Tuesday, August 19, 2025

LOVE IN LONDON DOWNPOUR Katherine Gulla Parashar


Love in a London Downpour  (Short Comedy Romance) 

 Katherine Gulla Parashar  


                                                                 The Earlier Days 


The sky had that moody London gray, the kind that made tourists fumble for their umbrellas and locals pull up their collars like secret agents. Underneath an ancient chestnut tree in Hyde Park, Nora stood fiddling with the clasp on her handbag and muttering about the weather with the passion of someone who’d just lost a perfectly good blowout.

She hadn’t planned to be caught in a sudden shower, nor did she expect the man who strolled beneath the tree a moment later—coatless, dripping, and humming the melody to “Dancing in the Rain” as if the rain itself had choreographed his entrance.

It was Theo. Of all people.

Nora nearly swallowed her own heart. She hadn’t seen him in twelve years—not since their tragically ill-fated engagement, punctuated by a fire alarm, a misread text, and her mum accidentally setting his tux on fire. And yet, despite that chaos (and the fact that he’d later moved to Paris to “find inner peace through fine cheese”), here he was. Wet. Grinning. Still Theo.

“I always said London liked drama,” he said, brushing a drenched curl from his forehead. “You look... startled.”

“You look like a walking sponge,” Nora replied, without skipping a beat.

They laughed. Awkwardly. Joyfully. The kind of laughter that spills out when you've been carrying too many memories in silence. The rain softened from sheet storm to sprinkle as they ducked closer under the tree, shielding themselves beneath its canopy like schoolchildren in a game.

“You still walk in the rain without an umbrella?” she asked.

“You still wear shoes better suited for red carpets than puddles?” he countered.

“Some things don’t change,” she said with a sigh, which turned into a soft smile.

Theo hesitated, the kind of pause that came not from discomfort but hope. “Neither does the way you say my name. You always made it sound like a punctuation mark.”

“You were always my exclamation,” Nora murmured.

And just like that, the years between them melted like the last biscuit in a forgotten tin. They talked—really talked. About careers that didn’t pan out. About weddings, they didn’t attend. About people they loved but hadn’t truly understood. Theo confessed his Paris detour lasted exactly six weeks and involved more mouldy Camembert than enlightenment. Nora shared her failed attempt at an art gallery that ended in an unfortunate mix-up involving toddler finger-painting and a pretentious critic.

Both lonely in their way. Both were tired of pretending the past didn’t still tug at them.


                                                  


                                                               Nora and Theo Now

The rain stopped entirely, leaving behind glistening leaves, damp cobblestones, and the unmistakable scent of possibility. Theo pulled something from his pocket—a crumpled note. The same one Nora had slipped into his hand the night they said goodbye. She’d written, “If it’s ever raining in London again and you find me under a tree, maybe it means we’re not quite done.”

“I carried this through three cities, four heartbreaks, and one mildly suspicious customs inspection,” he said, smiling sheepishly.

Nora took the note and pressed it to her chest. “You always were a romantic fool.”

“And you,” he said, stepping closer, “were always worth the foolery.”

They didn’t kiss—not yet. Just stood together under the canopy of an old chestnut tree in Hyde Park, laughing as puddles reflected their intertwined shadows. It wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs.

London had rained them together again.


Whispers Beneath the Eiffel 

Paris wore its autumn like a romance novel—amber leaves, cobblestone alleys, and baguettes seducing passersby from bakery windows. Nora hadn’t planned to visit, really. But Theo—now her partner in puddle dancing and second chances—had suggested it during a late-night toast over a questionable bottle of cabernet: “You, me, Paris. Let’s see if the fromage is still dangerous.”

It had been three months since Hyde Park re-scripted their story. Now, strolling arm in arm past vintage bookstalls near the Seine, Nora felt both suspiciously joyful and chronically disoriented. Theo had planned the entire trip, right down to the antique hotel near Montmartre that smelled like lavender, secrets, and very old croissants.

Except... something was off.

One evening, as dusk painted the sky in blush and blue, Theo became unusually quiet. Not brooding-artist quiet, but James-Bond-in-a-museum quiet. The kind that suggested he knew something she didn’t.

“You ever feel like Paris knows things?” he asked, stirring his espresso at a café that claimed Hemingway once spilled wine on the table.

Nora squinted. “Is this going to turn into one of your psychic croissant theories?”

He chuckled but looked uneasy. “I’ve... been keeping something.”

She braced herself for an ex-wife, a debt collector, or perhaps a hidden accordion addiction.

“I used to come here years ago,” he began, “to help a friend who worked with restoring stolen art. They disappeared mysteriously. And last week, I got a letter. No return address. Just coordinates.”

Naturally, the coordinates led to a small, dusty bookstore tucked behind Notre-Dame, where a peculiar Frenchman named Luc greeted them as if they were old friends—and possibly also suspects.

“I’ve been expecting you,” he said, handing Theo a sealed envelope and nodding at Nora like she was the accomplice in a heist she hadn’t rehearsed for.

Inside was a sketch of a woman who looked astonishingly like Nora...holding what appeared to be a golden key. Scribbled beside it: Trust the tree. Midnight.

“I didn’t model for that,” Nora whispered, examining the artwork. “Unless... did you Photoshop me while I was napping again?”




“Not guilty,” Theo replied, now pale as his croissant.

They spent the day following clues hidden in books, overheard whispers at jazz clubs, and one particularly cryptic mime who gestured far too enthusiastically at a fire hydrant. Each breadcrumb circled back to a single place: the Jardin du Luxembourg, under the oldest chestnut tree.

“I swear, if this ends with a raccoon proposing to me in Morse code...” Nora began.

But when midnight arrived, instead of rodents, they found a wooden box half-buried in the dirt. Inside—photos of Theo and Nora from their Hyde Park reunion, dated long before they’d reunited. As if someone—or something—had known they’d find each other again.

It was romantic. It was impossible. It was very, very weird.

Luc reappeared, smirking. “Some love stories are written before you arrive.”

Turns out, his “missing friend” was an artist obsessed with fate, love, and time. She’d created an exhibition years ago based on “pairs destined to meet twice.” Theo had been selected unknowingly. Nora? A spontaneous wild card.

“I guess we’re someone’s art,” Nora murmured, laughing through tears as the tree’s golden leaves danced around them.

They kissed beneath its canopy, breath misting in the chill, hearts colliding like badly parked scooters.

Love had found them in a London rain. Paris just added the mystery. And maybe—just maybe—the future involved another tree, another city, and even more second chances.



Echoes in the Eternal City 

By the time Nora and Theo touched down in Rome, she had accidentally insulted three customs officers, and Theo had befriended a nun who claimed she once arm-wrestled the Pope. It was exactly the kind of absurdity they thrived on.

Their hotel, nestled in Trastevere, was charming in a “mild electrical hazard meets Renaissance fresco” sort of way. The shower sang opera. The walls sighed. And the concierge looked perpetually offended by the concept of toast.

“I feel like Rome is watching us,” Nora murmured, sipping espresso beneath ivy-strung fairy lights at an outdoor café.

“That’s because we’re sitting next to a statue of Julius Caesar and a pigeon who clearly knows our secrets,” Theo whispered, eyeing the bird like it owed him money.

They’d come to Rome to relax. But rest, as it turned out, was not on the itinerary.

It began with a postcard.

Nora found it tucked inside a dusty volume of Roman poetry at an antiquarian bookshop—the kind of shop where the lighting was just bright enough to read your will but not the titles. The postcard showed the Pantheon. On the back, a message: “You’re close. Listen for music beneath the moon.”

“This is beginning to feel less like a vacation and more like a scavenger hunt curated by Shakespeare and Bond,” Nora mused.

Their search led them through moonlit piazzas, gelato-fueled detours, and one memorable evening when Theo convinced a street performer to reenact their reunion under a tree using sock puppets.

Eventually, they arrived at the Spanish Steps where—true to form—a violinist played a haunting melody beneath the stars. As he finished, he handed Theo a folded map and said, “For lovers who get second chances. Not everyone does.”




The map pointed to the ruins of an ancient church near Aventine Hill. There, hidden within the crumbled stones and wild rosemary, Theo and Nora discovered a secret chamber—once a chapel, now a sanctuary for art long lost. Murals covered the walls, including one that stopped them cold: a painted couple beneath a tree, rain falling in brush strokes. Her red shoes. His rumpled coat. Their silhouettes.

It was them. Again.

“I don’t understand,” Nora whispered. “Are we being...tracked by art?”

Theo took her hand gently. “Or fate keeps leaving breadcrumbs.”

They stayed in that forgotten chapel until dawn, speaking in whispers, laughing through tears, and wondering how many times the universe had tried to bring them together before they were ready.

As the sun rose over the Tiber, Nora looked at Theo—the man she’d once left, twice rediscovered, and now couldn’t imagine losing again.

“I think Rome’s not watching us,” she said, smiling. “I think it’s remembering us.”

They kissed under Rome’s golden morning light, framed by history, mystery, and the sweet absurdity of a love too persistent to stay buried.



Snowflakes and Subway Songs

There’s something poetic about Manitoba in the winter—where time seems to move more slowly, the snow whispers louder, and everything feels suspended in white. Nora hadn’t planned on stopping there, but a missed flight, an overbooked train, and a peculiar dream involving a moose in a tuxedo had convinced her otherwise.

Theo, ever the optimist and occasional mischief-maker, had booked them into a bed-and-breakfast run by a retired opera singer named Gladys. Her voice shook the teacups. Her cat wore sweaters. Her house was a shrine to love stories that began in chaos and ended in cocoa.

“Couples come through here every week,” Gladys said, pouring steaming mugs. “And every time somebody writes a poem. Or gets proposed to. Or accidentally elbows someone into romantic clarity. This place... It’s cursed in a good way.”

Nora raised an eyebrow. “What kind of proposal comes with an elbow?”

Theo winked. “Depends on the altitude and sincerity.”

Between shovelling snow, exploring antique bookstores where every page smelled like cinnamon and mystery, and arguing over which sled hill was less likely to cause permanent injury, they discovered a rhythm of warmth and quiet joy.

But Toronto was calling.

Theo had work. Nora had a gallery opening. And somewhere between Manitoba’s frozen lakes and Ontario’s city lights, something shifted.

They boarded a train at dusk. The window blurred with snowfall, the hum of wheels beneath them rhythmic and lulling. Midway through, Nora turned to Theo, holding an envelope.

“I found this under a book at Gladys’s place,” she said. “It’s addressed to... us.”

Inside, a note: “Some loves need London’s rain. Others need Paris’s mystery. But the ones that last? They weather the Canadian snow and still choose each other when the coffee’s weak and the traffic’s evil.”



Theo stared, then laughed. “You think Gladys is an undercover sorceress?”

“I think she’s in league with every tree we’ve kissed under,” Nora replied.

In Toronto, the city was alive—buzzing with neon, foot traffic, and ambition. But under a maple tree at Trinity Bellwoods Park, bundled in scarves and holding lukewarm tea, Theo asked the question.

No fireworks. No orchestras.

Just sincerity.

“Will you stay in this chaos with me?”

Nora nodded. “Only if you keep singing in the rain. And buying suspicious baguettes.”

They kissed beneath the lamplight, no rain this time, but snowfall soft as fate.

And somewhere, perhaps in Hyde Park, or under Parisian moonlight, or buried in Winnipeg snowdrifts, love nodded in approval.


Tremors and Tacos


They’d survived rain in London, mystery in Paris, snowfall in Toronto, and Manitoba’s cryptic postcard legacy. Naturally, Mexico seemed like the next logical stop—or as Theo declared while stuffing sunblock into his carry-on, “We’ve earned some romance with spice and seismic personality.”

They landed in Oaxaca just in time for a local festival, greeted by parades of marigolds, masked dancers, and a street vendor named Roberto who claimed his tamales could resurrect your ancestors. Nora adored it instantly. The cobblestones, the colours, the smell of roasted corn and affection—it was magic.

Their hotel, a converted monastery, had exactly three functioning light switches and a parrot named Dolores who heckled guests with the phrase, “I saw that!” at suspicious intervals.


                            


“Dolores is either sentient or judging our relationship,” Nora muttered as the bird cackled from above.

But the real surprise came on their third night.

They were exploring Monte Albán, ancient ruins basking in golden hour light, when the ground gave a subtle twitch.

“Was that... did the ground just hiccup?” Theo asked, blinking.

It wasn’t a hiccup.

It was a mild earthquake.

Nothing dramatic—just enough to send tourists squealing, dogs barking, and Nora dropping her bag on a sacrificial altar.

“Of course,” she shouted over the rumbling, “we come to the most spiritually significant site in Mexico and the earth decides to boogie!”

                                                               Theo grabbed her hand, laughing wildly. “Look on the bright side. Fate’s back—and it brought percussion!”

The tremor passed quickly, no damage done, except to Theo’s dignity when he realized he’d screamed “Save Dolores!” instead of saving Nora’s purse.

Later that night, safe under a thousand stars and three layers of mosquito repellent, they sat on the hotel balcony and toasted to seismic love.

“You know what’s strange?” Theo said, swaying slightly in his chair. “Every time our love hits a new chapter, something trembles. Rain, footsteps, music, snow... now tectonic plates.”

“It’s because it’s real,” Nora said quietly. “And because the universe has a flair for drama.”

Below them, Dolores squawked: “I saw that!”

They both burst into laughter.

Love had followed them through cities and chaos, through storms and second chances. And in Mexico, it had danced beneath their feet—frightening, funny, and absolutely unforgettable.


Petals and Pop Songs



By the time Nora and Theo landed in Tokyo, cherry blossoms had cast a blush over the city, as if the trees themselves were leaning into romance. The air was perfumed with spring and the distant hum of train announcements that sounded—at least to Theo—like motivational haikus.

They checked into a minimalist ryokan that had exactly three rules: no shoes indoors, no loud noises after 10 p.m., and absolutely no singing Whitney Houston ballads in the garden (a rule that would haunt Theo within 24 hours).

It began innocently.

They wandered under sakura blooms at Ueno Park, dodged selfie sticks, sampled matcha everything, and fell in love with the vending machine that offered hot corn soup. “Tokyo is efficient, romantic, and slightly possessed,” Nora declared, sipping soup and snapping photos of a squirrel who was clearly flirting with her.

But then came karaoke night.

The owner of a tiny bar in Shibuya—with neon signs shaped like dancing sushi—insisted they try “true Japanese romance,” which apparently involved private karaoke rooms, moody lighting, and an unsettling collection of wigs.

Theo, emboldened by plum wine, chose “I Will Always Love You.” He was halfway through the chorus when he hit a dramatic high note, flung a rose from the table, and accidentally knocked the microphone into the koi pond that inexplicably existed inside the room.

“I think I killed a fish with my falsetto,” he whispered, eyes wide.

“I think you seduced it,” Nora replied, laughing so hard she knocked over a bowl of edamame.

The owner stormed in, horrified and giggling. Theo offered her a sincere apology and a rose-shaped napkin. Somehow, they weren’t banned—but the koi refused to make eye contact with him for the rest of the trip.

Later that night, beneath illuminated lanterns and falling petals, Theo turned to Nora and said, “Six cities. One koi pond scandal. And I still feel like I’m just beginning with you.”

Nora leaned into him. “I always said second chances are more interesting. But I didn’t know they’d come with karaoke trauma and corn soup.”

They kissed beneath the trees, petals floating like confetti. Somewhere in the distance, someone sang badly. Somewhere nearer, a koi contemplated revenge.

Their love story—equal parts chaos and grace—was blooming again. Tokyo, in all its surreal perfection, had written a chapter that neither of them would ever forget.


Kilts, Fog, and Confessions in Castle Echo

It was Nora’s idea, obviously.

After Tokyo’s koi scandal and karaoke trauma, she declared that their love needed a Celtic cleanse. “We’ve had rain, tacos, cherry blossoms—what we need now is fog, plaid, and possibly a ghost with unresolved romantic tension.”

Theo, sipping tea and Googling “how haunted is Scotland,” nodded solemnly. “A quest for kilts and closure. I accept.”




They arrived in the Scottish Highlands during what locals referred to as “a wee touch of mist,” which translated to a blanket of fog so dense that Nora briefly mistook a Highland cow for Theo and nearly proposed to it.

Their lodgings? A crumbling stone castle turned boutique inn, complete with a fireplace that sighed dramatically, portraits that followed your movement, and one baffling brochure that read: “Castle Echo: Where love letters linger, and spirits loiter.”

“Definitely haunted,” Theo whispered as the chandelier blinked at him.

Things took a sharp turn toward the surreal when, during a twilight tour, they stumbled upon a chamber hidden behind a tapestry of a vaguely suspicious stag. Inside: a writing desk, faded parchment, and a stack of old love letters bound in a tartan ribbon.

“These are over a century old,” Nora breathed. “And—oh wait—are you seeing this signature?”

—Yours forever, E.D.




At that exact moment, a window slammed shut. The candles flickered. And from the corridor came a voice that said: “I’m just here for the scones, darling.”

It was Ellen DeGeneres and Portia Rossi De Generes.

Apparently, she was on a quiet getaway with her spouse, had booked the castle months ago, and was now mildly amused to find Theo panicking beside a tapestry and Nora trying to translate 19th-century flirtation.

“I don't mean to interrupt your historical romance reenactment,” Ellen said, sipping tea she’d conjured from somewhere, “but I think you found Lady Eloise’s stash. She was rumored to have penned love letters to a forbidden flame—a poet disguised as a groundskeeper. Very Bridgerton meets Braveheart.”

That night, the four sat around the fireplace sharing tales, laughter, and possibly ghost sightings. Ellen, always the entertainer, tried to summon the poet’s spirit through interpretive dance. The chandelier blinked twice in approval.

When Nora later tucked the letters into her coat—deciding they belonged somewhere warm—she turned to Theo. “You ever think our love’s being stalked by dramatic coincidences?”

Theo nodded. “Seven cities. One koi vendetta. A ghost love triangle. And now Ellen DeGeneres. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

They kissed beneath the castle’s spire, fog curling around them like a curious cat. Above, the stars blinked faintly. Below, the letters rustled in a draft—as if their author was finally at peace.

Love, after all, lingers in laughter, fog, kilts… and the occasional celebrity cameo.


Monsoons, Mangos, and Matrimony Mishaps

By the time Nora and Theo arrived in India, the monsoons had already begun their symphonic overture. Rain danced off rooftops, thunder rolled like distant applause, and mangos—lush, golden, unapologetically ripe—were everywhere. Theo swore one nearly winked at him. Nora didn’t disagree.

Their destination: Kerala, known for its backwaters, poetry-thick humidity, and a certain matchmaking priest named Father Vinod who claimed to have arranged over 3,000 weddings and one accidental alpaca adoption.

“I smell a setup,” Nora whispered as they were welcomed into a guesthouse that looked suspiciously like a temple with a side hustle.

Father Vinod greeted them with a flourish, his umbrella the size of a satellite dish. “You’ve travelled through storms, snow, ghosts, and Ellen,” he announced. “Now it is time for sacred commitment—sealed by mango and monsoon.”

Theo, alarmed. “Are you suggesting we get married by fruit?”




Father Vinod only smiled. “Fruit knows things.”

As the rain swirled around their bungalow and mischievous parrots played backup vocals, Theo and Nora were gently but aggressively nudged into wedding prep. Sari fittings. Coconut-blessing ceremonies. A mango tasting that turned spiritual. And Father Vinod handing Theo a script titled “Vows for Emotionally Disoriented Travelers.”

Meanwhile, the ghost of Castle Echo had apparently followed them—Nora caught a glimpse of a floating candlestick and heard someone whisper “nice shoes” during a prayer. Whether it was real or jet lag, she wasn’t sure.

Finally, on a misty evening beneath a banyan tree draped in fairy lights and questionable parrots, Father Vinod declared, “It is time.” But Nora and Theo froze.

“I love you,” Theo said, voice trembling. “But we’ve been chased by fate. Shouldn’t we choose each other without the universe’s nudges?”

Nora smiled through a mango-scented breeze. “Let’s do it. But on our terms.”

Father Vinod, after a dramatic pause, clapped. “A love that says not yet is more powerful than one that says why not. I approve. The parrots approve. Even the ghost seems happy.”

So they didn’t marry that day.

Instead, they danced beneath the monsoon rain, holding mangos and madness, laughing at the sky.

Their wedding would come—not by fate, but by choice.

And somewhere, Father Vinod updated his match count to 3,001—with one emotionally liberated alpaca added for good measure.


 Ballads and Burrows

Nova Scotia greeted Nora and Theo not with fanfare, but with the gentle hush of Atlantic fog and the golden glow of lighthouses standing like wise old storytellers. Their arrival felt less like a new chapter and more like a whispered welcome back. The sea, the cliffs, the laughter tucked into quiet towns—it was the kind of place where time paused long enough to let feelings catch up.

They’d come on a whim, drawn by rumours of good coffee, moody weather, and a local café owner who claimed to have served scones to Anne Murray herself. Theo, naturally, called it destiny. Nora called it mildly suspicious.

One rainy afternoon in Halifax, fate leaned in with jazz hands.

While exploring the historic waterfront, they were ushered—politely but insistently—into a cozy concert hall for what they were told was “a tribute performance.” Inside, the lights dimmed, the audience hushed, and then... There she was, OMG it was her!!!


                  



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Graceful, glowing, and holding the mic like it was spun from moonlight and sentiment. She scanned the crowd, paused, and smiled directly at Nora and Theo before saying:

“I’ve seen many kinds of love, but yours? It glows.”

The first chords began.

“I wanna sing you a love song,” she murmured into the hush, her voice floating like warm sea air.

The audience melted.

Nora blinked back tears. Theo reached for her hand. The lyrics wrapped around them like wool blankets—honest, comforting, and somehow written just for them. Each note traced their journey: rain-soaked beginnings, Parisian mysteries, mango mishaps, and now, this quiet Canadian crescendo.

When the song ended, Anne stepped toward them.

“You’ve traveled the world,” she said with a wink, “but real love always circles back to stillness, music... and fog with personality.”

As they left the venue, a particularly opinionated groundhog waddled past and paused dramatically. Theo swore it nodded approval. Nora wasn’t convinced, but she did thank it—just in case.

That night, on the rooftop of their inn, the sea murmuring below and a soft drizzle falling like applause, Theo pulled a tiny velvet box from his coat.

“I was going to wait until New York,” he said, breathless. “But Anne Murray just sang us a love song. And I think even the rodents agree... it’s time.”

He knelt. Nora said yes.

Fog curled around them like a blessing. Somewhere in the distance, Anne’s melody lingered.

And somewhere nearby, the groundhog puffed his chest and walked off into legend.


Eucalyptus & Elopement

Nora and Theo’s whirlwind romance had weathered rainstorms, ghosts, mango-blessed priests, and musical interludes from Anne Murray herself. Australia was meant to be their finish line. Their grand finale. Their sandy, sun-drenched epilogue.

They arrived in Byron Bay, blinking against the blinding brightness like two Victorian poets who had mistaken a tanning salon for enlightenment. Their Airbnb? A modest cabin surrounded by eucalyptus trees and questionable wallaby art. The owner, Cheryl, insisted she’d once seen a koala write poetry and that the wombats here had “a flair for dramatic timing.”

“Dramatic wombats?” Theo mumbled, sipping a flat white. “That’s one sentence I never expected to live through.”

Day two was a disaster. Theo, in a fit of seaside enthusiasm, tried surfing. Not lessons. Not guided. Just sheer bravado. He waxed his board with candle wax (“smelled nice”), wore goggles (“for drama”), and paddled out like he was auditioning for Baywatch: UK Edition.

Ten minutes later, his surfboard floated back alone. A crab rode it like a hero returning from battle. Theo? Found tangled in seaweed, lecturing a pelican about dignity.

Meanwhile, Nora befriended a local artist who carved miniature eucalyptus leaves with tiny messages like “Love wildly,” “Avoid weird surfing,” and “Don’t trust wombats named Steve.”

But the wombats found them first.

One morning, Theo opened the door to find Steve—a chunky, vaguely offended wombat—sitting atop their suitcase. He refused to move. He stared at Theo like he'd read his soul and judged it noisy.

When Nora attempted diplomacy with granola bars, Steve took them, stomped to the eucalyptus grove, and returned with a flower.

“I think we’ve just been wombat-approved,” she whispered. “This must be Australia’s way of saying, ‘Get married already.’”

And so they did.

Under the eucalyptus trees, surrounded by wild birds and confused surfers, Theo proposed with a tiny carved leaf reading “Forever is a series of strange adventures.”

Nora laughed, cried, kissed him, and accepted.

Steve the wombat watched with solemn dignity before rolling onto his back like a furry confetti cannon.

As they celebrated, someone played an acoustic version of “Could I Have This Dance” from a nearby speaker. The petals fell. The sea hummed. And Theo whispered:

“We’ve had tacos, ghosts, raccoons, mangos, and wombats. And still… nothing tops you.”

Nora smiled. “Love’s not perfect. It’s beautifully bizarre.”

And with surfboard mishaps behind them, a wombat as accidental witness, and eucalyptus leaves fluttering like divine punctuation… their story closed—not with an ending, but with a beginning written across oceans.




                                                                

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Cooking Jamitalian Style

 Cooking Jamitalian Style

A Culinary Fusion: Where Jamaica Meets Italy

Thomas Wellson 

Imagine a symphony of flavors – the fiery heat of Jamaican jerk spices dancing with the earthy richness of Italian tomatoes, the sweet notes of rum intertwining with the delicate fragrance of basil. This is the world of Jamaican-Italian fusion cuisine, a vibrant and delicious exploration of two distinct culinary traditions.

This unique blend is often born from families like mine, where heritage intertwines and culinary creativity thrives. It's a testament to the power of food to bridge cultures and create something entirely new and exciting. My mother is Italian, my father is Jamaican, my grandfather is British and my grandmother was born in Spain, and my parents are from Africa and Australia...so a boiling pot of minestrone. 

Before diving into some of the recipes that embody this fascinating fusion, I'd like to say that you may substitute the scotch bonnet with Calabrese bomba or chilies or leave them out completely if you cannot eat HOT!!! 




Chicken Piccata Jerk Flavors:

This dish takes the classic Italian Piccata, a pan-seared chicken dish, and infuses it with the vibrant heat of Jamaican jerk spices.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts: 4, pounded thin or grounded to make hamburgers see image above.
  • Jerk seasoning: 2 tablespoons (homemade or store-bought)
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Capers: 1 tablespoon
  • White wine: 1/4 cup
  • Garlic powder, 1 1/2 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1 1/2 teaspoon 
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions:

  1. Marinate: Combine the chicken breasts or ground chicken with the jerk seasoning and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Sear: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts or shape the ground chicken into hamburgers for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken burgers will take longer to cook at medium high temperature for 8 minutes on each side or baked at 350 degrees for 6 to 10 minutes depend on the thicken of the chickenburgers.
  3. Deglaze: Add the lemon juice, capers, and white wine to the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pasta Sauce Infused with Jamaican Herbs:

This recipe takes the classic Italian tomato sauce and adds a layer of aromatic Jamaican herbs, creating a depth of flavor that's both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients:

  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes: 28 oz can
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Jamaican herbs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet pepper)
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Fresh basil: 1/2 cup, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Jamaican herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Finish: Stir in the fresh basil and serve over your favorite pasta.

Dessert Rum Cake Alla Italian Style:

This recipe combines the rich, moist texture of a traditional rum cake with the elegance of Italian dessert flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Butter: 1 cup, softened
  • Sugar: 2 cups
  • Eggs: 4
  • Flour: 2 cups
  • Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Milk: 1 cup
  • Rum: 1/4 cup
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Amaretto liqueur: 1/4 cup
  • Candied fruit: 1/2 cup, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Cream: Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
  2. Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and beat until just combined.
  4. Flavor: Stir in the rum, vanilla extract, and amaretto liqueur. Fold in the candied fruit.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured bundt pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Bonus Recipe: Oxtail Tomato Sauce



This recipe is a true testament to the fusion of Jamaican and Italian flavors. The rich, savory oxtail is simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, creating a dish that's both comforting and complex.

Ingredients:

  • Oxtail: 3 lbs, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes: 28 oz can
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Jamaican herbs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet pepper)
  • Scotch bonnet pepper: 1, finely chopped (optional, you can use chilli peppers)
  • Beef broth: 2 cups
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Brown: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail on all sides.
  2. Sauté: Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Jamaican herbs, scotch bonnet pepper, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the oxtail is tender.
  4. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice or pasta.

 Enjoy your new cooking experience. 


Monday, August 4, 2025

ALLA SALUTE REVIEWS AND RATINGS

   Alla Salute Reviews and Ratings by Mr. Reviewer:👨 

 Rated:  A++ is the highest rating and automatically wins the Stamp of Approval Award;  Rated A+ is nominated and given a chance to win the Stamp of Approval Award at the end of the year 2025. This is separate from the 2025 Alla Salute Magazine Awards.


A Sweet Toronto Treasure: Churros 92 on Eglinton Avenue West

Rated: A+




If you’ve strolled down Eglinton Avenue West lately, chances are you’ve caught a whiff of something sweet, golden, and unmistakably delightful coming from Churros 92, located at 1802 Eglinton Avenue West. Since opening in late 2023, this charming dessert spot has become a local favourite, thanks to its mouthwatering variety of handcrafted Mexican churros and a new menu that’s turning heads—and tempting taste buds.

What sets Churros 92 apart from other dessert shops in the city is its dedication to tradition blended seamlessly with creativity. Their churros are piped and fried to order, resulting in a perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft and airy inside. It’s no wonder patrons consistently give rave reviews, often calling them the best churros in Toronto. But don’t expect just the classic sugar-dusted sticks here. Churros 92 has expanded its menu to offer playful takes on the original, including mini churro bites, indulgent stuffed varieties, and imaginative toppings that feel like edible art.

Their newest menu additions are where the magic really kicks in. One of the stars is the Halo Churros, which come dipped and decorated with flavors like Campfire Chocolate, Caramel Crunch, Coconut Paradise, and Almond Heaven. These aren’t just snacks—they’re Instagram-worthy showpieces. Also gaining traction is their unique Churro Dog, a hot-dog-shaped churro dressed with creative sweet sauces. It’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. For those craving a cozy drink, the Churro Latte, spiced with cinnamon and sugar, rounds out the experience beautifully.

To complement the churros, Churros 92 also offers a wide selection of house-made dipping sauces, including dulce de leche, strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. Available in 2 oz. containers, they’re perfect for mixing, matching, or simply indulging.

Thanks to its growing popularity, Churros 92 has recently extended its hours to accommodate more dessert lovers throughout the week. You can now visit Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Fridays from  8:30 AM to 11:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Whether you’re dropping in for a treat after work or craving a late-night dessert on the weekend, Churros 92 is ready to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Beyond the flavours and fun, what makes Churros 92 special is its heart. The staff is welcoming, the vibe is casual and family-friendly, and the commitment to freshness is unwavering. The team takes pride in serving up smiles with every order—whether you’re dining in or ordering delivery through apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash.

In a city filled with culinary choices, Churros 92 is carving out a sweet little legacy, one golden churro at a time. Whether you're a churro connoisseur or trying them for the first time, this cozy spot on Eglinton West is definitely worth a visit.  Rated: A+


_______________________________________________________________________


Benvenuti al mondo di Eataly Yorkville

Rated: A++



Located in Toronto’s lively Yorkville district at 55 Bloor Street West, Eataly Yorkville provides an immersive dive into Italian cuisine with a Toronto flair. This 50,000-square-foot Italian marketplace is much more than a grocery store; it’s a celebration of Italy’s regional flavors, creativity, and culinary culture, featuring everything from gourmet groceries and gelato counters to hands-on culinary classes and seasonal events.


Inside, you’ll find counters showcasing imported Italian meats, cheeses like burrata and truffle pecorino, artisanal pastas, and gelato that’s often praised as some of the best in Toronto. Popular flavors like hazelnut, pistachio, and mascarpone-raspberry have been described as “perfect” and “mind-blowing” by Reddit reviewers. Their bakery offers irresistible treats such as rosemary sugar cookies, focaccia, decadent panettone, and freshly made cornetti filled with pastry cream.


The magic extends to La Scuola, their on-site cooking school, which offers classes and Demo & Dine experiences led by expert chefs. From learning how to make cavatelli, orecchiette, ravioli, or tagliolini in hands-on pasta classes to enjoying demonstration dinners paired with wines, there’s something for everyone. Events like ALPINA or SCILICY bring seasonal Italian-themed experiences to life, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of regions like the Italian Alps to the Southern  boot tip of Italy.  Rated: A+ Excellent in every way. 



________________________________________________________________




Taste of Italy 2025 Review

 


               TASTE OF ITALY 2025  REVIEW  

                      Timothy Spearman





My Overall Review of A Taste of Italy 2025 on College Street: 

A Joyous Celebration That Needs More of Its Namesake


Toronto’s College Street was once again transformed into a lively pedestrian promenade this past June as the 2025 Taste of Little Italy took over the historic strip between Bathurst and Shaw. With patios spilling into the streets, the scent of grilled sausages, espresso, and fresh dough and cannoli fills the air, and music echoing from every block, this beloved annual event reminded us all why it's a staple of the city’s summer season.

From Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, thousands came out—young and old, locals and tourists—to celebrate the diverse culture, community spirit, and culinary heartbeat of Toronto’s Italian heritage. Streets were jammed with festivalgoers taking in the sights and sounds, as children chased bubbles and older generations reminisced about the days when College Street was the epicentre of Italian life in the city.

A Festival of Energy and Community

The atmosphere was electric. Live musicians played everything from old-world Italian classics to modern funk, while DJs spun records that had even the most reluctant dancers tapping their feet. Outdoor patios at mainstays like Café Diplomatico, Vivoli, Utopia Cafe and Grill, and Sicilian Sidewalk Café were overflowing with guests, many of whom raised their glasses in salute to a truly spectacular kickoff to summer.

Families pushed strollers, teenagers took selfies under the glowing Taste of Italy banners, and street performers kept the crowd energized. With hundreds of vendors lining the sidewalks, the streets felt like a massive piazza—buzzing with laughter, conversation, and the unmistakable feeling of community.

But Where’s the Italian Food?

While the festival was undeniably fun and well-attended, a recurring sentiment echoed among longtime visitors and first-timers alike: there simply wasn’t enough authentic Italian food.

Many of the food stands, while delicious, offered familiar fairground fare—tacos, corn dogs, lemonade, churros, and burgers. A handful of booths proudly served wood-fired pizza, arancini, and cannoli, but for an event celebrating Italian culture, these were disappointingly few and far between.

Attendees hoping for regional Italian specialties—like porchetta sandwiches, fresh handmade pasta, or traditional Italian street food—had limited options, unless they lined up at the brick-and-mortar restaurants along the route. More curated Italian food vendors, cooking demonstrations, and regional tastings would help ground the festival more firmly in its roots. I'd suggest a touch of Italianata. 

A Place for Everyone

That said, Taste of Little Italy 2025 delivered an unforgettable experience. The turnout was record-breaking, the energy infectious, and the celebration of multiculturalism and community deeply felt. It was a reminder of what Toronto does best: bringing people together, blending tradition with evolution, and creating spaces where cultures are shared and celebrated.

As the city continues to change, events like this provide a powerful link to heritage and identity. The festival remains a cornerstone of summer in Toronto, and with a few tweaks, particularly to enhance the Italian culinary offerings, it could shine even brighter in the years to come.

So, hats off to the organizers, the business association, performers, and businesses that made this year’s event a success. And to the food vendors for next year? Let’s bring back la vera cucina Italiana—Toronto is hungry for it, and so am I. 

Now that I'm still writing on the top of Taste of Italy, I'd like to explore something different, to the BIA and CHIN RADIO and TV. 

Preserving the Past: A Museum for College Street?

While the Taste of Little Italy celebrates the vibrant present of College Street, it also highlights just how much history lives beneath its modern façade. With every step, festivalgoers walk past decades of Italian-Canadian heritage—once home to bakeries, tailors, travel agencies, and radio pioneers. But as new businesses move in, there’s a growing need to preserve that legacy before it fades.

What if College Street had its own museum?


A dedicated space—perhaps in the iconic CHIN Radio/TV International building—could showcase the street’s evolution through exhibits, vintage photos, menus, and oral histories from the families who built this community. It would be a living tribute to the past, and a cultural landmark for future generations.

Such a museum could be a collaborative effort between the College Street BIA, CHIN Radio, and former business owners. Not only would it educate and inspire, it would bring renewed foot traffic and pride to this beloved neighbourhood.

It's time we gave College Street’s history a permanent home and more Stars on the sidewalk walk of Little Italy.  Many names should be there beside those who are there right now,  Giuseppe Simonetta,  Franco Valli, Rocco Mastrangelo, Enzo Tassone,  Leonardo Cianfarani, Mr. Bitondo, Galipo brothers and the list goes on...


 Taste of Italy: A Lasagna Lover's Dream at Pasta Palma

The Taste of Italy festival is always a highlight of the year, a vibrant celebration of Italian culture and mixed cultural cuisine. This year, one particular experience stood out: my encounter with the colossal lasagna at Pasta the Palma booth.

It was packed with people waiting in line. Once I got to my place and ordered a plate, I wasn't prepared for the sheer size of the slice I received – it was easily twice the size of a typical restaurant portion, a mountain of cheesy, meaty, pasta perfection.

From the first bite, it was clear this wasn't just any lasagna. The pasta was perfectly cooked, al dente and offering a delightful resistance to the fork. Mamma mia, the layers were generously filled with a rich, flavorful meat sauce, punctuated by pockets of creamy ricotta and a generous blanket of melted mozzarella. Each element was in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that kept me coming back for one more dish.

The sheer scale of the portion was initially daunting, but the quality of the lasagna made it surprisingly manageable. The flavors were so well-balanced and the ingredients so fresh that even after several hefty bites, I didn't feel overwhelmed. It was a testament to the skill and care that clearly went into its preparation.

Beyond the lasagna itself, the atmosphere at Pasta Palma booth was lively and welcoming. The vendors' staff were friendly and efficient, adding to the overall positive experience. It was clear they were passionate about their food and eager to share it with others. For me, it was a slice of Italy, having the delicious lasagna twice, all I needed was a glass of vino. 

 Rated: 5 Stars



Scoop Dreams Come True at Sicilian Sidewalk Café 

If there’s one place that perfectly captured the sweet spirit of Taste of Little Italy 2025, it was the always-iconic Sicilian Sidewalk Café—and yes, that epic gelato lineup was totally worth it.

From the moment you stepped near the corner of College and Montrose, the scent of espresso and the buzz of happy voices pulled you in. But it was the gelato that truly stole the show—creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor. Whether you went for the classic stracciatella, fruity limone, or indulgent pistachio, each scoop was like a mini vacation in Sicily.

The staff? Absolute gems. Despite the tooooo long line stretching down the block, they kept the energy up with smiles, jokes, and the kind of hospitality that made you feel like family. You could tell they were having fun, and it made the whole experience even sweeter.

Yes, you had to wait. But the crowd didn’t mind one bit. People chatted, laughed, and danced to street music while inching forward. closer to their gelato dreams. And when that cold cup (or cone!) finally hit your hand on a hot June day, it was magic.

Sicilian Sidewalk Café wasn’t just a stop during the festival—it was a highlight. A taste of tradition, a scoop of happiness, and proof that sometimes, the best things in life really are worth waiting for.

Rated:  5 Stars



   

CuGina’s Flavours

Sweet Heat at Taste of Italy 2025 




It took some walking in the blazing sun to find CuGina’s Flavours at the St. Francis of Assisi booth, but it was worth every sweaty step. Chef Gina Cianfarani, co-founder of the food brand company, with the missing Nancy Castro, were selling out fast—especially once the churro samples dipped in Apple Pie, Mango, and Carrot Cake jams started flying.

The vibe? Friendly and fun, even under the scorching heat. Gina charmed the crowd in English, Italian, and a bit of her rustic Spanish, handing out bites of churros topped with jam that tasted like dessert heaven, especially that cinnamon-rich Apple Pie spread.

A portion of sales went to the local church (a historic gem), and the churros came from Churros92 Toronto, the best in the city of Toronto. I came for the jam, stayed for the laughs, and left with a belly full of food, sticky fingers and a smile.

5 stars. I’ll be back next year—hopefully with a bag and a bigger spoon. 

Rated: 5 Stars




Mayor Oliva Chow


Mayor Olive Chow had her own booth, taking pictures with the crowd, smiling and listening to the people who stopped by. Very kind of her, but the city’s payment increase for themselves (councillors) isn't my cup of espresso.





Vivoli it's Gone

I’ll miss it more than I can say. The pizza, the people, the patio nights. Vivoli wasn’t just part of the neighborhood, it was part of my life.

As I was writing this article in July, I was told by a friend that the restaurant had closed down.  For me, Vivoli wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a ritual. Nestled in the heart of Little Italy on College Street, it was the kind of place that felt like home the moment you walked in. Whether I was grabbing a casual bite or celebrating something special, Vivoli always delivered warm vibes, great food, and memories I’ll never forget.

Their wood oven pizza? Unreal. Crispy, smoky, perfectly blistered crust with fresh toppings that tasted like they were flown in from Naples. I must’ve ordered it a hundred times, and somehow it never got old. Sitting on the rooftop patio with that pizza, a glass of wine, and the buzz of College Street below that was my happy place.

Vivoli had this effortless charm. The staff were always friendly, the ambiance was cozy without trying too hard, and the crowd was a mix of locals, regulars, and even a few famous faces. Drake was known to stop by, and I’ve heard whispers of other celebs like Shawn Mendes and Rachel McAdams popping in over the years. But the real star was the food—and the feeling you got being there.

It’s hard to imagine Little Italy without Vivoli. It’s been a staple for over 20 years, and now, heartbreakingly, it’s closed its doors permanently without any notice. No farewell, no final slice. Just gone.

Rated:  4.5 stars

I’ll miss it more than I can say. The pizza, the people, the patio nights. Vivoli wasn’t just part of the neighborhood, it was part of my life.



#TasteOfItalyToronto #CollegeSt #TasteofItaly #Food #Italian #internationalrecipes #










Sunday, August 3, 2025

Loosing a Young Child

 


 How to Cope When You Lose a Young Child: A Journey Through Grief and Healing by Aunty Gina

                                                                   


                                                                              

Some moments change the shape of a person’s life forever and the loss of a child, if it's your own or an immediate family member, is the most painful grief someone goes through. Whether the cause is illness, addiction, or a tragic accident, this kind of grief lives in the heart and soul. It speaks in silence, lingers in memories, and reshapes what love and time feel like. It’s a sorrow that no parent, or in my case, as Aunty Gina,  imagines carrying, and once it arrives, nothing is ever the same. I was in constant contact with my Jordie, my nephew had one sweet, kind soul and heart. Always had a smile on his face, regardless of his challenges; he faced them head-on. 

The death of a child shatters the natural order. I imagined my brother's pain, since parents expect to nurture, guide, and protect—not bury. The emotional aftermath is often compounded by guilt, confusion, or even anger at the world’s cruelty. The dreams, the laughter, the milestones that were supposed to be—all of them pause. Yet somehow, life demands that we continue living.

Coping begins not with trying to “get over” the loss, but with understanding that this pain will never leave you, it will always be there, and it will change. It becomes a companion, evolving over time from the sharp edges of early grief into a softer ache. That ache, though permanent, doesn’t have to stop you from finding moments of meaning again.

In the early days, allow yourself the grace to fall apart. Cry freely. Speak their name. Look at photos, write in journals, or scream into the sky if that’s what your grief calls for. There’s no correct script, no timetable. What matters most is not denying the sorrow. Suppressing it leads to emotional isolation. Let your pain be seen and heard. Don't listen to the people who tell you to move on right after the funeral; he is gone. Just grieve, the only way you know how. 

Even though grief feels inherently solitary, connection is crucial. Seek out those who understand the other parents and family members walking this same path. Support groups, especially ones tied to the specific circumstances of loss (be it a rare illness, substance abuse, or sudden tragedy), can offer a safe space for sharing the burden. Therapy can help unravel the chaos within. And sometimes, just sitting quietly with someone who doesn’t try to fix you is the comfort you didn’t know you needed.

Some parents and family members find solace in creating a legacy. Perhaps it’s a memorial garden, a charity in their child’s name, or writing a book about the journey. Others discover comfort in ritual lighting a candle each birthday, visiting a special place, or wearing something that belonged to their child or a mass in their memory. These acts don’t replace what’s gone. They make room for remembrance.

The physical toll of grief is real. Sleepless nights, numbness, exhaustion, your body grieves too. Treat it gently. A walk in fresh air, nourishing meals, time away from screens, and deep rest all allow your nervous system to begin recalibrating. Healing emotionally must start from within the body, even when it feels impossible to care for yourself.

Over time, you may notice something shifts. Not dramatically but subtly. A laugh returns. A sunrise feels beautiful again. These are not betrayals of your child’s memory. They’re evidence of your resilience. Let joy coexist with grief; it doesn’t mean forgetting, it means living.

The loss of a child will always be part of you. But you are more than your grief. You are still a parent, a brother, a sister, an aunt, an uncle,  a friend...forever tethered to your child by love. That love transcends time, distance, and even death. And as you walk forward, one step at a time, the child's and your love will be your light. Missing you, Jordan. I love you, Aunty Gina. 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF KUNG FU TRAINING

 Health Benefits of Kung Fu Training




By Tim Burns

Occasional reminiscences are another aspect of health and wellness. Nostalgia can be a

great panacea. I recall learning Tai Chi and Kung Fu in downtown Toronto in the Grange Park

in Chinatown near Dundas and Spadina. I still recall as though it were yesterday, Arthur,

twirling and arcing in the park while performing is Kung Fu sword routine. Graceful and

flowing like water, his dexterous movements struck me as a dance rather than a series of

martial arts maneuvers. Though Caucasian, with light brown hair and blue eyes, the front of

his head was shaved with long hair at the back tied into a pony tail, Shalin Temple style.

I soon learned that he was a student of Master Pan King Fu, whom he visited every weekend

in London, Ontario. Master Pan had starred in Kung Fu films after gaining a reputation as a

great master, who had trained the police forces in China after the CCP banned firearms,

leaving the police powerless to contend with the Triad gangs who were well-trained in Kung

Fu without any defensive weapons or Kung Fu training. Hence, Master Pan stepped forward

to train all the police forces in China, a tall undertaking.

When a friend invited Arthur to London to meet Master Pan, he was delighted to find that

Master Pan was receptive to taking him on as his latest student. And so, Arthur’s training

began. Now you might think it was all performance training, learning the routines, the

maneuvers and the stances. Not in the least. Much of Arthur’s schooling consisted of listening

to Master Pan’s lectures and demonstrations of how to heal wounds and injuries resulting

from Kung Fu injuries, consisting of the application of pats and dressings soaked in herbal

remedies.

Indeed, Master Pan was as much a master of herbal medicine as Kung Fu itself. It is often the

case that master will master many skills by applying himself adroitly to only one in the

beginning. As Nietzsche’s Zarathustra put it, “I love him who has only one virtue, as it is more

of a knot for fate to cling to.”

In order to increase the bone density of the knuckles of his hands, he made it his morning

routine to punch steel plates one thousand times a day. A blow from his fist has been

compared to being struck by a thirty pound wrecking ball. Ouch, wouldn’t that smart?

However, the pain and injury was not one-sided. Master Pan also received injuries in the form

of cracked and broken skin on the knuckles, blisters and sores, which had to be treated with a

herbal healing balm. Hence, he could often be seen wearing dressings, his hands wrapped in

cotton dressings which held the medicinal patches in place.

Adhering to his master’s methods to the letter, Arthur also took pains to increase the bone

density of his knuckles by punching steel plates daily. Injuries were commonly incurred by

both master and disciple, requiring the herbal remedies which Arthur had been taught, which

he, in turn, passed on to me. I recall that one tincture consisted of a mixture of oil of turmeric,

neem oil, and tea tree oil. Within three days, both the cut and the swelling would be

completely healed. I have found it a perfectly effective healing balm for treating infections,

myself.

There is one further health and wellness consideration when it comes to Kung Fu training. I

noticed that many of the moves were circular rather than linear like Karate or Taekwando.



Along with being extremely graceful, the circularity of the movements engenders an effective

shield against any in-coming blows. However, what I noticed is that it caused the Qi centre in

my navel chakra to spin. The spinning action of my arms and legs fostered a resiprocal

spinning action in my Qi. I soon realized that Qi Gong was the result of my spinning Qi being

projected outward not just in my spinning limbs but beyond my finger tips, so that, if I chose

to, I could deliver a blow upon an opponent without any direct physical contact. Such a blow

might knock an opponent from his feet leaving him winded and prostrate, effectively taking the

wind out of his sails, thus neutralizing any further aggression.

However, it was not the defensive potential of Qi Gong that intrigued me. Rather, it was the

spinning action of the Qi itself, which struck me as very powerful as a viable and palpable life

force, and one that could be harnessed as the locus of my will, my energy, my effort,

exuberance, and exertion. I have felt the same spinning wheel in my Qi centre during

sessions of Tai Chi, another very graceful, dance-like, mind-body meditation artform.

I highly recommend either form of mind-body meditation artforms, which is how I see them.

The health benefits are multifold from invigorating one’s Qi, to providing aerobic exercise,

enhancing blood circulation, in addition to cardio-vascular health.

                   COMING NEXT MONTH. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS, AND WE WILL ANSWER.                                                          a...