March 29, 2025
Sattu, the affordable miracle protein drink of the masses
I woke up early and went to the same Bihari family for breakfast. They served sattu, a roasted chickpea flour smoothie made with water, salt, and chopped onions. I had two glasses of it, followed by a cup of chai, and hit the road.
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
I rode for hours until a flat tire slowed me down. After spending about half an hour trying to fix it, I decided to slowly cycle to a nearby shop, about a kilometer or two away. There, I learned lessons in humanity and humility—the mechanic wouldn’t even accept payment. Fortunately, I had a bicycle phone holder to give him as a gift, along with a Rs. 100 note that had the serial number 786. The mechanic, being Muslim, appreciated the note more than I did, as I had kept it simply for luck.
After bidding farewell to my new "friend" in Lakhibaari, I pedaled on, crossing more elephant corridors. The police and forest department staff advised against camping in that "beautiful" part of West Bengal.
As I rode through these challenging terrains, I reflected on the blessings and angels protecting/guiding me. I had Doña Roció’s blessings, who would draw a cross every time I left her home in San Pedro de Vilcabamba, Ecuador. MisterGordo’s bags had been repaired by Jesus of Ipiales, Colombia. Now, my saddlebag carrier had more modifications from a Muslim brother. People of all faiths, and even non-believers, had helped me, a nature worshiper. So, when people ask me what religion I follow, I struggle to answer. I am an animist, like the Yumas of Sikkim or the Donyi-Polos and Santhalis, who worship the elements.
Above all, I am a firm believer in humanity.
----
I rode into the dark until a traffic police officer and a civilian volunteer stopped me at Coronation Bridge. After talking to me, they offered to treat me to dinner. I agreed, but insisted they pay for just one plate of momos, as I might want more. The police wouldn’t budge.
I then asked the woman running the momos stand to serve me on reusable plates. Reluctantly, they agreed, but I soon realized that my desire to reduce waste had delayed their closing the shop down and forced them to spend more time in the cold water. I was in the foothills of the Himalayas, near Kalimpong and it gets cold as soon as the sun's down. If it weren’t for the extra washing time and cold water, they would have gladly served me food and tea in reusable dishes.
I’m now beginning to realize the impact of my actions and choices on others' lives. I carry my steel cup and spoon, but I had forgotten to bring a plate on this trip.
Then the police said I could keep my bicycle at the station while I slept at the Durga temple next door. I have seen this trend where police are helpful but very hesitant to let you sleep at/near station.
No issues. I left my bicycle in the safe vicinity and pitched my tent inside the compound of the temple. It was too hard to catch zzzs that night because this temple is right next to the highway and it felt like trucks, cars were wizzing past me.
Today's ride: 108 km (67 miles)
Total: 2,509 km (1,558 miles)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 3 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 0 |