A cup of Assam Tea

          Ah, we are in the last few days of 2018. This year has been a year of endurance and test. There were several life-changing events,  my grandmother's died, my neighbor passed away untimely and a friend went through almost death and survived. I saw so closely the unpredictableness of life. Also, my dad being hospitalized a few times and still not well. There were so many times my heart sunk and I lost my cool. At times, I tried to escape in the books, music, shopping and what not, but at the same time learned to appreciate things that I have, and take care of things before it's too late.      All these difficult times, one aspect that kept me going is hope and hope for tomorrow. Without hope, no one can probably survive. Hope is like a flamboyant river that just knows to flows above all hurdles. With the hopeful hope for 2019 - you, me and everybody, wish you all a very prosperous new year 2019!

       The Village Rockstars, when they first started, the name itself, I felt the impact and power of it, way before watching the movie. Several nights, I got goosebumps thinking about and wondering about Rima Das, who single-handedly wrote, directed, cinematographed, and produced the film with a single handheld camera. Truly a one-woman show. Indeed, I was looking for every opportunity to watch the movie for several months. On December 17th, Village Rockstars, the Assamese film, was screened at MOMA in NYC. The first Indian film to be screened in MoMA, I just couldn't resist.        Village Rockstars, solace, and the soothing of being so real and relatable with a great dose of emotional and visual sensitivity.  Set in the quaint village of Assam, a 10-year-old girl named Dhunu dreams of owning a guitar one day. Away from over-drama and the glamorous world, village rockstars portray little slices of life's hope, aspiration, dream, ...

      Holiday has been my favorite season putting up the tree, buying gifts for my kids, baking Christmas cake but at the same time, I love to visit Assam during this time. Probably this year I miss more because my dad is not keeping well. Whenever I feel homesick I take memory walk with photos. The flora and fauna in Assam are so exotic and unique. Without any particular order let's take a visual tour.        My original homeland Assam bestowed upon every season with natures own delight with flora and fauna. Here I am mostly sharing winter flora fauna. Hope you will like it.

 I have a fondness for homemade and handmade items. While traveling, I often look for something similar. While  searching for a restaurant in  Madrid , I came across La Encomienda, which I had  already heard rave reviews about. Homey rustic La Encomienda, at first glance, and a gleeful greeting, melted my heart away.  A cozy and beautiful interior, combined with a colossal selection of hearty food and most attentive service, makes it a must-visit place in  Madrid .  [ Madrid Hotels ] Serving a range of unique vegan dishes, including Asian and Latin American cuisine with a creative culinary touch, their menu is truly distinctive. After a great day of sightseeing, we needed a plate of food that was not just filling but also nutritious, and here came a basket of seeded assorted bread.  Straight from the oven, the bread basket was rustic and delicious.  Then TARTAR OF ANDEAN TOFU, Tofu crumbled with leek, quinoa, and zucchini seasone...

      A seamless blend of touristy and historical, once the capital of today's  Andalucía region  during the Muslim reign, Córdoba is considered one of the most vibrant cities in Spain and, of course, one of the most stunning cities.  Situated on the hills, Córdoba is vibrant, and you will almost feel like entering into the festivities with its winding Spanish alleys, patios decorated with flower pots, shops, and a full sense of life. There is also an old-world charm surrounding the grand Mezquita.  Unlike  Toledo's  mileage, the three cultures of Moorish, Roman, and Jewish make it more enchanting and unique.  Cordoba is in full bloom of culture and aesthetics when celebrating the Patio festival in May, but you won't regret visiting it even if you don't attend the festival, like us. There is a lot more to soak in. Highlights of Cordoba 1. Appreciate the architecture. 2. Get lost in the history ...

Hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving. I had a fabulous Thanksgiving with whom I call family away from family. We celebrated it with good food and good conversation. Festivity always brings good food to our table. I love how the sweet aroma of food floats around the house. Doesn't aroma and flavor bring and bind people on the table?  cranberry sauce and baked beans, Cornbread or muffin those are my absolute thanksgiving favorite food. Imagine a crumbly piece of corn muffin, ah delicious and add a hint of cranberry sauce , out of the world. This weekend I love to share my grain-free corn muffin recipe. I added Jalapeno and onion for delicious flavor. Ingredients 1. 2 cups of almond flour 2. 2 table spoon coconut sugar 3. 2 eggs 4. 8 tablespoon butter 5. 1teaspoon baking soda 6. Salt to taste 7. 1 cup of yogurt 8. 1 medium size onion finely chopped 9. 2 jalapeno one for the muffin and one for the garnishing (depends on your taste bud, how much you can handl...

Every city in the world has its own tale. When we visited Barcelona on our trip to Spain, we loved its cosmopolitan and multicultural vibe, admired its Gothic and contemporary Sagrada Familia, and were mesmerized by Park Güell and lost in the Picasso museum. When we arrived in Madrid, a whole new tale, distinct from Barcelona, awaited us. Bespoke yet dynamic, Madrid boasts a huge cultural heritage, flavorful food, art, vibrant street life, and shopping, offering a whole new way to rediscover Spain.  Top five things in Madrid Plaza Mayor: Grandeur and Pomp, Nestled in the Heart of the City, Plaza Mayor is one of the most iconic landmarks worth visiting . Hustle and bustle, this ancient marketplace is surrounded by artists, shops, and cafes. Taking a stroll and enjoying a cup of coffee or tea provides a good insight into the vibrant Spanish culture. It could feel like you're in a time machine, or enjoy people-watching. Parque del Retiro:  When ...