JINXED AYUTHAYA!

Thailand happens every year.

2010 twice

2011 twice

2012 once

2013 twice

In last four years, Thailand happened 7 times. I always wanted to go Ayuthaya ever since I saw one of my friend going there with his parents. In 2010 the stay it was twice I was in Bangkok but mostly it was a pit stop for going to another country.
In 2011 it was the same and in the end I could have still made it but then I had too much party.
In 2012 I was in Bangkok for quite some time. But I realized that I have so much more to explore in Bangkok that I should not go to another city. In 2013, my time in Thailand was short after very big tours and I was tired to go. In the end am always deprived of this beautiful historical city. 

This time I had one week in Thailand and I was more than sure that am going to Ayuthaya. But like every time before it always gets postponed. This time for my sickness. 

It never happens. I am so sick and yet want to go to this place. I think its the best way to start the new year. 

Ayuthaya is Jinxed for me. Why?

Picture Courtesy : The picture is from the brochure of a Tourism center.

"AM SICK" SYNDROME

The days in Bangkok has been very intense. The plan was to show around my friend little bit of Bangkok and go to Auyuthaya to escape the crazy Bangkok.

But here we are both sick. My friend came to bangkok after two nights in a tent in the desert of Jaiselmer. He picked up a cold. 

Later for all his coughing 24/7 am sick too. He is not so energetic either. We are stuck in Bangkok, postponing everyday our Ayuthaya tour. 

It feels like a star fish stuck down my throat and when I cough Its like some one cutting my neck with a sharp knife. 

Its a mix of headache, bloked nose, teary eyes, severe cold, fever, vomiting cough, stomach upset and some unknown symptoms like seeing stars and planets around my head.

Is it called "am sick" syndrome. 

EXCUSE ME DID I PEE IN THIS TOILET ?

Today was a surprise. A surprise which was uncovered bit by bit.
Between a regular day of work, gym etc etc, I came across some pictures shared by a friend, Goncalo. The boyfriend of the cousin of a dear friend. The friends I met long time ago, we kept in touch, wished for birthdays, New years and liked each others pictures all ways.

It was exactly like visiting a friend and having a house tour. It started with the bedroom and I was very impressed. I read a comment stating that, my friend Vera is trying to rent a second house and thanking a friend for her house in Av de Roma something...something. I could not follow everything as it was in Portuguese.  But I got it. At least I assumed I got it that Vera is promoting a house for rentals.

Since I was very very impressed, I decided to save the picture as tips for my house. Really it was that beautiful. Liked every detail. For example how the LCD TV is sitting on the sewing machine. The drapes very common in India but never looked so well presented before. Moving on was a toilet, very European. Then were many pictures of a Kitchen and I liked them all. Next stop was a Kids room with a baby's bed. Going further was a table accompanied by chairs which looked familiar.

 I was thinking again and again where did I see these chairs with engraved heart shapes on it. The chairs left me very curious and I decided to move on. I noticed lot of Buddhas from South-east Asia and believed that Buddha made his way to every corner of the world. Slowly slowly everything was known unknown. It was definitely the house of a well traveled person as for the Buddhas, the wooden African man standing with the usual bent spine, the Matrioskas from Russia, some wooden souvenir from India and the sheets with prints very Indian/Persian. I was admiring the house a lot and wishing if I could have something like this. It is beautiful and cozy.

The room after was a second sitting area. Guess who is sitting there. A cat.
A cat!! Is it the fugitive cat of Goncalo and Vera who is always running away. May be it was also there while they made these pictures for the promotion.

Oh! no, there was an instant curiosity. Instead of moving ahead with the pictures, I went back to the picture of the toilet. Did I pee in this toilet?
Yes, I did pee in this toilet!
 I remember the toilet as I was standing and laughing for the joke made by my friend.

When I visited Goncalo and Vera for the first and only time in Lisbon, I had an emergency to pee. I felt its not polite to visit someone and asking for rest room especially when you arrive at the door to wake them from a Sunday afternoon nap. Jorge brought me some water to top on that. He assumed I would be thirsty after Lunch. Seriously!! What about the Sumol(Mirinda or Maaza of Portugal) and water we drank at the Restaurant.

So was very sigh to ask as I was there for about 10 minutes and hardly spoken to them. I was quietly killing myself while sipping from that glass of water and after a very little conversation with Goncalo, I had to ask. Hence I got myself excused, I walked to the kitchen and asked my friend in presence of Vera who was feeding the little Ze Maria, if I could use the toilet. He translated that to her and she replied in Portuguese to which my friend told me in English, yes you can but they have a policy. You have to pay 1 euro each time you use it. Of course it was a joke and I could not laugh while they were laughing. I was crying out of the pressure and there was a voice of confirmation that something inside me would burst if I don't rush. I laughed my share towards the end of my game in the toilet and stood there to notice the windows and the Cupboard.

So coming back to the surprise I went back and forth with the pictures and found the terrace picture where I had spent most of my time while I was visiting them. But then is she selling her place? She was promoting another place to avoid double rent.

Sometimes we do not understand everything for the language barrier and still get over confident. I was laughing at my stupidity and enjoyed to discover a house virtually which I had been before.


The moral of the story is always use the restroom while you visit someone. Never feel shy to ask :P

Room Scouting in Bangkok #2

Following the old man I reached the high rise apartments which I had passed by 100 times called Station@Sathorn . I was loaded with luggage and he stood me to speak with a friend.

When we reached the apartment, I was very happy for the place which was very beautiful. A fully equipped studio with Kitchen and attached toilet. 

The old man who was in rush to explain me the details and return to his drinking buddies. He was very generous but I was so tired from all the stress that I decided to stay indoor. 

Soon I realized that my smile would not last long. While watching TV, there was a strong order from the sewer pipe. I decided to not care about it and buy some room spray from the 7eleven. I had no strength to fight. But soon the smell started spreading more and more. 

After all the stress, arrived my friend who was going to share the place with me. He arrived and immediately asked to shift to another place. It was 10:30 pm already. 

I had no strength but the order was too strong to survive there. 

I decided to call the old man if he could fix the situation. But he said its very late to call a plumber. My friend insisted to look for another option. He already call the girl in Canada to complain. 

She was very worried and forced her father to come for our rescue. The old man came with his son and insisted that he could fix it by next day. My friend was very adamant and then the son volunteered to drive us around in his car to find a new place. We went to atleast 6 places and no luck. Everything is full for the year end in Bangkok

Then suddenly says the old man, may be there is place in my friend hotel. I have a childhood friend who has a big hotel. Lets check there. Reaching there finally we found a place which was decent enough but had no kitchen. Even before my friend could say no to it, I said look its post midnight and we need some sleep. Not sure we can even cook now to eat. We would look for another place tomorrow.

10 mins after I passed out.

Room scouting in Bangkok #1

Hard days of an Indian Traveller is back again.

After all the dramas of the photo scam at the bangkok airport, I refused to make new pictures. They some how considered my case as I had a picture with white background.

But I did see some helpless travellers who were struggling for money as they had no thai bhats. Some did not have the money at all. They had assumed to withdraw cash at atm which was not possible as there are no ATMs before the immigration gates.

The next thing was to check into the pre booked hotel. Usually I go to Mango Lagoon in Khao San Road, which is an excellent recommendation by my fellow traveler friend, Jorge. They always have the rooms available. 

But this time my best friend, Vijay, an Indian by birth and Australian by citizenship is traveling with me. He believes in prebooked hotels and luxury. This is not my way of traveling but I agreed to him as thought its okay, I would enjoy some comforts. 

So I took a bus from the airport to the city and then a taxi to drop me at the service apartment booked from airbnb. The address in airbnb booking says Hip studio,street 56 in Sathorn. But which building in the street 56 of Sathorn. 

I went several rounds looking for a board or landmark stating Hip studio but hardly found anything. Then I decided to get down the taxi and look for it by walking in the street. Still so difficult and it has been 3 hours.

The website has a number to call but it is a canadian number. So to find the apartment in Bangkok one has to call Canada. I decided to look for the address online. So I decided to step into any next hotel on my way and ask for help. I was really frustrated with the situation. 

On top that there was language barrier. I came across a bunch of motorbike taxi guys. One of them decided to help me at a cost of 70 THB. 70 THB  to look for an address in a 100 mts street. Then he started to take me around the area and the very expensive hotels. I explained him that I do not need a hotel, I need to reach the hotel which I have already booked. Still no help. At some point I stepped into  a 4 star hotel. Explained the whole scenario and there was a little kid who decided to help me. While he was looking for the details of my accomodation, the biketaxi guy started to crib for more money. Now he was asking for 100 THB. I gave him the amount and did not even respond to his Khapun Kap(Thank you) for the fact that even he knows he scammed me. I took the telephone number from airbnb. I thanked the little kid who was like an angel to me and was back on the street scouting for my hotel. 

I tried the number from a public booth and it never connected. So I finally decided to take a Thai sim card. Even that was not so easy with the staff of 7eleven. Atleast one thing was easy at this moment that the telecom company do not ask for documents to buy a simcard. They barely understand my english that I needed data pack and credit limit in my account. I tried dragging words and bring thai accent in my english and still no luck. 

One of the girls went out to call a street seller who has learnt a bit of english by speaking to tourists. So she managed to activate data pack and got my number recharged. I tried calling the canadian number only to loose all the credit from my phone.

So went on whatsapp to tell my friend about the situation who called the canadian girl to get the number of her father who could help. Upon that the father insisted that I should walk to the service apartment again to which I refused. I was waiting for him outside the 7eleven sitting next to my back pack. 

By then the entire 7eleven and shops around were sure that I am in big problem. There was a burmese girl with nepali origin who was counselling with her little Hindi. She told me I do not know your problem but do not worry. If anything goes wrong I would help you. I must have looked really helpless to her.

So the father who could be 75 year old came on a moped to guide me with directions. 

To be continued

Indian Travellers !!

How far does an Indian travel.?
How often?  Many Indians have not been out of their cities.

Its possible that many Indians donot travel. The excuses I get are; we do not have time, it costs too much, who would struggle with visas, its okay if we do not our children would, we believe in saving for a better future etc etc. I would not blame the thought process. We believe in those lines as the way we grow in our societies. My sisters have always these lines; my kids are growing up, their school hours, exams etc
However one thing I have realized from my travels that there is never time until you believe that this is the time. Yes, we have to make time for travel little by little as traveling changes the meaning of our life.

However I guess there is change to be noticed.

People are stepping out of their cities now. In Cusco, Peru I came across 58 doctors traveling together all over south America. 

My friend Akshay Shete who has been to Peru but did not go to Machu Pichu. I remember him telling me that its very expensive and he wants to save for his dream house. He also lived in Mexico but did not go to one of the seven wonders, Chichen Itza. The reason was same and it thought its expensive. He went to Nigeria and did not travel as he was afraid its too dangerous.

But no more, now he understood that there is no fun saving for next time. Currently he took his mother to show around Malaysia to end his year. I got an update that it was his best travel so far. Also that aunty thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.

I was in Siem Reap for Christmas and end my year beautifully between the ruins of Ankor. There was huge tourist influx for the end of the year and half of them were from India. In the queue, I saw many with Indian passports. I am very happy with this new trend as the more we travel, the more confidence we gain for visas. Its a thing for countries to decide that Indians travel and just not migrate illegally.

Earlier I would rarely see Indian travelers. When I do my friend Jorge would always make a joke, look there its your aunty from India. Go say hello to your cousins. 

The time is changing. Indians are stepping out of their cities. 55 countries and territories avail Indians visa on arrival.

Come let's pack our bags for another destination :)

SUNRISE!!

I have one word this morning for the Sunrise in the horizon of Angkor wat temple in Siem Reap.

Its Magical :))

PLANNED UNPLANNED

Here I am in a pool with the sun shining high on the horizon.

After the Myanmar, I was sure not traveling anymore for the year 2013. But my friend Jorge said come for Christmas. Two darling friends Aaron and Zilma checked on me more than thrice that if I am coming to South east Asia to celebrate Christmas with them.

Well guys, here I am. My flight landed earlier than yours. I have four hours to kill.

Shall I come to pick you guys from the airport? I cannot wait to see you all again.

MAFIA IN BANGKOK AIRPORT!

As mentioned before, Indians have Visa on Arrival in 52 countries and territories. Thailand is one of those countries which gives visa on arrival to Indian passort holder for stay of 14 days at a fee of 1000 thai Bhats.

Thats not all, one would still need some documents like return ticket to India, a photo, proof of accomodation. I have been to thailand many times as many as I lost the count now. 

However this time there is a new rule. The photo has to be 6"X 4" with white background only. This requirement is not mentioned in the Thai Embassy's requirements for visa on arrival. So everyone at the couter for VOA has to make pictures at one and only counter at the airport which charges 200 INR. The image which cost us 50 INR gets 4 times at the airport. 

The travellers have no choice but make new images. In addition to that they do not take dollars and receive only Thai Bhats. For which there is only one exchange counter. You have to purchase the bhats for whatever price they offer. 

The entire process is not less than 1 hour. Queues and scams and then you have the visa.

ITS NOT NORMAL # 1

We have seen Shiva in many forms. Even lord Vishu has many incarnations.

Its even normal to see the lord krishna from Blue to White in images. But how normal is it to see Lord Hanuman, infamously know as monkey god black. 

Today's its not normal is A black Hanuman. While walking around the Karol Bagh Market, I saw a black Hanuman on top of the temple. 

Really, have you seen it before? 

ITS NOT NORMAL!

This space is for weird things that we come across. Even if its not mine and your experience then please share with me. Write me at dnpatra@gmail.com. 

I would share it here. Its always worth sharing things which is not normal. Be it alien or a dog kissing a snake. Lets bring it here. 

KAROL BAGH TOUR!

Karol Bagh is busy place in New Delhi. The streets are full of people right from morning 8 am till night 10 pm. Even the cold weather cannot stop the shoppers here.

Everyone is busy shopping and eating. The streets are full of hotels and my place : Hotel Classic was also in Karol Bagh. 

The busy streets are always a good subject for photography. That is why I went on a photography tour. From old houses to the street vendors then and the Sikh selling music so many clicks. 

It was great experience. Really so much to buy and so much to sell.

YELLOW SUBMARINE!

What a delight! 

Between my flying Marathon, I came across a yellow submarine. It must sound strange that how can someone find a submarine while in air. 

But this is possible for a submarine which  had the aim to float and so it decided to board the Indigo Airways. 

Its quite inspirational that a submarine is flying because unlike other fishes it wanted to float. So it became a delighyful submarine sandwich made of curried chicken and multigrain bread. 

ABANDONED YET BEAUTIFUL!

Going around the old Delhi, I found some really old houses. From the architecture its evident that these houses are very old, more than a century old.

Here are the few pictures, which are evidence of time back then. The houses are abandoned and look so haunted.  Many stories must be hidden behind these beautiful houses.

Foggy Delhi !!

I did check in the newspapers before my to New Delhi. Its all foggy untill 10 AM in the morning. As foggy as 0 visibility for the flights to land. So I was very skeptical if my flight would be cancelled, postpones or would not land on time for the fact that many flights to and from Delhi are cancelled and people cant take their vacation. 

Luckily my flight landed later than the schedule time as it was not very foggy today. May be it cleared out around 12 noon. 

However, when the flight landed and I collected my bags, I had to rush for my sweaters and scarves. I love this Delhi ki Sardi(Delhi's cold weather). I changed at the hotel and took a walk before heading to the hospital where my friend would be operated. 

The scene is amazing, beautiful weather and everyone dressed aptly for the winter. The hot street food between all the hustle bustle. 

THIS IS MY CITY!

My little hometown is growing. Its getting bigger, organized and beautiful. 

It might look that am boasting a lot. However it is so impressive that I could not stop. 

But, I promise that I would highlight both good and bad here, "this is my city."

But this time its the beautiful Apsaras who are standing to welcome you at the airport. The new Biju Patnaik international  Airport of Bhubaneswar. 

Being from the temple city of India, where the sandstone sculptures are famous world over, am very fond of the statues. These stone masterpieces have no voice but brings many emotions alive when you  look at them.

Its a great idea to connect with the passengers with theses creations. They say no point speaking to a stone block as they do not speak, but sometimes they do. Who knows what story they have to tell. 

A SARDAR MUSIC SELLER!

While walking around the streets of New Delhi, something caught my attention.

The red turban of a Sardar. Sardar is a local word for Khalsa Sikhs who maintains five Ks practices for life i.e Kesh(uncut long hair), kaada(a steel or an Iron bracelet), kacha( underpants), kangha(a small wooden comb) and a Kirpan(a small knife). 

Since they never cut their hair they tie them with the help of a turban( a knot around the head with a long piece of cloth)

This Sardar had a turban which stood out completely. The colour was blood red. It was very unusual to see a Sardar selling music, that to music cassettes. Something which is considered as vintage already. This generation hardly uses cassettes to listen to music. Everything is compact and small in Dvds and Usb cards. 

I asked him, Sardaji, does this cassettes sell? 

He replied : Yes, this still has a market.

DEPATURE GATE NO 1

Its Delhi time. I am going to the capital. I have so many tensions to deal with. 

The country is boiling in a tumbler. Its an orphan state without any governance. Kejriwal with little less than the majority says - no coalition government. Also very worried about the Diplomat Devyani Row with the US. Besides that its very cold in the capital. 

Jokes apart, I decided to make my backpack and travel. Waiting ambitiously at departure gate no 1

Hey Ho Lets go :)

DELHI TIME

Here I go Delhi. This is not the first time. 

Yet am super excited for in than two hours I would be meeting my very old and best friend :)

My flying Marathon # 1

It happens all the time. Whenever I fly international. I have to take buses, trains and flights to reach my destination. This is because my city is not yet connected directly to the cities where the airlines would transit. 

So here I go this time to Siem Reap. 

Bhubaneswar ✈️ New Delhi ✈️ Kolkata ✈️ Bangkok ✈️ Siem Reap

DID YOU SEE RONALDO IN BRAZIL? Contd

As mentioned in the previous post, I was in conversation with my cousins.
We were talking about traveling, football in Brazil, AAP government in New Delhi, Devyani Dograbade being harassed in United States etc

In between the conversation with my cousins,
Lucky : So you have been to Brazil? Must be a great country!!
I : Yes, I did. Its a beautiful country.  Very different and people mistook me for Brazilian. The beach scene is ...
Lucky : Yes Yes, I have seen in DHOOM II. Bipasha Basu looked hot in that red bikini.

Pintu : But you also went to Argentina in South America?
I : Yes, I went all countries under the Equator except Paraguay.

Pintu : Wow, Hmmm and did you see Maradona by any chance.
I : Sorry to disappoint you my brother, I did not see him. But I heard that they have a church to pray him, like we have for Sachin Tendulkar and temples for Rajnikath in the South India...

Lucky : Okay Okay, lets forget Maradona, did you see Ronaldo in Brazil ?
I : Sorry again, I did not. But why would I see him in Brazil.
Lucky : Because he is from Brazil

I & Pintu : Nooooooooooooo
Lucky : I have seen him with many news on Brazil. Plus he looks bit Brazilian.
I & Pintu : Nooooooooooooo
Lucky : Sorry guys, I was asking about Ronaldinho.
I : Really ?
Pintu : Seriously ?
I : Ronaldo is from Portugal and is world famous. How can you mistake him and Ronaldinho :P
However its possible that some Portuguese can look Brazilian and vice versa as Brazil is an ex colony of Portugal. And please never tell to any Portuguese that Ronaldo is Brazilian. They will kill you.

Lucky : Opppss!! Lets get some Carmel custard.

Bunty : Ummmm, this is delicious ;) But guys I have seen Ronaldo in Real.
Pintu & Lucky : What ? Where ? How ? When? How far?
Bunty : I saw him in 2012. When I was in Portugal, I was introduced to him by a friend and he invited us for a drink.

My cousins were speechless and I could not manage anymore but burst out laughing.

Bunty : But honestly guys, I saw him in Portugal. My friend Jorge took me for a friendly match between Portugal and Turkey. I saw him in the Estadio de Luz, which is a stadium in Lisbon. I even have his pictures playing.

Pintu : What you saw him playing? Bunty Bhai I love you. I am coming home tomorrow to see the pictures.
Bunty : Yes I saw him playing in Portugal. You see Ronaldo is from Portugal :P

Surprisingly, people love football in a country where cricket is 'the game.' It was very overwhelming  for me as they both hugged me for I have traveled and that I have seen Ronaldo playing.

DID YOU SEE RONALDO IN BRAZIL?

This December, everyone is getting married in my town. In last two weeks, I had been to 7 marriages and 2 engagements. I am tired. I am really tired. I am loosing appetite for Indian cuisine.

Plus I am on diet. I work out very hard. To do what? To slurp the rice pudding, eat the local deserts, Carmel custard. They are irresistible. But I have gained enough strength and say no to them. Still a little of that oily food is not good.
Even this evening, I went for two weddings. The second one was the son of our family Guruji. At the entrance gate there were some girls and boys, dressed in the traditional attire to receive guests. I noticed, there were very few to smile back at them or say hello. Mostly the men were talking among themselves and the women were busy checking out other women and their jewellery. The scene was hilarious. I knew that there would be a big crowd. But did not imagine for 10000+ guests. Imagine the poor bride and the groom had to smile for pictures with that many people.

Everyone is eating drinking laughing. There was a singer who was very loud from one corner. It was strange no one was listening to her. Forget listening, at some point she got unhappy for no audiences and started screaming but no one was listening.

I was also no good. I too was busy with my cousins talking. The topic invariably drifted to my travel around the world, then about football world cup in Brazil, elections in New Delhi and if AAP would make the government, Devyani Dograbade's case. However, today I told myself that I am not eating anymore in another wedding. At least for this season.

It was not the wedding I was going to write about. Sorry for the distraction.

DID YOU SEE RONALDO IN BRAZIL?(to be continued)

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ?

Here I am in my hometown. Finally spending more time than I did in last couple of years.
Last two years, I was very busy between work and travel. I have visited many many places.
Every time, I return my land, it is the same question where are you these days? Where is Bunty?

What you went to Brazil? Did you see any preparations for Football World Cup?
I say yes they are warming up for the cup.

What did you go to Argentina? Did you meet Maradona by any chance or had a glimpse of him?
I say, I am sorry to disappoint you as the answer is no.


The types of questions are funny, weird, hilarious and endless.
My friends and family are very proud to introduce me to their friends and family as meet Bunty. He has traveled around the world. He has been to many many countries. I never have an opportunity to talk about my work and or what I actually do for living. Sometimes, its like they say meet my brother he has traveled in some 30 - 40 countries. At times I have to be the rude guy to intrude and say I have traveled 30 countries and there is a big difference between 30 and 40 countries. Back in 2011, I could even say where all I have been. But now its more the numbers than the name of the countries.

If I get a chance then I explain that I work as an online consultant and the details. With my work I have the benefit of time and I am passionate about traveling.


Sometimes its overwhelming how my folks perceive this phase of my life. But certainly they are proud of the fact that I have traveled a lot, may be in my whole family.

For all my family and friends here is my travel map and soon I would come with posts for the countries I have been.

TRIPADVISOR - CITIES I HAVE BEEN

Its quite an excitement to keep an account of the travel. For me it is twice exciting as I love numbers. There is always a rhythm between my travel life and the numbers.

I deliberately make efforts to keep an account of my travel life by making notes in my phone, moleskin, evernote etc. How far I have traveled  in this world, which cities I have been, how many countries, special attractions etc. 

But there is one application from Tripadvisor which is an addiction to me. For me its like a game. I can play with the map, pin the cities I have been, compare with my friends travelworld. 

My current count in Tripadvisor's - Cities I have been says I have been to 429 cities in 30 countries. 

I enjoy this application. So roll yourself in and lets play it together. 

I AM A TRAVELER

Its almost inevitable to say that I exist without Traveling.

It all started from my work tour to South Africa in 2010. I knew that I like to travel. But realised only on that trip that I love it so much. Its better late than never. Between 2010 till date, I have traveled a lot. I been to many places, explored different cultures, religions, realised what I like and what I dont, conquered different geographical boundaries, made new friends etc.

In short, with a big pride I can say that, "I am a Traveler."

We are in the middle of the last month of the year. While we all are looking forward to the new year, It does not matter that I am not traveling at the moment. I have a backpack full of memories to cherish. I could invariably travel anytime or anywhere for those moments of my life which were wisely spent on Voyages.

It has been a great journey. I am very happy that its been 30 countries already and who knows may be I get to travel more before the end of this year.

I keep my fingers crossed :)

WATER SAMOSAS

Samosa is a very international word. The delight of this Indian snack has spread to all geographic boundaries. 

Traditionally, a Samosa is a chapatty folded into a triagular shape and stuffed with fried/mashed potato seasoned with various spices and ingredients like seasame, groundnuts etc. However it has many names and kinds in different places. 

In Portugal it is called Samusa. In Switzerland they have delicious chicken Samosas. In the Kendrapara district of my state Orissa there is a sweet Samosa; it stuffed with Cheese and dipped in sugar syrup. While traveling in Indian railways, one could try the Samosas with fried onion rings. 

But today I discovered something unique and very very rare. Its called Water Samosas. Heard of this ever. The best part is that its not a snack but is a fruit. 

It is a black colour fruit when peeled is milky white in a colour. With the feel the look is very scary. Looks like the head of an alien. When peeled off it is triagular in shape and is white colour fruit. Has a unique taste aswell. Like an icecream which is slightly sweet and is chewy. It is harvested in ponds and lakes under the black mud. I bet one would not eat more than 4 or 5. 

That is not the only fruit I saw at the fruit seller. There is another fruit which looks like a potato. However it taste like sugarcane and again very juicy. I dont even remember the name of this fruit.

 

With all these unique fruits, the seller had good etiquetes and a great smile.

I bought some to give my friends and sisters. I wish I could share with all you  :)

LANGUAGE WHIRLPOOL # 1

Today's Language whirlpool is about confusion and being stupid.

Sometimes we get confident that yes we understand. But what we understood is really that or is just our assumption.

So while I was watching National Geographic, I saw a traveller making a documentary for a travel show. So the host who seems like an American from his accent walks around the crawford market in Mumbai to taste the real India. On his way he stops by a spice store.

Host: Hello! Kaise ho Aap

Shopkeeper : Hello sir, hum ache hai aur aap?

Host : thik hai.
What is this?

Shopkeeper : this is the  spice for curry. Ye bahut tikha hai

Host : tikka...!!

Shopkeeper : haan chicken mein tikha ke liye.

Host : wow its Chicken Tikka.
Can I try some?

Then he starts speaking to the audience. This is incredible, we have a powder form of Chicken  Tikka and starts to put a little in his mouth.

After that he cry for water, water please... HAhhh hahhh.

He thought he knows and misunderstood teekha(spicy) as chicken tikka (a north Indian dish). A famous dish served all around the world in the North Indian dishes.

Language is not as easy as it seems to be. Often leads to confusion and fun.

THINKING OF TURKEY.

Travelling is an addiction. I was traveling in last September - October in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand etc and now I think I miss traveling already. 

Yesterday between all the rushing for errands, I realised that I donot find one cheque which I was supposed to deposit in the Bank. So when I was looking in my cupboard, I found a little polypack. I forgot what I was looking for and started dreaming of my travels. Well thats bit of my nature, I can be easily get lost with my imaginations. 

The polypack was obviously from the beautiful turkey for it says Turkiye' nin Hazineleri meaning Treasures of Turkey. Its a cover you get when you buy souvenirs in gift shops owned by tourism department.

But there were more words on that wrapper which caught my attention. They are Marmaris, Trabzon, Selçuk, Ephesus, Safranbolu, Ani, Kars, Ayasofya, Aydin, Istanbul, Antalya, Capadocia, Pamukale and many many places of Turkey which are famous tourist placdestinations. There were many places I had been and many I would love to go. 

Between the busy hour and for the rest of my day, Turkey was living in my thoughts. 

I want to go back :)

LANGUAGE WHIRLPOOL.

Lets pick few languages, not even all of them; just a few and then put them in a washing machine with the water running into it. What would be the out put of this Language Whirlpool?

While traveling its exciting to know how two different languages have same words with different meaning. Its even more exciting to realise that words in two different languages not only sound similar but also have the similar meaning. 

For example sympatico in Portuguese mean nice where in sympathetic in English is used to show concern to someone. 

On the contrary chave means keys in Portuguese and in Hindi its Chabi for keys.

All these twists and turns, similarities and differences gives reason for confusion, curiosity and also lot of smile. 

TRIBAL EXHIBITION OF ORISSA!!

Adibasi Padia, literally means the field of Tribes. 

In my city there is one such field which is popularly known as Adibasi Padia. It is called so for annual tribal exhibition. It always has been a great attraction for me. I went there with family and then with friends as we grew up. 

It is a place for food from all over orissa, a trade fair for the tribal people to sell and popularise their products. All kinds of joyrides, trees decorated with lights and colourful lamps. 

This year, I am very lucky to be in Bhubaneswar. I had an opputunity to go there. I visited the stalls with my friend Leesa. Bought souvenirs made by the Tribes of Orissa. It was very interesting to see how efficiently the tribal art is being encouraged. The tribes make use of the horns of dead animals to prepare beautiful salad spoons, spoons for drinking soup, comb, jewellery and much more. Hand made fabrics from western orissa like Sambalpur, Jharsuguda etc. 

Spices and yummy dried chilies. Brass work. Aplique work from Pipili. 

Moving on to the food stalls, there was deserts, fried food, snacks, mutton fat with pancakes etc etc. But I being on a fitness regime tried only a small sweet dish. However my friend Leesa hogged on Puris, cottage cheese, fried mangos and a sweet dish from a place called Neemapara Jhili.

We went on the fun rides. I was on the giant wheel after many years and was very scare. Then we hopped on to the fast duck ride. But Leesa was scared that the duck would fly away to the street with us. 

All in all it was a great evening.

CHITA

Another beauty of Indian culture. Another beautiful ritual of oriya families. Being in India is all about celebration. So much that sometimes it be could little tiring.

But this one is no pain. This is a tradition in Oriya families, called Chita. Chita is a paste made out of rice powder and water. The ladies and young girls in the house pray to the goddess of wealth, Laxmi before sunrise and draw these patterns all around the house. This ritual starts from mid november till mid december on account of Lunar calender followed by the Hindus.

These patterns are made almost every where including all the doors.

I always had a rough idea about this occasions as it has been always celebrated by the women in the family and the men just get good food. However this year I decided to get a bit more deep into this tradition. 

So, I almost got myself invited to my sister's house. All my sisters are religious and very dedicated when it comes to practice them. So early morning my sister woke me up for visiting her to check more on the ocassion. Much earlier to that, even before tge sunrise she got up for the prolong prayers. Then drew these beautiful patters in and around the house. 

When I arrived she was beautifully dressed in a white and red saree. I was surprised to know that all women dress like the godess Laxmi as they are living reflection of the godess for every house. 

Imagine if all those ladies gather in one place, the scene would be beautiful for my sister was looking so pretty. 

I had to appreciate my multi talented and multi tasking sister who prayed, cooked many dishes including seven kinds of deserts, did the Chita around the house to treat all of us. 

No wonder my country is full of surprises,  for if I am still exploring about traditions from my own place. This drawing of patterns infront of the house is done by women in India for several occassions. For example in north and west its the coulorful Rangoli, in the South it is called Chitra, in bengal it is known as Alpana and in Orissa its celebrated as Chita.

So this day is to the unity in diversity in India and to all the women for whom the centuries old traditions have survived and  the country is colourful :)