A Coconut in Delhi

Apr 30, 12 A Coconut in Delhi

Then grandma asks, What are you doing outside anyway, my child? Come inside, it is too sunny. “I’m getting some sun on my face!” Uh oh, I realize too late.. wrong answer! A sun tan in India? Am I out of my mind? The fairer you are, the prettier you are. You can even buy ‘Fair and Lovely' cream to make your skin look lighter. It’s not like in the West, where often a tanned skin is considered pretty. In India, dark skin traditionally implies you have had to work outdoors in the scorching heat to earn a living, and that notion endures.

Bangalore Redefined

Mar 31, 12 Bangalore Redefined

Gone were the olden days where an urge to eat Goan Sausages meant a trip to the center of town. Paremsan cheese, gongesela sauce, soya bean paste, smoked ham, fresh basil, crisp lettuce, broccoli – exotic food, largely unknown to the Indian palette went from being novel to regular - at least for the affluent. Purchasing power increased. For the first time, people in their twenties were buying houses, cars, travelling abroad, living the lives that their parents were only able to afford in their 50s.

Top 5 Local Dishes of 2011

Dec 30, 11 Top 5 Local Dishes of 2011

Food is a way to connect with home while on the road, share abundance, build new friendships and understand new cultures. Now at home, I'm compelled to cook these dishes to remind me of my travels and inspire friends to get out there. Here are five great local recipes to try out in the New Year

Not Another Bollywood Love Story

Dec 19, 11 Not Another Bollywood Love Story

At a Jain temple, the small daughter of the Hindu priest, followed me with giant opal-colored eyes, until she poked her older sister enough to muster up the courage and say, “Do you LOVE him?” Later, their inquisitive aunties fed me an apple, pulled me inside the temple, and whispered “Is it love?”

10 Tips: Eat. Local. India.

Aug 26, 11 10 Tips: Eat. Local. India.

Traveling in India often means trekking through small villages and cities that don’t have the standard fast-food or high end options. Many travelers are often afraid to eat locally, thinking that they will get sick. But to miss the local cuisine is to miss out on one of the best parts of India.

Global Rhythms: India

Jul 09, 11 Global Rhythms: India

As the nexus between the east and west, India reminds me of the creative possibilities in music. I am constantly discovering new sounds, whether it is the tabla and piano being played together, or a musician singing the most complex notes in one breath

Searching for Sheila Ki Jawani

Jun 21, 11 Searching for Sheila Ki Jawani

I am new to this Indian Dance class. As the only foreigner, I stand like a pale giant among a lilliputan kingdom.The small-framed Thai ladies wear leopard print halter tops and pink tafetta tutus. I am wearing western Nike capris and a loose kurti top, standing barefoot and ready to get my Jai Ho on.