Lo and behold, when the universe conspired to intersect our paths on that fateful day, on that day. Never could I have imagined that my forsaken chambers would tremble so, an involuntary shake that lasted for nearly a decade. It lies hidden, buried deep within, never once daring to stir or whisper. No matter how hard I try to escape or forget, the universe always guides me back to the same starting point.
I have tried so many times to rid myself of it, but it seems to have imprinted itself deeper within me. I know he is not from my world and that our paths were never meant to cross. Despite being fully aware of his devotion to another, I still cannot… Thousands of times, I wonder if he will ever dream of me, as I’ve always longed for.
Is this obsession? Is it love? Is it admiration? How can I understand the mischief of my own heart? If only I had the courage to let go…
Blog
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The Man
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Food- my specialty
What food would you say is your specialty?
Though I don’t consider myself a specialist in cooking, I am definitely more of a foodie who loves indulging in scrumptious dishes. However, there’s one dish I’m particularly proud of—my Dry Chilly Chicken. The recipe is quite simple, using local ingredients like Sirarakhong hathei (a local red chilly), garlic, salt, fermented bamboo shoot water, chicken, and rice bran oil. That’s it! To elevate the flavors, I top it off with fresh local herbs. It’s a dish that truly brings out the best of these simple ingredients.
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From Hills to Hustle
In the serene embrace of the hills, life flowed gently, a blend of tranquility and simple joys. Yet for Phoebe, those comforting mountains couldn’t contain her dreams. With aspirations soaring beyond her surroundings, she bravely left the lush greens for the bustling city—a place where the sky often wore a dark grey, the humidity was relentless, and salty air hinted at a life far removed from her own.
As Phoebe stepped onto the city pavement, she was met with a rush of emotions—excitement intertwined with trepidation. The vibrant chaos was intoxicating yet daunting. She soon realized that the city thrived on energy and ambition, often unforgiving to those unprepared to hustle. The busy streets echoed with life, each honk and shout a reminder of the challenges ahead.
Finding Her Path
The transition was anything but easy. Phoebe struggled to find her footing in the fast-paced environment, the saline taste of the city’s water mirroring her tumultuous emotions. Every day, she juggled her office responsibilities with managing her home, fueled by the hope of supporting her family back in the hills.
In those moments of struggle, Phoebe discovered her resilience. She adapted and embraced the hustle. With each setback, she grew stronger, finding purpose in her daily grind. The humid sun became a badge of honor, symbolizing her hard work and determination.
The Power of Community
As she navigated her new life, Phoebe found solace in friendships with fellow dreamers, each with their own stories of hardship. Together, they formed a support system, sharing laughter and tears. They celebrated small victories—each job secured, every project completed—reminding one another that every step forward mattered.
Embracing the Journey
Through dark clouds and sweltering heat, Phoebe’s spirit remained unbroken. She learned that thriving wasn’t solely about financial success; it was about personal growth and resilience. Each challenge became a stepping stone, guiding her closer to her goals.
Over time, Phoebe not only found stability but also discovered a passion for empowering others like her. She began mentoring young girls from the hills, sharing her journey, and reminding them that their dreams were valid, no matter how distant they seemed.
A Message of Hope
Phoebe’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance. It teaches us that even amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, hope can shine through. She reminds us that every journey starts with a single step and that the strength to thrive lies within us all.
So, whether you’re navigating the streets of a bustling city or the paths of your own life, remember Phoebe’s story. Embrace your struggles, seek support, and let your dreams guide you. The journey may be tough, but the rewards are immeasurable. Keep pushing forward—your hills await you on the other side of the hustle. -
Timid little girl! Part 2
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The Yumyum Kitchen
The authentic local cuisine I experienced years ago was undoubtedly the best I have ever had. This came after almost a year of posting in the outskirts of the state, where accessing daily necessities was a challenge, let alone finding cafes, restaurants, or even decent hotels. After such a long and exhausting period, dining out and enjoying a good meal was truly a pleasure.
My friend (who is like a sister to me) and I decided to explore nearby restaurants/ cafes or kitchens after discovering one on Instagram. It was a cozy yet authentic eatery offering both traditional local dishes and Westernized versions of regional cuisine. Upon entering, we were greeted with warm hospitality, despite our casual attire.
We ordered with a mix of skepticism and excitement. When the food arrived and we began to Savor it, we were overjoyed—it was perfectly to our taste, prompting us to order another round. Unlike the sophisticated, high-end restaurants or hotels found in metropolitan areas, this was a charming, homestyle restaurant reminiscent of a mother’s kitchen, serving food straight from the pot.
We enjoyed a local-style chicken broth or stew (I called it) with sesame seeds and pork cooked with regional chili powder unique to the community. Although the dishes might seem simple, they require much patience and care, as they are simmered over low heat for hours. The meals were enhanced with local herbs and spices that tantalized our taste buds with their aromatic scent. We also had a bowl of King chili chutney with Ngari (fermented fish native to our home state), boiled vegetables with a pinch of salt, a bottle of Lager for her, and a soda for me.
It was an incredibly satisfying brunch after what felt like an eternity. We longed to return to this place and became regular customers whenever we were in town.
Yumyum Tangkhul Kitchen If you ever are in my town do visit them.
