Author Archives: Shilpa Mandara

Everything You Need Before Traveling to Vietnam

If it’s your first time going to Vietnam, this guide can especially help you plan and remember important things.

Ninh Binh Travel Guide

While day cruising on Halong Bay, I first heard that people often choose between visiting either Halong Bay or Ninh Binh as their destination. Having visited both destinations, I’m here to share my honest opinion on whether Ninh Binh is still worth visiting, especially if you’ve already been to Halong Bay.

Making Gune and Celebrating Gangaur

Gune is a traditional sweet snack made during the Gangaur festival in some states of North India. It’s the main sweet offered to Goddess Parvati during the Gangaur prayer. Usually, it’s made with refined wheat flour and white sugar, but I like wheat flour and sugar/jaggery. I learnt about this recipe from my mother-in-law after getting married.

How To Manage Vegetarian or Vegan Food for Vietnam Trip

Vietnam is famous for its meat-based dishes. As a vegetarian, I wondered if I could find vegetarian food to eat in Vietnam for more than 2-3 days. I had concerns about whether there were enough restaurants that catered to vegetarians. My partner is also quite particular about his food choices, which added to my worries. However, after experiencing it firsthand, I want to share my reassuring experience with you so that you don’t have to worry. Let’s dive in!

A Summer Trip to Nilgiris Mountains – Ooty, Coonoor, and Coimbatore

Ooty is called the Queen of Hill Stations because it’s so pretty, with old-fashioned charm and amazing views. Coonoor is quieter but just as lovely, with hills and valleys covered in mist. Whether we were exploring botanical gardens, savoring freshly brewed tea, going on nature walks or driving through winding roads that snake through lush greenery – we had wonderful time in hills.

Kadha for Cold and Cough Relief

Kadha is an Indian traditional herbal concoction used in Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate symptoms of cold, cough, and other respiratory ailments. It is made by simmering a variety of herbs and spices in water to extract their medicinal properties. Kadha typically includes ingredients such as ginger, cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon, turmeric, and jaggery or honey for sweetness.

Photoblog: Felt Right at Home in Ninh Binh

Seeking refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle, we chose Gia Vein District. Anna’s place instantly felt like home to us. As vegetarians, finding suitable food in Vietnam was a concern, and leaving the city seemed daunting. However, Anna graciously catered to us, crafting delicious meals that eased our worries. In a delightful garden, there’sContinue reading “Photoblog: Felt Right at Home in Ninh Binh”

A Sick Day Turned Creative Escape

Down with fever, cold, and cough, facing a screen to write code felt like an insurmountable challenge. Rather than pushing through, I decided to prioritize self-care and took a much-needed day off to rest. The struggle of being sick lies in finding ways to engage the mind without adding stress. In an effort to keep my brain active yet relaxed, I spent the day repurposing my old calendar.

A Tale of Love and Cows in my Family

As I perused my office emails, the sound of my mom’s voice chatting with someone caught my attention. “Kitni patli ho gayi hai, kuch khilate nahi hai tujhe”, she remarked. Assuming a guest had arrived, I stepped out to extend my greetings. To my astonishment, I discovered that my mom was engrossed in conversation withContinue reading “A Tale of Love and Cows in my Family”