'The Cloud Book - write your story' is the virtual journal where people from all corners of this world are invited to write their 'never expressed' thoughts. We should bring all those thoughts to sunlight. They shall be written in this book of clouds.....and they shall live their lives. The Cloud Book - write your story - is the REFUGE where all those 'Never writtens' flock.... because they believe - one day they will surely get their wings to fly along with the clouds
Friday, September 11, 2015
Africa - my love and life, by Abhijit Sengupta
I took my first trip to the continent in 2005 and since then I’ve been around the world and back again. But nowhere on the planet captivates me in the way that Africa does. From the crazy, sweaty heat of the big cities, to the great open plains of the national parks, mysterious Africa is sure to excite and intrigue even the most intrepid of explorers.
When I tell people that I travel solo, they’re often a little surprised.
“But isn’t Africa… dangerous?” they ask.
News reports and adverts from aid agencies would have you believe that all there is to Africa is disease, hunger and war. Africa does have its fair share of problems and there are parts that are dangerous, but it isn’t all like this. In-fact, far from it in most places.
Travelling and working in Africa is challenging and rewarding in equal measures which is why I am penning down my memories, to share my stories, to inspire people to visit and to help dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding the continent.
My trip to Zambia, a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by 8 other countries; Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Angola.
I fell in love with Zambia quickly and to this day, one of my favourite Country in the world. There are so many reasons why I love it so much, but here’s a small selection…
1. VICTORIA FALLS
The first European to clap eyes on the waterfall, Scotsman David Livingstone was so enamoured by what he saw, he wrote:
“Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
He named them, Victoria Falls after Queen Victoria, but they are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.
When the water level is high, mist can be seen rising into the air from miles around, accompanied by a tremendous roar as the water pours into the gorge below.
The park is open all year round, but you might be surprised how much difference a few months can make. In May the falls are in full flow, by October, they’ve dried up to a dribble (no smoke OR thunder). But they’re no less spectacular, water or not. Taking the trip in the dry season allows you to see the full magnitude of the gorge without getting soaked, as well as take a trip to the Devil’s Pool, something you can’t do when the water level is higher.
2. AFTERNOON TEA AT THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE
If you’re looking for a little bit of luxury during your Zambia trip I know the perfect place to find it.
1okm outside of Livingstone town, on the banks of the Zambezi, stands The Royal Livingstone, a luxurious 5 star + hotel. Every day, they serve afternoon tea in beautiful china cups and accompanied by all the cake you can eat.
Occasionally zebra or giraffe wonder into the grounds and monkeys frolic on the grass. If you’re not careful, they may even steal a bit of your cake! As the sun sets, guests are invited to head down to the deck to watch the day fade into night and sip cocktails as a flutist plays a hypnotic tune. Somewhere in the distance you hear the soft bellowing of a hippo. But if you’re really lucky, you may even see an elephant or two crossing the river.
Head over around 3 to get your fill of cake, as the sun sets early in Zambia, between 5.30pm and 7pm.
3. RAFTING THE MIGHTY ZAMBEZI
White water rafting is a thrilling experience and there’s nowhere better than the Zambezi. Whilst you can raft all year round, the best time is the low water season (July – January) when the river at its most ferocious.
Starting in the Boiling Pot near the base of the Victoria Falls, you’ll make your way down river, negotiating 25 rapids with names like Stairway to Heaven, Midnight Diner and Oblivion. The river also has a number of Grade 5 rapids, the highest possible for commercial rafting. Trips can take over one day or several days, allowing you to camp on the riverbank. Whatever happens, it will be an adventure
4. VICTORIA FALLS FROM THE AIR
From the ground they are stunning, but from the air, Victoria Falls will take your breath away.
If you’re flying into Livingstone, you’ll no doubt get a good look at the Falls, and every pilot I’ve flown with has pointed them out.
Helicopter rides can also be arranged, or if you like the wind in your hair and are feeling extra brave, micro light aircrafts is sure to give you one of the most exhilarating hours of your life. Check out this view.
5. CRUISING THROUGH ZAMBEZI RIVER
Taking a sunset cruise down the Zambezi is a great way to see the river and the animals that live in and near it.
A number of operators offer boat trips with food and drink included. As you sail up river, you’re likely to see animals such as crocs, monitor lizards and plenty of birds, including Zambia’s national bird and one of my favourites, the fish eagle. Hippos watch you warily as you pass and you’re likely to see elephants or giraffes drinking at the water’s edge.
6. SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
I’ve visited over 20 national parks and reserves in Africa, and they’re all wonderful in their own way. But South Luangwa in eastern Zambia is my favourite. It has all the wildlife that you could possibly want to see: lions, leopards, zebra, elephants, giraffe… the whole gang are there. And it’s much quieter than the Serengeti, Masai Mara or Kruger.
It’s also the place where I spent one of the best days of my life. The rest of my friends had gone off on an early morning game drive, whilst I decided to sit and watch the sunrise by the river. After being mugged by some monkeys, who stole my breakfast, I turned around to see a matriarch elephant leading her family across the open plain.
Later that day, while relaxing by the pool, 3 elephants came trundling through the camp, causing everyone to scatter. A little bit scary, but mostly exciting. It was the closest I’ve ever been to an elephant whilst not in a safari truck.
7. TAKING THE TAZARA TRAIN
Taking the train is undoubtedly one of the best ways to travel and the 2-day Tazara train, which runs from Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and vice versa, is a wonderful way to see the country.
Whole villages come out to see the trains, waving as you pass. When we stopped, I enjoyed hopping off the train to buy bananas and water, play games with the kids and practice my Swahili chatting with the locals. They would giggle as I mispronounced the words, but they loved that I tried. It’s not the most luxurious way to travel, and my train arrived 24 hours late (African standard time – it grows on you), so don’t expect comfort, but do expect an unforgettable adventure.
8. COWBOY CLIFF’S CYCLING TOURS
Cliff Sitwala, a local Livingstone social entrepreneur, had a vision for the compound where he lived. His idea was simple. He would buy some bikes and offer cycling tours to tourists in the area, and with the profits, he would build a school.
The tours take you through areas that you might not otherwise visit, including a number of villages, local markets, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and to the Local Cowboy Preschool itself. It’s a great way to see the real Zambia.
9. STAYING ON A HOUSEBOAT ON LAKE KARIBA
Lake Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake and a popular stop for overland groups who spend a night or two upon a houseboat. The lake is unbelievably tranquil, stretching as far as the eye can see, a perfect place to relax and unwind.
It’s a great spot for fishing too, with fish like Tiger Fish and Bream in abundance. At night, the lake twinkles with a thousand lights, from boats fishing for kapenta, which will be dried and sold at the markets.
10. PEOPLE
Last, but crtainly not least – the people. Zambians are some of the friendliest people you could ever meet. As you drive through the both city and countryside, people wave and smile and are always willing to help you out or have a chat.
Zambia is a beautiful country with so much to offer, I can’t wait to return.
Author Abhijit Sengupta is a management professional based in Calcutta, India, working with Emami in their International Marketing Division. Over the past twenty-three years, he has worked in a number of companies, including Coca-Cola, Raymond, Johnson & Johnson and Hindustan Unilever. He has travelled across the world extensively, he is a keen observer of human behavior, and he loves to write about his travel experiences.
Photo curtsey : Author
Chhanar pudding
ছানার পুডিং
Recipe By Rimi Rahman
উপকরণ : ছানা ২ কাপ, গুড়ো দুধ ১কাপ,চিনি ১কাপ,পানি ১ কাপ, ৪ টি ডিমের সাদা অংশ
তৈরী : টাইট ঢাকনার বাটিতে ঘি ব্রাশ করবেন...সব উপকরণ একসাথে ব্লেন্ড করে বাটিতে ঢেলে দিবেন ,একটি ডেকচিতে পানি দিয়ে বাটির মুখ খুব ভালোভাবে আটকিয়ে উপরে ভারি কিছু দিয়ে বাটিটা ভাপে রেখে দিবেন ১ ঘন্টা .... খেয়াল রাখবেন ডেকচির পানি যেনো শুকিয়ে না যায় .... অল্প অল্প করে পানি দিবেন, পুডিং হয়ে গেলে ছুরি দিয়ে চারপাশ কেটে একটি প্লেটে উল্টিয়ে দিন.... পরিবেশন এর সময় সুইট বল ছিটিয়ে দিতে পারেন
Collected from internet.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Water Therapy
Water therapy:
DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3.. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)
2. Gastric (10 days)
3. Diabetes (30 days)
4. Constipation (10 days)
5. Cancer (180 days)
6. TB (90 days)
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily..
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.
Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks:
• Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting,
• Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
• You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
• Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
• 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
• Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.
PLEASE DON'T IGNORE SHARE IT. THIS MIGHT SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE.
JOIN US FOR MORE http://www.facebook.com/thenaturesfarmacy
5 Extraordinary destinations close & not-so-close to Delhi, Victor Ghoshe
Places that aren’t yet well known may have some drawbacks, like scarcity of activities after sun down and extravagant accommodation options. However, the much needed peace and tranquility is guaranteed.
So, here are few of the offbeat places near and not-so-near Delhi that many tourists haven’t discovered yet:
1. Pangot- A birdwatcher’s trove
A charming little hill town located in the Nainital district of Uttaranchal, Pangot is like a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. With around 580 bird species been recorded in this area, you are bound to encounter a few fluttering colourful feathers. Even though it’s counted as one of the offbeat places around Delhi, the resorts here are gorgeous and will make your holiday worthwhile.
Nearest Railway station: Kathgodam
2. Binsar- Towering peaks to roaring predators
Binsar is breathtakingly surreal! From the vivid view of the Trisul and Nanda Devi to its lush wildlife sanctuary, Binsar has it all to lure your wanderlust. Perched up at 2400 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest hill station in the Kumaon region. It’s still one of the fairly offbeat destinations around Delhi that is not yet commercialized by tourists.
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam
3. Fagu- A hamlet of stone houses
4. Darang- A whiff of freshness and refreshment
Another Himalayan beauty, Darang is located near Mcleodganj on the road to Palampur. Walk through lush tea gardens rolling over the hills and mesmerize to the sound of toads and chirping of birds. It is one of the offbeat holiday destinations not so near Delhi from where you can view the majestic Dhauladhars standing tall over the delightful hamlet.
5. Pithoragarh- Where the gods chill
Pithoragarh’s beauty is beyond explanation. Surrounded by towering snow clad peaks, alpine forests and green valley and perennial rivers, it is definitely one of the most gorgeous offbeat places near Delhi that is still un-spoilt by commercialism. Make sure to visit the mesmerizing Soar Valley.
"Meghmuluker Gaan" - Songs from the could-land by Proiti sil acharya
"Meghmuluker Gaan"
Songs from the could-land
On the 27th of June, a group of friends got together to celebrate the spirit of monsoon through Bengali music. The programme, titled "Meghmuluker Gaan" ( Songs from the land of clouds) was held at Pt. Subhankar Banerjee's residence. It was anchored by songwriter Arna Seal and vocalist Srikanto Acharya. The participant vocalists were Oishani, Hiya, Pratyay, Samyabrata, Titir, Dithi and Mohul. They were accompanied by Hrid on the tabla. Suvendu Shekhar Das supported the young group on the keyboard.
The songs selected for the event were mostly Bengali modern songs- composed and recorded in and after 2000. A Rabindrasangeet also found itself in the song list, along with an original composition by two of the performing vocalists.
This programme, held in the form of a homely 'jolsha' was appreciated by the small but select audience.
Photo credit - Prajna Bandyopadhyay
Songs from the could-land
On the 27th of June, a group of friends got together to celebrate the spirit of monsoon through Bengali music. The programme, titled "Meghmuluker Gaan" ( Songs from the land of clouds) was held at Pt. Subhankar Banerjee's residence. It was anchored by songwriter Arna Seal and vocalist Srikanto Acharya. The participant vocalists were Oishani, Hiya, Pratyay, Samyabrata, Titir, Dithi and Mohul. They were accompanied by Hrid on the tabla. Suvendu Shekhar Das supported the young group on the keyboard.
The songs selected for the event were mostly Bengali modern songs- composed and recorded in and after 2000. A Rabindrasangeet also found itself in the song list, along with an original composition by two of the performing vocalists.
This programme, held in the form of a homely 'jolsha' was appreciated by the small but select audience.
Photo credit - Prajna Bandyopadhyay
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
A Colorful New Year wish to all the friends of Megher Khata
Standing at the first month the year...
2015 looks plain ......let's color it...
And let's color it GOOD !!!
From the - Megher Khata Archives
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Half Katori Wi-Fi by Surajit Guha
Relationship with our Neighbours - the more it changes, the more it remains the same.
As I was growing up in a small cosmopolitan Steel Township, our neighbours played a very important role. I discovered amazing food wonderlands: steaming Idli, appam, crispy dosa from Iyer Aunty; lip-smacking Litti Choka from Dubey mousi, Punjabi paratha from Baskshi aunty… and the memory list is endless; a few of them took special liking for me for my good-student, good-boy reputation and I used to get special treats at their places.
It was long before the days of free-home-delivery. So if a padoshi aunty used to run out of Sugar in the middle of kheer making, obedient neighbourhood kids like me came to the rescue. Such requests were made over the flimsy fence. Immediately, I was rushed with a small stainless steel container of sugar, baking powder, dry imli, jaggery, coconut grater… it could be anything that was needed ‘Thoda sa and Now’. And I knew soon after the free home delivery, an equal amount of love in the form of yumminess would come in a return bowl for me. This ‘stainless steel container exchange program’ was also the precise indicator of the bilateral relationship between two families in the neighbourhood. In fact for most of us they were our family next door.
Today we share likes, smileys and recipe ingredients mostly online. Our offline connections with neighbours are limited at best.
But the other night my cordial phoren-return padosi called me with a unique request. “Surajit, can I use thoda sa your wi-fi?” With some internal introspection, the small town guy inside me won over the cynical city-zen and I extended the courtesy. And in return I got a smiling, cheerful family on the adjacent balcony.
Cheers to all my past-present and future Padoshis. Wi-fi never connected me better!
Writer Surajit Guha is a political Science graduate and a certified behavior-change soft skills trainer, Surajit has a
passion for live audience interaction and has been doing theatre in India and abroad.
In 2000, he took the challenge with a team to set up the Shell business at a JWT Associate
Agency in Muscat. After awesome experience and award winning work in an alien country, Surajit
came to India to popularize KFC in Jalandhar in 2005. Delivered Pizza to promote Cisco
Enterprise Solutions and did conceptualized campaigns across IT and non-IT industry sectors at
Solutions Publicis till 2007. Came to JWT-rmg connect and organized Police raid at college
campuses to promote Nokia Mobile Money and went to dodgy coaching centres to write film scripts
for Pearson. Joined Bates CHI Sercon in 2012 and is helping create memorable content around
Intelligent Activation and Digital experiences such as a Talking Bottle that interacts with
Seagram's Imperial Blue Whisky customers .
Surajit believes inside every guy in a suit, there’s a kid in a t-shirt restless to come out.
Enjoy the journey, cheers.
Malawi – the warm heart of Africa by Abhijit Sengupta
Well, for me its been a life full of journeys and many of the places I have seen.... has given me moments of bliss.... that I could save in my heart. Surely enough Malawi stays somewhere on the top of my list - The Warm Heart of Africa.
Malawi - the Heart is beating faster now and the legendary welcome is there for all who wish to experience the unrivalled combination of Lake, Landscape, Wildlife & Culture in one of Central Africa's most beautiful and compact countries.
Malawi is a land locked country, in the Great Rift Valley; about 30% of its area is taken by the picturesque Lake Malawi, which runs along the North East edge. To the south of the country, Mt Mulanje, Central Africa's highest peak, towers above the plains. In the North is the Nyika Plateau, a vast expanse of rolling hills, dotted with herds of zebra and antelope. Scattered through Malawi's varied landscape are several Game reserves and Parks where the big five can still be spotted. In the middle of the country and only 1 1/2 hours from the lake shore is the capital city of Lilongwe.
Lilongwe
Lilongwe is a small city, scattered over a large area. It has two centers, old and new. In the new side, City Centre, you will find offices, banks and government Embassies separated by well-kept gardens and grassy areas. In old town you will find a vast bustling market and the chaotic mini-bus terminus, it is busy here, and there is plenty to be seen.
The Lake
There are many beautiful places to visit along Malawi's lake shore, either camping or staying in hotels or hostels. My picks are here for you.
Nkhata Bay
The small, bustling town of Nkhata Bay is cradled among the hills of the northern lakeshore. In front of the town a peninsula where Ilala ferry docks, juts into the lake. Although local 'tour guides' are a nuisance, Nkhata Bay is a lovely place to visit and offers a good balance of activities and relaxation.
Njaya Lodge - Perched serenely on a hilltop above the lake, this place is legendary on the travellers grapevine. The chalets range from simple without bathroom to comfortable with bathroom. The bar and restaurant open onto a wide terrace with a magnificent view.
Monkey Bay
This small port, at the southern end of lake Malawi, is home to a large and animated monkey population. It is also home to theIlala, the trusty passenger ferry that has been chugging slowly up and down the lake for more than 50 years. Most visitors arrive or depart on the Ilala, from the deck you will get a unique view of Malawi as the ferry calls at isolated villages, loading and offloading its intriguing cargo of fish, bicycles, goats and furniture.
Nyika National Park
Shrouded in peaceful solitude amid an expanse of waving grass and rolling hills the Nyika Plateau is protected by the Nyika National Park. The park is home to the rare roan antelope as well as many other grazing animals. The air is pure and there is a special kind of beauty in the barrenness of the plateau. On clear days the views from the edge of the plateau are endless. Although you won't see the bigger animals you see in other parks, the distinctive feature of Nyika is the romantic landscape. As you approach Giraffe, Antelope and Zebra will watch warily from a distance or gallop off into the safety of the tall pine forests around the camp.
Once inside the park you can arrange day walks or hikes that last all week, horseback safaris or drives with a ranger.
Liwonde National Park
A few kilometers south of Lake Malawi, Liwonde national park is a fine wilderness area. A boat trip of the wide River Shire, which meanders lazily through the park, is a great way to explore. You can watch floating islands of weed slip past on the smooth current, birds building their nests in the reeds, snorting hippos and snoozing crocks.
As well as its river dwelling creatures Liwonde is known for its large elephant population. You'll also see plenty of Antelope species and warthog. If you are lucky you may even spot a lion or leopard. There's also a rhino breeding program close to Mvuu Camp. It's best to visit in the dry season when the roads are more accessible and animals are easier to spot.
Mvuu Camp - This beautiful camp is perched on the riverbank in the northern part of the park. It has comfortably furnished chalets and roomy walk-in tents with bathrooms. There's a large thatched restaurant and bar overlooking the river.
Blantyre
Malawi's commercial capital, Blantyre was named after a town near Glasgow in Scotland, the birthplace of David Livingstone. The city is spread out along Chilembwe Hwy to the point where it merges into its 'sister city', Limbe. The city centre, however, hemmed into a triangle by Victoria Ave, Haile Selassie and Glyn Jones Rds is very compact and most places of interest are within easy walking distance.
There are so many places to see in this beautiful world.... but then again the time is so short....
shall we start packing today.... !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)