Movie: Дневной Дозор (Day Watch)

Year: 2006

Duration: 2h 26m

Language: Russian

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Interested in shades of fantasy and myths? You are going to enjoy this one if you are yet to watch this 2006 thriller. It is part of a trilogy. In the tussle between light and darkness, Anton belonging to forces of Light has to take a balanced stand. His son, Yegor is with the dark force. Anton seeks and finds the Chalk of Fate that can help him be reunited with his son. The conflicting path is not without struggle.

His relationship with his trainee Svetlana is amusing and becomes thought-provokingly interesting at the end.

Fish Fry

A good fish well prepared is a treat to relish. Frying fish is such an unassuming task that produces mouthwatering result. Having got the fish neatly cleaned and sliced, keep it marinated in a mixture of spices. I would throw in turmeric powder, chili powder, black pepper powder, cumin powder, a bit of curry masala powder, salt and curry leaves. A few drops of lime and coconut /olive oil add more zing to the flavor. Leave it to absorb the flavors for an hour or so.

And the time is up to drop the pieces into the boiled coconut/olive oil to fry. Once fried enough, keep it for a while to drain off the excess oil. Garnish the dish with sliced onions & lime and coriander leaves. Ready to be served.

Theyyam -The Enigmatic Ritual

Meaning God, Theyyam is God’s dance rich with piety, rituals, and folklores. Believed to have been originated more than 1500 years ago, it is rooted in ancient Dravidian culture. Native to the northern parts of Kerala, Theyyam is still a predominant practice of piety in those regions. Theyyam is a religiously ritual art and simultaneously a Godly dance form. Men (mostly) from specific cast groups of the region assume the form of God and become Theyyam. The tradition is handed down from generations after generations in those families. Even from a very young age grooming begins to be a Theyyam.

For an outsider it is difficult to comprehend the meaning and depth of Theyyam. Yet, the trance of Theyyam astounds you to the core. What a normal spectator perceives as a colorful art form, a believer embraces as tangible God in trance. One such anciently mythical and divinely flamboyant religious ritual form is Theyyam.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple

The most prominent location in Madurai city in Tamil Nadu state, India revolves around The Meenakshi temple. Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple was built by King Kulasekara Pandya (1190-1216 CE). The historical structure has been attracting devotees and tourists in thousands over the years.

It is dedicated to Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, an incarnation of Shiva.

Madurai airport is hardly 10 KM away and visiting this historically amazing place is a memorable experience.

Unniyappam – A sweet snack

Some snacks are so special and full of nostalgia. ‘Unniyappam ‘ is one such simple snack from kerala. Made of rice, jaggery, banana and spices and deep fried in oil, it is a sweet and fully vegan snack. You will just relish it with your evening tea or coffee.

It can be made without much ado.

A perfect blend of all ingredients mixed together as batter does the trick for you. The thick batter goes into the boiling oil until it becomes golden brown sweet fritters to enjoy.

Movie: Verónica

Year: 2017

Duration: 1h 45m

Language: Spanish

Genre: horror

The story revolves around fifteen years old Veronica. On an eclipse day, she and her friends decide to use the Ouija board escaping from class. Her life is never the same again. Ever since that incident she is no more the same person. Paranormal occurrences disturb the flow of her life. Needing peace, she requests her friends to conduct the Ouija board session again but they will not dare to do it again. In a desperate attempt she conducts the session with her siblings. The movie is said to be based on true events.

Travelling when travelling scares

Travelling in times like these always entails tension and risk. Well, with a little care and attention, we can do it.

Points to be noted before departure

• Avoid or postpone the trip if it is not essential.
• Carry your own safety and hygiene properties
• Consult a travel agent.
• Follow the travel norms strictly
• Be prepared for the hours-long discomfort
• Choice of food and beverage

Points to be noted after arrival

• Be patient and polite
• Book a taxi
• Follow quarantine regime
• Enjoy good food

Safe and happy journey.

Movie: Spoor

Year: 2017

Duration: 2h 9m

Language: Polish

Genre: Crime, suspense, thriller

A chilly story of Janina Duszejko who loves animals and some others who love to hunt and kill animals. Janina Duszejko is a part time teacher and loves nature and animals passionately. When she discovers hunting is regular in her vicinity, she reports the same to the police. At the same time, hunters are mysteriously being hunted and killed. The trail left by the killer is spoor! An animal act?

Prayagraj or Allahabad

Prayagraj, formerly Allahabad, is one of the oldest cities in India. The city is more popular for the, Kumbh Mela. The religious festival is attended by millions by devotes from all over the world every year. The city is adorned richly with the historic embellishments of the Mauryans, the Mughals and the British. You can still be wonderstruck by the classic works from the historic era in many places of the city. Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhawan, Khusro Bagh, All Saints Cathedral, Triveni Sangam, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park are some of the popular places to visit in the city.

The city railway station is one of the largest in India and connects to most major towns of the country.

Movie: The Teacher’s Diary

Year: 2014

Duration: 2h

Language: Thai

Life-transforming stories of two different teachers posted in a forlorn village boarding school.  A simple yet interesting story well narrated. Ann was sent on a punishment transfer to the village school for not removing a tattoo on her forearm, while Song was sent as a replacement to Ann once she moves out. Ann’s diary turns out to be the connecting link between the duos. The twists and turn of events in the lives of both these teachers eventually bring them together.