Butterfly Pea Tea

I have always been not only talking about but also drinking much of ice coffee. But lately,I was fastinated by blue tea and have changed drinking habbit a little bit. Instead of ice coffee,I just make ice tea, to cool my body’s temperature down in these warm summer days. Mostly, just pure tea with ice cubes,no sugar nor honey added, not even sour taste of lemon juice in it. That helps refreshing as well as revitalizing. I love sipping it at any time whenever I’m home.

So for the time being (perhaps, for later too), coffee has become the second choice (probably, the third and/or the fourth,hereafter). As I was recently in Thailand Festval in Badhomburg,Germany, I have bought 2 bags of healthy herbal tea back home; butterfly pea  and  lemon grass. I will tell you about lemon grass tea later,by now, let me tell you more about this (wonder) blue pea.

Butterfly pea or known in Thai as “Anchan” is vine plant that grown well in moist and neutral soil.Sometimes it’s simply called blue pea,whilst its elegant scientific name, entitled a bit harder to remember (well, for some people,then), is --“Clitoria ternatea”.

Butterfly pea is well-known to be used in traditional Ajurvedic medicine since the old times.Every part of it; the leaves,flowers,seeds and roots can be applied to use as a remedy to cure deseases. And what amazes me most is,in fact, its fancy and vivid blue flowers that contain concentrated deep blue pigment. They can be squeezed and used as coloring for food and desserts. But more interesting than that...its health benefits that should be made better known.The flollowing list I collect here is just some examples.So you can have some ideas  how powerful those gentle petals of little vine plant can be.Here they are :

• Nourishes and strengthens the hair as well as hair roots {optimum hair care products made of butterfly pea flowers are also available, my favorite ones are unfortunately only possible to get by importing from Thailand.They are not yet popular in the Netherlands  (nor in Europe,I think) }
• Prevents skin bruising and keeps it  healthy
• Prevents numbness/beri beri
• Reduces risk for developing blood clots
• Treats urinary dysfunction
• Improves eyesight & night vision
• Helps prevent cataract (a clouding in the lens that hampers the vision ) and glaucoma (a condition that causes damage to the eye's optic nerve)
• Treats eye infections (as well as inflammation in the eyes)
• Stimulates blood circulation
• Detoxifies the body
• Provides antioxidants
• Slows aging process
• Enhances immune system
• Reduces thirst
• Helps refreshing and revitalizing

As butterfly pea plant is rare to find in Europe or if I would say “impossible”,I can be right as well. I’m so sure not even to find it in my own garden in the Netherlands.This plant is actually native to tropical Asia. However,we can make things possible nowadays. When we can’t find it fresh, then just try to find the dried.When we can’t find it in the local shops, then just buy the one imported That’s how I enjoy comsumption butterfly pea tea these days.


 As I mentioned above,I often drink it without any sweet.But sometimes,I love to make thing different.By adding a few drops of lime or lemon juice ,my deep blue pea tea will turn purple in a second.This is awesome.That’s why I’m stucking on it everyday now.


See you again next time,

Pari 

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A few drops of lime or lemon juice turn blue to purple

 

Excursion Culinary (Day 3 -- 2/2)

Driving to Venasque

23-06-2014

No no no, I was wrong ! we were not going to Grasse yet that afternoon.Actually we were driving to Venasque to spend a night and to pick up another friend with us before we left the next day.

Before leaving Somying's home on road to Venasque

So from Uchaud,we had 2 cars now.One was a rented car we drove from Nimes railway station and the other was Somying’s.For more comfort for all passengers in each car,Patty moved from ours to sit next to Somying in hers when we left on road again that afternoon.

It was very hot that day,I couldn’t imagine how it would have been if we would not have had airco in the car.Therefore,I truely appreciated "air-condition" pretty much this time,though I normally try to avoid using it when driving in my own in The Netherlands,due to enviromentally friendly reason !

So we were on road again fairly cheerfully, enjoying the cooling and the company of one another.

The distance between Uchuad and Venaque was just about 96 km. And it would have taken us approximately one and a half hour to be in town,and another ten or twenty minutes more to be at our friend’s home.

We had navigator in the car and we trusted that it would work properly.That’s why we decided to drive at our convenience and not to follow each other’s car.Also, that Marry affirmed that she were there before not long ago and she recognized the road somehow.Hence,we were sure we would make it right on road and would arrive in an expected time.

But,we were wrong ! When we were driving too far to notice that it was not the right road.It was almost an hour away but we didn’t come close to the destination yet.So we decided to turn the car back and stopped listening to the navigator from the rented car,instead, we turned on our own mobile navi and it seemed to work more efficiently.

However,the road we drove was not our regular one, afraid that we would repeat making mistake again.To make sure we took the right path, we called our friends for more detail and we got informed.

When we came close to the destination in "Le Village"



The right path to domain we spent a night

To sum up roughly, from Uchaud to Venasque, we drove through Nimes, then took  A53  heading Avignon/Montpellier /Arles /Aix-en-Provence /Marseille /AeroportGarons, before accesing to A9. I remembered that we passed Avignon and followed signbord “Centre Historique/Barthelasse”.Took the road to Carpentras searching after that for Saint Dedier/D4,then “Le Village”.

Sounded fast and smooth ? No it was not ! That was just somewhat noticed on my notebook and I skipped much more detail.But all in all, we came in a little bit before dark,later than the other car though.What an adventure ! Yet, "lost and found" was what we had anticipated and let's say it's a part of our trip.And we all enjoyed the ride,after all !

Till next time,
Pari
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 Yum Tuna&Lemongrass bites/ welcome cocktail at the pool



Tomato Salad

Different kinds tomatos

Late Dinner

Dining Room by Peter (Pranee's husband)

Beauty in Darkness



Thailand Festival Badhomburg 2014

Thailand Grand Festival in Badhomburg vor der höhe,Germany

Like in other countries in Europe these days,Thailand festival takes place every year around July and August.In Badhomburg vor der höhe,Germany this year,it was held last weekend, on12^th-13^th July 2014 in the very huge park on August alle,the opposite side of the same park where it was held last year.

If you are fond of Thai food and longing for some rare-to-find-Thai products;food or non-food,decoration articles as well as furnitures, then this is a very good occasion to spoil yourself with some delicious bites of authentic Thai delicacy and to shop for some beautiful imported Thai products at the place.

If you desire to experience some Thai traditional massage or to admire some Thai performances on stage,then this is an excellent place to make yourself relax and feel at ease,at home with tropical,warm hospitality of Thai atmosphere.You don’t have to go any further.

Here are some pictures of some activities of those 2 days when I was attending,you’ve probably missed it again already this year,but make sure to catch up with my update here then.

See more pics. here  Thailand Grand Festival Badhomburg 2014

Till next time,
Pari
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Excursion Culinary (Day3 -- 1/2)

Left Paris to Nimes
23-06-2014

Normally,I hate to get up too much early.I won’t absolutely do that if it’s not really necessary.

Though I loved and was looking forward very much to this trip, I didn’t feel like to get up out of bed that early at all that day. But I had to,otherwise I would never get to where we had planned to.

So I was a very good girl for myself as well as for my gang. Like Patty and Gigi,I got up pretty much early to get ready to leave to “Gare de Lyon” Railway Station to catch the 9-o’clock train to Nimes.Our private taxi came to pick us up at about 7.30 a.m. Patty knew the chauffeur well,he was a local French who married our Thai girl friend. He was a professional one and so very reliable.He knew the way and that's why he took us just about half an hour on road from Avenue de Segue to the railway station.Surprisingly,there was only a bit slight traffic jam that morning eventhough it was the start of working day of the week. 

At the railway station,3 of us met other 2 friends,Nicky and Sesami at platform 17 before getting on the train. We sat together, and now we made 5,riding on our way to find more mates at the next destination in Nimes.

Sesami and I



Patty and Gigi





Shortafter the train left the station,it began to overcast,followed up with some rain.There was not much to see along sideway. I started to think of my warm cozy bed at home and suddenly, fell in sleep pretty easily.Undoubtedly, I spent most of my time in the train sleeping, which I (and all my friends) agreed that it’s okay and quite beneficial for my health ! [;-)] 

Nicky

We arrived finally at Nimes railway station afther a few hours and met another friend, Mary, who came from Grasse to join this excursion too.She was there already about an hour before we arrived. 

We all together took the afternoon trip to Uchaud after that,to see another friend,Somying, and her family by a rented car we reserved earlier on line in advance. From Nimes station pick-up point,it took us thus another half an hour en route before we could have a recess at our friend's home.

Our excursion culinary started in fact there. Somying and her husband cooked lunch for us. Started with delicious appetizers,then Poulet à la provençale before ending up with some fruits and/or cherry tart. (pls see pics below) 

Because of the heat of summer temperature that day,together with too short of sleep the night before,I guessed,we felt a bit weak and exhuasted after stomach filled. And so most of us decided to take some rest after food. Some had found her own cornor to lie down whereas the others chose to change into two-piece bekini and sprang into the pool nearby.I, of course, picked the first choice.  Once I closed my eyes,I had absolutely no idea what the others did. Until some good time passed by and I woke up again to get myself ready for the further journey.

After 5, we made now 6. Somying was leaving with us to continue the ride --excursion culinary amongs friends-- too to the next destinations.

Fron Nimes Railway Station,we rent a car to Uchaud.

So all together, along the way from Paris to Uchaud,we became 6,and along the next voyage, we would have more friends to collect.
After food and some nap.The journey was on.We,including Somying, left Bernard (Somying’s husband) and the dog behind.Our next stop was in Grasse before we drove over the French border to Monaco's territory,to see another friend,where we stayed a night and took her with us,to join the trip the next day.

Warm welcome on arrival

Lunch at Somying´s home,was great. 

Cheers!

Another cheers for our friendship !

Delicious Appetizer !
Started with French-style appetizer with bell pepper.

Followed by Poulet à la provençale

Ended up with some fruits and dessert Cherry Tart

It was real good to have had some food after long jouney.To be honest, we had only light breakfast that morning and by lunchtime, our stomachs growled...or other words, we got `Borborygmi`

This piece was mine.

My favorite sleepping cornor. Cozy Couch!

Some nap after meal did us real good !

Me and my sleeping sofa <3

Till next time,

Pari 

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Excursion Culinary (Day2- Met Old Friends)

Day2- Met Old Friends in Paris

22-06-2014

It was a relaxing Sunday morning on avenue de Ségur.It was such a tranquil neighborhood over here although in the big city.We were not disturbed by any noise of vehicle movement at all.If I had been there alone,I would have missed perhaps the singing birds from my backyard in Heerlen.But right here friends and I could really make perfect singing birds ourselves.

Avenue de Segur

We,I mean Patty, Gigi (a friend who flew from Bangkok to join our trip and arrived in Paris a few days earlier than me) and I, were up and had already breakfast when Gille (Patty’s husband) got up.We kept Jill company while he was having breakfast.Jill had had a bit difficulty with walking already since a few weeks ago.He was at the clinic for check up and x-ray,unfortunately the doctor couldn’t find out what was going on with his left leg where he had complaint.There would be another check up by orthopedist upcoming week.

There was quite something going on after breakfast. Actually,we had had no other plan than to go picnicking with other old friends from nearby neighborhood in the afternoon that day. But all in a sudden,I got a surprised message from an old friend who used to live in Paris,now living in Senegal.Via social media’s,she knew I was there.And she, on that day,by coincidence, was in Paris as well. She was flying from Senegal to Thailand via Paris,but the flight from Paris to Bangkok was postponed to the other day.So while she was there, she would love to come and meet me and she did it.

Gigi,Nok and I at the Market

After half an hour,she was at Patty’s. We went to market for some vegetables,fruits and foods and made simple lunch.

Git some vegetables and baguettes...



We needed some rice,so why not try this !

And we made some salad too

Later in the afternoon,we walked towards Eiffel tower for picknick.It was lovely sunny afternoon.People were sitting on grass and enjoying sunshine everywhere.We had bottles of wine, some Parisienne baguettes and some fruits-salad with us,that’s more than sufficient.

People were enjoying sunshine

Met old friends in Paris

Soon after we arrived at the lawn in front of the Eiffel,other old friends from nearby areas came.We were always surrounded with the laugh of joy and the smile of friendliness.It was cozy afternoon.That reminded me of our old uni-time when we were young and still single. Every time we met,we were recharged as well as rejuvenated.I was not exaggerating.This was a supreme meeting of old friends I would hardly forget.

Till next time, Pari


I had chance to meet Louis,Patty's grand daughter too...love this momemt !

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Excursion Culinary with Friends (Day 1- Introduction)

Excursion Culinary Day 1 (Travel&Food&Friends)
22-06-2014
 

Friends and I had recently made Excursion Culinary from the last week of June till 1^st of July.Our programmes were going to stay at friends’home,tasting their local and homemade gourmet,visiting sightseeings,experiencing life styles and etcetera etcetera...

I agreed that I would come to meet the first group of friends in Paris and together we would move on southwards France to see and to collect next...other friends at their home, after having tasted their specialty . This included a friend who lives in Monaco too.

Though I started my trip from Aachen,in fact my real journey began  in Paris.

Let me show you some pictures and stories I made during our trip from now on.

Day 1
I was supposed to be in Paris on Sunday 22nd June.But by mistake, I booked the train ticket one day earlier.It didn’t matter,however,after informed, Patty whom I was planning to stay with,agreed and found my one-day-earlier not a problem at all. I was,in any case, absolutely welcome, as always.

Departed on Saturday afternoon from Aachen Railway Station,I was gone by Thalyse directly to Paris Nord.After two and a half hour approximately,I was at the railway terminal, it was about 8.30 p.m.and I catched a taxi immediatly to Patty’s home.

As we all know,Paris’s always busy,today was also no exception. People,cars,buildings and traffics are ornaments of all big cities. It’s busy already from the exit of the railway station as well as along the way to Avenue de Sćgur where my end destination of that day was,there were somethings unusal today.The traffic was not so jammed, but I noticed that people gathered everywhere. I understood after a few glimpses on my way that it was the day of music festival. It was lovely to see people enjoyed life outdoor,the sun shone and people’s mood were delighted.

It was so good to be back to Paris again after about few years of absence.Tomorrow was Sunday,I was planning to go picnicking with Patty and some other friends from nearby areas.

Can’t wait to tell you more about this,

Till tomorrow then,

Pari

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Paparazzi Moments

During our “Excursion Culinaire” in France and Italy,friends remarked they sympathized me for hardly have pictures of myself alone when travelling together.The fact that I rarely asked them to take picture of myself,had made them feel so considerated. Actually, I love to make pictures but... not really of my own,so during this trip they usually offered me a shot.Sometimes I accepted it and many times I didn’t.The first few days of the tour,they asked, but later on they took it for granted and took some pictures of mine without warning. At the end of each daytrip,they showed me different pictures like these.

till we meet again next time,

Pari

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