For the love of food …. erm … books!

  

I’m wandering the lanes and alleys of Tokyo with a man who stops at various places to pick up food while hunting for a murderer. First, he eats vegetable and shrimp dumplings out of a paper plate and then later, he stops at a cafe and buys gum-syrup coffee and rice balls. I watch him with rapt attention wondering what he is going to eat next.

 

In case you are wondering, I’m not on holiday, on a kinky, murder-themed food walk in Japan. I’m not dreaming either though this would be a really brilliant dream, come to think of it. I’m merely taking you into the world of the latest book that I’m reading. A crime fiction novel called Blue Light Yokohama by Nicolas Obregon based on the unsolved murders of the Miyazawa family in Setagaya, Japan in 2000. I haven’t reached the end so I have no clue who has done the deadly deed of wiping out an entire family of four but I have realized something very important.

 

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Books with food in them turn me on.

 Wipe that smirk off your face at once. It’s not a fetish. Obviously, I don’t mean it literally. Food inside books like slices of cheese squished in between pages or tomato sauce smudges is disgusting. Eyuck. What I meant is descriptions of food. Tantalizing, titillating word pictures of dishes that send me into near orgasmic rapture.

 As C S Lewis had famously remarked once, eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably. I couldn’t agree more. With several hearty thumps, of course.

 Long before I discovered there was a word for people like me - foodie not freak - I remember being drawn to books containing elaborate descriptions of food. It started when I was a little girl beginning to read. My first Enid Blytons brought with them the tea parties, the scones with jam and clotted cream. The slabs of chocolate. I was hooked. I quickly devoured the Famous Fives, the Five Find-Outers and their farmhouse picnics, potted meat and ham sandwiches, ice creams with generous lashings of ginger beer.

 While there are many studies about the significance and symbolism of food in popular children’s literature, the lure of tempting food was the prime motivation for this child and a book that was able to convey that deliciousness through excellent imagery became a prized possession. I read somewhere that reading about what others are eating and feeling is close to being fed. A kind of pleasure that is close to being voyeuristic. In my case, I’m not sure which came first, the love for Chinese cuisine or the interest in books about the Chinese food and culture. I have a hunch it was the latter that fueled that former. Authors such as Amy Tan, Ha Jin and Adeline Yen Mah helped develop that interest with the most sumptuous descriptions of Chinese dishes in their books.

 “I have been envisioning my first real Chinese feast for many days already, a big banquet with one of those soups steaming out of a carved winter melon, chicken wrapped in clay, Peking duck, the works. I was not too fond of crab, ever since I saw my birthday crab boiled alive, but I knew I could not refuse. That's the way Chinese mothers show they love their children, not through hugs and kisses but with stern offerings of steamed dumplings, duck's gizzards, and crab.”

(Amy Tan, Joy Luck Club)

 

Another author I discovered recently, Vivien Chien, writes food-themed murder mysteries. Chien’s novels have clever titles - Death by Dumpling, Murder Lo Mein, Wonton Terror - and are peppered with descriptions of delicious Chinese dishes. Agatha Christie, the Grand Dame of murder mysteries also wrote about a Delicious Death cake in A Murder is Announced.

 The cake is “rich, rich, of a melting richness” and the ingredients needed include “chocolate and much butter, and sugar and raisins.” The cake also has chocolate frosting and “Good Wishes” written on top. In fact, the cake is the last thing one of the characters in the story eats. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t mind bidding my last farewell with a cake like that. It sounds absolutely delicious.

 For readers like me, gustatory imagery makes the entire reading experience all that more authentic and I wish more authors would weave in word pictures of food into their writing. On that hopeful note, I will wait for my next delicious read. In the meantime, I will have to make do with the new book that I bought for my eight-year-old niece. Jolly Good Food, a children’s cookbook inspired by the stories of Enid Blyton. There are recipes for all sorts of scrumptious pies, tarts and scones.

 Oh, who am I kidding. I’m sure you don’t believe this anymore that I do. You must have guessed who the book is actually for, haven’t you?

 Bon Appetit! Or should I say Bon Reading!

Debeshi Gooptu is a former journalist-turned-author who lives and works in Gurgaon. Debeshi was born and brought up in Kolkata, educated at Loreto House (school) and Shri Shikshayatan College (University of Kolkata). She graduated with a BA Honours in English Literature. Debeshi’s 26-year-career includes stints in print, television, new media and higher education. Her book, Gurgaon Diaries: Life, Work and Play in Drona’s Village, based on her long-running blog of the same name, was published by Rupa Publications in 2018. Her novels, Dragon Aunty Returns, Mr Eashwar’s Daughter, The Ghosts of Gurugram and two collections of short stories have been published by Juggernaut Books.  Two of her novels – The Rossogolla Murders and The Book Club - are independently published. She writes a blog, The Gurgaon Diaries!, chronicling life in the Millennium City.

Blog : https://gurgaon-diaries.blogspot.com/

 ( THIS IS THE 8 th WEEK - 11 TH YEAR of BFL-  PART OF GUEST POST SERIES- POST -8)

November Travel Plans: Enjoy the Season, but Travel with Care!

  

  

 

November is fast approaching, and with it comes the excitement of planning holidays, family visits, pilgrimages and short getaways. After the hot summer months and the rainy season, November often brings a welcome change in weather. It is also a popular month for travel, thanks to festivals, school holidays and the beginning of the winter holiday season.

But is November always the right time to travel? Should we go ahead with our plans or wait and watch the weather?

The answer depends on our destination, the prevailing weather conditions and, most importantly, how well we prepare.

Understanding November weather in India

November does not bring the same weather conditions throughout India.

·         South India: Tamil Nadu and parts of the southeastern coast experience the northeast monsoon. Rainfall can be heavy at times, accompanied by thunderstorms, waterlogging and strong winds.

·         North India: Many places begin experiencing cooler days and pleasant mornings, making sightseeing more comfortable.

·         Hill stations: Temperatures can drop considerably, particularly at night. Some roads may be affected by rain, fog or early winter conditions.

·         Coastal destinations: Rough seas, strong winds and heavy rainfall can occasionally disrupt beach activities, ferry services and coastal travel.

Therefore, before booking tickets or packing your bags, understand the seasonal conditions of your destination rather than assuming that November means pleasant weather everywhere.

Before you finalise your travel plans

A little planning can prevent a holiday from becoming an uncomfortable or risky experience.

1.     Check the weather forecast: Follow the India Meteorological Department (IMD) updates for your destination, especially rainfall, cyclone warnings, thunderstorms and wind alerts.

2.     Choose your dates wisely: Keep some flexibility in your travel dates. Avoid travelling during heavy-rainfall warnings or immediately after severe weather.

3.     Be careful with hill stations: Landslides, falling trees, slippery roads and poor visibility can make mountain journeys risky. Do not insist on sightseeing when local authorities advise against it.

4.     Take care near rivers and beaches: Avoid swimming in rough seas, walking into flooded streams or visiting waterfalls during heavy rainfall.

5.     Plan your transport: Check train and flight updates before leaving home. Allow extra time for road journeys, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging.

6.     Pack according to the season: Carry umbrellas, raincoats, waterproof footwear, a light jacket, essential medicines and a small first-aid kit.

7.     Keep emergency contacts handy: Save hotel details, local emergency numbers, travel insurance information and the contact details of family members.

8.     Look after elderly travellers and children: Avoid tiring itineraries, long journeys without breaks and unnecessary exposure to extreme weather. Carry drinking water, prescribed medicines and regular snacks.

A few additional precautions

·         Share your itinerary and accommodation details with family members.

·         Keep your mobile phone charged and carry a power bank.

·         Avoid driving through flooded roads, even if the water appears shallow.

·         Do not depend entirely on GPS; keep alternative routes in mind.

·         Check cancellation and rescheduling policies before booking non-refundable tickets.

·         If a weather warning is issued, postpone the trip rather than taking unnecessary risks.

What about travel during the first week of November 2026?

There is an additional reason to be cautious this year. The northeast monsoon has already set in over southern India. Tamil Nadu receives a substantial share of its annual rainfall during this season.

As of October 29, IMD updates indicate rainfall activity over parts of South India, with isolated heavy rainfall possible in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on November 3–4. Conditions can change, so check the latest district-wise warnings before departure.

 

Should we travel or postpone?

My suggestion is not to cancel every November travel plan simply because it is the monsoon season. Instead, make an informed decision.

·         Go ahead: When the destination has favourable weather, transport is functioning normally and there are no official warnings.

·         Keep watching: When rain is forecast but there is no immediate danger. Maintain flexible bookings.

·         Postpone: When there are cyclone warnings, flooding, landslide risks, road closures or official advice against travel.

Remember, a holiday is meant to refresh us, not put us through unnecessary stress.

Travel is enjoyable when safety comes first!

We all look forward to travelling, exploring new places, meeting people, enjoying local food and creating beautiful memories. But no destination is worth risking our safety.

November may offer pleasant travel opportunities in many parts of India, but every destination has its own seasonal challenges. Let us respect nature, understand the weather and plan responsibly.

Travel when the conditions are favourable, postpone when necessary, and return home with happy memories rather than avoidable worries.

"Good travel planning is not just about deciding where to go and what to see. It is also about knowing when to go, when to wait and when to change our plans."

Wishing everyone safe travels and a wonderful November.

Karwa Chauth: A Festival of Love, Faith and Bollywood

  

 

 

Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated mainly by married women in North India. On this day, women observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the long life, good health and well-being of their husbands. Traditionally, the fast is observed without food or water, and it is broken after sighting the moon and offering prayers.

The festival brings families and communities together through colourful attire, mehendi, beautiful bangles, decorated karwas (earthen pots), prayers and festive gatherings. In many households, the mother-in-law presents sargi, a pre-dawn meal for the woman observing the fast. Customs and practices vary across regions and families.

But how did a festival rooted in North Indian traditions become familiar to people across India and around the world? Bollywood has played a significant role!

Hindi cinema has brought Karwa Chauth into our living rooms through romantic songs, moon-sighting scenes, beautifully dressed actresses and emotional moments between couples. Films such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Baghban have helped audiences recognise the festival and its customs. Through cinema, people unfamiliar with this tradition have come to associate Karwa Chauth with love, togetherness and marital bonds.

Today, social media, television and the Indian diaspora have further popularised the celebration internationally. While some embrace the traditional fast, others enjoy the festivities, dressing up and celebrating with family and friends.

Beyond the glamour of Bollywood, the festival reminds us of the importance of love, care, commitment and shared traditions. At the same time, the choice to fast is a personal one, and the spirit of a relationship goes beyond rituals.

Wishing everyone celebrating Karwa Chauth a very Happy Karwa Chauth! May the festival bring love, happiness, good health and togetherness to every family.

My Alarm Clock Hates Me — How Much of It Is Reality?

 

 

My alarm clock hates me,
I'm sure that it's true,
It waits till I'm dreaming
Then yells, "TIME FOR YOU!"

I press it once, twice,
Maybe seven times more,
But it keeps coming back
Like it's done this before.

I sit up too fast,
Now the room starts to spin,
My body's awake,
But my brain's not checked in.

I walk into walls,
I forget how to dress,
Is this my shirt backwards?
Yes. Yes, it is.

I argue with toothpaste,
I lose my own shoe,
I pour juice in my cereal
And milk in it too.

The mirror looks shocked,
Like, "Wow... is that you?"
I nod very slowly,
Like, "Honestly? Same."

So if I look grumpy
Before half past nine,
Blame that loud little box—
This morning was NOT
My design.

Every morning, millions of people begin their day with an argument. No, it is not an argument with a family member, a colleague, or a neighbour. It is an argument with a small device sitting beside the bed — the alarm clock!

The poem My Alarm Clock Hates Me, by an unknown author, brings out this everyday struggle in a humorous way. The alarm rings just when we are enjoying a beautiful dream. We press snooze, turn to the other side, and promise ourselves that we will get up in another five minutes. Before we realise it, the alarm rings again. The cycle continues until we finally decide that enough is enough!

But is this merely a funny poem, or does it reflect the reality of our mornings?

1. When the alarm rings, but the brain refuses to cooperate

Have you ever woken up, switched off the alarm, and gone back to sleep without even remembering doing so? Have you ever opened your eyes but felt that your mind was still somewhere between a dream and reality?

There is actually a scientific explanation for this. It is called sleep inertia — the temporary grogginess, confusion and sluggishness experienced after waking up. Our brains do not always switch instantly from sleep mode to full alertness. We may take some time to think clearly, remember things and get moving. This feeling can last from several minutes to an hour or longer, particularly when we have not slept enough.

So, when the poet says, "My body's awake, but my brain's not checked in," it is funny because it is so familiar!

2. The snooze button: our best friend or worst enemy?

The snooze button offers a tempting bargain. Just five more minutes of sleep! But those five minutes often lead to another five, and then another.

Repeatedly postponing the alarm can make us rush through our morning routine. However, the science is more nuanced than the poem suggests: research on habitual snoozing has found mixed effects, and a short snooze is not necessarily harmful for everyone. The more important questions are whether we are getting adequate sleep and whether we can wake up in time without feeling exhausted.

 

A practical solution: Instead of setting an alarm much earlier than necessary and repeatedly snoozing it, try setting a realistic wake-up time. Keep the alarm far enough from the bed that you must get up to switch it off, if that helps you. Most importantly, go to bed early enough to allow adequate rest.

3. Why do we feel like strangers to ourselves in the morning?

The poem describes walking into walls, wearing a shirt backwards, losing a shoe and pouring juice into cereal. The exaggeration makes us laugh, but it also highlights how difficult ordinary tasks can feel when we are sleepy.

When we are not fully alert, our attention, reaction time, coordination and decision-making may be temporarily impaired. This is one reason not to rush straight into demanding activities immediately after waking.

In practical terms, we can make our mornings easier by keeping our clothes ready the previous night, placing essential items in their usual locations, preparing the breakfast ingredients in advance and allowing ourselves a little extra time.

These small arrangements reduce morning confusion. We do not have to make every decision when our brains are still warming up!

4. From a grumpy morning to a good day

The final lines of the poem blame the alarm clock for a grumpy morning. But the alarm clock is only the messenger. Our sleep habits, daily schedule and quality of rest may have more to do with how we feel when we wake up.

Here are a few simple habits that can make a difference:

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day.
• Get enough sleep. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep a night, although individual needs vary.
• Let the light in. Open the curtains and allow natural daylight into the room after waking.
• Get up gradually. Sit up, take a moment to orient yourself and stand slowly rather than jumping out of bed.
• Give yourself breathing space. Avoid scheduling every morning task so tightly that a small delay creates stress.
• Notice persistent tiredness. If you regularly struggle to wake up despite getting sufficient sleep, or remain excessively sleepy during the day, discuss it with a healthcare professional.

5. Is the alarm clock really our enemy?

Perhaps not! An alarm clock is simply a tool that reminds us when to wake up. The real conflict is often between the body's need for rest and the day's demands.

For students, it may mean getting ready for school or college. For working professionals, it may mean reaching the office on time. For homemakers, it may mean preparing breakfast, packing lunch boxes and attending to family responsibilities. For older adults, a comfortable, unhurried start may be particularly valuable.

Our mornings differ, but the need for adequate rest is universal.

I particularly like the humour in this poem because it does not lecture us about discipline or productivity. Instead, it makes us smile at our own little weaknesses. Sometimes, laughing at ourselves is a gentle reminder that we can improve our habits without being too hard on ourselves.

The poem may exaggerate the morning struggle, but its central experience is real. Sleep inertia, insufficient sleep and rushed routines can make waking up difficult. A few practical changes can help us move from a reluctant awakening to a more pleasant start.

Tomorrow morning, when the alarm rings, resist the temptation to declare war on it. Get up gently, let the daylight in, drink some water and give yourself time to become fully awake.

And if you still feel like blaming someone for your grumpy morning, remember the poet's amusing excuse: This morning was NOT my design!

Perhaps the better question is not whether our alarm clock hates us, but whether we are giving ourselves the rest we need.

What about you? Are you an early riser who wakes up before the alarm, someone who jumps out of bed at the first ring, or a habitual snooze-button presser? Share your morning experiences in the comments!

Naidu Hall Shopping Experience: Two Sarees and One Oversized Bag

 

When Shopping for Sarees Feels Like Sending Them to the Laundry!

Shopping for sarees is usually a pleasure. We look forward to choosing colours, checking the fabric, examining the design, and bringing home something new. But sometimes, a shopping experience leaves us disappointed rather than happy.

On Friday, October 23, 2026, I went shopping at Naidu Hall , Shanthi colony, Anna Nagar Chennai and bought two sarees: a cotton saree costing ₹1,005 and a synthetic saree costing ₹609.

Before making the purchase, I asked a salesgirl nearby to open the sarees fully and show them to me. I wanted to ensure that there was no damage and that the sarees were of the proper length. She did as I requested, and I appreciate that. However, when it came to folding them again, she did not seem to know how to follow the original folds of a new saree.

Instead, she folded them like sarees that had already been washed, dried and used. She rolled them up, accompanied us to the billing counter, and left.

After paying the bill by debit card, we were given a plastic carry bag. I was told that it was biodegradable, but I will leave that discussion for another day.

The real problem was the size of the bag!

It was so large that it could easily have accommodated ten sarees, whereas I had purchased only two. Once the sarees were placed inside, they collapsed into one another and became a rolled-up bundle. They looked more like clothes ready to be sent to the laundry than newly purchased sarees!

I asked the staff for a paper bag or, at the very least, a smaller bag suitable for carrying just two sarees. My request was declined. Finally, I returned the oversized plastic bag and carried my purchases home in the cloth bag I had brought with me.

I felt disappointed. A shopping experience should leave customers happy with their purchases, not wondering why a simple request for suitable packaging could not be accommodated.

What can shops learn from this experience?

I have had better experiences at shops such as Nalli and Ramraj. They provide cloth bags in different sizes according to the purchase. Even when I buy just two or three blouse pieces at Nalli, I receive a small bag that suits the purchase. When I buy a saree, the bag is appropriately sized for it.

Why can't other shops follow similar practices?

There are two simple things that retailers can improve:

• Train the staff properly. Opening a saree for inspection is important, but folding it neatly along its original creases is equally important. Customers should receive their purchases in a presentable condition.
• Provide appropriate packaging. A bag should suit the size and quantity of the items purchased. An oversized bag is inconvenient, wastes space and may cause delicate purchases to become crumpled.

Of course, customers can carry their own bags, and I was glad I had mine. But that does not mean a store should overlook the basics of good customer service.

A shop's responsibility does not end when the bill is generated and payment is received. The way a purchase is packed and handed over also contributes to the shopping experience.

Dear retailers, customers remember not only what they buy but also how they are treated. A neatly folded saree, a suitably sized bag and a well-trained sales assistant may seem like small things, but together they make a big difference.

I went to Naidu Hall to buy two sarees and came home with them. But the experience left me with a question: Are shops paying enough attention to the little things that make customers feel valued?

Sometimes, it is these little things that determine whether we want to return to a shop.

Birdwatching from My Kitchen Window

 

 

Birdwatching, or birding, does not always require us to visit a park, a bird sanctuary, or a forest for a safari. Sometimes, nature brings the birds right to our doorstep! All we need to do is pause, observe, listen, and enjoy the beauty around us.

Our house is close to the Cooum River in Chennai. Though the river is now filled with dark, polluted water, trees and plants grow along its banks. Their branches provide resting places for birds, whose chirping we can hear during the day and sometimes at night, whenever they choose to make their presence felt.

Some of these birds fly to nearby places, including our apartment complex. They perch on rooftops, water pipes, water tanks, parapet walls, cable wires, and Wi-Fi or DTH antennas. Sometimes, they sit in a row, as though they are attending a meeting of their own! They seem to do whatever they please, entertaining us with their movements and calls.

With the Maduravoyal Expressway work progressing and cleaning activities taking place along the Cooum River, the birds seem to be moving around and looking for temporary resting places. Our apartment has become one such spot where we can observe them closely.

During July and August 2026, we could hear the calls of several birds . Cuckoos, parrots, sparrows, mynas, pigeons, and crows added their voices to the natural chorus. Squirrels, too, made their presence felt with their quick movements and occasional sounds.

The most delightful sight is watching rows of parrots perched together in the early morning, usually between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. From our kitchen window, we can enjoy this wonderful visual treat without stepping outside. Their green feathers, lively movements, and cheerful calls make an ordinary morning feel special.

Birdwatching from our kitchen window has taught me that we do not always need to travel far to experience nature. Even while carrying out our everyday activities, we can take a few minutes to observe the birds around us. Their calls become a melody, their movements a performance, and their presence a reminder that nature continues to thrive amidst our busy urban lives.

When we listen to this chorus of birds, the morning feels calmer, and the day begins on a peaceful note.

Sometimes, the best bird sanctuary is right outside our window. All we need is a little time, patience, and curiosity to appreciate it.

A Little Ruskin Bond Moment

Ruskin Bond's writings have often reminded us that we need not travel far to experience the beauty of nature. As he writes, “Live close to nature and you'll never feel lonely.”

My kitchen window proves this true every morning. The parrots, mynas, sparrows, pigeons, crows, and squirrels provide their own little nature show. Their cheerful chorus makes me pause, listen, and appreciate the simple joys of everyday life.

After all, sometimes a window is enough to open up an entire world!

Beyond Tools by Amit Das

 

 Author ; Amit Das

Genre : Non -fiction

Publisher : Nu Voice press 

Book buy link : @Amazon

Beyond Tools by Amit Das is a book rooted in practicality, offering valuable insights into building a strong portfolio, improving professional skills, and navigating the competitive job market. The author is also the cover designer, making the book a reflection of his understanding of both design and presentation.

A book of thorough practicality, it provides a straightforward approach to earning the appreciation of honest critics and the respect of intelligent professionals. It guides readers towards presenting their work effectively, standing out in the market, and building a successful career.

Though the book primarily focuses on designers, the author draws examples, lessons, and references from people across the world and professionals in varied fields. These insights are not restricted to designers alone. Readers are encouraged to learn from different professions, consider suggestions, and apply the lessons wisely to their own areas of work.

From freshers to experienced professionals, and from younger aspirants to senior designers, there is something valuable for everyone. The author presents approximately 93 tips across 12 chapters in 145 pages. Diagrams make the content easier to understand, offering an attractive and different way of learning.

The language is simple, the explanations are concise, and the presentation is professional. Rather than overwhelming readers with lengthy descriptions, the author gets straight to the point. This clarity encourages readers to progress from the initial stages of their careers towards greater professional achievements.

What do hiring managers look for? What does a team expect from a designer? How does a company assess a candidate? How can a portfolio influence career opportunities? What changes should designers make to their portfolios, what should they highlight, and how should they present their work?

The book addresses these questions with practical guidance. It also explains how freshers can present themselves when entering an organisation, gain experience, and make the most of opportunities to learn and improve.

One of the valuable lessons is about receiving feedback. When someone offers suggestions for improvement, do not become defensive; instead, work on the feedback and improve yourself. This is a simple yet powerful reminder that professional growth requires openness, patience, and a willingness to learn.

The way the author deals with such subjects, bringing clarity to challenges that professionals’ face repeatedly, is what makes this book stand out. Every field has its ups and downs, its challenges, and tasks that require us to prove ourselves time and again. The practical suggestions in Beyond Tools can help readers approach these situations with greater confidence and a clearer perspective.

The chapter titles communicate their contents effectively, while the numbered tips, presented sequentially up to 93, make it easy to locate and revisit specific ideas. The clean font, thoughtful layout, continuity, and connection between topics contribute to a smooth reading experience.  The book feels less like a mere collection of tips and more like an interactive session that clarifies doubts and guides readers towards practical solutions.

With its concise writing and purposeful presentation, the book respects the reader's time. There is no unnecessary use of words or wastage of paper; the focus remains on delivering useful information in an accessible format.

Once you have read Beyond Tools, it can become a guiding light to return to whenever you need direction, reassurance, or a fresh perspective on your professional journey.

Beyond Tools is a useful read for designers, aspiring professionals, freshers, and experienced individuals who want to strengthen their portfolios, learn from feedback, and improve their career prospects. Amit Das has brought together practical lessons in a compact, well-organised format, encouraging readers to look beyond their tools and focus on the thinking, presentation, and professional attitude that help them grow.

A book worth reading, reflecting on, and keeping within reach for future reference.

(Received a copy of the book from reviewmybooks in return of an honest review)