October 28 marks another year around the sun for me, and I started the day with a little announcement: It’s my birthday! 🎉 After all, I truly believe that you have to celebrate yourself. Life moves fast, and birthdays are the perfect excuse to slow down, appreciate how far we’ve come, and give ourselves a bit of extra love.
Funny enough, as I get older, age doesn’t feel like I imagined it would. It’s as if time has just stopped at certain points. Maybe I’m getting wiser, but I don’t “feel” my age at all—maybe that’s the beauty of growing in ways that can’t be measured by a number.
This year, I feel more grounded, grateful, and excited about all the simple moments that make up each day. Birthdays remind me to take a breath and reflect on all the highs and lows, the memories made, and the growth along the way. To capture it all, I put together a mini-vlog of the day: from a peaceful morning coffee to a birthday meal with all my favorite treats, and of course, laughter and smiles with loved ones who made it extra special.
Thank you all for the warm birthday wishes, messages, and love! You all made this day even brighter, and I’m so lucky to have such a beautiful community around me. Here’s to celebrating ourselves, cherishing the journey, and making memories that’ll make us smile for years to come.
Cheers to another year of growth, adventure, and gratitude!
Recently, one of my readers asked an interesting question: “If eating beef is considered sinful because of the relationship between the cow as a mother and her milk, then why do Hindus, especially Nepalese Hindus, happily eat buffalo meat? Isn’t buffalo milk more nutritious, making buffalo a better mother?”
It got me thinking, and I did some digging to explore this further. Here’s what I found and why I don’t eat beef.
First, it’s important to recognise that in Hinduism, the cow holds a unique and sacred place, and this reverence goes beyond mere practicality or nutrition. The cow is symbolically and spiritually connected to Hindu beliefs and culture, which is why I, like many other Hindus, refrain from eating beef.
The Spiritual Connection with Cows
The cow has been revered in Hinduism for thousands of years. In the Vedas and ancient scriptures, the cow is referred to as “Gau Mata” or “Mother Cow,” symbolising motherhood, nurturing, and selfless giving. This connection comes not just from the milk the cow provides but from its association with key deities. For instance:
Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved Hindu deities, was raised as a cowherd, and his playful interaction with cows is often depicted in religious art. Cows are also tied to Lord Krishna’s teachings on compassion and non-violence.
Goddess Earth (Prithvi) is sometimes personified as a cow, highlighting the belief that cows are life-sustaining and nurturing like the Earth itself.
In this context, cows are considered symbols of life, fertility, and the provider of sustenance, much like a mother to her children. Eating beef, therefore, is seen as equivalent to committing harm to a mother, which is why it is considered a sin in many Hindu communities.
But Why is Buffalo Meat Accepted?
In Nepal, and particularly among groups like the Newars, buffalo meat is widely consumed despite the taboo on beef. This difference arises because buffaloes do not share the same religious or cultural symbolism as cows. While buffalo milk is indeed more nutritious than cow milk—higher in fat, protein, and other nutrients—the spiritual reverence for cows stems from deeper historical, cultural, and religious roots.
Here are a few reasons why buffalo meat is accepted in certain Hindu communities:
Lack of Spiritual Connection: Buffaloes, unlike cows, are not venerated in Hindu scriptures. While buffaloes are important for milk and meat, they do not have the same symbolic and religious significance as cows. The spiritual bond with cows goes beyond their utility, making them sacred, while buffaloes are seen as utilitarian animals.
Cultural and Ethnic Traditions: In Nepal, different ethnic groups have their own dietary practices. For example, Newar Hindus include buffalo meat (locally called “buff”) as a staple in their cuisine. The acceptance of buffalo meat comes from cultural practices that predate modern Hindu dietary restrictions. Buffaloes are raised for both milk and meat, and the consumption of buffalo meat has become culturally normalised.
Practicality: In regions where cows may be harder to raise due to climate or geography, buffaloes are more common because they are hardy animals that can thrive in harsher conditions. This practicality makes buffaloes valuable for both their milk and meat, especially in Nepal.
The Sacredness of Cows Goes Beyond Nutrition
Even though buffalo milk is more nutritious, the sacredness of cows in Hinduism is not tied to nutritional value. Instead, it is based on symbolism. Cows are gentle creatures, embodying the principles of non-violence (ahimsa), purity, and selfless service. They provide milk, dung (used as fuel or fertiliser), and serve as companions in farming, making them deeply integrated into traditional agrarian life.
For Hindus, the reverence for cows is not just about their physical benefits; it’s about what they represent in terms of compassion, nurturing, and life-giving energy. This is why cow slaughter is prohibited in many parts of India and Nepal, and why I choose not to eat beef.
The last few days have been a whirlwind of fun, family, and festivities as we’ve been busy celebrating Dashain, one of the most cherished festivals in our culture. It’s always a time of togetherness, where we come together with friends and family to share joy, laughter, and of course, delicious food!
From Tika and Jamara to playing cards and eating delicious food, the spirit of Dashain has been in full swing. We’ve enjoyed the beautiful rituals, reconnected with family, and created unforgettable memories. Here are some glimpses of our celebrations – filled with love, blessings, and happiness.
While exploring the Central Coast, we decided to take on The Skillion at Terrigal, and it did not disappoint! The walk up this iconic headland is a bit of a challenge, but it’s the kind of workout that rewards you at every step, with stunning scenery to keep you motivated.
The path is paved with a well-maintained concrete pathway, making it accessible, and there are seats along the way if you need to catch your breath or simply enjoy the view as you ascend. Once you reach the top, you’re greeted with a panoramic view that’s nothing short of breathtaking. The coastline stretches endlessly in both directions, and you get a perfect vantage point of Terrigal Beach and the surrounding landscape. It’s a photographer’s dream and an absolute must for anyone visiting the Central Coast.
What I love about the walk up to The Skillion is that it’s designed for all types of adventurers. The steeper sections are made easier with handrails and steps, so it’s as safe as it is scenic. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just out for a leisurely stroll, this walk offers something for everyone. On a warm, sunny day with blue skies overhead, there’s no better way to spend your time than to climb up and enjoy the fresh coastal breeze and the uninterrupted ocean views.
The headland itself is a natural wonder. The exposed layers of rock tell a geological story, with the striking rock formations below creating a rugged platform that’s just as interesting as the views from above. There’s a sense of history and timelessness in these ancient cliffs, and it’s easy to spend a few extra moments just taking it all in.
For those looking for a serene yet invigorating experience, The Skillion is the perfect spot. It’s a straightforward walk, suitable for all fitness levels, and the views are more than worth the effort. If you ever find yourself in the Central Coast, don’t miss the chance to visit this gem—you won’t regret it!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly day out near Sydney, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem that offers an immersive and authentic wildlife experience. Just a 60-minute drive from the city, this sanctuary gives visitors the chance to interact with Australian wildlife in their natural habitat, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional zoos.
If you love animals but aren’t a fan of zoo environments, this is the perfect place for you. Set on 80 acres of lush Australian bushland, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is home to free-roaming kangaroos, emus, and wallabies. The sanctuary provides a haven for many rescued animals, now living out their days in a caring and safe environment. From koalas to Tasmanian devils to flying foxes, the sanctuary features a wide range of native animals that can be seen up close. The free-roaming roos and emus offer incredible opportunities for interaction and photography, making it a fantastic destination for animal lovers of all ages.
We recently visited the sanctuary with the whole family and we all left with wonderful memories. The sanctuary has an organic, non-commercial feel to it, which adds to its charm. Unlike many attractions with concrete paths and overly sanitized environments, this sanctuary embraces the wild Australian bush. You’ll walk along natural dirt tracks, surrounded by the authentic sounds and sights of the wilderness.
Many of the animals, like kangaroos and emus, roam freely around the park, creating a fun and spontaneous experience as you interact with them in their natural setting. Other animals, such as Tasmanian devils, pythons, and flying foxes, are housed in enclosures for safety.
And if you have little ones with you, don’t miss the petting zoo! It’s filled with friendly chickens, ducks, rabbits, and, of course, the charming llama, giving kids a fun, hands-on experience they’ll absolutely love.
For those interested in reptiles, the sanctuary also hosts a fascinating reptile show. Here, you can touch a lizard, snake, or turtle, making it an exciting opportunity to learn about these incredible creatures up close. Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary truly offers something special for animal lovers of all ages!
In addition to the wildlife, the sanctuary also offers walking tracks that lead to ancient Aboriginal sites, adding another layer of cultural and historical richness to the experience. These trails are a great way to connect with nature while learning about Australia’s Indigenous heritage. It’s not just about the animals—it’s about the land and its stories, too.
This sanctuary is not a highly commercialised attraction, so don’t come expecting pristine paved paths or a gourmet café. Instead, embrace the raw beauty of the Australian bush. The café is simple, and the walking trails are natural, but the trade-off is worth it for the authentic wildlife encounters you’ll experience.
We also found some comments about kangaroos lying on dry dirt amusing. This is exactly what kangaroos do in the wild! There’s no perfectly manicured green grass in the bush, and that’s what makes this place so special—it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s a true reflection of Australia’s natural landscape.
Our experience at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary was unforgettable, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic wildlife experience. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or even solo, it’s a beautiful reminder of what the real Australian bush has to offer.
So, pack some snacks, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready for a day of adventure. The kangaroos, wallabies, and all their furry, feathered, and scaly friends are waiting to meet you!
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