Hello,
There are only two places befitting that oxymoron for me - ocean & mountains.
Born & brought up in the coastal city of Mumbai, which are flanked by sheltering Sahayadri mountains, I'm not surprised why I love such places.
In fact right now I'm perched on this lovely cane chair in the balcony, with my favourite cuppa goodness; with a sprawling view of the oasis city of Al Ain complete with the majestic Jebel Hafeet mountain on the horizon. I'm in my place of zen & bound to ramble; so you are duly warned.
Beginning last weekend, I've been on a travel spree. Friday saw us driving down with some friends to Fujairah - one of the seven Emirates, the the extreme end from Abu Dhabi and the only one touched by the Indian Ocean. Anticipation of going to a beach after 3 long years was mind-blowing, in spite of the fact beaches and me have similar reciprocation of the 'Cullens' - avoid in daytime!!
Relax, I'm not a vampire, I merely suffer from unbearable migraine headaches when in the sun (not just beaches anywhere in open sun), not something which can't be tackled by sunglasses, hats & sitting out in the shade, eh?
The drive itself was magical. Watching miles & miles of tarmac race along with us leaving behind some stunning, golden desert landscapes, filled me with deep melancholy, a wanderlust of some kind.
How else can you describe the cathartic feeling one gets, to gaze from the window of a speeding vehicle and watch a lazy, winding road ahead; flanked by nature on both sides; wanting it to never end.
I sorely missed my 'road trip' buddies back home with whom I've had many memorable trips; soaking in the beautiful countryside of the state of Maharashtra. Not the one to be moping about the fact, for I had charming company of friends made here UAE, soon we were singing ourselves hoarse - the usual antakshari combined with silly compositions to give 'coke studio' a run for their money.
Nearing destination; a delirious curve of the road got us the below view & evoked collective gasps from all of us.
The beach resort was nice, lovely rooms, with decent landscaping & to top it all a pool close to the beach. The day went in just lazing in the pool; but by evening I just couldn't resist the beckoning ocean. A blanket of abundant twinkling stars above us & the dark, mysterious mass of water pulsing in front of us. Like my hair unraveling & twirling in the ripping wind my mind was unwinding to the smell of salt, sea & sand. All I wanted to & did was close my eyes, spread my arms & soak in the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, heavenly!!
After the wonderful weekend getaway, Sunday morning we were whisked away to the soothing green city of Al Ain. And here I am now, waiting to go home, as I'm craving a home cooked meal. Don't get me wrong love the break, but it's been long (6 days to be exact) since I've relished the comforting aromas of my kitchen, the texture of my chopping board & the balmy heat of food cooking in the pot.
In my defense my last home cooked meal cum snack was home-made Chicken mince rolls in yummy Vindaloo flavour; one bite and you keep wanting for more.
The dish 'Vindaloo' is the festive favourite in my community, a rich red gravy made with succulent pork. We are not much into red meat and hence Chicken is a constant substitute. The unique flavour of Vindaloo is enhanced by the vinegar in the gravy, hence this year for Christmas to make Vindaloo without vinegar for my Pa-in-law for medical reasons, was indeed a challenge. I consulted my all time favourite 3am friend - my Mum of course; she promptly suggested the use of lime juice as an alternative. The taste is marginally compromised but in the end to witness the relish on my Pa-in-law's face to enjoy the traditional dish on such a festive day was satisfying :D
Before I go, here's is a pic of my home-made Chicken mince rolls (trust me there is a selfish reason for adding the snap, so that I can look and last till tomorrow when I reach back home ;)
Cheers!!!
There are only two places befitting that oxymoron for me - ocean & mountains.
Born & brought up in the coastal city of Mumbai, which are flanked by sheltering Sahayadri mountains, I'm not surprised why I love such places.
In fact right now I'm perched on this lovely cane chair in the balcony, with my favourite cuppa goodness; with a sprawling view of the oasis city of Al Ain complete with the majestic Jebel Hafeet mountain on the horizon. I'm in my place of zen & bound to ramble; so you are duly warned.
Beginning last weekend, I've been on a travel spree. Friday saw us driving down with some friends to Fujairah - one of the seven Emirates, the the extreme end from Abu Dhabi and the only one touched by the Indian Ocean. Anticipation of going to a beach after 3 long years was mind-blowing, in spite of the fact beaches and me have similar reciprocation of the 'Cullens' - avoid in daytime!!
Relax, I'm not a vampire, I merely suffer from unbearable migraine headaches when in the sun (not just beaches anywhere in open sun), not something which can't be tackled by sunglasses, hats & sitting out in the shade, eh?
The drive itself was magical. Watching miles & miles of tarmac race along with us leaving behind some stunning, golden desert landscapes, filled me with deep melancholy, a wanderlust of some kind.
How else can you describe the cathartic feeling one gets, to gaze from the window of a speeding vehicle and watch a lazy, winding road ahead; flanked by nature on both sides; wanting it to never end.
I sorely missed my 'road trip' buddies back home with whom I've had many memorable trips; soaking in the beautiful countryside of the state of Maharashtra. Not the one to be moping about the fact, for I had charming company of friends made here UAE, soon we were singing ourselves hoarse - the usual antakshari combined with silly compositions to give 'coke studio' a run for their money.
Nearing destination; a delirious curve of the road got us the below view & evoked collective gasps from all of us.
Pretty cool, ain't it?
The beach resort was nice, lovely rooms, with decent landscaping & to top it all a pool close to the beach. The day went in just lazing in the pool; but by evening I just couldn't resist the beckoning ocean. A blanket of abundant twinkling stars above us & the dark, mysterious mass of water pulsing in front of us. Like my hair unraveling & twirling in the ripping wind my mind was unwinding to the smell of salt, sea & sand. All I wanted to & did was close my eyes, spread my arms & soak in the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, heavenly!!
After the wonderful weekend getaway, Sunday morning we were whisked away to the soothing green city of Al Ain. And here I am now, waiting to go home, as I'm craving a home cooked meal. Don't get me wrong love the break, but it's been long (6 days to be exact) since I've relished the comforting aromas of my kitchen, the texture of my chopping board & the balmy heat of food cooking in the pot.
In my defense my last home cooked meal cum snack was home-made Chicken mince rolls in yummy Vindaloo flavour; one bite and you keep wanting for more.
The dish 'Vindaloo' is the festive favourite in my community, a rich red gravy made with succulent pork. We are not much into red meat and hence Chicken is a constant substitute. The unique flavour of Vindaloo is enhanced by the vinegar in the gravy, hence this year for Christmas to make Vindaloo without vinegar for my Pa-in-law for medical reasons, was indeed a challenge. I consulted my all time favourite 3am friend - my Mum of course; she promptly suggested the use of lime juice as an alternative. The taste is marginally compromised but in the end to witness the relish on my Pa-in-law's face to enjoy the traditional dish on such a festive day was satisfying :D
Cheers!!!
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