The Banyan tree and other stories
Little things that tick the contentment meter!
I sought the company of trees, particularly the Rhododendron trees this past Easter weekend. It felt like a soothing balm for my head as well as the heart. I am currently working for an eating disorders charity - this particular role involves looking after their email service, tending to the many emails, writing, editing, and … Continue reading In the company of trees – the Rhododendron blooms and delights
On November 12, is Diwali. A festival that's celebrated in many parts of India, and popularly known as the Festival of Lights. While the festival can be called a pan-India celebration, the customs and traditions associated with the five days of Diwali are different depending upon the part of India you call home. As a … Continue reading Diwali customs – some forgotten, some held on to…
Those who want to help find a way. Others will send you well-meaning, lifted-from-a-WhatsApp textbook like messages that mean nothing and will never amount to anything. Real help comes in many forms. If someone is sick, facing bereavement or going through something difficult and challenging, you can send meal/s, put together a care package, genuinely listen to them (without interrupting, asking intrusive questions or giving unsolicited advice), help them in ways that they ask for to be helped.
It was abundant and gorgeous, and we never had to buy curry-pata from the vegetable vendor. And it was generous in its bounty and so neither of our neighbours had to buy curry leaves too. It provided for everyone. Whenever we had a guest or a visitor, he or she never went home without a bunch of these precious leaves that are such an essential part of Indian cooking, and the Indian pantry. Whether you are making bateka-poha, sambhar, upma, or a variety of other shaaks or kadhis, the curry-pata leaf is indispensible and lends its distinct flavour to all of these dishes and more.
Two travellers, after an eventful trip, ponder over a pivotal issue – what is behind our innate ability to trust strangers?
As one writer shared: "Which brings me back to the original question – is there a Hindi word for kindness? Maybe there is and maybe there isn’t. It doesn’t matter. From the doctor who treated my family for free to the folks in the Jain mandir who gave us nutritious meals – it is our common humanity, our innate kindness that held us together. There was no reason for people to open their hearts at a time when all of us were stretched, but everyone still did."
I was torn apart – how does one travel or partake of any enjoyment when so many that we knew had lost their lives? Then there was also the fact that ever since the pandemic started, peace had ghosted me, much like an unfaithful and flippant boyfriend. In these circumstances, should we be taking this trip to Sligo County at all?
Many of us - as travellers, service providers, storytellers and content creators - have heard the term 'authentic travel' or authentic travel experiences. But you will know that the term is rather fluid and subjective. It could mean different things for different people. However, more and more travellers are seeking authentic travel, which in some ways would mean travel experiences that are more real, immersive and genuine - as opposed to those that are stage-managed or touristy in nature. A lot of service providers are also trying to cater to this demand.
Sharon, who is based in the US, wrote: “My partner never helped me in the kitchen nor household chores for the last 10 years. He was pampered, spoilt and completely unaware. Covid-19 quarantine has been a blessing. [With] work from home, he realized how much I do at home which was unnoticed. Now he is the one who does dishwashing, kitchen cleaning, laundry which has made it so easy for me to cook and manage the house better. He only makes coffee and fried egg. You need passion to cook, and I don’t think he has it or will try to cook. My husband is not proud of himself for not helping me all these years. Better late than never.”
home after picking up a few groceries from the town centre of the area we live in. When I was just a few hundred yards away from where we live, I noticed a woman - she must be in her late sixties or early seventies - picking up litter from the sides of the road. From underneath parked cars, to the undergrowth of shrubs and bushes, from the pavement...
The Banyan tree and other stories 