Asha Shivakumar

Cuba- Havana’s Essence told through Photography

June 5, 2025 By Asha Shivakumar

Cuba, Between the Lines

A reflection on beauty, scarcity, and the quiet truths behind the lens

“We floated in a gentle buzz for weeks after returning from Cuba. It’s rare for a place to leave such an imprint. Surely, it wasn’t just the rum and cigars—it was something deeper, something that lingered in the soul.”

I’ve been unraveling the threads of our time in Cuba—an experience at once stirring and elusive, beautiful and bewildering. I’ve been sifting through our time in Cuba—revisiting photographs, replaying moments, and searching for language that could do justice to an experience both luminous and difficult to name.

Cuba was—undeniably—beautiful. Arrestingly so. A country awash in saturated color and brimming with artistic soul, where every street corner feels like a stage, every wall a canvas. The textures, the music, the light—everything pulses with a kind of unfiltered vitality. It’s a place that seizes the senses and doesn’t let go.

The island holds a rare, magnetic charm: a place where history hums through crumbling facades and music spills from open doorways like an eternal heartbeat. It is no exaggeration to say that my camera was overwhelmed—capturing breathtaking murals, aged colonial architecture draped in Caribbean light, street performances charged with soul, and spontaneous symphonies erupting from alleyways. The artistry of Cuba is omnipresent, stitched into the fabric of its daily life with unmistakable passion and grit. As you scroll through these images, I hope they offer a glimpse of the magic I witnessed: Cuba, in all its fierce color and character—so iconic, so passionate, so real.

And yet, even as I share these moments, I carry with me a certain guilt. A hesitation. Because what I’ve captured is the red-carpet version of Cuba—It’s the tourist’s lens, polished and privileged, not the unfiltered truth of the everyday Cuban. It is not the full story.

…

Ultimate Guide to Guatemala – Antigua and Lake Atitlan

March 9, 2025 By Asha Shivakumar

Guatemala, where every thread tells a story—vibrant textiles and lush landscapes merge into a living tapestry of color, culture, and soul. People of Guatemala have risen, quite literally, from the ashes of their tumultuous history. They are a people of extraordinary strength—kind, humble, and endlessly talented.

Santa Santa Catalina Arch

Guatemala is more than a place; it is a living, breathing symphony of history, art, and love for the land.

Guatemala, where ancient volcanoes rise like silent guardians, and black-sand beaches kiss the Pacific, is a land alive with nature’s brilliance. Its rich biodiversity unfolds in a vibrant tapestry, while the spirit of the Mayan past echoes through awe-inspiring ruins. The heart of this land beats in its people—dressed in colorful tradition, speaking a symphony of languages, and celebrating life through music, dance, and food. The Quetzal, sacred and iridescent, soars as a symbol of freedom, grace, and the enduring spirit of Guatemala, woven into its flag, currency, and soul.

Guatemalan culture is rich.

Guatemala, a country nestled in Central America, may be slightly smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, but within its compact borders lies a world of wonders that beckon to be explored. Despite its size, there are countless reasons why this land feels so incredibly unique, each one drawing you deeper into its vibrant soul.

Rich in Mayan history, Guatemala is a place where the past is ever-present. Nearly half of its population belongs to 21 distinct Mayan communities, each one contributing to a living culture that thrives across the country. From the woven textiles that tell stories of ancient traditions to the rhythmic beats of music that echo through the mountains, the spirit of the Mayans pulses through the very heart of Guatemala.

The country is not only a cultural treasure trove but also a natural one. Guatemala ranks as the fourth-largest exporter of coffee to the United States, and it’s easy to understand why once you’ve tasted its rich, bold flavors—grown in the shadow of the country’s 27 active volcanoes, which dominate the landscape like ancient guardians. These volcanoes, standing tall and majestic, remind you that in Guatemala, both nature and history are always alive, always stirring.

________________________________________

Table of Contents:

_________________________________________

Introduction

Video Vlog

Everyday Chicken Curry

August 5, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

This Everyday Chicken Curry is flavorful, from scratch with the spice powder, tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours. It’s got the bold flavors with not much effort. You’ll be surprised.

Every non vegetarian household in India has the special Sunday chicken curry , the everyday chicken curry and the Chicken curry we make for parties. The difference in my opinion is the time it takes to cook the curry and the richness factor. What is common between all is the fresh ingredients used.

Chicken Curry

Whether it be Sunday Spicy Chicken Curry or Weeknight Chicken Curry, what we Indians are proud of is the spices we use are freshly ground for the most part and no shortcuts.

Then you might ask, why is this called the Everyday Chicken Curry? To me an everyday / weeknight chicken curry has to be quick and simple, which is exactly this recipe. It’s simple. What makes it flavorful is the spice powder. I make small batches of the powder and use it anytime I make chicken curry during weeknights….

Dill Daal Fry /Sabsige Soppu Dal

July 16, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

The most flavorful vegan Dill Daal Fry aka Sabsige Soppu Daal recipe! This Karnataka recipe is fresh, flavorful and loaded with fresh dill. Perfect with Jollada roti or chapathi.

Eat your Greens, they are good for you.

The cuisine of Karnataka is known to be one of the oldest in the country comprising of flavors, different ingredients & unique techniques.

The food varies from region to region. From coconut based meat dishes of Mangalore, tangy dishes of Uttara Canara . South Karnataka is popular for the variety of rice, known as bhaath. North Karnataka food is much spicier in comparison to the other parts of Karnataka. Udupi rasam is world famous, to Navyath cuisine. Grains such as ragi, rice, jower, urad dal, semolina are some staples. Palm jaggery is also an important ingredient in Karnataka’s cuisine….

Ultimate Japan travel Guide – The Perfect Guide to first timers in Japan

June 22, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

This Japan Travel guide is all you need to plan a trip to Japan. Japan is captivating. It perfectly mixes the traditional with the modern. A cultural hub that is also one of the leading economic and technological centres of the world. Gods, shrines and traditional customs sit side by side with cutting edge technologies and trendy pop culture, and there is always something new to experience on a visit. The kindest of people who welcome you with a smile. It’s a special place, a must visit!

“The whole of Japan is a pure invention. There is no such country, there are no such people. The Japanese people are simply a mode of style, an exquisite fancy of art.” — Oscar Wilde

Amazed. In awe. In LOVE. Japan had been on my bucket list for years, it just didn’t happen. It is my son’s dream destination (hello.. Manga fan:). So we decided to take him to his dream place and our gift for his 18th and grad. it didn’t take long to see how disciplined & polite people of Japan are, the clean streets, to no talking in trains, everything screams discipline. Japan is such an unique country, it can mix its ancient history and traditions, with its incredible modernization. Japan’s history has existed for a few thousand years now, and that until this day a lot of it remains very much alive.After travelling to many places around the world, I can tell you there is no place like Japan anywhere in the world. If you have not visited Japan, then you need to add Japan to your travel bucket list. I hope this Japan travel Guide will help you plan a dream vacation. You will be fascinated by its history, traditions, and culture.

To rise up and shine, smiling and joyful, lot has to be learnt. Cheers to patience and politeness.

_________________________________________

Table of Contents:

_________________________________________

Introduction

Video Vlog

Eggless Tiramisu- Easy and Quick

May 10, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

“This creamy and deceptively simple Eggless Tiramisu, when done correctly, surpasses all other desserts. It’s a luscious concoction of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, enveloped by lightly sweetened whipped cream and rich mascarpone. Tiramisù requires no baking, can be prepared in advance, and is perfect for parties.

“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.

…

Gorkha Chutney (Nepalese Style Chutney)

April 15, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

This Gorkha Chutney is spicy and delicious. THis is an inspired dish, that is a perfect side with rotis. This Nepalese style dish is called the Gorkha chutney. Vegan and SO GOOD!

I went through a stage couple of decades ago when I researched about various cuisines of India few countries too and wrote about them in my note book(which I still believe I’ll publish one day). I was so intrigued by local food of different countries. I tried speaking to friends from those regions, learnt how to make some authentic food(I tried). I could have a conversation about local cuisine to people and that felt good. Don’t know what happened to that book or that enthusiasm. I can go on and on about the various types of dishes I’ve learnt, but I’ll bore you’ll next time. Today it’s about the beautiful country, Nepal where Momos are a popular delicacy. And this dish I very recently came across. I’ts called the gorkha chutney.

…

3 days in Budapest

April 15, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

3 days in Budapest, a vibrant city like a fairytale, with a rich history known as the ‘Paris of the East’ , beautiful parks and buildings, bustling food halls, cool underground bars, and centuries-old thermal baths. A city brimming with beautiful architecture, history, and unique cuisine, Budapest (pronounced Boo-Da-Pesht, not Boo-Da-Pest) might seem intimidating to those who have never visited before.

Budapest( Buddah – PESHT), the capital of Hungary, is considered by many to be the “Paris of the East.” Not only is this beautiful city one of the most culturally important metropolises in Eastern Europe, it’s also home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It’s got everything, old world charm but in a modern city, the architecture is amazing and exactly what you think of when you think European city, it’s very safe, people are friendly, the food is amazing and it’s soooo affordable compared to comparable cities.…

3 days in PRAGUE

April 3, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

3 days in Prague, a pretty little town will blow your mind away. You will feel like you’ve jumped into a fairytale. ‘This pretty dear little mother has sharp claws,’ that’s how Franz Kafka described this small but treasured city, which is a fairy tale for some, a golden city for others, as such, it is one of the most romantic cities in Europe and a winter darling. Here’s a 3 days plan for Prague.

You can leave Prague, but it will never leave you.

Prague is Pretty. The locals believe it is a winter darling. Prague is one of the cities where gloomy and cold weather of the winter suits it perfectly. The red roofs pop out more. The castle shines. If you can endure, winter is gorgeous but if not, early spring is just stunning. Prague has something that appeals to every kind of travel lover. If you want magnificent views, you can’t get enough of sightseeing. If you are interested in different architectures, Prague may make you dizzy, if you are an art lover, the museums in this city will quench your thirst beautifully. The city’s old charm echoes from every bridge, spire, and hilltop castle. Its heart continues to be the spectacular Old Town but you’ll also find an impressive plethora of luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, high-class boutiques, and contemporary entertainment. It is one of the most romantic cities in Europe with a historical city center that combines romanticism and history.…

Zarda – Pakistani style Sweet Rice

March 4, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

Zarda or Sweet Rice is a favorite dessert that’s simple to make and addictive. It is sweetened rice with sugar, toasted nuts. Colorful, flavorful with spices and perfect for parties or festivals.

I grew up with parents who had friends from different cultural backgrounds. It wasn’t intentional, it just happened. Having friends who are culturally different from you allows you to develop an insight into their lives. It shows you how their practices or beliefs are different from yours, and yet, how it leads to their growth. It teaches one to accept differences and to build an understanding that no religion or culture is better than the other but that each has its unique features. One has to learn from them and inculcate the good in them, if possible. Multiculturalism becomes an important concept to inculcate in today’s world of globalization where more than ever, the chances of people living and interacting with racially and culturally different people than their own are heightened. The main advantage of having friends from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures is that it promotes multiculturalism within individuals,andfood. …