Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Married Solo Traveler's Insights

Setting off on another Solo Adventure after a few quiet months (CHONBURI & BANGKOK) I packed my bags with excitement bubbling inside. This time, I was off to Vietnam and Cambodia for a 9-day tour. It was just me, joining a group (ROME & COMO) of strangers, but the idea of exploring new places made my heart race. At the airport, the local guide welcomed me, signaling the start of our journey together.

When we landed in Ho Chi Minh City around 2:30 pm, the city's energy hit me like a wave. After settling into my hotel room, I felt eyes on me as I joined the other travelers in the lobby. It was probably because I was the  only solo woman in the group. After freshening up, I was ready to dive into the city. Our guide suggested we check out the Ben Thanh Market, a short walk from our hotel. Despite feeling a bit nervous about wandering alone, I decided to go for it. Along the way, locals smiled cheekily and waved, making me feel welcomed and uneasy as well.

Kerabu Mangga (Mango Salad)

Growing up in Malaysia, one dish that always bring a burst of freshness to our dining table is Kerabu Mangga, or Mango Salad in English. It's a quintessential Malaysian, Malay-style raw salad that requires minimal cooking but delivers maximum flavor. The beauty of Kerabu Mangga lies in its simplicity - just toss and mix the ingredients together, and you're ready to indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures.

 

To me, Kerabu Mangga is more than just a salad - it's a nostalgic Malay dish. The combination of sweet and sour mango, the kick of spiciness from the chilies, the tanginess of shallots, the refreshing burst of mint leaves, and the satisfying crunch of roasted cashew nuts - it's a culinary experience that never fails to transport me to my Malaysian roots.

Nava's Zen: Two-Piece Yoga Outfits Challenge Indian Norms

Eight years ago, when I began my yoga practice, I found myself surrounded by mostly Indian yogis, and yes, they love to be known as all sorts of yogis or masters, instead of yoga instructors. They all dressed in faded t-shirts and faded multi-patterned, multi-colored yoga leggings. It seemed like wearing these clothes was just what you did in Indian yoga circles, and as I got more into yoga, I started dressing the same way.

The message was pretty clear: if you're doing yoga with Indians, wear faded stuff. Decency in temples for yoga, is part of respecting places of worship, which as a Hindu I honour. Yet, most stuck to the faded look. Some even resembled as though they are wearing their home clothes (HOME ATTIRE), and coming straight to temple yoga.

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

As I peer into the earthen pot, brimming with the flavorful Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu, my appetite awakens. I must admit, I have a soft spot for this Indian-style salted fish curry. Salted fish has always held a special charm for me, with its salty goodness. It's no surprise that I could happily indulge in it every day. Yet, I'm mindful of the health implications of too much saltiness.

 

But amidst these considerations, there's something comforting about a touch of saltiness, like an old friend. Making this curry is simple, without any fuss. My goal is always to make cooking a joy, not a chore.

Rangoon Creeper: Cultivating Zen Blooming Bliss

Rangoon Creeper, also known as Combretum Indicum, goes by many names like Drunken Sailor, Akar Dani, Chinese Honeysuckle, and Red Jasmine. It's like a breath of fresh air in Nava's Zen. Can you believe it? Even at 60, I find myself climbing the ladder to prune and trail my Rangoon Creeper. This lovely plant is native to tropical Southeast Asia, especially Burma (now Myanmar), where it got its common name, "Rangoon Creeper," in honor of the former capital, Rangoon, now known as Yangon. I remember when I visited Myanmar about 8 years ago; I didn't even notice any Rangoon Creeper. Maybe I wasn't paying attention, who knows?

Siamese Laksa Lemak

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Not your usual Siamese Laksa Lemak here! I like to spice things up with my own twist in the kitchen. My culinary journey has taken me through Thailand, picking up flavors from all corners (BANGKOK). From cookbooks to online recipes, from chatting with locals to exploring Thai markets, I've soaked it all in. But one thing's for sure, I don't just copy and paste recipes (MEE REBUS VEGETARIAN).

 

So, what makes my Laksa Lemak stand out? It's all about the ingredients. Picture this: Nava’s Zen basil leaves, fragrant kaffir lime leaves, zesty lemongrass, vibrant turmeric, fiery bird's eye chilies, and the unique torch bud ginger, Bunga Kantan (Turmeric Leaf, Chillies & Torch Ginger Bud). Sure, the list may seem long, but trust me, you can find them all right where you are. And if not, don't sweat it; just swap in whatever feels right. That's the beauty of cooking - being curious, experimenting, and making it your own.

Mee Rebus (Vegetarian)

Mee rebus is a well-loved noodle dish originating from Malaysia and Singapore. Its name, derived from Malay, translates to "boiled noodles." This dish consists of yellow noodles drenched in a flavorful gravy that strikes a delicate balance between sweetness and spice. The gravy is crafted from a blend of ingredients such as sweet potatoes, shrimp paste, dried shrimp, and a medley of spices. 

Common toppings include hard-boiled egg, fried tofu, green onions, bean sprouts, and occasionally crispy shallots. I've had the pleasure of trying various renditions of mee rebus, both from restaurants and street vendors. Interestingly, some of the most satisfying versions I've encountered have been from street vendors, often at a more affordable price. 

Effortless Malay Desserts: Sweet Creations Made Simple

Get ready to embark on a sweet journey through the heart of Malaysia's dessert scene! Among the myriad of tantalizing treats (Indulgent Cheesecake Recipes), Malay desserts stand out with their unique flavors and effortless charm. Forget complicated recipes (Easiest Banana Chocolate Cake), today we're diving into the world of easy-to-make Malay delights that will leave your taste buds tingling with joy.

Now, let's talk ingredients. When it comes to Malay desserts, simplicity is key. Here are some common local staples you'll need:

Bangkok, Thailand: Solo Adventures of a Lifetime

Returning to my cozy room at Pathumwan Princess Hotel after a day brimming with exploration in Ayutthaya, my craving for more of Bangkok led me to the doorstep of the travel agent's office (Chonburi to Pattaya). With eager anticipation, I decided for the world of entertainment with my first-ever Cabaret Show experience. Flashback to my youth, naïve and wide-eyed at 19, when I innocently tagged along with colleagues to witness a baffling Tiger Show during a trip to Hat Yai. Oh, the memories! But now, in my seasoned years, I was ready to embrace the sophistication of a Cabaret Show.

Before diving into the spectacle, I made a necessary pit stop at MBK Mall to satisfy my hunger. Laden with the quick bites, I returned to my room, relishing them before braving the infamous Bangkok traffic on our way to Calypso Cabaret Show. I traveled in a van alongside the other foreign tourists, as transportation was part of the package deal.

Ayutthaya, Thailand: An Escapade Through History and Grandeur

Bright and early at 6 a.m (Bangkok)., I'm buzzing with anticipation for the adventure ahead! The tour guide's scheduled to swing by at 7 a.m., marking the start of my jam-packed one-day tour to Ayutthaya, all neatly pre-booked the day before. Ayutthaya has held a top spot on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, so you can bet I'm practically bouncing with excitement (Chonburi to Pattaya). Surrounded by fellow travelers, all of them seasoned Westerners, I find myself as the lone Indian in the mix, yet surprisingly, it feels like the perfect fit.

The hour-long journey to Ayutthaya is a breathtaking sight to behold, like stepping into a real-life postcard, with lush paddy fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, whispers tales of its illustrious past, even as its ancient ruins stand as silent witnesses, drawing visitors from every corner of the globe.

Rasam Variations: Unique Twists on a Classic Dish

Step into the world of Rasam, also known as Indian Pepper Soup, where every sip is worthy for the taste buds. It's a dish we adore, so much so that Rasam could easily become a daily ritual, perfectly complementing any meal. Packed with spices that work wonders for our well-being, this soup isn't just delicious - it's a health boost in a bowl.

In my kitchen, Rasam is a staple, and I always make a generous batch. Once cooked, I portion it out into containers and pop them in the freezer for later. Surprisingly, freezing Rasam doesn't compromise its flavors or nutrients. Back in the day, when fridges were a luxury, Rasam was left out to age gracefully, its robust spices preserving it for days.

Zen Yoga Style: Elevate Your Yoga Outfits for Mindful Practice

Hey there, fellow yogis! Can we chat for a moment about something that's been on my mind lately? It's about outfits for our zen yoga sessions. At first, I'll admit, I found it a tad peculiar when clients asked about what to wear. I mean, shouldn't they already know, right? But then it hit me - as the founder of Nava's Zen, it's my job to provide guidance, not assumptions. So, let's dive into what to keep in mind when choosing your yoga outfits.

Bangkok, Thailand: A Journey of Temples and Wax Celebrities

Starting my Bangkok trip on a Monday morning without any prior room booking (Chonburi To Pattaya), I hitched a ride with my friend's colleague. Upon arrival, I attempted to secure a room at the lobby but was informed of no availability due to the year-end holiday season. Thankfully, the receptionist kindly recommended the Pathumwan Princess Hotel. Thankfully, I managed to book a room for 2 nights. The security measures at the hotel entrance put me at ease as I entered my room, greeted by comfort, and elegance.

After a brief respite, curiosity led me downstairs to stumble upon a travel agency nestled within the hotel lobby. Intrigued, I wandered in, only to be met with a curious question: why was I traveling solo? And thus, my journey truly commenced. Opting for a half-day tour of Bangkok's renowned temples, I followed the staff's suggestion to grab a quick lunch bite at the adjacent MBK Shopping Mall before being picked up by the tour guide.

Indulgent Cheesecake Recipes: Sweet Delights Await

Are you ready to dive into the delicious world of cheesecakes? Well, buckle up because we've got you covered! Today, we're sharing five tantalizing cheesecake recipes that will make your taste buds sing. But before we dive into the recipes, let's debunk the myth that cheesecakes are complicated to make. Trust me, they're easier than you think. 

Bottom Layer Tips 
Classic Base Swaps 
Crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter are the traditional choice, but why not switch things up by using cream crackers for a unique twist?

Corporate Yoga: Cultivating Mental Well-being

Welcome to the challenging world of corporate life, where meeting targets, handling stress, and navigating through daily pressures are part of the routine. As you progress in your career, stress tends to mount, compounded by the demands of work and the hassles of commuting. In such a fast-paced environment, finding time for self-care, like Zen yoga, may seem like a distant dream. Unexpected work changes, looming deadlines, or traffic snarls can easily disrupt your plans for relaxation.

But fret not. Organizations now recognize the significance of work-life balance and invest in activities to support their employees. This is where Corporate Yoga steps in. Unlike traditional yoga, Corporate Yoga adapts ancient practices to fit modern lifestyles. It's a crucial aspect of overall wellness, promoting a sustainable way of living (Beyond Yoga Poses).