The tuvar dal takes priority....

How life's priorities change...

All one cares about is the availability of tuvar dal or the availability of ajwain and kasuri methi...
life gets redefined based on what is available around one - more of what is available that one can eat.

Myer's winter colletion or the David Jones' Spring collection have no meaning here.its the same 30 degree heat every day, all through the year. Somedays you do not see or feel the humidity and on other days, its absolutely steamy. So, perhaps the fashion industry makes sense only for places where there are distinct four seasons. Not for a place where its hot hotter and hottest...or for Alaska, where it is cold colder and coldest. There is only so much one can improvise on the basic shorts and t shirts. maybe a different version of a spaghetti strapped top every year, but hey, its only two straps or a strapless creation...thats pretty much it.

We went to a local market two months ago, but very late and there was hardly anything left.
But I am pleased that i was able to buy pitpit, a local vegetable that is a favourite with children here. Must say I liked the taste of it when i cooked it with onion, garlic, red chillies and some spicy home made curry powder(i cant beleive I am using the phrase curry powder, its such a misnomer because there are a million types of powders that one uses to make tasty food.).

Its one of life's most beautiful challenges that I enjoy - making food from locally available veggies. What a voyage of discovery that is. I have been cooking with the local banana and banana stem ....and have surprised many PNG nationals...who had no idea one can eat the banana stem..

Anyway, coming back to priorities....its a treasure hunt every time I go to the shop these days..always wondering what I will find on the shelves...whats new, and what stocks are low on the shelves...for a long while my mind was focussed on how to make good idly with the jamine rice that is available here. I am told that the jasmine rice is too glutinous and the idly would be absolutely appalling in taste and texture...therefore, I was on a hunt to find long grain rice, found a packet, they call it "easy cook rice.." made idly...hmmm pretty bad...
then consulted a lady who has been here for many years....
she gave me some ideas and i must say - the idly was not bad at all
not the best but hey who is complaining as long as its soft and nice to eat :)

I might also try making idly with the brown rice that is not glutinous..will probably end up making some super duper highly nutricious idly in the process. fingers crossed....

Anyway, the update is there is no tuvar dal anywhere in PNG at the moment...
I am lucky, i have stock for another 4 months
thanks to someone who went to Melbourne and managed to carry three kilos for me.
The wholesaler who brings in tuvar dal rations it - he sells only one kilo per family - fair enough; there is enough for all - Life's great leveller i suppose..

Such is life...the priority is around the stocks of tuvar dal and the quality of idly...:)