Yeah itz me the same old Guy after an awzum break......(Vacation) !

The Woods (Kerala ) were lovely dark and deep
but I had promises to keep.........
So I had to come baack after a break.
So I'm baack here in Jeddah....ooops !
I would like to resurrect a thousands words abt  the so called 'Gods own County or Country
with an additional 'R',as the penultimate letter,which doesn't make much difference........!
I was able to visit only two of the prime cities of Kerala within my congested One month of vacation.
Both starts with the letter 'K' and both the cities are blessed with beautiful and dazzling backwaters.
Yez, its Kochi and Kollam( My home town).I didn't find much difference in these two cities.
Though I landed in Trivandrum Airport, I wasn't able to explore the city which i wished to....but
didn't get a chance.Baack to Kochi and Kollam. Being my Dad's hometown I had my Eid-ul Adha
this time in Kochi with my paternal relatives and had my Eid salaah (Prayers) at the view of the Splendid
Marine drive Eid Gaah.It was an awe-inspiring experience for me at the Eid-Gaah as i was able to meet
much of my relatives,friends and my old-time buddies there after the Salaah.Also I got the chance to enjoy
the charm of the daashing back-water of kochi at Marine drive.
Later we visited the much talked about castle in Edapally,Kochi - "The Oberon Mall" with my Kinz 'nd cousins .These days, all the Jangoes and Yo-Yo's ( I mean the Young freak-outs and buddies who wish to
catch others attraction ) goes to this mall in Kochi in spite of going to Veega-land or any other esplanades.
So we had a tremendous and destructive moments there playing X-games and a sumptuous feast @ the end.
I wished to order pure vegetarian as i have been messed up with all the bloody chickens,beefs and the bash-
ful fish for almost two weeks frm the time I landed on the moon (.....Sorry, I mean  my native province- Kerala) Aw !

You can juz view some of those moments in You-Tube through- the following link .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBh1eXD2Nqg

I should say that Kochi's backwater is really charismatic as it creates a sense of nostalgia in me as i had
the fortune to have my boisterous boyhood in Kochi. Even the mashed-up roads in Kochi makes me nostalgic.Yes, the two things that remains the same like the late 80's of Kochi are the Serene backwaters and
the guttered inland roads.( My visit to Kochi helped me to discover that the Kochin PWD is the worst and the slapdash department in South India - the current condition of the inland roads says that......).

Back in Kollam - Visited all of my relatives,two of my uncle's rennovated and newly-built houses and also the marvellous beach of Kollam with my friends. The Key thing which I noticed as I cruised thru Kollam was that the value of everything just doubled within a period of One year.
Tea - Rs 4  from Rs 2, Fresh Carrot Juice - Rs 25 frm Rs 12 , Uzhunnu Vada or Banana fritters - Rs 4 frm Rs 2 and the price of the thing which made me cry is that of the Majestic Apple Juice - Rs 40 ( incredible ).

After hardly 28 days of time, I had to say bye-bye- or Ma'-salaama to my family and Companions.

The Incident which made me proud as a Keralite on my trip back to Jeddah via Dubai in Emirates flight was the acrobatics and the pandemonium created my some drunken passengers from Trivandrum.They had heavy drinks on-board. Some of them even fierced at the Air-hostess' and Stewards as they warned them for walking rashly thru the aisle when they were supposed to sit on there respected seats.
As soon as the flight landed on the run way, One drunken Malayaalee jumped upon his seat and shouted at anothen drunken co-passenger -"Arrest him, he is the real culprit - he created all the mayhem on-board".
The Steward came on to the spot and said to him - " Sorry, I can't do that, b-coz- I'm not a Police-man" !

The Hurry' burry Kurry - Aka Chicken Fraanks -

    As the name cites, itz indeed a hurry burry dish made from processed chicken (normally called Chicken -franks derived from the french cuisine).This is a tasty dish that can be made by all lonely Adams'(bachelors )short of time within 15-20 min's and to be sure not more than that.There is an axiom that "Hurry - burry will always Spoil the Curry"- Yepp,True to an extent . So make sure that you are not in much hurry though the time needed  for this dish is very minute. I assure you  that this dish will be pretty gud with pancakes like Chappathi, Ari Pathiri or the Middle - eastern Khubz.This can be made in varied kinds and modules.
The One 'am gonna' try here is a Saucy one with enough spice and blocks.
So tie up your Aprons  -
Here we go......

Ingredients :-

1.Chicken Franks - 1 Packet -400 gms ( consisting of abt 10-12 Strands)
2.Potatoes   - 2  ( big size )     
3.Tomatoes -  2  ( big size ) ,you can also use tomato paste instead.
4.Onions     -  3-4 ( normal size ).
5.Ginger n' Garlic - Small piece and 4 pods.
6.Garam Masala - 2 tsp.
7.Chilly Powder  - 2 tsp.
8.Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp.
9.Coriander Powder- 1/2 tsp. (optional )
10.Coriander leaves - Grinded or 2 to 3 strands.
11.Green Elaichi   -  2  to 3 no:s.
12.Mustard seeds - A Pinch.
13.Coconut milk -   2-3 Cups.
14.Coconut Oil  or Sunflower Oil -  3-4 tbsp.

Preparation.

 Wash the chicken strands thorougly and let it to drain.Cut the Strands into small cylinders or blocks as you can figure it out from the Picture.Heat the oil in a pan  on medium temp. After the oil get heated up, put the pinch of mustard seeds into it and make sure tha you hear the CRack-CracK sound of the bursting of the seeds. If you don't hear it , juz' curse the seeds .......Sorry, I won't be responsible for that.......he.....he......!
Now saute' the veggies like sliced Onions, Potatoes and Tommies along with chopped ginger/garlic and elaichi pods till the  Onion becomes goldy brown. You may also feel a pleasant smell by that time ,which I can't express or make you feel by typing on this clip board.
Now marinate the chicken franks with the Garam masala and all the above said powders with a little bit of oil. Gently put the marinated Chicken to the saute'ed mixture on the pan and heat it for a while.
Now add the 3 cups of coconut milk and heat it in low flame.Add the grinded coriander paste or you can garnish it with strands of coriander leaves.

NB: - I even added some fish masala by gaffe.........Thank God, it didn't taste weird. Everything was okay
by the end though it was a little bit spicy. Addition of coconut milk made the curry simple and humble.

Some Hilarious Superstitions..........lol !

1.An Apple a day keeps the doctor away.....!

    (Mmmm.....quite haard to believe.I even tried a trial to check on the authenticity of this proverb.
I had 'two'- apples for an assurance on one fine 'May', morning and went out on rain to beat the 'Quote'.
Sorry to say that, the very next day I was struck with fever and cold.

Damn', who cited this Proverb. Kudoz to him - May his soul rest in heaven for quoting such a wonderful
blunder. (May be becoz, I had 'two' A-Apples......Insha Allah,nxt time I will try with a single one.)

2. If a black cat crosses your path you will have bad luck.

    (Oooh....Some are haard-core believers of this proverb. A very ancient axiom, which can't be condemned
so easily.......fairly a good  no: - of experiences to share for all boyz and gals......Aaah, le'mme start with

mine......frm my Childhood. I was on my way to an auditorium to attend a marriage function with some of

my ja'angoes ( frnz). Abruptly a cat crossed my path......Pardon, I was not in a temper to check whether it

was black, white or spotted......as i was more concerned abt the food and the gals present there.....!

So, I entered the hallway footing the right leg first for a good omen. Straight away, I went to the first row

to catch the mob's attraction.Within seconds,a flamboyant boy came with some drinks and concentrates.....

I took one and to help one of my friend , I took another one too. I was abt to offer the drink to my nearest

friend. Alas, the tumbler slipped from my hand and fell on the floor with much noise breaking' the pande-

monium of the big hall. I felt embarassed abt wat happened at the moment. Meanwhile, some of my friends

nodded on my shoulder uttering "Cool on my boy,nth'ng to worry,Itz juz a glass of drink and not a bowl of 

pudding or kabaab".Aaaah, I felt greatly relieved with the pat of my buddies.

Swiftly, I thought - "Was that bloody caat ,Yellow, brown ,white or black !".

3.If a crow caws at your corridor,make sure that some guests are gonna' come.

   True to an extent.....Let me go baack to my childhood again.......(Yes, I was a much experienced guy in

my childhood more than wen i was a teenager or a youngster....he...hee !). During weekends and also
during my summer vacations, I used to spend most of my time in my home playing 'Snake and ladder' and

watching 'Doordarshan'- the most tedious channel that existed during those days. I even had some local

prankos to play with. You may feel amazed to know that I came to know abt this axiom from the ever time

great comic 'Boban n' Molly'. I was not a regular reader of this comic,but anyhow I got this information
frm this funny periodical.Yes,and it was true.....might be because we didn't have any famine for guests.

And a guest can be any one - neighbours, relatives (close or distant), family friends, Parents' colleagues or

their old time buddies, Well-wishers ,country-men etc......

I was not bothered abt close relatives, but i was indeed worried about distant and strange guests' becoz it will destruct my azaadi (freedom) for Speech, food,Television and all sorts of mayhem.

So when ever i find a crow on my corridor , I do pelt stone at it shouting -" Get lost you dirty black raven "!

4.Garlic protects from evil spirits and vampires.......!

   I don't consider this as a superstition.This is a science of nature or a gizmo believed and practised by the
elders with respect.Factual to a good scope. Itz all abt Science or the garlic factor more than the what so called superstition. The ingredients of Garlic like Allicin and other Sulphur compounds have the power to

keep away vampires and reptiles. Let me share my experience - During my high school days, a long legless

reptile ( I don't want to quote the five letter word, 'S_ake !) came for a visit at our backyard. My mother
got scared after seeing it -"who won't get scared at its sight".She called me up and gave me a bowl of grinded garlic water. She advised me to shower it on the deadly creature.
 It was hung on the branch of our custard-apple tree on our backyard. I went up the balcony and sprinkled some garlic water on it after the ineffective pumbing of water and throwing of stones at it.

To my surprise, it got rid of the branch and went away.
Thus I judged that "Garlic,indeed has got some magical powers on nature".

5.Our fate is written on the Staars.....

   This is the most beautiful axiom I love. Itz not a matter of belief or conviction, but I simply picturize this maxim.There is a lot of superstitions and beliefs regarding the judgement of One's fate all around the world.

It is a common cliche' that Indians,East-Asians and Africans are wildly vulgar in their Superstitions. But in the matter of one's fate,the westerners are not far behind.Nowadayz they do find craze on their horoscopes and

astrologies.India, is a country with a lot of appeal on astrology varying from Palmistry,Zodiac-signs,facial- signs,birth-stars,bird-Science and quite more. Wen I was in my college,I had a chance to meet a bird astro-

loger.he Predicted, Mr.Afsal,at your age of 22, you will be  *$#&@&)%$!$%$%^*.....
I fancied......

Damn.......nothing haappened.......!

(to be continued.......)

The Kerala Greenery -

    A lush  green  lawn in  front of a  housing  colony in  Kuttanad .

A Tribute to MJ - And to All Tiny,Painful And depressed Hearts -

Have you seen my Childhood?

I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart...
No one understands me

[They view it as such strange eccentricities...
'Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me....]

People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things...
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood
I've never known....


Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates in adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne...


Before you judge me, try hard to love me...
Look within your heart then ask.......


People say I'm strange that way

'Cause I love such elementary things,
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood I've never known...



Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
The dreams I would dare, watch me fly...


Before you judge me, try hard to love me...
The painful youth I've had........

An Iftaar Lamb Fiesta -

Seen here is a Whole Lah'm Khabsa (A Fried Rice dish with whole lamb served with Yoghurt and Vegetable Salad). This was served for our Iftaar feast at Hotel Inter Continental - Jubail with all our Colleagues and friends.This is a dish served for 20-25 people .Though we where twenty in number , we  found it haard to complete the whole dish.

Zain Ramadan English TVC

Something funny, but Genuine -

Cracking your knuckles does not actually hurt your bones or cause arthritis. The sound you hear is just gas bubbles bursting.

Cracking your knuckles (or any of your joints) can have therapeutic benefits. When you crack one of your joints you are pulling the bones that are connected at the joint apart from each other.
This process stimulates your tendons, relaxes your muscles, and loosens your joints.
Chiropractors - the Physicians  who diagnose and treat the defects on musculoskeletal system and there effects on nervous system do this for spinal joints when your back is sore and stiff .You can do this on your own for your knuckles, toes, knees, neck, etc. So never misunderstand that it will lead to Arthritis rather than keeping away from it.But too much stretching of your ligaments will cause damage to your fingers related to the arm injuries endured by some Sportspersons.

The Cheese factor -

Still staaring @ the block of Cheese on li'l Jerry's tiny head or the charm of the flamboyant Picture. Which eva'........ , Itz all about the varieties of Cheese all around the world and its nutritional  factors.
Ever thought abt the diversity of Cheese and its subsidiaries ......?! Well, I should admit that It can be an interesting topic for research  for students relating to food and dairy science .
Cheeses are generally classified as Hard, Xtreme Hard, Soft &Semi-soft.  It also has priority based on ageing and the kind of milk used varying from Cow, Goat or Sheep.It may diverge from the Dutch Gouda Cheese to the Middle-Eastern Labneh. Some other delicious cheese assortments  include the Danish Blue Cheese, the Russian Circussians, the Spanish Manchengos,  the Swedish Herrgårdsost and the grilled Halloumi from Cyprus. As I said earlier its a matter of exploration as there are an innumerable range of Cheese.The Indian Cottage Cheese called Paneer is a main ingredient in some of the Mughlai dishes.

'This is what is called friendship'........(Strictly meant for Kidz- Others Plz ignore ...... !)

[ like wen we have children everyone will call them "Eleph-Ants"- he.....he.....!!]


Once upon a time there lived two great friendz - David (An Elephant ) & Sherry (An Ant )......Both where born and brought up in the same Village and went to the same School for studies.......They loved Swimming and Golf. As Elephant was good in Swimming ,So was Ant with Golf. They used to play near the lake -side every evening.....and also used to share there fun and feelings each other.
Once they planned to go for a  long a bike-ride along the Valley after the school was closed for their X'mas holidays. Apart from playing Golf, Ant (sherry) was pretty gud with Cycling.....both had only one Cycle and So Ant decided to pedal the Cycle with keeping Elephant on the front bar.......
They went thru the Valley enjoying the ride.
All on a sudden a truck came from the opposite side of the U-turn and  hit the comrades badly.
By God's Sake,Sherry was not' injured as he was wearing a helmet. 
But Our Poor Elephant was badly wounded and blood started oozing out from his head . He was taken to the hospital immediately as our little Ant called for an ambulance. 
Elephant was taken to the Intensive care unit and was given the  first - Aid. But, Surprisingly Ant was also asked to lay on the bed beside him even though he was free from all injuries........
Frienz , you know why..........?.
B-coz Our humble and the Kind-hearted Ant granted whole -heartedly to donate blood to his beloved friend - 'David' .          
Seeing his friend's benevolence, tears rolled down on David's Cheeks......he hugged his little friend Sherry and wept bitterely .
David pledged that he will never forget his friend's on-time service and thus they lived as  true-friends forever.........!
                                                                                       

An OMG Fact -

The original name of Bank of America was Bank of Italy.

Amadeo Peter Giannini started Bank of Italy in San Francisco in 1904. The bank was designed for the hardworking immigrants that the big banks refused to serve. After a merger he changed his bank's name to Bank of America. After acquiring Merrill Lynch in 2008, Bank of America is now the world largest wealth manager.

A Traditional Gujarati Thali Meal -

A Typical Gujarati(North-west Indian Province) meal consist of Roti (Wheat Pancake),Small amnt of Chaaval(boiled rice)...Side dishes like Bindi masala (Okra/lady's finger),Paneer Tamatar masala (Cottage-Cheese with Tomato ),Curd,Gulab Jamun (A very Sweet wheat ball dessert soaked in sugar Syrup ), Lemon, Sliced Tomato, Pappad (Rolled Wafer) Vegetable Rice, Some other special spicy side-dishes and a Green Chilly..

Back to - Nature --

Well, this is a mashed up version of fruit-salad with Straw-berries, Dates,Corn,Plantains,Apple,Raisins and even Capsicum just to add a crispy feeling to it.This is better to consume after a heavy work out or after a long Morning-Walk. 
Munch it and Go-baaackk........to nature and enjoy the cool breeze 
Outside.  Never ever hesitate to add fruits and Veggies according to your choice in these Salads....Adding more varieties of fresh fruits will add more masti and delight to your body and bowl.
So C'mone - Go out and enjoy your day............!

Going Green................!

This is a traditional Kerala dish prepared by the Malayalees or the  mostly called 'Mallu's-for the Occassions like Marriages and for the very Supreme traditional Cum harvest festival Known as 'Onam'.It is futile to celebrate Onam and other blessed occassions without a 'Sadhya'(A totally sumptuous,vegetarian dish) in Kerala.It should be noticed that the dish is apparently delicious as well as nutritious.(The Picture shown here is a Mangalorean Konkani Sadhya ,not much different from the Kerala version).The base of a Sadhya is boiled Rice of any particular quality accompanied by the inevitable Pappadam,Pazham and a mouth-watering Payasam.(we guys call it as 'The Pay'-Sung' juzt 4 a style ).

The So-called Sadhya is primarily served on Plantain/Banana leaves.....(ie...,a Sadhya won't be a Sadhya if itz not served on Plantain leaves for sure....).The above said Pappadam is a deep fried crispy wafer similar to the Paappad of Punjab/North India prepared from a typical flour and baking soda.

Payasam is a kerala version of the North Indian Kheer.It can be prepared with Vermicelli,Rice Ada, Jaggery and it has innumerable versions for preparation.I should say that itz simply drool-worthy,mouth-watering, Eye-storming etc....etc....etc......or 'ditto'......'ditto'........'ditto'....Titti- Ta....Tara-rum-pum,especially the one called PaalPayasam or an Ada Pradhaman.

A Sadhya won't be complete without some fried banana Chips or Sharkara Upperi and it itsel looks quite colorfull with its 'side touches' like Pachhadi,Kichhadi,Avial,Beet-root Thoran, Inji Curry (Ginger-Chutney), Chammanthi, Beans/Achinga Thoran, Payar Thoran and The Awesome 'Mambhazha Pulissery'(A Sweet/Sour Mango delight). It should also be accompanied by Parippu Curry (lentil-Curry),Sambhaar and the fuzzy-butter milk (consisting of Ginger,Green-Chillies and Shallots).A Pinch of Salt  and the 'Tingy-Tangy'-Mango Pickle is kept on  the left cor'ner of the banana-leaf.The Sadhya concludes with a drooling Paalpayasam or an Ada-Pradhaman with bollie and a long blurp.

Extracts from The Holy Qur'an -

Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent

[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving ....

[And] who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return [your] vision [to the sky]; do you see any breaks?


                          Surat Al- Mulk , Verse 1-3.

Leave right now........

I'm here just like I said
Though its breaking every rule I've ever made
My racing heart is just the same
Why make it strong to break it once again?


And I'd love to say I do
Give everything to you
But I can never now be true
So I say...


I think I'd better leave right now
Before I fall any deeper
I think I'd better leave right now
Feeling weaker and weaker


Somebody better show me out
Before I fall any deeper
I think I'd better leave right now


I'm here so please explain
Why you're opening up a healing wound again
I'm a little more careful
Perhaps it shows
But if I lose the highs, at least I'm spared the lows

Now I tremble in your arms....
What could be the harm
To feel my spirit calm
So I say..

I think I'd better leave right now

Before I fall any deeper
I think I'd better leave right now
Feeling weaker and weaker

Somebody better show me out
Before I fall any deeper
I think I'd better leave right now

I wouldn't know how to say
How good it feels seeing you today
I see you've got your smile back
Like you say your right on track
But you may never know why
Once bitten twice is shy
If I'm proud perhaps I should explain
I couldn't bear to lose you again


Yes I will.......


Written by Eg White  And Sung by Will Young.

Night Out in the Urban Desert -

Itz alwayz nice to see the flashy roads after a rain especially during the night time.

but commuters should be quite careful about their driving as the possibility for

mishaps and accidents are pretty high at these times.

Some love short drives while it is drizzling and some hate it.

but it is relatively dangerous to have drives while their is a heavy down pour.

It is also a key fact that majoriy of the accidents are reported during the rainy dayz.

Anyhow no one can decline the reality that they love to have a side walk thru the country side with

their loved ones when the rain is sprinkling from the skies.....

Enrique Iglesias - Cuando Me Enamoro feat. Juan Luis Guerra

The Revolver -

Hey......! Itz the Mammz Maan Cruizing On a' Skooter thru the Village............!

The Cuillin Valley -

Sadaa khushh rakhnaa mere khudaa usko,

Tere farishtay bhi de dua usko,
De usko uski chaahat se zyaada,
Maange qataraa to mile dariyaa usko.

(Translation) -
(Plzz) Always keep him/her happy (Oh)My god,

Your  Angels  shall  also  bless  him / her,
Give him  more than What he /she expected .......,
If he/she asks for a drop, give him/ her the Entire Ocean....,Oh God.....!

Raat ka chaand tumhe salaam Kare,

Pariyon ki aawaz tumhe aadaab kare,
Saari duniyaa ko khushh rakhne waala woh rabb,
Har pal tumhaari khusiyun ka khayaal kare.

Kaise bathaaye tumhe
Lafz wo saare ,
Khwaab haseen jo Aaten hei.....

The Felooda Fantazy -

Well, this is a very simple and easy to make dessert which any one can try.
This can be made on Sundays or any leisure hours within minutes of your Pleasure time.

Ingredients:

Custard Powder - 1.5 Cup
Vermicelli           - 10 Strands
Pista milk          -  3 to 4 Cups
(With Cus Cus)
Raspberry syrup   - 1/4 Cup
Strawberry Syrup-1/2 Cup
Cashew nuts       -8 to 10 pieces
Raisins                -10 to 12
Fig (Dry )           - 6/7 Pieces

Additional Fruits -(chunks)

Apple ,Pine- Apple , Peach ,Orange, Apricot ,Straw-berry etc.....

Keep Dipped  the boiled Vermicelli in the Quarter-Cup of Raspberry Syrup

1.Firstly, Pour 3 to 4 cups of Pista Milk with Cus-Cus to a bowl .
2.Take the Custard dessert from the Freezer and lay it on the bowl.
3.Pour the Strawberry Syrup lightly on the top of the Custard dessert.
4.Gently, lay the Vermicelli strands dipped in Raspberry Syrup
   to the top of the Custard dessert.
5.Add all the Nuts,dry-fruits and fresh fruits to the dessert.
   ( You can also garnish the dessert with lime,mint leaves and
     fresh fruits as per your choice and Imagination . . . . . .)
6.Pour out the left over Raspberry syrup on to the dessert.

   Now enjoy the delightful dessert with your hubby and Kiddz.

Custard Felooda - Try This.........!

I 'll find repose in new wayz.........
Though I have'nt slept in two dayz.....
Cuz cold nostalgia chills me to the bone........!!

Chicken Tikka Masaala........!

The Ama'an Smile -( Registered)-(TM)

Owl City - Vanilla Twilight

Amaan & Me in front of the Ka'aba.

I could barely respond for the tears in my eyes and the lump in my throat.A precious memory that I wish to keep forever........!

Owl City - Fireflies

Vanessa Carlton - A Thousand Miles

The Wedded Rocks in Honshu- Japan considered as Life Partners tied by a sacred Rope........

A View of the Volcanic erruption accompanied by a lightning in Eyjafjallajokull - Iceland.

Beware........."the Bengal Tiger"........!

Gaajar ka Halwa -My Fav'orite -.......

The Woods 'r lovely dark n' deep.......but i have promises to keep.......And miles to go before I sleep......And miles to go before I sleep........!