Gopika sent me another shopping list for this morning. She is still sick and can’t go out by herself. So I changed my plan, going to Sri Ramanasramam, and went shopping. At first, I got some Colloidal Silver from Penny, who is Gopika’s Pilates teacher. It was in a private house near Kavin’s Restaurant on Perumpakkam Road.
Then I drove to Sarala’s Cafe, where she would make some Rasam for Gopika. Rasam is a traditional South Indian soup that is the definition of “soul food.” Often called Saaru in Kannada or Chaaru in Telugu, it is prized for its tangy, spicy, and warming qualities. While it is a staple side dish for rice, it is also frequently served as a soothing drink to combat colds or aid digestion.
I had a pair of trousers and a Kurta in my bag. It needed some repairs. The tailor is on this road. I went there and left the clothes. They will be ready after 15:00 today.
From the Ayurvedic shop, I bought some Samahan. Samahan is a globally popular Ayurvedic “instant tea” or herbal powder from Sri Lanka. It is widely regarded as a natural home remedy for the common cold, flu symptoms, and overall immune support. While it is called a “tea,” it doesn’t actually contain tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). Instead, it is a concentrated, water-soluble granulate made from a blend of 14 medicinal herbs and spices.
For myself, I bought some Coke Zero, loose black tea, and jaggery. Jaggery is a traditional, unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It is widely used across South Asia (where it’s called Gur in Hindi or Vellam in Tamil), Southeast Asia, and Africa. Because it isn’t centrifuged or highly processed like white sugar, it retains its natural molasses, which gives it a distinct toasty, caramel-like flavour and a dark golden-to-brown colour.
Last but not least, I got some organic veggies from Ramesh. He has a small shop near Tasty Cafe. Veggies are pretty expensive there, but organic.
With all this stuff, I drove home, and Gopika was set up for the day.
I went up to my roof apartment and worked on my laptop for a while. For lunch, I just had some bread and cheese. I was not very hungry. Later in the afternoon, I went to the Ashram. Sitting in Samadhi Hall, I feel the energy of this spiritual place and Arunachala. One hour later, I crossed the road for a chai. The chai maker recognised me and shook my hand. I am getting chai with half sugar here, it’s still enough. I bought some bread and curd at Ramana Market.
Back home again, I was writing to Sarah to meet for dinner. We decided to go to Ananda Ramana, opposite the Ashram at 18:30. It is always delicious food there, Sahrah had a Dosa and I some Peas Masala with rice. After lunch, we were sitting for a while in a Dosa and Chai place on Chengam Road. Later, I dropped Sarah off at her home and went back home myself.
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