Merry Christmas

Joyesx Noel

Buon Natale

Frohe Weihnachten

Vrolijk Kerstfeest

Feliz Natal  

Christmas! A  season I love the most. The smell of cakes being baked, the beautifully lit x’mas tree, the rush around for shopping etc. It is the same all around the world. A wonderful Christmas and a great New Year to all my readers.  

An Autobiography of a Tree

I am Delonix Regia of Fabaceae family and Caesalpinioideae subfamilia. Popularly known as Gulmohar, I was planted decades back by some nature lovers and nurtured by nature. I grew up into a huge tree bearing bright yellow flowers. The red flowered neighbour of mine was felled long back to build a concrete structure. A pruning would have solved the problem, but they did not want any ‘living mast’ near them. I can spot another mutilated one faraway. Half of it is burnt down. The other half had the might to survive. 

  

Now about me. I am not as huge as the one eulogized by Thomas Hardy in 'Throwing a Tree'. Still I am the abode of cute birds that perch on my branches and chirp happily. Once in a while monkeys come and swing on my branches. Squirrels and cats are other visitors. I was happy and content until I realized that I am no more cherished. I am a trouble to my surroundings. I am marked and I will be eliminated slowly. The process has started and half of me is no more. The rest will be thrown anytime. Why can’t the people accommodate nature when nature tolerates them without any complaint?  

Kitty Party

I was on my way back from shopping when I saw the group, munching on junk. They seemed to be too engrossed in the act. I was curious to know what they are relishing when I realized that the curiosity was mutual. I crossed the road and rushed away with my children, wondering why those buffaloes prefer raiding the garbage bin instead of grazing on the field nearby.

 

May be the pasture is too polluted, that they find the trash better. These animals are also unaware of the danger that the plastic covers in the trash pose to them. 

I thought about the pampered versions of them in villages. Fresh green grass, clean sheds and other additional supplements that keep them healthy. The trend to prefer junk food to nutritional one seems to be there in every being.

A Dance

           

                                         I see the trees gyrating,

                                         Butterflies fluttering

                                         Oh… it is the wind,

                                         Giving them the rhythm

                                         Making them dance to its tunes, 

       

                                         Mighty one, with forces twelve,

                                         Be gentle like this forever,

                                         Do not turn into a monster ever

Lessons From Nature

Nestled on a bath towel was a moth of the same colour. I tried to shoo it away, but was stunned by a voodoo face looking back at me. It was the design on its head. I called my children and showed them the ‘predator scaring mechanism’ of the silly creature. My four year old nephew fled the scene crying. 

 

The point is how such tiny beautiful creatures survive on their own. The designs blend with nature and work for their sake. Some days back a person expressed his concern about his child to me. His son is good at studies but he is worried about modern world’s dependency on machines and electronic gadgets. What will happen if one day things go wrong and everything stand still? His children will find it difficult to survive. I was perplexed; speechless, I listened to him as he waxed eloquent about the topic. Though out of context, what he said is really thought provoking. Let me exaggerate, what if (God forbid) the entire technologies stop working one day?                                     

 

Here the city is inching towards an almost total power shut down. I can see my children getting restless as to what to do. Schools declared early holidays. Without computer and TV life is difficult for them. However one advantageous outcome of this is they are slowly turning to reading. Lazing on the terrace and watching nature (thanks to the lush greenery around) are other pass time entertainments that they enjoy now.

    

The Antique Collector

That is silly me and the collections that I own are not so antique either, still I value them for the memories associated with it. I remember my college days when I read some foreign magazines which had columns dedicated to antique collections. The proud owners displayed porcelain teapots and vases which belonged to their parents. They looked so unique and intriguing. Antique jewelry are also current fad among youngsters, which I came to know while working on a content regarding antique jewelry.

 

I own this teapot set which is over three and a half decades old. The ochre hued, gold rimmed, tall and slender teapot has simple red rose motifs on it. It occupies a place in our living room show case. The teapot set, was a gift to my mother from her in laws when she moved to new home. I took it with me when I moved to my new home. Along with this antique piece I bought my childhood memories to home. 

When I was a child, kerosene lamps were used when the power goes off. It has gone into oblivion I suppose. I got one just for keep sake. The lamp has lost its sheen and requires a good make up to adorn my living room. 

This antique looking, Victorian styled, porcelain jug seemed quite interesting and stands along with the teapot.  

GenX Salt Mango Tree

Nothing to do with mango tree, something to do with salt. This is about Upma, a regular breakfast dish of South Indians. Upma, a simple, easy to make dish was in international news recently for topping a cooking contest in the US. ‘Up’ means salt and ‘mav’ means flour in South India.  Upmavu as it is called in Malayalam has an interesting English translation given in a movie by a simpleton to some school children. That is ‘salt mango tree’ as mav also means mango tree in Malayalam. Uppindi, Uppittu, Kharabath, Upeet, Rulanv etc. are other names of upma. 

Upma made with Semolina has many variations and is eaten with or without chutney, pickle or sambar. This is highly nutritious and the cook can add ingredients according to his/her choice. The topper upma had mushrooms added to it to cater to global taste and it emerged as the victor glorifying this humble dish. Change with time retaining the traditional recipe catapulted the dish to fame. For those who like to try a hand here is the regular recipe:

Ingredients

1.  Semolina -1 cup
2. Cooking oil -3-4 tbsp
3. Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
4. Black Gram -1/2 tsp
5. Tomato- 1
6. Ginger  -1/2 tsp, grated
7. Green chillies-3-5 med, chopped
8. Chopped onions-1 med, chopped
9. Salt to taste
10. Vegetables – anything such as peas, cauliflower, carrots, capsicum etc.
11. Lemon juice, nuts or peanuts- optional 

Method of preparation

1. Dry-roast Semolina until it just begins to turn brown, then keep aside.
2. In a large wok heat the cooking oil.
3. Add mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter. Then add, black gram, ginger, green chillies and chopped onions and fry until onion turns slight brown.
4. Add vegetables, salt and 2 cups of water, and bring to boil.
5. Add the roasted semolina, turn down the heat, and mix quickly to avoid forming lumps.
6. The upma is done when the water is absorbed by the flour.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves, nuts and lemon juice.

All About Trees

World Environment Day was celebrated on 5^th June. Many, especially school kids, enthusiastically came forward to create awareness about preserving forests and protecting trees. Good to see that a large majority does not consider sustainable development as trivial.  

These are links to a blog in which a school realized the importance of the single tree in the premises and took steps to preserve it.  


http://bindujohnroy.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/if-we-could-ask-you-a-favour/
http://bindujohnroy.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/in-honour-of-the-tree/

                        A tree formation by school children

                          A tree seen under a different light

               South East Asia’s “King of Fruits” the Durian tree

                                        

                                India’s “King of Fruits” 
 

An eighteen year old Neelam mango tree at my place which flowered this summer for the first time as if it anticipated my mom's plans to fell it post this season if it is not going to bear fruits. 

                                          Last Summer                                        

 

                                                   This Summer 

 A papaya tree at my place that came crashing down during this monsoon in Kerala

                                    Bread Fruit Tree   

                          Largest Tree Borne Fruit- Jack Fruit

                                                                     

 

Photo Blog - Kerala - II

                                             A Farm House which is Open to Public

                                                                   Wagammon

                                                         

Photo Blog - Kerala - I

       

Different religious processions, Manimala forest area and Munnar in Kerala

The ‘Secret’ Ingredient of Tasty Food

An animation movie for kids has a scene where a father reveals to his son the secret ingredient of a special dish. The father says ‘…the secret ingredient is nothing…… to make it special, you just have to believe it is special’.

Recently I was waiting with my family at a Pizzeria for our take away order when a person came in. He ordered his choice of pizza and finally added “brother, also add lots of love into it for the special taste”. The mood at the eating joint changed and many chuckled at the alacrity of the customer.  

    

Though hilarious, are'nt both of the facts universally true. Is it not the reason why most of us say that there is nothing like the food cooked by our mothers? We can feel the affection through the food. I use to think that my mother is the best cook. Now when my children compliment my cooking I realize that ‘mothers’ are the best cooks.

 

 Any work done with lots of interest gives the best result. Anyone with a passion for cooking can whips up tasty dishes, but the addition of the magical ingredient called love does wonders to the dish.

                                               A Happy Easter to all my readers!

Dew Drops to Tear Drops

                                    Dew drops of blessings so pure, pristine

                            Cooling, soothing, comforting

                            You are the bearers of life                  

                             You are the pillars of life

                             Yet you are scorned, neglected

                             Punished to wane away as tear drops

                                                                
       An ode to girl children motivated by some newspaper reports

                                        

                     

Safari Galore!

As people love to explore new places and indulge in various activities, varieties of entertainments and sports are arranged for tourists at many renowned holiday spots. From the regular park safaris to desert safaris or dune bashing, diverse safaris are the current fad.

South Africa is the land of safari adventures and tourists to this country will find different safari packages offered to them. The hub of adventure sports in Africa, the Kruger National Park is located here. A safari at this park is an opportunity to spot the Big Five of animals such as Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard and the Little Five comprising of elephant shrew, buffalo weaver, leopard tortoise, ant lion and Rhino beetle along with the Big Six of birds. 

In Spain tourists can enjoy a multitude of safaris. Costa Blanca in Spain has Safari Parks where tourists will find animals roam around freely. There are lots of fresh water lagoons in Costa Blanca thanks to which tourists can go on fishing safari that lasts up to a week. Quad bike safari at Costa del Sol is exciting as it gives tourists the chance to explore the countryside. A trip to Costa de la Luz will be thrilling to kids as they enjoy Dolphin safari offered at this place.

In Mauritius tourists can go for a safari with lions at the Casela Nature & Leisure Park. Known as “Lion Encounter”, this activity is enjoyed by adventure lovers who take pride in enjoying the company of the King of the Jungle.

Monte Gordo, is a fishing town in Portugal, located near the Spanish border. This tourist spot offers jeep safari, wherein visitors can explore the charming Portugal-Spain border. 

The enchanting Krabi, is a great holiday destination in Thailand. Blessed with beaches and pristine islands, Krabi is voted as the most picturesque location in Thailand. At Krabi tourists can enjoy elephant safari, which is also provided by many hotels in this place for its guests.  

Eco safari is an activity enjoyed by tourists in Mexico. Mexico allures its visitors with beaches, spas and golf courses which seep in greenery. The natural wonders and ancient monuments are best explored during the eco safari in Mexico.  

Bird Watching Locations

This new year we received a desktop calendar of WWF from a friend. The beautiful calendar features birds along with scientific names and descriptions of their habitats. After going through it I could identify some of the ‘tiny nameless birds’ that I had mentioned in my earlier writings(http://soniajohn.blogspot.in/2010/12/my-feathered-companions.html). Two days back I was taking a walk on the terrace when a small bird flew across from the thicket. Startled by the unexpected intrusion in its flying space by me the bird chirped, flipped and flew back to perch on a tree. The shiny purple bird provided a picture of stark contrast amongst the tender green leaves. I recognized it as the purple sunbird which, very coincidently, is the bird of March in the calendar. This bird is usually seen during spring season and it feeds on nectar from flowers. In the process these birds help in pollination.

Scientific Name: Cinnyris Asiaticus.

There are many bird watching locations across the world for bird lovers who like to travel any extend to pursue their hobby.  

Mauritius is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Black River Gorge is the largest national park of this island nation. This park houses rare and endangered species of birds. Another place in Mauritius to spot birds is the Casela Bird Park. 

The Big Six of birds, the lappet faced vulture, fishing owl, marital eagle, ground hornbill, kori bustard and saddle-bill stork, are found at the Kruger National Park in South Africa which is a great place for bird watching

The Rio Formosa National Park at Moncarapacho in Portugal is an excellent bird watching location.

In Gulf of Papagayo tourists will find the half moon conure or orange fronted parakeet aplenty along with other exotic birds.

Liberia, an important city of Costa Rica has lots of natural wonders and forests making it great for bird watching.

St. Lucia, an island in the Caribbean Sea is blessed with rain forests where tourists will spot rare tropical birds.

Isla Contoy, located near Cancun is a national park and a bird sanctuary where exotic species of birds are found.

  

Amazing Activities

Tourists on holidays to scenic locations indulge in sports and activities available at these places. Adventure sports, water sports and land sports are the major categories. In mountainous regions mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing etc are the major adventure sports.

Deep water soloing (DWS) or psicobloc is an adventure rock climbing sport where people scale the rock alone. The only protection is the water body present at the base of such steep cliffs. Majorca, the Spanish Balearic Island, is famous for this sport. 
  

Cancun is a renowned holiday destination which has excellent diving spots. Located near Cancun is Isla Mujeres which has a thrilling diving spot called the ’cave of the sleeping sharks.’ This enigmatic cave is the abode of sharks that stay still which are very unlikely of these marine creatures. Divers can get really close to watch these sharks.

Alanya, a costal town in Antalya region of turkey has caves which are supposed to heal certain respiratory diseases. These caves are some of the major tourist attractions of this town. Writing about caves brings to mind the caves of Majorca which are unique with varied formations. Coves del Drac located in Porto Cristo in Majorca has the credit of housing the world’s largest subterranean lake, Lake Martel, in it. 

Interesting Beaches

Global beach holiday destination choices are vast. Thailand, Mauritius, Spain etc are some of the numerous places where tourists can find picturesque beaches.

Playa Conchal located in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province is supposed to be the most beautiful beach in the country. The pink coloured sand that covers the shore is actually powdered conchas or shells washed ashore from the sea. The beach got its name from the conchas. Located in the Pacific Coastline, Playa Conchal is encircled by nature reserves.

Tamarindo beach in Guanacaste is a place where wild life mingles fearlessly with humans. The abode of endangered leather back turtles, this beach is famous for turtle watching.  

           

The Soufriere Bay, located in Soufriere in St. Lucia is a quiet beach that is ideal for tranquil holidays. Soufriere is a fishing town where tourists will find a drive in volcano which has sulfur springs.

Located along River Maya in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is Playa Paraiso beach which is beautiful and has excellent facilities for many water sports.

Mellieha Bay in Malta has the country’s longest beach where shore diving is a major activity. This scenic beach is surrounded by villages which add to its charm.

The Antalya Region in Turkey has some beaches with interesting names. The beaches named Lara, Cleopatra, Kaputas and Belek offer great beach holidays to tourists.

Hua Hin, the oldest beach resort in Thailand has a five mile long beach which is the favourite of the elite of Thailand. Numerous golf courses are located near the beach.

Grand Baie, a former fishing village turned upscale beach resort in Mauritius is famous for the water sports it offers. Sea trek at Grand Baie is a different sport that tourists enjoy here. Glass bottom boat trip in Grand Baie, a usual activity at most beach resorts across the world, is a great way to explore the marine environment.

Volcano Built Islands

Sao Jorge is an island belonging to Portugal’s Azores Archipelago located in Atlantic Ocean. Azores is considered to be the best whale watching destination in the world. The islands of this Archipelago are supposed to be formed by volcanic activities. The Fajas of Sao Jorge are lava built plains where the towns are located. The picturesque Fajas of this island are core to its tourism. A nature park in Sao Jorge features an underground lake and a cave.    

Sao Miguel, another of Azores Islands, known as ‘Green Island’, has lots of unique natural wonders. The interiors of this island being occupied by craters and volcanoes, most of the towns are located near the coast. The most beautiful island of the entire Azores Archipelago, Sao Miguel has a village located inside a crater. Another amazing fact about this island is that it has underground ovens! People cook food in pits which are heated by underground volcanoes.   

Gulf of Papagayo located in the Northwest Pacific Coast abounds in birds. The name itself means gulf of parrots. The Gulf is a part of the volcanic eruption built Papagayo Peninsula. A nature park in this place houses a volcano with steaming craters. This region is a great surfing destination.