#chaihana

[khazanaqueen]

Halal Food in Toronto: A Guide to the Best Dining Experiences

Toronto is a multicultural hub, renowned for its vibrant food scene that reflects the diversity of its population. For those seeking halal food in Toronto, the city offers an extensive array of options, ranging from traditional Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine to modern fusion dishes prepared with halal ingredients. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Toronto’s halal dining scene is sure to impress.

What is Halal Food?

Halal is an Arabic term meaning "permissible" and refers to food prepared following Islamic dietary laws. Top bangladeshi Restaurant in Toronto this includes meat that is slaughtered according to specific guidelines, avoidance of certain prohibited items like pork and alcohol, and ensuring cross-contamination with non-halal items does not occur. Halal certification provides assurance to consumers that the food meets these standards.

The Rise of Halal Dining in Toronto

Toronto's halal food scene has grown significantly in recent years, catering to the city's large Muslim population and those curious about halal cuisine. From casual eateries to fine dining establishments, halal-certified restaurants are flourishing across neighborhoods like Scarborough, Mississauga, and downtown Toronto.

Popular Halal Food Options in Toronto

Middle Eastern Delights Middle Eastern cuisine forms a cornerstone of Toronto’s halal food offerings. Restaurants like Paramount Fine Foods and Jerusalem Restaurant serve classic dishes such as shawarma, falafel, and kebabs. Don’t miss the freshly baked pita bread and rich hummus, staples of any authentic Middle Eastern meal.

South Asian Favorites Toronto’s vibrant South Asian community has brought flavorful halal options to the forefront. Restaurants like Lahore Tikka House in Gerrard Street’s Little India and Kandahar Kabab in Scarborough offer mouthwatering biryanis, curries, and tandoori dishes. Pair these meals with naan or paratha for a truly satisfying experience.

Halal Burgers and Fast Food Craving comfort food? Toronto is home to several halal burger joints, including Burger Factory and Hero Certified Burgers, where you can enjoy juicy burgers, crispy fries, and halal chicken wings. These spots are popular among families and younger crowds looking for a quick yet delicious bite.

Fusion and Modern Cuisine For a more contemporary take on halal food, Toronto offers an array of fusion restaurants blending global flavors. Check out Affy’s Premium Grill for halal steaks or Chaihana for Central Asian cuisine. These establishments cater to diners looking for unique culinary experiences.

Desserts and Cafés No meal is complete without dessert. Toronto’s halal-friendly dessert scene includes treats like kunafa, baklava, and churros, found at places like Sultan’s Tent or Pistachio Café. Pair your dessert with a cup of Arabic coffee or chai for the perfect ending to your meal.

Top Neighborhoods for Halal Food

Scarborough Known for its diverse population, Scarborough boasts a plethora of halal restaurants. From Pakistani BBQ to Somali cuisine, this area is a must-visit for halal food enthusiasts.

Mississauga Just west of Toronto, Mississauga is home to a large Muslim community and numerous halal eateries. Popular spots include Afghani, Lebanese, and Indian restaurants that serve hearty meals.

Downtown Toronto For those in the city center, halal options are equally abundant. Many downtown restaurants cater to professionals and tourists, offering quick bites and upscale dining options.

Finding Halal Food in Toronto

For convenience, many restaurants display halal certification or mention halal options on their menus. Additionally, apps like Zabihah and websites like HalalFoodie are excellent resources for finding halal-certified establishments in Toronto.

Halal Food Events in Toronto

Toronto also hosts halal food festivals, such as the annual Halal Food Fest Toronto, which showcases local and international vendors, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment. These events are a great way to explore the city’s halal food offerings in one place.

Tips for Enjoying Halal Food in Toronto

Check Reviews: Websites like Yelp and Google Reviews can guide you to the best halal restaurants in the city.

Ask Questions: If you're unsure about halal certification, don’t hesitate to ask the staff.

Explore Diverse Cuisines: Toronto’s halal food scene isn’t limited to traditional dishes—venture into fusion and modern cuisine for a unique experience.

Conclusion

Toronto is a paradise for halal food lovers, offering an array of options to suit every palate and occasion. From Middle Eastern classics to innovative fusion dishes, halal cuisine in Toronto is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal with friends or seeking out a fine dining experience, you’ll find plenty of halal-certified restaurants to satisfy your cravings.

Explore the flavors of Toronto’s halal food scene and indulge in culinary delights that combine tradition, quality, and diversity!

[no1-shochu]

【 志布志市で人気のカフェ 】 『 カフェ&ハンドメイド ちゃいはな 様 』 ( 志布志市お食事処、 鹿児島県 志布志市 松山町 新橋 54-5 ) ( ナスと挽肉のエスニックドリア ランチ ディナー こだわり料理 ) 今回ご紹介するお店は、カフェ&ハンドメイド ちゃいはな 様です。 志布志市で美味しいお料理が食べられるお店です♪ 建物がオシャレで店内も静かでいつまでもいたいと思えるくらい素敵でした♪ 今回はデザート付 \(//∇//)\ ナスと挽肉のエスニックドリア に致しました⤴⤴⤴😋 素材を生かしたお味です♪ 新鮮なナスに挽肉、美味しい～～～(σ≧▽≦)σ 凄くお美味しかったです♪ スープ、サラダ、デザート、ドリンク付♪ また少し太ったかも.....(￣▽￣;) カフェ&ハンドメイド チャイハナ 様情報 （ cafe&handmade Chaihana ） ( カフェ レストラン ランチ ディナー ) 住所 = 鹿児島県志布志市松山町新橋 54-5 電話番号 = 080-6449-2816 営業時間 = ランチ　11:00～14:00 ディナー　18:00～22:00 定休日 = 日曜日・祝日 ※道路からの入り口に有る看板のお写真も載せてありますので、行かれる時の目印にして下さい。 皆さん 是非志布志市にお越しの際は、 カフェ & ハンドメイドチャイハナ 様に美味しいお料理を食べに 来て下さいね～～～＼(^^)／ 皆様のお越しを心よりお待ちしております♪ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ✨若潮酒造受賞歴✨ 鹿児島県本格焼酎鑑評会 ✨20年連続受賞‼✨ 熊本国税局酒類鑑評会 ✨16年連続優等賞受賞‼✨ ※16年連続優等賞受賞の記録は、弊社(若潮酒造)のみです !! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ※若潮酒造の焼酎は、プリン体0・糖質0・甘味料0 、体に優しい芋焼酎です(^^♪ (焼酎飲み方案内) 冷やしてストレート、グラスにいっぱいに氷を入れてロック、グラスにいっぱいに氷を入れて炭酸水を入れてソーダ割り、グラスにお湯を入れてお湯割り、色々な飲み方をして楽しんで下さいね～(*≧∀≦*) 日本全土 、 全都道府県 に若潮酒造の焼酎が広がるように頑張ります。 ( 北海道 青森県 岩手県 宮城県 秋田県 山形県 福島県 新潟県 茨城県 群馬県 栃木県 埼玉県 東京都 千���県 神奈川県 山梨県 長野県 富山県 石川県 福井県 静岡県 愛知県 岐阜県 三重県 大阪府 京都府 滋賀県 兵庫県 奈良県 和歌山県 鳥取県 島根県 岡山県 広島県 山口県 徳島県 香川県 愛媛県 高知県 福岡県 佐賀県 長崎県 熊本県 大分県 宮崎県 鹿児島県 沖縄県 ) ★若潮酒造は見学、ツアーも出来ますので皆さん是非若潮酒造に遊びに来て下さいね＼(^o^)／ ( 会社が休みの場合も有りますので、見学に来られる際は事前に御連絡して下さいね(#^.^#) 若潮酒造株式会社への 商品、見学、ツアー お問い合わせ 若潮酒造電話番号 = 099-472-1185 若潮酒造住所 = 鹿児島県志布志市志布志町安楽215 お気軽にお電話下さい (^^♪ ★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆ ✨限定焼酎販売中✨ ※オンラインショップ、直売所限定焼酎も販売しています＼(^^)／ ※若潮酒造株式会社公式オンラインショップ ( ネット通販 ) 情報 = http://wakashio.shop-pro.jp/ ※年会費無料 !! ※焼酎をご購入するには、会員登録 (年会費無料、登録費無料) が必要です!! 若潮酒造株式会社 公式オンラインネットショップ http://wakashio.shop-pro.jp/ ※登録方法が解らない方はこちら ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓ ★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆ ✨登録方法✨ 若潮酒造公式オンラインショップ 登録のいろは = https://wakashioshopiroha.wixsite.com/wakashio-shop-iroha ✨会員登録の方法パソコンから✨ = https://wakashioshopiroha.wixsite.com/wakashio-shop-iroha/newmember ✨会員登録の方法スマートフォンから✨ = https://wakashioshopiroha.wixsite.com/wakashio-shop-iroha/blank-10 ★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆ #カフェハンドメイドチャイハナ #カフェチャイハナ #チャイハナ #焼酎 #若潮酒造株式会社 #若潮酒造 #カフェハンドメイドちゃいはな #カフェちゃいはな #若潮酒造服部明 #若潮酒造焼酎ほんわかくん #ちゃいはな #志布志市松山町 #松山町 #お食事処 #カフェ #cafe #Chaihana #handmade #レストラン #鹿児島県 #志布志市 #志布志町 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-7-SOFFKV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hd5aye80rym9

[voronvideo-blog]

17. Ufa, Russia. Chaihana NEFT)

Episode 17 - Уфа, Россия. Чайхана NEFT)

[shelf-days]

Alcohol

(it was two weeks ago)

I hate drink, I hate hangover and next day... today, my head (it was two weeks ago), oh my poor head! Hangover! But we needed drink to conduct our a workmate, and our the leader, he has left work. He was fired. His a contract wasn’t prolong.

Our team feels., I am feeling betrayal because leader’s problems are team’s problems, and we in a midpoint project, difficult time for changing important worker in big project🤦🏻‍♂️. Ok🤷🏻‍♂️ I should work and check out drawings, ok.

So how it was, we were in stupid bar Chaihana, with our contractors, with new leader,  he was military, is former military. Oh, new and strange time will be for us. Ok. We have been talking wards each other, pleasant words. Seven mans have been sending our leader to freedom life, without work.

Next hour, all wanted to home. The party was over, but when we were going to street to order a taxi and I invited all mans for continuation to my favorite bar, Gypsies and Jews.

It was funny, we were drinking and talking, I bought cigarettes because I was drunk. I often smoke when drunk. Nineteen year old girl approach us, when we were smoking and talking with one of a Turkish colleague. I said the girl about my girlfriend and she have been spinning around forty year old the Turkish. Of course some stories were at night with our Turkish colleagues, but... The night was funny, and was a taxi to home at 4 a.m. Next day I couldn’t wake up, and was sick. Next day or two days came Liz and I couldn’t write there and everywhere. But tonight I am okey, I can, and try I will every night because I am feeling debt and days overwhelmed me.

Yesterday we opened new H&M, store is more than three thousand square meters. It were two big weeks.

——————————

Sorry I study English

——————————

Алкоголь

(Это было две недели назад)

Я ненавижу пить, ненавижу похмелье на следующий день... сегодня, моя голова (это было две недели назад), о моя бедная голова! Похмелье! Но нужно было выпить, чтобы проводить коллегу, и нашего лидера, он ушел с работы. Его уволили. Контракт не был продлен.

Наша команда чувствует., я чувствую предательство, потому что проблемы лидера — это проблемы команды, а мы в середине пути, трудное время для столь важной замены лидера в большом проекте🤦🏻‍♂️. Но ок, хорошо🤷🏻‍♂️, я должен работать и проверять чертежи, хорошо.

Итак, как это было, мы были в дурацкой Чайхане, с нашими подрядчиками, и уже с новым руководителем, он раньше был военным, бывший военный. О, возможно новые и странные времена будут для нас. Хорошо. Мы долго разговаривали друг с другом, говорили приятные слова. Семь мужчин провожали лидера на вольную жизнь, без работы.

Через час все захотели домой. Вечеринка заканчивалась, но когда мы уже собирались на улице заказывать такси, вдруг пьяный я позвал всех продолжать в мой любимый бар, Цыгане и Евреи.

Это было забавно, мы пили и разговаривали, я купил сигареты, потому что был пьян. Я часто курю, когда пьяный. Девятнадцатилетняя девушка (она сама так сказала)подошла к нам, когда мы курили и разговаривали с одним турецким коллегой. Я сказал девице о своей девушке и она стала крутиться вокруг сорокалетнего турецкого мужика. Конечно, некоторые истории были ночью с нашими турецкими коллегами, не знаю, но... Ночь была забавная, и было такси до дома в 4 утра, а на следующий день я не мог проснуться, и был болен. На следующий день или через два дня приехала Лиз, и я не мог писать ни там, ни где. Но сегодня в порядке, я могу, и буду стараться каждую ночь, потому что чувствую себя в долгу перед собой и дни переполняют меня.

Вчера мы открыли новый H&M, магазин занимает более трех тысяч квадратных метров. Это были две большие недели.

[kahvekenti-blog]

Cafendo Chaitea www.kahvekenti.com 08508402757-5537775727 #chailate #christmass #winter #scent #spice #tea #spicedtea #acphotoworkx #chair #chain #chai #chaiwala #chaikovsky #chaihana #chaikue #chaispice #chaiaddict #chailife #chaitea #chaitealatte #chaitealove #chaiteabucha #chaiteacafe #chaitealattegreen #chaitealattes #chaiteas #ChaiTeaTuesday https://www.instagram.com/p/BrPYrkFhTSb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tf9y2zy76dz8

[singamindscape]

今週末、2か所で弾き語りします

よかったら遊びに来てください♪

.

.

19/6/21  弾き語りコンサート

14:00-　2500円（コーヒー付き）

喫茶室 帽子と少女

京王線東府中駅徒歩1分

東京都府中市清水が丘1-9-65

042-369-6525

https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1326/A132602/13087578/

.

.

19/6/23  弾き語りコンサート

14:00-　2000円（ケーキセット付き）

Cafe チャイハナ光が丘 

大江戸線光が丘駅徒歩5分 

東京都練馬区田柄5-14-19　

070-6559-3933

http://chaihana.sakura.ne.jp/chaihana-hp/index.html

[powerrukh]

в Chaihana N1 Batumi / ჩაიხანა N1 ბათუმი https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nJs6BDJXh/?igshid=u10b9u3lcszl

[icweex]

Loving life. (at Chaihana N1 Tbilisi / ჩაიხანა N1 თბილისი)

[steveramsdale]

Blog 8.4 Run of the Mill

Blog 8.4 Run of the Mill

It’s a cliché in many contexts but it is fair to say that this week has flown by. Mairi was missing in a WiFi black spot but emerged in Baku on Friday. I, mostly, went to work. This will be a ‘run of the mill’ type of affair.

Last Saturday started (didn’t start) with the van. I wanted to ‘do stuff’ using the parts I have brought back with me – a new door handle, for example. I am a little frustrated that I am still waiting to get it back and start using it again. However, I couldn’t get in to the workshop. I was given a number of one of the guys who is doing the job so I asked if I could go over and make a start. He replied that he did not know what time he would be there but would let me know when he arrived or knew what time. I decided I would head over later in the morning and explore the area around where the workshop is. I know it a little bit – as do you. I told you about a wedding breakfast (two in fact) that I went to and the actual wedding connected to the second one that Mairi and I both were invited to. The workshop is right next to the hall (chaihana). So I went on the number 2 bus. I found a nice café and had coffee. I walked one way and the other and around – waiting for a message. At the top of the side road, where the workshop is, there is a small, local café which does somsa and tea. As I walked past this, a clearly drunk, youngish man, asked me to buy him some coffee and somsa. So I did. He then wanted a conversation while he enjoyed his instant coffee and savoury pie. He told me he was Russian and that some Uzbek people are unfriendly, racist even, to Russians. I told him that people here are very kind and welcoming to me. I asked if he thought that the complicated history of the region might explain his experience. He was not really in a state for reasoned conversation! He was born in Uzbekistan but people here are clear about their origins – even after several generations you are Russian or Korean or Uzbek. After a while, I made my apologies and left him. I was beginning to think (correctly) that I would not get in to the van that day. Walking back the other way, I met a parent from school I know quite well. He was waiting to go in to the chaihana for a plov wedding breakfast.

I had some tea and shashlik my self (the somsa wasn’t ready at the local café I went to) and decide to change tack. I would take an empty water bottle and something I might be able to use in the van, and try to do something useful. During our strange, early school holiday you may remember, I was able to get in to a hunting and fishing supplies shop I’d seen before but never found open (it is open Mon to Fri 9to 5). As I hoped, it had gas stoves and other such camping equipment. Last year, I brought back an old, one burner camping stove from the UK, so I decided to take it to this shop and see if they had gas bottles that would fit. It was closed. I checked the internet and saw the opening hours mentioned above. So, I went to NBU with the water bottle.

On Sunday I finally went to the new Paul restaurant that has opened and had coffee. Some of my colleagues have been eagerly and impatiently waiting for this and have already been several times. The coffee was ok and the almond croissant was very tasty. It was expensive, however, by normal Tashkent standards. Ecorn is just as good but half the price. I went up on my bike and got lost again on my way home. I am slowly building up a detailed picture of my location in relation to other places I know.

Later on Sunday I had a lovely video call with Freddie (and Keir and Emily, of course). These regular calls are quite a highlight of my week now. Freddie will feature in my first assembly of the year.

I went across to NBU again and had a swim. It will probably the last of the season as it was quite cold and they (NBU staff) will, very likely, close the pool soon - before next weekend (I’ll take my shorts if I go over this weekend, just in case). Later, I went around the city doing various things including a first visit to Sunpresso since I returned to Tashkent.

As for the working week, there is little to report. I do like my class. As I mentioned last week, they are a ‘nicer’ group. They are nicer to each other and more cheerful.

This week there was a taxi driver who said I should get a Russian wife. We were talking about my use of Russian and agreed I needed to practise. This is where his great idea was presented. I mentioned that I had already got a wife in (soon) the UK. He said that I could have a Russian wife here who would speak Russian with me but also cook and clean and so on. I pointed out that my ‘existing’ wife would not be happy happy with this arrangement. He had a solution - don’t tell her. I have to tell you that I don’t think he was totally joking!

I realised this week that there is nobody or nothing working harder at school than my shirt buttons (the ones across my chest). I have actually shed several of the pounds I acquired in the summer by the return of self-indulgence. There are a few more to go.

On Friday I played the guitar part from We Will Rock You in the Secondary assembly. The drama/music staff were promoting their planned show (of the same name) to the students and wanted to start with a performance to ‘wow’ them. I think it worked.

At break time on Friday, I was talking to one of my pupils. She started a sentence “When you were young……”. I interrupted, outraged, to tell her that – “I am still young…”. She amended to “when you were younger”… but finishing the question with “was there television?”

With that, I take my leave. Until our следующий раз.

[shortxstout]

Chaihana

I was honoured to be invited to dine as a guest at Chaihana.

Whilst the owners are from Kyrgyzstan, they are very passionate about food of many cultures. The idea for a Chaihana which translates roughly to a tea house, comes from their focus on healthy eating and their chef with a Sri Lankan background. They found that Sri Lankan food could easily be revised to healthier options without compromising flavour.

At the moment there is a small menu of various breakfast bowls, Sri Lankan curries, small sides, and desserts which are also home made.

The Sri Lankan Breakfast Hopper is a very unique breakfast item which consists of a cracked egg in a bowl-shaped crepe with crispy edges, served with chilli paste, pumpkin and sweet potato curry, and eggplant chutney. The different flavours and textures from the sides made for an overall interesting dish, I couldn’t get enough of the curry, it had a complex flavour which is different than Japanese or Malaysian curries. Beware the chilli paste is very spicy!

As for the curries, they offer vegetarian, lamb, beef and chicken. We went with the chicken as the meat is usually more tender.

Chicken Curry had a lovely sweet and savoury flavour with a bit of a spicy kick. The curry sauce complemented the chicken superbly. The rice was cooked soft to the point of crumbling when chewing, and was rather moist.

Their variation of baklava was a lot less sweet than the Greek recipes I’ve had, because it used less syrup it was more crumbly. I could definitely go for more in this case.

Russian Honey Cake was a new dessert for me. The many layers created a light and fluffy cake which also had a crumbly texture, with a mild sweetness level. It was a new sensation with the even distribution of cream and cake, and amazingly delicious The desserts are all handmade by the wife, Altynai.

The cafe environment is very cosy and charming with authentic Sri Lankan handmade cushions and tapestry as decoration. The menu is limited at the moment but they will be trying out new items over time.

Verdict: 4/5

Chaihana 71 Church Street Richmond Melbourne, VIC  

[tettypretty-blog]

Чудеса там, где в них верят! И чем больше в них верят, тем чаще они сбываются!!! 👌🏼👍🏼✌🏼😉😉😉👏🏼#отдых #грузия🇬🇪 #батуми🇬🇪 #рядомтольколучшие #мысила#силатрех (at Chaihana N1 Batumi / ჩაიხანა N1 ბათუმი)

[hakko319]

石原岳 5月のスケジュール

★3日(水・祝)「Love＆peaceフェス！！2017」10時から16時

場所　三島市立公園　楽寿園　イベントステージ周辺 雨天時は　規模を縮小して楽寿園内展示場

★4日（木・祝）『高江音楽祭→東京篇 2017初夏』＠国立地球屋

石原岳　勝井祐二　ムスキ アルバボ リー　日野繭子　石原雄治

open 19:00／start 19:30 前売り¥2000＋1 Drink　当日¥2500＋1 Drink

http://chikyuya.info/contents/pickup

★7日（日）石原岳+加藤一平　ギターデュオ@Bar Isshee

open 19:30 / start 20:00　投げ銭制(別途チャージ500円+ドリンクオーダー)

http://www.bloc.jp/barisshee/

★13日（土）14日（日）劇団石（トル）公演＠福岡

★18日（木）福岡　Cafe and bar gigi 21時スタート投げ銭+オーダー出演 石原岳　蟬　山本武賜x北里英雄

★20日（土）21日（日）渋さ知らズオーケストラ＠お台場

CHIMERA GAMES VOL.3 日程：2017年5月20日(土)･21日(日)　開場11:00 会場:CHIMERA GAMES VOL.3 お台場特設会場（江東区青海臨時駐車場R区画） http://www.chimeragame.com/ 渋さ知らズはワークショップステージに出演します！ 5月20日 北陽一郎tp,石渡岬tp,松本卓也ss,松原慎之介as,立花秀輝as,片山広明ts, 鬼頭哲bs,高橋保行tb,中根信博tb,菱沼尚生tub,石原岳g,小林真理子ba, 山口コーイチkey,関根真理per&vo,山本直樹ds,磯部潤ds,玉井夕海vo, すがこ,東洋,宝子 ,あすか,ペロ,不破大輔, 田中篤史,石川葉月, トックン,安部田保彦,藤中悦子,杉澤響平,馬渕仁彦 5月21日 北陽一郎tp,石渡岬tp,松本卓也ss,松原慎之介as,立花秀輝as,片山広明ts, 鬼頭哲bs,高橋保行tb,中根信博tb,菱沼尚生tub,斉藤社長良一g,石原岳g,小林真理子ba,ヒゴヒロシba,KenKen?ba,山口コーイチkey,関根真理per&vo,山本直樹ds, 磯部潤ds,玉井夕海vo,渡部真一,すがこ,東洋,宝子,あすか,ペロ,不破大輔,田中篤史,石川葉月,トックン,安部田保彦,藤中悦子,杉澤響平,馬渕仁彦

★27日（土）石原岳＆西村雄介＠茶花〜chaihana〜 狛江

20時スタート　チャージ2000円

★31日（水）中川五郎　玉井夕海×石原岳 ＠国立 地球屋

19時開店 20時開演 1000円＋1drink

ーーーー

★6月3日（土）4日（日）『高江音楽祭→京都篇』＠木屋町アバンギルド

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The “Deja Vu Blog” Blog

The “Déjà Vu Blog” Blog

Yes, a bit of French. With the inevitability of something that is bound to happen, Saturday morning come around again. And so, the blog must be blogged. I’ll write. You read as much or as little as you like. Then the cycle can start again.

The week started and then trundled along in a normal and, relatively, uneventful kind of way. The difference being I have been driving myself (and us) to places. Back when I had no interest in getting a vehicle and driving here, I used to talk about how all of the cars were white Chevrolets. This was only a very small exaggeration. As a result, my old, red van is quite a thing. People are interested. Those who know us are all intrigued by “The Plan” variously impressed od bemused or sure it is impossible. The first few weeks of ‘having’ a van suggest those latter folk may be right!

We had a few things we needed to do on Saturday. I met our Icelandic friend for plov. He may like it more than me. My favourite place was out of plov by 3pm so he took me to his favourite (well I drove us). This was back in the area where I’d been with Mairi in the morning. It was good plov in a simple, local chaihana. Log’i says that at lunch times it is packed with local people – always a good sign.

On Sunday I was out and about again. The young man I met at the Wedding Plov of a few weeks ago sent me a message with a photo of us driving through the city. It had the message – “Is this you?” The city is not over-run with red VW vans. I had to confess. We also did our first shopping trip in it. Until now, we have either just bought what we can carry or used the fairly new delivery service. It was fun to go and fill the trolley and be able to get it home.

A few people had mentioned the BBC show Race Around the World, particularly the Tashkent episode. I managed to watch that this week. It was very strange to see ‘home’ on the TV like this – presented and a strange an exotic place. We have been to many of the places shown. The routes they took from the station to the hotel were strange and clearly done to show some sights – but it is a TV travel show, after all. An interesting idea. And yes, you should visit Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva.

Why did I call this blog “Déjà Vu”? The van? Of course. Problems? Need you ask? On Thursday, driving to work, the temperature gauge started to creep past its previous high point, a little past the middle. It’s a fairly short journey, 7km, an I was nearly there. I thought about parking up but drove the last km. As I parked, the back of the car filled with steam. My heart sank. I thought that I probably had not done any damage this time but did not know the cause. I had been unable to open the expansion tank for the coolant but wanted to check. I had decided I needed to ask someone with a stronger grip than me – most humans – to help me. Now it was vital. I started my day as usual as there was nothing I could do until the engine cooled down, anyway. I nipped out later in the day and, perhaps because of the earlier heat, the cap came off easily. The bottle was completely empty! I called Yuri who said he could come to me early on Friday morning and have a look. He mentioned that he was having his blood pressure checked as it was high.

After school, I added the water I had in bottles in the car to the system. With in moments, it came pouring out from one of the hoses! I felt underneath and it was clear there was a crack. I hunted my phone for the forgotten taxi app!

Sure enough, just as I arrived at school, Yuri also pulled up with his son. I showed them the hose and they removed it and showed me the crack. It was right where it joined the engine so they cut and reattached it. We filled up the tank and they left. Yuri was clearly not well so I hope he takes care of himself – he should not have been there!

The tank was still full at the end of the day, so we drove home without incident last night – the gauge staying no higher than just past the middle.

I have been hoping that having the van would lead to stories about where we go in it. This is supposed to be a travel story – people met and places seen with some comment on the journey. At the moment it is a mechanical story. Maybe the travel stories will come soon. The van is very squeaking and rattily and, hopeful, will soon be the most reliable part of our story!

I was able to get some more coolant (anti-freeze) at a local mechanic’s workshop on Friday evening. He asked me what type of car I had. He then said “blue”. I thought he was asking about the car still, so told him it was red and showed him a photo. He was asking if I wanted the blue anti-freeze!

I’ll give this last story with no real context. We were finishing the day at school on Friday when I overheard a boy saying something I’ve never heard a student say before. “I have too much beer.”

That’s it for this week. There will be more. We have a busy weekend planned and then there is what just happen without our planning. See you next time.

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