Marvel-ous

Went out shopping with my best friend in India.  Sripriya is generous, kind, funny and very patient with all my questions. We have similar tastes and it been nice to have someone to talk with.

She knows all the good places to go...

After shopping we went for coffee (Indian Kathlekhan Superior - grown and brewed locally) at Cafe Coffee Day.  While sitting there, we had the pleasure of watching and listening to the conversations of a couples first meeting for an arranged marriage.  We did the subtle 'pretend to take a picture' while taking a different picture...

 

Poor guy was asked by his potential mother-in-law what he thought of the girl.  He didn't say a word, he just did the Indian wobble.  LOL :D

 

Had a great night and when you see all the cool stuff I bring back, you can thank Priya!!



 

Little black dress

One of the good things about Canada is that we are not very news worthy.  The consistent lack of big drama is a good thing.  On the other hand, it is almost impossible to find out the hockey playoff updates, not even a tiny little line in the newspapers.....yet.....this dress will get a large section of the paper.  Won't it go away!! LOL :D

Oh Jiminy Cricket!

Over the last few weeks there has been a lot of cricket on TV because of the IPL (Indian Premier League) playoffs.  I have been following the Royal Challengers Bangalore.  When they win, I have been getting a really good fireworks display outside my window.

 

Tonight, I stayed up late watching the game on the big screen because RC made it to the semi finals. A very close game 1 run with 2 balls left. Unfortunately RC lost to the Chennai Super Kings. At least they are still ranked 3rd over all. Time to down a few Kingfishers (the owner of the team) :D

 

Cookoo for Coconut

Numerous medicinal properties of tender coconut water are:

1. Good for intestinal disturbances
2. Oral rehydration medium
3. Contains organic compounds possessing growth promoting properties
4. Keeps the body cool
5. Application on the body prevents prickly heat and summer boils and subsides the rashes caused by small pox, chicken pox, measles, etc.
6. Kills intestinal worms
7. Presence of saline and albumen makes it a good drink in cholera cases
8. Checks urinary infections
9. Excellent tonic for the old and sick
10. Cures malnourishment
11. Diuretic
12. Effective in the treatment of kidney and urethral stones
13. Can be injected intravenously in emergency case
14. Found as blood plasma substitute because it is sterile, does not produce heat, does not destroy red blood cells and is readily accepted by the body
15. Aids the quick absorption of the drugs and makes their peak concentration in the blood easier by its electrolytic effect
16. Urinary antiseptic and eliminates poisons in case of mineral poisoning

All that.....and it tastes good, especially on a 36 degree day!

Thanks Sunil for showing me the website before I had some, even though #6 was a bit eww and I love #9 lol :D

 

 

Moo-ve over

It is true that you will see cows on the street in India.  There are wild cows and farmer cows walking around.  It is common practice for some farmers to milk the cows in the morning and then let them roam.  Cows find their way to the market to eat discarded food or find their way to the dump to find something to eat.  Farmer cows will find their way back home at night or the farmer will come out searching for them.  Wild cows continue to roam the city streets.

They can create traffic issues or become a danger at night to drivers.

 

 

And watch out for the stampede!

 

De-Fence

I have noticed that the city is very much divided by walls or fences or gates.  Whether it is a company or residence or an empty field.  I have also noticed that the fences send a clear "keep out!" message.

 

 

Urban Oasis

Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar
(Maharaja of Mysore)

There is a large park called Cubbon Park in the heart of Bangalore city.  It is a beautifully landscaped park and is spread over 250 acres.  Named after the Viceroy of India, Sir Mark Cubbon. 

There are lots of statues and pathways throughout the park and it is a popular walking and resting place in the city.





Lalbagh Garden (The Red Garden)

Lalbagh Garden was completed by Tipu Sultan (the son of the Emperor of Mysore, Haider Ali).  It has one of the oldest rock formations on earth, believed to be 3000 million years old. 

There is an article the the newspaper that says that the rock is in danger of becoming a dump yard or a parking lot.  It was declared a national monument in 1975.  Save the rock!



While out exploring around my hotel, I came across a little urban oasis.  Filled with flowers and all types of birds that I couldn't even identify.   The Birds of Paradise flowers are taller than me.

 

Here is a sample of the beauty in the park.  I think I might spend a few more hours just sitting in this park.  It is so peaceful.