My home Darjeeling- Alison's Story

All of us feel like we are looking for our home and sometimes end up finding a place that stays with us for the rest of our life! What happens when you find a city that you can call your home and connects with you in ways that no one but you alone can understand! Alison talks about finding her love and much more in Darjeeling. 

“Who knew that my simple quest of Darjeeling tea would inspire me to stay in Darjeeling!” said Alison who decided to travel to Darjeeling, India after her retirement. She had decided to travel all the way to Darjeeling which is a tiny hill station amidst the Himalayan hills. It is considered as the hidden gem in the northern part of India. Alison was tired of the commercialized “natural cities” and desired to explore the “unexplored” in her words. She found solace in the unexplored hills of Darjeeling and moved to this Himalayan bliss from America. “I had done my research on Darjeeling before coming here and I still remember one particular book that described Darjeeling tea as the champagne of the east that has sophisticated, complex flavors with hints of apricots, peaches, Muscat grapes and toasty nuts. Well that description had completely blown my mind and I could not imagine watching the clouds hovering beneath me on a mountain while I relish my cup of tea. Well that is exactly what I do every single day, I love it so much.” She says that Darjeeling is so much more than its fragrant tea, especially during the night the tiny town turns to exceptional space that transcends every idea of beauty that she ever learnt. “The city has an exceptional quality to make you fall in love every single day.”

Beautiful Mornings!

Serene Life
Found on idiva.com

Darjeeling is a tiny isolated city in the far northern part of India located among the high mountain peaks amidst the Himalayas. The closest place to reach Darjeeling is ‘Bagdogra’ which is a 2 hour flight from Delhi. There are tall Sal trees and white fields of tea along the picturesque landscapes and mountains. “I still remember my first visit; cycle rickshaws, bicycles, goats, long trees and typical tiny houses on the mountains. I was apprehensive about the climate during the summers but I was pleasantly surprised with an average 20 degree Celsius temperature which was perfect for me. $250 for a beautiful rented house of 3 rooms and food was like a dream come true for me.” When asked about the medicinal facilities Alison says “I like how there are private doctors who pay visits and the availability of private clinics makes it really convenient for me. I really like how my body has responded to the natural environment and I have hardly fallen sick. I really like meditation and yoga so I make it a point to join these small clubs that practice yoga every morning on the hills near my home. There are Buddhism schools and mediation retreats at Dali monastery. I will definitely try enrolling there.”  There are several opportunities in Darjeeling like teaching in schools that are attached to monasteries. Dali Monastery in Darjeeling has a lot of foreign teachers. It is easy and convenient to open a bank account in Darjeeling with a passport. The price to buy a land depends on the distance of the land from the township. Pole unit is used to measure the area which is 272 sq. ft. The price ranges approximately from $ 40 to $ 250 per sq. ft. The locals are friendly and peace loving which makes this place really safe.

Found on guioteca.com

Found on corbisimages.com

 When asked about her favorite delicacies of Darjeeling Alison said, “I have learnt to make mouth watering momos recently which is the most loved delicacy here.” Momos are tiny delicious steamed dumplings stuffed with pork, chicken, vegetables and spices that are very popular. There are tiny restaurants located on the mountains that serve ethnic food made by the locals. There is an influence of Tibetan and Nepali culture in the cuisines of Darjeeling that reflects diversity in this region. “Ask me to make thukpa and momos that is the delicacy of this region, I have mastered the technique. Rice noodles and Naga Cuisines like Himalayan pickles, desserts made from yak’s milk and Tibetan tea are popular in Darjeeling and I am learning to make them.”

Found on indianfood.about.com

Traditional Thukpa Soup

 She always wanted to visit Darjeeling for the picturesque and scenic beauty; especially the Teesta Tea festival had captured her heart. Alison like many other tourists who gather at the tea festival from distant places for a perfect tea culture experience was impressed by the exotic tea variants offered at the tea ceremony and food carnival. “It was a treat for a tea lover like me who always wanted to visit the tea festival and staying in Darjeeling during the unique festival made me extremely happy about my decision of settling here. I have always been an ardent admirer of exotic locations and scenic beauty. The cold climate and rich cultural experience attracts me to this place every single day. You can say I found my home in Darjeeling and it is indeed a hidden gem that very few people talk about.” Alison spoke about meeting the love of her life in Darjeeling when she had almost given up on meeting anyone post her divorce. She said “This place has given me so much yet this year when I met the love of my life I hardly knew how much more this place can still give me! Can you imagine I am actually living the life of absolute bliss amidst the mountains and the peace loving vibe among the locals is what brings a smile on my face every single day! I run a small business of cakes here with my partner that really makes me happy and helps me to also earn decent amount of money. My idea of a perfect home has been fulfilled for sure!”

Found on stevemccurry.wordpress.com

Found on besttravelphotos.tumblr.com

Found on panoramio.com

We thank her for sharing her story with wanderers like us!

6 Must Visit Tea festivals around the world

Tea looks Calm
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/299137600222025554/

It was a perfect morning today unlike other days when I am preoccupied by too many things. Maybe the video of 'School of Life' on Rikyu who explored the role of a cup of tea for calm life changed my mindset. The idea that the Japanese tea ceremony and 'wabi sabi' brings forth; appreciation of simplicity and acceptance of imperfection in life is the inevitable beautiful truth! I seemed to enjoy my tea differently today; dive into the unique flavours and fragrance that filled the room with tranquillity. All I thought was nothing but only this moment; my being at this very moment. I suddenly realised how much I wanted to make a list of the best tea festivals around the world that I can visit to experience tea culture and history that is so underrated! We are the tea lovers who are proud of its rich colourful history and unique cultural tradition around the world which has allured admirers throughout centuries. 

Tea has been enjoyed as a popular beverage since 2000 years and there are several festivals around the world that encourage the experience of exclusive culture of tea. The word has derived several connotations and served as a romantic getaway in history to exotic places. People are looking for unique travel experiences and if you are looking for unusual ideas and experiences to try then tea festivals are worth it! It is a classic experience that can be cherished and remembered as an exotic outing. Here goes my list that I have pinned down on my board! 

Found on scribblescrabblescrawl.wordpress.com

6. Tea World Festival

Where: Seoul, Korea

When: June

This festival has become popular as the largest tea exhibition in Korea. The festival consists of events, performances and tea brewing ceremony. The festival began in 2003 and has been a tourist attraction for all these years. There are several themes explored in the Tea festival that lets tea enthusiasts grasp the essence of oriental tea culture. People can taste exotic tea from all around the world and learn the art of brewing tea which is considered an essential part in the oriental culture! Tea lovers can also shop for tea equipments, tea products and attractive tea crafts at the festival. It is a must visit festival for every tea lover who is planning to visit Seoul.

World Tea FestivalFound on budgettravelerssandbox.com 

5. World O-CHA (Tea) Festival

Where: Shizuoka, Japan

When: May

Shizuoka is considered as the Tea capital and it will be 6^th World O-CHA Tea festival in 2016. The festival aims to create a unique tea culture and experience. The festival encourages people to be moved by 5 senses while experiencing tea. The Japanese Tea art has been appreciated all around the world and there is an increasing curiosity around it. The festival has several events like music to help people discover the harmony in tea experience. It aims to bring a healing space for people to experience tea ceremony with all their senses. There were around 28 countries that participated in the 4^th World O-CHA festival. Your family can enjoy the charm of tea in a harmonious way in the tea capital Shizuoka. There are several events like tea tasting, blending and a unique tea ceremony. There are baking demos organized along with workshops that can be enjoyed by the kids too. They will totally love the exquisite desserts served to them.

World O-CHA FestivalFound on imperialfamilyjapan.wordpress.com

4 Tea & Tourism Festival

Where: Ooty, India

When: January every year

The three day tea festival in the tea hills is very popular in India. The festival has dance and music along with other cultural activities. It is a popular tourist destination for families because of the serene Blue Mountains that cultivate ‘Nilgiri’ tea. It is a scenic tiny hill station that becomes a popular tourist destination every winter for the tea festival. The festival is popular for its tour to the tea gardens, safaris, cultural activities, music and delicious food. The place is festival is organized amidst the scenic rivers. The festival serves special tea from different parts of the world. You will be treated to exotic tea and get an opportunity to interact with the locals in the hills. There are several cultural activities associated with the tea festival which includes interesting carnival, music and dance festivals. The festival is organized amidst the dense forest and natural scenic location that brings the charm of tea ceremony alive!

Lost in absolute bliss
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Scenic Hills of OotyFound on travelpackage-india.blogspot.in

3. Teesta Tea festival

Where: Darjeeling, India

When: November every year

The tea festival is celebrated on a grand scale in the hilly areas of Darjeeling that has splendid stretch of tea gardens. There are many tourists and locals who gather at the tea festival from distant places. Darjeeling has scenic beauty and cold climate that serves as a perfect getaway for Tea culture experience. The festival has unique experiences like food carnival, film festival and toy train ride that are important tourist attractions apart from the tea ceremony. Tea is rightly called the “Champagne of the east” in Darjeeling as the tea flavours are unique and exotic. It is a treat for every tea lover to witness the grandiose tea festival. You will get the opportunity to take a tour of the tea gardens and taste exotic variety of special Darjeeling tea.

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Mystic beauty
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2. Sydney Tea Festival

Where: Sydney, Australia

When: August every year

If you are looking for a contemporary tea experience in Australia then it is time to discover the best artisanal teas. The tea festival celebrates specialty loose leaf tea in specially organized tea ceremonies, food pairing and workshops on tea basics. It is an interesting festival if you are looking to discover the history and benefits of different tea variants around the world. There are unique activities like tea meditation and tea dessert pairing if you are looking for unique workshops. There are tea art contests, appraisals, tea auctions, fairs and tea art talks organized for the tea lovers.

Sydney Tea FestivalFound on makerssociety.com.au

1. Tea Festival Jorhat

Where: Jorhat, India

When: November every year

The tea festival of Jorhat is organized in the northeastern state of Assam in India which is situated amidst extensive tea gardens and forms the backbone of tea industry in India. The tea festival is an exciting festivity for warm and traditional experience for the family. Several music festivals, sports and cultural activities are organized for the tourists. People can also taste traditional food items and several new variants of tea. River rafting and other adventure sports can also be enjoyed by the family. The festival serves special tea from different parts of the world. It is a must visit if you like an unusual tea festival experience amidst the natural environment.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/80290805827758158/

Chicken Sweet Potato Soup Please!

Chiang Mai beauty

Mornings that rob my heart

Lost in Wilderness

There is something so comforting about food and I have never been particularly fond of 'taste of my country food', I have always been open to appreciate cuisines and traditional recipes from different parts of the world. There are certain flavours that stay with you and make you feel like you have found home. I experienced this when I was visiting one of my best friends in Thailand and she decided to take me to Chiang Mai where we stayed with a wonderful family. I was in love with Chiang Mai the minute I stepped my foot there; there are few places that get etched in our memory and always stay with us! Chiang Mai was my place; it was the place that I fell in love with the minute I opened my eyes after the flight journey. I am usually a very hopelessly talkative person but the journey from the airport to the friend's place was the quietest one in my life! I was so engrossed staring outside the car that my friend who was with her boyfriend thought I am trying to give them space. Well all I was doing was embracing this beautiful place like a long lost lover. The beautiful mountains and scenic beauty had enamoured my senses and I promised myself to buy a house here after few years. It was like being in a trance and Chiang Mai had all my attention!

Chiang Mai Sunset

There was something magical about not only this place but also the people who were so humble and welcoming. The family of my friend's boyfriend were extremely down to earth and kind people. A place is known by its people and no wonder Chiang Mai had a sense of pure innocent beauty that made me fall in love with it every single day! I fell sick the following day with fever and I had terrible menstrual cramps. The family made chicken sweet potato soup for me and I did not know how to tell the mother that I was trying to be vegetarian for few months now. Well I could not even dare to say no to the kind mother who had made the perfect soup on this planet. The minute the hot soup was placed in front of me, I was drawn to the authentic aroma that was an eclectic mix of herbs and spices. The lingering aroma of sweet potato had filled the room and the coriander leaves had already made me feel at peace. Thai chicken sweet potato soup has been the best soup ever that managed to make me feel so happy and relaxed that I forgot all about my cramps. When I heard food lovers talk about food orgasm I had no idea what a relaxing effect it has on the mind! This soup actually made me realise there is something so beautiful and relaxing about good food that you forget about all the pain in your body. It did not have any overpowering flavours but pure earthly flavours that are really difficult to find. I managed to get the special recipe of Thai chicken sweet potato soup from my thai friend. I am sure every person would love to try it. I was told that there are some secret ingredients added in the authentic Chiang Mai recipe; feel free to mention them in the comments section. 

Recipe of Thai Chicken Sweet Potato Soup

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/380061656027995049/

1 tsp rapeseed oil

2 garlic cloves

1 red chilli

2 cm root ginger

1 stalk lemon grass

25 gm coriander leaves

2 tsp red thai curry paste

1 cup coconut milk

750 ml chicken stock

2 chicken breasts

500 gm sweet potatoes

1 lime

1 tsp sugar

Half tsp fish sauce

Method

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add chopped garlic, ginger, chilli, lemon grass and coriander. Add curry paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add coconut milk, chopped sweet potatoes and chicken stock. Cook until the potatoes turn soft and cook well. Remove the stalk of lemon grass then blend the mixture until smooth otherwise mash it; depending on the way you like the consistency of the soup. Add chicken pieces to the soup and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Add lime juice, sugar and fish sauce to the soup. Garnish it with coriander and the authentic soup is ready! 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/185210603395752121/

Magnolia Fragrance: My gift from Thailand

Wake up like this! 

Travelling is a never ending affair that leaves behind its trace long after we bid goodbye! The affair with the city does not end and we end up bringing a part of that city with us. One such strong moment that has stayed with me is the fragrance of Magnolia in Thailand. I fell in love with the exotic, sweet, earthly and pleasant fragrance of magnolia that enamoured my senses. The first time I was introduced to the fragrance I felt magically enthralled by it like I was kissed by my first love on a rainy day. The fragrance is so sensual and earthly that I could not stop myself from picking everything related to magnolia. I found a small shop in Bangkok at the main street market that sold small bottles of authentic magnolia oil for 35 baht. There were other fragrant oils too but my interest was in the enchanting magnolia. My friend Joy who I knew for a long time at the University in England made was from Thailand and she made sure that I am only taken to the  best places in Thailand. Little did she know that my obsession with this fragrance would drive her nuts! She took me to this amazingly cute place called Omoi Zakka shop which is in the center of Bangkok. It is a warm and cozy place that has insanely attractive products from souveniers, fragrances to special products. I found a really interesting Diary, Magnolia candles and oil. There was so much to explore!

Contemporary set up
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We entered a local store after our long car drive as we were out of wipes. My friend picked a packet of chips and some biscuits and while she was busy picking random food items my eyes caught the attention of Magnolia shampoo. I was drawn to the beauty section and ended up shopping for magnolia shampoo and conditioner. Incense sticks have never excited me so much as my Indian mother has always stocked quite a few in her house. However this time I was drawn to them only because the incense sticks had my favourite fragrance. We quietly got into the car after I picked all the products possible and my friend took me to visit her grandmother; upon our arrival at their house the grandmother said "Oh so we have a thai girl here!" She could see how much I adored the thai culture and my first day was a truly memorable one indeed. Oriental culture has always intrigued me and it already feels like home when you address your friend's parents as Mumma and Papa because the culture is so close knit. 

Even today I keep the small bottle of Magnolia Oil in my bag and it reminds me of my sweet affair with my enchanting land of Thailand.  

Omoi Zakka Shop

My love with Coventry

There are few places that can make you feel so nostalgic and every place has a story. I visited Coventry University where I graduated and realized how much I missed this place. Every corner came to haunt me and remind me of a special story I had at this very place. While experiencing a bittersweet romance we hardly realize how important something starts to be in your life. All you probably manage to do is get totally lost in the picturesque moments painted every single day. I went to the bridge and sat down thinking why few stories do not work. Why few stories manage to whisper an honest getaway but seem empty after a while. It was difficult for me to come back to Coventry again; perhaps there are so many students like me who have their memorable University Stories in Coventry. The city will never be wiped out of your memory because it forms part of your youthful years when every day disappears and before you realize it is time to graduate! I took some time to let the nostalgia sink in and observe young students flock Quids Inn. I overheard a pretty brunette with dark brown eyes and shoulder length hair talk to her cute Asian friend.

“Probably he must be so happy with what happened yesterday. Maybe he feels “I need him”. He must think I am really silly. I cannot imagine we are strangers now after being together for so long.” The young Asian Girl stared at her friend and said one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard in my life. “It is interesting how you like to believe that there is no word like care and everything someone does has to be the right or the wrong way. I like to believe you are not that silly, you have not sold your soul and etched hopeless stories over them. You know why stories are hopeless? Because they have indifference! Sometimes we feel we walked away from a place long time ago; the truth is we are still strolling across the crossroad hoping for someone to hold our hand. No one holds that hand until you lean and look around. Maybe nights would not be that messed up; you would not wake up in the middle of the night hoping everything vanishes! Maybe you would stop hiding behind the three letter word “You” and remove the mask. Don’t pity yourself for being vulnerable!”

I was so awestruck at what I heard. Suddenly it made me realize how Coventry gave me a familiar sense of belonging and still made me feel like it belongs to me and I belong to this place. It made me realize how people have compelling stories and moments to share that can be grasped when you decide to be a silent spectator like I did today. Coventry gave me a souvenir in the form of noteworthy words that I will always remember! 

My never ending love with Coventry

Whisper Tree

Memories

Picture source: http://www.freefoto.com/

Scattered Notes!

I mindlessly wandered at your thought while watching myself move to every dream you wrote.
I carefully picked the scattered notes of my injured mind and placed them inside the jar.
I heard them shiver at his impeccable thoughts and protected them in the lantern from the sunlight!
I watered them while I watched the wishes die soon only to merge into a sketch unknown!
Sometimes I wish I could give away those dreams to you that I carved in the letters and maybe I would not feel like these letters have lost a way!
Sometimes I only want to give away the memory back to you or maybe share it with you but the fear of your brooding eyes stare back at our lost memories stop me every time I take a step!
Someday I will let no goodbye affect me and then give away the empty notes to you!

Finding Home!

Traveling makes me ponder over so many questions and as I watch these bags lying in front of me in the train, I think about what makes me want to belong somewhere or if I really want to belong! I have not found my home yet and the familiar feeling of being lost engulfs me yet again! The music beat pumps and leaves its loud trace behind while it speaks every little thought I painted in the mirror this morning. The morning glitter came with its own share of joy packed in sun basked glory and whispered something.

It said that, "One fine day I will find that one place which looks back to me where I mysteriously scatter my dreams.

 All the baggage will then disappear in that single moment of self harmony. Maybe the place is around me and I just need to knock"

While I am traveling with these thoughts, a stranger smiles at me who is now sitting next to me with his camera held close to him like his precious stone! He has grey hair and wrinkled smile on his firm skin  that now seems to draw me close to his delicate fingers that caress the camera. I awkwardly smile at him and this paves way for words to fill the space. These words then bring me closer to this wanderer who like me wants to be lost in this world! 

 I think to myself if happiness is actually finding the main road or to be lost in the woods! I realise how finding home in little moments when I travel with stories to tell makes me find myself. Perhaps getting lost makes me want to celebrate more because there is more to life and this adventure keeps all of us going. Maybe all of us only need to reach out for that part which lies somewhere in the corner of the dust filled box of enormous dreams, hopes and stories which is covered in empty fears waiting to be broken!