A very rare feeling feel crippled to a great extent today. A power failure that lasted approx. 4 hours in the student block on campus. Well worth writing a blog about considering its the second that has happened in my last two years of stay.
Everything in the house runs on electricity except the ventilation system and water supply. From the wireless modem for the internet which many people in the block are sharing with me right now, to the cooking stove (halogen filament). One couldnt get his breakfast ready, or check his email before leaving to class, take his clothes off the washing machine (stuck in mid wash cycle), dry them and have a shower in th dark. These three hours lacking power showed the block mates how dependent we are on electricity. There was chaos in the block- people knocking on each others windows to find out if they were the only ones with the cut. A number or contact that older dwellers had of the maintenance team, so that its sorted asap. Considering it was saturday, the response was quicker than quick. Thats how the Swedes are. They couldnt be in time to avoid the minifridge from defrosting the old school way- water puddle. For those who had to go to school, might have come across to their friends as a walking talking stick of deodorant (A joke).
Not a challenge for most in India who are used to long lasting power cuts. For example, my grandparents house in India has a back up power generator from heavy duty serial battery. But we do have stoves that run on LPG (Liquidised petroleum gas) and a cauldron on a furnace that uses dry twigs and flora (and pretty much anything that burns). The reason why this struck me is the contrast in lifestyle. Swedish system is prevalent on energy efficiency and continous production to maintain their high standard of living. While most parts in India even today, have it relatively crude (self sustainable in its own sense). I cant help these thoughts as I am in an agricultural university in one of the greenest countries on Earth. Plus, something new for blog readers.
October 13, 2012
October 12, 2012
Chapati Renaissance
Thanks to a mini cook book that came along with ad paper from a Swedish supermarket, ICA, I was re-introduced to this long lost healthy food from India- chapathi. A pan roasted disc rolled to resemble a thick crepe made from whole wheat flour and simple ingredients like butter/oil, yoghurt, salt and water. Another way to describe it would be as the Indian tortilla made out of whole wheat.
All thanks to ICA. There was a recipe of this bread on their seasonal brochure with an Aubergine curry.
Whole wheat flour or "Atta", pronounced "aah-tah" is expensive and only available in exotic grocery stores in Sweden. However, I ve circumnavigated myself to a cheaper solution. I make the base flour mix from vetemjol (white wheat flour) and vetekli (bran isolate of wheat) in a 70-30 % or 60-40% depending on the dish (curry) it will accompany. Mix it in a cake bowl with salt to taste, and add yoghurt (natural full fat) (a cup or two) and half a cup of butter or cooking oil. Mix it in a food processor or by using clean hands to a a lump of dough. I add luke warm water as I mix to attain the right moisture for the dough. Then, roll them to uniform, thin discs using a rolling pin.
Something like this-
It helps if the final shape is close to circular. If it resembles the map of china, I d say that you are getting close. To avoid dough from sticking to the pin, or the surface you are rolling on, keep white flour handy. Sprinkle it as you go.
Cooking them is the easiest part- HOT nonstick pan, no oil/grease as it fumes the place and then place the chapatis on it. Flip them once they fluff up. An ideally cooked chapati surface should have darkened spots on it like that of a Leopard (refer to the picture above).
Add butter once you laid it out on a plate so that it melts and preserves the moisture. Enjoy with the curry of choice, although, for my western freinds it was fun/challenging. When in Rome.....
A video that may help here- by "Show me the curry"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gDlUh43kOc
Whole wheat flour or "Atta", pronounced "aah-tah" is expensive and only available in exotic grocery stores in Sweden. However, I ve circumnavigated myself to a cheaper solution. I make the base flour mix from vetemjol (white wheat flour) and vetekli (bran isolate of wheat) in a 70-30 % or 60-40% depending on the dish (curry) it will accompany. Mix it in a cake bowl with salt to taste, and add yoghurt (natural full fat) (a cup or two) and half a cup of butter or cooking oil. Mix it in a food processor or by using clean hands to a a lump of dough. I add luke warm water as I mix to attain the right moisture for the dough. Then, roll them to uniform, thin discs using a rolling pin.
Something like this-
Cooking them is the easiest part- HOT nonstick pan, no oil/grease as it fumes the place and then place the chapatis on it. Flip them once they fluff up. An ideally cooked chapati surface should have darkened spots on it like that of a Leopard (refer to the picture above).
Add butter once you laid it out on a plate so that it melts and preserves the moisture. Enjoy with the curry of choice, although, for my western freinds it was fun/challenging. When in Rome.....
A video that may help here- by "Show me the curry"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gDlUh43kOc
October 06, 2012
The bottom line
Done with my masters thesis presentation. All work put in over the months summend up with one presentation and feedback provided. The topic was "Effects of extrusion cooking on Beta-glucan and fructan in wheat and rye bran".
The idea was to investigate if food processing, extrusion, could increase these two components of the total dietary fibre content in grains. Usually, during production of white flour from wheat and rye, the exterior of the grain is milled out to form a by product that is classed as animal feed. Working in collaboration with Lantmannen, the thesis results would help unveil new range of products for human consumption, with better eating attributes to it and with added value.
Without making this another presentation of my work, I would like to highlight the presentation part in this blog. Naturally with pictures.
The picture on the right shows one of the cue cards I had to help remember the results. Not the best handwriting but it served the purpose. The picture also is a reflection of my attempt at being a hand model.
The concluding slide with the words, "...and this is the part when we clap at the presentation".
:)
The ladies around me with the Champagne that they had with them, that was generously shared with me and a friend. Louise, in the orange coat was my opponent who didnt have many questions (relatively less for her reputation) :). Ellen, in yellow who is her house-mate and supported her thesis work. One would think that drinking Champagne would not be allowed to be consumed in the building (canteen). So, I suggested that we had it in the balcony seperated from the large lunch hall by crystal clear glass walls. We were on high horses that day and no one bother to stop us.
All is well that ends well but I remain with 15 final little steps (credits) to graduate with masters.
Already awaiting results for queued courses.
In wise words of Borat, "GREAT SUCCESS!!"
The idea was to investigate if food processing, extrusion, could increase these two components of the total dietary fibre content in grains. Usually, during production of white flour from wheat and rye, the exterior of the grain is milled out to form a by product that is classed as animal feed. Working in collaboration with Lantmannen, the thesis results would help unveil new range of products for human consumption, with better eating attributes to it and with added value.
Without making this another presentation of my work, I would like to highlight the presentation part in this blog. Naturally with pictures.
The picture on the right shows one of the cue cards I had to help remember the results. Not the best handwriting but it served the purpose. The picture also is a reflection of my attempt at being a hand model.
:)
All is well that ends well but I remain with 15 final little steps (credits) to graduate with masters.
Already awaiting results for queued courses.
In wise words of Borat, "GREAT SUCCESS!!"
September 05, 2012
Re-living Uppsala
Its Fall and it seems like the summers not completely ended. With days that are mostly damp to days that are sunny and bright, it seems like "a box of chocolate" definition by Forrest Gump, except that it holds good for the weather these days. A friend who is now based in Germany, doing his research at University of Tubingen, is now back for a fortnight and is reliving Uppsala.
Reaching Uppsala yesterday, the first thing that he pointed out is that its cold (9 celsius in the evening). It appreared that he has a mental list of things to do, namely, get a bagfull of the sour cola candy available at ICA. One thing he always points out with his head held high are the beer prices in Germany and that he always has a great big stock of brewskies, which are way better than the ones available here. Its not a mystery why alcohol regulation is state governed- to avoid legless mania in society. Whilst shopping today, he was very specific about the potato crisps he wanted to buy and that the crisps in Germany lacked variety. I wouldnt know as I havent been to Tyskland, yet. Yes, I am learning the Swedish names to countries while he leaks bits and bobs of the German language. We also had a revival of our student diet- baguette, butter, and brie with and bluberry squash.
Next thing on his mind looks like he wants to get together with the friends who are still in Uppsala, if they havent flown to their nests. Also, the nations. These are the last few days where one needs only a layer to have a seat outdoors on those lovely dark picnic benches and quench his thirst.
Reaching Uppsala yesterday, the first thing that he pointed out is that its cold (9 celsius in the evening). It appreared that he has a mental list of things to do, namely, get a bagfull of the sour cola candy available at ICA. One thing he always points out with his head held high are the beer prices in Germany and that he always has a great big stock of brewskies, which are way better than the ones available here. Its not a mystery why alcohol regulation is state governed- to avoid legless mania in society. Whilst shopping today, he was very specific about the potato crisps he wanted to buy and that the crisps in Germany lacked variety. I wouldnt know as I havent been to Tyskland, yet. Yes, I am learning the Swedish names to countries while he leaks bits and bobs of the German language. We also had a revival of our student diet- baguette, butter, and brie with and bluberry squash.
Next thing on his mind looks like he wants to get together with the friends who are still in Uppsala, if they havent flown to their nests. Also, the nations. These are the last few days where one needs only a layer to have a seat outdoors on those lovely dark picnic benches and quench his thirst.
A "must share" blog
I dont know if I have made a mention of this particular trait of the Swedes that I most certainly admire in any of my previous blogs. It is not about them being reserved or extremely nice and plain. Not of their love for black clothing or being most patient or tolerant. No, its not about the way they wait for buses. Its about something which is in parts related to table manners.
Let me throw in a scenario- you are at a dinner party and for dessert the Swedish host brings in a Kladdkaka. A very sticky chocolate cake with a texture gradient within its radius. The name literally translates to "messy cake". This is my most favourite of all swedish desserts, not that I ve tried many of them, but this deserves the mantle. It is always savoured with fresh whipped cream by many. Now that you have a fair idea of how good this dish may be (for those who havent gotten a chance to try), you have to believe me when I say that its never enough. Not for someone like me with very high metabolism who had a whole cake for breakfast recently. Here comes the interesting part. In this scenario, there were just enough slices of that cake for all the guests (all Swedish, except for yourself) and one extra. That extra slice is lying there on the tray. You are waiting to see if anyone asks to have it. You are drooling, craving for it like a true chocoholic. You race towards the tray but other fellow chocoholics that you know of amongst the other guests dont seem to rush anywhere near it.
The reason is this- Swedes are taught to not take the last piece of anything on the table, no matter how much you like it. Its just a thing that you do, or dont do. I come from a culture where you gobble up most in your dessert bowl and race towards the remainder. This was fascinating. I asked some friends why they did that. Some of the answers were-
"Someone else may want it more"
"Swedes are more spiritually attainted than the rest"
"We just dont/cant do that!"
" You know we Swedes cant do that"
" Its a Swedish thing"
I asked a close friend of mine (a Swede) why he cant be a Maverick and break it. To which he said, " I ve figured out a way to beat that thing. If I really want that last piece, I halve it and leave with a piece". Smart, ingenious and genius! Very Swedish again! I dont blame it for when it comes down to Kladdkaka. Had it been the wild west, I d even get into a brawl over it.
Alright now, for those who hadnt figured it yet, sharing is caring. But, if you choose to unleash the devil in you for that last slice amongst a party of Swedes, you are forgiven. Moreover, its your duty to lap it up to avoid it from going waste. Be green, avoid food wastage!
Let me throw in a scenario- you are at a dinner party and for dessert the Swedish host brings in a Kladdkaka. A very sticky chocolate cake with a texture gradient within its radius. The name literally translates to "messy cake". This is my most favourite of all swedish desserts, not that I ve tried many of them, but this deserves the mantle. It is always savoured with fresh whipped cream by many. Now that you have a fair idea of how good this dish may be (for those who havent gotten a chance to try), you have to believe me when I say that its never enough. Not for someone like me with very high metabolism who had a whole cake for breakfast recently. Here comes the interesting part. In this scenario, there were just enough slices of that cake for all the guests (all Swedish, except for yourself) and one extra. That extra slice is lying there on the tray. You are waiting to see if anyone asks to have it. You are drooling, craving for it like a true chocoholic. You race towards the tray but other fellow chocoholics that you know of amongst the other guests dont seem to rush anywhere near it.
The reason is this- Swedes are taught to not take the last piece of anything on the table, no matter how much you like it. Its just a thing that you do, or dont do. I come from a culture where you gobble up most in your dessert bowl and race towards the remainder. This was fascinating. I asked some friends why they did that. Some of the answers were-
"Someone else may want it more"
"Swedes are more spiritually attainted than the rest"
"We just dont/cant do that!"
" You know we Swedes cant do that"
" Its a Swedish thing"
I asked a close friend of mine (a Swede) why he cant be a Maverick and break it. To which he said, " I ve figured out a way to beat that thing. If I really want that last piece, I halve it and leave with a piece". Smart, ingenious and genius! Very Swedish again! I dont blame it for when it comes down to Kladdkaka. Had it been the wild west, I d even get into a brawl over it.
Alright now, for those who hadnt figured it yet, sharing is caring. But, if you choose to unleash the devil in you for that last slice amongst a party of Swedes, you are forgiven. Moreover, its your duty to lap it up to avoid it from going waste. Be green, avoid food wastage!
August 23, 2012
Perambulating
Its almost two years past since I first came to Sweden. A time to conclude my masters program with the handing in of the final project work on dietary fibre in wheat and rye bran.
A week ago, I handed in my first draft of the report to my supervisor. The result came back with a feeling experienced a long time ago- perambulation. Its just the first draft with the intro and methodology checked for errors, but the feeling is great now that I am that much closer to finalising the remainder of the report, namely, the results and discussion. However, I still have 15 HEC to conquer before I total it to 120 for graduation. At the minute, like many, I am looking out for avenues in research and others to pursue a career. Not having learnt the language is a small regret that seems to be growing steadily with time. But, applications are being sent in hope that something will click.
This means that there is going to be more blogs to come under this name.
A week ago, I handed in my first draft of the report to my supervisor. The result came back with a feeling experienced a long time ago- perambulation. Its just the first draft with the intro and methodology checked for errors, but the feeling is great now that I am that much closer to finalising the remainder of the report, namely, the results and discussion. However, I still have 15 HEC to conquer before I total it to 120 for graduation. At the minute, like many, I am looking out for avenues in research and others to pursue a career. Not having learnt the language is a small regret that seems to be growing steadily with time. But, applications are being sent in hope that something will click.
This means that there is going to be more blogs to come under this name.
August 12, 2012
Very alien analogy
A good friend of mine moved into a new apartment recently. There was a house warming party organised in this celebration. Needless to say, with the last few days of sympathetic weather, good enough to stay outdoors for a bbq, I cycled my way to the place. It was mainly Swedes who were there and a very cheerful and loquacious Venezuelan.
I am trying to improve my Swedish speaking/learning skills these days. All of them spoke fluent Svensk. That didnt make me feel out of place at all as I told them to not bother with my lack of language. I am trying to grasp words and make sense out of the context, after all, most of our communication is body language. The most interesting was this conversation that followed in english. One of the attendees asked me if I believed in aliens. I do. We started talking about the dimension they were in- "fourth dimension". I told them that there have been sightings of them in 3D, thanks to the documentaries that I have been watching. I went on to show them some videos of UFOs on a smart phone.
UFOs in the video run on a technology that enables them to travel at the speed much greater than anything we know, yet. Then, one asked me why dont they make contact with us. SETI has been trying to contact aliens for ages, now. To that I came up with an analogy that most agreed and happily agreed. I told them that the aliens were like Swedes. Not in physical form- blue eyed blondes, but with their temperament. They just want to give us our own space, or, dont want to invade our space. This is not in the sense that they wont invade our air space, which the UFOs do, but our day to day livelihood. They d prefer to stand at a safe distance and observe. Have a look at the picture below.
This picture will give you an idea of how non invasive the Swedes are, by default. The other reason why they dont land could be because of Chuck Norris, one added. Could be.
Swedes are a bit distant, not by choice, its their nature. They most of them are blessed with a great sense of humour as that joke went down well and no one thought I was crossing the line with that analogy.
The bbq went great, the weather was a bit damp but everyone had a great Satuday evening.
I am trying to improve my Swedish speaking/learning skills these days. All of them spoke fluent Svensk. That didnt make me feel out of place at all as I told them to not bother with my lack of language. I am trying to grasp words and make sense out of the context, after all, most of our communication is body language. The most interesting was this conversation that followed in english. One of the attendees asked me if I believed in aliens. I do. We started talking about the dimension they were in- "fourth dimension". I told them that there have been sightings of them in 3D, thanks to the documentaries that I have been watching. I went on to show them some videos of UFOs on a smart phone.
UFOs in the video run on a technology that enables them to travel at the speed much greater than anything we know, yet. Then, one asked me why dont they make contact with us. SETI has been trying to contact aliens for ages, now. To that I came up with an analogy that most agreed and happily agreed. I told them that the aliens were like Swedes. Not in physical form- blue eyed blondes, but with their temperament. They just want to give us our own space, or, dont want to invade our space. This is not in the sense that they wont invade our air space, which the UFOs do, but our day to day livelihood. They d prefer to stand at a safe distance and observe. Have a look at the picture below.
This picture will give you an idea of how non invasive the Swedes are, by default. The other reason why they dont land could be because of Chuck Norris, one added. Could be.
Swedes are a bit distant, not by choice, its their nature. They most of them are blessed with a great sense of humour as that joke went down well and no one thought I was crossing the line with that analogy.
The bbq went great, the weather was a bit damp but everyone had a great Satuday evening.
August 07, 2012
When The Dark Knight came to Uppsala
Sweden is anything but a commercial nation- not just because its a political system with socialistic fundamentals, if not the conventional socialist, I was just this once very upset with Sweden. The release date of the years most awaited movie- The Dark Knight rises.
There are so many reasons to be a fan of the Batman character, not just because its the largest selling superhero movie franchise yet, because of Chris Nolans puzzling prowess. All over the globe, the release date was set to be on the 20th of July, but as laid back as the general populus is, I'd expect there would be some commotion- IMAX release. The closest IMAX to Uppsala is located at the National museum of Sweden, Stockholm. The movie now holds a record for the highest ticket bookings done, beating James Cameron's blockbuster ,Avatar. Also, the record for the highest fetching 2D movie in its opening weekend. The tickets were released for sale on the first of July at 0000hrs. A great deal of my friends managed to book a couple of tickets for the 0615hr show on the 20th, at the IMAX in London. Me, I was keeping my eyes out for ticket release at IMAX, but heres what I saw-
The release date in Sweden was 25th of July! Icing on the cake was when I found out that the IMAX in Stockhom didn't cater to playing commercial movies. For some insane reason, the Royal cinema in town were playing the movie at 2000hrs on the eve of the 24th. My friend managed to book two tickets for ourselves in a jiff.
On the 24th, we reached the theatre an hour in advance because one of us couldnt keep it in his pants anymore- obesession with the character. After the movie, this was one of our Facebook status update- "Infernal Eulogy of the Dark Knight- Knowing that its foolish to expect the similar feelings from its predecessor from 2008, a bunch of friends and I went to the cinemas. The networking of the characters and their trivia was exhilerating. The ride that the movie took me, as a Batman fanatic is par my vocabulary. I had to hold back a bladder full of pee (thanks to the Coke) till it was almost a ball
There are so many reasons to be a fan of the Batman character, not just because its the largest selling superhero movie franchise yet, because of Chris Nolans puzzling prowess. All over the globe, the release date was set to be on the 20th of July, but as laid back as the general populus is, I'd expect there would be some commotion- IMAX release. The closest IMAX to Uppsala is located at the National museum of Sweden, Stockholm. The movie now holds a record for the highest ticket bookings done, beating James Cameron's blockbuster ,Avatar. Also, the record for the highest fetching 2D movie in its opening weekend. The tickets were released for sale on the first of July at 0000hrs. A great deal of my friends managed to book a couple of tickets for the 0615hr show on the 20th, at the IMAX in London. Me, I was keeping my eyes out for ticket release at IMAX, but heres what I saw-
The release date in Sweden was 25th of July! Icing on the cake was when I found out that the IMAX in Stockhom didn't cater to playing commercial movies. For some insane reason, the Royal cinema in town were playing the movie at 2000hrs on the eve of the 24th. My friend managed to book two tickets for ourselves in a jiff.
On the 24th, we reached the theatre an hour in advance because one of us couldnt keep it in his pants anymore- obesession with the character. After the movie, this was one of our Facebook status update- "Infernal Eulogy of the Dark Knight- Knowing that its foolish to expect the similar feelings from its predecessor from 2008, a bunch of friends and I went to the cinemas. The networking of the characters and their trivia was exhilerating. The ride that the movie took me, as a Batman fanatic is par my vocabulary. I had to hold back a bladder full of pee (thanks to the Coke) till it was almost a ball
on that burst. Then, the ending. I thought I had predicted it, but, Nolan's puzzling prowess is something that I now bow down to. Watch out for the line, "... then you have my permission to die". I wept, my throat chuckled for breath at times and by the time we walked from the cinema, I was left shaken in my knees.
Only regret- I didn't obsess enough about this movie.
Will I watch it again? FCUK YEAH!"
Only regret- I didn't obsess enough about this movie.
Will I watch it again? FCUK YEAH!"
This was the only time when I felt a considerable amount of anger with how "non-mainstream" Sweden is. But, the movie changed the mood. Despite the tickets being pricy, I am thinking of watching it again sometime soon.
P.S- Same was the situation with IMAX's all over Scandinavia. It truly is different from the rest of the world!
August 06, 2012
Flora and fauna
As painfully cold winters get in Uppsala, summer brings out the best. The white, grey and frosty view changes to something most colourful and vibrant. This summer was filled with visitors- friends travelling Europe who had stopped over for a few days, my brother from Goteborg who was taking a break from the windy weather and others.
Day 2 of him coming here was a day with sun romancing the clouds. A perfect day to show him the real Uppsala summer, as the last time he was here was during the wicked wicked Valborg (blogged about). The same venue seems that much more inviting now. The landmark was the Botanical garden. Here we go-
Nosey Parker here.
Sugar beet. Unfortunately, the tropical greenhouse was closed. Would have been interesting for all those insectovorous plants. Also, a reminder of my native climate.
Colourful Pansies
Upon careful posing, a result of a very professional portrait !
The entrance of the Evolution museum. We were 20 minutes past its closing time, then. :(
A very beautiful house.
Tangerines!
A large pot outside of the cathedral with busy bee.
Tall tall Cathedral
Heja Sverige!
Day 2 of him coming here was a day with sun romancing the clouds. A perfect day to show him the real Uppsala summer, as the last time he was here was during the wicked wicked Valborg (blogged about). The same venue seems that much more inviting now. The landmark was the Botanical garden. Here we go-
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