Make Squash Not Turkey!

The annual Adopt-A-Turkey Project is a national program designed to end the misery of commercially-raised turkeys by educating the public about the horrific cruelties endured by these sentient beings and offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving.

To learn more about Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project, access helpful holiday resources- including animal-free, delicious recipes, videos and literature- and view the 2009 “Turkey Adoption List,” as well as adoption applications, please visit www.adoptaturkey.org or call 1-888-SPONSOR.
Instead of tortured, diseased birds for a loving, family dinner… why not try:
Acorn Squash Stuffed With Sage Polenta and Seitan Bourguignon

Serves 8
Squash
4 acorn squash
1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
Polenta
5 cups water or light vegetable stock
1 ½ cups polenta
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp minced fresh sage, or ½ tsp dried sage
½ tsp ground pepper
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp sea salt
Seitan Bourguignon
1 ½ cups pearl onions
1 Tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp olive oil
½ lb portobello mushrooms, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tsp minced fresh thyme
2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
1 tsp minced fresh sage
1 tsp dried tarragon
2 bay leaves
2 cups dry red wine
2 cups dark vegetable stock
2 Tbsp tomato paste, or ¼ cup reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 turnip, peeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 parsnips, peeled, sliced lengthwise, and cut into ½-inch pieces
2 carrots, peeled, sliced lengthwise, and cut into ½-inch pieces
1 celery root, peeled, and cut into ½-inch dice
1 cup winter squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
6 to 8 chestnuts, halved
8 ounces prepared seitan, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 ½ tsp ground pepper
4 tsp tamari soy sauce
2 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot, dissolved in ¼ cup cold water
Sea salt to taste
8 fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
To prepare the squash
Preheat the oven to 400°. Line baking pan(s) with parchment paper. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise (from tip to stem) and scoop out seeds and strings. Make a slice on the bottom of each half so it sits flat. Coat squash cavities with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place halves, cut side down, in prepared pan(s) and roast until tender but still firm, about 30 minutes.
To prepare the chestnuts
Preheat the oven to 350°. Using a sharp knife cut an X in the top of each chestnut. Place in a single layer in a baking disk. Bake 30-45 minutes. Cool, and then peel and cut in half.
To make the polenta
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta and whisk constantly for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the remaining ingredients. Continue cooking, whisking every 5 minutes, until the polenta starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 15 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
To make the seitan bourguignon
In a large saucepan, sauté the onions and garlic in the oil over medium heat until they lightly brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the mushrooms and seasonings and sauté for 2 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients except the cornstarch mixture and salt. Cover and simmer until the root vegetables are just tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Adjust the salt.
Heat the squash in a 350° over for 10 minutes, or until warm. Fill each with ¾ cup of polenta, then top with ¾ cup of seitan bourguignon. Insert a rosemary spring in the top of each squash half. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Jennifer Lopez Gypsy!

“Gayatri Mantra is the key to opening the door of cosmic consciousness."

“Gayatri is a treasure you must guard throughout your life.  You may give up or ignore any other mantra, but never give up Gayatri.   It will protect you from harm, {and} the effulgence of God will descend on you and light your path.” --H.H. Sri Sathya Sai Baba
                                                             
The Gayatri Mantra is a considered to be the most powerful Sanskrit chant.  It is a chant that brings magical energies and helps those chanting it accelerate on their spiritual path and in all aspects of life.  Gayatri mantra works with feminine energies, causing illumination and expansion within the practitioner. Gayatri works with the powerful feminine energy form of the Gayatri goddess, who protects our life-force energy and helps us manifest our personal missions in life.

In India, the Gayatri Mantra is typically passed down from spiritual teachers to students in a special initiation ceremony.  Many years ago only priests were taught the Gayatri Mantra as it was considered to be sacred.  Today this powerful mantra is being shared discreetly with people on a conscious spiritual path by Psychic Palmist of India Professor Sasi Velupillai and Reiki Master Alexandra Juliani, Directors of the Vedic Healing Institute.

Some of the benefits of chanting Gayatri Mantra:

       •       Attain higher spiritual awareness and consciousness;
       •       Raise your vibration to attract prosperity and blessings;
       •       Awaken intuitive, psychic powers;
       •       Increase your ability to manifest desires and needs and walk your personal path in life;
       •       Increase your prana or life-force energy and your personal charisma;
       •       Help you achieve greater health, balance, well-being, and peace;
       •       Create a powerful, positive force-field around the chanter and in the environment, offering protection from negativity


It is said in India that you are born twice--once when you come into the body and the second time when you are initiated into the Gayatri mantra,
 the highest of all Sanskrit chants.

The Gayatri Mantra

Om bhur bhuvah svah
tat savitur varenyam
bhargo devasya dhimahi
dhiyo yonah prachodayat

Through the coming, going and the balance of life
the essential nature which illumes existence is the adorable one may all perceive through subtle intellect
the brilliance of enlightenment

The Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yonaha Pracho Dayat Om.

May we meditate on the effulgent Light (or Power)
of the Worshipful One Who Has given birth to all worlds.
May this One direct our Mind-rays towards the path of Good.

The Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhur Bhuva Svaha Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhi Yo Yonah Prachodayat Om

O Lord, Thou are the protector of life and of breath,
dispeller of miseries and bestower of happiness.
Thou are the creator and the most acceptable intelligence,
possessing eternal qualities. May Thine qualities and Thy inspiration pass to us.

 

How to say Cheers in Irish???

Slàinte!!!

Mercury in Scorpio

Mercury in Scorpio

The Sun and Mercury join forces in Scorpio

Mercury is called the first of the celestial Gods, the god Hermes… initiating men into Magic (and ancient word meaning “manifestation).” Mercury is Mithra, Wisdom, Buddhi (4th plane of reason Enlightenment, “reawakening” in the Divine Science (Ageless wisdom). The Aryan (5th) Race is born under Mercury. Mercury is the elder broth to Earth. Mercury receives seven times more light than any other planet.
The Secret Doctrine, H.P. Blavatsky

Mercury represents the Mind, which is the illuminating principle (Mercury “lights up” our mind with information). In Gemini (Mercury as personality ruler), Mercury provides us with information and the ability to disperse that information. In Virgo, Mercury also as personality ruler, Mercury allows us to organize our thought and data and to begin the process of discrimination. In Scorpio, as Hierarchical ruler, Mercury works within groups, opens the door from knowledge (abstract mind) into the world of intuition (Buddhi, 4th plane, pure reason, love/wisdom).

The Gypsy

Iran in America

“Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field. I will meet you there” quoted Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, theologian, and mystic.

I was shocked by such a peaceful quote coming from such an troubled land. It seems that the only information I hear about Iran via our American news stations, is about all the horrible fighting and injustices going on over there. I was curious to see where this Persian poet, Rumi, found his inspiration and if there is such a field.

But, considering the fact that Iran is about 7,000 miles away and probably not the best place for me to visit right now, I decided to go to Tehrangeles (A portmanteau, combining the words Tehran, the capital of Iran, and Los Angeles). This large neighborhood holds up to 900,000 Iranian immigrants and encompasses the majority of Westwood and Beverly Hills.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is an extremely old country in Western Asia and has a population of over 70 million people. Although the majority of Iranians are Muslim, Iranian Jews are among the most ancient Iranians. For many centuries, the Iranian Jews have been exiled out of Iran after Islam came into power. The largest Diaspora was after the 1979 revolution, where many Iranians found their way to Israel and America. Immigration to the Los Angeles area increased and Little Persia made its place on Westwood Boulevard, soon to be filled with the Persian expatriate community and their cultural shops, restaurants, bookstores and all forms of media including magazines, newspapers, radio and television stations.

Simply crossing the street into Tehrangeles, I felt like I had crossed the border into Iran.

Upon starting my voyage of discovering Iran in America, I needed to first get some history. Walking in the Ketab Bookshop, I was greeted with a “Salam” (the traditional Iranian greeting of peace) and an array of beautiful flowing ink writings that resembled Arabic. Farsi, the native language of Iran, uses the same letters as Arabic but to form a completely different language. Much like how Spanish, French and English all use most of the same letters for their unique languages.

Farzad, the store-owner, took me on a tour of all the books in his shop. “Many of these books have been banned in Iran” he said, as he pointed to a wall filled with collections such as, “Animal Farm,” “Brave New World” and “Lolita”. But on Westwood Blvd, all of the banned books in Iran, are available to read for anyone.

I noticed that on these sun filled streets of Tehrangeles, there was where a dark cloud looming over every Iranian head. For even those who have been in America for decades, there is a slight sense of the judgmental eye of a distant regime, miles across the globe.

But this is America, and freedom of speech is one of its highlights. No one seems shy to criticize the politics in Iran and people can easily poke fun at the so-called “monkey” President Ahmadinejad and other controversies. For here, Muslims and Jews walk along the same street, eat at the same restaurants and bring their children to the same schools.

In the back of the bookstore was an enormous selection of Iranian music, movies and musical instruments, like the oud ( a pear-shaped, stringed instrument that resembles the lute) and the Tonbak (the national drum of Persia). In Iran, their musicians are very popular but also are confronted with strict rules and regulations, which cause some of the biggest Iranian pop stars to record and live in Southern California.

Farzad and I had such a great time talking politics, religion, playing music and learning Farsi, that he personally escorted me to dinner across the street to Shahrzad, the oldest Iranian restaurant in LA. The room was filled with large families eating and celebrating as if it was the last supper and the tables were topped with lavash, complimentary Persian flatbread made fresh in an in-house brick oven. Since most of the Iranians in LA are Jewish, they can drink alcohol, for if they were practicing Muslims, alcohol is prohibited. Haram ( an Arabic word meaning prohibited.)

The lavash is accompanied with a large basket of herbs, butter and onions. This is to warm up the palate for the upcoming meal. The items on the menu were absolutely incomprehensible; barg, koobideh, joojeh, shishleek, soltani, chenjeh, khoresht, and Kashkeh Bademjan. So I ordered one appetizer and one entrée I could not pronounce: Kashkeh Bademjan, a Persian Eggplant Dip and Chenjeh, spiced lamb kabob. One word to describe these two dishes: delicious!

After the heavy meal, we were served warm Iranian tea; a blend of 2 parts Darjeeling, 1 part Earl Grey and a pinch of Orange Pekoe.

I was curious what Iranians do after dinner on a weekday night, so Farzad took me next door to Saffron and Rose, an ice cream shop that was filled with people sitting inside and outside talking, eating and smoking. But this was not just any normal ice cream, this was Iranian Ice Cream; which is now my favorite in the world! In addition to saffron, pistachios, orange blossom and cardamom, its key ingredient is rose water. The most exotic spices, flowers and fruits filled the creamy scoop with a memorable and refreshing taste that was unlike anything I have ever had before. It’s so popular, people from all over the city come to buy it by the carton in Tehrangeles. If you find yourself in Hollywood, stop by Mashti Malones to taste some more delicious Iranian Ice Cream.

It was an eventful day that revolved around a lot of talking and eating. But in the end, I discovered that the quote was more relevant than not and what I have seen in the news about Iran was nothing like what I experienced in Tehrangeles.

“Out beyond ideas of wrong doing and right doing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” Maybe that field is America? A land where all cultures can co-habitate together, still keeping their customs, their language and their religions, but leaving behind their judgments. For in America, one never knows what race or religion their next boss, friend or lover could be. And in Tehrangeles, with the California sun setting in the distance, everyone seemed to be eating their Iranian ice cream in peace.
Salam a ti! (Meaning, ‘peace to you’ in Farsi)

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Gypsy Health Tips

These are a few health tips that I want to share with you in this so called “FLU” season. Remember, it’s about prevention…and every day we can do little things that can make a big difference in our health and wellness. Here is what I am doing:

1.    A Friend of a Vegetable is a Friend of Mine
I am choosing a vegan diet this season for a few reasons:
a.    To purify my body from dairy. Dairy builds up flim in my body and I just feel better when I don’t consume that delicious gooey yummy cheese. I notice that I breathe better and sh*t better…and those are two crucial things for me.
b.    BC I do not feel right supporting the treatment of animals in the slaughterhouses in this country. The book, “Skinny Bitch”, really made an impact on me and I say it is a ‘must read’ for anyone.
c.    Saving money. I used to go to town at Whole Foods buying organic meats and cheese from around the world…now I can see that my bill is significantly lower wherever I dine and shop.
d.    And last but certainly not least, when I eat vegetables, fruits and whole grains, I feel better! My body soaks up the nutrients and it shows in my eyes, skin, lips and hips! (a little secret, I have lost 15lbs since I have become vegan…ye ha!)

2.    Okie Blow!!
Besides cutting out dairy (Sorry Pink Berry…it was fun while it lasted!) I am the Netty Pot Queen! Every morning I flush out these beautiful big wind tunnels that keep my body going. BC if not, we can get a lot of toxic buildup in our nostrils that can spread to our inner body and create havoc on our immune system. Plus, it feels so good to breathe freely!

3.    Sea Salt Swishing
Everyday I gargle with warm water and sea salt to rinse out any impurities in my mouth and to cleanse, refresh and release! Its not just for when you have a sore throat….it’s about prevention

4.    A little Exercise Goes a Long Way
Believe me, sometimes there is nothing harder than having to get out of the warm cozy bed on a cold dreary morning and go to the gym. But after that first 10 minutes of cardio…you body starts to feel great. Not only are you starting to sweat out impurities, you are working your heart, balancing your energy, clearing your mind and pumping in some good hormones that make it a great day. Even if it’s a simple 20 minute work out…that is good enough!

5.    Yoga for the Soul
In this world of bad news on every station, it’s hard to keep a smile in a troublesome world. Taking a few minutes out of my day to honor my body does wonders to my mood! Whether it’s a home practice or in a studio, yoga is the union of the body, mind and soul and shifts your vibration to a higher level, relaxes and energizes your body and brings peace to the mind so that a smile can appear more often than fear! Mark Whitwell’s book, “The Heart of Yoga” is all about creating your personal practice in your own space.


6.    Sweat it Out Baby!
If you happen to live in a city with Korean Spa’s, Russian baths, or Moroccan Hamam’s…lucky you! If not, get thee to the steam room at your gym. Oh how wonderful it is to sweat out the stress of the day! My pores open up, my muscles relax and my body melts into the healing heat of the sauna. No wonder people have been basking in sweat lodges for centuries…it heals!

7.    Lave sus Manos!
Yep. This one is easy. Wash your hands a lot and also clean your phone, computer, re-usable water bottle, and remote…germs live everywhere so clean them and go on with your day. Don’t become neurotic about it…just wash and go

8.    Affirmations!
This one is super important to me. When someone says, “Are you sick?” and even though I might be feeling a little under the weather, I always respond by saying, “My body is healing itself”. That is something wonderful to repeat anyway, everyday, something like; “Thank you for my healing, my health, my happiness…”

9.    To Thine Own Self Be True!
Listen to your body. If you feel like sleeping in, sleep. If you feel like drinking something warm, heat it up and sip. If you feel like having a delicious bowl of hearty pasta or grains, mange´! Our bodies are our own best doctors and we need to get back in touch with them. Dr. Oz is a great resource, but we need to be our own healers and honor where we are and listen to what signals we receive so that we can nourish what needs tending to.


10. Beverages of Choice!
There are really only 3 things that I drink: Water, Tea and Red Wine. I gulp filtered water everyday for the obvious reasons and my body thanks me for it. Tea is packed with antioxidants and herbs that aid in digestion and stimulate energy inside and out! And lastly is that good ole’ wine. This Gypsy lady has had her fun with Vodka, her wild nights in Oklahoma with beer and the sophisticated tastings of Scotch, but now I can really only drink one thing with a clear conscious and no hangover: Red wine  For many reasons, like the fact that its packed with resveratrol and healing antioxidants, but also because it is closest to the earth and stars. Bacchus sends me secrets every time I sip in sweet moderation.  One of the best wines I have had lately is an Organic Malbec priced at $12 called, ‘Yellow+Blue’.


These Gypsy Health Tips are some simple things that I have found inspiring to create in my everyday life and I wanted to share them with you. Remember, being a Gypsy is not only living an unconventional way of life, traveling for work and having a creative spirit…its also about survival, instincts and going back to our roots by listening to our bodies and our hearts more than anything else. Stay true to you!

Keeping it in the Caravan!
Love,
America’s Gypsy

Gypsy Balls

Delicious, Tasty, Nutty, Sexy, Fluffy, Colorful Gypsy Balls!
The perfect treat as breakfast, desert or a energy packed snack!!

All you need are a few ingredients, hands that are ready to get messy, an oven and a mouth!
Suggested Ingredients:
(You can interchange any kinds of nuts and dried fruits that you like)
Goji Berries
Cacao nibs
Maca Powder
Cashews
Dates
Almond milk
Agave


Preparation:
Pour all ingredients into a bowl and start mashing together.
Put it all in a food processor and mix.
Take out of the processor and start making balls the size of a dollar coin.
Pre heat oven on to 350
Stick the balls in the oven for about 30 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy

Let cool and pop them in your mouth!

health benefits:
Goji berries: have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to:

* protect the liver
* help eyesight
* improve sexual function and fertility
* strengthen the legs
* boost immune function
* improve circulation
* promote longevity
Cacao Nibs: a powerhouse of cognitive enhancement, mood and bliss-enhancement , antioxidants, flavonoids, catechins and many other brain & body-enhancing elements.

Maca Powder: nutrition-packed root vegetable, also known as “Peruvian ginseng,” that grows in the mountain plateaus of the Peruvian Andes. It is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals with many healthful effects, including:

* Increasing energy, stamina and endurance
* Enhancing libido and treating impotence
* Stimulating fertility in both sexes
* Supporting the immune system and adrenal function
* Reducing chronic fatigue
* Regulating and supporting the endocrine system

Agave: A natural sweetener that tastes similar to honey and derived from the plant that is used in making tequila, agave nectar can be used to sweeten both food and drinks.Its an ideal alternative to sugar and offers health benefits from weight loss to wound healing.

The Riviera of Texas

America’s Gypsy explores
Tejano Culture in San Antonio, Texas
America’s Gypsy takes audiences on a journey through multi-cultural America, often stepping back in time and creating short escapes within U.S. borders. This time, she explores the Riviera of Texas - San Antonio.

As the strains of a mariachi band played over the airport loudspeaker, my mission became clear: experience margaritas and mariachis in America’s Little Mexico, otherwise known as San Antonio.

The sun was out, the heat was on, the tequila awaited my lips, and the music awaited my hips. Being close to the border of Mexico and even closer to large cities like Austin, Houston, Fort Worth and Dallas, San Antonio is a city where history meets industry.

Famous for historic spots such as The Alamo and Spanish missions that date back to the 1700s, it is also filled with distinct new innovations like the River Walk, the Tower of the Americas (a 750-foot-tall tower with a restaurant on the top), Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (one of the largest in the country).


Walking down stone steps, I entered the Paseo del Rio, the Spanish translation for the River Walk, where the waters of the San Antonio River spring forth into a Venice-like canal circling dozens of bars, restaurants and hotels for more than 3 miles.


Along the banks of the river, a small Mexican restaurant, Boudros, boasts guacamole made tableside—the only way to eat it, in my opinion. Sitting along the river watching the riverboats pass by, I heard a sensual melody from a single guitar.

A short, handsome, dark-skinned man, adorned in a black velvet suit with red and white lapels and a wide brimmed hat, stood alone stroking the Spanish guitar with his fingers, creating the most delicate and beautiful melody.

With in seconds, two other men joined him and began to harmonize their guitars, singing emotional Spanish lyrics that would make anyone’s heart stir. I sat in bliss sipping my prickly pear margarita (which became even more meaningful when I learned that prickly pear is a cactus from the desert bursting with vitamins and used to help ease hangovers).

But it was at La Villita’s Historic Arts Village, that I was able to experience true Tejano culture. Tejanos are Hispanic Texans, named for their ancestors who fought on the side of Texas independence forces.

Strolling through the dozens of old churches, homes, and jacals (thatched roof huts covered with clay) that have been renovated into local art and imported good shops, I couldn’t help but smile. While America has been independent from Mexico since 1821, its passionate and colorful culture is strong and vibrant thanks to the large Tejano and Latino communities that make up about 60 percent of the city’s entire population.

With the southern sun beating and inspired by the Tejano influences, I purchased a nice green cowboy hat as I went across the street to the famous historical landmark, The Alamo. There, I heard the magical music of three mariachis singing a song of happiness on the corner of the cobblestone streets.

Though the Alamo seemed much smaller than I imagined, its presence brought forth the importance of this historic mission for both Americans and Mexicans. With 189 defenders on the side of Texas, such as folk hero Davy Crockett, Colonel William Travis and Jim Bowie fighting the 13-day battle against Mexico’s Santa Anna’s army of 4,000 ending in the favor of Mexico until they moved up north and met the forces headed by Sam Houston. Today, The Alamo is known as the Shrine of Texas Liberty.

This one building created what is now Texas and it stands still today; 173 years later … filled with curious tourists who might not ever know all that went on in this divided land.

After experiencing tradition at La Villita and The Alamo, I got a great taste of just how well San Antonio blends the old with the new at the Pearl Brewery complex. The space functioned as a brewery from 1883 until 2001, but is now being transformed into a culinary and cultural gathering space centered on the restored brew house, stables and cable cars.

One of the highlights in the Pearl Brewery complex is Melissa Guerra Tienda de Cocina (Things for the Kitchen). Visitors are greeted with a huge sign saying Mi Casa es Su Casa (“My home is your home”), and the interior feels like an authentic Mexican kitchen. Mexican spices fill the racks, dried peppers hang from the ceiling, and hand-painted plates lined the tables. The only thing missing is an abuela (grandmother) making fresh tortillas. (Fortunately, the store also sells tortilla makers!)

This salivating vision of homemade tortillas inspired me to wander over to the Culinary Institute of San Antonio, also located in the Pearl Brewery. Here, several “enthusiast classes” for aspiring chefs and food lovers focus on Latin American cuisine, with two-hour, weekend and boot-camp courses available.


I signed up for the Taste of CIA Cookbook class and spent all day grinding paprika, chopping vegetables and flipping tortillas. By the end of the class, I had prepared an authentic Mexican meal: chicken mole topped with sautéed peppers, mushrooms and onions with hot homemade tortillas.

Though often overshadowed by its neighbors, San Antonio is akin to a well-balanced meal: the sweet memories of history blended into the savory sauce of culture topped with the strong meat of industry and innovation.

The hot sunny days, the crystal green river, the smiling tan faces and unlimited salsa and margaritas add the perfect spice to a journey along the Riviera of Texas. ¡Ole!

America's GYpsy in Little India

America’s Gypsy: Discovering South Asia in New York’s Jackson Heights, Queens

Ana Berry, America’s Gypsy, explores America’s most fascinating ethnic neighborhoods.

From LA’s Koreatown to Puerto Rico in Chicago, her travels take her to ends of the earth that are right in our own backyard.

Join her on her latest adventure discovering the sights, sounds, smells, shopping, and of course, singing and dancing in New York’s “Little India” South Asian community in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens.

“If it wasn’t for Rama and Allah, I’d still have a mother,” says orphan Jamal Malik in Slumdog Millionaire, referring to his mother’s murder due to religious strife between Hindus and Muslims.

Deeply affected by the Oscar-winning movie, I wondered if I could discover other Bollywood films that that would resonate as much, both politically and emotionally.

Bollywood, a play on “Bombay” and “Hollywood,” is the center for the Hindi-language movie industry based in Mumbai, India and is the largest producer of films in the world. So it seemed fitting to shop for more Bollywood movies in Jackson Heights, Queens, aka “Little India.”

At first glance, Queens appears to be the most ethnically diverse 115 square miles on earth. The 7 subway line, dubbed the “International Express” travels straight from Manhattan into the heart of Little India, transporting passengers into another world.

In Minutes, swarms of saris and burkas, turbans and caftans passed by as stepped off the train at Roosevelt Avenue. Although I was there to look for Bollywood films, I felt I was about to star in my own movie.

New York has the largest concentration of Indians of any city in America and Jackson Heights currently boasts an Indian-American population of more than 650,000.

There’s no missing 74th street, which has been renamed Kalpana Chawla Way as a tribute to the Indian-American astronaut who died in the Columbia space shuttle tragedy. It’s packed with the sights, sounds and smells of South Asian restaurants, clothing stores, groceries, and music shops. There are also temples for Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists, representing the four dominant religions of India.

The front windows of the store Jessi Emporium are adorned with pictures of a turbaned old man named Guru Nanak, the founder of the ancient Sikh faith. Having taken Kundalini yoga, which was created by a Sikh, I greeted the shop keepers with a gentle “sat nam,” (which loosely translates into, “Truth is my identity and I call upon the eternal Truth that resides in all of us”).

Two adorably small, dark-skinned ladies responded with a hearty, “Hallo! Welcum!”

When they explained that they are not Sikh but Muslims, I quickly changed my greeting to “Asalamalakum” (“May peace be upon you”) and they responded with a surprised smile, “Wa alaikum assalaam” (“May peace be upon you”).

Clothes shoppingThe shop was a Queen’s paradise, filled with beads and bangles, colorful slip-on shoes and the traditional salwar kameez (loose pants with a matching tunic top), kurta (long flowing blouse) and sari (a colorful piece of fabric wrapped worn as a dress).

The little ladies wrapped me with an elaborate sari of sheer, bright-red fabric and golden beads, pushed golden bangles onto my wrists and stuck a red bindi on my forehead.

It was as if the director had shouted “Action!” and now I truly was the star of a Bollywood film.
I had my sari, my bangles and my bindi. Now all I needed was music … and a little curry.

Upon entering Jackson Diner, instead of being greeted by a host and a hello, guests are greeted by a huge statue of Shiva (seen as the Supreme God in Hinduism) and a “namaste” (“the divinity within me honors the divinity within you”).

At the table, instead of bread and butter, waiters bring chapati (unleavened flatbread) with chutney (sweet and savory jelly).

The waiter, being a vegetarian Buddhist from Nepal, couldn’t give me a fair recommendation of the tastiest dish for an omnivore on the extensive menus, so I ordered an enormous meal: Punjabi kadhi (chickpeas and curry), saag paneer (spinach and cheese), and halal chicken tandoori (halal means the animal is killed with respect to Islamic law).

Instead of after-dinner mints, patrons are handed a scoop of mukhwas, a colorful collection of fennel and anise seeds that works as a natural digestive aid and mouth freshener.

Next door, loud music blared from a store called Golden Music. Videos and CDs lined the walls while a DJ wearing a white turban blasted Indian pop music on the turntables. I couldn’t help but move to the beats.

Almost immediately, a cute little boy popped out from behind the counter and began dancing with me. I followed his lead—he pushed his hands up to the right, then to the left, and acted as if there were a drum in between his legs. I followed like the fabulous fool that I am, still adorned in my red and gold sari with the bright red bindi still clinging to the middle of my forehead.

Our audience clapped their hands, yelling, “Balle! Balle!” (an exclamation of having fun). It was truly a scene in a Bollywood film—a beautiful, colorful scene of people dancing joyously to music. And, I marveled, it was a Sikh DJ playing Hindi music as an American woman danced to the universal beats.

The lesson of my day?

I didn’t have to trek 15 hours over the Atlantic to experience South Asian culture. I only needed to travel 15 minutes to Queens, where diverse groups from the largest continent in the world have re-created their native home right here.

And once they reached the United States, finding common ground became more important than fighting over differences—where one man’s “Asalamalakum” is another woman’s “Namaste.”

And it’s not just New York City. Other American cities with large, active South Asian communities include: Devon Avenue, Chicago, Illinois; Oak Tree Road, Edison, New Jersey; Pioneer Boulevard, Artesia, California; El Camino Real, Santa Clara, California; Chatham Street, Cary, North Carolina; Newark Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey; Hillcroft, Houston, Texas; Hicksville, Long Island, New York; Millbourne, Pennsylvania.

Interested in good South Asian music? Don’t miss:

Classical - Vikash Maharaj & Prabhash Maharaj (India), Ravi Shankar (India), Jagjit Singh (India), Drepung Loseling Monastery (Nepal), Wasifuddin Dagar (Bangladesh)

Pop - Baba Sehgal (India), Alisha Chinai (India), Habib Wahid (Bangladesh)

Devotional - Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, Deva Premal, Snatam Kaur, Wasifuddin Dagar, Yousef Islam, Hafíz Kani Karaca

And last, but certainly not least, must-see Bollywood films: Black, Satya, Kabi Kushi Gabi Gham, Lagaan, and Sholay.

To Remove Obstacles

To Remove Any Obstacles: Chant to Ganesh! Om Gann Ganapataye Namoh Namaha.
Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles in Hinduism and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles, patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions.

Gayatri Mantra

America's Gypsy in Puerto Rico

America’s Gypsy: Puerto Rico in Chicago

“America’s Gypsy” Ana Berry travels the world within America and always seems to find cultural adventures waiting just around the corner. Today, she takes us on a journey to Puerto Rico in Chicago.

It was a cold and rainy day in Chicago and I needed some warmth.

Driving northwest on Division Street and flipping through the radio, I came across SalSoul 98.5 FM, Chicago’s local Puerto Rican station. The sounds of salsa vieja (old salsa) filled the air and the memories of my recent trip to Puerto Rico flooded my mind.

As I passed Western Avenue, I could already smell the tostones in the fry pan and hear the coqis chirping in the trees.

Division Street, in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, is the symbolic center of the city’s Puerto Rican community. Massive 59-foot steel sculptures of the Puerto Rican flag adorn both sides of the street and culturally signify the entrance into Paseo Boricua (Gateway to Puerto Rico).

Puerto Ricans have been moving to Chicago since the 1920s. In the early 1960s a group of Puerto Rican civic leaders in Chicago called “Los Caballeros de San Juan” organized the first unofficial Puerto Rican parade. They soon joined with the Chicago Park District and created the annual week-long festival of Boricua art, music, food and culture that’s centered around the 207-acre Humboldt Park.

Check out America’s Gypsy as she explores Rego Park: New York’s Bukhari Community.

Looking down at my feet while walking along the Paseo Boricua, I imagined I was on a parranda (a Puerto Rican tradition similar to Christmas caroling) through the cobblestone streets of viejo San Juan, sipping on Don Q rum and singing “Feliz Navidad.” The best I could do was dance in my boots on my way to the 5 p.m. class at the nearby Dance Academy of Salsa (www.danceacademyofsalsa.com).

I was greeted by a chorus of smiling “holas” and was soon wrapped in the arms of a sun-kissed man twirling me to the sounds of salsa. After an hour of 1, 2, 3 … 1, 2, 3 … turn, I was sweaty from the songs of amor … yet still hungry for more!

Continuing my parranda along the Paseo Boriqua, I cha-cha-ed across the street to the restaurant La Bruquena for an authentic Puerto Rican dinner. La Bruquena, named after the crab indigenous to Puerto Rico, has been in existence since the 1940s and specializes in the best of fried “everything!”

I indulged in my favorites: tostones (seasoned fried green plantains), a jibarito (a sandwich made with flattened, fried green plantains instead of bread and stuffed with meat), and mofongo (the signature dish of Puerto Rico, made from mashed plantains, seafood and vegetables).

When in Puerto Rico proper, I can never seem to get enough plantains, but this time I definitely went a little bananas!

Join Ana Berry as she journeys to Koreatown in Los Angeles.

After finishing that heavy meal, I needed a digestive! And what better way to quench my thirst and aid my digestion than aqua de coco (cold coconut water known for its cleansing and cooling properties)?

In Puerto Rico, there are fruit stands on every street corner stocked with chilled coconuts fresh from the trees, so I hoped to find something similar in the park of the Paseo Boriqua.

Walking towards Humboldt Park, I was accompanied by reggaeton music blasting from each little bodega on La Division (the name for Division street in local parlance) as I passed thoroughfares named in honor of notables such as former governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Muños Marín, and nationalist leader Pedro Albizu Campos.

On the corner of the park I found exactly what I was looking for: three stations of trucks filled with large juicy watermelons, cherries and coconuts.

They cut the top off a big coconut and stuck a straw in it for me to enjoy.

The sun had set and my quick cultural vacation for the day seemed to be over. On my way back to my car, I passed several vibrant murals on the large brick walls. One that stuck out in particular was a painted image of giant hands clasped tightly together over a child’s coffin. The hands stood tall next to protesters and rioters with the words above them: Unidos Para Triunfar (Together We Overcome).

The image on the mural reaffirmed the importance of continuing one’s cultural traditions over generations, even if it’s in a new land.

Hear the sounds and see the sights of the area with Ana Berry as she journeys through Puerto Rico in Chicago in this video…

Crossing oceans and starting anew only deepens the appreciation of one’s homeland. It always seems that memories of families and friends surpass the hardships life will always bring.And although I was walking down Division Street in the heart of America, for a few hours of my day, I felt united with Puerto Rico.

Viva Puerto Rico in Chicago

America's Gypsy Sizzle Reel

Korea Town

“America’s Gypsy”
Ana Berry travels the world within America, taking us on cultural adventures in our own cities. See them as mini vacations that not only entertain us but also immerse us in the local cultures living in this large country.
Today we are headed to Korea town! Located in the Mid-Wilshire district of Los Angeles, Korea town is rich with historic brownstones, high-end Asian boutiques, food markets and spas. Many Korean immigrants and investors came to California during the 1960s, after restrictions on immigration to the United States from East Asia were lifted. Now, Korea town is considered one of the most diverse neighborhoods in America with a Korean population of 160-thousand people within 5 square miles, making it the largest concentration of Koreans outside of Korea.
It was another day of hustle and bustle in Los Angeles and I needed to relax! I heard of these so-called Korean Day Spas, but in this city, luxury comes at a high price. Not in Korea town! For under a hundred dollars, I spent hours in an all woman’s’ Korean spa or, Jimjilbang. My Ajuma (the term for the woman giving you your treatment) salted and scrubbed me like a piece of meat, being seasoned for the BBQ and even though she was barely 5 feet tall and practically naked, she was extremely strong and thorough. I was in a mermaid’s oasis, circulating my senses by soaking in hot baths, plunging in cold tubs, napping in dry saunas and sweating in steam rooms. After a few hours in the spa, I was clean, relaxed and invigorated for the Korean adventures that awaited the day.
The streets of Korea town took me out of Los Angeles and into a snippet of Seoul. The tall buildings were filled with Korean billboards above me, as hundreds of people walked in and out of local Korean boutiques and restaurants beside me.
So I decided to join them! I entered the 24-hour ‘Tofu House’ and was greeted by an array of “Anyon Haseo’s”. Upon being seated, I was immediately served "banchan”, traditional side dishes that come with the meal. They included odaeng (fish cakes), mu (radish), shigumchi (spinach leaves), and spicy pickled kimchee (which contains vitamin c, fiber and stimulates the appetite). I ordered the mehoontang, (hot fish soup) which was like a witch’s cauldron, spices bubbling from the top of the iron bowl. The Korean waitress spoke no English but explained to me with her hands how to crack an egg and stir it in the boiling soup. Delicious, spicy, tangy and slightly sweet.
The meal was so delicious I had to buy some of these Korean delicacies as a souvenir snack. At the ‘Hank Kook Market’, I found exactly what I wanted; saltwater eel (jang uh), pickled Kimchee, and Korean rice wine (dongdong ju). Korean food is quite exotic and different from other Asian cuisines. And most Korean dishes are healthy because they use very little oil, fat and grease.
Full from my mehoontang and relaxed from my jimjilbang, I needed a drink. And to complete my gypsy caravan in Korea town, I wanted one last Korean cultural adventure; to sip Soju and to sing Karaoke. It was ‘Elvis Night’ at The Brass Monkey, a Karaoke hot spot, and Blue Moon was being serenaded to a group of giggling girls in the Korean language. Sipping my last drop of Soju, I got up and sang, Love Me Tender, to a bunch of smiling strangers. In this moment of being in a Korean Karaoke bar singing American music, I felt the magic of connecting with cultures.
As the sun began to set, the bright neon lights took over the skyline of Korea town. And even though I have never been to Korea, I felt like I had just explored the soul of Seoul in America!
Other cities that have Korea Town are Manhattan, Orange County, Seattle, Atlanta, Doraville, Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, Dallas, and Kansas City.

Korean Language
Hello: Annyeonghi Haseo (un young ha say o)
Thank you: Kamsamnida (kam sam nee da)
Goodbye: Annyeonghi gaseyo (un young ga say o)

New York Dance Parade