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In the quiet dawn of awakening, with Self-esteem as my guiding light, I embrace the day ahead. A night of rest brings forth a refreshed spirit, unburdened by the weight of yesterday’s worries. Awakened at 6 am, feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep. Freed from pressure, a profound sense of relief washed over. Stepped outside, embracing the gentle breeze, the melody of birdsong, and the rustle of leaves. Placed water out for thirsty birds, a sense of accomplishment bloomed. Recalled numerous golden memories, realizing the depth of personal growth with a smile. Settled onto the sofa, delving into the morning paper. As his wife stirred awake, cheek pinched and […]
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When a mistake is made, There is a beautiful tradition among a tribe in Africa: If someone commits a harmful act or makes a mistake, they take that person to the center of the village, where the entire tribe gathers around them. For two days, they tell the person about the good things they have done. This tribe believes that all humans are born into this world as good beings. We all seek safety, love, peace, and happiness. However, people sometimes make mistakes in their pursuit of these things. This community sees those mistakes as cries for help. They then come together and, to make it right, they remind the […]
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The Longest Train Journey in the World – From Portugal to Vietnam Inspired by my experience traveling part of the Silk Road by train, I’ve developed a keen desire to explore more train journeys. Just imagine the excitement I felt when I first learned about the world’s longest train journey. Trains are truly underrated as a fulfilling mode of travel. Unlike planes, you can enjoy ever-changing landscapes like towering mountains, vast meadows, charming rivers, and quaint towns as they pass by. Allow me to introduce you to a 17,000km journey from Portugal to Vietnam, spanning 13 days. Undoubtedly, this is the longest overland journey anyone can embark on. It’s not […]
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What is the secret to a simple life? You may at times feel dissatisfied with your own life, yet there are many in this world who dream of living as you do… A child raised on a farm dreams of taking flight upon seeing an airplane soar overhead. Conversely, the pilot of that plane dreams of returning home upon glimpsing a farmhouse below. Such is life! Embrace your life… If wealth were the key to happiness, the affluent would surely be dancing in the streets. Yet, it is only the impoverished children who do so. If power truly ensured security, officials would walk unguarded. Yet, those who lead simple lives […]
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Natural Living and Wellness: Simple Secrets for Everyone Diet: Exercise: 45 minutes of brisk walking (morning or evening) Breathe fresh air, especially in the invigorating mornings. Eat healthy: avoid processed snacks (biscuits, chakli, wafers). Eat plenty of seasonal fruits. Include all available vegetables: gourds (bitter, ridge, snake), banana stem, leafy greens, legumes. Increase fiber intake for better digestion. Reduce red meat, increase fish. Eat on time with smaller portions. Limit sugar, salt, pickles, sauces, spices, and papad (appalam). Have a daily vegetable salad. Limit coffee and tea (1 cup each, max). Eat yogurt daily. Lifestyle Habits: Maintain cleanliness. Head massage with oil once a week before hair washing. Avoid arguments […]
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A wealthy man strode into a bar in Panama. As soon as he entered, his gaze fell upon a black woman seated in a corner. Approaching the counter and pulling out his wallet, he shouted, “Bartender! I’ll buy drinks for everyone in this bar, except that black woman over there.” The bartender took the money and started offering free drinks to everyone in the bar, except the black woman. However, she remained calm and simply looked at the man, saying, “Thank you.” The man grew furious. Once again, he took out his wallet and said, “Bartender! This time, I’ll buy a bottle of wine and extra food for everyone in […]
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A Japanese tourist hailed a taxi in downtown Delhi, asking to be taken to Indira Gandhi Airport. Along the way, a car swiftly passed by, and the tourist exclaimed, “Ah, a Toyota – made in Japan! Very fast!” Another car then overtook the taxi, and the tourist remarked, “Ah, a Nissan – made in Japan! Very fast!” Soon after, yet another car passed them, and the tourist said, “Ah, a Mitsubishi – made in Japan! Very fast!” The taxi driver, who was 100% Indian, grew a bit annoyed as Japanese cars kept overtaking. Finally, as they approached the airport, another car zoomed past the taxi, and the tourist exclaimed, “Ah, […]
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What does isolation at Antarctica’s poles feel like? One day, a video cassette of the Polish version of “Big Brother” arrived at the Antarctic research station. The narrator’s concerned voice explained, “The participants have been confined together for these 90 days.” We exchanged looks. It was the 281st day at the Arctowski base. The above memory is a story I heard from a friend, but I hope it helps you understand what isolation at the poles truly means. Personally, I’ve conducted four expeditions at the Polish Henryk Arctowski Antarctic Station, two of which were winter overs (year-round observations). Usually, a ship departs from Gdynia Harbor in October and, after a […]
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Living in the Middle: Living somewhere in the middle, what’s it like? I live somewhere in the middle. Going a step further, I’d say at one point, my family was one of the most isolated families in North America, perhaps even one of the most isolated in the world. Building an igloo in the spring of 1980 (though that was my brother, not me, for clarification). Would you believe it? Keep reading. Here’s a map of the United States taken directly from Google Earth. As you can see, it’s quite a vast area. Now, some of you may not be aware, but just north of the United States, there’s another […]
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Which country boasts the most delicious mangoes? Look no further than India. India and mangoes are synonymous. The cultivation of mangoes in India dates back over 4,000 years, making it the birthplace of these luscious fruits. Even today, India proudly holds the title for the highest mango production in the world. Let’s embark on a journey through India, exploring the world of mangoes. Here’s a list of mango varieties harvested in each state of India. Quite an impressive array of flavors, isn’t it? While wine tours are famous worldwide, I highly recommend embarking on a mango tour in India. It’s a delightful and enjoyable expedition. First, let’s go through the […]