Midnight Run

The mind is on the run as they dissect every inception of thought. The past is lingering and the future wants to be conceptualized. Past actions play repeatedly like a new reel – the conclusion is the same yet the mind never tires from screening the story from a different light, every time it plays. The future is in a hurry to be born. Both demand attention. The mind tends to shrug off the present, unaware that ‘now’ has the key that can unlock both the past and the future.

When I am at the beach, I follow a simple ritual. I take midnight runs on empty beaches. The periodic sounds of the waves make sure that neither past nor future resides in my mind. The feel of wet sand reminds me of the present and the dim moonlight shows me the path. And, when I breathe the basic truth unfolds- I am here, now!

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EC

The Red Carpet

The monsoon drizzle on a busy night created quite an obstacle as I made my way towards Sherpa Mall, shopping bags in one hand and a tiny umbrella in another making a futile attempt to keep dry. As I entered the restaurant Red Carpet, its space- fine dining, lounge, patios, gallery, conference room and two open kitchens pleasantly surprised me. We are usually not accustomed to lavishly outstretched restaurants in hubs such as Durbar Marg.

The red color had already worked up an appetite in me. Psychologically the color red triggers hunger, the reason why the logos of restaurant and food joints across the globe flaunt this color. I was stimulated as I skimmed through the menu. The multi-cuisine included Italian, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Continental and Neplai. We decided to do a mix of Thai and Indian.

We started our feast with Koong Thod Kratien. The spicy fried prawn with dry garlic served with Thai sauce made me savor each bite and reach out for more. My taste buds could not get enough of the fine blend of spices and prawns with a hint of garlic. We then added some Indian flavor with the famous mutton seekh kabab. Grilled on a skewer, the taste of kabab was accentuated by fresh herbs and spices.

I always thought an open kitchen was a subtle hint by the chef challenging customers to critique his/her art. I personally think it is a very bold move to have an open kitchen in a restaurant. The hygiene, the process of cooking and the system the kitchen follows is confidently displayed before scrutiny eyes. It is commendable that under chaos the kitchen is still spic and span.

Our main course comprised of trout and pork chops.  The fresh trout was cooked using saffron sauce. It was served with sautéed vegetables and mashed potatoes. The taste made me reminisce of a similar dish I had tried in Kerela, India. For an instance I could actually smell the sea and visualize the green palm trees. It could have been the saffron sauce or the hint of coconut oil that trigged this memory.

The pork chops were grilled with ratatouille and rosemary sauce. Tenzing was devouring his fresh trout and paid no heed to the pork chops that were served with mashed potatoes. It was a good proportion and I had difficulty finishing it as I had greedily pounced on the prawns earlier.

I am a woman who strongly believes in customer service and have witnessed a void in this sector in Nepal. There is little or no effort to fill this gap. After my visit to Red Carpet, I will have to rethink my judgment. On arrival, the server assisted me with my bags and umbrella even before Tenzing could come around and help me. Later when we decided to sit in the patio for sometime and enjoy the night view of the street, our server got our bags and belongings. She was proactive and alert to her customers needs. Her name is Christina Subba. I will remember her name as the service she rendered has made me rethink the quality of customer service in this country. I even think we are moving towards a positive trend.

As I gazed down from the patio and got ready to leave, there was a drizzle with a calming breeze. Greeting Subba as I made my way out of the restaurant, the wide smile on my face displayed a happy customer and a satisfied stomach.

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EC

Living Two Lives

http://www.globalpressinstitute.org/asia/nepal/nepalis-cite-need-balance-education-tradition-girl-goddesses

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EC

On Top!

                                     Empty Closet dress

I was an astronaut when I was 10 because the universe intrigued me. By the time I was 15, I was an airhostess, the only reason being I wanted to travel the world. When I graduated I wanted to join the UN because I truly believed that I could make the world a happier place. Now I am some 20 plus and a very happy writer.

What kind of job do you have- one that pays the bill or one that makes you happy? “Leaning too much on either side wont make you happy,” says a certain individual. We don’t see eye to eye on almost everything but I agree with him on this one.

When you do what you love, it is not work but passion. And when you are passionate about what you do, success is not too far away.

An architect by profession and an ardent interior stylist, my childhood friend, Yeshi is amazing at what she does. And, how do I know this! She loves what she does. Her eyes sparkle when we have a discussion on design. She is sincere and confident about her designs and does not shy away from daring projects. Recently, her work for SB Furniture won them ‘The Best Store.’

However, there are some who claim to love what they do and yet it is just a job for them- nothing more nothing less. Living a lie may be a short-term solution but finding what you love doing can bring satisfaction.

One is never too old to explore what one loves doing. And it is definitely never too late!

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EC

A 21st Century Fairytale

                                    H&M striped skirt | H&M blouse | H&M bag | H&M sandals

Once upon a time in the 21^st century there lived a princess with a generous heart. The world thought the generous heart to be a virtue but for the princess it was a way of life. She did not know of a life without generosity - she thought a world without one did not exist.

The princess was given a rare diamond- pure, exquisite and priceless. She was instructed to hold on to it until she found a worthy man who was capable of possessing a rare gem. She held on to it for years. She held it very close to her heart, not because of the instructions given to her. She believed there was a man worthy of holding on to a diamond that was so rare.

Over the years many asked her for the rare gem. Some even tried to cheat and whisk it away. But the princess knew and never let it go. Once she almost placed the sparkling rock on a man’s palms but in time saw what his eyes reflected-deceit. It was a close call and the rock was placed back safely, close to her heart.

One day she met a man and knew that he would take good care of the rare gem. She trusted her instincts and handed the rock with a smile. The man smiled, took the rock and walked away. His fading footsteps were proof that she made a mistake. She lost the rock and was never going to see it again.

She called out- he did not return; she wept- he did not return and she called for help-no one turned up. So she helped herself- wiped her tears and got up to her feet. She smiled at the world whilst she waited for a real man even if she did not have a diamond to offer.

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EC

Lazy Saturday

          Empty Closet pants | Mango top | Esprit sunglasses | Tissot watch | Mango bag

One’s life is filled with portrayals of numerous characters. These characters may not resemble each other but stem from one root- you. They are all genuine and manifestations of a vibrant life.

Currently I am in love with my portrayal as a facilitator. My stern character comes to life wearing formal dresses and skirts in darker shades. Occasionally I add a pair of teacher spectacles to encompass fifteen bright and enthusiastic bachelor students.

Another character I never tire from playing is the Friday-night-lady. Always dressed in high heels and flirty dresses, she knows the ingredients for a fun night. It comprises of a mix of right amount of drinks, peppy music, dance moves that are sultry and sometimes goofy and great friends by her side.

A night of drama is usually followed by a lazy Saturday brunch. No matter which character in me chooses to play the part; they always demand three things- good friends, great food and stimulating coffee that make them go hmmmmmmmmm…

Today was exceptionally good. After ages I got the chance to go hmmm… on some great Italian coffee. Barista, I sincerely hope you are here to stay forever and attend to all my characters that will spontaneously show up.

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EC 

Abraham Lincoln's letter

          "Whatever you are, be a good one"-- Abraham Lincoln

Respected Teacher,

My son will have to learn I know that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend.

It will take time, I know; but teach him, if you can, that a dollar earned is far more valuable than five found.

Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning.

Steer him away from envy, if you can.

Teach him the secret of quite laughter. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to tick.

Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books…but also give him quiet time to ponder over the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hill–side.

In school teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.

Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong.

Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with the tough.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon.

Teach him to listen to all men but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad. Teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness.

Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders; but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob… and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.

Treat him gently; but do not cuddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind.

This is a big order; but see what you can do. He is such a fine little fellow, my son.

–Abraham Lincoln.