Along the virgin beach of Ankola..(part II)

Well, it’s true that part one ended a little bluntly and that was due to my sleepy mood guys (was lazy to write anymore!).

We had made definite interesting plans for the next day, before we left the crabs to rest in peace and returned to our cottage. Multiple options surrounded us…trekking along the hills, trekking plus walking down the hill to reach out to the beach (shaped like the symbol OM) on the other side, visiting nearby places(forests!) and so on. After enough discussion, we chose to do nothing but wake up and sip a huge cup of coffee, rambling along the rocks. Seldom would we get a chance to open our eyes in the morning and (still!) see a huge chain of hills with milky white waves splashing along, isn't it? :) 

 

I started observing the fishermen who were sailing back home…who knew that it was bad monsoon and the sea was fierce, yet couldn’t stop going into the ocean the previous night. That minute, somehow they appeared like the bravest of men I have seen. There was a whole big village of them and their families on the other side and I could sense life all around that place. Of people who work hard, who connect with nature and live within.All that they need is perhaps some education on basic nutrition, health & hygiene, literacy good enough to at least read/know/understand stuff required for their work. I have observed and got to know that they rarely would think of doing any other job, even if you pay them lumps. They are people who worship the sea and wouldn’t afford to migrate that easily. Strange reality that, and made my thoughts dive deep till breakfast time.

 

We decked out in nice outfits (vibrant colors) and went to the beach straight to get it all spoiled in matter of minutes. Somehow, it felt happy to do that…not everyday right! Those huge waves which did the needful also splashed on my camera dramatically and forced me to shut it down. Later, deciding to venture out (trying to catch the route back to the city), we drove down to visit the very famous “Mahamayi” temple of Ankola. No pictures allowed but it looked very elegant, though simple.

The architecture was a bit different from usual South Indian temples, showcasing a mixed look of Kerala and Buddhist style. That was may be because it was North Karnataka and the seashore was a long stretch along the coastal line from Kerala to Maharashtra.

That evening, we could see signs of sunset with magical crimson color borders behind the ocean blues. Dad and bro were chilling out with massage and rejuvenation. Mom got busy exploring the plants (weeds?!!) peeping from the rocks plus studying the geography around. 

Clicked with Canon digi (power shot)

She is well known from her college days, for collecting (stealing) saplings and doing quick projects on nutritional value of the herbs and greens available at any place. I set my tripod and threw a wide smile to myself…one of my beautiful crazy dreams to dance along a virgin beach came true to an extent. After i was done with a few English songs,i felt my mind transverse towards “Ilayaraja”(only someone who has grown up listening to his music would know about its depth and originality). 


I picked up my favorite musical bit and ran around dancing for more than a while. The waves were a sweet disturbance making me lose balance and wetting me too often and I didn’t want to stay too long, realized the ocean started looking a bit scary with crushing silence and gigantic tides, after sunset. 

Trekking was the only left over (interesting) item in our agenda. With sport shoes on, the friend/guide from the resort by our side, we advanced towards the mighty hill next morning, in high spirits. It was indeed slippery as we started climbing and my rain girl joined us soon; I was the only one to say “wowwwww” as the rest of gang stared at me. We never imagined such a marvelous landscape view and a surreal scene from the top of the hill. It was a speechless moment as we walked further to capture the look of fishermen’s village and the “OM” shaped beach,on the other side. Greens and blues on the ground with dark grey clouds as huge curtains appeared like an animated scene.

I played enough in rain whilst climbing down (c'mon…how much ever I shouted happily, there was no one except us to feel conscious about,how lovely that !). Didn’t forget to make friends with a few women from the village who took the same route to cross the hills – and click their very different attractive attire.For a change, it wasn’t me but my bro who was busy slipping (humpty dumpty had a great fall ;)) with his hi-fi shoes on, and his grumpy face was worth watching:-P 

We had to pack our bags soon after as we were getting late to drive back. I did my quick “to-do’s” of collecting shells, dry pine nuts (with a bit of work, they can be transformed to beautiful artistic pieces) and a few yellow lilies which happily glowed along my curls. With a few thankful words and some chocolates, we bid adieu to the service team and set for our journey again. 

 

 Not wanting to be a in a hurry unlike our onward drive, we diverted via the green tinged hilly route which would touch the glorious “Jog Falls” and a few wildlife sanctuaries. The complete small town of Ankola had a damp but fresh feel with small food outlets, a few temples and churches. There was a strange aroma of spices and a variety of herbs filling the air and it had the capability to magically cure any pain or discomfort - I  could sense it thoroughly.

The must see places not located very far were "Gokarna"  and "Murudeshwar temple"(with the very elegant 120 feet high Shiva idol). We had to skip those because of time constraints and not wanting to experience them in a  hurry, we could always come back to cover these along with the wildlife(birds too) sanctuaries. Luckily, Jog falls was too near(2 km) from the main road of the hilly place named Jog and we decided not to miss taking a look.

 It suddenly started pouring as we stood near the huge stairs which led to the falls below. There was enough time for season , hence not a heavy flow but still the water fall scene mesmerized our senses for a few seconds. It gave me a feeling of exhilaration to even think how it would look during monsoon time. An hour was definitely not sufficient to explore the place and walk 4miles downstream to reach the foothills of the falls. I strolled along the bridge promising myself to get back there on a weekend (in a few months) and reached the car.

 It was late noon already, we had to pick up speed though the whole stretch had  amazing beautiful sceneries. As others dozed off... I didn't want to miss accompanying dad(we like to chatter at such times) who was driving, also the visual treat outside the window. After crossing Shimoga, we came across a lot of pineapple farms and farmers who would sell them on the road. I forced dad to stop at one of the places, because of the temptation the farm fresh fruit got me into. 

We relished a few pieces as I seemed to had impressed the pineapple farm owner with my talks(animated excitement?!!). As a result, he offered me a few free samplings and was forced to pose for a picture in return(he looked more scared whether my Arnold looking bro would crush him and stood a few feet away);). There was no stopping allowed after that since our estimated time of reach looked like beyond midnight already. We took turns in driving later and were sure it would have been around 3am when we parked the car, threw the bags inside our den(home) and fell asleep at random places. I was still dancing around the beach(obviously) in my dreams and it took a day or two to resume work life :( :)

Along the virgin beach of Ankola..(part I)

Our "made compulsory" yearly trip could finally commence with all the family members managing to get together towards the end of June. My strict...little bossy….foodie bro had definitely located a very different and worth seeing place, that was inherent even from the maps and the route we had to take. Beaches…… (That’s the best part)!

First half of our road trip was all exciting with music in high volume and laughter around! We were on NH 4 , but surprised not to find any good food outlet :-O. Deciding to be humble (no other option!), we munched something simple, at a village tea shop. Oh, what a right guess! There stood KAMAT, magnificently at about 5 min distance from there – stunning aroma, and obviously lot of options for breakfast. We stared at each other not knowing whom to blame and decided to continue the drive, estimated total duration was 10 hours. We were sure it would be fine with dad being an excellent driver known for itself plus two spare ones, bro & me.

The highway journey (though quicker) left me disappointed with no scenic beauty or anything interesting. Watching a few imported cars and counting the number of toll gates(too many man!!) was all that I could do. From this place called THADAS, with all happiness(mine:)) we diverted through state roads -SH 64 which directly would take us to Ankola. The most expected hilly roads, forest limits, water places and everything you wish is found in this route. The downpour along the greenery was a beautiful add-on for us then.

When we reached Ankola, the resort guys were nice enough to wait for us in the city. But gradually, it became a lackadaisical journey through a number of fields and gates and hills and muddy roads. I was in the verge of feeling dejected thinking that there can’t be any beach around a place like that. Bro teased me, “Perhaps we didn’t check properly in the map and moreover I just said Ankola, never said Ankola beach”(grr). Dad cheered me up saying that we could still drive down to GOA which was only 140 km from there (according to the sign boards)!

 With a long face, I peeped outside the window to get awestruck by the scene of the breathtaking mighty ocean placed right in the middle of a huge stretch of hills. Literally rubbing my eyes, I tried to pay attention to the screeching sound of waves blowing high as dad and bro winked at me (“happy”??!). It was a high feeling for all as though we have travelled far away from India as we recollected a few series of programs on TLC and Discovery Travel channels. I  always argue on the fact that our country does have a lot of (lot more than outside) beautiful places to see and experience – just that we don’t spend enough time on choosing the right destination and travel as much possible(and the scene proved  how true was that).

The service team at “Honey beach” resort was one the best we had ever experienced. Be it the scrumptious food or warm service or assistance. 

The place was so isolated, leaving the employees with almost no connection with outside world and their families. That very fact made us go very friendly with them and hence the food/service was delivered with personal care.  We were told that the panoramic beauty is much better during summer when the sea is blue and the beach space expands. Since it was June and monsoon time, we could see that the water had a green and brown tint, with the tides getting too high even in the day.

 

Okay, the funniest part was network. Neither does internet work there (huh...what a waste to have carried my laptop!) nor any mobile. BSNL was the only connection which seemed to work at some points.  It’s good to lose connection and stay peaceful, at times…but definitely not without a plan. We didn’t expect to get lost amongst the hills though! We spent a while admiring the cottages being constructed on the hill and the artistic look of the steps etc – reminded us of movies like Bombay, Dil Chahta hai, Josh….I could say that the place gave a mixed look of Goa & Kerala. 

When we got ready to walk up  to the beach, the smart looking young boy at the reception (our guide later) came running towards me to suggest a peculiar place where I could use my mobile(relief!). But people, it’s fancier than any of you can imagine – I had to climb on a huge rock from where I would exactly appear like attempting for suicide. As I stood there (of course my eyes blinking wide and hair flying above like a ghost from the sea) the young man (who cares of he is smart or no, now!!) said 

“ Ma’am..aah..aah yeah, stand right there and don’t move an inch and you can use the mobile” and he was gone the next minute. I stood there…not being sure whether to laugh or cry.

I recovered in a few seconds and managed to stand there in “Nataraja pose” (thanks to bharatanatyam that I have been learning) to make some urgent and important calls. Mom does know about me well and she though I am up to something crazy but dad freaked out looking at me standing alone there(oh god..hope she didn't push anyone down there :-O)! Anyway, we had a good laugh on the same, later. After dinner, we sat along the rocks down the resort to feel the water splashing on us when the waves got high every 2^nd minute (like a huge phone shower).

A few crabs down the lane got scared by our footsteps and ran away. Not wanting to be attacked by them later, we decided to crash..sleep safe inside our cottage.

One of these days at a billing queue....

It was a week after I took an oath of not purchasing clothes for my birthday this year(I had my own justifications and so called "no mood"). Rather, I would ensure all my good old (most of my wardrobe items never look any old even after years :) :-O)clothes get distributed to people who would genuinely need them.

Things change...you see, it was Dad who gave me some money before leaving to native for business as usual "Mummu...I want to gift something for your b'day, why don't you go buy a dress?". Yes, what else can you imagine???!! My eyes twinkled like the stars, a broad grin like close up ad...few butterflies above the head and my bike gave a irresistibly pleasing look as to when would I start the engine!!

Dear Literature,
I've a problem. The "not so good" writer in me never stops :)

I tried to recollect some info about the ads seen..30%..mmmmm 40%?(or upto 40%)sale at one of my favorite retail brand outlets and directly zoomed in my bike to Commercial street(giving away good old clothes still stands!). As usual, rambled across the floor for a while, observed that "Ladies" & "Kids" section was overflowing like "Rath Yatra" festival and "Mens"(poor) floor hardly had 15-20 people around...some of them just baby sitting.

 




No wonder, the service executives working in that floor evidently looked  so happy:)Now, don't ask me why did I go there...like to know about latest trends & collections, for men too(it's interesting!).

You need to actually visualize this whole little episode to get the feel of the narration(not that great..yet:))

Prologue : I reached the billing counter not so late after, things which we have good expertise on doesn't require much of our time..isn't it? ;) and anyway I don't prefer spending too much time at one place to select a few things, instead I could buy 10 different things all through the street (being quick). Oops...where where we? Yeah, at the counter..I managed to smartly find a queue that just appeared long (due to 3 ladies together occupying > 8 ft distance) but wasn't ! Thought it would move faster than others and settled there, standing behind two guys.

The scene: They were very western looking fellows, one with a goatee and the other with spiked hair. Both were having a conversation typical as that of youngsters....

Mr.Goatee : Hey dude...this is so sick man. I can't do shopping like this in an hour among so many people.. s..t, look at the crowd !
  
Mr.Spike: Tell me about it dude...feel the same. Half an hour is more than enough, what the hell people do after that, I wonder!

Mr.Goatee : (with a weird look) Nooo..I meant I need half a day ! I mean, with so much of variety and hell lot of clothes, who could shop so soon? I wanna take a look at everrrrything(stress) and choose theee(stresses again) best. You know...I like to wear the best of stuff (Mr.Spike gives a blank look) and different man, very unique..arre Ranbir...man, didn't you notice his outfits in APGK...(goes on)

This is when I looked up at Mr.Goatee, intrigued to see what's unique in him. Well there was something very unique...not ironed,shabby...faded and almost colorless looking red tee with a plain blue jean appearing like school uniform!

Mr.Goatee(loudly) : Ab dekho...ye Aunty waale yaar! Kitne time lete hain. She is so huge and covering the whole billing desk from almost half an hour now...damn!

Aunty heard this and turned around to give him a stern look. Mr.Spike got a bit uncomfy as the executive at the billing desk threw a begging look ("already she is eating my brains...please don't worsen the scene guys...") Mr.Goatee stood least bothered.

Aunty joined with her friends to rag the executive(he was a thin innocent looking fellow...almost in tears) at the desk :
"Arre...tum log itne kanjoos ho? Hamne ittttttne saare purchase kee hai our dete ho chhoti se cover?Bade cover nahi hai kya?" and the fight continues..."Woh nahi...aree our ek cover to do na..arre aise nahin, theek se daalo, bacche log ho... kuch nahi jaanthe, complain karna hai...I am telling you, India mein aise hee hai". Another Aunty adds on, with her eyes rolling dramatically " We have ever seen so much of delay, you should be put on training..inspection...suspection(??!)...(what ever!!)".

  From my side, I sincerely didn't notice any delay or mishap there, people just want to have fun...scolding others or creating a scene(effect of  some useless TV serials....god!).

Mr.Goatee(loudly again) : Look at them man...they are going on and on. What the ...k(low voice) ! Am not standing here anymore. Common, there are a hundred other places around !

Aunty obviously heard(missing the ...k i guess) and almost prepared herself for the next battle when her friends(or sisters..) dragged her out saying it was getting late.

Mr.Spike gave out a huge sigh as his hands started playing with his spiked hair...
(thought) "Oh god, please get me out of here and away from the fellow. Why did i even come with him? Looks like I ll not be back home without getting thrashed..." and said to Mr.Goatee "Dude...relax,chill...lets justtt talk later please".

Mr.Goatee somehow decided to keep mum as the Aunty group left the place(I wouldn't be surprised if they were waiting outside to punch Mr.Goatee once they were out....) and these two moved on to the counter.

Mr.Goatee(opening his wallet) : Dude...you have any change?I mean, money!

Mr.Spike: What(stress)? I didn't carry anything(shows his almost empty wallet), you....you didn't get cash?(phew..)

Mr.Goatee: You know what...I actually hate these colors, very very girlish...very very chweett(in a mocking tune) types. Let me pick up the yellow one(thatttttt was the mostttt horrible color of all)...yup I like that,and asked the executive at the counter "How much?"

Executive at the desk: Sir...you don't need all these?

Mr.Goatee: Why? Koi problem hai kya? I just need this one...fast !

Executive at the desk: No problem sir..(after handling the previous customers, this would be no where near a small problem also!! ;)told the amount)

Mr.Goatee: Cool.... & turned to Mr.Spike(exclaiming) "Dude, lets just leave the place, its so hot... s...t!"

Mr.Spike(with a defeated low voice):  Sure, I just want to go back home!(and scream....)

I guess no one around the place noticed the whole scene except me and the executive(who knew I was observing). As I proceeded to the counter, we exchanged meaningful smiles and the executive almost conveyed a thanks through his smile " At least someone seems to have observed the extent of irritation that i go through here". I couldn't stop giving him a piece of chocolate from my bag, though he said "No ma'am..no.." he took it readily with a smile again.

I left the counter with a thanks(stressed), tried not to think of his work life there...and just focused on  remembering some of the dialogues for this write up, before I forget :-)

Joy of Motherhood !!

Julie.. Its not that I was seeing pregnant women for the first time but Ju was something different..with her peppy walk and clear laughter(not to miss that she munched some eatable every half an hour!)

 Like every woman, she had her little troubles during the while, but I would still talk to her for hours together & forgetting her stuff...she would rather dive deep into my stories and cheer me up for the day :) The last few weeks went in discussions like how to click the baby, me explaining the concept of using a basket..definitely not the ones like Mango & Guava walas use - i.e what Ju imagined !!

Basically..she doesn't like knowing about anything around(general knowledge), all happy by just grabbing something to eat after her household work and crash to bed.The only time she appeared a bit sharp(sharper) was these 9 months or so...(to our surprise) :-p



Her weird imagination of the final day was actually awesome...that she would play rock music in her mobile and increase the excitement level of the doctors - it would obviously then make their hairs stand straight like Porcupines! On the actual day..to her disappointment, the nurse looked very boring and there was no music inside the labour room...these were all updates sent by the crazy girl just before her delivery ;)

When I actually rushed to see the baby next day morning (June 16th), I was overly delighted to watch the little one yawning...trying to open the tiny winy eyes, seeming to get irritated. I must say that I couldn't stop remembering about Ani...the day in 2007 and I really wished I had this Canon beast, we could only click through mobiles back then! Getting back here...the little boy's lips were the best, with a small pout, neatly shaped and looking very much like Auggie(Ju's better half)..Some babies appear so obvious in resemblance(to mom..or dad) and some..people keep associating their looks to every single person in the family but when they start growing up, they don't look like anyone but themselves, quite an interesting subject to research huh!

Auggie seemed to be more excited than Ju - his heartfelt smile and happiness was reflecting all over the place. Ju was as cool as expected, but at least I didn't want her to be almost running around in the ward - like an athlete(thats what she claims!). I was initially lost in the mood of watching the most beautiful and tender being around....and got into conversations with people there when I remembered about the pictures(photography) plan that we had discussed earlier. 




It was actually a very tough thing to hold the camera above the baby's head and still not to get diverted by the softness of the scene...but concentrate on the aperture/ISO. After all, the woman in me was very will alive!

I managed to click a few good pictures and not wanting to disturb the baby more, rushed back...but... didn't miss visiting them the next day (couldn't afford to miss to enjoy the scene of the baby boy yawning). I don't think he would be a cranky one cause when the chief doctor came to take a look at him...and pushed away his warm clothing, he went "waaaaaaaaayn..." for just a few seconds and when wrapped back, got quiet like a sleeping doll - aah the cute little smile too ! Babies look the best when they are babies...if you know what I mean...as they are, all innocent, new to the world...blinking at people, watching at things with curiosity...I don't mind writing even a hundred lines more about it :)

I promised Ju that I would visit her sometime for better photographs...as the baby gets used to lights and people and food - our creative juices would flow in composing the pictures with the best use of properties. I was thanking Ju at heart for giving me the space to explore my Anne Geddes side...anyway, not to worry with Ani (also) being my in house child model ready to pose anytime...perhaps I could work on my concept ideas and get them into frames in near future. 

Note: Ju says that becoming a Mother is the best feeling any girl can have...these days!!Hope this statement helps her grow up and get a change to her comical, funny and childlike version to an extent ;)

Hopes & Smiles.... San :)

It's all about out of the routine....& landing at a lovely place (luckily) !

It’s been a period of “lazy to write”, “which one to write about?!” kind of moods for a while now and the few incomplete (and weirdly named) word documents are just filling up my folder making me feel high….anyway I have written so much. Who cares about the content or completion? ;) Work(Office & Home) and photography assignments plus dance classes have been so occupying and getting impatient is so obvious here. Beena continues to hold the esteemed (dearest) position of my very patient sister to laugh along for any silly topic that we discuss. Ani’s attempts to talk in Tamil with her cute rhythmic baby tone is a fancy add on :) !

Getting to see Saras(especially her ironical high school boy look & the officer  and pistol stories!) was a huge break – too many interesting things to share with each other, very short outings and getting to eat all the yummy delicacies at her place , all at the same time you see. 

On a weekend just after this, I realized that I better venture out for photography before I go frenzy and rampageous being in the busy city life. The location was a place called “Nandi hills” which is around 60kms from Bangalore and the route is pretty easy to figure out because of the very popular and finely designed new airport on the way. As we drove along, there were a lot of bikers (riding THE best of bullets & imported bikes) with traditional black leather jackets on and I almost wanted to jump out and take a lift from one of them (car appeared less interesting at that moment). After all, the place is known for bike rides, quick trips and adventures, we also spotted jazzy looking imported cars (Sarah knows the model names;)). As we were nearing the little blue tinged hills covered with mist, the road behind looked very scenic and reminded me of country songs. If we had carried speakers, Sarah(by force) and I would have danced along with the sophisticated looking strangers on bike there – their lucky good fate ;)

I always had imagined that this hill would be a rocky elevated space where photographers rush every weekend to capture sunrise, sunset...mid day sun and all the versions of the enormous fire ball(some of them slip and fall whilst those attempts - to die and appear later in the newspaper). But I was totally wrong and regretted for prolonging this visit till this auspicious day!

                                                                                     Okay, the scenes(if visualized well) were exactly like:

 (1)There would be an upward steep landscape with few rocks….greenery around and out of nowhere, an arched pillar with morning mists passing above – so poetic!

(2)The road to hilltop would be so neat with huge eucalyptus and pine trees on both sides playing around with the clouds as sunlight peeps in to kiss the ground from all possible directions – mesmerizing!

I was wondering that perhaps one could shoot a short movie or album (as effective as professionals) at a location like this! It was like a wonderland (at quick reach) unleashed as we proceeded further. The temple at the highest altitude is known for its antique structure and divine powers and is adorned with pillars and metal work - very attractive. Seems it was built during the period of the Banas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Kings of Vijayanagar. But I was intrigued by the fact that how did they manage to build such a huge “Theppakulam” (the huge pond with at least 30-40 steps on all four sides) above there.

There is another pond inside the temple too with fine architecture and sculptures spread along the surrounding stone pillars. Everything…everything was crystal clear, fresh, dust free – that’s a likely story!There is also a lamp tower in front of the temple and it is lighted every evening by a boy who wobbles up the tower (we couldn’t wait till then though!). After the temple visit, there are places to have breakfast but not worth it (glad we carried some stuff to munch). The photographers were only keen on capturing every single living being found there, also the obviously eye-catching huge array of flowers (over a hundred species). Poor Sarah had to pose for me amongst the trees…hugging, leaning (of all things) and twisting her body for the lights to fall on her face exactly. I heard she has lost interest completely in modeling after that day:-P 

Oh…and how would I forget to mention about the guest house with a rich appearance amidst the flower garden! They could be rented for a day or two and the rates sounded far too reasonable. I decided that I should head back there sometime, to stay and explore the little forest with all the sweet time I can take – also visit the spot where people love to click sunrise/sunset as they fall down the hill :-O. From my side, I managed to click a few babies, lots of flowers, the temple, pond, trees, mist, mom, Sarah…and a series of “Magical Monkey Moments”. Plus clicking ourselves in all weird poses…like jumping high to catch the flowers up on the tree (obviously knowing we can’t), biting the huge crocodile (made of stone) and this entertained the little crowd around. Can’t forget the scene of Sarah screaming out like in a horror movie cause a Monkey almost came as near as leaning on her!  Common girls…you dress up all pretty and don’t blame the Monkey man for that ;) 

 

I felt glad that I could discover a perfect place for the rest of my concept shoot(it almost had all the locations I had dreamt of) and its much easier if someone like Dad would drop us and pick us up(a little luxury) from the spot. An old grandpa for whom we sponsored lunch, posed with Sarah for a picture in return ;) As usual, I forgot places I had wished to stop at(onward journey) while coming back cause it was already mid day and it got too much for my head to hold back and write(am sure I missed out stuff here too). 

 

 One thing I was sure about was, anyone who goes there would definitely not feel like getting back to the city, indeed inevitable! Generally, it is that people who visit or migrate to Bangalore have the tendency to slowly drift towards addiction to the climate and culture here (largely increased traffic and population is a drawback) – and looks like places like this would additionally create more attraction. The best part of this minute is my huge grin that I did manage to finish one of my scribbling with a combination of few interesting snippets with a decent vocabulary.

Malpua and Murukku makes it a Sunday evening…

The weekend was unusually moving in a sluggish pace and apart from my dance class and few errands; I very much seemed to relish being at home…with the regular cleaning and washing tasks. A few other activities were, trying out whether old traditional skirts (pattu paavaadai) still fit me , clicking buckets and mugs (innovation!!??), revising on music lessons and start a long procrastinated task of tanjore glass painting.

It was almost Sunday noon when mom reminded me of a paper cutting of   “Malpua” recipe which we had collected earlier. It’s a popular sweet dish of North India – has many versions, the one we choose had khoya and flour combination with the fritters dipped in sugar syrup after they were fried . I quickly shopped for khoya and the rest were items available in our storage. Now, the fact is neither I am a born chef nor did I spend time in the kitchen anytime (other than sitting on the slab and tasting food….fresh from the pan). My favorite place of hangout used to be the huge balcony, grandpa’s hand made swing…or our farm. 

My first attempts of wondering how something like “Sambhar” would so colorfully evolve and how  “Pooris” would blow up artistically like small balloons started when I was 20….and already busy(?!!) with my business management(so called..) studies. I was rather forced to enter what’s defined as the girl’s arena (because mom was in complete rest) where the initial few episodes of wonder, adventure, accidents and failures happened. I certainly don’t remember the exact point where I transformed into a comfortable cook who loves her work - anyway glad I did manage….serves my crunch for variety and taste in food (plus smart ingredients).

Oops...ignoring the topic diversion, lets go back to the beautifully named “Malpua”. The most important part of the preparation was the consistency of batter which I hardly had any idea about. After all, what are mobiles for? After a little browsing for names, remembered my workplace buddy who is from Mangalore and called her up. She took enormous efforts to get me the recipe details (along with her mom-in-law who was rather sure I was going to spoil the dish and hence, displayed a stern tone).

Finally we realized that was something called “Malpuri” which was a famous sweet dish from Mangalore, very different from Malpua. Still, I convinced myself that I got to know a bonus recipe to try out next weekend and got back to action. The grand first round of Malpua turned out to be a hilarious scene with the batter spreading out like a football team in the pan (in the oil) and I had to struggle to get them all together. Past experiences warned me that perhaps the batter needed some flour and I bravely went ahead for the modification ( meanwhile, the chef got a few curses from me for mentioning wrong measurements in his article). 

It’s kind of a ritual that I follow, to have any good genre of music on…whilst cooking. These would be English…country music/Ilayaraja/Classical etc.. and this time, it was Yesudas, creating enough of nice impact through his melodic singing of”Muttathettum thennale...” in Malayalam. As I hummed the song…to my surprise….golden brown round cakes tastefully floated up in the pan getting a broad smile to my face. I delicately took them to add to the syrup and finished frying the rest of rounds happily.

The idea of preparing “Murukkus”(a south Indian snack) popped in from the economical thinking that we could use up the oil, plus have a spicy item too. The simple version of the dough comprises of rice flour and gram flour (4:1 ratio), sesame seeds (fried), asafoetida, chilly powder, fresh butter and salt in addition, of course water too. Again, it’s a wonderful snack less in cholesterol and fat, if prepared in the right consistency – thereby absorbing minimal oil and quickly fried.

 With the metal “Achu” (shape), one could easily explore varieties like Ribbon murukku, Thatta murukku and so on. I was tempted to have quick bites before the fourth round and climbed up on the kitchen slab for a few mobile clicks too, as mom reminded me it was already 10pm. The very update of time tickled my stomach and I suddenly felt too hungry. With a sympathetic look, I left place for mom – not to miss the hot rotis that filled my plate  and appetite for the night.



Cooking Results:  Malpua got 4 stars(out of 5) from brother and murukku was already known, no surprise..

These cold nights...

Flashing pictures on the screen,
music filling the air, from the radio next door..

Feels tired to rest, it disturbs the silent mind at times..
  I grab my coat to get out,
     for a walk which i know would be long...

A walk along the almost empty streets,
 through the yellow tinted lights and shadows!

Flipping songs on my hand phone..
until something makes sense for the moment..

I picture myself, the shadow of a young lady,
   the scene of her rambling across the lane..
       numerous thoughts crawling within !



Looks like she choose to be lonely this cold night..
 its a bliss she thinks...for she is the master of her memories!

Little scenes pass by.. and disappear quickly,
 and everything seems to remind her of something !


She wishes to remember these cold nights
  for all the thoughts she held within...for the wandering fears that touched her soul !!

Feels better to have her hands in the pocket,
  as she crosses her home and still keeps going on..


The freedom of a lonely mind..is all that she enjoys
  these anxious dreams would never exist,
     when she is held, when she has someone to walk along...

Then it slowly transcends...am already back here, out of the vision..

The night gets darker around..and
   i would love to remember these cold nights.. when i plunged into wary thoughts...silly smiles
     these cold nights which filled my page and emptied my heart!!