Desert Sands and the Stars - An Abu Dhabi Story
Despite my less than ideal outlook on Abu Dhabi, by this time, at the newness of the whole place, my first impression of the mosque was awe.. at its grandeur, it's pristine whiteness, it's immeasurable serene countenance. I made a quick tour of it as I was getting late for my tour. I wish I could have spent more time just sitting and meditating there. It was certainly the place for quiet contemplation.
Before, I even start describing the Evening Desert Safari experience, let me quickly summarise! If you do anything in Abu Dhabi for any number of days, put this on your itinerary.
Saffron Pistachio Kulfi Pops
Kulfi and I have history. One that has roots from high school! I honestly don't remember much of my school days. Looking back, I realise I went most of it a haze of self-defense. I never fit, so I choose to exclude myself voluntarily, thereby creating a myth of control and years of no nostalgia.
But amidst all of that barrenness are a few flickers of bright memories, the few times, I indulged in life and life ruffled my hair and said you can laugh and have fun. Kulfi is one of those few happy memories I retain from that time of my life. And, through it the longest friendship of my life. Although, I haven't been a good friend most of the time in that relationship and the tenuous connection continues only because of the other person. I am sorry for that. And, I am kinda hoping to make up for that, by dedicating this recipe to her.
It was like this.
Tel Aviv, Israel - The 'NOW' City
The pulse buzzes. The adrenalin rushes. Beauty abounds. The senses are in superlative. It is sexy. It is stylish. It is downright fascinating.
As my first exposure to Israel, Tel Aviv set the pace and tone for the time spent in the country. After spending a week in different parts of the country, I can easily say this is one place that beckons me back with the promise of more. Ostensibly, I was there to sample the cuisine and the food. But, what is food without culture and people?! Set against the interesting collage that makes the culture of Israel, food in Tel Aviv stands as an extroversion of its outlook and history.
It is without any hesitation an invigorating and entirely intriguing city. Not only does it offer the best landscape to study the congruence of diverse ethnicities, it does so with a remarkably calm composure. Given the geo-dynamics of the region, calm is hardly an adjective you would expect to connect with this experience. Yet, on the surface of this city, in the faces and lives of the people who live here, you only see a sheen of unruffled normalcy.