tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post1365410526120651309..comments2024-01-29T19:23:58.553-07:00Comments on Indian Food Rocks: But I am homeIndian Food Rockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397829480472038159noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-15016596223331254402013-01-08T05:36:28.568-07:002013-01-08T05:36:28.568-07:00Among your many great shots, the pigeon comp needs...Among your many great shots, the pigeon comp needs to be printed and framed - all that motion blur. Stunner. <br /><br />Diaspora is complex, but you've sorted it out. What you write is not corny at all. <br /><br />Though different, many of us who grew up in America feel it, too, with moving all over the States for education and job opportunities. If anyone doubts it, all you have to do is look at the travel stats from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Home is always where the family is. <br />Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14970742141705361136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-25392101362142223882013-01-07T23:19:59.222-07:002013-01-07T23:19:59.222-07:00Miri, I miss you so, Raji.
Maven, I hope you lik...<b>Miri</b><i>, I miss you so, Raji. </i><br /><br /><b>Maven</b><i>, I hope you like it!</i><br /><br /><b>JoAn</b><i>, good meeting you too.</i><br /><br /><i>I'm sorry my replies are so late!</i><br /><br /><b>Manasi</b><i>, it changes exponentially each year. I was mostly in the northern suburbs on my last visit. This was in Borivali on a really crowded street. Every time a bus went by, you couldn't see the sky, just pigeons! And I totally get what you're saying. It's more a feeling than anything else. Hugs!</i>Indian Food Rockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397829480472038159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-58114852300172692862013-01-07T22:44:08.242-07:002013-01-07T22:44:08.242-07:00I was in Bombay about 2.5 years ago and everything...I was in Bombay about 2.5 years ago and everything was so different, the noise levels, pollution, population and prices had increased manifold and I hardly thought that was possible, pshaw! <br /><br />To me, home is where I am with my family, just like you and many others have mentioned, i do miss my parents, a lot. Sometimes I think I am losing it, I imagine them with me, at home, or when I am driving, all alone.. even that makes me feel like 'home',am I making sense? I don't know how to explain that part~sheesh~! <br /><br />Loved the pictures and it is amazing to see such a lovely, green lane in Apli Mumbai! and the pics with the flying pigeons.. my first thought was, Dadarcha Kabutarkhana!<br /><br />Thank you. Manasihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07219295365602655534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-44803358574038022622012-05-19T23:40:57.803-06:002012-05-19T23:40:57.803-06:00Thanks for sharing, Manisha! Nice to meet you and...Thanks for sharing, Manisha! Nice to meet you and your daughter at the cooking school.JoAn's Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14033680492546602460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-6337194307857891892011-03-09T13:23:42.766-07:002011-03-09T13:23:42.766-07:00Fantastic post! I think I'll try this recipe o...Fantastic post! I think I'll try this recipe one of these days. Looks simple enough! :)Mavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06159539883712835177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-32653558768233361542011-02-20T22:02:29.740-07:002011-02-20T22:02:29.740-07:00I grew up eating varan bhath in my neighbour's...I grew up eating varan bhath in my neighbour's house in Mumbai and its got a special place in my heart. We make this version, the Tamil version and the Konkani version on a regular basis in my home and its the complete comfort food.<br /><br />We were so against moving to Delhi - and now (while we still are a little sceptical about living here forever) we know that moving back to Chennai will probably not fit in with what we want in our lives. I feel sad about that, but thats the way - to look forward to new things which make you grow.Mirihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13676408925598600874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-31350530780240212532011-02-19T13:46:59.641-07:002011-02-19T13:46:59.641-07:00Thank you for your heartfelt responses to this pos...<i>Thank you for your heartfelt responses to this post! Home can mean so many things to each of us. I think the important thing is to embrace it and make it our own, whatever the ambiguities or seeming conflicts.</i><br /><br /><b>Shammi</b><i>, you're a lucky girl!</i><br /><br /><b>Sunita</b><i>, thanks! We're kindred spirits then!</i><br /><br /><b>Soma</b><i>, you'll do just fine! You and the girls will have a fabulous time! Did you leave a comment on my photostream on Flickr?</i><br /><br /><b>Nandini</b><i>, I almost wrote that this post doesn't apply to Nandini and here you are confirming exactly that. Patriotism is an interesting phenomenon based primarily on one's place of birth, which is never of one's choosing. I hope you made my varan!</i><br /><br /><b>Gabi</b><i>, you're too funny but I know why you say that!</i><br /><br /><b>Mona</b><i>, you, too, have two homes which may be why you long for one when you're at the other?</i><br /><br /><b>Anjali</b><i>, parents and their home remains home for most people, even when they have their own families. I know I would feel exactly as I do now regardless of where my parents were. Actually at this point, I'd just be happy to have my parents cos I miss them both very much. </i><br /><br /><b>GB</b><i>, so where is home and what defines home for you? And yes, the pollution is nasty. :-(</i><br /><br /><b>Aparna</b><i>, I once thought like you, that i belonged in India. Now, it doesn't really matter. It's where I make my home that's more important.</i><br /><br /><b>Anita</b><i>, fried bhajjis? As in sent for a swim in hot oil? No sugar in your sada varan? </i><br /><br /><b>Finla</b><i>, I hear you! I hope you get to see your Mom soon!</i><br /><br /><b>Vrushali</b><i>, I haven't made pithla for a long time now! I usually serve It with phulki or rice.</i><br /><br /><b>Niv</b><i>, it's even more crowded than what I thought it would be. Surprisingly, some parts of Bombay have been cleaned up and gone are the streets lined with squatters and their shanties!</i><br /><br /><b>Medini</b><i>, thanks and I'm glad you agree!</i><br /><br /><b>Shulie</b><i>, we may wander but we're never far from our true home!</i><br /><br /><b>Kamala</b><i>, maybe you do; in which case, you're a lucky gal, too!</i><br /><br /><b>Anshu</b><i>, what pulls you back to NJ? Maybe if you can nail that and try to incorporate it into your new home, maybe you won't miss it so much?</i>Indian Food Rockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397829480472038159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-63839652598647763572011-02-17T12:46:42.331-07:002011-02-17T12:46:42.331-07:00It was lovely reading your post as well as the bea...It was lovely reading your post as well as the beautiful comments..I am in US only from last three years...came here just after marriage and started this beautiful journey of married in New Jersey...since then we have moved to three different locations here in United States..and home that I missing the most is the one in New Jersey...much more then the one in India...Eat2live2travelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15984864676393574949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-22708157685011298782011-02-17T08:52:57.976-07:002011-02-17T08:52:57.976-07:00Manisha, when I went to India for a visit, last y...Manisha, when I went to India for a visit, last year by myself, I told everyone in the USA I’m going home. After I reached India, I kept referring to USA as home! Maybe I’m confused or maybe I have 2 homes now. kamalahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14579208343263584487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-14936093925656119252011-02-16T15:50:41.047-07:002011-02-16T15:50:41.047-07:00On multiple levels I understand what you mean. I a...On multiple levels I understand what you mean. I also have only one child and home is where my husband and son are. I just as you was robbed of the Mediterranean sand dunes I grew up on and the urban highrises were taken over. This is a wonderfulpost Manisha!Foodwanderingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11637278501455738531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-44105782646575245782011-02-16T14:32:54.760-07:002011-02-16T14:32:54.760-07:00Manisha (ok so I now know your name....as I know y...Manisha (ok so I now know your name....as I know you only as indianfoodrocks lol) yes, home IS where the heart is! <br /><br />Very nicely said, enjoyed reading!Medini Pradhanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00439285715857873827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-82289668142766215242011-02-16T10:10:14.189-07:002011-02-16T10:10:14.189-07:00for a moment there, I was in the midst of suburban...for a moment there, I was in the midst of suburban mumbai, the crows, dabbawalas, harbour line local, the koli fisherwomen who have the uncanny ability to make the sea of humanity part on the railway platform a la Moses!!!<br />Thanks for that precious whiff of Nostalgia...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-84774767627668408912011-02-16T04:08:44.739-07:002011-02-16T04:08:44.739-07:00loved reading your post..and i agree with u .. gar...loved reading your post..and i agree with u .. garam garam varan tup bhat and batata bhaji is a real comfort food.. another one is pithla bhakri / or bhat.. yummyVrushalihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08349116609273431090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-68809052506787416312011-02-16T02:42:14.853-07:002011-02-16T02:42:14.853-07:00Indeed a beautiful read.
I always get question fro...Indeed a beautiful read.<br />I always get question from the non Indians here dont you miss your country, your home and then I Look to them ann tell same as you say, my home is were my husband and daughter is. And they really look to me in a strange manner.<br />Then I get questions from my Indian friends dont you miss home then I tell the same again.<br />Ofcourse I miss India , I dont know if it is India I miss I miss not seeing my mom often as I want.Finlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12122357811540919609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-6399745406210024012011-02-16T00:53:50.076-07:002011-02-16T00:53:50.076-07:00What a lovely read this is - evocative of what it ...What a lovely read this is - evocative of what it really means to "be home!" Varan-bhaat is one of those comfort meals for my family as well. Lime juice, ghee, and khobra-dhaniya chutney are the mandatory sides. These days I add some friend bhajjies for some glamour. Though it doesn't really need to be glamorised at all.<br /><br />Our saada varan is even simpler - no spice except turmeric, and a pinch of hing! Cherish your beautiful family! Hugs!Anitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06002754872631420601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-46542736105290461662011-02-16T00:48:01.176-07:002011-02-16T00:48:01.176-07:00I echo your sentiments about home being where one&...I echo your sentiments about home being where one's heart is, with your family wherever that is.<br />Yet, even though I grew up and spent half my life outside India, a big part of me is always in India where I truly belong (in my mind). So for me, India will always be home no matter which part of the country.Aparna Balasubramanianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02989967318453941084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-56582701744581776032011-02-15T21:17:52.378-07:002011-02-15T21:17:52.378-07:00My sentiments exactly. Now that I'm "home...My sentiments exactly. Now that I'm "home" I miss home. Two weeks back I was fighting all odds to make my trip to India. Now, I'm almost ready to start planning the trip back home. <br /><br />This is what we signed up for I guess and I like to think that we're richer for the experience.<br /><br /><br />PS: You were right about the pollution! OMG! Where did all these vehicles come from? where do they go at night(is there enough square footage to park all of them in Delhi)?? Delhi roads are a nightmare! "Dilli sari dekh badal gayi" as the song goes! :DGBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09663791299848516601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-72220446234121729242011-02-15T20:03:03.449-07:002011-02-15T20:03:03.449-07:00Manisha this is the voice of most people who moved...Manisha this is the voice of most people who moved away from their parents home and made their own home wherever they went. Yesterday was talking to my cuz who returned to Mumbai from England after 12yrs, says he has lost his world that he associates with home and so now is going back to England and will live 6 months in both countries now on. Strange our lives are but we are the bearer of the change that redefines HOME. Your Varan is exactly like how we like it, kalvun khayla maza vaTte:DAnjali Kolihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01461685370304758571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-19457806527930752612011-02-15T17:47:39.993-07:002011-02-15T17:47:39.993-07:00Manisha, this year I visited Hyderabad, where I ha...Manisha, this year I visited Hyderabad, where I have lived before I got married. I went to Hyderabad to visit my parents. The last time I was in Hyderabad was 3 years back, but during this recent trip, I felt Hyderabad has changed, it wasn't the one I had grown up in. I missed my husband, and although I was with my parents in the house I knew since childhood, I didnt feel at home and was always on edge. But now that I am here with my husband, I once again have that same strong feeling to go back and visit them and enjoy Hyderabad.<br />The pictures made me very nostalgic and reminded me of India. <br /><br />zaiqa.netMonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13154818108406192946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-54808450561261319912011-02-15T16:49:27.571-07:002011-02-15T16:49:27.571-07:00I usually say, home is where the Internet is. Teeh...I usually say, home is where the Internet is. Teehee.<br />But of course, being with your loved ones makes it complete.<br /><br />Beautiful post!cybergabihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11046481296417994068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-63498403778834403962011-02-15T16:48:24.833-07:002011-02-15T16:48:24.833-07:00Great post :) It's beautiful the way you'v...Great post :) It's beautiful the way you've captured the feeling of home. For me, India is home. At the risk of offending A (who doesn't care or my parents), I am super patriotic and so India is home!<br /><br />That said, it's so easy to make Varan. I didn't know! I'm going to make this meal with the beans sabzi with peanuts that you have? and eat with Amla Achaar :DNandini Vishwanathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08191678360010655394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-31590664535863668032011-02-15T16:33:47.658-07:002011-02-15T16:33:47.658-07:00This post is like reading my own mind. for the pas...This post is like reading my own mind. for the past few weeks, after we booked our ticket I did not know what to think of myself as I am not comfortable to leave my home here and go home with my 2 girls (without A). I do not want to admit, but I am scared and that makes me ashamed.. kind of.It is such a mixed range of feeling... since I lost my mom, it got worse - going back simply does not matter to me anymore.<br /><br />on another note, I bet I left a comment on the post of those beautiful switzerland photographs, for I spent a LONG time on those, only now I do not know where I wrote the comment :-) losing my mind? <br /><br />SomaSomahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14822463321446307925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-31272825354297512572011-02-15T16:21:54.304-07:002011-02-15T16:21:54.304-07:00I echo your sentiments about 'home', Manis...I echo your sentiments about 'home', Manisha. Love the look of your comforting meal, it can't be anywhere else but 'home'.sunitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09176577177334401747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5156654.post-70654175641972957012011-02-15T15:53:04.583-07:002011-02-15T15:53:04.583-07:00Lovely post. I mean, LOVELY post, Manisha. Home is...Lovely post. I mean, LOVELY post, Manisha. Home is where my family is... home is also wherever I am with my husband. I just consider it as having two homes :)Shammihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07905000396589717457noreply@blogger.com