Sunday, November 7, 2021

Think out of box

In a small Italian town, hundreds of years ago, a small business owner owed a large sum of money to a loan-shark. The loan-shark was a very old, unattractive looking guy that just so happened to fancy the business owner’s daughter.

He decided to offer the businessman a deal that would completely wipe out the debt he owed him. However, the catch was that we would only wipe out the debt if he could marry the businessman’s daughter.

Needless to say, this proposal was met with a look of disgust.

The loan-shark said that he would place two pebbles into a bag, one white and one black.

The daughter would then have to reach into the bag and pick out a pebble. If it was black, the debt would be wiped, but the loan-shark would then marry her. If it was white, the debt would also be wiped, but the daughter wouldn’t have to marry the loan-shark.

Standing on a pebble-strewn path in the businessman’s garden, the loan-shark bent over and picked up two pebbles.

Whilst he was picking them up, the daughter noticed that he’d picked up two black pebbles and placed them both into the bag.

He then asked the daughter to reach into the bag and pick one.

The daughter naturally had three choices as to what she could have done:

  1. Refuse to pick a pebble from the bag.
  2. Take both pebbles out of the bag and expose the loan-shark for cheating.
  3. Pick a pebble from the bag fully well knowing it was black and sacrifice herself for her father’s freedom.

She drew out a pebble from the bag, and before looking at it ‘accidentally’ dropped it into the midst of the other pebbles. She said to the loan-shark;

“Oh, how clumsy of me. Never mind, if you look into the bag for the one that is left, you will be able to tell which pebble I picked.”

 

The pebble left in the bag is obviously black, and seeing as the loan-shark didn’t want to be exposed, he had to play along as if the pebble the daughter dropped was white, and clear her father’s debt.

 

Moral of the story:

It’s always possible to overcome a tough situation throughout of the box thinking, and not give in to the only options you think you have to pick from.

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Elephant Rope

 The Elephant Rope (Inspirational Short Stories)

A gentleman was walking through an elephant camp, and he spotted that the elephants weren’t being kept in cages or held by the use of chains.

All that was holding them back from escaping the camp, was a small piece of rope tied to one of their legs.

As the man gazed upon the elephants, he was completely confused as to why the elephants didn’t just use their strength to break the rope and escape the camp. They could easily have done so, but instead, they didn’t try to at all.

Curious and wanting to know the answer, he asked a trainer nearby why the elephants were just standing there and never tried to escape.

The trainer replied;

 

“when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”

 

The only reason that the elephants weren’t breaking free and escaping from the camp was that over time they adopted the belief that it just wasn’t possible.

 

Moral of the story:

No matter how much the world tries to hold you back, always continue with the belief that what you want to achieve is possible. Believing you can become successful is the most important step in actually achieving it.

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Mouse and Jar

 A mouse was placed at the top of a jar filled with grains. It was so happy to find so much food around him that no longer he felt the need to run around searching for food.  Now he could happily live his life. After a few days of enjoying the grains, he reached the bottom of the jar.


Suddenly, he realize that he was trapped and he couldn't get out. He now has to fully depend on someone to put grains in the jar for him to survive.

He now has no choice but to eat what he's given. A slave to his situation. 


 A few lessons to learn from this:


1) Short term pleasures can lead to long-term traps.


2) If things come easy and you get comfortable, you are getting TRAPPED into dependency.


3) When you are not using your skills, you will lose more than your skills. You lose your CHOICES and FREEDOM.


4) Freedom does not come easy but can be lost quickly.  NOTHING comes easily in life and if it comes easily, maybe it is not worth it..


Don't curse your struggles, embrace them.  


They are your blessings in disguise. 






Wednesday, August 11, 2021

WHAT IS A METEOTSUNAMI?


 Meteotsunamis are similar to tsunamis but are not triggered by seismic activity on the ocean floor.

Instead, meteotsunamis are driven by air-pressure disturbances linked with fast-moving weather events, like severe thunderstorms.

The storm front generates the wave, which moves towards the coast, where it is amplified by a shallow continental shelf, inlet or bay.

Scientists are only just starting to understand meteotsunamis but waves of 6ft (1.8m) or more have already been observed.  

Meteotsunamis occur in a number of places around the world, including the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Coast, Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.

Identifying a meteotsunami presents a unique set of challenges to scientists, since the characteristics of these waves are so similar to other meteorological phenomenon, including tsunamis. 

It can also easily be confused with wind-driven storm surges or a seiche, which is a standing wave in an enclosed or partially enclosed body of water.

These uncertainties make it difficult to predict a meteotsunami and warn the public of a potential event.

Scientists are working to pinpoint the exact conditions which are most likely to generate a meteotsunami in an effort to improve advance warnings. 


Monday, August 2, 2021

Around Europe

Europe is known for its busy, culture-driven cities like Rome and Paris. But between all the landmarks and selfie-taking tourists, you'll find literally hundreds of charming little towns with populations smaller than the line for the Eiffel Tower. Whether it's a lakeside hamlet in Austria or an eerily beautiful village in Romania, these storybook towns are the stuff European vacations dream about. Hint: Get ready for a lot of bell towers and cobblestoned streets.


Ronda, Spain

Population: 33,978


One of the highlights of traveling around Andalusia is the seemingly endless supply of pueblos blancos ("white towns," named for the uniform color of the houses). While there are many that exhibit the Moorish architecture and labyrinthine streets that define the region, there's something extra special about Ronda—namely, its location. Set high in the mountains on the edge of a 400-foot cliff, the views of the valley below are stunning and the three bridges that span the canyon are mind-boggling feats of engineering.


Ribe, Denmark

Population: 8,168

Dating back more than 1,300 years, Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark—and, in fact, in all of Scandinavia. The city was established in the early eighth century, and while you can't find any structures that date back to that time still standing today, the picturesque cathedrals and half-timbered houses on cobblestoned streets are well-worth a visit.


Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Population: 2,480

The Isle of Skye is known for its sublime natural beauty, but it also happens to house one of the U.K.'s most charming little towns. Situated on the edge of Loch Portree, the capital city has rows of pastel-colored homes and pubs, with a flotilla of bright fishing and lobster boats stirring peacefully at the harbor outside.


Giethoorn, Netherlands

Population: 2,620

Affectionately referred to as the "Venice of the Netherlands," this village has no roads—just bike lanes and canals. Explore Giethoorn's roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges by boat, or by ice skating on the canals during the frozen winter months.


Hallstatt, Austria

Population: 779

There's something special about Hallstatt, made evident when you pull up by ferry across the glassy lake, with mist rolling down from the towering Dachstein mountains. Within the UNESCO World Heritage town are churches that date to the 12th century, a buzzing market square, and plenty of cozy, candlelit restaurants. Bonus: Hallstatt is only an hour’s drive from Salzburg and three from Vienna, making it a relatively easy day trip from Austria’s larger and more touristed cities.


Hvar, Croatia

Population: 3,771

One of the country’s most popular islands for sunbathers and oenophiles, Hvar is renowned for its sunny beaches, lavender fields, and lush vineyards. It also features a beautiful city center, complete with Gothic palaces and marble stone streets. (Bonus: Many of those streets are car-free.)


Rye, England

Population: 9,041

An important shipping center since Roman times, Rye in East Sussex was once entirely surrounded by sea. The best views of the hodge-podge of medieval terra cotta roofs and and timbered walls are from St. Mary's Parish Church tower or the Ypres Tower, the two oldest buildings in town. If you're visiting in late winter/early spring, don't miss the annual Bay Scallop Week (the next one will be from February 22 to March 1, 2020). Rye is a scenic, two-hour train journey from London St. Pancras International, making it an easy day trip.


Assos, Greece

Population: 88

The charming, bloom-filled village of Assos on Kefalonia is one of the most compelling reasons to visit the Greek Islands. The tiny hamlet sits at the bottom of a hill, surrounded by the strikingly blue Mediterranean Sea on three sides. Spend some time on the village's pebble beach before loading up on Greek food in one of the traditional restaurants lining the marina. Seriously, do vacations get any better than that?


Albarracín, Spain

Population: 1,016

Pink, orange, and red houses fill this isolated mountain town, set in a rocky valley on a bend of the Guadalaviar River in Spain's Aragon region. After it was all but destroyed in the Spanish Civil War, the government rebuilt houses and streets in medieval and Moorish styles, as seen in the bell towers' tiled roofs, iron bars in windows, and 12th-century Castle of Albarracín.


Kotor, Montenegro

Population: 13,510

At turns reminiscent of Norwegian fjords and Lake Como, the Bay of Kotor is lined with ancient, picturesque towns—including Kotor. Backed by steep limestone cliffs, Kotor's UNESCO-protected Old Town draws visitors for its scenic location, but also for its history. Getting lost here is not only encouraged, but expected: Centuries ago, Old Kotor was built like a maze to confuse invaders.


Ísafjörður, Iceland

Population: 2,571

Located in Iceland's unbelievably gorgeous Westfjords peninsula, the tiny town of Ísafjörður is nearly swallowed by the towering mountains surrounding it. (Does anyone else feel extremely underwhelmed by their tiny backyard right now?) With winter temperatures dipping down to the 20 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures rarely reaching above the mid-50s, Ísafjörður is pretty much the opposite of your go-to Italian and Greek resort towns—and therein lies its appeal, especially if you prefer your vacations more rugged than ritzy.


Reine, Lofoten Islands

Population: 314

The beauty of the Lofoten Islands, just off of Norway's northwestern coast, is truly unparalleled: think majestic fjords, frozen beaches dotted with surfers, and colorful fishing villages. Reine on the island of Moskenesøya is one such village, located above the Arctic Circle, about 190 miles southwest of Tromsø. The town's yellow, stilted buildings surrounded by jagged mountains and icy waters is about as awesome as vistas get.


Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

Population: 13,083

Tucked between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean (and politically part of Denmark), the Faroe Islands have enough puffins and grass-roofed houses to keep travelers happy for days. The capital of Tórshavn is also the largest city on the archipelago, settled behind a busy harbor on the east coast of Streymoy Island. Within the 66.8-square-mile city are 18th-century churches, a handful of museums, a tiny Old Town, and rows of houses painted black and red.


Vernazza, Italy

Population: 852

Vernazza is the steepest and loveliest of the Cinque Terre villages, making it the ideal spot for a low-key romantic getaway. Its streets are lined with signature candy-colored houses and plenty of gelaterias; the town slopes down to a small, sandy beach and Cinque Terre's only natural harbor.


Kastraki, Greece

Population: 560

The idyllic, red-roofed town of Kastraki has one of the best backdrops imaginable: the famous Meteora monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by wildflower-filled countryside on mainland Greece. It's hard to imagine a more impressive "room with a view" than opening your blinds and seeing medieval buildings situated on pillars of rock stretching a thousand feet into the sky.


Cobh, Ireland

Population: 12,800

Cobh redefines charming with its rows of candy-colored homes along the water and towering cathedral standing sentry over the harbor. This town is particularly popular with cruise-lovers—about 60 ships stop there every year. In fact, Cobh was the final port of call for the RMS Titanic, and a commemorative museum stands in the city today.


Bled, Slovenia

Population: 8,171

There's a reason Lake Bled is one of Slovenia's most popular sites. With its emerald waters, church-dotted islet, views of the Julien Alps, and 12th-century castle on a hill, you won't be short of picture-perfect views. The surrounding town of Bled is just as charming, with candlelit restaurants and traditional wooden rowboats just waiting for visitors.


Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal

Population: 35,402

Further proof that the Azores is one of the most beautiful places on the planet: Angra do Heroísmo, one of the archipelago's three capital cities. Aside from the green hills and blue ocean surrounding the town, Angra do Heroísmo stands out for its lovely town square and 18th-century churches and forts.


Sighișoara, Romania

Population: 26,370

If you like your Eastern European towns to come with a fear factor, then the Transylvanian city of Sighișoara is for you. The historic town is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the vicious Prince of Wallachia who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. For the best thrills, you can tour his childhood home (which includes a tiny torture museum) or brave Holy Trinity Church's eerie and creaky stairwell after dark. Not a fan of the macabre? Sighișoara's UNESCO-protected historic center and streets lined with colorful houses provide a nice fairytale vibe—minus the bad guys.


Dinant, Belgium

Population: 13,544

Nestled snugly in a cliff face on the Meuse River in Belgium’s Wallonia region, the tiny town of Dinant looks like the setting of a Disney movie—complete with skyline-defining Gothic cathedral and 16th-century castle (hedge maze included). Fun fact: Dinant also happens to be the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the—you guessed it—saxophone.


Castelluccio, Italy

Population: <150

Located atop a steep hill 5,000 feet above sea level, Castellucio is the highest village in the Appenine Mountain Range—and arguably the most beautiful. On one side, the village is backed by snow-capped mountains, and on the other, lush, fertile plains that blossom with red poppies, violets, and rapeseed in the spring (time your visit to the “Flowering,” from late May to early June). Sadly, a 2016 earthquake rendered the village virtually uninhabitable, but some remaining residents have re-opened shops and restaurants that are currently open to visitors.


Interlaken, Switzerland

Population: 5,319

Known for its stunning lakes and old timber houses, the Swiss town of Interlaken also happens to be a mecca for adventure travelers. Aside from sledging and kayaking, the town has one of the world's most epic skydiving experiences: a 20-minute flight over the mountains, then a 45-second free fall drop before your instructor deploys the parachute. We can't think of a more thrilling way to view the Swiss Alps.



Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Population: 10,930

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its preserved medieval Old Town, draws millions of tourists each year with its made-for-Instagram multicolored facades. If you can swing it, plan your visit for December, when the town transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-dusted rooftops, glowing storefronts, and cozy taverns. And don't forget about the Reiterlesmarkt, one of the best Christmas markets in the entire country.


Flåm, Norway

Population: 350

Undoubtedly one of Europe's most beautiful cruise ports, the tiny village of Flåm welcomes ships passing through western Norway's vast Sognefjord. The town is scattered with boldly colored houses and surrounded by unblemished green hills, but it's perhaps best known for housing Flamsbana—the world's steepest railway. Hop on the train in Flåm, which will take you past waterfalls and snow-capped peaks to the summit of Myrdal Mountain.



Kaysersberg, France

Population: 4,677

France has no shortage of beautiful small towns and villages to choose from, but we're big fans of Kayersberg in Alsace—and the French people tend to agree. In 2017, the tiny, cobblestoned village was voted the country's favorite village in Village préféré des Français, a TV program that polls citizens every year to crown a winner. Kayersberg continues to win over locals and travelers alike with its friendly locals, walkable streets, and diverse architecture, like the 14th-century Oberhof Chapel and historic Château de Kaysersberg.



·







Wishing you safe travel

 

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Detox Soup

Detox Soup

 Ingredients 

(Serves -8)

One tablespoon of olive oil

One leek, thinly sliced

One onion, finely chopped

Two cups vegetable stock and three cups water

420g can chopped tomatoes

One carrot, peeled and cut into cubes

500g pumpkin, cut into cubes 

Half a celery, chopped

One broccoli head, steamed

METHOD

1. Heat the olive oil with onion in a large saucepan. 

2. Add the leek and gently cook over a low heat until soft, then add the stock, tomatoes, carrot and pumpkin.

3. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Top with steamed broccoli and add shaved Parmesan to serve.


Thursday, July 15, 2021

How to eat better at home & Work from Home

 Whether you struggle with overeating or resisting the urge for sugary snacks, temptation is always around the corner. So, why not set yourself a tough but rewarding resolution this July. I have put together some tips on how to keep a better-balanced diet at home, to help really give a boost to your health this month.

1. Don’t work in or near the kitchen

Try to arrange your workspace away from the kitchen, or at least out of sight of the fridge. This will help to avoid temptation and the constant desire to visit the snack cupboard. Try to stick to your scheduled meal times and only go to the kitchen or fridge at these times.

2. Plan your snack and mealtime

Plan your meals the same way you would plan the rest of your day - wake-up, workout, work and sleep. When working from an office we wouldn't be eating all day - so have a plan whilst working from home. Set a time where you will have breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks, to help reduce over-eating.

3. Prepare your lunches

Being at home, it can feel liberating to have the freedom of eating what we want, not to mention not queuing for the microwave at work. For some people, this freedom can be too much especially when it comes to weekday lunches, and we can be tempted into some unhealthy food choices. Try to prepare your meals the night before - even if you stick to basics such as salad, pre-cut vegetables, grilled chicken or fish and nuts. Alternatively, why not try a veggie omelette, but pre-cut the vegetables beforehand so it is quick to prepare at lunchtime.

4. Drink plenty of water

Dehydration can commonly lead to over-eating, fatigue and a lack of ability to focus. All the vital components you need to be able to work well. Keep a large water container near you on your desk and take regular sips throughout the day. Try to aim for at least 2-3 litres every day.

5. Focus on real foods

Nutritional, balanced food will give you more energy, lift your mood and keep you focussed for longer. Avoid processed foods and try to stick to whole grain carbohydrates, protein, fibre, healthy fats, fruit and vegetables. Although obvious, avoid snacking on chocolates and other junk foods. Buy fresh and keep your macro's in mind. Depending on your goal, we would recommend your daily food consumption to comprise of the following macros; 40-60% carbohydrates, 20-35% protein and 20-35% healthy fats.

6. Don't buy junk food

The best way to stop the urge to go to the snack cupboard is to prevent yourself from buying it in the first place. If it is not in your kitchen, you won’t eat it! Take special care with foods which you know trigger binges for you. Out of sight, out of mind is the golden rule!

7. When you eat, just eat

The temptation to sit by your desk and eat your lunch can be high, but we recommend avoiding this if you can. Take a seat at your table and take a few minutes and have a break - this will lead to better satisfaction of your meal and reduce the want to overeat. It will also give you a well-earned break to re-gain focus for the rest of your day.



Saturday, June 26, 2021

The Grass is blue


 The donkey told the tiger: 

′′The grass is blue". 

The tiger replied: 

′′No, the grass is green".


The discussion became heated up, and the two decided to submit the issue to arbitration, and to do so they approached the lion, King of the Jungle. 


Before reaching the clearing in the forest where the lion was sitting on his throne, the donkey started screaming:

′′Your Highness, is it true that grass is blue?".

The lion replied:

"True, the grass is blue". 


The donkey rushed forward and continued: 

′′The tiger disagrees with me and contradicts me and annoys me please punish him".

The king then declared:

′′The tiger will be punished with 5 years of silence".


The donkey jumped for joy and went on his way, content and repeating:

′′The grass is blue"...


The tiger accepted his punishment, but he asked the lion:

′′Your Majesty, why have you punished me, after all, the grass is green?"

The lion replied:

′′In fact, the grass is green".

The tiger asked:

′′So why do you punish me?"

The lion replied:

′′That has nothing to do with the question of whether the grass is blue or green. The punishment is because the worst waste of time is arguing with the fool and fanatic who doesn't care about truth or reality, but only the victory of their beliefs and illusions.

#storytelling



Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Mazhakondu Mathram Lyrics



Seeds germinate only with rain 
മഴ കൊണ്ടു മാത്രം മുളയ്ക്കുന്ന വിത്തുകള് 

Some have the soil in mind 
ചിലതുണ്ട് മണ്ണിന് മനസ്സില് 

Of life, burning only with love 
പ്രണയത്തിനാല് മാത്രമെരിയുന്ന, ജീവൻ്റെ 

With twisted spirit
തിരികളുണ്ടാത്മാവിനുള്ളില്
Seeds germinate only with rain 
മഴ കൊണ്ടു മാത്രം മുളയ്ക്കുന്ന വിത്തുകള് 

Some have the soil in mind 
ചിലതുണ്ട് മണ്ണിന് മനസ്സില് 

Of life, burning only with love 
പ്രണയത്തിനാല് മാത്രമെരിയുന്ന, ജീവൻ്റെ 

With twisted spirit
തിരികളുണ്ടാത്മാവിനുള്ളില്
Without quenching the thirst for a kiss 
ഒരു ചുംബനത്തിന്നായ് ദാഹം ശമിക്കാതെ 

With burning petals 
എരിയുന്ന പൂവിതള്ത്തുമ്പുമായി 

Of an unspoken favorite word 
പറയാത്ത പ്രിയതരമാമൊരു വാക്കിൻ്റെ 

With a sweet spread lip
മധുരം പടര്ന്നൊരു ചുണ്ടുമായി
Just looking at each other 
വെറുതെ പരസ്പരം നോക്കിയിരിക്കുന്നു 

We are beyond the color silencer
നിറ മൗനചഷകത്തിനിരുപുറം നാം
Seeds germinate only with rain 
മഴ കൊണ്ടു മാത്രം മുളയ്ക്കുന്ന വിത്തുകള് 

Some have the soil in mind 
ചിലതുണ്ട് മണ്ണിന് മനസ്സില് 

Of life, burning only with love 
പ്രണയത്തിനാല് മാത്രമെരിയുന്ന, ജീവൻ്റെ 

With twisted spirit
തിരികളുണ്ടാത്മാവിനുള്ളില്
We are on the shores of time 
സമയകല്ലോലങ്ങള് കുതറുമീ കരയില് നാം 

Moist moisture in the sand 
മണലിൻ്റെ ആര്ദ്രമാം മാറിടത്തില് 

Something that made a silent sculpture 
ഒരു മൗനശില്പം മെനഞ്ഞുതീര്ത്തെന്തിനോ 

Divorced into evening depression 
പിരിയുന്നു സാന്ധ്യവിഷാദമായി 

With the beating of an ocean
ഒരു സാഗരത്തിന് മിടിപ്പുമായി
Seeds germinate only with rain 
മഴ കൊണ്ടു മാത്രം മുളയ്ക്കുന്ന വിത്തുകള് 

Some have the soil in mind 
ചിലതുണ്ട് മണ്ണിന് മനസ്സില് 

Of life, burning only with love 
പ്രണയത്തിനാല് മാത്രമെരിയുന്ന, ജീവൻ്റെ 

With twisted spirit
തിരികളുണ്ടാത്മാവിനുള്ളില്

Listen to Song at https://youtu.be/ya7m-8RIAq8

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Sajna By Michael Bolton

 When you smile, I smile with you,

When you cry, I feel it too,
You are my soul, my heart coming out to you,

Be my eyes when I can’t see,
Be my voice when I can’t speak,
Be my life when darkness creeps on me,

Hoo, sajna sajna sajna re,
Hai just sajna sajna sajna re

Sajna sajna sajna re
Hai just sajna sajna sajna re

Throw the stars that shine so bright,
Cross the sky and cross the night,
Making ways to be right by your side

Hold me close don’t let me go
Hold me tight don’t you say no
Save the love we have for ever more

Ho, sajna sajna sajna re,
Hai just sajna sajna sajna re

Sajna sajna sajna re
Hai just sajna sajna sajna re

Save me, when my dream catches fire
(Spare?) me, in my only desire
Wake me, when the pain is over
Take me, now (Take me, now) ...2

When you smile, I smile with you,
When you cry, I feel it too,
You are my soul, my heart coming out to you,

Be my eyes when I can see,
Be my voice when I can speak,
Be my life when darkness creeps on me,

Through the stars that shine so bright,
Cross the sky and cross the night,
Making ways to be right by your side

Hold me close don’t let me go
Hold me tight don’t you say no
Save the love we have for ever more...

source: https://youtu.be/bpSvaBMk_DE

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

BRITONS' FAVOURITE SCENIC UK ROADS




1. Loch Lomond to Glencoe - 24%

2. Kendal to Keswick, Lake District - 23%

3. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset - 21%

4. Hardknott Pass, Lake District - 20%

5= The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland - 17%

5= Snake Pass in the Pennines  -17%

6. Black Mountain Road, Brecon Beacons National Park - 16%

7= A New Forest journey - 15%  

7= Loch Lomond to Lochgilphead - 15%

7= Llanberis Pass, Wales - 15%

8= The Atlantic Highway (Barnstaple to Newquay) - 14%

8= The Road to the Isles (Fort William to Mallaig) - 14%

9. Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire Dales - 12%

10= The Cat and Fiddle (Buxton to Macclesfield), the Peak District - 10%

10= Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire - 10%




Saturday, May 1, 2021

Hariyali Chicken

Ingredients For marination: 

  • 750 gms chicken 
  • 3 tbsp yoghurt 
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder 
  • ½ tsp pepper powder 
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 
  • Salt as required 

The bright green colour of the Hariyali chicken dish is quite striking. Made with fresh herbs, aromatics and spices, the Hariyali chicken tastes perfect with chapathi, roti, naan or fried rice.



For gravy: 

  • 2 tbsp oil 
  • ¼ tsp cumin 
  • 1 onion, 
  • 5-7 green chilies, 
  • 2 cardamom pods (grind into a paste) 
  • ½ tsp ginger-garlic paste 
  • 1 tsp coriander powder 
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder 
  • ½ tsp garam masala 
  • Coriander leaves, mint leaves 
  • 10 soaked cashews (grind together to make the green paste)
  •  ½ cup milk/fresh cream 
  • Salt as required
Method 

  • Marinate the chicken pieces with yoghurt, turmeric powder, pepper powder, ginger-garlic paste and salt 
  • Keep the marinated chicken in the fridge for at least half an hour You could even keep it overnight as well 
  • Heat oil in a pan and splutter the cumin seeds Sauté the onion-green chilli paste
  • Add the ginger-garlic paste after 2 minutes Sauté for at least 10-12 minutes until the oil begins to separate Into it add coriander powder, garam masala and turmeric powder Sauté until the raw smell of the powders is gone.
  • Now add the marinated chicken Mix well Cook for 20-25 minutes with the lid on Add the green paste after the chicken pieces have cooked well 
  • Cook on low flame for 5 minutes with the lid on
  •  Add the milk or fresh cream 
  • Cook the gravy for a minute on low fame 
  • Do not allow the gravy to boil rapidly
  • Note: Adding the green paste as the last step would give the curry its signature green colour. You could sauté the green paste along with the onion paste; however, the gravy would be darker in colour.