Fancy a Cuppa Tea!

In times of coffee breaks, tea break may seem an outdated concept, but tea drinking has not lost its charm. It is the second most consumed beverage in the world. Brewed in myriad ways, from an expensive and exotic drink of the elite to the famous Boston Tea Party to a popular drink of the masses.  Now a whole room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is dedicated to Tea, the quintessential British symbol from the drink from China.

India is the second-highest tea producer next to China. While the exact origin of tea is unknown, it is believed to have originated in northeast India, north Myanmar, and southwest China according to the UN. The myriad variations of making it range from the Masala tea with lots of milk to the typical English brewed one to the green Matcha to the Turkish one and the varied other tea varieties.

In life, there is no trouble so grave it cannot be diminished with a nicely brewed hot cup of tea which brings people together bringing joy and happiness in our lives. There is also something unique in tea that leads us into the world of quiet contemplation. So sit down, sip your tea slowly without rushing, and let it soothe your being. When you are feeling low and at odds with the world around you, brew a cup of tea and enjoy the magical fragrance as it offers the solace of its kind. You will see your troubles vanishing away.

Tea has been a cure for a long time in history encouraging us to steep and sip our way to good health in life. It has numerous health benefits. Even though many of the therapeutic benefits are yet not substantiated by science, it is high in antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols which help neutralise free radicals in the body, speed up metabolism, boosts the immune system, and have the ability to calm us down and refresh us. When you get your kind of tea when you are out of your home, it makes your day especially when life feels stormy and topsy-turvy, the hot brew will bring tranquility of its kind. It is a therapy for me, I enjoy turmeric tea in the early morning as it is anti-inflammatory, a cup of nicely brewed long-leaf darjeeling one refreshes my being, and a green one in the mid-morning boosts the metabolism while black tea in the afternoon improves the focus and chamomile before bed ensures good sleep at night. Tea with lemon and ginger soothes cold and flu, ginger tea settles the stomach and peppermint helps with digestion. With so many benefits in its kitty, it is truly the elixir of life. There are numerous ways to consume it and each household will have its unique one. The antioxidant levels of both green and black tea make it a popular drink with health-conscious people. 

UN may have its reasons to dedicate 21 May as an International Tea Day. The delectable ritual of preparing the tea, the sound of water bubbling, tea brewing, seeping, and pouring the champagne-coloured drink is therapeutic and meditative for me. In monsoons, Chai and pakora become a quintessential combination while you enjoy the pitter-platter of the rainfall. Cold winter mornings get enlivened as you sip the hot brew while warming your hands while holding the cup. 

When you have found someone to sit with and enjoy your tea, you have found a friend for life. At times, a cup of tea and the company of a good friend is the only therapy we need to take us out of distress as it makes everything better. Sometimes all you need is a cup of tea. 

Ek Garam Chai Ki Payali Ho……..

              AH! THE SPRING IS FINALLY HERE!

The warmth of the rising sun on a spring day awakens our beings as we watch for the signs of spring, the fragrance, growing hours of light, the increasing vibrancy of nature, shrinking of shadows, bluer skies, and get a feeling of renewal and rejuvenation. The dewdrops on the lush green grass, the clear blue spotless sky, and the sun shining bright enough to wake  everyone. The vibrant petunias, smiling pansies, and the summer periwinkle welcome the day with their brightness. The sparkling carpet of wild yellow oxalis blooming amongst the tender grass is inviting humming bees and butterflies to drink the nectar and rejoice.  I slowly hum the Poem by William Wordsworth,

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze………..

…….For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

You know spring is unfurling its magic when you wake up to the days full of light, the warm air emanating through the powdery white clouds, the sweet fragrance of the flowers brimming with the dew drops filling the air, and the sweet songs of the birds creating a symphony of music. The scattered burst of colour is all around to welcome the season offering steadiness in these uncertain times. So go out and get some daylight and enjoy the warm sunshine amongst the bountiful and colourful nature. Nature is an unmatched mood enhancer for humans, who love being in her company. Bright light is known to be as effective for depression as medicines, and light exposure during the day is good for our sleep too.

But the climate-troubled days have transposed the weather pattern. Spring was waking up at the end of the winter when it swiftly moved to summer with the temperature rise, and the sudden outburst of rain in the plains and snow in the mountains cooled the temperatures pushing it further away from it. This is terrifying and a stark reminder of the threat to the environment. One wonders why this is not an extensional threat enough to work on climate change. The resilience of nature has a lesson or two for humans as there is no sign of remorse anywhere amongst nature while the lush green trees are swaying in the morning breeze. 

 The Crocus flower, a harbinger of spring is a reminder that no matter how harsh is the winter, spring always returns to the new beginnings of new greens and fragrant air. It rejuvenates our hearts and refreshes our being. We are full of freshness with a heart full of hope and spring in our steps in the cool sunshine of this weather. The world around us is alive with the sweet fragrance and freshness of nature. The heart heals and begins anew when amongst the freshness of nature in springtime. 

                        GRATITUDE

            House Facades Reflect Personality 

Do you ever, like me, love observing houses while out for a walk? You would notice that house facades reflect the inner personalities of the people residing in them, and you can presume their persona by a mere glance. 

A spruced-up soldierly garden echoes the orderly life of a retired army officer occupying the house. A recently constructed posh one with no plants is not the abode of an environmentalist; in contrast, a non-distinct house, with a huge garden and an orchard has an ardent lover of nature residing inside. Shabby chic exterior points to the art enthusiast who loves all things vintage, while unembellished exteriors house a methodical and unpretentious individual there. 

Overgrown creepers, the grass gone wild, and unkept trees camouflaging the parked car, a deserted house. Exotic palms, flowering bushes, and the numerous fruit trees amidst the overgrown plants speak of the interest of the long-gone owners. The closed doors and windows jammed by the creepers hold the stories of people who lived here.  

A simple yet orderly dwelling with minimum plants built generations ago speaks of the elderly retired people living there while a fort-like design with high walls and an arched main gate demonstrate the love of all things royal for the owner.

An extraordinary creative facade has an architect residing there. Prim and properly painted mansion with an overpowering guard box is of a person with a suitable status and wealth. A recently restored house, a mix of traditional and contemporary, with several outdoor seating areas, belongs to someone who treasures the outdoors and is modern yet rooted in tradition.

The identical government houses of the services or the other government employees are similar yet distinct as they reflect the essence of the owner living there. These houses get transformed with every new resident. 

The scenario changes when you see identical multi-story houses in the metros. Zoom in a little closer to the entrance of the flat to understand the persona of the house owner. While you wait for the owner to open the door, you can guess the personality while observing the entrance to the flat. Specks of greenery from far will tell you that the house belongs to a plant lover. An artistic entrance with a curated door and paintings on the wall is an abode of the artist. 

I returned home after a walk and wondered whether it reflected our personality. It does. Homes are the extension of our characters, and the unique differences and complexities make them beautiful. We choose the colours, designs, and patterns according to our choice that dictates everything. Our abodes are our refuge and shelter, reflecting our inner world, which gets shaped through time and experience but never changes completely. 

Our homes are defined and shaped by the personality that dictates what pattern we follow to make the house a home. There is no place like home as it is a piece of our heaven.  

(Pictures from Google)

                      Lets go on a Joyride……

The time appeared to have stopped at the Kalka Station, where my brother and I stood with our father, foreseeing the thrill of a journey on a toy train to Shimla. We were not small kids, and, this was not our maiden trip, but the memory is still fresh. The enigma of travelling on this heritage train was mesmerising. The heritage train, built in 1903, covers 102 tunnels and many bridges while traversing the hills where pines, oaks, and deodars add to the breathtaking view as the train slowly meanders toward the mountains. The hide-and-seek of darkness and light in the tunnel in the mountains is mesmerising.

The picturesque Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the majestic facade of the Kanpur railway station, and the preserved heritage at the Kolkata or the Lucknow stations speak volumes of the significance of railways in the past, which has somewhat diminished in today’s fast-moving times. Train excursions seem remote and minuscule in the time of air travel. There is no match to the enchanting train ride with its deliberate slow movements, the film of the sooted, crowded cities threaded by the vast green fields with its everyday clamour running in front of our eyes appearing magical. The crisscrossing train across the picturesque hills in the North, the dense forests of the East, the vast deserts of the West, and the seaside beaches in the South of India are captivating. We disembark on train journeys in the expectation of finding new places, and there is a thrill of discovering places and the inexplicable happiness these rides give us. The rhythm of the rambling train traversing the ever-changing terrain of faraway towns and villages, historic cities, expansive coastlines, or rugged mountains is a visual treat. My childhood passion for the window seat still stays as my heart fills with wonder as I see the world pass by. 

The famous Darjeeling toy train merges with the road or runs parallel to the tracks, as it slowly meanders like a snake toward the rising hills. In the quaint villages in the mountains, one often comes across small children innocently waving to the passing train. The moving scenic beauty and the cool fresh air refresh the mind while we catch glimpses of the surreal backdrop and the expanding horizons. We form connections with the places we visit and the people we meet during the journey, and find friends for life.

Nilgiri Mountain train, made iconic with the Chaiya Chaiya song, with its quaint heritage train traversing through lush greens meadows, alluring valleys, and rolling hills  is worth  a visit when one is in Tamil Nadu. While on a memorable train journey from Pune to Mumbai, the moving images of the concrete jungles lulled me to sleep.  I woke up surrounded by the towering mountains of Lonavala looming large, and the breathtaking view refreshed my being as the rattling train traversed through the mountains. The ease of the train journeys opens the door to a new vista of a world of its kind,  a great way to experience  varied and vast landscape of our country. 

People moving hurriedly or eagerly waiting, coolies vying to catch the prospective customer, the lone bookstore hoping for customers in the internet era, the echoes of the voices of the rushing hawkers, and the lingering fragrance of the food spread around the place. You observe and reflect on how you fit in this expanse of life while the slow-moving scenery forms the backdrop. These journeys are full of promise, take you to your inner realms to rediscover yourself, a rejuvenating mental elixir. 

It is a great way to explore the places while on a road trip, a rage these days thanks to the shared experiences of people on the social media.  With technology coming to our aid, it is easier to plan the  road trips. The GPS and the online maps ensure you plan a trip to precision to discover the places on your bucket list. These expeditions offer flexibility and are a great way to destress and clear your head from the daily grind to come back rejuvenated. There is a joy in exploring the desired places at your own pace while you enjoy the journey listening to your favourite music in your earphones. Who would not mind seeing the countryside, the historical places, or discovering the local food as you move at the desired pace? 

When you set on a journey, you enjoy the kaleidoscope of landscapes where the world rumbles by, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. 

Pictures from Google

 WHERE BOYS TURN GENTLEMEN.....

Family reunion… Destination… Alma mater…National Defence Academy Pune. 

This was no ordinary reunion. The boys who turned gentlemen years ago could stay in their cadet cabins with their wives to relive their days and go down memory lane. The giddy enthusiasm on the faces of these fifty-plus men was evidently visible as  they were cadets once again. 

The trip from the Airport to the Academy seemed forever for my husband, and the moment our cab landed at the Squadron gate, his buddies in the near vicinity rushed to the car to help us unload our stuff to join them for the first reunion lunch. There were serving Lt Generals on this trip who did not bat an eyelid to pick up a suitcase to carefully deposit it inside the squadron, while the taxi driver was  astonished by the excited voice of greetings around the place. The architectural elegance of these imposing buildings created a perfect backdrop to this reunion. 

Course mates is a tribe that defies definition and does not wane or wax with time as the time spent in rigorous training seals the bond forever. Grandfather retired from the services, and a serving grandson will have the same josh meeting a course mate. The commitment, chivalry, and camaraderie are incomparable, as they are forever friends regardless of the circumstances. They may meet infrequently, but a warm hug with an academy nickname melts away the time. For this band of brothers, responsible army men who risk their lives to protect their motherland, rank has no meaning when they are with their buddies. 

Time  flew by during the lunch, and all you could hear were laughs and greetings. There is a parallel fraternity of wives that has come into being over the years of interacting with each other who were looking for familiar faces, exchanging greetings, and catching up on the happenings in each other's lives. Post lunch, we visited NDA in their buses which took us to Peacock Bay, the Equestrian training area, and many other places while we heard live commentary from the gentlemen who had turned cadets for this trip. 

The spirit of not giving up on these men in the forces was displayed here. My phone slipped and fell in Peacock Bay, the diver retrieved it from the muddy water, and astonishingly in working condition. Of course, it did not last after staying in the water which is another story. 

The setup of cadet cabins in the Squadrons was a big surprise for us ladies. We were getting a chance to stay a fraction of the life of a cadet, and we loved it completely. The fun-filled evening and the laughter continued late in the night when we heard amazing stories from the horses' mouths. The icing on the cake was the sweet sound of the pipers walking through the corridors to wake us up in the morning, and we felt like royalty, nothing less than the Queen.

Royal breakfast at the Cadet Mess followed the wreath laying and paying homage to the brave hearts at the sacred Hut of Remembrance, built by the cadets, commemorating the sacrifices of all those alumni who laid down their lives for the motherland. The sanctity of this place is well maintained, which is felt by the peace and calm around it. Later, we visited  the historic Sudan Block, an iconic image of the Academy, and we watched the screening of the Course Movie. The brave wives of the brother officers who are no longer amongst us agreed to be with us on this get-together and were honoured in memory of their gallant husbands.

The highlight at tea time was the quintessential cold coffee of the NDA. No one was interested in eating as they all vied for the stall of cold coffee. An informal lunch at the picturesque Peacock Bay gave us an occasion to relax, catch up with old friends and forge new friendships. The vast expanse of Khadakwasla Lake was the ideal setting. Going for a walk post lunch to the Gole Market and hearing  the stories was a treat and rest was not on our minds.

Chatting over cups of coffee and then rushing from one event to the other along with these giddy young cadets, time just flew by, and it was time for the  dinner  in the cadet mess. An immense opportunity for us where musical evening continued so late that the jazz band in charge felt entertained when he had come to entertain us. The highlight of the lavish sit-down dinner was The Tipsy Pudding of the Cadet Mess, which none of them will miss for anything, and no one can make it better than this place. 

They say whatever is done in the forces is practised to perfection. The farewell breakfast was a lavish affair around the beautiful greens of the Golf course. A perfect send-off for this trip as we carried a bag full of memories of this unique experience. 

IMAGES from Google

                 KHUSHBOO AUR YAADEIN

The fragrance of Ponds cream evokes childhood memories, and I visualise my mom applying it on my face in winter, a comforting blanket of mother’s love.  The stress of the day just withers away, and there is a sense of calm. Smells echo comfort, safety bringing a sense of security and solace into one’s life. Miti ki Khushboo after the first rain in summer can bring a smile to any stressed person. Smell and memory have a link with the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain. It is hard-wired to memory, and nothing can bring back a memory like the familiar fragrance as the strong sense of smell is associated with well-being. 

The anatomy of the brain, allows olfactory signals to get to the limbic system very quickly so that is why smell and memory are closely linked. The Proust effect studies the exceptional ability of scents to trigger memories and how close is the olfactory processing system to memory in the brain. The nostalgic fragrant memories knock on the door of childhood memories. Fragrances of our childhood are our anchor of happiness when the going gets tough in life. The sweet aroma of kheer produces a déjà vu of my grandmother’s kitchen, and I lose myself in her memories.

The smell of the crackers burning can take you back to carefree childhood days while bringing the fervour of festival time of Diwali. Whenever I bake a cake, the atmosphere brings back the laughter of my friends from my youth. You go on a time travel with the nostalgia of fragrances. The aromatic carpet of pristine white Har Singar takes me back to where I discovered them first and fell in love with those flowers and I relive the joy of those days. 

While older people may find joy in the fragrance of pine or freshly baked bread, the millennials may find a connection with the whiff of freshly brewed coffee. Our growing up years and the atmosphere affects which fragrances bring nostalgia unique to each of us. The smell of fresh-cut grass or old books will bring in nostalgic memories for people who like reading books or love being in nature.

The aroma of food is the smell of home triggering a sense of comfort in anyone. The smell of chalk or the crayon takes us to a happy-go -lucky time in the classrooms, while the salty smell of the sea takes one to the seaside trips and how freshly sun-dried linen is so refreshing. One of the happiest scents for anyone is the fragrance of a baby. 

Pleasant memories can improve mood and reduce stress which is good for our mental health.  It fosters greater  confidence and enhances creativity. An early detection of Alzheimer’s disease through the diminishing sense of smell can help to start the treatment earlier. An olfactory recall is incredible, as small airborne molecules are so powerful to impact our feelings and spark a flood of reminiscences.

Images from Google