Travel & Food

The thought for today: Maybe it is time to step out of the insular world we have created. There has never been a better time to travel than now, even if it’s the next state over or the country just across the border. Our own country is in such a state of flux, making it all the more important to experience other cultures, other ways of seeing things, other ways of being. We are isolated as Americans, relying solely on the media to inform us about the rest of the world. The information we receive is often distorted causing our perceptions to be the same. When I lived in Mexico in 2009 and border shootings were taking place, the US released a warning not to travel to Mexico because it was unsafe. Unaware of this warning and loving life in my sweet little casita, I was shocked at the flood of emails I received urging me to come home because I was in danger. Danger, seriously? There was no danger. The information given was only partly true, causing a distorted perception that equated to fear. Yes, there were shootings at various border towns in the middle of the night, but they were isolated incidents and involved only the drug cartels. Listening to the newscasts, Americans were sure Mexico was extremely dangerous and unsafe for travel. 

If there is anything good about our current political situation, exposing the media for what they often are—a lot of public opinion with little facts to back up a story—is a good thing. I’m not saying all reporting is bad, there are some excellent sources that speak the truth out there. But there is massive reporting that is distorted. We, the masses, are inundated with these stories on social media.

By stepping out of what we know, we are able to see just how similar we really are as humans. India has a peaceful feeling of gratitude that permeates the country. They give daily reverence to the things that sustain them as human beings. The cow provides all things dairy as well as fertilizer for their fuel, and the River Ganges provides water for life.  Both are revered. The River has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization, ever-changing, ever-flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga.

People here are grounded, close to the earth and connected to nature in such a solid way. India was in my future at a very young age. When I was 17 my mother insisted I was too young to have an apartment in the big city of Columbus, Ohio. But, she was willing to compromise by allowing me to rent a room close to campus. We found the perfect spot with a landlady that met her approval. Ferosa was 37 at the time, pursuing her PhD at Ohio State. She wore the traditional saris and had the bindi at her third eye chakra. Her father was Prime Minister of India at the time. None of this meant anything to me, not one little bit. I was only interested in drinking beer, chasing boys and feeling my independence for the first time. What a wealth of information Ferosa was had I only been able to see that at the time. All these years later I recognize that as a sign from the Universe that this magical place was in my future, and that was merely a prelude of things to come. And now, here I am. I intuitively knew I would love it—the beauty, the people, but more importantly, the spiritual connection to all life.

Cheese Sticks

I have friends that have asked me to write about the food, so I will tell you what little I know. Monkeys are thieves. One darted into the dining hall, ran into the kitchen, grabbed the first thing he could find and sped up the stairs. We found the wadded up newspaper later. They are funny, mischievous and everywhere. Like the cows and dogs, monkeys live in harmony with the people here.

Masala Chai

I had my first coffee in a week yesterday. I really haven’t missed it, but being in a German bakery and having a chocolate brownie (gluten free), a latte seemed like the thing to order without any forethought, just habit. Five hours later when I was trying to get to sleep I noticed my heart was racing and I felt restless. And then it hit me, caffeine. This is what it does to my body—obviously not a good thing. Back to herbal tea. . . 

We are near 3 surrounding villages: Rajajula, Luc jhula, and Rishikesh. There is no meat , chicken or alcohol allowed in the entire area. I don’t have a good overview of dining in India because well, I’m staying at an Ashram with many other people so it is cafeteria style dining. The food is basic and hardy, and could be considered bland because the spices must be tempered to suit everyone. There are not a lot of choices. But it is good, feels healthy and surprisingly, my system is content and sated. For breakfast there is porridge made of oats, honey and milk, often wheat bread (not toast) with ghee and preserves, and sometimes a rice dish with peanuts and vegetables in delicious spices, and an abundance of fresh fruits such as mango, banana, pomegranate, oranges, and various melons. The drink is hot lemon water with honey and ginger.

Porridge with Fruit, Dates & Nuts

Lunch is often a salad of sprouts with curd and tomatoes, chickpea soup, jasmine rice, and a stew made with soy. There is variety; we don’t eat the same thing each day—often similar ingredients but cooked and combined differently. It’s the many spices that give the food variety. Dinner can be lentils served over rice, sautéed root vegetables, vegetable soup, and a dessert such as carrot cake—always gluten free. Food is for sustaining energy at Yoga training, definitely not fine dining. 

Last Chance Cafe

Paneer with Potatoes

We recently had lunch at the Last Chance Cafe and it was the first real spicy food I’ve had—paneer (spinach) with potatoes. Coming back for asana class I realized it was not the best idea to eat spicy food before a workout. My stomach grumbled the entire time. We also had breakfast at a nearby cafe and because I love it so much, I ordered porridge with fresh fruits, nuts, and dates along with a masala chai. We later stopped for a Lassi, a traditional drink made with yogurt and milk—sometimes fruit. 

At anatomy class we were given some Ayurvedic information on a proper diet that may be of interest. There are six tastes buds: sweet, sour, pungent, bitter astringent and salty. To keep the taste buds working well, they should all be activated at least once a day. And, there should also be 7-8 colors on your plate. 

Quality of food is important. Buy local or organic. Be mindful and your body will tell you what you need and what is good for your constitution.

Quantity of food:

1/2 stomach solids

1/4 stomach liquids

1/4 stomach empty

Amount of food at any one meal by age groups:

50+ - 16 mouthfuls

30-50 - 32 mouthfuls

Under 30 - According to need

Chew each mouthful 32 times (same number of teeth in your mouth) as the digestive system is activated in the mouth. Have a straight spine while eating to allow the food to move easily through the digestive track.

Eat only when you feel hungry, not when the clock dictates it is time.

Mental attitude when preparing food is important. The food you are cooking absorbs your love and your energy. If you are experiencing negative emotions at that time, your food will reflect these emotions and spread them to others consuming your food. Serve with love, sustaining the positive energy. Express gratitude for your food before consuming it. 

So that’s it, my travel and food report for the day. Sorry it’s not more of a dynamic overview of Indian cuisine, but it’s not about the food here at the Ashram. It's about the connection of body, mind and spirit. 

Bon Appétit & Namasté