Texts
-
Thiruvananthapuram – Vanross Junction + Arcade (Kathy – Chavakkad – Jan. 24)
Version en français plus bas The Indian Coffee House at Vanross Junction stands out as the most unique of them all. Nestled within a charming building, it unfolds like a labyrinth, each small room adding to its distinctive charm. What truly sets it apart is the rare gem of an outdoor terrace – a blissful rarity in India that I find incredibly delightful. This outdoor haven accommodates around thirty customers under whirring fans, desperately paddling through the warm air. Every detail is meticulously arranged, adorned with greenery and potted plants. To top it off, the service is exceptionally friendly and efficient. While the menu may not spring surprises, the food…
-
Thiruvananthapuram- Napier Museum Road (Kathy – Guruvayur – Jan. 24)
CHECK ALL PICTURES AND REELS ON INSTAGRAM (button on top) English version below Les plats sont disposés au centre de l’établissement, sur une grande table, dans ce Indian Coffee House qui se situe dans l’enceinte de l’université, de bureaux et de parkings où les voitures se superposent comme au Japon. Je n’avais jamais vu cela en Inde. C’est vrai qu’il y a, hélas, de plus en plus de véhicules individuels qui ne font qu’aggraver la pollution et la circulation chaotique. Donc, voilà joliment présentés de grands plats de riz, de subji, de poissons frits, de currys et de desserts pour les travailleurs, les étudiants et les familles qui viennent savourer…
-
Krishnadas turns 60 ( Kathy – Chavakkad – 22 January 24)
Version en français plus bas Krishnadas marks his 60th journey around the sun today, on January 22, 2024. In his own temporal realm, this momentous occasion aligns with the 22nd day of our familiar Gregorian calendar. The rich tapestry of Kerala unfolds, revealing its unique chronology, the “Kollam Era” or “Malayalam Era” കലണ്ടര, a cherished keeper of time for religious observances and local festivals. The Kollam Era embarks on its narrative from the year 825 of the Gregorian epoch, woven intricately with the mythical inception of the city of Kollam. Its cadence echoes the luni-solar rhythm akin to the Hindu calendar, choreographed by the celestial ballet of moon and sun.…
-
Bon appétit! (Indian Food Explorer on You Tube – Jan. 24)
Hey, let’s take a delicious journey to India and explore the flavorful kitchens of Indian Coffee Houses. I also invite you to check out the awesome You Tube channel, Indian Food Explorer! It’s incredibly tempting, colorful, and full of life! Viens je t’emmène faire un petit tour en Inde et dans les cuisines des Indian Coffee Houses. Je t’invite aussi à découvrir la super chaîne You Tube du Indian Food Explorer! C’est super alléchant, coloré et vivant!
-
Thiruvananthapuram – KFC, Museum – (Kathy – Varkala – January 2024)
Version en français plus bas Enter the realm of Indian Coffee Houses – each one a unique blend, yet all steered by the pulse of their own workforce! Visualize this snug spot, tucked in a green administrative hub near Trivandrum’s zoo. It’s not just a café; it’s a pocket-sized haven awash in natural light, where a few tables host the lively hum of neighboring office-goers. I dive into a conversation with a trio of young enthusiasts – aged 24, 25, and 26 – who spill the beans about bypassing Starbucks due to its slightly steep prices. Instead, they make this cozy nook a bi-weekly retreat, drawn in by its pocket-friendly…
-
Thiruvananthapuram – Maveli – (Kathy – Varkala – January 2024)
Version en français plus bas With Thiruvananthapuram, you break all records in Scrabble and treat yourself to a beautiful exercise in eloquence. The capital of Kerala boasts no fewer than fifteen Indian Coffee Houses! Is it due to the fact that Kerala is known for having a political history where the communist party played a significant role? Mathias Joseph, from Action Aid India, reminded me this morning that many ICHs are gathering places for political figures who meet there to debate and plan collective actions*. It’s true that these establishments are very affordable, and there is no pressure from management to vacate tables. I have personally experienced and observed this…
-
Thiruvananthapuram – Intro ( Kathy – Varkala – January 2024)
Version en français plus bas Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is not only known for its rich cultural heritage and green avenues but also for its thriving coffee culture. The city boasts a myriad of Indian Coffee Houses, each serving as a hub for socialising, intellectual discussions, and of course, the aromatic pleasure of finely brewed coffee. Nestled amidst the bustling streets and serene corners of Trivandrum, these Indian Coffee Houses have become an integral part of the city’s social fabric. These establishments are not merely places to grab a cup of coffee but serve as cultural landmarks where locals and tourists alike gather to unwind, engage in conversations,…
-
Sugar Cane Dudes (Kathy- Varkala – January 24)
English version below Quoi ? Tu ne le savais pas? J’adore m’épuiser de plaisir à vélo, découvrir les coins et les recoins d’une région en me laissant porter par le vent et l’inspiration. Bien sûr, sous les tropiques et un soleil de plomb, il est indispensable de s’hydrater un maximum. En plus de litres d’eau à température ambiante, donc presque bonne pour infuser le thé, l’un de mes boosters préférés est le jus fraîchement pressé de canne à sucre. En Inde, ce jus, également connu sous le nom de “ganne ka ras” en hindi, va bien au-delà d’une simple boisson rafraîchissante ; c’est une expérience culturelle profondément enracinée dans le…
-
The Legends (Kathy- Alappuzha- January 2024)
Version en français plus bas I am so happy to reconnect with the stories and anecdotes about the Indian Coffee Houses (ICHs)! I am currently in Kerala, a state located at the southwestern tip of the peninsula where there are more than 75 ICHs spread across the territory. A few years ago, a branch of ICH that I particularly liked was set up in a magnificent historic building, providing a breathtaking view of the ocean. Every day, after swimming in the charming pool of Raheem, a beautiful neighboring establishment, I would go to this ICH to savor the sunset, just before heading to the beach to admire the acrobatic moves…
-
Vikram Seth – A Literary Luminary – 2nd part ( Neel Preet – India – January 24)
English version below J’espère que la première partie du post publié hier t’a déjà donné l’envie de passer à l’action et de plonger dans une des oeuvres de mon chouchou, Vikram Seth. Voici la traduction de la deuxième et dernière partie de l’article rédigé par Neel Preet paru dans THE LITERATURE TODAY. Vikram Seth – Une sommité littéraire (2ème partie) En plus de “A Suitable Boy”, Seth a également publié plusieurs autres œuvres saluées par la critique. Sa collection de poèmes “Mappings” (1980) met en avant sa maîtrise et sa capacité à capturer des émotions profondes et à les exprimer en vers. “An Equal Music” (1999) est un roman poignant…
