A moment of celebration!!!

I just noticed on the Feedburner bar, the magical number 15!!!! It's a milestone that makes me happy. I feel like " distributing laddoos" ( borrowing a very Indian usage) to those 15 special people. You are simply marvellous. Simply the best:)))

Will Shashi Tharoor "distribute laddooos" if he wins from Trivandrum?

Voting and Blogging

Today people all over Kerala were voting. According to a Tv channel less than 50% of the people in Trivandrum voted. (This was based on statistics they got at 4.30 pm.) It's not surprising though. Alot of people said their names were not on the list. For others it was an identity crises. The person who looked at you from the officials list was simply not you.
Yesterday a colleague mentioned that blogging should be banned. This was during an election debate. Blogging is primarily a way of self expression. If it does influence people, its just like the newspapers or the television. But probably not to that extent. However I guess bloggers need not worry. Political parties themselves would not want it. Atleast the BJP would not. As you can see the caption," Advani for PM" on almost every other blog!!!!
Anyhow there was more than 60 % polling in Idukki, Kochi and Malappuram.

Earth Hour in Trivandrum

This is a picture taken during the Abu Dhabi hailstorm which took place on March 26, 2009. Last year Kuwait also braved a hailstorm. Hailstorms in the desert are signs of the climate changes which are taking place all over the world due to global warming. The Trivandrum chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects observed earth hour by switching off lights and having a speaker speak in the dark. This was held in the Trivandrum club premises. Candlelit vigils were held in other parts of the city also.

One small and useful thing we could all do is use solar energy wherever possible. Use solar panels to heat water. This is only a one time investment and your electricity bills will come down.

* Picture sourced from the net.

Casa Bianca: Fine Dining in Trivandrum

Eating at Casa Bianca is an experience I always relish. This place has never disappointed me. I love the ambience and the food. They serve authentic Italian food there. Nights are very romantic as they have these little lights lit up. But days are also good. It's fine for girls to go and eat there all alone.
Today being New Years, I spotted a few love birds. See what I mean about the ambience;)
Most of their portions would suit 2 people just fine. For instance I had a pot of lime tea and sipped approximately 2 tea cups. They give you the tea, the cut limes and the sugar. So it becomes a sort of ceremony where you can add the sugar and squeeze the lemon to suit your taste. The same goes with the portions. I ordered spaghetti bolognese and found that skipping brekky had been a good choice after all. For there was enough spaghetti for 2 tummies of my capacity.
Yes there is a price for eating like this. The bolognese was Rs.225 and the pot of tea Rs.20.
The waiters are all helpful and friendly and the restaurant is very clean and neat. The decor has a mediterranean feel to it.
Now to reach the place. Go to Vazhuthacaud Junction and from there take the MP Appan Road. This road is very very close to the junction itself and the deviation is from the road heading towards the Reliance Webworld. On the MP Appan Road, go straight down for about 50 meters. You cannot miss their board. (It's actually a house.)

Seeing is Believing

There’s more to buying spectacles than meets the eye!!! For me, the frame has always been of paramount experience although the experienced eye (pops) told me otherwise. Well recently I bought myself a pair from Lens and Frames in GPO, Trivandrum. And seeing has never felt so good. It’s a brand new experience. Of course this time too, I took my time with the frame. A frame frames your face and depending on the shape of your face as well as your own individual style sense you need to get one that compliments you. This took a while as there were so many styles to choose from. Totally framed ones, half – frames and ones with hardly any frame at all!!! I finally chose the half frame. Then there were the shades and designs. Lens and Frames has a pretty good collection. So again I tried and tested for what seemed like ages when I chanced upon a frame which had a mish mash of metal tones. (This is more subdued than it sounds…ok) The guy at the counter asked us what type of glass I wanted. He then went into the details of the different types available. I had never given this much thought. I went by what he said and went for a Sieko glass. This was the best decision I made.

You have no idea how nice it feels to use this type of glass. It's actually soothing. Incredible!!

Picture Courtesy: The internet

Sylcon comes to Trivandrum!!!

I was pleasantly surpised to find rows after rows of shoes from Sylcon when i stepped into StylePlus the other day. Ladies in trivandrum can truly rejoice!! Now you won't have to travel all the way to Kochi to get one of these babies. They have also got a rather wide range. Sylcon has made a name for itself in the fashion footwear arena. Styleplus, for those in the know, is a stylish place to shop. Here shopping is an experience. A classy experience!! They also have a lovely collection of bags, clutches, purses and the like. I enjoyed just looking at them bags. Temptation .

Places to Visit in Trivandrum: The Priyadarshini Planetorium

The planetorium is one place you should visit when you come to Trivandrum. It was a novel experience for me when I found myself reclining in one of those chairs 2 weeks ago. I have been to one earlier. But that was ages ago. This might be very interesting for kids. As for me I enjoyed sitting under the dome, looking at the stars. And slowly it all started to whirl....And before I forget, this is their number: 2306024.

I found the experience soothing, relaxing and different. There is a science museum, but it was not my cup of tea. But I did see a super computer there called Param. Really huge and ancient looking in design. They also have a small park where they have kept some solar water heaters. Model rockets grace the entrance of the building.

The govt could probably use the rooms they have here for science exhibitions or conferences or something. These are kinda huge empty buildings located in the heart of the city.

The shows are run when 40 people have registered. Not less. They also have a 3D show, I saved that for next time.

Dum Biriyani

It's better not to over eat. Otherwise you may end up feeling like a python who just swallowed a goat!!! Very full and lethargic!! I learnt this the hard way. Anyhow, now I remember not to. I've noticed that people tend to overeat when eating biriyanis. At such times remember that it's not your last meal. Or the last time you 're gonna have biriyani. Now the Dum biriyani at Darriya is the kind which you may want to overeat. They only serve biriyani in this small joint which is just after the kazhakoottam junction on the highway. Look out for the board shaped like a pot on the left when heading out of Trivandrum. By the way, it's not pronounced as " Dumb" but more like "dhum" with a soft "dh". You can also order chicken fry there. They also serve Sulaimani free of cost as a digestive stimulant. It tastes real good. I could not recreate that flavour though I have tried. If anyone knows of an authentic Sulaimani recipe, then please pass along. In case anyone is wondering Sulaimani is a type of black tea made with cinnamon. Cheers!!! Lolalola....

What to do with left over Food?

Had a big party and there are tons of left over food and don't know what to do??? Give it to neighbours and friends. Still more? Take it to the nearest Missionaries of Charity convent. In Trivandrum, this is at Kunnukuzhy which is near PMG. The nuns said that alot of hotels do send them left over food, which cannot be stored and which would get spoiled. They use some for the inmates after which they give it to poor people who live on the streets.

Arul Jyothi In Bakery Junction

Arul Jyothi in Bakery Junction is one of the best places to have veggie fare in Trivandrum. They have half partitions and some artificial greenery which affords a bit of privacy too. It's not like you are bang in the middle where everyone can see you. I love the Naans there and the Tava Mushroom is somthing I would have again:). This place becomes real crowded by 1 in the afternoon on a Sunday...so go there by 12.30 or so. Other wise you may have to wait for your table. This is the air conditioned section. Downstairs they have an open seating area- non-AC. You would need to shell out 200 bucks, for two people with moderate apetites...

Touched by an Elephant

Last Saturday I was touched by an elephant. A baby elephant. It was kinda ticklish. Well it isn't as tough as shoe leather or anything. But kinda rubbery...This happened when I went to the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre ( yes, they too need rehabilitation) in Neyyar Dam. It takes between 30 - 45 minutes to get there from Trivandrum city. Here's the map:

There are lots of things to do there. Watch this space:)
* Map by Jiji. Antony

A Pilgrimage for Women: The Attukaal Pongala

Last Friday was Attukaal Pongala. Attukal is a the name of a place in Trivandrum which has a famous temple. Pongala is a type of payasam or kheer, a dessert. This "pongala" is offerred at the temple. I do not want to go into the myth of Attukaal as I see so many people have done that. It's one woman's love for her husband. That's the story of Kannaki . Something different about this festival cum pilgrimage is that the prayers are offerred by women and only women. You"ll see scores of women ( I heard the count was around 25 lakhs this year, yes 25!!!!) with little pots making the pongala atop small brick furnaces. This year fires were lit in front of the museum and that's a long way from the Attukal temple. People book their places in advance. I saw alot of women waiting patiently near the railway station the day before. Alot of people serve lassi or "morumvellam" or other cool drinks to the tired women at the end of the day as a kind of free service. Rickshaw wallahs offer their services free and so do many others. I would not advise anyone to travel in the city on that day since many parts of the city come to a standstill;unless you would like to see what happens. Do your shopping the day before, since shops too are not open. Traffic resumes it's normal pace after 6.30 in the evening or so. Alot of people eat outside in the evenings since the women folk will be tired after a whole day in the sun. So book tables in advance, even if it's to go to an exclusive restaurent like the Muthoot Plaza. Wherever you go, it's bound to be crowded.
As for me lots of Pongala came in- the dark variety loaded with jaggery and the white kind with less jaggery, more milk ,cashew nuts, raisins etc. Novice Writer tells the myth of Kannaki here: http://www.medleyblog.com/

* Pictures taken by Sivan. S

The Kababs of Kalavara

If you want to eat kababs in Trivandrum. The place you need to go is Kalavara. The kababs are so juicy. My favourites are Reshmi kabab & Tangdi kabab. I think my all time favourite is the Reshmi kabab. Now this is boneless and kindo long. It is served with a green chutney & grated onions and carrot. A slice of lemon is also given. The kababs are just juicy and succulent and tender. The tangdi kabab is also very tender and thoselegs are really fleshy. Mmmm. I'm sorry. I don't have any pictures now. But I hope the description will stir your imaginations.

But guess what I got some pics on the slideshow...Do take a look:)

Death by Chocolate

Last Sunday I went to Ambrosia. Now Ambrosia is one of my favourite fast food joints in Trivandrum. The burgers are juicy to say the least. And apart from the usual Pizza burger , I went on to have a slice of " Death by Chocolate". Yes it does leave you dying for more...It's quite rich & yet it did not leave me feeling guilty. If you were to offer me a piece today, I don't think I would refuse.
It is so chocolatty and rich that it reminded me of the rich chocolate cake, I had for Christmas several years ago in Bangalore. That was from the famous pastry shop " Sweet Chariot". However it also brings to mind a sad memeory. On that particular day, by the time I had reached the cake three fourths had been ingested. Yes 3/4ths!!!! By my own kith & kin. Now tell me , how would you feel if someone did that to you? Well that's exactly how I felt. I will not mention their names, just refer to them as " AR" and "P". Well when I finally got to the last quarter, Ar & P were still at it ...They really did have capacity & were quick workers.
If you ever get a chance, do indulge in a piece of Death by Chocolate. As for Ar & P, I can only forgive them.

Mother Teresa Touched Me

Nawin Chawlas biography of Mother Teresa made me want to visit one of their institutions. I finally located the place in TVM. It's in a place called Kunnukuzhy which is near PMG which is near the Mascot Hotel. I expected dingy surroundings. I was in for a surprise. The nuns keep the place clean and neat. The sister in charge. I think her name is Martina was taking good care of the infants. She never used talcum powder on the infants fearing an allergy. I could see her concern.
16 babies or so lay in cots. They had a couple of Ayahs. These Ayahs or nannies too found comfort in caring for the babies. One toddler can really keep your hands full. So just imagine 16 babies who need to be fed, washed, cleaned, soothed. Babies being babies cry when they want & sometimes it is difficult to find out the reason.
The sister told me she once got an abandoned baby on the steps. I salute the sister & her tribe. Other than these new borns, there are many mentally and physically handicapped people being taken care of in this institution. They need to be looked after like infants. Someone has to take care of all bodily functions.
When you think of it, it's amazing how one person can change the life of many others & that too not in the same place. How the young Albanian woman came to Calcutta & started all this is a miracle. Long after she is gone, she is still touching lives everyday.

Fish Curry Meals & Tulsi

The food at the High Land Hotel in Trivandrum is very good. Today I had a fish curry meals with fish fry & I think it's the best fish curry meals I've had in donkey's years.
On another note I must say that Tulsi is very good for this viral thingie that is going around now. I caught it and believe me, I was breathing through my mouth and not my nose. Then God came in the form of Ma n handed me mug upon mug of tea with Tulsi. And it was like "Let there be light". Suddenly my nostrils opened & I started chugging along merrily just like before.. For those inclined to reserach an the like Tulsi is Ocimum Sanctum.

A Relaxing Green Tea

I just love this green tea I have been drinking of late. To be truthful, I do not know what I am drinking...since it was discovered in the cupboard, it's cover long discarded. I was informed that it was indeed green tea & was bought from the Grand Bazaar in Trivandrum. But no one knows the brand. But to come back to it, the flavour is unique and reminds me of Earl Grey. Yet it is not Earl Grey. And the aroma is sweet. I usually take a teaspoonful for a large mug of tea. Empty the leaves when the water starts to boil & allow it to boil for a minute. After which I let it brew for 1 and a half or 2 minutes. Brewing for a longer period may make it a bit bitter. A teaspoon of sugar makes it a fine liquid indeed. But the lack of sugar never offends the palate and you can gently down the contents. This one soothing drink which will not add to your weight since you can have it black.

Eating Lettuce Raw

Raw lettuce is very tasty with Indian curries!!! I had bought some lettuce & was [planning to make a salad...but din actually get about doing that. Since lettuce should be consumed as fresh as possible, there was no option but to chop & eat them plain. There was egg curry & chappathi...so I just rolled the curry and put some shredded lettuce & Voila !! It tastes very good. Green leafy stuff should never be over cooked as the vitamins get killed & when u take in some of these, you can fill some space in your tummy ....meaning u don't have to gorge on other fattening stuff...

In trivandrum, u can get lettuce in Alankar Fruits n Vegetables which is in Vazhuthacaud.