Talk Trustafarian

Once upon a time there was a snowy, old town called London…

…And then it turned to gold :D 

At a time when finally Summer has arrived in London and everyone’s choice of clothes, moods and foods is turning feather - light again, I figured it would be a good time to post about Beijing Dumplings in China Town. 

Tucked away on Lisle Street, opposite indie film mecca the Prince Charles Cinema, Beijing Dumplings is perfect for a fly by tummy treat. Dimly lit it makes for an intimate or even solitary meal. Although the variety is limited, the dumplings are delicious. We tried the pork and spicy crab dumplings to start. Their soupy fillings were incredibly tasty, though the skin just a tad doughy. Next we gave the mixed seafood a shot - fresh and juicy meat enveloped in thin as air skins, these dumplings literally melt in your mouth. 

The student-friendly prices only added to the appeal of the place as did the continuous refills of jasmine tea. We left feeling full yet able to walk, and content but not guilty. I’d say the place is a winner for Summer feasting. 

I’ve been wanting to watch Peepli [Live] ever since I read this review of the film when it first released all the way back in 2010. I finally did tonight; and was really impressed. Of course, I had high expectations given the critical acclaim the film received, but I was pleasantly surprised that it exceeded even those.

It is bold in its portrayal of the steep rural/urban divide in modern India, not just in terms of landscape (the film mainly depicts the former) but more so in lifestyle, attitudes and motivations. I must confess, I was a little bit squeamish during the opening scenes of the film, and sighed with some relief at the first TV news report scene that launches into the urban angle of the film; finally something familiar! But what I enjoyed the most was its dark humour, drawing so poignantly on the absurdity of the situation. I felt like it really captured the essence of the great Indian Circus that I miss so much! 

All in all, it was a bitter-sweet reminder of why I look forward to going home every six months. I was afraid the film was going to be one of the many casualties of my incessant back and forth between Britain and the Motherland. Thank God for my zealot of a mother, intent on keeping me grounded! She recently sent me a case full of movies I’ve missed out over the past few years. In it are also Delhi Belly and Dirty Picture which she insists I watch. 

So look out for more film-fuelled nostalgia in the next few weeks :) 

I’m not usually a sucker for love stories. Got no patience you see. But this movie made my heart bleed. Blue Valentine follows the relationship of Dean and Cindy, two simple victims of love at first sight, from its hopeful beginnings to its bitter end. The story is raw, real and incredibly beautiful in its sadness. It’s literally a punch in the stomach. But Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling’s fantastic performances (coming from a staunch Notebook non-swooner) gives it a tenderness, which is what you will eventually leave the movie with. 

Sad but touched, I am off to bed! 

Every time I complain about taking the tube in London at rush hour…

…I remember the Parisian Metro

Paris, 2011. On a cool summer night, two wine tipped girls embarked on a long and arduous journey, from the depths of the Canal Saint-Martin to their warm beds in the 13th. Their mode of transport, the questionable but affordable night bus. 

In between bus changes (there were three) they chanced upon an abandoned shopping cart in the empty streets leading up to the Seine. One, a lame duck; the other, a good friend, it seemed only natural to finish the rest of their journey in this Godsend of a ride; perhaps even go for a spin in the courtyards of the Hotel de Ville? 

Not quite yet beaten by the wine, their obvious answer - why not?! 

They spun round and round in that empty shopping cart, fast, and then faster, with laughter ringing in their ears, carefree and oblivious of the stern stares of the formidable Hotel…until *poof* they were gone! Vanished into thin air. 

All that was left behind of the two wine tipped girls was the suitcase they had so imaginatively packed…and these are the things they took.

A pair of sunglasses

A bathing suit

Tampons

A guide book

Condoms

A hat

Anti-dioarrheoea pills

Crutches

Water

Skiis

A book

A whistle

Money

Passport

I-pod

Flip flops

Wonder bra

Camera

My dog

Motorbike

Towel

Luggage Trolley

Lipstick

A wig

Viagra

Cell phone

aaaand…

A lawn mower

…Clearly just a bag full of essentials.

Sun is shining, flowers in bloom - a mundane day made suddenly anew…

…Nights too?!

Not unless you’re the auspicious Nishagandhi or “Night Queen,” a species of Cactus that blooms rarely, but fully through the night and mysteriously wilts with the morning rays.

In Maharashtra, we apparently have it confused with the Brahma Kamal, an even more sacred flower in Hinduism, the throne of Lord Brahma. 

My family is not one to get caught up in religious symbolism; but we sure were a gleeful bunch when our very own garden Night Queen made an appearance. On a most casual and relaxed evening at my Grandma’s too! Perhaps she sensed the warmth in the air that night…there really is no better feeling then the comfort of knowing you’re Home. 

The first day I had a real spring in my step I made to full use by going on a massive walkabout. Lucky I did when I did - Spring only graced us with a week or so this year! We’re already back to classic British grey skies…siiiigh…

But more so Breakbot, <3