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 thing for homemade and handmade. While traveling, I often look for something similar. While looking for a restaurant in Madrid ,  I came across La Encomienda, which I have already heard rave reviews about. Homey rustic La Encomienda, at first glance and gleeful greeting, melted my heart away. A cozy and beautiful interior, a colossal combination of hearty food and most attentive service makes it one must eat place in Madrid . [ Madrid Hotels ] Serving in unique cookery, a mileage of Asian and Latin American vegan food with a creative culinary touch, their menu is incredibly unique. After a great day of sightseeing, we needed a plate of food that is not just filling but also a nutrient, 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 seasoned with Tabasco and coriander oil. What a unique and delicious combina...

A seamless blend of touristy and history, once the capital of today's  Andalucía region  during the Muslim reign, Cordoba is considered one of the hottest city in Spain and of course one of the most stunning city. Situated on the hills Cordoba is vibrant, you will almost feel like entering into the festivities with winding Spanish alleys, patios decorated with flower pots, shops and full of life and there is some kind old world charm surrounded by the grand Mezquita. Unlike Toledo mileage of three culture Moorish, Roman and Jewish make it more enchanting and unique. Cordoba is in full bloom of culture and esthetics when celebrating the Patio festival in May but you won't regret visiting it without making it to the festival like us there are a lot more to soak in. Highlights of Cordoba 1. Appreciate the architecture. 2. Get lost in the history 3. Shop and cherish 4. Explore the aesthetics of the ...