Blogs

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The allure of living off the grid, you ask? In essence, I lead a life devoid of monetary transactions. I secure sustenance and shelter by dedicating five hours of labor, five days a week, and I do so without spending a dime. Most of our food is grown on-site, and whatever is not cultivated is procured through purchases, primarily fruits, beans, and occasionally bread. While my host covers the cost of groceries, last week’s shopping list only amounted to $3, consisting of lentils, canned tomatoes, and oregano. Furthermore, we cut firewood for heating the home, warming water, and cooking, thereby bypassing expenses like gas and the like. We reside in […]

The Amish lead a lifestyle that may seem stark to many, yet what they gain surpasses what they relinquish by far. Electricity, cars, indoor phones, computers, and average American attire are all forbidden. However, it’s crucial to note that not all Amish communities are identical. Their primary language is Pennsylvania German, pronounced as “Ich” (with a long “i” for Dich), hence sometimes referred to as Dutch despite not being so. Various German dialects exist across regions, making the language barrier perhaps more challenging to adapt to than off-grid living itself. Clothing must adhere to specified patterns and materials, often handmade. Women wear distinctive hats, intricate and demanding in ironing, a […]

I found myself headed towards Skurbuchan Gonpa. The rickety bus departed from Leh town and followed the Leh-Srinagar Highway relentlessly. At a junction along the way, the highway either crossed a bridge towards Lamayuru or continued along the Indus River towards Dah Hanu. Without crossing the bridge, the bus proceeded towards Dah Hanu, passing through Skurbuchan Gonpa along the way. Gradually descending in altitude while glimpsing the Indus River on the left, every green-covered stretch of land along the Indus River was a village. From Dongkar to Skurbuchan, Achinatan, Sanjak, Dah Hanu, to Garkun, this area would soon be adorned with trees bearing juicy, orange fruits in about a month […]

Running for an hour continuously is truly challenging, don’t you think? The Appalachian Trail stands as the world’s longest hiking trail, spanning a staggering 3,523 kilometers. This trail traverses the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine, navigating through rugged terrains from Springer Mountain in Chattahoochee National Forest to Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. If the trail were flat, covering the 3,523 kilometers would be the ultimate test of endurance. Spanning 14 states, the Appalachian Trail cuts through alpine regions and rocky terrains, presenting a formidable challenge. With over 150 kilometers of elevation gain, those who embark on this trail typically dedicate five to seven months to complete it. Scott […]