Last week, we went to the famed MiniBar in DC for Melissa’s big birthday. I won’t tell you her age, you have to guess.

They served us 26 courses over 3 hours. Yes, 26 courses. Here is a smattering of some of the food we ate.

My favorite – Baby corn, scraped from the cob, smoked, gelatinized, and molded back to look like corn.

Melissa’s Favorite – Chilled tomato salsa like puree, wrapped in avocado. It really tasted like Guacamole, remarkable.

A “bloody mary”. Wow, this one packed a punch. That sliver of celery was infused with a lot of vodka, and covered in some tomato / tabasco shavings. A huge bang in your mouth.

More to come later, I have a really busy week with job related stuff, thesis related stuff, and moving related stuff. My, that’s a lot of stuff.

I had a marvelous trip to India from December 21st till January 14th. It was my longest India trip since my childhood. In another entry I’ll write about how much I loved it and how to appreciate the culture, liveliness and craziness of India. Anyway, great trip! I spent the whole time with Meli, and it was tremendous. I can’t imagine a better travel partner! We saw Tania and Viraj’s regal wedding in Kolkata, then travelled to visit Beej in Mumbai. After that I visited Ashiyana Yoga retreat for a few days of Detox in Goa, then my posse arrived so we could party in Goa properly.

I had some camera issues (read: lost charger) so I didn’t get many pictures. But here are a few of my favorites.

“No Outside Food” Bengali Style (Kolkata)

The Lungi is making a comeback!

My dream car- Tata Sumo 80 bhp! Can climb hills ! (disclaimer: Small hills)

Sangeet Party / Ceremony

Late Night with SOCE at The Underground

Victoria Memorial

Kid’s are entertained by this? Simple minds simple pleasures i guess.

Nice Hat Meli!

(The hat won’t go away!)

Viraj’s Last night as a gay bachelor

Lick the man carrying all the beers

Is the fog machine for the dance floor? NOOOOO It’s for the mosquitoes!

HOT ladies!!

Thrilling!

You guys are lucky, she’s light!

Take a Deep Breath, V

Viraj’s PRANK

Your hair is looking a little dry. Try some coconut oil.

Hahaha

Gone too far? Never!

GOA

Relaxing and detoxing at Ashiyana Yoga Retreat in Goa

One of the instructors- The CHUCK NORRIS of Yoga. His right leg is named Dharma and left leg is named Karma.

How we spent most of the goa trip, eating and drinking beachfront

Beej and Kristen in front of our Luxury Tents at Club Fresh

Beach-Front Concert at Club Fresh – Awesome band but I can’t remember their name

Finals are over. Two projects still due, but Exams are over!!

In a week, Melissa and I will be en route to India with Tania, Viraj, Anu, Sonia, and many others.

Whenever I go to India, I have a few strange feelings about it. I love being there, learning about my culture and heritage, and of course eating the world’s best cuisine. However, Indians decidedly make us feel like we don’t belong. Everyone we encounter, from the people in the hotels and on the street to my relatives and cousins, make a point of treating me like an outsider. And by outsiders I mean stupid Americans. Every conversation is forced to English and my Bengali is greeted with “VHATT?” and “KEE BOLTHAE CHOOUW?”. Lord know we’re hopelessly overcharged for everything we want to buy. Taxis take circuitous routes, and you’re always handed the most expensive items in every store.

The only one that really bothers me is being treated as someone with only a passing interest in India. I feel badly about it maybe because it is true. As much as I’m interested in India, the economy, relations with the Pakis, the high tech sector, my interest has never evolved further. I have always wanted it to, but to develop a stronger interest, I need to spend more time there. And in order to spend more time there, I must be away from the US for longer periods. That hasn’t been possible until this year.

On this trip, I am planning to immerse myself completely in India; all of our lively culture and the energy of the place. This “Indian-American” stuff isn’t a strong identity. I want to get my culture from the source.

I won’t settle for any less than delicious. Rani, Simi, you all can settle for kitkat bars but I want things my way ;0

Hungarian beef stew, simmered in red wine.

Hungarian liquor – Unicum. NOT delicious.

inside

outside

praha