Time to talk of other things ...

 DIY guide for the urban gardener in the Silicon Valley Today Silicon Valley conjures up images of mega-rich techies working for FAANG churning out the latest hi-tech gizmo or app that we didn't know we cannot live without. But it was not always the case.  Not too long ago most of the Santa Clara and surrounding counties were very  productive fruit orchards (mostly stone fruits like cherries, peaches, apricots, plums etc) that used the new trans-continental railroads to ship produce to eager customers on the East Coast. While such fruit orchards have gone the way of the dinosaur, the excellent growing conditions of rich soil, amenable climate etc have not. This post is to help DIY gardeners get started on their own farm-to-fork experience. So without much ado let's get's started Four major factors to consider when planning your garden: 1) Sunlight : 6-8 hr per day full sunlight is often needed for majority of summer vegetables plants to thrive. Alternative choose shade lovi

  Virtual gastronomic tour of Peru This edition is dedicated to the foodies … as we wind down our exhilarating three week trip to Peru join me on a virtual gastronomical tour of delightful Peruvian foods and beverages.   Although the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Peru is the world famous Machu Picchu, the true treasure is its rich culinary heritage. While Peruvian cuisine is often characterised by the country's native aji chilies (often puréed into sauces), over 3800 varieties of potatoes and  150 varieties of corn , any gastronome will tell you Peruvian cuisine has distinct influences not only from their Andean roots but also from Europe (mainly Andalusia), Japan (there is a vast Japanese ex-pat community) and China (apparently from workers imported to work on the rail infrastructure).  The national dish and one of the most popular foods in Peru is Ceviche : essentially cold-cooked fish traditionally marinated for a few minutes in lime juice, onion, salt,

 Refreshing visit to Huacachina oasis and nearby Pisco winery Huacachina Oasis , near the city of Ica in Peru is the only natural oasis in South America. Home to the biggest sand dunes in the continent, you can see carob, date palms and eucalyptus trees on the perimeter of a fresh water lagoon Laguna Huacachina , an eponymous aqua green waterbody fed by a small natural spring, which is the center of this oasis town.  Along Huacachina’s main walkway you’ll find a statue of mermaid, which is a depiction of a well-known legend about the lake’s origins Legend says that the oasis originated when an Inca princess Huacachina who was brushing her hair while looking into a mirror. Just then an intruder passed by and came closer to see the princess. The shy young woman dropped the mirror which shattered into a million pieces creating the lagoon. The princess took shelter in the waters of the lagoon till the pesky intruder left but when she tried to leave the water she realised she had been trans

The ornate Iglesia de La Compañía de Jesus in Arequipa La Compañía By coincidence, the city of Arequipa and the Society of Jesus were both founded in the same year - 1540 AD. The original plans of the magnificent Jesuit edifice, Iglesia de La Compañía de Jesus (locals simply call it,  La Compañía ), were made by one Gaspar Baez - the main structure is in the form of a Latin cross with three deep naves containing side chapels, a transept and a dome on scallops. Unfortunately, the work he began in 1578, collapsed in the earthquake of 1582.  Eight years later, the Jesuit Diego Felipe began the second construction following Gaspar Baez’s plans and construction continued till 1698. It is said that this structure forms the basis of the so-called 'Arequipa school' of architecture which influenced the design and construction of the churches of Cayma, Paucarpata, Yanahuara, Characato and even in the regions of Puno and Bolivia. The facade and main altar (covered with golden leaves) is