Hill Diarrhea

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 Mangeshi in Goa and survived.  Our prep did not include ice chunks.  My friend and his son who attempted this in Pune did not having topped their mug with some local ice.  Thusly the chilling downside to this event was the runs.  The little guy developed severe diarrhea on a local mount - Parvati.  Talk about the downside on the topside.

Reminds me of the old joke (sadist that I am) about why diarrhea is genetic - because it runs in the jeans.

Jerry Seinfeld, a NY based comic many decades ago frowned upon the notion of people urinating whilst taking a pool shower and discussed it at length as an abhorrent thought of standing in someone else's urine.

Well - if he was on Parvati and had to go - he would be sitting in someone else's lunch or whatever someone might have had a day ago - such is the plight of restrooms in India.  Talk about the irony of filth where the lords reside - Parvati being home to some who's who among mythical deities on the mount.

Stepping up - Pravati Tekdi

What a Hoot - baby owl taking in the Parvati scene

Sun will rise again!