting more brand conscious, that they purchase readymade yogurt from branded outlets. Due to high disposable income people prefer to eat outside, and today’s working women find less time to make yogurt at home. These reasons have triggered companies to introduce packaged yogurt in different flavors. Dairy companies find yogurt, as the best food item that can tender good taste and maintain good health.

Cocoberry is the flavored frozen yogurt chain in India. They sell frozen yogurt in a form of dessert and has positioned themselves as another option for ice creams. According to GS Bhalla Founder and CEO of Cocoberry, after a detailed market intelligence survey, they found that there was a wide scope for flavored frozen yogurt in India. They plan to grow into a complete health and wellness food and beverage brand.

Kiwi Kiss is a Canadian frozen yogurt chain in India who also set up the smoothie business ‘Jus Booster’. Their first outlet is present in Chennai and their second in Bangalore. They aim towards satisfying the tastes of people who love yogurt and also helps them to maintain healthy eating lifestyle. The company is planning to launch their brand in six locations simultaneously.

Yogurt bay is another store situated in Bandra, Mumbai. They aim for creating healthy eating habits in the consumers and also to break the mindset that all healthy products do not taste the same, as their fat loaded food products.

Companies like Amul has launched flavoured curds called Amul ‘Flaavyo’ in the market. They are hoping to change the consumption of yogurt from regular meals to the breakfast table or a dessert treat.  They are available in flavors like mango, strawberry, pineapple, vanilla and masti doi. Danone India the subsidiary of the world’s number one dairy company Groupe Danone, has come up with flavoured yogurt called Cremix for the Indian consumers. They have positioned this product as a snack treat and is looking forward towards bringing about a healthy living. Gowardhan has also introduced ‘Go fruit & Dahi fusion’, flavoured yogurt that has positioned this product as a food item that can be consumed with all three meals of the day or at any time of the day.

The food and beverage industry is growing in the coming years. This is the result of the unique growing business opportunities in the Indian food and franchise industry. And frozen yogurt is one such concept that has gained high recognition in the Indian market scenario. The fast paced life and the change in lifestyle has brought about demand for quick and healthy food habits. People are more health conscious and this has led to a product like yogurt to be sold as a health product.

                                                                            

Rise in Technology Accountable for Man's Lethargic State.

The advancing economy and the continuous evolution in technology have brought about change in the system. Man power is reducing day by day even though it seems equally important.

Turn back to our grandparents … we are living a comfortable life on the other hand; they are physically more sound than us. They have been washing, cooking, sweeping, brooming, etc. using physical strength. Today, man is searching for new solutions to make life simpler and easier.  A present housewife cannot function without a washing machine or vacuum cleaner.  The technology era has brought about great impact on man today. When air-conditioners were first introduced, there was a great demand, because this was one system that provided better cooling during summers. They sold like hot cakes. Today, every home owns an air-conditioner.

Gradually, man started to get lethargic to switch off the air-conditioner switch. After all, who would like to wake up half way from sleep, just to switch off a button? So, companies came up with ‘Split AC’s’ which is operated using a remote. A ‘remote’ to operate your air-conditioning system from anywhere in the room. Now came another hurdle, what if the remote is away from where you are seated? Lazy again. This lethargic state of man has always remained as a permanent tendency in his life. The effect is due to the technology which keeps transforming and the introduction of new gadgets, making life simpler for man.

In the past, an average individual could live for thousand years. Cambridge University geneticist Aubrey de Grey has famously stated, “The first person to live to be 1,000 years old is certainly alive today …whether they realize it or not, barring accidents and suicide, most people now 40 years or younger can expect to live for centuries.”Today, an average individual can live between 74-77 and more depending on the lifestyle and other factors.

It is never too late. For example;” Brooming and Sweeping does not kill.” Sweeping provides exercise for keeping good health. In this way, you are saving funds and subsequently it keeps an individual physically healthy. It’s best if we slowly start to reduce our usage of electronics and start to physically exercise one’s body. Lethargic is not an excuse, one must overcome this state and be more energetic. One must start to take up responsibilities when it comes to yourself and your home.