The last post

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to continue this travel blog anymore, but that doesn’t mean I will stop blogging. Instead of the travel blog, I’m going to focus on my natural lifestyle blog. So you will see many changes, but I will also incorporate some of my travels into the new blog and add another perspective.
I hope you will enjoy the new blog that I have started and already written over ten posts.
The new blog address is www.coolsilence.wordpress.com (although it is still titled “In the Moment”), and you can follow me on twitter as “prags21.”
I enjoyed writing about my little travel adventures, but I feel I can do better with my new blog as I am familiar with the subject and can add variety to it. I will continue the new blog for many years.
Pragya

Campus colors

I didn’t have to go far to discover some lovely pre-summer color. PVCC’s campus hosts a variety of desert trees and plants.
The Palo Verde trees outside the bookstore are in full bloom. I couldn’t help but wander underneath the yellow canopies and peer up to see brilliant blossoms against the blue May sky.

I watched in wonder as a soft wind blew  through branches causing some yellow blossoms to fall gently to the ground even showering petals on thorny cacti.

    Outside the theatre building, yellow petals mingled with the grass lining the pathway as a welcome sign for guests attending ongoing  shows.

    The whole nature seemed to be celebrating the coming of summer. Although I was comforted by  the beauty, I knew it was deceiving. In a matter of weeks, the trees would have shed their blossoms and we would be left to face the  relentless summer heat.

North Mountain Park

Crunch, crunch, crunch I walk on the gravel trail 100 at the North Mountain Park in Phoenix. Dry dusty desert greets me as I begin my hike in the park.

Beyond a blackened sun-burnt tree appears a cross-like cactus that stands alone and mighty on top of a barren hill.

North mountain yellow blossoms

The path turns away from the hill and deeper into the heart of the park. Before I turn to follow the path, I notice a lush green area and read a sign that tells me that there is water in the area so that the desert animals may survive without having to search for water in human-occupied areas.
In the same place, what looks like a large jacaranda tree with yellow blossoms glows dramatically against the dull clouded sky. I take in the magical moment before heading further.

Crunch, crunch, crunch my footsteps fall into a rhythmic pattern as I walk on. Suddenly, I stop, breaking the rhythm as a coyote softly patters across to the other side of the path. Perhaps it is as surprised as I am. After crossing, it turns its head and stares back at me. I look into the coyote’s eyes and wonder what the next move will be. I silently acknowledge its beauty and move on. The coyote hurries away as if remembering more important business.

I decide not to hike the whole 10 miles of trail 100. Instead, I divert to the Shaw butte trail on my right. The path here is not as stony, but it dips up and down as I cross dry stream-beds. Wise humming birds buzz excitedly around a dry bush with tiny pale white flowers. They seem to have struck gold in the harsh desert. Before I turn back, I observe the scenery to my right. The hill is so close, it looks more like a mountain. Majestic.
I stand a few minutes just looking at the grandness laid out before me. Three tall cacti stand like ancient seers that observe the play of nature silently and patiently bearing it all. I smile and hope that I build more patience as the incoming summer threatens long hot days.
I head back amazed by a view of the city although slightly obscured by a low hanging cloud. It reminds me of the many more hikes I should enjoy in the cool wind while I can.

A touch of England

My English friend comes back to Phoenix after a ten day holiday in England and tells me of a special gift she has in store for me. She stops by my house for a while and places a sky blue box in my hands.
“It’s a Wedgwood,” she says grinning broadly and urges me to open it.
After fumbling through the delicate packaging, I hold up a blue ceramic clock piece the size of my hand.
“That’s a perfect Wedgwood blue,” exclaims my friend.
I also notice fine white carvings on the delicate ceramic and admire the workmanship.
“I’m holding a piece of England in my hands,” I think somewhat comforting myself about not being able to accompany my friend on her trip.
There are few things as English as Wedgwood. In fact, when it comes to experiencing a country, there is nothing like a piece of traditional handicraft.
Here are some facts about Wedgwood taken from their website:
• The Wedgwood company was founded by Josiah Wedgwood in May 1759. He’s also known as the ‘Father of English Potters.’
• The Wedgwood fine bone china is so strong that the makers have balanced a Rolls Royce and even a bus with 40 aboard on their coffee cups!
• A vase with decoration designed by the Prince of Monaco and manufactured by Wedgwood’s special skills department at Barlaston, Staffordshire, raised £400,000 at an auction for children’s charities in 2006.
• Wedgwood will celebrate 250 years of business in May 2009.

Right place; Right time

I happen to be in the right place at the right time for once. I was walking by the downtown Phoenix ASU campus on April 16 and noticed a huge crowd gathered outside.
Mayor Phil Gordon was talking about the Downtown Phoenix Civic Space Park and its features. I decided to join the grand opening celebrations.
My eyes were drawn to a massive multi-colored netted basket that seemed to floating in mid-air.
I later found out that it was an artwork on permanent display there. The artist Janet Echelman named it “Her Secret is Patience” after a phrase by poet Ralph Waldo Emerson and drew inspiration for the piece from Arizona’s nature.
Gordon praised the sustainable features of the 2.77 acre park and said, “It’s certainly the best park in the whole entire state.”
Some of the features include use of solar panels to generate power for lighting, use of trees for extensive shade and use of pervious concrete and pavers for hard surfaces so that rain water can seep through and be collected underground.
The ASU Vice President Debra Friedman, District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski and District 8 Councilman Michael Johnson also spoke. They thanked the community and long-time residents of the area for their support in building the park.
They also praised the fact that there was no parking space for the park. I was a little surprised until I learnt that it was to encourage visitors to either walk to the park or use public transport such as the light rail.
So there I was at this historic occasion in downtown Phoenix without my camera!

Echelman's art display.

As I watched others take photos with their fancy cameras, I was tempted to ask for a photo, and I did. A nice photographer/landscape designer named Jeremy Palmer took the photos of the art display shown here.

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Great find at new store

One day not long ago, while driving home I notice a new store where I soon discover a magical hair oil, which is named “Navratna” because it contains 9 herbs.
I purchase the hair oil, for under $4 and head home. I pour almost a handful of the red oil into my hair and massage the scalp. Within a few minutes I feel the soothing effects like a fountain of cool air over the head, and it lasts for a while.
Massaging the scalp with natural hair oil is considered very nourishing in many asian cultures. The natural herbs in the oil prevents scalp problems and hair loss and strengthens the roots.
I’d recommend that you massage your head with this oil in the night and then wash it off next morning.
The store where I found the special oil is called “Shah-ji,” and is located near 32nd Street and Greenway.

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Cave Creek Regional Park

A group of us went for a picnic at the Cave Creek Regional Park on Saturday evening.

native

Although very windy, it was fun. It was interesting to see a boy scout ceremony performed by native americans.
I got a photo with a native, which was exciting. 

Anyway, I’ve got to say that the Cave Creek park has always been one of my favorites because one feels so refreshed after taking a walk there although its not as wild as some of the other parks I’ve been too. I’m not sure what it is about that place; maybe the vibes! 

barbecuing at the cave creek park

So we watched the boy scout ceremony from a distance while be barbecued and later sat around a blazing fire-pit eating good food. It’s a great family park!  The entry fee is $6 per vehicle.

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Desert Botanical Garden

Humming bird at Desert Botanical Garden

If you haven’t been to the Desert Botanical Garden, now is the time to go! Everything is blooming, even cacti.
As I entered, I was thirsty so I grabbed a lemonade to sip as I strolled through the delightful garden.

Behind me is a Chihuly glass work

One of the first things I noticed, besides how many visitors carried cameras, were the vibrant hand blown glass forms created by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. They complemented the nature well. It was hard not to take a picture of nearly every glass form in almost every angle possible.
I was amazed by how many colors one can see in a well-kept desert garden.
There are deep-orange and delicate pink flowers on thorny cacti as well varieties of rare cacti from around the world. There are rows after rows of pink flowers clustered on tall stems that greet you at nearly every turn as you walk.
Although the butterflies were resting, I did photograph a pretty humming bird.
There are also interesting things to do such as pound dry grass to make a paint brush tribal style or duck into a native american hut and feel the warmth inside. There is also plenty of information on how the Sonoran Desert natives lived and survived in the area. You can see what I like to call a native barbeque pit where food would be roasted slowly or learn how natives used dried ocotillos for shelter.
The best time to visit is a little before sunset. That way, you can see the garden until sunset and after that admire the spectacular glass sculptures, which take a new form when lit in the night.
Tickets are $15 each although its cheaper for students, kids and seniors. Parking can be a problem because there are so many visitors especially on weekends. The botanical garden is located near the Phoenix zoo and there are convenient public transport options to get there.

Spur Cross Ranch

The dirt road compels me to drive slow as a friend and I head into the Spur Cross Ranch, an over 2000 acre desert land north of Cave Creek.
A coyote scampers past the car into a bush beneath the fiery pink skies. We park and notice the strong smell of horses from a stable nearby. This is a great place for riding if you enjoy it although we set out on a trail.
Signs such as “No Hunting” made me wonder what animals hide within. It’s not long before we spot a deer hop over a fence and vanish. We cross a building painted with wildlife such as deer, coyotes, wild boars and much more suggesting the animals that live in the area.
As we approach a creek, we notice the change from desert landscape to lush greenery. I dip my feet into the shallow but cool water to enjoy a quiet moment. Before the sun sets, we head back to the car hoping to come back again to visit the archaeological sites of the Hohokam.
The next day, my friend’s boss hears about our visit and tells us that after years of hiking at the ranch, he never saw any animal except a horse there. Maybe we were lucky, but its a great place to visit.

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Apple Strudel

homemade apple strudel

Instead of going anywhere this week, I stayed home, baked and enjoyed every moment of it. I’d met a German lady the other day and she gave me her recipe for Apple Strudel (which I’m not going to reveal ; ))

Baking: As I pat down the thinly sliced apples and roll the paper thin dough to cover it, my over beeps at 400 degrees, and I slide the baking tray in. I find it hard to sit still and read a book while the apples sizzle, so I peak into the oven to see a beautiful golden brown crust start to form over the apples. I dab my brush with butter and like an artist painting her masterpiece, I carefully brush the crusty dough with melted butter. Back it goes in the oven, and I wait.
The sweet aroma would almost make a dog go crazy I imagine, but it’s just right for my nose and a signal that it’s done. It’s sizzling as I remove it from the oven and clumsily lay it down. It doesn’t look perfect, but smells right. I slice the roll into eight pieces and the steam escapes. Its hot, but I’m hungry and dig in with my fork.
It has a buttery sweetness with a tarty punch. The slight crunchiness of the crust, bits of almonds and juicy raisins is a circus of delight, just like they say on Food Channel.
So if not for real, I thought I’d share a picture of my first home baked apple strudel with you, and next time I’ll call you for Strudel and Chai; just let me know when.
You may also want to check out the Old Heidelberg Bakery at 24th Street and Indian School Road for some good Apple Strudel.

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