Category Archives: Travel

Our Story : We meet again – Part 18

Posted on September 5, 2013 | 10 comments

This is a continuation of my previous posts. Please read the previous posts here.

I am sure you know by now that holiday makes me super happy and imagine a holiday that involves AS; I definitely was over the moon. To top it all this was our first holiday together. It has been 2 months since I last saw him at Kathmandu airport.

I have mentioned before, airport has become a huge part of our life and this time it was going to be Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok. We booked our flights around the same time and had connection flight taking us to Phuket.

Leading to the holiday, we planned our days so we can do and see as much things as possible. One of the highlights of this trip was to spend 24/7 with each other.

So I left Sydney with the teddy AS sent me for Valentine’s day before AS left Bangalore but he arrived there before me as it was a shorter trip from India. When I landed, I was a bit worried about how to find him in that big airport. AS told me he will find me and not to worry at all. So when my flight landed and I walked out of the plane I was eagerly looking around to get glimpse of him.

There were so many people there that it seemed impossible to spot him. I was mentally making a plan on how to find him when luckily I saw him in the foyer. I felt so good to see him and it was a huge relief. I ran like a crazy gal to hug him and didn’t let him go for a few minutes. I was so glad to be in his arms after the long gap and it was one of the best moments of our life.

After the initial talk, we went to queue up to check in to go to Phuket. There was a long queue and it looked like everyone was going there but I didn’t care much. I was just happy to be in AS’s arms again I held his hands all the way , not letting go of him. It is the best feeling when we are reunited with our love ones.

Phuket

The flight from Bangkok to Phuket was short so we finally landed in Phuket. We had organised airport pickup from the hotel so it was a quick exit from immigration to the outside. We saw our name on the name card and followed the guy so he could drop us at the hotel. The cab driver told us it had been raining for the last few weeks but had stopped that morning. I prayed there would be no rain during our stay there.

The hotel we booked in Phuket was near the beach so we could spend lots of time doing touristic things. When we reached the hotel, we were welcomed with complementary drinks and fruit platter. After check-in we decided to rest for a few hours before going out as it was so hot and humid during the day.

It was perfect time to catch up and as always, I had so much to tell him. I was over the moon that AS bought few saris and Bollywood gossip magazines for me.

Phuket (1)I had bought a special bracelet for him with our initials engraved on it.

Phuket (2)

It was just awesome to be next to each other and feel the love. We rest and had lunch at the hotel.

Phuket (3)

As the evening breeze started, we got ready and went out to discover the city.

Phuket was amazing. I had heard so much about the place that I felt I kind of knew it well even when it was my first visit there. And the environment, the weather and people around us was making our stay even more special. My good friend SL is from Thailand so she had given us lots of tips on what to do and where to go while we were there.

The first stop was Patong. We just walked along the beach and enjoyed the sunset by the water.

Sunset in Phuket

Phuket (4)

Phuket (5)

As the night fell, we decided to have our dinner. The good thing about Thailand is that they have a variety of food to try and they are super cheap compared to Australia.  That evening we had Lobster and crab for dinner and were amazed to find them as cheap as $5. To top it all they tasted great and we decided that we would come back again next time to enjoy more.

We came back to the hotel and were so tried that we fall asleep. I slept really well and was woken up my AS’s sweet voice the next morning. We had breakfast at the hotel and decided to explore the place some more. I wanted to finish the shopping first so we don’t have to worry about it later.

Phuket (6)

We went shopping in the markets and the mall. I was surprised to find a Nepali speaking person in almost every shop. They were Burmese whose ancestors had gone to Burma from Nepal and had recently been displaced from Burma. They wanted to be known as Gorkhalis. That was one fact about Thailand that no one had told me about before. Me and AS were talking in Nepali while shopping and the guy in the shop started to talk in Nepali to us. We both were very surprised but then after we were communicating in Nepali in many other shops.

We met lots of these Burmese Gorkhali and got discount as they said “Because you are Nepali I will give you at this price”. It was funny to hear that in Patong.

This was the first time AS actually saw me shopping. I bought heaps of stuffs as gifts and for myself. He was surprised that I wanted everything in the shops. I told him that they are some nice stuff and they are super cheap so I need to get them. I knew I will be shopping a lot so I had an empty suitcase when I left Sydney 🙂 . Poor AS had no clue how much a girl could shop until he met me.

I had to force him to buy a few stuff for himself as well. Everywhere we went when I suggested to him to buy something; he would say that he already had it. I guess men are like that but AS is too laid back in shopping.

After a while we got tired and went to find a place to sit down in the mall. We had lunch and the food was really yummy as usual. After resting for a while, we explored some more and discovered lots of new things about Thailand like their food market where you can find all kind of food.

It seemed like people were awake when the sun sets in Pukhet and the most happening place for nightlife is Bangla road in Patong. It is a long strip of road with nightclubs on both sides of the road. I am sure everyone who goes to Phuket goes there. We saw lots of tourists in the bars and nightclubs.

It is famous for its raunchy nightlife. I had heard lots of horror stories of people who picked girls in these clubs to realise they were transvestite or as the Thai called them, Lady Boys. I think everyone will be confused because they are so beautiful and dressed in sexy outfits (Ooops).

By the time we saw Bangla road night life I was too tired so we decided to call it a day.

Before going to the hotel, we decided to go for a massage and it was the best decision as we discovered that it was really cheap like AUD$15 and you can choose from different types of massage like Thai massage or aromatherapy massage. After this discovery, we had a massage every night while we were there. It was great to lie down for a massage after a long day out.

We had dinner at the hotel and went to bed as we had a few trips booked for the next few days to discover the beautiful islands around Phuket.

This is it for now. I will share our Phi Phi, Krabi and more adventures in Thailand in my next post.

Till then, take care.

M from nepaliaustralia

XOXO

Will write more about the Bangkok holiday soon. Please come back for more.

Go to Part 19

You may also like:

*Our Story – Apart again : Part 16 *Our Story – First date – Part 12 *Our Story – Meeting the Parents – Part 13

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Posted in Our Story, Thailand

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Sambhav Nepal Project

Posted on September 4, 2013 | 6 comments

My regular reader, Ijya Paudel, will be going to Gorkha, Nepal in order to volunteer for a program called Sambhav Nepal with a mission to provide Nepali kids with proper schooling and she likes to share her project with all of you here.

Sambhav Nepal is a registered non-profit, non-political, social organization aiming to establish and implement sustainable education, health, and community development programs in isolated areas of Nepal. Presently, the organization is working in 29 VDC’s of the Gorkha district.They are a community organization that deals with advocacy, skill building and most importantly education. When we grow up in a Western and developed society we often take things for granted.

Sambhav Nepal works with governmental schools, which are very low funded and ran inefficiently. The students in these schools are struggling with getting regular school supplies and proper education. They do not have adequate furniture, stationary, books, art supplies, sports equipment or a proper library.

Where you are born shouldn’t determine whether you get an education or not. By donating, you give these kids what they are missing the most: A CHANCE. An opportunity to show that they can be somebody.

My goal is to raise $2000 dollars by the end of November, 2013. I want to donate this sum of money so these students could get a chance at a better education. These $2000 dollars would not only buy their school supplies and furniture but, also help provide the students with proper school uniforms. These students just need a little help to reach their potential. We can do so by donating a small amount of money.

If you donate any amount starting from $5 dollars and above, your name will be entered in a raffle. At the end of this project, I will be drawing a random name and you will win an iPad.

Please consider this as a chance to help those who really need it. Giving back is a beautiful thing. I hope you consider.

You can donate at www.youcaring.com/nepal2013 If you have any further question please do not hesitate to contact me on ijyapaudel@gmail.com

Please help Ijya by donating and sharing this page. Thank you everyone.

6 Comments

Posted in Nepal 2012 / 2013, Social Issue

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Etiquette for travelling like a local

Posted on August 28, 2013 | 16 comments

While travelling to many countries around the world, I have noticed that different actions means different thing in different countries.

As always, when traveling, be respectful and observe local customs, including manners of dress and public behavior but it is also good to know local etiquette.

Did you know it was rude to blow your nose into a handkerchief in Japan or pat someone’s head in Thailand?

Here is some guide to etiquette for travelling like a local.

Greetings

In Switerzland, if you’re meeting someone for the first time, stretch out your hand and say grüezi (hello). If you meet a friend, then you kiss them three times: offering first your right cheek, then left, then right again. The latter exchange is for women greeting women and men greeting women. The boys stick with a handshake or maybe a man hug. Remember to not actually plant a big smacker on someone’s cheeks: think air kiss instead.

When you go into a store say grüezi to the sales people, and when you leave say adieu (goodbye). People may also greet strangers with a grüezi when passing in the street, and always on hiking trails. Bitte (please) and merci or danke (thank you) are also appreciated here.

Dinning

In China, a round dining table is more popular than a rectangular or square one. As many people who can be seated comfortably around it conveniently face one another. The guest of honour is always seated to the right of the host; the next in line will sit on his left. Guests should be seated after the host’s invitation, and it is discourteous to seat guests at the place where the dishes are served.

Addressing

In Nepal,Nepalese address each other using didi (“older sister”), bahini (“younger sister”), daai (“older brother”), bhaai (“younger brother”), buwa (“father”) and aamaa (“mother”) with everyone even though they are not related. To be more formal or respectful, they add ji to the end of someone’s name, as in “namaste, John-ji”.

Body language

Every nation has its inappropriate gestures, such as giving a thumbs up in Italy, which is the equivalent to raising the middle finger in America. In the UK, giving a peace sign with the palm faced inward is also considered vulgar.

Many countries have customary body language signals that may seem odd to some, such as nose-touching (hongi) in New Zealand or sticking out the tongue in India.

Shaking hands in Russia is considered extremely unlucky, while in much of the South Pacific, locals will clasp hands for minutes at a time as a sign of respect. Additionally, in Morocco and Tunisia, greetings sometimes last up to 10 minutes, tallying up lengthy handshakes along with numerous kisses on the cheek.

Job

It’s rude to ask people in Argentina what they do for a living. Wait until they want to bring it up in conversation.

Aaaatchoo!

In Japan, never blow your nose into a handkerchief. The Japanese word for snot is hanakuso, which translates to “nose sh-t”, so they don’t like the idea of anyone carrying it around with them.

Flowers

Watch out Carnations are used at funerals in Germany, Poland and Sweden. Chrysanthemums are used at funerals in Belgium, Italy, France, Spain and Turkey. It’s unlucky to give odd numbers of flowers in China and Indonesia, but odd numbers of flowers are lucky in Germany, India, Russia and Turkey.

Gloves off

In Europe, you’ll be considered rude if you don’t take your gloves off before shaking hands. (Even if it’s freezing outside.)

The bill

In restaurants in Spain, always request the bill at the end of a meal. Waiters think it’s rude to bring it to you before you have asked for it.

Eye level

In Scandinavia and Germany, you should look your fellow travellers in the eye when you are toasting. In Russia, the custom is to drink the vodka in one gulp.

Head matters

At holy places in Thailand and other Buddhist countries, never pat anyone on the head. The head is sacred.

Thumbing

The thumbs-up sign is a rude gesture in Egypt and Iran.

No thanks

As much as you might have enjoyed a meal in India, don’t thank the host because saying “thank you” is seen as a form of payment, and may be taken as an insult.

Foot blunder

In most of Asia, feet are thought of as being dirty, so it’s disrespectful to point your feet or show the bottom of your shoes to anyone. Don’t do it.

Right is right

The left hand is considered the dirty hand in Africa and Sia, so use only your right hand when you eat.

Reading the cards

If you are on business in Japan, the business card exchange is a ritual you need to know about. Receive the card with both hands and a slight bow, then read it carefully. Never put it into your pocket or write on it.

Palming

When getting a taxi in Greece, don’t raise your hand as you would to signal stop. Greeks consider the forward-facing palm to be offensive, so turn your hand so that the palm is towards you (and keep the fingers together).

 I didn’t mean that

In the Philippines, never refer to someone who has invited you to an event as your “hostess”; it means “prostitute”.

Wink, wink

Never wink at anyone in India, unless you know it has sexual connotations.

Public transport

When using public transport in Australia, it is rude to board before letting other passengers disembark. It is polite to move from the aisle to the window seat if it is vacant, to allow others passengers to sit down easily. This is also true when entering a lift or elevator. A person who enters an elevator before all the occupants have vacated will most probably be met with a noticeable scowl of disapproval.

Please share the unique etiquette from your country and any experience you have while travelling.

You may also like:

*Mustang in Lonely Planets Best in Travel 2013 List *Itchy feet *Zoo visit in Nepal

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Posted in Travel

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Thai red curry chicken

Posted on August 26, 2013 | 29 comments

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1kg chicken thigh fillets, trimmed,  cut in half crossways
  • 4 tablespoons of Thai red curry paste
  • 150g total – fresh mushrooms, capsicum. broccoli, beans trimmed and sliced
  • 230g can sliced bamboo shoots, drained
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 400ml can coconut milk

Procedures

  • Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the curry paste and make sure it is cooked properly until its aromatic smell started to come through.
  • Add chicken and cook until golden brown.

Thai red chicken curry (1)

  • Reduce heat to low. Add coconut milk and stir until curry paste has dissolved. Add mushroom, bamboo shoots, vegetables.

Thai red chicken curry (2)Thai red chicken curry (3) Thai red chicken curry (5)

  • Thai red chicken curry (4)Stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on high for 5 minutes.
  • Add fish sauce and cook on high for a further 10 minutes.

Thai red chicken curry (6)

  • Thai red curry chicken is ready to be served.

Thai red chicken curry (7)

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*Jamie Oliver Szechuan stir fry with chicken and brown rice *Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tikka Masala *Jamie Oliver’s Dan Dan Noodles

29 Comments

Posted in Foodie, Recipe, Thailand

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Chicken gravy means chicken gravy only, no chicken please

Posted on June 11, 2013 | 25 comments

I know the title is very confusing but I will try to explain it.

Last night, AS and I were out and so we decided to eat out. We were discussing what to eat when we saw this South Indian restaurant. I like Indian food so it looked like a good choice to both of us.

We went inside and were given a six sitter table as they didn’t have any empty table for two. I didn’t know much about South Indian dishes expect Dosa so I asked AS as he had spent 5 years in South India.

Anyway, finally we decided to eat Chicken 65 and set meals. AS ordered Anjappar popular non veg  meal which comes with Chappati, rice, chettinad chicken, mutton gravy, fish gravy, rasam, kootu, poriyal , curd and appalam.  For me, I decided to go with Anjappar regular meals that comes with rice, chicken gravy, mutton gravy, fish gravy, rasam, kootu, poriyal , curd and appalam. I knew I couldn’t finish all that but I wanted to try the meal. We got extra chicken as AS told me, from his experience in India, that the meal would have only a few small pieces of meat.

While we are waiting for our food, one of the waiters came and asked if they could sit some other customers on our table too. Don’t get me wrong, I am all up for socialising but not when I am out with my husband trying to enjoy dinner together, I really didn’t want a total stranger on the same table sitting next to us listening to our conversation. So we said Sorry but we wouldn’t be comfortable to have others on the same table. I know it seems rude but they still had tables available in the restaurant but it seemed they didn’t want to use another six sitter table for just three people.

I was actually shocked to see that they even asked about it but AS told, me that it is common in dhabas in India but not in a proper restaurant.

I have eaten North Indian meals before so I was thinking this would be similar but I was so wrong. Firstly, the food was so spicy that I knew I couldn’t eat it all and to top it off, the chicken gravy, fish gravy and goat gravy were just that, gravy, no meat. When I was reading the menu, I had thought it meant chicken with gravy but, no it actually meant just gravy.  I am sure I am not the only one who would be confused by the menu. It seemed quite funny to both me and AS. I was just glad that we had ordered a separate chicken dish which was good but quite spicy.

During the meal, one of the waiters came and tried to put some more dishes on the table. We told him that we hadn’t ordered any more food and he left. He was going around the restaurant and had no clue which table the food he was carrying was for. The tables had numbers but I guess because they put more than one customer in one table, the waiters were getting confused.

Seriously, they are running a nice looking restaurant in Sydney but it was a bit chaotic. AS was telling me that he felt like he was in India with loud South Indian music from the TV, the Bollywood music from speakers and waiters running around in every direction.  But even if their idea was to create an authentic South Indian restaurant environment, they should have given a customer like me a choice to go for a medium spicy meal so that I could at least eat my food. Or maybe I am asking too much from them. I guess I will stick with my favourite dosa when I visit a South Indian restaurant. Anyway I ended up eating only around 1/3 of my meal as it was too spicy. I do eat spicy food but this was super spicy.

The other thing I observed while having dinner was the waiters. I saw one waiter dressed so inappropriately. Sorry I do not want to make fun of him but he is in a customer service business and he was wearing a Wallaby hat (bright yellow), multi coloured jacket and a sunnies while he served and the other waiter was wearing a black shirt with sequence embroidery as if he was going to a club. I seriously think they need a dress code so that the customer can identify the wait staff. I am not really judging people but the business definitely could have used some rules in place.

Please let me know what are some good South Indian dishes (not too spicy though), if you know any. I am always up for trying new food  🙂

Please share you different experience trying new food.

Have a great weekend everyone

XOXO

M from nepaliaustralian

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*Forster *Easter Long weekend trip *Snowy Mountains: Australia

25 Comments

Posted in Australia, Foodie, India

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