Brown Motion

Traveler’s diarrhea has been defined as "an increase in frequency of bowel movements to three or more loose stools per day during a trip abroad, usually to a less economically developed region". A good friend of ours took the same itinerary as ours when visiting the Janmabhoomi or motherland of India this winter.   They imbibed as did we in the local street side flavors - aka chaat, pohe, wade and the like including some choice beverages only to be found in India. One such beverage the USACHA raas not to be confused with anything American is actually raw sugarcane juice - an amazing treat anytime in India - preferably chilled with a hint of ginger, lemon and mint. Said chilling (can have many meanings as we discover) can be achieved through use of frozen cane that is crushed with cold lemons and ginger in a grinder to yield the liquid magic or by use of ice rocks added after. "Ey Thanda Coldring" stall in Goa Our family enjoyed this treat in Ma...

This is a photo essay to showcase some people across the planet in their day to day moments.  Life as they say - goes on - and I was fortunate to witness part of different lifestyles and perhaps learn a little of what makes someone tick. Lot of people spend time praying - for something or someone - in myriad ways native to a culture.  Lot of people work for very little and yet seem to have a smile.  Harsh weather, sparse resources, no matter they maintain their lifestyle and seem content. Perhaps there is something to that. 15 days of chanting through the new year - to ask for forgiveness and blessings and prayers for all - Robed pujaris and commoners in a Maath in Hubli Karnataka, India Easter Sunday in Plaza Mayor in Lima Peru Writing prayers on a wooden message card at a shrine in Japan Candy walla - stringing it out - Bali Indonesia Impromptu fish market in Panaji Goa, India Thirsty in a Kimono, Tokyo Japan Surfs up in Bali, Indones...

As in along the river (Tungabhadra) bank lies the temple city of Hampi. Northern Karnataka state in central India is where we find this village that thrived under the domain of several kings including Harihar I and onto and in early 16th century King Krishnadevraya who defeated several attempts by Mughal warriors to lay siege. Over the 7th through 16th century many temples were added along the river bank with the famous one being devoted to Lord Shiva.  He is also known as Pampa and a derivation of the word was made into Hampi. Shiva, his consort Parvati and son Ganesh are all enclosed in the main temple complex called Virupaksha at the western end of the village.  Visitors can walk the hills around this temple complex before proceeding along the southern bank of the river to the eastern end where the large Vitthala temple sits along with an amazing stone chariot. Nandi (Bull) guards the eastern gate or gopuram to Virupaksha temple Virupaksha seen from adjacent...

How old is Goa?  Where is Goa?  What is Goa? To the uninformed all legit questions.  I too had a partial understanding of the place but this time we visited and shaped our appreciation some. Goa is an Indian state on the western coast. From being a Sultan managed operation to being a Portuguese colony from the 16th to 18th century, it has history and charm in some old parts to a beat to death and has been with its crowded beaches for party goers. In the past decade a gambler crowd is being lured by its casino boats on the Mandovi river just outside Panaji. The part we liked the most was the historic and well preserved one.  That of old Goa.  This is a time capsule some 500 years in the making.  Indian Archaeological Survey has taken some effort to maintain and educate visitors with placards and museums in this few acre area 10 km east of Panaji. Below are some ornate churches we saw including the Basilica Bom Jesus where the 500 year old body of ...

 Visiting India has some amazing perks.  Good, diverse food choices at affordable and sometimes downright cheap rates.  Multitude of flavors, cuisine defined by geography and history.  We visited Pune, Mumbai, Goa and North Karnataka (Hubli and Hampi to be exact). Camp mein Kurram Kurram - you can go see the potato wafer factory in the back @ Budhani's home made Pomfret fry Vaishali on FC road in Pune (Dosa and Onion Uttapam with Mango milkshake) RK dosa - a cheese and spicy stuffing doas made by chef RK @ Taj Hubli Tisrya (small spicy clams) and Surmai (king fish) curry goan style @ Vinanti Panaji Paneer Makhanwala - literally cheese in butter - Vinanti in Panaji, Goa Taj buffet - croissant and donut racks desi McD - Paneer burger Balewadi - Urban Foundry - soya kabab - par ye to khada hai Kalyan Bhel - Sevv Dahi Batata Puri (ridiculously good) Sane Dairy - Bhandarkar road, Sol Kadhi (a uniquely G...