Serenity in the Midst of Mumbai Chaos - June 26, 2013

It has taken me quite a while to recover from my very debilitating four day illness.  I,
faithfully, finished all fifty doses of various medications, drank electrolyte replacement
packets, and spent a good deal of time horizontal, lacking the energy to do much 
else.  Outside, monsoon rains poured, off and on, and the news networks filled the
airwaves with the tragedy befalling thousands of pilgrims in the Uttarakhand floods.
Such sadness for India.

Finally, yesterday, Rosy Toscano and I decided to head out to Linking Road in Bandra
West, during a lull in the rains.  She had been telling me about a Thai foot massage
enterprise she had experienced last year when it first opened.  Sorely missing my
wonderful Jaipur full body massages ( $9 US/hour ), I decided this was the next best
thing.  

We arrived at the Link Square Mall, and strolled about for a little while.  It wasn't a 
huge shopping complex but very compact floors, with small shops, packed floor to
ceiling with their wares, every inch of space utilized to the maximum.  I was in search
of a data card for the new Samsung phone I'd had to purchase and, immediately on
entering, I found my store.  Then, within steps, I found a watch store to replace my
fading battery.  What luck!

The Sabai Foot Spa, on the first floor, calls itself, "Bangkok in Mumbai."  The owner,
from Thailand, has established  four of these lovely facilities, claiming the benefits
of Thai foot massage improve blood circulation, remove toxins, stimulate lymphatic
drainage, boost the immune system - among other things.  The setting is definitely
peaceful, lovely, and serene.

Prices vary from 1350 rupees ( $22.61 ) for an hour of Thai traditional foot massage

to 3500 rupees ( $58.62 ), for ninety minutes with two therapists, and including back,

head and shoulder massage.

Rosy and I were the only clients and were most welcomed.  We went 

together into the lovely room where we had our massages, side by side.

I was absolutely oblivious of her during my ministrations, mesmerized by

the haunting and beautiful music, the scents of the various potions, the

sensations.

The decor and setting was lovely, indeed - and so far removed from the 

cacophony and horn blaring of thousands of autorickshaws outside!

Everything about the place felt healing, from the decor, the firm touch of the 

therapist, the music, the flow of water over rocks and fountains.  I was sorely

in need of just that and I lay back and let it all work its wonder.

This Buddha reminded me of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok.  I

wrote a poem about him in my book, "Life's Journey."

Rosy's treatment begins

An array of magical potions

Our wonderful experience went far beyond one hour and included a neck, back, 

head and shoulder massage, in addition to the foot massage.  Rosy, who had

been to Sabai when it first opened says the service and experience has 

improved tremendously since her initial visit.  Apparently, the owner has 

worked to make this an unforgettable and delightful treat for all who partake.  

As we paid, we were given a card, with one slot marked.  When we have ten 

visits, we will receive a complimentary massage.  I will have no problem coming ten

times!!  If only such luxuries were affordable in the United States.

The finale:  a cooling towel, ginger tea, and crisp pieces of apple!  Superb.

Mellow Yellow Monday #156 - Mumbai Auto Rickshaws - January 16, 2012

According to Wikipedia, "An auto rickshaw is generally characterized 

by a sheet-metal body or open frame resting on three wheels, a canvas 

roof with drop-down sides, a small cabin in the front of the vehicle for the 

driver (sometimes called an auto-wallah), and seating space for up to

 three passengers in the rear. Newer models are generally fitted with 

an CNG-fueled scooter version of a 200cc four-stroke engine, with 

handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel".

They are used as a means of transportation in many parts of the world  

My experiences, especially in Thailand and India, have been a bit 

terrifying because of the overwhelming traffic.  In Mumbai, these 

open sided vehicles vie with other auto rickshaws - and motorcyles, 

buses, and cars for road space, often merging from several lanes 

into one and are  literally, inches apart from the next one. Horns 

blare and tempers flare and I just hold on for dear life, grasping

my purse and whatever belongings I have with me ( with the open 

sides, anyone can reach in and snatch my purse from the death grip 

of my hands ).  Somehow, I must be getting used to the adventure, 

however, because I find I can actually glance at the newspaper now, 

when on my merry way and, if it isn't rush hour when I wish I had on a 

motorcycle helmet and leather from head to toe, I might even finish 

an article!!  

I am participating in Mellow Yellow Monday - add your

bit of cheery yellow and join in the fun.

Thursday Challenge: "Golden" - The Reclining Buddha at Wat Po, Bangkok, Thailand - September 22, 2011

I am participating in Dale's Thursday Challenge - this

week's challenge is "golden" - add your golden

picture to join in the fun!



It Wasn't Love at First Sight

Okay, I thought the title might get you...but this post isn't about  romance or love at all, at least not about any hearthrob of mine.  It is about love, though - an undying, painful, terribly unsatisfying longing I have for an elusive litte fruit which I have eaten only twice in my sixty-five years!  Most of you, I would imagine, have never even tasted it unless you live in or have visited southeast Asia, India, or, perhaps, Puerto Rico or parts of the Caribbean or South America where, I understand, it is now being grown.  I am talking about the mangosteen - no relation, in any way, shape, form or taste, to the mango - or Garcinia mangostana L, an exotic fruit, known as the "queen of fruits."

picture from mangosteen.com

I met my first mangosteen at the Royal Orchid Sheraton in Bangkok, Thailand in February of 1997 ( the date is as important to me as my first kiss ).  I was there overnight, as the guest of Royal Caribbean, prior to setting sail on a twelve day cruise that was to take me to  exotic ports in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, ending up in Singapore.   We were hosted to a buffet luncheon prior to boarding buses for a city tour of Bangkok and the long drive to the port. 

I found myself in front of a huge fruit table and enjoyed slices of pineapple and mango, sections of pommelo ( which I had never eaten before ) and paused before a small purplish fruit.  I asked the server what it was and she said, "Oh, it is the queen of fruits, you must try it...it is the mangosteen but is should be called the mangoqueen."  As usual, willing to try anything, I added it to my plate.   I didn't think it looked that exciting, frankly!

When I got back to my table, one of the waiters smiled his approval and came over, took a knife, and cut my mangosteen in half, presenting it to me like a trophy, indicating I should take one of the white segments.  I put it in my mouth, chewed and swallowed.  Oh, my heavens, what was this taste?  Sheer ecstasy, sweet and sour, peach, lychee, strawberry - a myriad of wonderful fruits all rolled up into one.  I finished it in seconds while the others at the table watched.  In spite of my encouragement, not one person went to get one, even when I offered to bring them back as I went for more.  By the time we were leaving for the bus I had finished another three.  Much to my delight, the very sweet Thai waiter handed me a bag as I left the dining room - inside, a half dozen more mangosteens. 

picture from www.mangosteen.com

Throughout the rest of that southeast Asian cruise, I kept on the lookout, in all the markets I visited, but never encountered the mangosteen again.  Often, at my neighborhood grocery, Manila Market, here in Daly City, CA, I find exotic fruits such as lychee, jackfruit, longan and, even durian, that has been shipped frozen, but, thus far, no mangosteen has arrived.  After investigating, I learned that the United States had banned importing of the fresh fruit because of concern that they might be infested with the  Asian fruit fly which could damage U. S. fruit crops.  Only since 2007, have they allowed the importation of fresh, irradiated fruit from Thailand.  Otherwise, canned products may be imporated but reports are that this does not compare with the taste of the fresh fruit.

In 2008, on my birthday trip to Europe, much to my delight, when we were strolling through Barcelona's wonderful market, La Boquerria, on La Rambla, there, in the fruit section, I saw my beloved mangosteens!  Though a bit expensive, I immediately bought several which I shared with my friends who agreed that, indeed, these were the queen, if not, the king of fruits!

Mangosteens have long been used in Ayurvedic medicine and by native healers.  The rind of the fruit contains a number of complex chemicals, including tannic acid and xanthones.  At one time, when dysentery was very common, it was used to treat this.  Now, China and India used the dried fruits, shipped from Singapore, to make a number of medicines which are used to treat diarrhea, cystitis and to regulate menstruation.  There are claims, as well, that it helps support microbiological balance, helps the immune system, improves joint flexibility, and provides mental support.  Of course, none of this is really proven.

There are numerous websites and links to which you may refer for more information.  In terms of those who often, in desperation, try anything in hopes of seeking cancer cures, please go to: 

American Cancer Society - Mangosteen Juice.  That site also has some excellent sources of other articles on supplements.

After writing this today, I was so much wanting a mangosteen, I actually found a place in southern California that imports exotic fruits and, although, it is very expensive, they have fresh mangosteen from Thailand that are sent out express mail the day they arrive.  I just ordered six for my family.  Perhaps I will keep three for myself and give each of my boys one!  After all, they are still young and, in their lifetimes, maybe mangosteens will be much more accesible. 

If you are interested, check out:  http://buymangosteenfruit.com/.