Yorkshire Kannada Balaga - Sankranthi 2018

Happiness is ...when you make unexpected new friends.

 We were fortunate to be invited to the "Yorkshire Kannada Balaga - Sankranti 2018" ceremony, through my husband's colleague.This unit is part of the larger group - UK Kannada Balaga and has been a successful one since 2015 (suppose I rightly heard). It was an extravaganza feast for us - a new comer in an unfamiliar world!!!Our thirst to know and befriend people of same background was highly presented by this event.

Our friend Rashmi had informally introduced us to the association and the details of the forthcoming function. Having been freshly stepped out from a wedding celebration back at home, our adrenaline was still in the high side!!! Without a second thought, we registered for a couple- dance slot through her. And then started the big bang for a wonderful journey of preparation for the next 30 days!!!! The herculean task of choosing a peppy song thus began. We skimmed through youtube for various traditional Kannada folk songs and almost finalized one on 10th day of our campaign!!!

Having an inclination towards dance from childhood, I soon jumped into getting moves and sequences suiting the context. My newly- found leisure time helped my ideas to wander a lot!!! :D My hubby dear was equally thrilled to practice each day, besides his hectic schedule at work. At times, we waited for our kids to get lost in their fantasy dreams at night  and resumed our practice sessions. The process was so intense such that concepts and switches poured till the last day to our dance form.

As days draw nearer, a new chemistry boiled within us. A pinch of fear mixed our enthusiasm. Why on Earth, did we agreed to this!??? Are we really gone mad????Are we falsely boosting ourselves!!!!. Oh God!!!Believe me, your mind will be filled with all insane questions of the world - worse than a job interview at high tech company! At last, maturity took control of our minds and doubts were put to rest and we were finally prepared for the D day!!!

This time, the event was conducted at Stradford community center, Sheffield. The guests are welcomed by hot snacks and a initial round of introduction to other members by our friend Rashmi. We soon settled down with our dear Kruti's  family as the president and and vice-president of the association greeted the gathering. It was soon followed by a wide range of talent displays from our tiny tots. They all showed their excellence in music and dance. The kids fashion show took us back to our our school textbooks - personalities ranging from Basavana, Kittor Rani Chennama, Akkmahadevi and many more...

When the progeny was so well, can the begetter left behind!?? No way!!! The ladies gang put together their best foot and enthralled the audience. The men also revealed their hidden talent and graced the stage with their energetic moves. With such current of fun, can we be trailing!??? From doctrine of doctors, popped a tiny programmer couple - to unveil their version of the popular folk song - Bagyada Balegara. Our rhumba moves and its dramatic end was felicitated by the shrieked applauds.This was impossible without the support of humble friend - Kruti, who not only helped me getting ready but also took care of my toddler during my absence. A many thanks to her indeed!!!

As the curtain was falling for the day, we were tranquilized by the melodious voice of our guest - Ramya Mohan. She captivated the crowd to sing along and make some jazz moves. Our tummy too were fueled well with authentic Karnataka cuisine. My favorite being - North karnataka spl -  badane - enne kayi. Getting a good food for your kids during such outing is usually a tiring task for mothers. I was much relieved when our plates were awaiting hot pongal!!!! We soon departed from our new friends, with pleasantries.

As our eyelids were eager to kiss each other, our mind and heart was filled with utmost happiness and pleasure of the day well spent.

Thanks YSKB for your great work behind such an marvelous show and our best wishes to the upcoming adventures!

Dazzling Beauties - Story of oneself

Being a 'Gemini', many predicted me as an artistic person. However, I didn't realized it until recently, when my censors irked me towards latest trend in fashion world - Silk Thread Jewellery.

I found it to be a perfect work in my newly found leisure time. And hence giving a glimpse of my recent works - a tiny step towards a vast ocean!

                                     DazzlingBeauties

Stay tuned for more...

My long affiliation with beaches

After a visit to a beach, it is hard to believe that we live in a material world!!!!
                                                                                                                          Pam Shaw

Who doesn't like beaches!!!!! They are the best day outs with family and friends. And what other way you can ask to celebrate new year 2018 on a new foreign land. The Cleethorpe beach was our obvious choice as it was comparatively nearer to Sheffield (drive in a car!!). 

I had visited lots of beaches in India and has always loved them. I had also visited couple of them in London during my earlier visit. Both forms are different. At former, you are free to do anything! I mean "ANYTHING". Within limits, those fun, gives you utmost satisfaction being at that place and cherish the moments forever. However, at the latter place, serenity is profoundly worshiped. The silent waves and light whispers of talkers, quivers my presence of the moment. 

Though reticent, this shore was soothing to resurrect your New year goals afresh! Though windy, we liked the walk over the coastline. The moon was getting ready for the forthcoming New Moon phase. Cool breeze, windy air; New Moon and near ones to accompany you at the start of the year!!!! Indeed, a lovely day!!!!A treasure to recollect forever!

Namo Narayana!!!

We are not human beings having spiritual experience; We are spiritual beings having human experience
                                                                                     

 Being in a foreign land, one's inner self particularly looks out for a spiritual place. And we were no different in that case. Being at close quarters to Birmingham, we decided to get darshan of Lord Sri Balaji at Birmingham temple. Spread over 30 acres of land, this remarkable temple built in south Indian style, is often visited by large Hindu crowd. it has many deities - Sri Ganesha, Sri Venkateswara, Sri Lakshmi, Sri Anjaneya. Though it has good connectivity with bus, we hired a car.

     

The temple has many facilities and puja offerings. we had pre-booked for our son's head tonsure and should definitely appreciate the timeliness of the barber - Yogesh. He took less than 10 mins for his job and the temple had arrangements for a bath, if needed. Being a Saturday and also Mukkoti Dwadashi, the temple was fully packed. The bhajans and the aarti make you feel cleansed!!!

       

The temple also generously provides free lunch as prasad - hot rice, sambar, curry and sweet. The distributors are very humble and offer food politely (unlike in some temples in home land!!!!- ahem ahem). One can voluntarily donate for the temple activities. The reception area news board has all necessary information about the upcoming activities organised by the temple authorities.

               

Personally, this is one of the place, I would probably never get tired of visiting again and again!!!!

Cannon Hall Farm

Farm animals are more aware and intelligent than ever we imagined. They are individuals in their own right.

                                                                                                                        Jane Goodall

Having a long weekends makes you to utilize the Google search engine to its most. Add growing kids to your criteria, you are sure to find animal farm in your list. Though there are many, we gave a shot to Cannon Hall farm, located in Barnsley. A perfect day out, they have a series of events lined for the visiting crowd. Taking the leisure of time, we however, reached there post lunch but had enough to spend quality time.

Cannon hall Farm is a family run business, housing numerous cow-cattle's, pig-piglets sheep's and few meerkats. To start with, we were briefed about the meerkats - their lifestyle and nature. Astonished to hear that the biggest danger to them is another one from different family. Somehow - doesn't it resemble homo sapiens????!!!

They offer guided tour to their farms and live stocks. Every animal category is taken care well with ample information about each breed. Beware while visiting the pigs as your nose might not support your interest.
Our kids adored the rabbits with their velvety touch. They do give importance to cleanliness as a hand wash facility is placed opposite to the rabbit room. Worth a mention!!!

     

As a family, we enjoyed the sheep race. They do have betting (not serious) on the basis in color pads tied to each of the participating sheep. They are trained well to jump over the barriers and I personally, was shocked to watch them - carrying themselves with such a load!!! To our surprise, my husband won the betting and got a discount coupon for our next visit. A must to be tried!!!

       

They also have children's play area and the one inside the restaurant cafe is well appreciated. It is precisely  structured for toddlers and other kids.The plus point, is the wide restaurant across the play area, for you to relax while your dear ones enjoy themselves!!!! It was indeed a good way to spend our last day of 2017.

         

Hint:

• They have a very informative website -https://cannonhallfarm.co.uk. They do have events lined for every month and attractive concession for student groups.
• We missed the time slot for milking demonstration. Better call them up or check their website for the correct time slot before you visit, as am sure, the kids would definetly love it.
•  

Rother Valley Country Park - Boost your sportive adrenaline

If Bread is the first necessity of life: then recreation is a second close.

                                                                                                                   -Edward Bellamy

Rother Valley Country Park is one of the sought after tourist place in Rotherham, famous for Caravan & Camping park and Recreational activities. Family or Team - they surely have something to offer you anytime in a year.Surrounded by four artificial lakes,Stables cafe, and large playground for children it attracts everyone with their interesting events covering all ages. Cycling, paddling, family boating, motor riding, mountain biking, animal farm, event management activities, jet ski, cafe - you name it and they have a tip to entertain you in all ways.

As a little family, we opted for motor ride and it was a great hit with our children. They liked trailing on the way, enjoying the cool breeze from the lakes. As we visited during our 2017 christmas holidays, they was good crowd and the kids certainly fancied this much needed break. 

The management is friendly to guide with your tastes. Though we visited in the cold season, it was quite manageable. Guess, it is well suitable to visit any time in the year. 

Hints:

• It is best to travel in your own vehicle. You might book a cab to drop you there however, check with the park people for any local taxi, else, be prepared to walk for 5 miles to the nearest bus stop. 
• Please do check their website -http://www.rvcp.co.uk/Home.aspx Get the latest updates on their events section, before your visit.
• The prices are reasonable and do check online for any discount coupons.

Bakewell Park - Relish your inner peace

I find peace where the sun kissed leaves dance in the melody of the cool breeze that floats through the air.

                                                                                                                                                                   -Anonymous

Bakewell is a small market town in Derbyshire, England, originally famous for its pudding. The quick pathways and many market shops will keep your feet busy. It needs no introduction as it located in the heart of Peak district National Park. It holds the administrative office of the peak.

Though there are many feathers in its cap, the one that lured us in this cold winter (december) is the riverside walk along the river Wye. Stand over the bridge and you get a beautiful view of the river flow.

The bubbling sound of the river and the chirping birds makes your day. We bought a bag of grains to feed the eager flock of birds. More than them, our kids enjoyed a lot feeding them. It was indeed a different and yet wonderful experience, that they wouldn't get in the city street. It was a feast to their hungry mind as to how the bird eats with its beak, swims in the river, walks with its webbed feet.Breathing  the fresh chill air will surely refreshes one. We had packed our food and certainly loved our lunch watching the love between the lake and the birds.
                   
Hint:

• We visited in during Christmas holidays and it as so cold. Per other resource, summer is a better season to visit to cool our eyes with beautiful flowers. 
• Unless, you have your own car, it is still better to travel by bus as there are more accessibility and affordability.
• You can also check the 'Chats worth Castle' on your s en-route.

Suswagatham

Hello World!!!!

I wish all readers of this blog A very happy and prosperous Happy New Year 2018.

Welcome to my Panorama!!!

There are different gestures of greetings in the world. ihalo in Spain, Ciao in Italy, Namaste in India, Hej in Sweden and so on. The non-native diction might sound unusual for us but they are however very much natural for oneself.  And so are one's perception and insights.

Through this blog, would like to reveal my outlook on different places, that I visited in and around Sheffield, South Yorkshire, my experience on the gatherings that I attended and last but not least my simple views on life of a homemaker!!!

Disclaimer:
All masalas and colors in this blog is purely factual and copyrighted to the blogger.
Any resemblance to real persons or other similar thinking is purely coincidental.😉

Happy Reading!!!