Wind Chimes

September 2010

ECS Nepal Magazine

The soothing tinkles of wind chimes are ever comforting and calming. When the wind grazes the wind catcher, the flow of musical chimes fills the air with tranquility. And if the elegant frame is pleasing to the eye, the resonating sound it generates is a treat to the ears.

Today, wind chimes occupy a fair share of space in interior decorations. We even find bell-like wind chimes in temples and Buddhist monasteries. Hung by the ledge of the door, window or just any place that receives plenty of wind, wind chimes evoke a haunting melody, adding to the serene ambiance.

Wind chimes have different appearances – intricate bell like instruments, a cluster of aluminum tubes around a clapper, or just a bunch of similar looking objects suspended from a ring-like structure with a wind catcher. These graceful musical devices are made of different materials ranging from various metals, including clay and wood. Bamboo wind chimes and wind bells are also quite popular. The present day decorative wind chimes are a result of alteration and transformation over time in various cultures. The genuine original wind chimes date back to prehistoric times, and archaeological evidences point to the fact that East and South Asia are their actual places of origin.

Wind chimes were considered religious objects believed to attract kind spirits and drive away evil ones. The Buddhists especially revere wind bells and hung them by the hundreds from the eaves of shrines, pagodas, temples as well as in caves. Wind chimes were also used for immediate weather forecasting, observing conditions such as wind speed and direction. In China and Japan, they started being used as decorative pieces in private homes. Their popularity spread widely among Western countries in the 19th and 20th centuries and, today, wind chimes are used extensively around the world with the belief that they bring good luck.

Going beyond their appearance and decorative attributes, wind chimes have a much deeper significance: they can have a healing effect on both the mind and body. The resonance and vibration of their sounds are considered to release stress, release emotional blockages in the body and calm the mind, thereby enhancing conscious awareness and connection with the spirit. The sounds of wind chimes are thought to be positive that usher relaxation and reduce anger and tension. Wind chimes help instilling in us a sense of peace and wellbeing, too. It is believed that they can help bring balance and harmony to your garden and home, and they are also often used in Feng Shui.

Nepal has also been making its mark in the international wind chime market. Clay wind chimes, wood wind chimes, bamboo wind chimes and Tibetan standing wind chimes are a few of the locally manufactured varieties. These wind instruments, as already mentioned, are very popular in Western countries where most of them are exported to, and among the foreigners who buy them as souvenirs. Be it on an international or national level, for decorative purposes, religiosity or as stimulants for good health and wellbeing, wind chimes will always be popular the world over for their aesthetic simplicity and the enduring sweet notes they leave lingering in the air.

PERFUMES:THE RIGHT WAY!!!

Living

I am very sensitive to smell. A single whiff of a strong smell and my system launches spasms of headaches. This is probably something you have no particular curiosity of knowing and you don’t really care. But let me finish….despite of having a long term love-hate relationship with scents, I just can’t stop being madly in love with perfumes- all kind of perfumes. And my devotion has taught me quite a bit about the fragrances that might interest you.

Perfumes have always been an elegance and panache enhancer. Some women own as many bottles of scent as other women have handbags or shoes. The average woman, however, is likely to have no less than 3 fragrances. An everyday perfume, one for a special occasion or evening wear, and a signature scent that is her absolute favorite. When perfumistas seem to be on rise, a basic know how about perfumes never hurt.

My obsession of perfume has gotten deeper with the time but in the process I’ve had my share of fragrance faux-pas. During my teen years my ultimate favorite was floral ones, but of course, with my over the top teen ways, I used to wear way too much and ended up smelling like a crazy old lady. Then there were the times when I chose the wrong perfumes which were just too strong or not strong enough and sometimes extremely inappropriate for the occasion. I have learnt from my smelly mistakes and my sole interest lies in helping you avoid being the “perfuminator”.

First things first! Always remember to select a lighter perfume for the daytime and stronger perfumes for the evenings. Wrong choices will lead to scrunched up noses all around you. Dousing yourself with the fragrance is also not very wise. Most people won't tell you that your perfume bothers them, but more people are affected by scent sensitivities than you think. Here is the correct way of applying perfumes.

- Apply perfume on your skin preferably after a bath/shower since your skin is nice and clean and can absorb your favorite fragrance more thoroughly.
-Apply it to your pulse points- the wrists, crook of the elbow, back of the knees, cleavage and neck. Be careful to dab or spray lightly, not crush the smell (for example by rubbing your wrists together).
-If your perfume comes in spray, squirt a small amount of perfume into the air in front of you and walk through it so your whole body is immersed in a light spray of scent.
- Allow the scent to dry. Many people put on perfume and immediately dress, which rubs some of it off and prevents the fragrance from really being absorbed. It takes about an hour for the perfume to develop with your natural scent.

There are different types of scents; Rich and spicy, boldly floral, sweet and fruity, fresh and elegant, sensuous or sexy and musky. The choice may depend on many things, like the purpose. Consider the situation and the impression that you want to leave before spraying on the perfume. It is advisable to skip perfume for small events in a closed room for it may affect others negatively.

If you take public transportation consider applying your perfume after you arrive at work. Leave the perfume off if you have a doctor or dentist's appointment, surgery or X-rays. Skip the perfume at a job interview. You don’t want your alluring scent masking your skills. You will want to pick stronger perfumes for occasions like wedding and evening parties while a mild one will do for the day time events. Avoid spraying perfumes with clothes or jewelry on. Some fragrances do tend to stain cloth, metals and pearls, ruining your favorite apparel. Also, you are perfuming yourself, not your clothes.

Expand your perfume wardrobe because overuse of a same scent will lose its fragrance. There are thousands of types to choose from. Explore, experiment and SPRAY AWAY!!

Growing up not growing old

Living

I do not want to grow old!!If I had my way I would stay forever young- one wish that is never going to come true, indifferent of the innumerable shooting stars and countless visits to the wishing wells.
No, it isn’t the superficial blanket that scares me because I know better than to judge a person by number of wrinkles or the stooping frail body. It isn’t the unavoidable mountain of pills and tiredness either. The hitch is the blank picture. I just cannot paint an 85 year old wrinkled self of me snoozing in the front porch under the warm sun.

When I can't ride my scooter or swim or dance anymore, when I'm too senile to remember things, when I can't visit beautiful places or hear my favorite music or eat my favorite food I don’t think life will be worth living. But that is a secret. Honestly no one wants to grow old, if they did the magazines and television wouldn’t be so densely populated with advertisements claiming to hide the old age symptoms.

A lot of my acquaintances suffer from Gerontophobia. Okay, I am just being dramatic but yes there are a lot who do not want to grow old. In fact some are even as drastic as to say they’d kill themselves before a certain age. Growing old isn’t just the addition of digits on your age. It brings with it the loss of looks, the loss of independence, inactivity after retirement, impaired mobility, the onset of diseases and loneliness. The inevitable is enough to scare anyone out of their minds.

I was one of the frightened until I got talking about the age issue with my senior relatives during a family gathering and they had a lot to share. My retired uncle zestfully talked about his London trip to visit his younger daughter and my grand aunt rambled about her three pet dogs. And as I listened to them planning about their next pilgrimage visit I had an epiphany. Being old did not put a stop to all the activities and it did not mean I could not dance or listen to my music and it definitely did not mean that life functioned in a slow motion. Slowly but surely I found my notions being transformed. By the time the conversation ended my perspective on old age had completely changed.

When you are older and have left the amateur years far behind you, you get the sense of individuality. You don’t have the worries or shyness you had about yourself when you were younger. You grow up, you learn. You learn to shed the awkwardness and battle the problems of life headlong and effectively. Retirement can seem like an avalanche of sorrows but actually all the free time allows you to do all that you have been putting off because of work commitments or busy life schedule. You could even take up some long forgotten hobbies. The not so attractive facts of senility remained but now however it was cloaked under optimistism.

There is a large gloomy side of old age but there are little occasional spots of sunshine. Like the wisdom portion and the fact that you have no more lessons to learn. And there is the added bonus of freedom to be truly you. Growing old is inevitable and I have braced myself to face it. Now my mantra is - “Growing old is compulsory but growing up is optional”- and as the number goes on adding I will hold on to the

optional bit tighter. And here is a confession, a tiny part of me actually wants to grow old or better yet grow up. 

The Aroma of Success

Healthy Life

Ever dreamt of swimming under the stars in a pool of clean cool water, surrounded on all sides by rich green foliage? Well, dream no longer. Here’s where you can make it a reality. Tonight!

Summer brings with it sun, heat, and body showcasing dresses. What else can be the best way to beat the heat and tone the body than swimming? Aroma Sports Center is just the perfect fit. Tucked away behind the houses in the residential area of Sanepa, the center has been operating for a decade to ensure the health of people by providing both fitness and recreational facilities.

A small vine covered alleyway marking the entrance opens up to the vast expanse (16 ropanis) that houses the fitness center, a tennis court, skating rink, swimming pools, cafeteria and a house, complete with parking space. The narrow path preceding the actual property often earns words of pleasant surprises. Proprietor Aprajita Malla prefers to address it as, “a paradise in the urban jungle”. No other phrase can better describe the secluded but healthy ambience of the greenery filled area.

The house on the premises earlier used for gym has now been remodeled as a care center for children. Busy working parents can register their children at the After School Recreational and Education Center (ASREC) where the children are provided care, recreational activity and tutorials to help them with their academics. The sports center boasts of three swimming pools and a café. At Aroma, you can enjoy a good exercise session and a rewarding bite at the café afterwards. During the summer season Aroma is host to many swimmers who visit it to ward off the heat but during the dry winters, the members opt for tennis or stop by for the tasty food.

The recreational, fitness and safety factors make the sports center arguably the best getaway from the hectic daily life of a Kathmanduite. “Good health for me is feeling good about myself that corresponds to gaining confidence in everything I do” states Malla who herself is a regular exerciser. Here are some more wise words from her that are worth listening to:

On starting a workout
As soon as you start exercising, you start experiencing changes in your body’s homeostasis – a process that maintains bodily equilibrium.  If there is a drastic change, the body will regain its original condition.  Exercise should be done on a regular basis with an exception of a day that can be set aside for resting. Regularity in workout helps the body to function well.

Importance of exercise
Exercise keeps the mind and body healthy. It is essential to regulate the two facets for optimum wellbeing. If the brain is stuck so is the body and that’s what happens in the absence of exercise.  To have perfect health you should study your body and listen to it because the body can tell you when you really need to start exercising or tone down. I believe swimming is the best exercise one can have so I suggest swimming to everybody. We provide a trainer who is a national level swimmer.

Exercise and nutrition

Eating right is a must. With all the hype about zero size figures, everyone is aspiring to have one. Girls specially are turning anorexic but being attractive isn’t about having a skinny figure. When you feel good you look good and a balance between exercise and diet should be maintained to achieve it. Don’t shovel down everything you see in sight. Have several light meals at smaller intervals rather than having huge meals at long intervals. Four light meals are always healthier than two huge ones. Fruits and vegetables should occupy the maximum space in you diet.

The right age

Age is no issue when it comes to exercising. There is no right age to start exercising for everybody needs exercise in some form.  A young kid needs to stretch his body, play some games and be active. An adult needs to exercise to keep his body and mind active and strong. Elderly people need it to keep their system functioning and also as an option to utilize their time. Exercise regulates blood flow which is a major aspect of a healthy body.

Personal routine
Mornings are always the best time for workouts. Working out for 45 minutes to 1 hour is enough exercising unless you want to have an actor’s body.
I used to play tennis and swim regularly but after the birth of my baby, my workouts are limited to breathing exercises in the morning and swimming in the evening. I don’t leave my house without my morning meditation which last for half an hour and I swim during the evenings which also happens to be my favorite calorie burner.  Exercise keeps me going so I workout on a regular basis.
Before joining
Before joining a fitness club or starting a workout routine some things should always be considered for optimum results.

•     First of all, you should know how much exercise you’ve been getting. If you are a regular exerciser than you can start with difficult workouts but if you are a nouveau then you should start with minor routines.
•     If you are new to working out then you should never take up exercises that over burdens you. You should start with less exercise and continue increasing it as your body gets used to it. Over exercising does more harm than good.
•     Choose a workout routine that suits you. If you can enjoy your workout it will help you get healthier faster.

Inspiration
The greatest inspiration can come from oneself. First of all, the mind should be set. The decision to exercise is the first step and of course you need fresh oxygen in your system while working out to keep you going. When you exercise in a healthy manner you feel good and this feel good factor encourages you to continue exercising.

Relaxing Getaway

Aroma Sports Center is a place where people can be with their families. The environment is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Kathmandu used to be a place filled with trees and jungles but you can hardly see it now. At Aroma you can get in touch with nature and get healthy side by side. With its trendy café and ample parking space it is an excellent choice for hosting events. The opening hours stretch from early 6 am to late 8 pm and swimming under the stars could be one experience you don’t want to miss. It is a place that one should visit at least once just for the sake of it.

Astha Tamang-Maskey : a Singer on the Rise

Living

Being a music addict, I often find myself at concerts and gigs, swaying to the rhythm of live musical performances. On one such occasion I was at Alliance Française, attending a jazz musical show when I first became familiar with the name Astha Tamang-Maskey. The girl with the guitar caught my attention and after a few searches on the internet, her song started appearing on my playlist. Almost two years have elapsed since the event but very recently I got to meet her in person. She was 10 when she started singing, 14 when she discovered the songwriter in her and 15 when she recorded her first song. Now at 20, she has an album, “Sabai Thikai Hunchha” and a growing number of independent singles under her belt. With both of her parents involved in music, she grew up in music and eventually fell in love with it, but never had she thought that she would take it up as a career. Yet here she is, standing as one of the best musicians of the Nepali music industry and carving a niche in the global music scenario.


Astha Tamang-Maskey is a Nepal born Canadian resident. As a child, she was the ‘good girl’ who used to do all that she was told. She was the perfect child who was good at studies and took part in extracurricular activities. She spent the first 12 years of her life in Nepal after which she went to Toronto. “Canada is fast paced whereas Nepal is laidback,” says the songstress who loves both the countries equally. However big a star she may be, she is still a normal girl. On a typical day, she wakes up at around 8, takes a shower and goes to school where most of her day is spent. She plays with her little brother or hangs out with her close circle of friends during her free time. She loves to have long telephone conversations and as she isn’t a television person, she turns on the internet. She also listens to music and writes a song or two. Her day is incomplete without music.


When she was younger, her relatives and parents used to coax her to sing because she was good at it; but it wasn’t until she was 19 that her musical career officially took off. She got a chance to come to Nepal which she promptly took and it proved to be the turning point in her life. Once she was in Nepal, she started doing little circuits around the town and Astha Tamang-Maskey became quite a popular name. A year in Nepal was a major experience for learning and exploring. After a recorded album and faithful crowd of fans she went back to Toronto and updated her collection via YouTube. Now she is back in Nepal and plans on doing a round of shows and release two videos ‘Sabai Thikai Hunchha’ a nepali song and an English song.


Astha Tamang-Maskey credits her best moments to the days when she had just started writing songs; times when she is performing; and to the moment when after a performance someone comes up to her and says that they could relate to her song. The bubbly musician faces her life with the mantra ‘be positive’. No matter what the situation may be like, she always manages to draw up the positivity and manages to stand through it. A music career is the hardest thing because it is financially upsetting at times and makes you want to give up, but during those darker times, Astha remembers an advice given by her close friend-‘Never ever give up. The second you give up might be the moment where you could have made it.’


Astha describes herself as a workaholic, who is often a bit harsh on herself, and would like to change her habit of neglecting herself health wise and mentally. After doing music for so many years, she ‘definitely’ wants to take it further and has no plans otherwise. ‘People have a hard time finding their passion, I was lucky to have found mine and I am going to stick to it,’ the passionate singer asserts. She wants to be a successful, well-known musician but at the end of the day she wants to be remembered as a person with a good heart because that is important.


Her music is a way of expression, a language that is a voice for her feelings. She pens down her sentiments into her songs and each of her songs is a part of herself and her true personality. Her favorites are always her current compositions for she can relate the most to the recent ones. “I am a normal, regular girl who likes to write and sing songs,’ says this down to earth girl who doesn’t want to be  treated differently. During her time in Kathmandu www.kgarira.com will be handling her events and if you want to contact her or know more about this versatile singer, you can always visit www.asthamusic.com.

Playing the Host

Living

Have you ever visited someone’s place and never felt like leaving because the party and hostess were perfect. Well this festival season, you could get in those shoes and earn the praise by taking care of just a few basic things. Here is your foolproof guide on how to be the perfect host.


The month of September has arrived and we find ourselves once again on the threshold of our major festival season. With Dashain and Tihar just around the corner, our schedules are marked “occupied’ with shopping, cooking, visiting relatives, and most importantly playing host to our guests.


Festivals are all about families and catching up on loved ones. At this time of year, we make a point to visit our relatives, distant family members and friends. The holidays, in spite of being hectic as it always is, brings everybody together. Parties become an everyday occurance and invitations are generous and frequent. We might find our otherwise quiet house filled with people; for the dinner party, the card party and sometime stopping over just to surprise us.


Along with the merriment, celebration and get-togethers also comes the responsibility of hosting parties. The role of a host is not an easy one and we give our very best to organize the perfect party. From making the guest list to decoration and culinary chores, everything is important for a successful party. You cannot just decide to throw an impromptu party and hope it to be the ‘talk to the town’. A first-rate party is the result of detailed  planning and excellent arrangements.


 “A perfect host is one who is poised, gracious and can give undivided attention to all the guests miraculously,” says Parmita Shakya, a socialite and a member of avid party loving family. For a good party everything from the occasion to food to the guest list and the décor is important. “When my parents have parties at home, we usually ‘divide and conquer’. Mom looks after the food & beverage, dad looks after the guests and bhai and I look after the bar, décor, and music,” reveals Parmita. She loves to throw themed parties and the most recent party that she hosted was for her brother’s debut DJ performance at Tamas.


Anjali Gurung is the personal assistant of the Country Director of WFP and a successful hostess. “Everyone wants to be a perfect host, but this is something that is for the guests to decide!” says this party lover who loves to host parties and cook new dishes. Normally, she hosts her parties at her residence, which makes it feel warm and homely and plans ahead of time to ensure that the party is smooth. She along with her husband discuss the guest list, menu (what dishes to put; how many Veg/Non Veg dishes to include; allergies or restrictions etc) the venue and the type of environment needed.


Some people are born to act the perfect host but everyone does not possess such talents. For the rest of us, these tips ought to help us acquire the requisite skills:


First things first. Invitations are a major factor. Call them up or send out invites, but make sure they are updated about the timing and venue directly from you.


Cleanliness is always pleasant. Before your guests arrive, make sure to thoroughly clean the rooms as well as the bathroom.


Get everything ready at least 45 minutes before your guests start arriving so that you have enough time to wind up and get yourself ready.


Smile is a must. Greet each of your guests with an attractive smile. It makes them feel welcome and comfortable.


Decoration should be in accordance with the occasion and avoid over doing it.


Do not forget the children. If your party is expecting young guests then make sure you have something planned for them. Board games and video games are some options and take care to stock up on snacks. If you keep them busy, the chances of mishaps are lower and you might just become their favorite aunt.


Check your guests’ diet. You might be an excellent cook but if you serve something that your guest does not eat or despises or is allergic to, then your cooking isn’t going to earn any praises. Get acquainted with your guests’ diet and make sure you don’t end up serving meat to a vegan.


Always have backup toiletries for your guests, should they plan to stay over. Ask them if they will need any additional items so they are not embarrassed asking you for them later.


Get outside the kitchen. Sometimes we get so involved with preparing dinner that we spend the entire time in the kitchen. Make sure you spend some time with your visitors.


If a guest spills something on your carpet or accidentally breaks the vase in the hallway, never make them feel guilty for doing so. Decorations are just enhancements and anything can be fixed or cleaned, so don’t harp on a mistake your guest may have made. If you have really valuable objects such as artifacts, then put them away in a safe place before guests arrive.


Keep your first aid kit ready so that minor accidents can be immediately attended to.


Just keep in mind some fun things you can do with your guests. If they are visiting for a few days, look at the newspaper for fun events that may be going on around town or come up with some ideas of places you can visit to show your guests around. It’s never any fun to have that “I don’t know. What do YOU want to do?” conversation.

Bob Cut

Vodka Tales

Living

A distilled spirit with high alcohol content, Vodka is very popular as the ideal drink for mixing with sweet stuff until it’s essentially Kool-Aid with a kick.

Do you remember the time when you had your first shot of vodka? The burning sensation running down your throat, the electrifying sparks warming your fingertips, toes, your whole body and finally the pleasant dizziness- the forbidden ecstasy. “What’s so wrong in having a single shot of vodka?” you ask yourself and gulp it down. The single shot turned into double and before you knew it, you got so drunk that you couldn’t remember your own name; had alcohol poisoning or worse got arrested and ended up vowing never to drink again. These tales have been told and retold so many times that everybody feels a part of it. We have had our crazy moments and we also have our share of vodka stories.

It all happened way back in high school. It was a friend’s birthday and you know how things tend to get a little out of hand when a bunch of teenagers are left on their own in an empty house with a ‘well endowed bar’.  Yes, we decided to sneak out a bottle of vodka and celebrate. Everybody was drunk and it was beginning to get a little boring and one of the drunken geniuses suggested we go to Nagarkot. So those of us who were awake sneaked out in the dead of night, silently towing our bikes and scooters, not daring to start it until we were a good distance away from the house, lest we wake up the neighbors. This is our favorite drunken story because vodka, friends and the spectacular sunrise from Nagarkot is unbeatable. 


Drinking has always been a part of man’s territory but we like to think of ourselves as 21st century women, and so we allow ourselves this one single act of indulgence. There are many other feminists who have also learnt the art of holding their alcohol filled glasses. This part of our lifestyle that used to be frowned upon, has slowly gained ground as an accepted social practice. Drinking culture is on the rise and vodka has a widespread kingdom of its own. Because of its easy blending attributes and affordable price, it is liked by men and women alike. Its popularity is reaching new heights and has even managed to find a market among teenagers.

Vodka has been around since the 17th century but where it originated is shrouded in mystery. Many nations have claimed to be the birthplace of this popular spirit. However, the two leading candidates as the mother country of vodka are Poland and Russia. Vodka began as rye-based liquor, and as it became more popular, potato became the ingredient of choice. Even though potato-based vodka wasn’t the best taste-wise, it was much easier to distill than other grains. As vodka made the switch from a family made liquor to one that was produced on a grand scale by large distilleries, the potato was discarded and grain was embraced. Today most brands of vodka are distilled from rye, wheat, barley, and most commonly corn. Vodka is distilled at very high proofs and then filtered through vegetable charcoal. Alcoholic proof is a measure of how much alcohol (i.e., ethanol) is contained in an alcoholic beverage; the higher the proof in vodka, the less the flavor and clearer the color. 


Coming closer to home, Nepal is no stranger to the drinking culture. In fact drinking has always been a part of our tradition where local alcohols like chyyang, ayla, tho and tongba have played a significant role socially, religiously and historically. Age is no bar when it comes to drinking in Nepal for even infants are given a spoonful of alcohol to induce a good night’s sleep. With ever growing western influences, it is no surprise that Nepalis are enticed by foreign brands of alcohol. Gin, Rum, Whiskey, Brandy, Tequila and Vodka are gaining popularity amongst the adults and teenagers, both men and women alike. Breaking the conventional notion of ‘wine is for women’, the females these days tend to go for harder liquors and spirits. Because of the psychological and physical differences, women are designed to handle only half the amount of alcohol the male can consume. But the latest trend for the ladies is to compete with their male counterparts.

We don’t mean to preach, since we are in no position to do so. Drinking make us feel more confident and sociable, so it has emerged as something of a communal savior, but it doesn’t come without its perils. Media and celebrities have aggravated the popularity furthermore. Frequently, we see people lose control after a heavy drinking session and end up in hospital or even the morgue. We are not saying you should give up drinking, but don’t let things get out of hand. It is always good to be safe.