Pria Acharya

A Friend’s Trip to Elephant Nature Park – Part 2

Finding Meaning, Finding Purpose, Giving, Personal Growth, Spirituality Comments Off

Oct 082010

“My first trip to ENP was in November 2009, for a week. There were about 30 volunteers and we were divided up into groups of two teams. The volunteers essentially help with the overall upkeep of the sanctuary and support of the elephants.

The first day, my team and I were the “POO CREW”. While the elephants are on their daily walks, we go into their

Nasiya and her friend Marleen (two of the members of the "Poo Crew") collecting elephant dung so one day the fibers can be made into Elephant Dung paper products.

carrals and clean up their elephant dung and urine. Now, before you scrunch up your nose and dismiss all possibilities of ever volunteering with ENP, let me tell you: it’s NOT that bad! Since the elephants have a vegetarian diet, their dung is really not pungent (if anything, the urine is a bit smelly, but it’s not that wi

despread through their carral). We scoop the dung up and then transport it to a reserve so it can be used to create beautiful elephant dung paper. Another way to make money for the sanctuary!

"Cutting grass for the elephants' afternoon munch-time"

Other jobs we did as volunteers that week included washing the elephants’ fruits/vegetables and preparing their food baskets, cutting corn and grass for the elephants, bathing the elephants, feeding them, repairing/maintaining certain areas of the park, planting/watering trees (since it was the dry season), etc. The work was never extremely difficult or strenuous.

"Feeding baskets being carried by volunteers. Each elephant has a certain amount of food that they need everyday."

We received plenty of breaks and our volunteer coordinators made sure that we were well hydrated during the day. It was the best volunteering experience, as I’ve been on volunteer trips where I’ve stood around a lot, waiting for things to do. It wasn’t like that at ENP. There was plenty of work, but it was enjoyable.

As far as accommodations, we stayed in these simple but lovely bungalows. The bathrooms are with a western shower and toilet and cleaned every day. I received my own room and the best part was that my room was right next to the carrals where the two babies, Faa Mai and Chang Yim lived. Every morning, before breakfast, I would visit with the adorable little rascals and every afternoon before I went to my room to wash up, I would visit again while Lek sung the babies a lullaby and put them to sleep. It’s one of the most beautiful things you could witness.

The food? THE FOOD. It is INCREDIBLE!! I don’t think I’ve eaten this well…ever! I usually end up gaining a few pounds after visiting ENP, despite the work I do during the day. We pile our plates with so many items, it’s heavenly. Plus, being a vegetarian, it was perfect for me, as most of the dishes were free of animal products. Even carnivores are very happy after eating at ENP!!

Not only is ENP home to rescued elephants, but there are also rescued dogs, cats, buffalo, cows and other animals! Lek encourages the rescue of any animal, and condemns any form of animal tourism/entertainment. In addition to that, Lek provides work for the local villagers by employing them at the sanctuary. There are even ladies who come after dinner and provide Thai foot and full body massages, starting at only 350 Thai Bhat!

No wonder this is one of my favorite places on the planet.”

A Friend’s Memorable Volunteer Trip – Part 1 of 3

Causes, Environment, Finding Meaning, Finding Purpose Comments Off

Oct 042010

"A lovely early morning walk with the elephants and their mahouts"

A friend that I met through the local vegetarian meet-up, Nasiya Amoroso, has impressed me with her volunteer efforts, along with those of her husband’s. This past Spring, she told me about a trip she was going to embark on to an elephant sanctuary that sounded particularly enticing. Then I thought about my family responsibilities and decided I will go when my toddler is older. I asked her to allow me and others to experience it vicariously at least, by sharing her experience on my blog. Following is her description of her trip, in her own words, in three parts. Stay tuned the next few days for the remaining parts.

Part 1

“I try to take a volunteer vacation every year and I usually try to experience a different volunteer location every time. So, I couldn’t understand why my husband chose to return to Zambia every year to build houses. I understand about commitment and wanting to establish roots in one location so you can see progress (which is what lead him to create www.zambiabuild.org), but I always felt the urge to try something new every year.

That is, until I discovered Elephant Nature Park outside Chiang Mai, Thailand: www.elephantnaturepark.org

I’m an animal advocate, but surprisingly have never been on a volunteer trip that directly affects animals. But my experience at the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) was absolutely surreal and each time it leaves me with the wheels turning, making plans for the “next time”.

Elephant trekking, circus shows, elephant street begging, elephant painting, and other forms of elephant tourism may seem harmless and make the elephants look “happy” doing what they do. But, there’s nothing “happy” about their situation. Most of these elephants go through the Thai pajaan technique (look it up online) or other forms of torture in order to make them submissive. If you see an elephant holding a paintbrush about to create a beautiful work of art, or riding a bicycle…THINK about what they might have gone through before performing that task.

The goal of ENP is to provide a safe haven for abused and/or neglected elephants so they can live a life as close to their natural habitat as possible. Lek, the founder, has rescued over 30 elephants with extremely heartbreaking stories. It’s hard to come here and not shed any tears. The history of the rescued elephants are heartbreaking. But the good thing is the tears you shed may also be tears of relief, as these majestic creatures are finally living a life they deserve to live.

ENP not only takes volunteers for days, weeks or months, but it’s also a revolutionary way to support ethical eco-tourism, as day visitors are also welcome. You get to support the park and the rescue of these poor elephants through your volunteer dollars or park entrance fee. But, you are not supporting the exploitation or abuse of these elephants since they are not in chains, nor confined and no bull-hooks are used. The elephants live their lives naturally, and you still get interaction with the elephants (you even have the opportunity to bathe them!). Each elephant has a full-time mahout, so I never felt unsafe around any of the elephants.”

The Story of Mae Do

"Mae Do, one of the saddest stories before her rescue from ENP"

Huevos rancheros

Cooking, Recipes Comments Off

Sep 302010

Huevos with greek yogurt, red onion, and tomatoes

One of my favorite breakfasts is huevos rancheros. Fortunately, it is simple to make.

Ingredients

corn tortillas
eggs
beans – black or pinto
oil
cheddar cheese
red onion
tomatoes
salsa and or green chili
avocado (0ptional)
sour cream (optional) or greek yogurt

Cook the tortillas by heating them in a griddle with some oil. Prepare scrampled eggs and set aside. Use whole black or pinto beans or cook them as desired, possibly in oil with some garlic and onion.

Huevos rancheros

Layer eggs, beans, cheese and other ingredients on tortillas. I’ve enjoyed the dish vegan with the use of tofu instead of eggs and some sauteed spinach.

Cilantro on huevos

Doing something here when disaster strikes there

Causes, Children, Finding Meaning, Giving, Philosophy, Spirituality Comments Off

Aug 282010

It is an interesting issue of perspective when disasters strike far from us and how much it impacts us here. Often times, it is the role of the media that plays a big part in how emotionally connected we feel. If the media does not discuss or show emotionally charged images of a disaster, people are less inclined to reach out.

Every place on the planet is far away for someone and thus can be cause for one to feel disengaged. With the advancement of technology, places have become closer and closer. Our world is more similar than dissimilar. A relative recently commented on a photo of my daughter in Utah. He said it looked like a photo of my ancestral village in Pakistan. Both are deserts and geographically very similar.

We are all vulnerable one way or another. If a disaster involved us, we would want the world to reach out to us. Pakistanis affected by the floods, especially the children, deserve to be assisted. They did not ask for this, just as the Haitians did not ask for the earthquake. The magnitude of the disaster in Pakistan may end up being the greatest of the decade, yet the aid thus far has been a fraction of that provided for other recent tragedies. The following article may provide some insight into why this is occurring:

4 Reasons Why Americans Aren’t Giving for Pakistan Flood Relief – International – The Atlantic

The comments below the article are interesting. I am attaching the following that resonated in particular for me:

“Uncle_Fred

5 days ago

Wow. I don’t understand it. Here before us is America’s chance to make a positive difference. We all know this is a part of the world that associates the American brand with bombs and drones.

America is missing a golden opportunity.

Aren’t the troops and equipment a hop across the border? If they got the goods and the manpower, why isn’t America there to help these people?

Imagine the reaction in the Muslim world if they were beamed imagines of Americans helping Pakistanis in great numbers, assisting them as brothers in need. This could throw a wrench in the propaganda arsenal that radicals use to inflame militancy.

As an added benefit, it might help to stabilize the Pakistani element to the Afghanistan resistance. American soldiers might get to go home sooner!

Yes, it can be argued that previous help was ineffective in changing hearts and minds. A perfect example of this would be the earthquake that rocked the region a few years back. Nevertheless, the US has spent far more money and time bombing Pakistan then helping it.

Show the world your good intentions Americans. Show these people that you’re not their enemy. Consequently, the ill-will large swaths of the Muslim world feels towards poor US foreign policy can be partly alleviated.”

Support UNICEF’s flood disaster relief for the children of Pakistan

Stuffed Mushrooms

Cooking, Recipes, Vegetarianism Comments Off

Jul 192010

Stuffed Mushrooms

My version of stuffed mushrooms is probably my husband’s favorite item that I make. It is great to munch on with salad or soup for a relaxing night with a few drinks and a movie.

Ingredients:

green onion
bread crumbs
wheat germ
feta
olive oil
garlic
spinach
chopped mushroom stumps
walnuts

Saute everything but the cheese in olive oil. Combine with the cheese. Stuff the mushroom caps (preferably baby bellas) and heat in the oven until the cheese melts.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Tuscan-style pasta with chickpeas, zuchhini and rosemary

Cooking, Organic, Recipes, Vegetarianism Comments Off

Jun 102010

To utilize the zucchini from my lovely bounty from Door to Door Organics recently, I found this dish in my “Vegan Planet” cookbook. It seemed healthy and well-rounded. There was protein from the chickpeas and everything, including the pasta, was organic.

For those that are not vegan, cheese can be added, such as fresh mozzarella and parmesaan. After I made it and served it, I realized I could have added sun dried tomatoes for more flavor – just got a huge bottle from Costco that I think was a good deal – along with all the other items that totaled $500.

2 tblsps olive oil

2 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4″-thick half-moons

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tblsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1 14.5-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained and chopped

1 1/2 cups cooked or one 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 pound penne or other short, tubular pasta

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the zucchini and cook until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the rosemary, tomatoes, chickpeas, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Meanwhile, cook the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and place in a large, shallow serving bowl. Add the sauce and toss gently to combine. Serve at once.

Serves 4

Source: Vegan Planet

Potential SNL skit #1

Finding balance, Humor, Outlook 1 Response »

Jun 032010

With my son and daughter at a park on Mother's Day

Sometimes I feel like my brain is constantly seeking potential SNL skits. My preteen son has joined me in this and sometimes when we are left alone, we come up with amusing scenarios. This occurred recently at a strip mall while my husband left to get a few items from a store, leaving me in the car with my son and toddler daughter. One of the shows I tease my son and sometimes my husband for watching is “Survivorman.”

It is a reality show about a man surviving for a week at a time in different challenging circumstances, such as the ocean or the Amazon. I told them that there should be a show called “Survivorwoman,” which I would gladly be the star of. In this show, I would have to endure trying out top class hotels the world over. I would be shown comparing the best food, the best massages, the best spa treatments, you get the picture – I would have to survive all such scenarios…

Anyway, as we waited at the strip mall, we wondered what “Survivorman” would do in such a scene. It would be called “Strip Mall Survivorman.” We imagined him waking up in the parking lot, surrounded by a chinese restaurant, Kmart, a liquor store and various other stores. He would of course do a pan on his camera of the scene. He would explain to us how he would eat lunch at the chinese restaurant, and what he would eat. We would then get to see him eat it. He would then potentially get some alcohol at the liquor store…you get the picture. Exciting show! As exciting as watching me enjoy spa treatments on “Survivorwoman,” a show every woman would want to try to survive on…

Organic produce and storage

Cooking, Organic, Produce 1 Response »

May 262010

Just ordered a box of organic produce from Door to Door Organics. I’m looking forward to see what is delivered. On their site, they have a handy storage guideline for produce:

“Storage Tips

Here are some storage tips for you to help you get the most out of your produce:

APPLES – Refrigerate or store in cool area. (4-6 weeks)

APRICOTS – Ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate. (1-2 days)

ARTICHOKES – Refrigerate. (2-3 days)

ASPARAGUS – Refrigerate, unwashed, covered. (1-3 days)

AVOCADOS – Ripen in warm, humid place. Refrigerate only if necessary.

BANANAS – Ripen at room temperature. (2-3 days)

BEETS – Cut off tops 2 inches above crown. Refrigerate, covered. (3-4 days)

BERRIES – Refrigerate, uncovered. Wash just before serving. (2-3 days)

BROCCOLI – Refrigerate, in closed bag. (4-5 days)

BRUSSELS SPROUTS – Remove wilted leaves store covered. (3-5days)

CABBAGE – Refrigerate in closed bag. (1-2 weeks)

CARROTS – Remove tops, wash. Refrigerate in closed bag. (1-2 weeks)

CAULIFLOWER – Refrigerate in closed bag. (2-5days)

CELERY – Wash, refrigerate in closed bag. (1-2 weeks)

EGGPLANT – Refrigerate in closed bag. (3-4 days)

GARLIC – Store at room temperature. (1-2 months)

GRAPES – Refrigerate in perforated bag. (1-2 weeks)

KALE – Wash, refrigerate in closed bag lined with paper towel. (3-4 days)

KIWIFRUIT – Ripen in warm humid place. Refrigerate. (1-2 weeks)

LEEKS – Refrigerate covered. (5-7 days)

LEMONS – if washed and dried and sealed in a ziplock bag will last for weeks with no change in taste or look.

LETTUCE – Wash, drain, refrigerate in closed bag lined with paper towel. (3-4 days)

LIMES – if washed and dried and sealed in a ziplock bag will last for weeks with no change in taste or look.

ONIONS – Keep dry. Refrigerate or store in pantry. (1-2 months)

ORANGES – Room temperature (3-4 days) or refrigerate. (2-3 weeks)

PEARS – Ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate, unwashed. (1-2 weeks)

PEAS – Refrigerate unshelled. (1-2 days)

PEPPER – Refrigerate or store in cool, moist area. (1-2 weeks)

POTATO – Keep cool, dry and dark.

RADISH – Refrigerate. (5-7 days)

SPINACH – Refrigerate covered. (3-4 days)

SQUASH – cool and dry in pantry. If cut, refrigerate covered.

SWEET POTATO – Keep cool, dry and dark.

TANGELO – Room temperature (3-4 days) or refrigerate. (2-3 weeks)

TANGERINES – Room temperature (3-4 days) or refrigerate. (2-3 weeks)

TOMATOES – Store at room temperature (stem end down) until ripe. Then refrigerate”

Source: Door to Door Organics

“I’m bored, mom”

Causes, Motherhood, Parenting, Philosophy 1 Response »

May 212010

Observing birds and their nests on a bridge during a nature walk on Mother's Day.

Boredom is a subject many moms are looking at these days as summer break approaches for our kids. It’s a dreaded, scary word that prompts mom to feel inadequate. That’s not a difficult feat for moms on any given day. Seems to be a part of motherhood – our constantly trying to reach the perfect image in our minds. This is continually challenged by a toddler as she continually goes into and touches things she should not – and worse yet, when these items need to be explored with her mouth.

As I’m trying to keep my toddler from eating and touching things she shouldn’t, I am trying to make certain my preteen is “entertained.” Since when did the role of entertainer become a part of motherhood? Kids are getting increasingly entertained by the media and my specialization of marketing. Parents have to be the follow-up act, and it’s tough to accomplish.

My son brought up yesterday that he was bored, after a full few minutes of being in-between activities. I told him that was good! We’ve been engaging in chats here and there about the idea of boredom as we approach summer break. Some of the agenda behind this is selfish, so I don’t get inundated with continuous preteen shows that I already know more about than I care to.

Moms, the next time your child mentions the dreaded “I’m bored” sentence, accept it as a healthy part of life rather than feeling guilty and like you have to be a clown for your child. It is healthy for children to have “down time” when they can reflect and imagine.

Remind your child that if they feel bored, it means they’ve lost touch with the fascinating world around them and that now they can be more conscious of it. When they were younger, boredom was not a concept they knew about. I point out to my preteen how my toddler never gets bored because everything is new and interesting. This is a concept we should retain forever!

In fact, I don’t know of a single adult that ever complains of boredom. At least not a parent. Adults work hard to go on vacation and maybe, hopefully, “get bored.”

Birds building nests under a bridge

Adding more work from home

Telecommuting, writing Comments Off

May 082010

My hand with butterfly strips once stitches were removed

My hand has almost healed after surgery end of March after a fall. My hand’s flexibility has come a long way after some concern I would have a “claw” hand forever. It’s meant a lot of patience and physical therapy.

As a matter of fact, my physical therapist told me yesterday that it might be the last time I would see them depending on what my surgeon says next week. This was a big deal. I was potentially graduating from physical therapy and go back to normal life, although the bones will take about two more weeks to fully heal.

The healing has meant most significantly that I can change my daughter’s diapers with both hands and can more adequately carry her. It’s also meant that I can type with both hands. I’ve never appreciated this as much as I do now! Right after the fall, I accepted new writing work and this past week, some more.

This means I now have deadlines to meet. It’s somewhat of an adjustment and maybe a little stressful, but a good stress. I think I thrive on deadlines and goals that need to be met. I’ve always had a strong drive to excel and have probably taken on too much at times in my life. I may need to watch for this, but for now, I feel revved up by taking on as much as I can.

Probably my biggest incentive to work as hard as I can working from home is to not have to see cube walls again. Maybe for me, wanting freedom, flexibility, and balance, the image of being in a cube is starting to feel like failure for what I want. I remain amazed at how telecommuting has still not taken become more of a norm in civilized society. There seem to be so many benefits for all parties, including the planet in less driving. Technology exists to do much from home.

I imagine that when my children are adults, there will be more “hubs” for telecommuters – places where people have occasional face-to-face meetings while the majority of work is done from home or wherever the individual desires. What should matter is the end result of work getting done, and not the geographic location of an individual.

My hand without strips

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