Donda kaya curry

Wikipedia calls Donda kaya (in Telugu), Kova kaya (in Tmil), Tendli Bhaji (in Konkani) - Coccinia grandis, the ivy gourd, also known as baby watermelon, little gourd, gentleman's toes, tindora, or (misleadingly) gherkin, is a tropical vine. It is also known as Cephalandra indica, Kovakka, and Coccinia indica.

I like this vegetable. My husband loves it. He likes any recipe I make with it. Here is a slightly different version of cooking it. 

Ingredients:

Donda kaya – 15 nos.

Onions – 2 nos. medium size

Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp.

Salt – to taste

Chilli powder – ½ tsp.

Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

Dhania (Coriander seeds) powder – 1 tsp.

Cumin seeds – ½ tsp.

Vegetable Oil for cooking – 2 tbs.

Green chillies – 2 nos. slit lengthwise

Method:

Wash and clean the vegetable. Cut off small portion of the ends. Slit length wise, but not into 4 separate pieces. Make a paste of Onions.

Take a non-stick pan and heat the oil. Add cumin seeds; when they start to splutter, add the vegetable and green chillies. Fry them on low flame. Add onion paste, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, mix well and put a lid and let it cook for 5 min. Add salt, chilli powder, and Coriander powder. When the oil leaves the sides, it is done.

Serve with rice or rotis (flat bread).

Sling Bag

I noticed that when I wanted to go the neighbourhood supermarket or just visiting the next door neighbour, I would be carrying house keys, mobile phone, some money, spects etc. Taking a hand bag along is too much bother for short distances and I did not need it really. So what is the solution?

I hit upon the idea of a sling bag, small in size and light weight too.

Rummaged through my stash of left over fabrics and material, I found the right stuff.

It is dense furnishing fabric material and closely woven and synthetic and cotton mix, so sturdy and easy to wash; and some contrasting curtain material for the pouch in front and the button flap.

This is what came out by the time I got done with it.

Dimensions of the sling bag are:

Length – 7”

Height – 8”

Front pouch – 5” x 4”

Strap length – 55”

Strap width – 1”

These are finished measurements. Must add ½” for stitching and 1” for strap.

Arvalem Waterfalls

1 hr.15 min from Panjim, 5 min. drive from Arvalem caves, you will come to Arvalem or Harvalem waterfalls. one of the most beautiful spectacles you will see in nature. No long drive into wilderness, no trekking into the hills / valleys, easily accessible; you will miss them if you didnot know they are there. 
Arvalem waterfalls are on the Cudnem river, cascading down the hills and through the trees. 

                         There are Araknut and coconut plantations amid thick forests. 

A beautiful walkway is made by the side of the waterfall which keeps going up to the waterfall. these photos are taken at various heights.

 

The waterfalls are in a left corner and a huge pool extends to the right, before meandering down into a narrow river.

 As you get closer to the top of the falls, you can experience the spray of the water and the roar of the water gushing down; white foamy and clear!

 

There is well maintained terrace with benches at various levels to sit and watch the waterfalls peacefully or have a picnic.

The pool is quite shallow and safe for swimming or bathing or simply frolicking in the water.  Because theyare laterite stone hills, the water looks reddish in colour.

The sun was opposite the waterfall, so you can see a faint rinbow in the front! It was a spectacular sight to watch!

The magnificent laterite stone hills on either side of the river and falls!

If you look closely you can see the river bed and the water is clear!

As usual, in every tourist spot, the tourists cannot control themselves from littering! Be responsible and keep the environment clean.

The waterfalls are at their most beautiful during monsoons and just after that, so if you are planning a trip, do so by october. Later, the water may be a trickle instead of a roar!  I simply loved them and plan to go again with a big group.

Arvalem Caves

Arvalem Caves or Harvalem caves are rock cut caves in laterite hill on the way to Arvalem waterfalls. We came across them so suddenly, that we stopped to take a look at them.
They are situated in the south-east side of Sankhali town in Goa.These caves are upposed to be cut in 5th or 6th century AD.
There is a notice board announcing the location anddescription of the caves is in a rusty condition; nevertheless giving useful information about the shape of the lingas and the engrvings on the shrines.

                                     Notice Board by Archeological survey of India

                                              View of the caves from outside

                                                  Interior of the caves

                                         Siva Linga is sitting on a circular disc

                 

Other Siva lingas in the caves  

Because he stone is Laterite, the surface is rough and the detailing is bold as seen in the walls, steps and ceiling.

For all those lovers of history and archaeology, a visit to these caves is a must!