My pictures with their little stories

Chai at Jaipur dhaba on Tea Day - 2 It was fun to be near the fellow who was preparing the tea outside this dhaba at Jaipur and observe the entire process. The top view made an interesting composition with the flame below the tea vessel and the light of the flame illuminating the surface of the tin container next to it. ( Jaipur, 2017 ) See my blog - My pictures with their little stories

Chai at Jaipur dhaba on Tea Day - 1 Had fantastic kadak chai at this dhaba in the old pink city of Jaipur. We had it with Onion Kachori and it turned out to be an outstanding combination. The thickness, the taste and the aroma were perfectly balanced. ( Jaipur, 2017 ) See my blog - My pictures with their little stories

Little girl at Ghum railway station The momos and chai at Ghum railway station tea stall were delivered with an unexpected bonus. This little girl, who was the granddaughter of the lady running the show, turned out to be a very expressive kid. I really enjoyed my time at this tea stall playing with this little girl. (Ghum, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, April 2017) Here is my blog post on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Menu card at Jalori Pass, Himachal Tea and paratha (prantha to use phonetically correct spelling as the word is pronounced) dominated the graffiti on all possible areas where something could be written at this place at Jalori Pass in  Himachal . We did not go in here, we went into another shop where the fellow was making fresh mithai. (Jalori Pass, Himachal, 2014)

Sweets shop at Jalori Pass Nothing like a glass of garam chai with some freshly made sweets and namkeen in the crisp cool air of the mountains. The sweets shops owner was yet to put out the mithai for sale, it was so fresh.  On a clear day, the views around Jalori pass are spectacular. It was nice to sit in the dark dingy shop and then stroll around the area of Jalori pass with little shops around waiting for travellers. (2014)

A stop for Nilgiri Express This stop for Nilgiri Express is meant for water to refilled in the steam locomotive. The cute little stations and surroundings are so pretty that you cannot but resist getting down at each station where the train makes a stop. There are vendors selling crispy vadas and chai at each of these stations. (2007 ) Here is my blog post on Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The place to be - Chair at Hindu Gymkhana, Mahabaleshwar During each visit to Mahabaleshwar, we did make it a point to spend some time at the Hindu Gymkhana and play table tennis. Milind Rajguru from Mahabaleshwar, an old family friend was gracious to join us and give us some good practice on the TT table. After a game or two, this chair would be my destination to sip some chai and read. 

Sunrise in Kumaon mountains overlooking Ramganga valley Each morning during our stay at Camp Shama in Kumaon was an experience which was full of delight, curiosity and a sense of fulfilment. No other meditation was required. Looking at the horizon from early morning around 5 am for the next two hours was sheer bliss. The early morning soft rays of the sun would light up the mountain tops one by one and then enter the valley to show the river hidden in the night blanket. When you start seeing the river, it is morning and time for chai. (2012)

Sunday morning at Irani restaurant Sunday morning is probably the busiest hour for the Irani restaurants in Mumbai. You will find people from all walks of life coming here to savour some of the typical eats that one can find only at such joints.  My personal favourites ?  It has to be brun maska with chai and parsi omlette.

Tea is ready Each morning at the Ranikhet camp in Kumaon was a treat. They have this rustic place with wooden benches and tea is ready with crisp toasts (which only go well with chai) first thing in the morning. Can there be anything more pleasurable than soaking in the early morning sun, sipping chai while you look at the valley below from the mountains ? The chai, the morning sun and the tranquil surroundings make you thank the almighty for blessing you with this wonderful morning.