Tag / 2019

by Aman Sharma

Amritsar- The Golden City

Amritsar is truly the golden city of the Punjab state. The City is most famous for the ‘Golden Temple’ and secondly also for its food. It is safe to say that it is a food paradise. You can find every single food item that you wish for, from its very small street corners to the big bazaars the city is full with the lazeez zaikas. No one in Amritsar can starve because of food. The Golden Temple serves the meal for around 75,000 to 1,00,000 people everyday. Yes, you read that numbers right. So how can anyone deny to go to a place like this. So this Friday me and my 2 friends decided to go to Amritsar. It was the Saturday morning when we decided to leave. I packed my things prior to the day of leaving so I can get out on time, but like every time there is always tit and bit of things that I forget to pack. It was 11 in the morning by the time we started our journey, as we had to stay that day in Amritsar only so there was no hurry. We get the car fueled up and shifted to the main highway. It was a clear bright sunny day with a cool breeze flowing. We were going around 80km/hr and suddenly one of the tires of the car got a cut I don’t know from where, but we had to change it. We pulled up the car a side on the highway and changed the tire. After 15 minutes we were again ready to go now. (Tip- Always carry a spare wheel with you when going out of the city). Another 30 minutes of drive and we stopped at a roadside dhaba to have some Tea and biscuits.

 After filling our stomachs a little we were back on the road and at exactly 2:40pm we reached Amritsar. We first went To Baba Deep Singh ji Gurudwara. I have only come to Amritsar once before when I was around 4 or 5 years old, so everything I was going to see today had to be first time. We entered the gurudwara and it was such a nice place. We sat there for 15 minutes and went to eat langar in the gurudwara. The food there was really tasty. We came out and started looking for a room for our stay at night. What I had seen in pictures, Amritsar was more beautiful than that. We searched a few hotels on the google map and decided to book one which was near the golden temple. The market near the golden temple was absolutely amazing, more of a downtown of the city. We booked our room and relaxed ourselves for the next 20 minutes. We got freshen up and then decided to to go to the Golden Temple. It was now 4:30. We started walking towards the golden temple, as we were getting closer to it, it was getting big and looking more beautiful.  I had its glimpse around the corners of the road and I couldn’t wait to go inside. We reached the golden temple and I was simply impressed by looking at it. Every other person you saw there was in a great enthusiasm, happy and cheerful. We stood in the queue and after 2 hours we were outside the golden temple.

It was simply a great and wonderful experience and getting to know the Lord’s Teachings. While in the queue they have a hanged a few led screen on which they display the shaloks of the Gurbani, It was so inspiring and felt so wonderful reading those proverbs. We came out and headed straight to the local market. I love exploring the local area whenever I go out somewhere and moreover I know that the market was full with the amazing street food so how could I miss it. We explored around for 15 minutes when we came to one of the corner stalls named Amritsari special champ. Every eatery shop had this written on them- Amritsari Special, just maybe to attract the tourists. So we ordered Haryali and Achaari champ. We came to this shop after asking a few people where to get the best champ, so most of them suggested us this shop. Nearby was a stall of the Chinese food and we also ordered the spring roll. We punjabi’s love eating food and this place is a heaven to a foodie, doesn’t matter which part of the world you belong too. Our order came after 5 minutes and it was really amazing, champ was roasted well served with the onions and medium spicy chutney(Ketchup) sprinkled with a pinch of chaat masala. It tasted delicious and spring roll also came by the time I had the first bite of the champ. Spring rolls were also good, the golden brown color of the spring roll served with the ketchup and singaporian salad. It is fried noodles mixed with chopped vegetables. The food was delicious as we have heard from everyone who eats here.

Haryali and achari champ (above), Spring rolls (Bottom)

After the food we felt like we might not be able to have any other thing until tomorrow, but we had to have something more as we discussed before coming here. How can we only stop here, so we had a walk down the street and after 20 minutes we went to another local market, it was know as stall market or the locals pronounce it as ‘Rehdi market’. There were around 20 stalls selling different types of food, from Indian dishes to the Chinese and much more. Everywhere you see was food around. The market was filled with the locals and the tourists buying their favorite dishes. We sat on a table and looked at the menu of 5-6 stalls at the same time and bought a few items including pav bhaji , momos etc. I know it sounds a lot of food but trust me it’s almost impossible for one to stop after looking at this delicious food. We than came out after eating and again the food was outstanding.

Delcious Pav bhaji in the stall market.

We had spicy food so now we were looking for some sweet desserts. We than started moving towards the Market near Golden temple, we have asked some locals so they guided us to the shop. It was in a small street near the Golden temple and it served various sweets, kadhai milk and jaledbis. As it was getting dark and temperature was also falling down, so we ordered kadhai milk and jalebis. Hot milk and sweet jalebis, what else work better as a sweet dish on a cold winter night?

Kadhayi milk along with Sweet and Crunchy jalebi’s

So we came out of the street and had another walk round the street looking at some local shops and buying a little stuff for the home back before we head back to our hotel. We reached our room by 11’o clock at night and slept as soon as we laid on the bed. It was a good day. I set up the alarm for 7’o clock to wake up next morning as we had to reach home on time. The alarm went off at 7 next morning and I woke up on time and got freshen up and changed my clothes till 7:50. We planned last night that we’ll go to nearby place for a short round trip, but they wanted to sleep so I had to go on my own. I went out of my room at 8 and firstly I went to jallianwala bagh as it was just few steps away from our hotel. I went in there had a round of it, but I couldn’t see much because the whole place was covered as it was going under construction. So I came out and started moving towards the local bazaars (market), I was mainly looking for the food that we will have for our breakfast. I come across with lots of good options.

A classical designed building in between the market.

Clicked a few pictures on my way back and at 10 we checked out from our hotel and started moving towards where we will have our breakfast. We went there but the seats were full, but luckily as soon we went there a table just got empty and we grabbed that table. We ordered ourselves Gobhi naan. I have heard that this place serves one of the best naan in Amritsar. Our ordered came, a one piece of Gobhi naan with a thick slice of butter on it along with Cholay (Chickpeas) and salad accompanied by pickle. The naan was crispy and was roasted perfectly in the tandoor. It was amazingly delicious and I couldn’t stop myself from ordering more. We Ended our breakfast by ordering a glass of lassi.

Gobhi naan

After 20 minutes we were ready to move out of the city, put our luggage in the car and we were now on the move. We planned to stop at Jalandhar haveli for a cup of tea or so, It was around 80 kilometers from here. We reached there after a 2 hour drive and drink a cup of tea- absolutely amazing and we were again on the highway driving back home. So this was our day and half in Amritsar and it was really amazing. Hope you also liked it and please can you guys write me down where should I Travel next?

by Aman Sharma

Chapter-1

                A short getaway to Solan (H.P.)

Date-20/06/2019

I have always been fond of travelling, I mean who doesn’t like to travel. Travel not only refreshes our mind but also helps us improving in so many ways, explore new places, try on new food, getting to know various cultures and much more. Recently, I got a chance to visit Solan (H.P.) and I am sharing my personal experience with you all. It was a week long trip and I would share my experience it in short articles. So this consists of getting ready for the trip. Enjoy-

A view from my bedroom window.

It was a very humid damp day here in Ludhiana. I am sitting beside my working table and looking outside the window. The view is not very much pleasant as there is an only an empty garden along a less occupied road with a couple of pedestrians heading towards their destination. It is a quite afternoon and apart from ceiling fan, you can hear the insects buzzing. I always have been a big fan of instant and unplanned getaways, and also I am dreadful in saying ‘NO’ to the travel plans. From the last few days my cousins has been hitting me up-

Cousins- Hey bro, We need to get outta here!

Me- What do you mean?

Cousins- Our exams are over, so it’s your responsibility to take us along anywhere you go. You are our big brother.

Me- What? There’s hardly a gap of 1 year or so between us. What do you want me to do?

Cousins- Just tell my parents you taking us somewhere along with you, We all going together Fam and that’s it. Just tell them we all going together on your responsibility.

Me- Sounds like a plan. I will see what I can do.

Cousins- I know you will find a way out and you better do. Hit me up when the deal is locked. Bye.

Me- hey….hey….Listen. Hello?

-Call aborted.

So here, it is just a little conversation glimpse on how it all went down. For Travel my wanderlust works as fire and just a spark in enough to ignite it, and this was enough to get bags ready and move out of the city. It’s the same day evening and I have just done some sketching and one of my friend calls me up to ask what I have been up to?

Without even asking him anything else or replying to his questions, I am direct into the topic-

Me-hey bro, my cousins has been making a plan for a short getaway, Do you want to join in?

(He is almost the same in nature like me, so I don’t have to insist him much to join us)

He- Yea sure, I would love too. Just text me the date and time of Departure.

Me- Tomorrow!!

He- Ahmm! Tomorrow? (A Pause) okay, fine. Let me get my stuff ready and I’ll see you tomorrow than.

Me- yea, I’ll text you all the details. Goodbye.

He- Bye.

So it’s just few more hours and in this mean time I need to get permission from my parents for my cousins, get my cloth and camera ready and a few more things. Better hurry up, I am the one organizing this all and I don’t to be late for the departure.

~11:00pm~

So it is that time when I have done all the major things, convinced parents, stuff loaded up in bags, took cash and other required documents (for hotel room bookings). Leaving tomorrow

Morning and our first stop would be Solan (H.P.),It is a small city but just don’t be misguided by its small radius area. The city provides some major up listings with various others things to do as well. Solan is the largest municipal corporation of Himachal Pradesh. I am too pleased just by thinking that I am finally going somewhere, unloosing my chains of work, studies etc. I haven’t been to a vacation for long now, probably 4 years back when I went to a trip with my friends. The night before your travel don’t let you sleep, there is a lot of stuff going through mind and you feel enthusiasm in every part of the body. I have to leave by 9:00 am tomorrow, so its better I get some sleep now.

I will continue this journey in next few articles.

Thank you.

by Aman Sharma

Food to Detoxify your Body.

Detox or Detoxification are the common words you hear around you these days. There are many ones who talk a lot about Detoxifying their Bodies, using various vitamins tablet, other supplements etc. But have you ever Wondered what Detoxifying really is? Or what does it really do to Your body, or does Detoxing really helps in weight loss or it’s just a myth.

Detoxing is basically the removing of the Toxic products from your body, which is mainly Conducted by the Liver. There are various supplements/ Drinks available in the market to detoxify your body, But the detoxification can be best done with just adding up the right food in your diet and regular exercise. In this Article I will present you with the foods that you can add up in your daily diet to rejuvenate your body.

  • Lemon Water

     Lemon Water is considered to be one of the best to remove the Toxic products from the body, Even Better It also  Helps to reduce the weight. Lemon water is also a rich source of Vitamin-C and During Summers it Prevents your body from Dehydrating. Lemon water also prevents Kidney Stones. To get the most of it, try starting your day with Lemon water on empty stomach. You can also add a little honey in it.

-To make lemon Water-

  Excrete all the Lemon Juice from the Lemon, Add Maple Syrup and Just a Pinch of Black Pepper. You can  also add some mint leaves to your taste.

  • Pomegranate

Pomegranate is Enrich with Vitamin-C and Fiber. It is Considered very Good for our Heart especially. Pomegranate is also helpful in controlling the cholesterol. The ones who are suffering from cholesterol or Heart disorders must add Pomegranate or it’s juice in their daily meals. 250grams of Pomegranate or 250ml of juice will do enough benefits to your body to live a Healthy life. Pomegranate juice has been also used in Vedas for making Medicines & It also improves  Sexual performance and Fertility. Apart from this It also works as a Anti-Biotic.

  • Broccoli

Broccoli is an important  food to the people who are Fond of eating Salads in their daily Routine. Broccoli is used in making of Sprouts and they play an essential role in keeping our Digestive system active and Healthy. For the ones, who are trying to develop a healthy lifestyle should keep Broccoli on top of their Grocery List. Broccoli is enrich in Vitamin-K, So the ones who suffer from the Problems of Uncontrolled bleeding must add atleast 92gm of Broccoli in their Day to day meals. Don’t start eating anything suddenly too much as it may result in more of its disadvantages than  its advantages.

  • Berries (Strawberry, Blackberry)

Berries of all kind including the strawberries, Raspberry, Blue-berry, Black berry are the rich sources of Vitamin-C. All types of berries are Loaded with Antioxidants, so without a Doubt these are a great food to detoxify your body. Berries are a good source of fiber, including soluble fiber. Studies show that consuming soluble fiber slows down the movement of food through your digestive tract, leading to reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness. 100g of berries per day is very beneficial for your Body. Berries also have high anti-inflammation properties which help your body to fight against any type of injury or infection.

  • Garlic

Garlic is a plant of the allium(onion) family. Garlic is admitted as one of the best foods to rejuvenate one’s body and filters almost every toxic product from the body. Garlic is rich in qualities like antiviral, antiseptic and anti-biotic. In the earlier periods, Garlic was used as one of the prominent ingredients in making medicines. Garlic can be used in almost any meal and thus you don’t need to do any special efforts to include it in your meals. 4g of Garlic per day is enough for the body.

  • Pineapple

       Pineapple is one of my favorite fruit personally & I try to eat it almost every day  during it’s season. Pineapple is rich in an enzyme called Bromelain. This enzyme is used by our body to separate the protein  from our food and help it to digest. Pineapple is also beneficial in reducing the swelling and also helps in recovering from an injury. It is advised that a women shall intake at least 21-25 gm, while men should intake 30-38g of pineapple. The one’s who have undergone a surgery in recent times, must add Pineapple to their regular meals for a speedy recovery.

  • Sugar beets (Chukandar)

Sugar beets are considered as an important part in salads because it is rich in various oxidants and fibers required by the body. Sugar beet is packed with Vitamin-B6, B3, Beta carotene, magnesium, calcium & iron. Sugar beet plays an important role in breaking down of fibers and digesting them. Beets also contain nitrates and pigments that may help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance. Lastly, beets are delicious and versatile, fitting well into a healthy and balanced diet. The consumption of 150g of Sugar beet fulfils the necessary Nitrate required by the body.

  • Apple

“An apple a day, keeps a Doctor away” I mean who hasn’t listen to this saying. So how could we keep apple away from the list, after all it comes with lots and lots of benefits for our body. Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. This all works together in removing the toxic products from the body. It’s also important to eat apple without removing its skin , because it’s outer layer is enrich with Vitamin-c and fiber. Apple also may help you in losing those extra kilos!

THE BOTTOM LINE

The above foods are essentially good for you and their intakes can really help  your internal body system in removing all the toxic products, and pushing towards you a healthy lifestyle. But anything done more than the required can lead to more of it’s disadvantages. So, the bottom line is  add this to your meal plans, but if you are suffering through any disease or disorders, Please concern your Doctor before in taking it  Directly. And of course, Yes  this might help you in losing your weight but at the same time exercise is also mandatory.

Thank you