Book Review: Hell! No Saints in Paradise by A.K. Asif

Hell! No Saints in Paradise by A.K. Asif is both a piercing parody and a metaphor that takes urban fiction to giddy heights.

2050, New York. Ismael, a Pakistani-American student, enters into a pact with mystical beings. They guide him on a dangerous excursion of self-discovery.

A non-believer, Ismael must return to Pakistan. The country is in the grasp of a ruthless fundamentalist régime. He has to gain the trust of his separated dad, a conspicuous radical in the Caliphate. To achieve this, he must pretense as a true believer. Will he endure long enough to penetrate his father's innermost altar? Can he complete his assignment?

The Islamic character has taken on a particular importance in the collective consciousness. Many literary sources, documentaries, and traditions have intertwined especially in the last decades. They give us triumphal or dramatic representations of public opinion.

It is from this limit that Asif's work shines with its own light on a wider horizon. He abandons the safe roads of historiography and documentation. The only aim is to tell the story of a boy in the quest to change the radical character of a place.

The author highlights a story from the point of view of Muslims. He interprets events in the context of the Islamic world. This work thus tries to put new eyes on a saturated issue of publications and does it well.

Asif releases a wealth of material that overrides the very conception of "holy war". Ismael attempts to become an interpretive bridge loaded with new perspectives. All this in a space-time analysis completely opposed to his father. Their perception of the Islamic world does not follow the same patterns and the same time bands.

The Islamic world painted by Asif requires geographical and chronological limits other than those drawn from the traditional perspective. And so we find ourselves in a dynamic analysis of a State and the Islamic society of a future. The distant and exotic descriptions emphasize an era that intrigues and entertain.

The sliding prose leads us to the roots of an Islamic world with lively and contradictory relationships to a sort of deconstruction of the myth of the religious component. The analysis offered has very few saints and heroes, but many smart politicians.

In this book, we can read the real vision of Ismael. He has to act to avoid a clash between specific realities pursuing ground and land interests. All this without ever interrupting profound socio-cultural relations. Asif does not fail to evoke it every so often.

So, in the game of great interests, Asif also gives space to the life of small communities that disappear from collective memory. This work, without any pretense of exhaustion, can be the first step towards a new course of study.

The book offers the reader an arduous and fascinating search path, extending with considerable expertise one of the abysmal themes of mystical reflection.

Hell! No Saints in Paradise by A.K. Asif

5 Best Himalayan Treks for Beginners

The powerful Himalayas, the gem of the elegant nature and extremely impressive atmosphere offer an eye-catching flood of trails accessible for adventure lovers. In the Himalayas, trekking is the dream comes true of every climber. Trekking is the most charming adventure in months of winter because the snow surrounds the trees and mountains clothed themselves with thick white covers of snow. From all around the world, the beautiful Himalayas allure every climber and trotter.

Whenever you need some break from your schedule and also feel that urban area has become tedious, then experience trekking in the attractive Himalayas. Pure and uncontaminated air, and untouched environment, and of no doubt the grace of the mountains will lift your spirits definitely. There is no other place on the earth like the Himalayas.

So, when you want to want some thrill and adventure in life, then the Himalayas is the best place to experience. When you perceive that what number of prominent trekking trails pervade the Himalayas, your mind will surely wonder while trekking in Nepal Himalayas or in India.

While you are trekking in the Himalayas, your eyes will stare at a great diversity of vegetation. Trekking in the Himalayas will provide your eyes the view of oaks and maples at lower altitudes. Many sorts of animals like deer, bears, cats, and monkeys occupy the Himalayas. Trekking in the Himalayas is just worth an experience.

While going for trekking in the delightful Himalayas, add all the necessary and essential items in your bag like camping tents, ropes, trekking shoes, rain covers and many more.

Best Himalayan Treks for Beginners Some of the popular trekking routes in Indian Himalayas are:

1. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek


The purpose of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is to hike from Sonamarg to Naranag through the Nichnai Pass. The Great Lakes, as the name suggests, runs through long alpine lakes located at the foot of the snowy mountains. It crosses creeks, many colorful meadows and crosses three mountain passes.

The best time to do a walk would be between July and September, since the prairie road is in full bloom and climatic conditions with the average temperature between 18 and 20 degrees during the day and 3 to 4 degrees at night. The most popular trek that covers the lake are Twins lakes of Vishansar and Krishansar and Gadsar.

2. Tarsar Marsar Trek, Kashmir


Aru Valley is base camp for the Tarsar-Marsar trip, which is another 12 kms before Pahalgam. Start the walk with a constant movement of 2 to 3 hours through a magnificent path of pine forests. This is an uphill climb but easy and enjoyable. Walk along the Lidder River, which connects with the village uphill. Begin your walk along the Lidder river that will take you to the pine forest.

There will also be the excitement of crossing the river. Make a brief stop in the huts of Gujjar and enjoy a tea and snacks before continuing the walk. The road will go through lush pastures before reaching Sumbal. From here the path will take to a ridge in a stream that will take later to Tarsar. After a couple of hours, a spectacular conical summit will offer breathtaking views of the almond-shaped Tarsar lake.

Cross the Tarsar pass at an altitude of 13,500 ft. Walk on a seat on a ledge on the far side of the Marsar lake. It is an extremely beautiful location. Go down to Sumbal from Sonmasti and then go to Srinagar, with the aim of reaching before dark.

3. Stok Kangri Trek, Leh


Leh, the capital of Ladakh is the best option for trekking in India, as it is located at approximately 6153 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest trekkable peaks in the world. It is the highest mountain in the Himalayan range stok. The Stok Kangri is very famous among walkers and novice mountaineers due to its technical nature.

From July to August, this peak is considered non-technical. This trek requires a lot of resistance, both physically and mentally, so if you are riding you will definitely love this trek. The biggest challenge of this place is the summit of the day when the temperature drops below zero degrees centigrade.

4. Kolahoi Glacier Trek


Kashmir is like nowhere else in the Himalayas with its good-looking meadows and elevated pine trees. Experience panoramic visions of the all-around snow-laden peaks and meadows flourishing with wildflowers. The Sindh River, where rafting is usually practiced, meanders through the valley, and ponies can be hired for an excursion to the Thajiwas glacier, one of the biggest attractions during the summer months.

It is a small route of just 4 kilometers that reaches a small valley at the foot of the glacier. Once there, there is a path that leads to the Shakhdar hill, from which you can see beautiful views of the north-western glacier. From Sonamarg there are trekking routes that reach the lakes of the Himalayas such as Vishansar (4,084 masl), Krishnasa (3,810 masl) and Gangabal (3,658 masl). Other lakes of the region can be cited as Gadsar, which is fed by glaciers and is surrounded by beautiful alpine flowers.

A nearby excursion is Baltal, about 15 kilometers north of Sonamarg, which is a small valley at the foot of the Zoji La pass. Hikers can reach the splendid roof of the world - Leh, crossing the pass of Zoji La. From here you can also take a day trip and reach the famous sacred cave of Amarnath.

5. Sandakphu Trek, Bengal


Sandakaphu is a widely known trekking destination in West Bengal, located at 3365 m towards northwest Darjeeling. Sandakphu is the highest peak in west bengal. 3 to 4 days are enough to explore this valley. The terrain is not so difficult and remains open in winter as well. Sandakphu Phalut Trek is an exotically divine trek with interesting twists and turns and thrilling terrains.

Its magnetism arises from the spellbinding views of four of the world’s five highest peaks of Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Lhotse and Mount Makalu. Although the trek starts from Manebhanjan, which is in West Bengal, it finishes at the border in Sepi which is on the border of West Bengal and Sikkim. It is one best trek which can give a magnificient view of the whole Mt Kanchenjunga range (also called sleeping buddha).

During sunrise, the whole mountain range lights up like a golden key. The proximity of the moutains from Phalut will make you feel like you are under the care of strong and powerful arms. Sandakhphu is one of the easiest treks. The best time to do Sandakphu is April when the valley turns red due to blossoming Rhododendrons.

The reason to trek in April is that Red Panda which happens to be the state animal of sikkim wakes up from its hiberation sleep to mate and reproduce. There are maximum chances to view this cute animal in the wild during this season.

Why does the path doesn't get old when everything else does? The bends, the rocky slides, the lands feel outlandish, the flowers don the smiles, the innocuous rocks along with wooden fires - the walk to Sandakphu and Phalut will teach you life in a very detailed yet fleeting way.

Learn the rhythm that best suits every walk of life. You understood that your personal demons can only be vanquished by yourself only. You understood the best way of meditation is walking.

Hit this in Rimbik or Manebhanjyang, about 51 kms from Darjeeling through Silerygaon. The road to Manebhanjang follows the path of Hill Cart Road that connects Darjeeling with the plains. In Ghoom (India's highest train station), exit Hill Cart Road and it will take another hour to get from Ghoom to Maneybhanjang.

Bengal's highest peak, Sandakphu, allows you to explore Lhotse, Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga and Makalu. To get to Sandakphu, you have to walk through the Singalila National Park. It will take you to Tonglu through Meghma (4 hours), which seems attractive enough to take a tea. It is a stop on the road along the trekking route to Sandakphu or Tumling.

Although the Tonglu trails can take you to Nepal, you'd better go to Sandakphu in this race against the rains that come without invitation. An easy trek through bamboo bays will meet you on your way to Gairibas the next morning. Here a small cabin for hikers is built, and you can fall asleep before hitting it again.

Once there, you can make a pit stop and clean the lens of your camera, since a whole forest of rhododendrons extends to Kalapokhri (3186 mts). Pack enough water, since the Sandakphu Phalut trek does not have a source of water. Now, you are only 2 hours from Sandakphu.

While you enjoy the views that have four of the five highest peaks in the world, do not forget to look down at the crystal clear waters of the icy meandering river, Teesta. You need an average of 4 days for this hike. You can also move by vehicle along the picturesque route to Uttarey where your trekking begins. Crossing a beautiful forest of rhododendrons arrive at Chitra where you can set up camp.

The descent can be done to Gorkhey, a charming little town. From there you can connect with Sikkim through a mountain pass of 3400 m (Goeche La), or you can continue down to Rimbick. Descent with a difference in altitude of 1,700 m in three hours to the lowest point (Srikhola at 1900 m altitude when crossing the river).

Trekking in the Himalayas is not just an awesome adventure to thrill. It is an experience of a lifetime.

Best Romantic Places in India

So, you are planning a honeymoon trip in India? You will be spoilt for choice when picking a holiday destination for two as the world is full of romantic locations and hideaways. Why not make India one of them? The mix of interesting culture and stunning scenery is sure to satisfy all tastes, whether you are a foodie, a history buff, or simply want a room with a view.

Truly, India is the place where there the Gods reside. So secretive, sacred, lovely, outlandish, beguiling, and grand, that is what India is all about. Perhaps, India has been the most favored place for the gods. India is a land of rich culture and diverse people. It has hills, mountains, beaches, gulfs, deserts, forests and what not! If you are looking for some unexplored adventurous destinations in India then stay tuned!

Winding roads, the fresh smell of the mountains, thick pine and oak forests, a long walk on fresh crunchy leaves with unhindered views of the Himalayas. Indulge in a one of a kind experience in the mountains with unobstructed vistas, while you enjoy the solitary comfort of a good book on the deck, or lounge with a glass of wine and company of your partner.

Why India is Ideal for a Romantic Getaway

With a lot of wonderful spots to visit, if you are on an excursion to the heavenly places of India, here are the famous tourist spots to visit in India.

1. Giridih, Jharkhand


Parasnath is a Jain temple on the highest mountain peak in Jharkhand. Situated at 7 km uphill from the ground, one has to climb this by walking, so people prefer to visit in winter. Khandoli Dam and Usri Falls witness a good footfall around New Year. People from all over Jharkhand and mostly West Bengal) visit here for picnic.

Long Memories of My Bunny and Me

Long Memories of My Bunny and Me
Are you not motivated by the idea of having a more conventional type of pet? Some time ago I was thinking about writing about the rabbit as a domestic pet. I shared my life with Bunny for 8 years and without a doubt, it was the most beautiful experience I can remember. I am also going to give you a series of guidelines so that you can take good care of your rabbit.

Today more than ever it's worth talking about this extraordinary creature. If you want to have a domestic partner, having a rabbit may be a great option. Among other reasons because they do not need so much care.

Bunny was always quiet and peaceful. It did not usually cause problems that can disturb neighbors. And also, if you have more pets at home it will not be a problem because they adapt fast. I still remember when my little Bunny first became friends with the pet cat of mom. It was amazing to see them all together, interact and play every day.

You do not have to do a lot of exercises, and they are very affectionate. Bunny responded very well to all the expressions of affection that I gave it. Bunny was very intelligent and was very easy to raise it. It filled my life with love and joy by seeing that sweet little face. But like any animal, you must pay attention and get specific care guidelines.

Whether it lives inside or outside, you will need a cage or a place of its own, where it can feel safe and have privacy. Because let's face it, animals also need their space, and a rabbit will not be any less.

If your rabbit is going to be alone a lot of time especially if you spend many hours outside working. Look for a very wide cage, where it can stretch, stand, play and in a way, have freedom of movement. Do not fall into the error of buying a small cage. Because you may get a baby but it will soon grow and will need more living space.

The bigger the cage, the heavier and happier your hairy one will be. It is important that the cage is robust and without thin wires that can cause injury. It is also important that there is a wooden board so that the rabbit can rest, and not step on the wire all the time. And if you are a crafty person, a good wooden cage in a duplex model will be amazing.

Also, inside Bunny's cage, I put a pair of wooden trunks to stretch its paws and also rub its teeth, which it always did. In my house, the cage used to be open in my room. Bunny would go in when it wanted to eat or rest, but it had all the freedom to go all over the house. I only worried about covering up conflictive areas such as windows and cables.

Do not forget that rabbits need constant physical and social stimuli. In my case, many times when we would eat, Bunny sat nearby or sat next to me when watching TV. It is about integrating your bunny into your life. It should feel that it is part of your family, so the relationship will be very close.