Advice you can taste. Adventure you can feel.

Weotta Love Mumbai

A brief tribute…

Sipping spicy ginger infused chai on the balcony, mesmerized by the blood red hues of the warm sun rising high above the calm sea…listening to the wild sounds of birds waking at dawn.  Then almost instantly, the calm darkness in Mumbai transforms into a vibrant, pulsing energy known only to those who have walked her streets, shopped her markets or strolled along her waterfront promenades.  Each voice, step and sound blending together in a harmonious vibration that continues to feed India’s ever evolving, ancient and colorful rhythm.

Sunrise over Mumbai

After a week at my sister’s apartment in Colaba, I was settled into a daily routine that officially began only after my second cup of chai. Soon following would be hours spent adoringly playing with my 9 month old niece, reading the most colorful journalism only the Mumbai Mirror can spin, and determining the lunch and dinner menus of the day. Don’t be fooled, the latter was no small task. My mom, being a phenomenal, adventurous and passionate cook, loved to venture far out of Gujarat’s traditional cuisine and introduced her girls to all of India through her food. Raised on a completely vegetarian diet, it became almost a game of hide and seek with my memory to recall the most obscure, exotic and unique dishes from my youth. Pani Puri, Dal Dhokli, Dahi Vada…yum.

Matunga Vegetable Market

Outside of my domestic life in South Mumbai, I purchased sandalwood, mango wood and marble handicrafts in a Gandhi inspired store (no bartering allowed); took the local train to buy fresh vegetables and eat pan with my Mom on the Matunga street markets; and, while adorned in the likes of Ravissant and Tarun Tahiliani, admired the latest saree fashion with my sister at a wedding reception at the famous Turf Club.  I also visited the famous Taj Hotel on Republic Day of India to pay homage to those slain during the 11/26 terrorist attacks.  Although some windows and surfaces are still shattered, the Tree of Life memorial in the central lobby overshadows the terror, and instead fills your heart with the bravery of those who lost their lives defending others.

Tree of Life Memorial, Taj Hotel

It has been 2 weeks since I arrived back home and it is a challenge to retain the same rejuvenated, inspired and balanced energy I found during my trip to India.  How do I keep Mumbai in my heart? With a little effort…I wake up early and recreate the enchanting mornings in my own home: standing on the balcony, watching blue and purple waves float across the sky towards the Pacific, I somehow transport myself after taking an invigorating whiff of cloves, cardamon and black pepper swimming in my mug.

It’s uncanny, but there is something about starting your day with hot homemade chai that can truly channel the warmth of India deep into your body, lift your spirit, and maybe even touch your soul for the day.

Next tribute:  Gujarat, India.

Family Visiting for the Holidays?

Family coming to San Francisco for the holidays?Wondering how to make the most of it without doing the same tired traditions…try this:

Find a local spot that you’ve always wanted to go to, but never did because it was always right there. For Bay Area natives, there are several options to consider, but one in particular is the new California Academy of Sciences. Round up the family and spend the day exploring the rain forest, planetarium, and natural history museum. You’ll feel like you’ve gone on a mini-vacation too.

Or, treat your family to a classic California Brunch by picking up fresh spices, organic vegetables and flowers at the Farmer’s Market. Take public transportation, bring some canvas bags to stay “green”, and load up your sacks with delicious camembert, lavender bunches and maybe some chocolate truffles to create a truly special ambiance.

If you’re really feeling the spirit of the holidays, and want to give more than you receive, check out a local volunteering agency. Visit Elders in the local area who may be feeling lonely or sad. Or, go to the Annual Holiday Christmas Block Party and help prepare grocery bags and register residents who are less fortunate than us, especially during these harsh economic times.

No matter what you choose to do this holiday, make the most of this gorgeous area with the ones you love. Try something new, you may end up making it a new holiday tradition for years to come!

Broken heart, job loss, family overload? If the holidays are giving you the blues…

Escape into nature, on a budget.

The holidays can be rough enough without the added downer of a break-up, a layoff or your annoying underage cousin asking you if their fake ID is good enough for the local bars. So how might you avoid a potentially stressful holiday season? Take a break, go into nature and save money by staying at a Northern California Hostel during their 50^th anniversary! For you skeptics, I implore you to continue reading and learn about these gorgeous treasures that rest in the Bay’s backyard. These accommodations are a far cry from the lodgings you paid pennies for during your youthful backpacking adventures in Europe or Latin America…I assure you.

Why hostels? During these uncertain economic times, singles, DINKs (dual-income, no kids) and families can all benefit from a mini-vacation while saving a few bucks. Also, as a non-profit organization, the cost of your lodging at any Hostelling International hostel in Northern California directly supports numerous programs, such as Hostel Adventure Program, which educates inner city kids on intercultural and environmental practices through an overnight stay at one of the network hostels. Hostels provide the perfect retreat for friends, a solo soul-searching escape, or a historical adventure into the past that will surely impress your family’s know-it-all history buff.

Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel: Imagine spending a quiet night near a historic lighthouse, waking up to the Pacific Ocean and taking a vigorous walk along a secluded beach cove with tide pools. Recently rated 6^th worldwide among Hostelling International’s 4,000 hostels, Point Montara offers a unique experience for their guests. Not only can you chip away at the blues by escaping into the sunset, but you can also sip an espresso while reading about the only lighthouse that existed on both the Cape Cod and Montara coastlines. This spot is only 30 minutes south of San Francisco, along the Pacific Coast Highway…you can’t go wrong.

Sacramento Hostel: This 19^th century Victorian mansion is great for families looking to wean their kids of Wii and teach them something about the state’s capital. The building’s classic restoration will transcend you to the Gold Rush days, perfect for even the scariest of ghost stories!

Point Reyes Hostel: For any traveler seeking fresh air, coastal views and wilderness deep inside the pristine National Seashore, this hostel provides the only available accommodations. The rustic and Certified Green lodging is ideal for groups looking to escape urban chaos and wander the multitude of trails surrounding the hostel. For large family reunions, or for friends needing a getaway before holiday insanity takes over, do what I’m doing, and rent out the entire Bunkhouse which sleeps 20 comfortably. Carpool up with your best pals, set up dinner/breakfast crews, bring guitars, drums and maybe even cajones to dance the night away. In the morning, wake to the beauty and magic of the 70,000-acre park, walk the grounds and slip into a blissful state as you make your way out to the rugged seashore.

More hostel suggestions to satisfy every taste, check out Hostelling International for worldwide accommodations.

Weotta make a reservation today!

Freaking out about the First Date?

Here’s what to do…

The most important thing to consider is finding a comfortable atmosphere to avoid potential awkwardness.  A first date can be exciting, but it can also be a disaster with the wrong person.  Ryoko’s Restaurant & Bar in Nob Hill is the perfect underground treasure for a wary two-some that isn’t quite sure if they have legs to stand on.

As you approach the red Japanese characters decorating an awning on Taylor St, you and your date will feel like you’re on the edge of a small Kyoto secret.  As you descend, you will be pleasantly surprised to find a DJ spinning down-tempo beats atop a grand piano and a young vibrant staff ready to top off your sake till 2am.  If “name that song” or people watching doesn’t do the trick, there’s enough sushi combos to keep the conversation flowing even if you two aren’t.

After Dinner…?

If the date is going well, stay at Ryoko’s.  The club-like energy is ideal for first timers who aren’t quite ready for candlelight and a bottle of champagne, but wouldn’t mind sitting in close proximity to a potential soulmate.  Or, consider walking up the hill towards Grace Cathedral and admire the colorful mosaic outside the Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium.  If the doors are still open, pick up a list of upcoming shows.

If the date is not going well, kindly escort your date into a cab on Sutter St. and try your luck in the Redwood Room down the street at the Clift Hotel.

Ryoko’s Restaurant & Bar

619 Taylor Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

Nob Hill Masonic Center

1111 California Street

San Francisco, CA 94108

Redwood Room

495 Geary Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

Clift Hotel

495 Geary Street

San Francisco, CA 94102