Travels and thoughts

Oorgai is the catchphrase for South Indian pickles. It is a perfect combination of spices, tartness, and sweetness.  Oorgai is a must accompaniment for a South Indian meal. It adds the necessary zing. Oorgai (pickle) is not just an accompaniment but an emotion for most South Indians. A simple lime pickle (elamachangai oorgai) finishes one's meal with curd rice. Even today, it is a simple but tasty add-on to the curd rice dish, which has become quite popular with restaurants.  Traditionally, pickles were made at home. I remember my mother making these delicious pickles. She would wash the lemons, and our duty as kids was to wipe them dry. There should not be a drop of water in them, would be her instructions. She patiently sliced them and kept them in an earthen vessel called Jaadi. Every morning, I would see her peering inside the Jaari, shaking it vigorously, and giving it one whisk before the jaadi was shut. This would happen for a couple of days. Beyond that, I would l...

Most of our trips are either planned well in advance or impromptu. After losing Arvind's father, Arvind and I tried to recreate many of the wonderful trips we had with him. Nandi Hills was one such destination. When we traveled with him, he seemed aware of every overhanging rock, the number of hairpin bends on the road, the types of Mysore fig trees, and the ability to pose at Tipu's drop. From the archives.. the year is unknown.  Appa returns from the edge of Tipu's drop.  We began early at 0545 hours and drove through the eucalyptus-lined roads, breathing the clean eucalyptus air. Catching a glimpse of Nandi Hills surrounded by misty clouds was breathtaking. The streets were quite good through a single carriageway, very picturesque and incredibly romantic in the early morning sun. We had hoped to catch the morning sunrise from the mountain.  The charming morning views.    At Nandi Hills parking, we were delighted to discover no cars were allowed, and no plasti...