bitter chocolate challenge

Recently we discovered Amul's dark and bitter chocolates. First we tried Dark Chocolate, its strong flavor was bitter-sweet. Both of us liked it but I wished it was bitterer. Then we got Bitter Chocolate. As usual after dinner, we broke off four pieces, two each. Watching 'House of the Dragon' I was enjoying the bitterness. I must admit my surprise at the intensity of bitterness, the bitterest I'd ever tasted. Then I heard Pushpa retching, she ran to the washbasin and spat out the. She couldn't handle the challenge. That's when I felt that bitter food is not for all, only a select few enjoy it.

After chewing Amla we experience a mild sweet taste, right? Same with 90% Bitter.

Years ago, when we lived in Hyderabad, we had had Thai Pad instant noodles for dinner once. That was the first time we had made it and tasted it. Our mouths were on fire, the chilly flavor was really intense.  Sweat broke and eyes teared. After half a bowl, Pushpa gave up. I could handle it, finished all we had cooked. Generally I prefer moderate chilly flavor while Pushpa likes it stronger. However, when it comes to handling extreme taste, I'm the champion between the two of us.

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Pigeon

Pigeon captured on 21st Aug 2023 when was Sun was close to the western horizon.

Besides cuckoo, pigeon too seems like a lazy bird. I felt to so after seeing a pigeon's nest, a low heap of twigs positioned to prevent its eggs from rolling away. No privacy, no comfort, no security from predators, nothing. Yet, the bird thrives. Once they move into a certain space they just drive out other birds. They take over the entire space and litter it with their droppings. They appear to be cute with their cooing and grunts however they can be a pain.

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ever tasted a frozen 5 Star bar

Chocolate bars are usually placed in the fridge to prevent melting. The last time I got chocolates the thought of freezing them popped in. I left them in the freezer for some four or five hours, and then had a 5Star. It tasted better! Care to try it?

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Yekki Hoovu ~ ಎಕ್ಕಿ ಹೂವು

The Apple of Sodom is wild plant with sticky white sap and a complex looking flower. In Kannada it's called Yekki Gida, and in Indian culture it's has an ancient cultural significance. These lovely flowers eventually turn into pods. Subsequently those pods release black seeds with silky hair which are carried away by wind.

Back in July 2009 I had a chance to see Yekki seeds being dispersed.

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Ratna Pakshi

The crow pheasant stayed perched for a couple of minutes while I kept my Nikon P900 aimed at it. It's a shy bird, just doesn't stay still knowing there's a human close by. I was lucky to have got these close-ups. Of course, I have to thank my Nikon for its amazing zoom ability.

Kannada speaking people call it Ratna Pakshi which translates to ruby bird. You might've guessed why ruby. Yes, because of the crow pheasant's ruby red eyes.

People consider it good luck to see Ratna Pakshi. I guess the bird's elusive nature, it just goes out of sight the moment it knows its being watched.

Back in July 2020, I has captured pictures of another crow pheasant at my uncle's place. Do check out the pictures of that Ratna Paskshi.

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