The Explorer of Miracles

Sunday, 16 March 2014

I Can Go Far For My Love!

Love & Marriage need couples to go far…

Especially as Love & Marriage come with "Side-Effects" just like a recent Bollywood movie advocated!

I can go far for my love.

Raghurajpur Art Speaks...

Odisha is a very rich state - both historically, archeologically, culturally and with its mineral wealth.

However, like many other states of Eastern India it is- uncared, unexplored, unappreciated...

Odisha is famous for many wonderful arts & crafts. Unfortunately, many people, even in the state of Odisha & in our country, India are not aware of the treasures...

One of the #IncredibleIndia crafts with motifs based on mythology, religion, folklore etc dating back to the 5th Century BC practiced by the talented Raghurajpur artists in Puri, Odisha, India, was on the edge and was clinging on for dear life and support...

Malaysia On My Mind!

The explorer in me has always wanted to visit Malaysia ever since I was in school.

For me, Malaysia is like India - a Kaleidoscope of cultures, races and religions where many languages are spoken.

Also, like India, Malaysia upholds 'Unity in Diversity'.

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Excuse Me!

"Sister, Miss!"- Names what they referred me as when I was alone.

"Aunty, Woman!"- They addressed me so when they spotted me with my kid!

Why can't they address “Lady / MADAM” every time?!

My 33-words Post for the Trifextra : Week 104

This week’s challenge: You’ve got exactly 33 words and one of the must be a palindrome. It’s a word or phrase that reads the same forwards and backwards. For example, words like mum, mom, refer or sexes etc. Or phrases, such as the one above; or ‘seven eves’ or ‘yo banana boy!’ For some palindromic inspiration and a huge list of them, check out http://www.palindromelist.net/

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Travel Smart!

To select one destination where I plan to visit in 2014,

I closed my eyes and visualized; there’s a lot to be seen…

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I became a “Sky-Scanner” as I quickly scanned the skies!

I zoomed in to my target- a blue planet greeted my eyes!!!

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I got my answer- Planet Earth is my lovely destination!

I wanna visit the whole world & travel smart under the Sun!

Wanna Visit All The Continents & Countries in our World!

No, I am not an Alien in a spaceship from outer Space!

Just a travel-junkie, a traveller on Earth for numbered days!

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I’m not Jadoo; but travel means wonders & magic for me!

Travelling, exploring & learning is fun & funky, you see!

As I am yet to earn a free trip in a World-Tour Contest,

I have to strategize & smartly plan my world-trip best!

Now I’m planning & saving money for my future-travel,

Future-ready sensibly as I have the world to unravel!

Teaching my kid & learning Geography lessons myself,

Reading all books, magazines, newspapers that can help!

Everyday a new land lures & beckons me with its magic..

The world of Books & Knowledge is my smart pick.

Guidebooks, Journals, E-zines, Newsletters,

Such #TravelSmart Materials are my resource!

In this Tech & e-world, I feel so very privileged,

Google-Panorama Views & Photo Spheres I'm blessed.

Famous landmarks & natural wonders to explore!

With beautiful 360° panoramas, heart wants more!

Wonders of the World & must-visit places are a click away,

No issues about thieves, reservations, seasons or night/day!

Any time is great for Travel as I #TravelSmart !

Safe & Economical e-experience that I heart!

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Lucky with the Travel Videos, Apps, Images & Stories,

Seated in my home, I can #TravelSmart with all these!

I literally see & explore places with Virtual Reality-

Though at one place, I can still say- "Veni, Vidi, Vici!"

For now, I’m travelling so; soon I'll have my fantasies for company...

Someday, I’ll travel for real to all places & a great explorer I’ll be!

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

My Prized Moments At Taj Bengal – I

Last week, we happily set out to the other side of the city to enjoy the Taj hospitality – a sumptuous couple lunch at The Hub, the coffee-shop.

From the moment we arrived, we were very well-taken care of by the charming Restaurant Manager of The Hub, Mr. Christopher Varghese, as well as all the friendly & efficient staff.

The Hub was voted as the 'Best All Day Dining Restaurant of Kolkata' by Times Food Guide.

The Lunch Buffet starts at 12:30 PM. When we arrived, there were a few guests already who were helping themselves to the treats in store.

The foodie in me was very glad & could hardly wait to indulge! Those dishes looked so appealing and there was such an amazing variety so artistically laid out that the photographer in me took over!

They say- “A picture speaks more than a thousand words.” Then, many pics tell many stories!

There were two Soups - One Veg & the other Non-Veg

There was a mind-boggling variety of Salads- Spoilt for choice for Veg and Non-Veg.

We had world cuisine on our platter!

Many Continental and Indian specialties with several more international favourites were available.

There were Mexican dishes- one spicy saucy gravy fish item & another was red kidney-beans (Rajma) in thick sauce. Taj Bengal had hosted a Mexican Food Festival some days ago and the Chef had learnt the preparation of the dishes.

There was Italian Pizza and hot breads along with Indian breads like Naan of different types.

Pizzas, pastas, panninis and focaccia are the signature dishes.

We tried the fresh-from-oven Garlic Naan & Butter Naan and the thin-crust Cheese Chicken Italian Pizza.

South-East Asian Style dishes were also there.

Andhra-style Indian dishes were there too- Curd rice, Mint Chutney, Potato dish, Andhra Chicken Curry etc.

Eastern India style Mustard fish was too yummy!

North-Indian style dishes were available too!

There were some drinks like ButterMilk and juices like Mixed Fruit Juice. As if this wasn’t enough, we were even offered a complimentary soft-drink! I settled for sweet Fresh-Lime Soda.

By this time, I had eaten enough of the main course (the effect of just sampling most of the dishes!) that there was no room in my tummy for desserts!

There were so many wondrous sweets and treats!

But, being a dessert-lover, I nevertheless ventured to dig into sweetness!

I need to visit again to try out all the desserts!

We got to meet the Chef too! Chef Ranjan personally asked us for feedback.

Chef Ranjan & I

Coming up in my next Post: My Prized Moments At Taj Bengal – II.

Do watch out to learn of my serendipitous post-lunch discovery there…

All these prized moments are courtesy- The Taj Bengal.

The foodie in me was super-delighted to win the grand prize in Taj Bengal’s Valentine’s Day Twitter Contest - #ValentineAtTaj.

Earlier I had visited to pick my special prize for being the Day1 Winner of the same contest. The heart-shaped chocolate cake from the Taj Bengal’s cake shop- La Patisserie was simply superb!