The Sweet Melodies of Cooking

The Sweet Melodies of Cooking

  -Moheindu Amiran Chemjong

moheindu@gmail.com

Yesterday morning, I cooked a full three-course meal. Now, is that something? No? Would I know how to cook at all? I can do the finest sushi, heart-warming minestrone soup and extremely luscious curry laksha. Would cooking be a favorite past time? No, not necessarily. Hence, when I decide to drown in the throes of cooking after three odd months, it’s absolutely drama supreme amongst my loved ones!

In terms of cooking, from the time I learnt how to make a decent cup of tea to getting familiar with the vegetables and spices that I did not recognize till a few years ago and making that paradigm shift in my mindset towards cooking, I can honestly say that I’ve covered a great deal of ground.

While growing up at home, I was totally convinced that I am not carved out for cooking or cleaning. As long as I remained indulged in the ravishment of intellect, I thought I am on track. When I eventually left home to live by myself while studying, the reality hit me hard in the face. I had to either live my life on take-away food, order home delivery each day or survive on frozen pre-cooked food or instant noodles for the next two years.

For the first six months, I really did that. It was after a while that I started missing home-cooking as I lovingly remembered those flavors of the past. I remembered those days back at home where my display of indignation had been too apparent when I had been offered cooking lessons, including structured courses by my parents and relatives.  Since I had absolutely no idea about cooking, I had no option but to start with the most basic method of cooking-boiling! I started having boiled eggs, boiled chicken, boiled tomatoes, boiled potatoes, boiled peas, you can imagine-the boiled works! But thanks to the raw herbs, Tobasco, ketch-up and the spice of lemon, I acquired and grew to like boiled meals. I feel like a cave-girl but still love a plainly done palate till date.

Then the next step was to get a fancy wok, a brownish slow-cooker, a fabulous steamer and multi-colored, tasteful crockery to keep my spirits up (till then, cooking was a no-no activity for me) and a handful of cookery books from around the globe. In came the emails, letters and paper cuttings of recipes from friends. I was so thankful that I had the fastest connection broadband at home such that if I needed quick instructions on the dos or don’ts of a particular spice, for instance, I could embrace google for quality control or sometimes, even for disaster management. It was here that I decided to train my psyche, play with the stereotype in my head and I decided to ardently court cooking as a ceremonial splendor!

Yes, I burnt my fingers, I have scars to last a lifetime as testimony to the cuts on my hands while trying to learn how to chop vegetables and got the fire alarm ringing and neighbors alarmed many times before realizing that, cooking, like writing, is another art form of colour, of vibrancy, of hope and of radiance. I tried, tested, failed, wasted a titanic amount of food while learning how to get these gastronomical arrays correct. For the next one year, the trials and errors dominated my cooking chambers as I religiously submerged myself in this new found prolific creative activity. But there were upsides to this phase, too.

Though once a person who had admitted that the cooking element was missing in me, I learnt to differentiate the cooking techniques that I had not identified with. I learnt the beauty of grocery shopping, especially choosing the textures, colours and layers of food which after my cooking epiphany would translate to exotic aromas and exquisite flavors as my delightful culinary sensations. In these tender strokes of art, my heart started to appreciate the vast interesting universe of spices and condiments, the varieties of the sexy olive oil, the freshness of even boring vegetables like leek, broccoli, asparagus or artichokes, the heavenliness of coconut and soya milk, even the gooey uncooked chicken or lamb and octopuses and lobsters. I hadn’t been near uncooked raw meat for as long as I remembered as felt very queasy. The experience made me reaffirm my belief that this art, too required discipline and that discipline is really a horse that we ride! The magnificence also lay in the fact that there was imagination, conceptualization, personalization and of course, harmonization.

Cooking, all of a sudden, broke like a fragment of impassioned serenades in my being. Can you believe that my friends and cousins started to appreciate my culinary finesse? My curries and soups became such hits that they nicknamed me ‘Queen of Soups.’ I flourished in the starring role and the whole idea of cooking provoked only feelings of goodness in my heart, exceedingly. When they murmured those words of praise, my grandiose sense of accomplishment almost forced me to trumpet the feelings in utter poetry!

Yesterday, I had consecrated my three hours of cooking for my aging relatives. They were just overpowered by my generosity of my morning time presented to them. Maybe the nuns taught me this invaluable lesson correctly long ago, it is in giving that we do receive. The allure of giving myself in cooking for others is overwhelming in itself. Their thank-yous crystallize as immortal realizations in my heart. But when they look me straight in the eyes after my having made the labor of love in a pot, we exchange mutual glances of awe, our hearts bloated with love. This inexorable moment only lasts for a minute but the eloquence of the art of cooking and the delirium of dazzlement in selfless giving in cooking and my feelings are best articulated by a favorite composer Irving Berlin, ‘ The song is ended but the melody lingers on.’ The sweet melodies of cooking…..

The Last Shangri-La- Bhutan......from a long time ago!!!

The Last Shangri-La- Bhutan

-          Moheindu Chemjong, 2002

If your inborn aspiration to seek something beyond the apparent emptiness of daily existence has been pushing you, you can experience heaven on earth – visit Bhutan, and so is the peace that slowly envelopes the enraptured traveler trying to absorb the majesty of the virgin, untouched surroundings. As you find out that here nature waits patiently to reveal her bounties to you, you’ll agree with me that the natural beauty of Bhutan remains unbeaten elsewhere in the globe!

Guarded by the mighty Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan was left blissfully untouched and the scared values of the Bhutanese people shrouded in isolation till the 1960s, and maybe it is because of this very reason, she still retains the kingdom where Tibetan-Buddhism is the state religion, the Bhutanese people try to protect their sacred heritage. Buddhist teachings play a significant role in their peaceful lives. Wedged between India and China, it is a land of contrasts, terrain ranging from the tropical foothills to dizzying altitudes. For a nature lover, Bhutan is a land that unfolds our imagination! Within an area of 47, 000 square kilometers, Bhutan has a miraculous variety of flora and fauna. Blue pine, spruce, oak, cyprus, juniper, blue poppy and fir color the valleys and hills. Similarly, the fauna include the Golden Langur, Must Deer, rare djfksdfj etc. Thus, wild animals jdhfjsd in the dense forests, vibrant flowers, luxuriant foliage, foamy white waterfalls and magnificient white peaks all form a pot of the scenic vistas at hand. Because of a traditional reverence the Bhutanese have for nature, the Kingdom is an excellent example of environmental preservation. In the mystery laden land of Bhutan,prayer flags flutter in the breeze  along the high ridges and wheels spin in the hands of the devotees mumbling invocations to God in the monasteries and ancient fortresses and the warm, riendly Bhutanese people make Bhutan a wonderful country. Trekkers enjoy the luxury of savoring nature walks through the high mountain passes which have only recently become accessible. The fortunate might also be able to witness archery contests, archery being the national sport of Bhutan. Bhutan also has a rich culture marked by sacred dances and religious, colorful festivals. Whether the purpose of the visit is cultural or trekking or nature-watching, travel in Bhutan is an enigma!

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan is a lovely, large valley overshadowed by high peaks. Built by the Late King Jigme Dorje Wangchuck to replace the ancient capital of Punakha. One of the places of interest is the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late King. It is a massive white structure, adorned with exquisite paintings and sculptures. Another area of interest here is the Mini-zoo which has takins, animals unique to Bhutan. A further uphill climb of about half a kilometer reaches you to the View Point from where a spectacular view of the Thimphu town can be seen. Likewise, the Indigenous Hospital built in 1978 is famous for the practice of traditional Bhutanese ayurvedic and herbal procedures. Not far from the Indigenous Hospital is the Painting School where children take courses in religious drawing and painting. The National Library has a wide variety of books including the Bhutanese and Tibetan books, manuscripts and xylographs. The Phelchey Toenkhyim, the Folk Heritage Museum inaugurated in 2001 is a must-see in Thimphu.It is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through the exhibition of artifacts used in rural households and demonstrations of rural customs, traditions, habits and skills. Four hundred years old Tashichho Dzong dominates the place and houses the Assembly Hall, the National Assembly and various other Ministries. For those who fancy taking a walk further from the main Thimphu area, there are the beautiful Simtokha Dzong, Tala Monastery and the Phajoding Monastery.

One and a half hours drive from Thimphu takes you to Paro, the most beautiful valley in Bhutan where nature’s wonders await you. On the way, willow glades, murmuring crystal clear steams, scattered hamlets ease you into a serene rhythm of Paro!Here, the Paro Chu flows south from its watershed in the Chomolhari range. Above it on a rocky outcrop of the steep hillside stands the Paro Dzong at an altitude of just over 7000 feet.This Dzong is historically Bhutan’s strongest and most strategic fortresses. Before the re-building of the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, it was also the seat of the National Assembly.As you pass the Dzong, walk down the moderate slope to the interesting looking cantilever bridge. On the hill above the Dzong stands an ancient watchtower which has been since 1967, the National Museum of Bhutan. The Museum has in its possession over 3000 works of exquisite art, covering more than one thousand five hundred years of Bhutanese cultural heritage and brings history to life.Similarly, another area of tourist interest is the Ugyen Tshering Penjor Palace, a royal residence constructed by Penlop Tshering Penjor and fashioned after the heavenly abode of the revered Shabdung Rimpoche.  he Paro Airport looks extraordinarily beautiful when viewed from the main highway.The blue river that flows just beside the Airport seems to add a touch of splendor to the whole area. Further up the valley, the Drukgyel Dzong now in ruins recalls the days when Bhutan was frequently and unsuccessfully attacked by the armies from the north. The Dzong was laid waste by fire in 1954. Across from it, like an outgrowth of the terrain itself, the gem-like Takstang Monastery clings to a sheer 3000 foot rock face. The name of this gravity-defying grand structure means literally, “The Tiger’s Nest,” an allusion to the popular legend that Padma Sambhavo flew here from Tibet on the back of a tiger. If you have extra hours, a visit to the Takstang is recommended though the last stretch of the path has a precipitous cliff.

Phuntsholing is the gateway to the forbidden world, as they say and is separated from India by a huge, grand gate made in typical Bhutanese style. The minute you enter the gate, you will immediately feel that aura of tranquility and that unhurried, easy pace. The trading centre of Bhutan, Phuntsholing is a small area with different shops which almost stand in a reactangular form of surrounding the Zangdfsd Monastery, built within a park.

For the ones who fancy hiking and trekking, Punakha and Wasdfsd are top on the list. The semi-tropical Punakha is know for its excellent climate where fruit trees flourish. A drive to DDD La Pass will give you stunning views of the high mountains of Bhutan.While in Wfsdfsd, also visit the impressive Dzong that houses the provincial monodfsj community. The Bumthang Trek is also an excellent 4-5 day trek with idyllic scenery, sdfa wick fasdf and a pass at 3,400 metres. For the hikers who can’t resist rhododendrons in bloom, the Gantey Gompa Trek is the ideal one. Jomolhai Trek takes you to the Base Camp in the lidgfa region, the place of sdfa herbs and alpine vegetations, not to forget the breathtaking close-views of the great Himalayan Pfsdfsd.

Besides enjoying nature at her best, you can also shop for some interesting souvenirs to take back here. Bamboo, RRrere and cane-work, handmade fabrics, wooden stamps and coins are recommended. Do not forget to try out Erma Ddfsd , the national dish which comprises of chilli peppers in cheese sauce, the famous Bhutanese red rice, and shodfsdf (meat patties) and yak meat if you can! If luck favours, you can witness the famous dances of Bhutan, the Black Hat Dance, Hunter and the Deer, Drummers from Dametsi, etc all fsd port of Bhutanese culture.

So, whether it is being engrossed in natural beauty of being a part of Bhutanese culture for a short while, or marveling at the splendorous architecture of Bhutan, a holiday in Bhutan will be a time you’ll never forget for you’ll have experienced bliss, you’ll have visited the last paradise on earth, itself.

Positivity....published while I was a student

Positivity-Moheindu Chemjong, Perth, WA

Finally, I've realized what makes me tick. For me personally, the most attractive person in a crowd doesn’t necessarily have to be suave and be reeking of some expensive perfume all the time or have to be a person who's very knowledgeable with the most polished demeanor, a person with a positive approach towards to life can also be equally captivating for positivity is the fundamental quality, if you have it-you do have a great deal-you're already a charmer, a winner!

My favorite author, Stephanie Dowrick says, the greatest power one has is the power to influence others positively and that it should be treasured. My neighbor, Ian, for example is a constant source of positivity for me. A stocky tall man nearing his 70s, one can easily say that Ian has aged gracefully. Ian's zest for life is remarkable! When we bump into one another occasionally, I often ask him how he's been keeping, to which he blurts out, "Marvellous"," Fantastic", " Superb"." Never better"," Almost as good as you" and you can see the radiance in his eyes as he utters these magical words. His words are almost as inspiring and powerful as Oprah Winfrey's or as Rikki Lake's! I, immediately catch the vibe and then it's me who has that sparkle in my eyes, bounce in my  steps and a genuine smile across my face. With endless assignments, presentations and exams, life for me as a student is quite demanding and my dear neighbor, Ian's words work like a soothing balm on my sometimes tired soul!

Positivity doesn't mean turning a blind eye to the grey areas of life. Positivity means accepting life's both good and bad as they come, being resilient and bringing out the best from the worst situations. As the famous adage goes, "Love life," it really pays to be enthusiastic in life about everything though it might just be a tiny butterfly hovering by. Research indicates that a positive attitude goes a long way in determining a person's perception of the world. It not just helps people conquer sickness and disabilities but also makes them more efficient and successful. A positive attitude empowers a person to deal with difficult situations, focus on the brighter sides of life. Of course, life isn’t laden with roses all the way through, there are often times when things go out of hands, misunderstanding happen, dreams are broken, life does have the rough edges and when we feel like packing up for goods and calling it the quits. It is in these times that positivity comes to aid.

Positivity might look like a distant dram but unlike any other skill, it can be learnt and it comes with practice. One of the most important aspects of cultivating positivity in oneself is being with people who have a passion to live or just love life. Positivity is contagious and though it might just be for a short while, why not live in their skin? My best friend is another person in my life who is very positive. When things don't go my way, he tells me to take a positive approach to the problem and reminds me how every single problem under the sun has a solution and that the brighter days will surely come. This already is so admirable and gives all the people around him the strength to carry on.  It is for the indomitable positive spirit that I not only admire and respect him but also love his company.

Positivity is the magic sutra that makes life much more beautiful and much more meaningful. So for just once, why not try to look at things positively, just try it once. Soon, it'll be second nature to you!

Looking for inspiration or enjoying art? Photos by my beloved brother-in-law, Aayush GC