If you’re new to the camping game, you may have heard the term “wild camping” floating around – but what is it? Wild camping is where you ditch the man-made campsites in favor of what Mother Nature has to offer. It’s all about exploring the natural world without putting a strain on the wildlife or the ecosystems that live there. Although it could be easy to assume that “wild” means “no rules” that just isn’t the case. It’s important to prepare and follow these basic tips.
Plan Ahead
While much of the excitement about wild camping is that it allows explorers to venture off the beaten track, it’s essential that you plan ahead. This means that you have to check on the weather before you travel to your camping destination, you have to ensure that the route you want to take is actually passable, and you have to have a rough estimate of how long your trip will take. When you have this information, pick out two or three camping spots that could work for you.
Check The Rules
In many countries, wild camping really is as wild as it gets. This means that you can park your tent anywhere and enjoy the experience. However, this isn’t the case everywhere. In other countries, you can only camp where the local council or government has permitted you to. The last thing you want is to camp on someone’s private land.
Pack The Right Equipment
Because free camping really does leave you to your own devices, you need to ensure that you have packed the right equipment. Without any camp managers, members of staff, or facilities to help you out, you need everything in your backpack instead. This includes equipment such as a torch, first-aid kit, penknife, cooking fuel, waterproof tent, insect repellent, and more.
Wild camping is an epic adventure if you do it right, so check the rules before you go.
Appreciating Kichdi, the Ramadan Comfort Food for all your Problems
Kichdi has many names. Some call it Khichri, while others call it Kissuri or Koshary. This South Asian porridge is a delicacy all over the Indian subcontinent and generally prepared with rice, lentils, and grains. Enriched with carbohydrates, the regional staple is absolute comfort during sickness, good health, and Ramadan. Several variations in preparations depend on the region you eat it in. Muslims and non-Muslims from the subcontinent generally prepare it with rice, lentils, and minced meat (for non-vegetarians). Among Bangladeshi families, a garnishing of ghee (clarified butter) and fried onions is very popular in a bowl of soupy Kichdi.
The perfect comfort food
The versatile dish is rich in nutrients and a perfect post-fasting snack to increase energy levels. Its softness is comfortable on the palate and easily digestible, making it a popular food choice for babies and the sick. Cooking Kichdi is an excellent option for those quarantined at home. It requires very little preparation, and the comfort food can dispel any feelings of negativity or weakness during quarantine. However, Kichdi is also a staple for non-Muslims, especially during illnesses and mourning ceremonies.
Nothing like Kichdi
Author Nikesh Shukla writes in his memoir Brown Baby: “Khichdi has become synonymous with wakes. Because it can be mass-produced, because it’s filling and delicious, and it can be made by anyone who might only have a cursory knowledge of your kitchen, taking charge of feeding people because you’re busy mourning.”
Like Nikesh, Fatima Khanom also enjoys the dish and tries to recreate her mother’s and aunt’s classic recipe. “Kissuri is the essence of Ramadan at home with my family. You could have all the delectable dishes from around the world on the table, but nothing quite fills you up with a feeling of warm satisfaction, as does a plate of Kissuri,” says the mother of two.