Tanzania like a local!

How do you begin to describe the experiences we shared during our trip to Tanzania? The colors, the food, the sounds, the smells, the amazing people – sensory overload! Nanda Journeys is the perfect company for delegations of people who are interested in immersing themselves in the country’s traditions, social norms and education institutions.

During our time at the St. Jude’s School and at the Tumaini University Makumira Cultural Arts Centre we shared meals and interacted with the students, teachers and community members. Making drums and learning traditional dances helped us gain a deeper knowledge of day to day living in that exotic country.

After each journey, we come back a changed person – we have a greater understanding of people all over this marvelous earth.

Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer traveled to Tanzania in 2018, this year she will be leading a Music Education Journey to Australia, see what we have planned HERE.

Ripple effects of transformational travel by Dr. Dolores Battle

When you drop a pebble in a bucket of water, you never really know how far the rings will spread. I have had a professional interest in diversity in our country for a long time. More recent events have made me think about diversity and multicultural perspective in a global sense. The world is so vast yet so small. In order to understand our neighbors across the street, it is important to experience our neighbors across the globe. We need to understand who they are and where they came from in order to understand what they value and what they want to be, rather than let those decisions be ours based on our perspectives and our views of the world.

In the last several years, I have travelled to China, Peru, South Africa and Cuba with Nanda Journeys. As an educator and speech language pathologist, I never really thought about how enriching my life would in turn enrich the lives of generations of students that would follow me.

I recently received an email from a former colleague that talked about preparing teacher education students to be global citizens. It made me think about how one person can influence so many others for generations. Dr. Wendy Paterson, Dean of the School of Education at SUNY Buffalo State, wrote:

“I have been thinking of you a lot lately. As I have been reviewing some of my faculty for tenure and promotion, I remembered all that you did for me as you helped me attain the full professorship. Today I was reading the book 21^st Century Skills and read two statements that immediately made me think of you: 1) “Diversity is one thing we all have in common.” 2) The skills to become socially adept, cross-culturally fluent global learners and citizens are more important than ever.”

I wonder if you know how far-reaching your global initiative took us…we embarked on a process to emphasize the importance of global attitudes and multicultural knowledge for teachers. In those first years, we engaged with some of our globally active faculty and were able to establish new PDS school contacts in Zambia and Chile. We are now on five continents with 6-8 active school sites where our students and faculty learn about education on a global scale. This has transformed Childhood and Exceptional Education…I just want you to see what you started. As we say in teacher education, ‘The teacher will never know how much she (he) affects the future, only that she (he) will.’ You have most certainly had an impact on my life and on the lives of so many of our marvelous students.”

As one of her students said: “Travel is the one thing you spend money on, that actually can make you richer.” {Original author unknown}

Library & Information Services Journey to Peru. A reflection by Kenneth Schlesinger.

From November 25 – December 2, 2018, I participated in a Library and Information Services Journey to Peru, led by former American Library Association President Dr. Camila Alire. Our group of eight consisted of academic and public library directors and some guests. In addition to sightseeing and cultural immersion, our charge was to visit academic, public, and special libraries in Lima and Cusco to conduct facilitated discussions with our Peruvian library colleagues.

Lima is a bustling, cosmopolitan city of ten million located on the Pacific coast, serving as the the country’s commercial center. One-third of the population lives there. Combining restored Colonial buildings with modern architecture, its notorious traffic is reminiscent of Los Angeles. Our first stop was Biblioteca Municipal de Lima [Municipal Library of Peru], located on the main plaza, serving as an archival repository of historical records of the region.

We had the opportunity to have an extended discussion with Maria Emma Mannarelli, Director of the Biblioteca Nacional de Peru [National Library of Peru]. The National Library is housed in an open, modern building celebrating the country’s prominent writers. Committed to preserving Peru’s cultural patrimony, the Library contains impressive labs for conservation of historical manuscripts and vintage photographs.

dscf3015 — Preservation Lab, National Library of Peru

Not only does Sra. Mannarelli oversee the National Library, she is also responsible for the country’s network of public libraries. She spoke candidly about the challenges of maintaining public library service throughout the country, particularly since funding is dependent on the local mayor, who may have other priorities in resource allocation. Even a city as large as Lima only has in her estimation three functioning public library branches.

That afternoon we were able to visit one of these prime examples, the Public Library of Miraflores, considered the most attractive and vibrant in the city. Library Chief Beatriz Prieto gave us a tour, and informed us about their proactive outreach activities including bringing books to senior centers, low-income communities, and even the beach! This stimulated our perceptions about how we could more effectively serve our surrounding communities.

Perhaps the highlight of the trip was our meeting at Pontifical Catholic University [PUCP], an elite private university founded in 1917. We engaged in a lively, interactive discussion with Library Director Kathia Hanza and her unit heads. Not surprisingly, they face similar challenges of U.S. academic libraries: how to most effectively embed library resources within the curriculum; build dynamic collections with limited resources; actively solicit the support of Deans and the Vice Rector [Provost]. One member of our group, Dean of Libraries at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, offered to send two of her faculty members to PUCP to advise on assessment and developing persuasive metrics. Through the efforts of Lehman Library webmaster John DeLooper, we were able to advise PUCP how to incorporate LibGuides [Research Guides] into their course management system, a practice we had only recently developed.

Pontifical Catholic resides on a beautifully landscaped campus with noteworthy modern architecture. Library colleagues showed us their brand new Engineering Library, an appealing, state-of-the-art edifice facilitating access to multimedia technologies and 3-D printing. Every seat was taken by students working at the end of the semester.

dscf3038 — Engineering Library, Pontifical Catholic University

From Lima we ventured to Cusco, the original Incan capital, a gem of Colonial architecture surrounded by the Andes with dazzling, ever-changing light Cusco is situated at 11,000 feet. Unfortunately, our visit to Universidad San Antonio de Abad was cancelled due to a labor strike. However, we toured El Centro Bartolome de las Casas [CBC Library], a unique special library of 53,000 volumes documenting Andean culture featuring anthropological, cultural, demographic, linguistic, and literary monographs. We also visited the recently restored Convent of San Francisco de Asis, which has a manuscript library of 18^th and 19^th century tomes of ecclesiastical history undergoing preservation.

Plaza des Armas, Cusco

CBC Library

And we pursued some leisure activities, including the Larco Museum in Lima, which has an outstanding archeological collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. On our final day, we visited a girls’ orphanage in Cusco, which involved both meaningful interactions and community service. Dining was a consistent pleasure, partaking of Peru’s extensive produce (3,000 kinds of potatoes!), and sampling ceviche, alpaca, octopus, and guinea pig. The Peruvian people, warm and gracious, were wonderful hosts.

No visit to Peru would be complete without a sojourn to Machu Picchu, the sacred ruins of Incan civilization, located within a breathtaking setting. Justifiably one of the seven wonders of the world, this testament to Incan achievements in architecture, agriculture, and astronomy inspires awe, reflection, and sobriety. While the invading Spanish ultimately decimated this advanced community, they nevertheless documented it through their historical journals and narratives, contributing to our knowledge of the legacy of this unique civilization.

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Thank you to Kenneth Schlesinger, Chief Librarian, Lehman College for this article.

Japan: Ideal Destination, Ideal Nanda Journey

In October of 2018, Dr. Nada Stotland, an accomplished and world renowned psychiatrist, led a journey of fellow mental health professionals to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan.

Dr. Stotland had previously enjoyed traveling to Japan with her family and was eager to return, in a professional capacity, to explore Japan’s attitudes and policy toward mental health care. She also remembered how kind and gracious her hosts were and was excited for her fellow mental health professionals to experience the warm hospitality of the Japanese people and the supreme beauty of Japan.

During their time in Japan, Dr. Stotland and colleagues visited with academics, clinicians, government officials and business owners all involved in the advancement of mental health policy and practice in Japan. The professional exchange allowed for roundtable discussions on current trends, challenges and new approaches to mental health in Japan.

Speaking with us ahead of the journey, Dr. Stotland said:

“The world is a big place. Learning first-hand about mental health care in widely differing countries helps us to think outside our local boxes and to appreciate what can be done with different sets of resources, policies, and attitudes.”

Upon her return, Dr. Stotland wrote:

“Having led more than ten mental health journeys, to countries on six continents, and enjoyed excellent professional experiences, cultural enrichment, and travel logistics on each, I found that Japan offers a unique combination of exotic culture and modern development.

The Japanese insistence on the freshest seasonal produce and fish means that every snack and meal is interesting and everything is perfectly safe to eat and drink. Cultural norms are different from those in the West—but conveniently include order, punctuality, and safety. The neon and bustle of the Ginza contrasts with the beauty and serenity of mountains, rivers, forests, and the ocean. We especially loved being dressed in kimono (no plural) for a traditional tea ceremony. Don’t miss Japan!”

Each time we create a Nanda Journey, we do so with the utmost care given to ensuring our professional participants are afforded the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in varied yet relevant professional settings. It is also important to us that we showcase the very best there is to see when in a new country. The goal is not to merely rush through the iconic locations, but rather to take a moment to immerse in the culture and engage with community members in meaningful ways.

It is always a proud moment for us when we receive kind words from our leaders and guests. It affirms our love of travel and why we do what we do! Our own little piece of Nanda (Joy in Sanskrit).
Thank you, Dr. Stotland, for over a decade of faith in our team. It is an honor and a privilege to be continually selected as your global professional travel partner.

We are excited for your Mental Health Journey to Iceland later this year.

Giving Spirit

By Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer

As I reflect on the music education delegation to Argentina and Chile last summer, I keep picturing the young orchestra students at the Buen Consejo School (Buenos Aires, Argentina) who performed for us. They were so excited to have music teachers from the United States visit their school. Several members of our delegation donated instruments to the school because it was located in a poor community and it depended solely on donations to exist. When West Virginia teacher, Sherri Tadlock, presented a used flute to the school, the students were elated and the flute teacher was overcome with joy. With tears streaming down her face, she explained that one of the students needed to use her flute because they didn’t have enough instruments. I’ll never forget watching Sherri play with all of the other flute students and seeing the joy on everyone’s face.

The staff members of Nanda Journeys go above and beyond what is required to ensure that the delegation has a safe, informative and experience-filled trip. We have a great time with our international guides and I have always felt safe and cared for in these delegations. It is important to me that we have an educational experience because I have an intense desire to learn about music education and the indigenous folk music wherever I travel.

The insights I’ve gained because of my travels to other countries goes beyond the limitation of language. I’ve learned that people are the same all of the world: they want a better life for their children; they have hopes and dreams just like we do; children are beautiful, curious and mischievous in every corner of the globe. More and more I appreciate all of the luxuries and experiences life in the US provides. My awareness of my privileged life is much stronger now than before I traveled abroad.

I didn’t know what to expect when we traveled to Morocco. The kaleidoscope of new architecture, mosaics, camels, flowing tapestries, fragrant/exotic spices and warm, friendly people expanded my mind and heart even more. We danced and played drums and other percussion instruments with musicians in several restaurants. And the food was AMAZING!

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When you spend up to 10 days in another country with other colleagues from the US we share experiences that form deep bonds of friendship and respect. Everything is new and unfamiliar and the language differences can be a challenge at times. We are all supportive of each other and these trips have fostered deep friendships with people who might never have crossed my path. We share teaching strategies, stories about our families and unexpected experiences. Our bus broke down on the freeway on our way to a coastal city in Chile. Some people might have been upset or frustrated but we actually had a great time sitting and chatting with each other, so when the “rescue” van came to get us we were actually surprised to see it drive up.

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I still feel connected to each of the delegation communities that have traveled together. Whenever I hear something in the news about a country we’ve visited memories immediately pour into my mind with images of moments we shared together and with the people we met on our trip.

It’s been my privilege to lead music education delegations for nearly ten years. Each time I venture to another country and meet people steeped in unfamiliar cultures I am reminded of our differences and, more importantly, our similarities as humans. I come home a different person after each trip and I am grateful for these opportunities and am eagerly looking forward to our next music education journey to Australia.

Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer – Professor of Music and Director of Choral Music Education at Texas State University.

Tips for traveling with anxiety

Does Anxiety & Panic Keep You From Fulfilling Your Travel Dreams?

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It happens to the best of us. Those pesky gremlins inside our head telling us a whole manner of untruths that we simply can’t brush away. For some, traveling can be an anxiety trigger. At its worst anxiety may stop us from fulfilling our true potential including taking those long dreamed about global journeys.

Check out this article by She Explores Life for some fabulous tips on traveling with anxiety. Annette has some fabulous personal advice to offer and some great resources!

One of my favorites tips is #6 Find a travel companion who understands anxiety and panic: Take your first couple of trips with a friend, family member or partner who understands anxiety, panic and how to best support you. This is another approach to exposure therapy. Bonus: you get to make wonderful memories with someone you love!

If you don’t have a travel buddy, consider joining a small group journey, maybe a weekend getaway close to home at first. As you add to your toolkit and practice anxiety busting techniques {maybe those suggested by Annette} you may soon feel the calling to branch further afield and take your first global journey.

The World is waiting, where will you go?

– Nicola Balmain

Professional Enrichment Travels with Nanda Journeys – A leader’s perspective.

How do you spell “first rate?” I have travelled with Nanda Journeys to Peru, Cuba, and South Africa. The trips were worry-free, so we could concentrate on the cultural global experience.

I have included some photos from my travels. The accommodations are always first rate. The meals and cultural experiences are also top shelf. With qualified guides, we had ample opportunity to learn not only about the people, but also about the place. From safaris, to jungle river exploration, to arts and architecture—the trips helped enrich my personal and professional life.

The cultural experiences in hospitals and schools for us were varying and enlightening. I visited schools in the Andes mountains where the children spoke three languages; schools for the deaf in Johannesburg where all children had cochlear implants; and schools for the deaf in Havana where sign language was used. I visited a school in a township of Cape Town where the children’s hearing and vision was being tested using blue tooth technology since there was no electricity in the school. I visited the sparse polyclinics in Cuba, a rehabilitation center in the Andes mountains of Peru, and a state-of-the-art hospital in Johannesburg. All the visits were varied and all showed that people everywhere are doing what they can to deliver services given their circumstances.

But the best feature of the travels is the opportunity to develop professional relationships with like-minded people. The friendships and relationships have extended beyond the time of the trips themselves. The travels have also enriched my professional life. Since returning from South Africa, I have made conference presentations at national conferences with my colleagues that I met in Johannesburg. I have consulted on a publication about speech language services in South Africa and published an article on health care in Cuba.

I am looking forward to the next planned journey to Vietnam and Cambodia in the spring of 2019. Because of the interest in interprofessional service delivery here, and because of the mode of delivery of services in southeast Asia, the spring trip is intended to be interprofessional with rehabilitation specialists.

About Dr. Dolores Battle

Dr. Battle is Professor Emeritus of Speech Language Pathology at SUNY Buffalo State. She is the former president of both the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP). She has received numerous awards for her work in multicultural and global issues in the profession including Honors of ASHA, Honored member of the IALP, The Diversity Incentive award from the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Science and Disorders. She is widely published in communication disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse populations and has traveled professionally to 37 countries on five continents including in Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, Greece, Switzerland, Denmark, Canada, and Australia.

TRAVEL FOR A WEEK. REMEMBER FOR A LIFETIME.

Why do people travel? For some, it’s to get away from the day-to-day and unwind. For others, it’s to make memories or maybe even to make a difference. What if it could be both – and also be so memorable that you still talk about it, years later, to anyone who will listen?

Exploring Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, with a group of Australian veterinarians, was such an adventure for me. All the boxes were checked, all “the feels” were real. Fun? From Day 1, the group had it in spades! Easy going, adventurous, inclusive…it made the difference, for sure, and the little hiccups along the way – a bus break down necessitating a several mile hike to the animal hospital we were visiting, uncooperative patients at the same hospital causing a minor injury, one or two missteps, and even a few illnesses on the cruise throughout the Galapagos Islands – didn’t squash the enthusiasm. And oh, was it worth it!

Seeing animals, like the legendary Blue-Footed Booby, that you won’t see anywhere else in the world…truly spectacular! Likely to be forgotten? Never!! The entire group, traipsing in the hot sun across miles of lava rock, to see the Galapagos Island’s unique creatures must have been quite a sight to the casual observer. To us, it was one of many wonderful memories during that trip.

Did we make a difference? Sure, to the Ecuadorian veterinarians who both sought and gave helpful advice, but also to the Galapagos officials and guides lending their hand to insuring the continuation of these rare species. That’s what making a journey to another country, in a nutshell, means to me…leaving a little piece of yourself and bringing a little piece of another country’s culture, traditions, and uniqueness back with you. Happy travels!

(Check out this video on the Charles Darwin Research Station/Charles Darwin Foundation)

COMING SOON – Journey of Purpose and Discovery Ecuador & Galapagos Islands. Register your interest HERE

Family Recipes from Kerala

We were thrilled to hear from Anjan Mitra who shared just how inspired he and his Executive Chef, Arun Gupta were by their recent journey with us to Kerala, India. So inspired were they, that they have adapted their spring menu at their two San Francisco restaurants DOSA SF, to reflect the home-cooked tastes they experienced in India. Here they reflect on their journey and share some insights in to their Nanda Journeys, Kerala inspired menu! Thank you Anjan and Arun, we look forward to our next journey together and of course your new menu!

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The best dishes you can eat are definitely the home-cooked meals prepared in India that reflect the cuisine of the respective regions, the influences of their community, while using fresh, local ingredients in family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Many of these dishes never make their way to the restaurants in India, let alone the U.S. or London (which is certainly a hot spot for great Indian food).

Consider the rich diversity of delicious recipes prepared everyday by countless families in a country of 1.3 billion people and you realize that we have barely scratched the surface! 🙂

For this reason, Executive Chef Arun Gupta took a two-week culinary trip to India to cook with several families and local chefs in Kerala, along the West coast of Southern India. This picturesque region has forty-four rivers that flow from the Western Ghats, and gently meander into the Arabian Sea to create a dense network of waterways known as the Backwaters; a picturesque ecosystem that defines not just the flora and fauna, but the lifestyle of the local people. You will see miles of rice paddy fields, millions of coconut palms and thousands of fishing nets all across this thriving landscape. The climate, topography and soil also makes it the spice capital in a land of many spices!

In addition to eating a various spots every day, Chef Arun Gupta explored the Spice plantations of Periyar and Kumarakom, enjoyed delicious family meals at the Home Stays of the Philipkutty’s Spice Plantation and the Kalaketty Rubber Plantation Estate. This region has a relatively significant presence of Christians and Muslims who define their own non-vegetarian culinary styles with dishes such as Fish cooked in banana leaves, Mutton Biryani and Beef Chile Fry.

Many of these local dishes are currently on our Spring Tasting Menu at DOSA on Fillmore which includes different dishes that are prepared to be shared family-style, and start with light bites and a delicious spice-driven salads. We promise it will transport you to this wonderful region of Southern India without being over indulgent. Or you can opt for our a la carte dishes like the Phillipkutty Chicken Curry (the best one we’ve done to date), Lake Kochi Grilled Prawns, Asparagus Avial, Kerala Fish Fry or even the Periyar Curried Pork, which is only served at the DOSA on Valencia menu. Of course, some ingredients change daily depending on what’s available at our local farmer’s markets in San Francisco.

We are exploring hyper-regional and obscure dishes from India that we love, but are unfamiliar to most people in the West! We might not serve what people are commonly familiar with in the U.S., however, we deeply respect traditional Indian recipes, techniques and spices, to create dishes that use seasonal and local ingredients. We are excited to help you explore this richly diverse cuisine that varies from region-to-region, city-to-city, and often household-to-household.

Should you find yourself in San Francisco, be sure to explore Arun’s new menu at DOSA on Valencia, or DOSA on Fillmore.

Rise and Shine Globally – Dr. Dolores Battle

What could a speech-language pathologist learn about clinical service by travelling to South Africa?

Imagine visiting a small Anglican school in a township outside of Cape Town South Africa, called Khayelitsha, which is home to 2.4 million black and colored persons who were displaced during the apartheid era. Imagine learning how the 3E Learning Project aims to screen the hearing and vision of 10,000 5-6-year-old children in underserved communities. Imagine a community where 40% of the residents are under the age of 19 years and where the annual income for a family of four is the equivalent of $1872 USD. Imagine a school with no electricity and no running water and no indoor toilet facilities. Imagine a school where the official language of instruction is English, but the language of the community is Xhosa, or Sotho, or any one of 11 other official languages in the country. Imagine a school where books are not in evidence and where there is no computer or television. Imagine hearing screening being done using bluetooth to deliver the sounds and an app on a mobile phone being used to test vision. Despite all that there is, and all that there is not, imagine a mural painted on the wall of the school that says, “Rise and Shine Globally”.

Imagine visiting the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, home of Bishop Tutu, and the city of Johannesburg, home of Nelson Mandela. Imagine visiting the island where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years and who later forgave those who retained him and later became the president of the country to lead its transformation to a country where equality is the goal of everyday life. Imagine visiting the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and the District 6 Museum in Cape Town, and talking with those who lived through apartheid and are now involved in transforming the diverse nation to its place in modern society driven by a recognition of the value of diversity but the importance of equality.

Imagine standing on at the Cape of Good Hope and reflecting on a vast country with diverse people, diverse geography, diverse vegetation and amazingly diverse animal life. Imagine being among the elephants, lions, rhinoceros and hippos within days of being among African penguins, seals and baboons.

Imagine what we can learn about the glories of the world around us, the wonder of what our fellow man has accomplished against all odds, and the challenges that remain and optimism of what the future holds. Imagine what the world could be if we all took the advice from that school in Khayelitsha to “Rise and Shine Globally”. What a wonderful world it would be.

Impressions —A Human Resources Journey Through Japan. Dr. David Miles

In November of 2017, I traveled with China Gorman and Gerry Crispin on a Nanda Journeys continuing education experience to Japan. This is a random collection of thoughts and opinions seeing Tokyo and the surrounding areas with a group of loosely related HR executives. Most of the group have travelled together on prior HR journeys with the Nanda Journeys team, to such areas as Cuba, India, China and other locations. The focus was to experience the people, culture, education, business and labor environment in real time as well as to participate in the “farm to table” agricultural life.

This journey, like the ones before, provided an unforgettable experience. Learning about world cultures and people is an awesome privilege. A special thanks to all that made this possible from the team at Miles LeHane for their support; our clients; Nanda Journeys; the participants and of course all of the people in Japan who made sure that we had an educational, safe environment and an enjoyable learning 9-day experience.

Impression 1 – The People

Day to day life is played out in a very small geographical area with 13 million people in and around Tokyo. Think lots of people in a total space about half the size we would be used to in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Yes, physically they are smaller in stature and size (I should be that slender!) but are amongst the most courteous and helpful when engaged. Some are shy, but culturally it is not appropriate to stand out and or make excessive noise or talk loudly. While this may seem unnaturally quiet it is a norm you soon learn to appreciate. In fact, you start adopting this approach when in a group setting, always mindful about others in a crowded space.

Impression 2 – The Environment

We may talk about common problems such as trash and litter. The people in Japan live a life that is in my opinion very respectful of the environment. For example, trash and litter are basically nonexistent. There are no public trash cans except in food locations. You are expected to carry your trash until you locate a receptacle. It is the cleanest city, roads, highways and public areas I have ever witnessed. While they do clean the public areas, they do this during the middle of the night to be efficient. We even witnessed the cleaning of a bullet train of 9 cars to include “reversing each seats direction” in under 10 minutes by a crew of just a few workers. Homes, public spaces and businesses all follow a very strict level of cleanliness.

Impression 3 – Structure and Procedures

Much of Japan follows a culture of compliance and structure as compared to the US. While on the surface this may seem negative to some, it certainly has advantages when integrated across all areas. For example, education is very structured and provides a solid foundation that has universal meaning. Employment is also structured in that ALL college graduates are offered equal starting salaries when graduating. Literally all hiring is done over a few weeks. For example, it is expected that when a family decides to have children that the mother will take years off to raise their children. In addition, the adult children will care for aging parents.

Impression 4 – Life on the privately held farm

Food and dietary are much simpler in Japan. Fresh food and an emphasis on fish from the surrounding waters of the country with a staple of a few starches such as sweet potatoes, other root vegetables, a variety of greens and of course rice; provide the basics at all meals. Japan prides itself on a high level of self-sufficiency in feeding the population. Given the environment-mountainous from volcanoes-think Mount Fuji- and being surrounded by ocean water, most items when served in balance provide an extremely nutritious diet. Preparation, natural flavors and using some seasonings, provides a variety but healthful food culture. Yes, there are fast food restaurants and other processed food items, but from a cost and diet perspective the people prefer to “eat healthy” and more natural.

Our journey included 2 nights and 3 days living with a “farm” family in their home and practicing traditional life style. This was quite an eye opener experience. First, sleeping on a floor with the traditional tatami mats is a concept I do not plan to adopt (I enjoy my Marriott plush foam 10” mattress too much). Eating at a low table on a cushion –no shoes of course- is something that I also will not adopt. The simple life of minimal creature comforts along with the work of running a farm, is something I am pleased to have experienced but am glad to be back into my normal routine. Believe me, they work hard and steady from sun up until the end of daylight. I must admit that the meals were some of the freshest I have ever eaten.

Impression 5 – Trains, Planes, Automobiles and other

With so many people in a smaller geography, transportation is a key focus area. It is amazing to view the highways (what we would call interstate roads) from a macro perspective. As you fly into Narita airport (90 minutes from downtown Tokyo) you are immediately focused on the number of waterways throughout the entire coastal area. In conjunction with staying in harmony with the land, the major roads are created as elevated roadways along the “river” waterways therefore allowing the land for buildings. Fortunately, snow is not common in Tokyo but the temperatures do drop below freezing. These elevated roads connect with a series of bridges and tunnels that rival no other location I have visited. The underground main tunnels through certain segments of the city make the Boston “big dig” look small. As expected the tunnels were clean, did not leak or have pot holes, and appeared as accident free as you would hope. A polite society also carries over to polite drivers. Impressive!

The cars were mostly those that are produced by Japan. Yes, a few luxury imports but mostly Japanese cars. Also, the government supports hybrid and other alternative fuel vehicles which are abundant. Since Japan has very limited natural energy sources, pure electric cars are at this time not very common. With a population of approximately half of the United States and people clustered in key areas, public transportation is the lifeblood of most workers. We rode a bullet train, which some utilize on a daily basis, at speeds of 140 plus miles per hour. These trains then connect with other more local train s and rail options. While buses are available they are not a primary source of transportation as many streets are narrow. A surprising number of bicycles and moped supplement public transportation.

Impression 6 -Traditions

Everywhere you go in Japan has a long history and values tradition. From the appropriate and respectful “nod” or “bow” to the presenting of your business card, is all done with respect for others. What is more important is that the people do care about the meaning of these traditions and learn them from both the family and the education system. The joy of greeting and saying goodbye is equally important. Taking time for these little gestures builds a feeling of respect amongst all. We also had to opportunity to visit a couple of Temples and Shrines and observe 6 or more weddings. Again, these sacred places are open for Weddings, Religious services, tourists and locals to enjoy all. Most are free of charge to everyone except for Wedding Ceremonies. Families come together from the youngest to the oldest.

Having formal tea is also a tradition with strong religious overtones. Many of the pottery cups and tea pots have significant design implications. For example, we were served in special reserved cups that were made for the 1964 Olympics. Note 2020 will bring the Olympics back to Tokyo. The brewing processes, the tea leaves, and the small treat candy is all important to the gathering for Tea. Respecting the past-celebrating the present-and hope for the future is all embedded in the ceremonies.

Impression 7 – Language-Kimonos-Calligraphy

As expected, language barriers are always difficult to navigate. While living with our “farm family” the four of us and our hosts utilized simple body gestures and hand movements to attempt to communicate. This proved both interesting and somewhat amusing. In the end it all worked well. For all business meetings an interpreter was provided by our host. While many government and professionals understand other languages, all speak Japanese on a daily basis. Fortunately, with a little effort we were able to navigate.

One of our opportunities was to learn calligraphy, an art form in Japan. This was to say the least, difficult for me. But I did gain an appreciation of Japanese letters (3 styles over the centuries). In addition, we also made decorative paper notes and were fitted with a Kimono for a Tea Ceremony by the Buddhist Priest. My thought -t hank goodness for word processes that make perfect Japanese letters!

Final Thoughts

Like prior journeys this will always be remembered. A smaller group of 14 allowed for more time to share and process our experiences. I will continue to mentally draw parallels and differences between prior trips. What stands out most is the genuine “care” embedded in day to day life and relationships. Yes, they really do care about you and your needs as a person. The sincerity of how they interact, learn from you and share their knowledge is encouraging. A highly successful culture that has endured for centuries looks forward to the future. Yes, they too have issues: a declining birth rate of less than 1.4 / couple. An aging population putting social programs under stress. A shortage of talent in the work force and of course the ongoing global disruptors that we face also. But in summary the people of Japan are up for and open to the challenge. It was a personal honor to have this experience which they made possible.

Dr. David Miles SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CMF
Chairman Miles LeHane Employable Talent

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Travel Memories

When you work in the travel industry, it is easy to acquire the travel bug. I am often asked about my favorite travel memory by family and friends. I am thankful to have so many precious memories of the places I have been blessed to visit over the last 20 years, so honestly it is hard to choose.

What always comes to mind first when asked is Cambodia. I loved visiting Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and fell in love with the people and their laid-back lifestyle. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to cross a visit to the Angkor Wat Temple complex off their bucket list, made even more memorable accompanied by an insightful local guide? I think my favorite was Bayan Temple, but each site was unique and incredibly captivating. There is so much more to Cambodia than just the temples however! I would encourage everyone to pay homage to the millions of victims of the brutal Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge regime. A reflective visit to S-21/Tuol Svay Pray High School (turned processing center and prison for the victims) and the Killing Fields allows a chance to pay homage to the innocents who lost their lives.

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Then I recall hiking up the Great Wall of China! Touristy? Sure, but you need to step outside the huge cities to truly see what the rest of the country has to offer. Some of my favorite memories of China include visiting rural towns like Guiyang. It was incredible to talk to local people who had never, at that time at least, seen a Western person in their life. Every region visited has something unique to offer, from the amazing Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi’an, to the dramatic landscapes along the Li River near Guilin, to the amazing restaurants, nightlife, culture and fascinating history of Beijing and Shanghai. I have been many times, but there is still so much left to explore.

How could I not mention exploring the Pyramid complex in Cairo, Egypt. What child of the 70’s didn’t grow up learning about King Tut with dreams of becoming an archaeologist? Perhaps that was just me, but one of my fondest memories of Egypt aside from seeing the pyramids and sphinx in person was meandering through the Egyptian Antiquities Museum off Tahrir Square. We were lucky to have a private viewing of their exhibits accompanied by our incredible Egyptologists. If you go don’t miss Tutankhamun’s Gallery on the upper floor and make a stop at both royal mummy rooms to see who is on display. You may see Tuthmosis III, Amenhotep III, or the last warrior pharaoh Ramses II.

Deciding on my favorite travel memory with so many to choose from is a bit more challenging than I expected. Over the last 20 years, I have to say that spending time with and getting to know the local people has been what I remember and value the most. It is hard not to fall in love with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, culture and history of each city, town and country; but no visit would have been complete without the fabulous people I met along the way! So, I would recommend you get off the beaten path and talk to the locals. Visit a local pub or restaurant and eat the regional foods. Hire a local guide or driver to show you around. You will be glad you made the extra effort to experience the most each country has to offer rather than just crowded tourist attractions and Western restaurants catering to the tourist palate. Make your own travel memories!

Collage Image Blog 2 — Debra’s favorite travel memories.

“All in a day’s (or week’s) work…”

The path to entrepreneurship has been an enlightening one. I have learned so much and been humbled by just how much it takes to launch and grow a new business. As a self-confessed procrastinator with “shiny new toy” syndrome, I found it difficult to create a routine for myself that ensured I focused on both the exciting, and not so exciting tasks required to manage my business. This challenge plagued me during my corporate career, however, with a more structured environment and project deadlines, I was able to course correct and ensure I didn’t drop the ball. Truth be told, procrastinators work best with hard deadlines, so the pressure served me well!

Today the responsibility sits firmly with me to determine my own priorities and ensure the needs of the business are met. I’ll admit the task can sometimes fill me with dread while other days be a great joy. Free from structure, I’m able to allow my mind to explore new ideas unencumbered, but this is both a blessing and a curse. On the upside, I can let my imagination run wild and I can act quickly on a new idea. Conversely, I miss the energetic debates and conversations with my esteemed colleagues, the energy, the building upon an initial thought, the support and collaborative promotion of a new project.

In the last few months I began to realize I needed a little structure (not too much) and set about trying to find a solution that would fit my “busy brain” personality. In February and March, I attended two very enlightening workshops for women entrepreneurs. The first was a three-day Women Rocking Business Workshop with CEO and Founder Sage Lavine, The creator of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Academy and online Women’s Business Training Programs, she has shared the stage with Neale Donald Walsch, Jack Canfield, Janet Attwood and many more. Sage introduced the “Freedom Schedule” concept and how she works three weeks each month while running a multi-million-dollar business. That got me listening! While I do not presently aspire to that (in a year or two maybe…) the concepts Sage introduce resonated with me and started the wheels turning. She walked us through an exercise where we began to structure our week and allocate themes to each day to allow for a greater focus and allocation of time to specific tasks and projects.

Sage Lavine Freedom Schedule — Photo Credit Sage Lavine, Women Rocking Business

40Thrive_RBP-22 — Jackie Morgan MacDougall

Immediately following the Women Rocking Business event, I drove to LA for the launch of a dear friend’s new business Forty Thrive. Jackie Morgan MacDougall is passionate about helping women become the best version of themselves. She is dedicated to supporting women in the best years of their lives to launch their dream business, get healthy, create and fulfill their bucket-lists, and live out the life they have envisioned for themselves. Jackie talked about committing to yourself and for me that spoke volumes. We can often commit to the business, but without commitment to yourself you are somewhat limiting the possibilities for yourself and your business.

So, what ultimately did I learn and what am I doing differently today? I now have a new approach to the work week that provides me with a structure that has some fluidity to it (allows the busy brain to play sometimes!) and creates focus where it is needed the most.

MARKETING MONDAYS – designed for all things marketing. Blog posts, social media ideas, PR and media, new web pages, promotional ideas, creative space

TEAM TUESDAYS – Nanda Journeys is a remote office with team members and partners across the US and the around the world. Each Tuesday we spend time connecting, catching up on our priorities, what’s new with everyone and how we can help each other stay on task

WHAMAZING WEDNESDAYS – my mid-week recharge! Today is about doing everything I love, connecting with my network groups, analyzing data (I love a good pivot table project!), and “me time” be that a yoga class, time to reflect or time to have fun

THRIVING THURSDAYS – Jackie taught me to focus on Thriving Forward, today is all about how we can grow the business and thrive. Connecting with potential leaders for our programs, looking at our prospects and designating projects to follow up and nurture our leads, new program ideas

FEARLESS FRIDAYS – today is about tackling everything I have been avoiding or putting off! By clearing my “nagging” to do list I can go in to the weekend free of guilt and feeling accomplished.

I most certainly do not have my new week mastered, but I sure am seeing an improvement in my productivity and creativeness and the business is THRIVING so I guess that tells its own story!

Share in the comments below how you organize your time, I’d love to hear your ideas.

Happy Thriving,

Nicola

The key ingredient; global partnerships built on trust and friendship.

Excellent global partnerships are integral at Nanda Journeys and enable us to create our unique and immersive journeys. To be successful in the travel industry, you must surround yourself with a team who strives for excellence and has an eye for detail. We truly believe our global partners are just the right addition to our team. Through these collaborations, we develop our customized journeys that ensure a unique and rewarding educational program. As you may know, Nanda Journeys sells more than just cookie cutter sightseeing tours. We prefer to focus our trips to include an immersive, career enriching experience, allowing professionals the opportunity to engage in site visits and roundtable discussions with their overseas counterparts.

For the last 20 years, we have been collaborating with our South African global partner headquartered in Cape Town. They are a passionate South African team with a deep love for their country and, through programs like ours, they have the chance to showcase all Southern Africa has to offer. Nanda Journeys counts on industry experts in their team and values the friendships that are built by working closely with them. Our mutual passion for international travel, along with the ultimate goal of providing a unique journey, cements those bonds. The opportunity to visit their country and spend time training with their team is one I will never forget. I have fond memories of driving from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park with their managing director. She shared her passion for her home country with me, leaving an impression of not only the diversity of the flora and fauna but an appreciation for the rich culture, history and people themselves.

south africa

Our global partner in Tanzania focuses specifically on inbound travel to Tanzania. Their knowledge and passion for their country really shines through and their dedicated staff are truly unique. The teachers and music enthusiasts enrolled on our Music Education Journey to Tanzania will be spending time at the School of St. Jude this coming July. They are a non-governmental organization (NGO) I had the pleasure of visiting a few years back and one that we continue to support with each new journey that visits their lovely country. The school is dedicated to providing innovative educational services to the most disadvantaged children of Arusha and you can really see the love for the children and country the staff have. Our upcoming group will explore the education system in Tanzania and take part in various school activities like joining in a music and art class with the children. We are passionate at Nanda Journeys about giving back and proud to support organizations like this one, who is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the children living in poverty. I would encourage you to take a look at their website and learn more about their fantastic school.

Gemma Sisia, founder of the School of St. Jude, speaking with a past delegation

Lunch with the children of St. Jude

I will forever have memories of exploring Egypt guided by an incredible team of Egyptologists. They are truly experts in what they do! From bringing the history of ancient Egypt to life, to making sure every experience is not only educational but magical and fun too, they make sure each journey is an incredible experience. One of my favorite memories is visiting the Step pyramid of Djoser in the Saqqara necropolis. It is the oldest complete stone building complex known to history and was truly a marvel for its time. Djoser was the first king of the Third Dynasty of Egypt and was in power around 2670 BCE. He is believed to be the first to build in stone. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to step back in time and just take it all in!

Our dear friends in India have hosted, adopted and nurtured us as if we are family. The experiences they have helped us to build over the years have been truly remarkable. Imagine, meeting the Supreme Court Justice in India, chatting with the King & Queen and Prime Minister of Bhutan, being the first western guests in a remote village in Rajasthan, dining with a family and learning how to cook true South Indian dishes. These are all experiences we have collaborated on and designed with our colleagues in India. We know, without a shadow of a doubt, that our clients will be cared for like family when traveling to India, Bhutan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar & Thailand.

Farmer Family drive between Agra and Jaipur 7kids 2 room house (13)

We are honored to be able to deliver the programs we are so passionate about. We couldn’t do what we do without our global partners! Nanda continues to build on these relationships and to seek new partnerships each year to offer even more exciting destinations. These relationships are built based on a lot of hard work, mutual respect and trust, and dedication to a common mission. I am honored to call our global partners my friends and want to really express how much we value their professionalism, dedication and passion.

When you travel with Nanda Journeys, you can trust that you will have a wide network of industry experts putting their extensive experience to work to ensure you have a fantastic, educational and fun program! We at Nanda want to extend a big THANK YOU to our global partners. We could not do what we do without each one of you. Here is to the next 20 years!

Debra Arthur

A message from our national guide in Peru, Daniel Flores.

ENJOYING INCREDIBLE PERU WITH NANDA JOURNEYS

Nanda Journeys Mental Health Peru

As a Tour Manager in Peru, I meet many people coming to visit Machu Picchu. This of course is one of the highlights of my country and I enjoy knowing that travel companies include this visit as part of their experience.

There are however, many different ways to organize tours in Peru and I love to participate in ones that show a real taste of my country. The best part of every Nanda Journey is connecting people to local communities through authentic and meaningful activities. Not only visiting museums and archaeological sites, but also local markets, talking with local people in a plaza, trying different fruits, vegetables and local dishes that you prepare yourself under the instruction of a local chef or member of the community.

I have had the chance to lead some Nanda Journeys in Peru and it was great to meet so many awe-inspiring, passionate and generous people. I feel so blessed to see our guests working alongside our Andean communities; visiting young children that have never seen a Deontologist; sacred valley dental exams visiting Peruvian Universities to interact with our professors and eager to learn students; bringing medical supplies and donations to a remote medical center in Ollantaytambo, a small rural community in the Sacred Valley. These are just some samples of what we collaboratively do with Nanda Journeys to immersive our guests and create a truly experiential and authentic journey.

Working with Andean communities is a powerful and energizing experience to me. It enriches me in many different and positive ways and I love to share with others enrich and make a difference in their life. It feels great getting involved and connecting people because it helps me to grow as a person and fulfill my need of purpose. This is what inspires me to work with Nanda as their National Guide.

Being a National Guide for Nanda Journeys makes me feel fabulous, we create meaningful and rewarding experiences that make a difference in my local community. I look forward to meeting you in Peru!

Daniel Flores – Professional Guide, Peru.

Daniel will be the national guide for the following upcoming journeys:

Does travel change your life? You bet!

Imagine being five years out of college, working at your dream job, and then being part of the prestigious 4th UN World Conference on Women in Beijing. I was, and it changed my life forever. It strengthened and enforced my love of travel, international cultures, and the power of strong and influential women from that day on.

Hillary Clinton, Mother Teresa, and many more influential women were there. The enormity of it struck me when our group of a few hundred women took up only a small section of the Opening Ceremony. A sea of women all excited to be a part of history!

Click here to listen to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton’s remarks to the Fourth Women’s Conference in Beijing, China. This footage is provided by the Clinton Presidential Library.

“By gathering in Beijing, we are focusing world attention on issues that matter most in our lives — the lives of women and their families: access to education, health care, jobs and credit, the chance to enjoy basic legal and human rights and to participate fully in the political life of our countries.” Hillary Rodham Clinton, 1995 remarks to the 4th Annual UN Conference for Women. Photo credit UN/DPI 051210 Yao Da Wei

This was my first, but not my last, journey to China and it truly made a difference. Travel became a passion, making a difference became a priority, and mentoring other female co-workers a new vision.

Life changing? Yes! A must? Yes! In my opinion, no matter your circumstances and other priorities, traveling to experience other cultures and to have those memorable experiences is something you will never regret and always hold tight.

Travel well!

Marcia Dartley – Program Director, Nanda Journeys

Links:

Official Video UN Fourth Women’s Conference, Beijing 1995

Official Website UN Women

Traveler, Tourist, Global Citizen, what’s the difference and does it matter?

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When you start to envision your international travel experiences, do you do so as a traveler or as a tourist? Do you believe there is a distinction between the two references or are they one and the same? This conversation cropped up all the time in our team discussions and product development meetings as we established the core values for Nanda Journeys. There are many articles written on the subject and as many alternative perspectives on the topic!

Ultimately, we decided our guests would be referred to as global citizens or travelers and not tourists. Our belief is that there are enough nuances and differences to make the distinction unique and that we believe our programs lend themselves to a traveler vs. tourist denomination. In fact, we went a step further and the term “Don’t call me a tourist, I am a global citizen” has become a secondary tag-line as we talk about our unique journeys and how they differ from other international travel opportunities.

I’m sure at this point you are asking, “So what exactly is the difference between a traveler, a global citizen, and a tourist and is one better than the other?” My own personal belief is that any type of international travel is a great thing, a glorious thing. Travel deepens our understanding of other cultures, their history, their beliefs and ultimately enriches our lives and the lives of others living in communities where tourism dollars are often key, if not the primary source of income for the local economy. I also believe it helps us to nurture global relations and promote a more peaceful and collaborative world.

As President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed in his “The Chance for Peace” speech in 1953 to the American Society of Newspapers, “A nation’s hope of lasting peace cannot be firmly based upon any race in armaments but rather upon just relations and honest understanding with all other nations.”

Landscape — U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Secretary of State John Foster Dulles (from left) greet South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem at Washington National Airport. 05/08/1957

Mark_Twain_by_AF_Bradley — Photo Credit – A.F Bradley, New York

Or as Mark Twain so eloquently put it “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad

So, while we actively support and promote all modes and types of travel, we do see us fulfilling a particular niche that lends itself more to a global citizen and traveler than to a tourist.

As a global citizen or traveler, a key component of our experience is the desire to connect with local educators, business professionals, community leaders, government officials or community members to learn firsthand about their language, culture, history {past and present} and how we can deepen our connections and relationships to improve cross-cultural understanding between nations. As a tourist, a key motivator is more likely to be traveling to a beautiful new country that has unique elements which there may not be easy access to in one’s home country/state. A primary driver is likely to be access to activities, natural resources such as beaches, lakes and mountains and hotel chains that are somewhat familiar.

A global citizen or traveler is excited to learn about local customs and meet people in their homes, maybe shares stories over a home cooked meal. Or, head to a local culinary school or restaurant and learn how to cook a local dish. A tourist is likely to be more driven to find a restaurant that has an English menu and has food options that are a little more familiar.

A global citizen or traveler wants to personally impact the local community they visit and show their gratitude through support of a community project or service opportunity. Maybe they, as we do at Nanda Journeys, take gifts for people they will encounter along the way, help teach English at a local school, provide much need supplies that the community does not readily have access to such as basic medical supplies, hygiene products or as on one of our groups recently, flutes for the local music group who had never seen the instrument or practiced on it before. A tourist likely loves to participate in the activities offered by their local hotel, stay a little closer to their resort, or relax on the beautiful beach or waterfront.

A global citizen or traveler takes a little time to research local customs and language and may even take a basic language skills course before they travel. At a minimum global citizens and travelers learn basic phrases so they can be gracious and thankful in the local language. Tourists are likely to expect that all interactions and communications be conducted in their own language. They are less likely to be motivated to learn the language and will select a destination where they know they can communicate easily in their mother tongue.

A global citizen or traveler is likely to select accommodations that are locally owned, boutique style and non-chain ownership. Loyalty points and rewards are less likely to be a factor in the decision as to where they might stay whereas a tourist is more likely to be loyal to a certain hotel brand to ensure they can reap the benefits of their loyalty. The location of accommodation is also likely to be different. For travelers, they are more comfortable with a non-central location vs. being in the heart of the city or town, if the accommodation is unique to the area and adds value to their cultural experience. Maybe a converted historic building, a former Maharaja Palace, glamping tents in a remote village, or a unique home-stay appeals to a traveler or global citizen. Tourists are more likely to select a chain hotel or a cruise where the amenities and facilities are more familiar and comfortable.

As you can see, there are merits to all styles of travel. None is better or worse than the other, rather the way we experience a destination is quite different in the same way that we are each different both in life and in travel. We at Nanda Journeys are excited to provide programs that are more likely to appeal to the global citizen and traveler while at the same time broadening the appeal to the segment of tourists who want to do or see more but maybe just don’t know how.

We encourage everyone to seek out new experiences, visit new places, and engage in a journey that will open your eyes and awaken your senses!

“That’s the glory of foreign travel, as far as I am concerned. I don’t want to know what people are talking about. I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again. You can’t read anything, you have only the most rudimentary sense of how things work, you can’t even reliably cross a street without endangering your life. Your whole existence becomes a series of interesting guesses.” Bill Bryson, Neither Here Nor There

Safe and happy travels wherever and however you may choose to explore.

Nicola Balmain
Founder/CEO – Nanda Journeys

041A9607 — Cooking class, Kumarakom India

Textile and carpet making experience Jaipur (18) — Learning art block printing, Jaipur India

Caligraphy class (19) — Calligraphy lesson, Japan

Pediatric dental exams, Sacred Valley, Peru

JSHRM meeting (37) — Meeting HR Executives, Tokyo, Japan

Foodie Chap, Liam Mayclem, reflects on his Culinary Journey To Kerala, India

KCBS Interview with Liam, Anjan & Arun

KERALA, INDIA – A culinary journey home with Chef Arun Gupta & Restauranteur Anjan Mitra. Coconut & rice, lamb & fish and all things spice – these are the tenants of Kerala cuisine in Southern India.

At a time when Indian cuisine appears to be everywhere in the Bay Area and being recognized with accolades and Michelin stars: (August 15, Rooh & DumSF and more), I joined the team behind San Francisco’s first South Indian restaurant DOSA (opened 2006) for a one of a kind culinary adventure. Chef Arun Gupta & restauranteur Anjan Mitra embarked on a trip home to India to rediscover their culinary roots and find inspiration to place on the menus at popular DOSA restaurants in San Francisco (on Fillmore & Valencia). I had the joy of tagging along for this bucket list once in a lifetime “foodie-cation”.

“For me this journey was an opportunity to find the best of Kerala cuisine and to understand what is at its heart” said Anjan.

In one week we travelled from Mumbai to Delhi to Kerala. From the coast of Kerala where the Kerala fish curry rules and further south into the mountains to tea country and further in to Periyar, known as India’s “Spice box”. The bounty here is impressive, it’s a pantry in nature. It’s mind blowing what can be found on one farm.

“You can go into the back yard and pick and taste and smell curry leaves and cloves from a bush and pull up ginger and tumeric from the ground. Then you step into the kitchen and smell the same spices being cooked, simmering in fresh coconut oil” says Chef Arun.

041A9712 — Nanda Journeys cooking class with the experts

We cooked and learned with amazing chefs from the region’s resorts and with home cooks too. Each chef provided a chance to delve deeper into the roots and culture of this spice driven Indian cuisine. Chef Jerry of SPICE VILLAGE cooked “Avial” – a vegetable dish with coconut, curry leaves and turmeric. Home cook Anu Mathew cooked the Kilcutty Chicken Curry with her Mother. It was indeed one of the highlights showcasing the best of the region, an impressive embarrassment of riches from the 35 acre farm. A chicken curry made Kerala style with coconut oil & milk and all the spices the garden grows: Cloves, curry leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, fennel, cumin and allspice. Chef Arun hopes to feature this Kerela favorite on the DOSA SF menus. A dish that will represent Kerala with spices from region coupled with fresh California ingredients.

I learned a thing of two as well on this culinary adventure by Nanda Journeys. I learned that the best of Kerala’s cuisine is to be found at the homestays, the food cooked by mama or grandma, recipes passed on through the ages and each cooked with that extra portion of love and soul. Visitors who stay at these homes get an authentic Kerala experience, eating and living like a local. They also get three full tasty meals a day and will often eat with the family. The homestays are as varied as the spices that show up in Kerala dishes. One we visited was on a 100 plus acres rubber plant farm and the other on a 35 acre farm that grew it all: Bananas, coconuts, curry leaves, cloves,cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, peppers and more.

The food came from the back yard to the table and the fish from the river just feet away. The freshness of the cuisine was palpable, the flavors banging, the joy from each tasty bite expressed through the quiet as we ate and satisfying smiles from all as we finished every soulful bite on our plates.

Chef Arun on the Kerala culinary journey: “We spent 10 days in a region of India that is very connected to the land, to what they eat and what they grow. You have a people that are very proud of their culture and eager to share it and teach it. We got to experience the whole food story here in Kerela for example picking pepper corns from a tree and seeing them evolve from bright and green to a biting black and later to a bowl of prawn pepper fry.”

Expect the flavors and spirit of Kerala to show up with a California sensibility soon on the DOSA SF menus. Perhaps Appam – the coconut flavored bread eaten with the Kilcutty Chicken Curry or a local fish cooked with Kerala spices wrapped in a banana leaf.

I cannot wait to return to Kerala for another food seeking mission but for now DOSA SF, closer to home will give me and you the opportunity for a yummy taste of Kerala. Every single Kerala dish an inviting spice party on your palate.

Enjoy my tasty “chaat” with DOSA’s Executive Chef Arun Gupta & owner Anjan Mitra. A big heartfelt thanks to them both for being my travel companions on this trip that took them to their ancestral home – India and to the heart of their native Indian cuisine.

Cheers, Liam!

Grilled Striped Bass With Moilee Sauce
Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 medium (~4-5 striped bass gutted fileted and pinboned with the scales left ON)
—placeholder for Kerala marinade—-
1 bunch cilantro washed and dried.
1 TBSP ginger, finely grated
1TBSP garlic finely chopped
1 Jalapeño finely chopped with seeds
1 Thai chili finely chopped
2 medium ripe tomatoes (one chopped and one puréed)
3/4 cup sliced shallots
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
60 ml unsweetened coconut milk
5 of curry leaves
Salt to taste
Water as needed
Coconut oil for cooking as needed

Fish Marinade Ingredients:

1.5 cups coconut vinegar (sub white wine vinegar if coconut vinegar is not available
1 small red onion thinly sliced
8 dried red chilis
6 garlic cloves smashed
1 TBSP ginger freshly grated
1 tsp black peppercorns
1/4 tsp coriander seeds
4 cloves
1/tsp cinnamon powder
1 TBSP desiccated coconut

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients except dessicated coconut and let sit for 2 hours or up to one day.
In a small food processor purée until smooth. Fold in coconut and apply to fish. This marinade can hold for up to one week.
For the fish season well with salt and ground black pepper. Apply marinade thoroughly and let sit for an hour

Moilee Sauce Instructions:

In a medium stockpot, and heat coconut oil on medium high until oil is shimmering
Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly until lightly browned.
Add jalapeno and fenugreek seeds and cook until fenugreek is lightly browned- this will help eliminate bitter flavor
Add shallots and cook, stirring constantly until shallots are golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes
And curry leaves and continue to cook until mixture is dark brown (not burnt) actively scraping and stirring any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Approximately 5-7 minutes
Add chopped and puréed tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes or until raw flavor is gone
Combine powdered spices with 1/2 cup water and pour mixture into pot. Turn heat to low and cook 4-5 minutes
Add coconut milk and continue to cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes. If sauce looks to be getting too thick add water
Season to taste with salt and fresh lime juice

To cook the fish:

Using a gas or charcoal grill place filets on hottest part of the grill scale side down.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until fish is 80 percent cooked. Place cilantro on grill creating two separate beds for the fish filets to lie on and flip filets into cilantro.
Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
The scales on the fish should tighten up and even blacken. This will help keep the fish’s moisture and also keep the fish from sticking to the grill. When the fish is cooked the flesh should flake write off the skin which should not be eaten.
Serve with Moilee sauce and rice as well as chutneys and mango pickle if desired.
(Note: if you do not have a grill you can substitute scaled filets of striped bass and bake fish in the oven wrapped in a banana leaf or aluminum foil until fish is cooked through 12-15 minutes depending on thickness)

CONTACT:
DOSA on Valencia
995 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 642-3672
www.dosaSF.com

Dosa on Fillmore
1700 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 441-3672
www.dosaSF.com

Music Education in Argentina & Chile

It’s been my privilege to lead music education delegations for nearly ten years. Each time I venture to another country and meet people steeped in unfamiliar cultures I am reminded of our differences and, more importantly, our similarities as humans. I come home a different person after each trip and I am grateful for these opportunities. Now I am counting the weeks until we head to colorful, exotic Tanzania this summer! To learn more about how you can join us in Tanzania, click HERE Blog image

Why Nanda Journeys?

Welcome to the Nanda Journeys Blog. Here we will share traveler stories and highlights from our unique journeys. By way of an introduction, I thought the best place to start would be to share a little about Nanda Journeys, how we came to be and why we are so passionate about what we do.

My team and I have over 60 years collective experience creating and delivering highly immersive experiential travel programs. Our goal is to connect people who are passionate about the sames things and who together can be change makers, improving the lives of communities around the world through education, community project support and friendship. We are dedicated to people, global communities, responsible travel and authentic experiences.

I decided to call my business Nanda Journeys for two reasons.

India is my personal heart destination and I feel a little piece of me lives there, each time I visit I fall in love a little more. Nanda is the Sanskrit word for Joy. I want each of their travelers to have a joyous and happy experience when they are traveling and thus this seemed very apt.
Journeys spoke to me as it evokes a sense of curiosity, an evolving experience that never ends. I want our guests to have that same feeling. Their journey should never end as we should have facilitated creating friendships and connections that will go on forever, regardless of their ever taking another Nanda Journey.

The idea came to me after a particularly inspiring yoga class and as soon as I had settled on the name Nanda Journeys, the tag line Travel for People with Purpose and Passion popped in to my head and I didn’t give it a second thought! One of the joys of owning one’s own business is the ability to be decisive!

So there you have it how Nanda Journeys came to be. We hope you will journey with us vicariously through our blog posts or by joining one of our journeys.

Taj Mahal with Haji (65) — Nicola visiting her heart destination and proudly showcasing the Nanda Journeys brand!