International Readers of My Two Books

Happy readers of my two books,'The Fascinating Tales of Urdu & its Courtyard — Dilli' & 'Between Eras & Expressions': Mr Nehal Hasan, Mr Syed Ishtiyaq Abedin, Mr Nasir Abedin and Mr Mohammad Hoda, of San Diego, California, USA.

The Fascinating Tales of Urdu & its Courtyard — Dilli (Rs 500), whose second edition is now available after first edition was sold out, offers a glimpse into Delhi’s changing history, culture, language and society. The readers have praised the book for its contents as well as the way it intertwines, captivating anecdotes from the city’s past with the rich and poetic journey of Urdu — a language that was born, nurtured, and blossomed in the very heart of Delhi.

'Between Eras & Expressions'(Rs 450) offers a curated selection of my writings on history, travel, cinema, and Urdu. The book traverses a variety of themes:

History & Myth-busting: One major strand challenges common stereotypes about the Mughal era, including nuanced discussions on subjects like the lives of Muslim women in medieval India and reinterpretations of historical figures such as Aurangzeb.

Travel Reflections: Travel pieces go beyond typical travelogues; they’re thoughtful explorations of places with personal anecdotes and vivid observations that aim to transport readers.

Cinema & Culture: The book includes essays on film and theatre, such as explorations of legendary figures like Meena Kumari and Madhubala, blending cultural commentary with narrative flair.

Light-Hearted & Poetic Writings: Some sections offer lighter themes and musings, often infused with Urdu couplets that lend rhythm and charm to the prose.

Urdu Poetry: A selection of my Urdu poetry, presented in both Nastaliq and Roman scripts with meanings of difficult Urdu words.

People from diverse fields and age groups have been appreciating both the books.

To purchase a copy, simply send a WhatsApp message to 9870477658. For more details, e-mail at elahi.raza82@gmail.com Or contact 9870477658

San Diego: Sun, Surf, and Surprising Culinary Delights

By Raza Elahi

Known for its pleasant year-round climate, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage, San Diego is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. I visited this vibrant coastal city in southwestern California, along the Pacific Ocean and near the Mexican border, in July, where I stayed for more than three weeks. It was my second visit to the city, the first being in 2024.

San Diego enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities (like surfing, sailing, hiking, & cycling) throughout the year. Its beaches — including Coronado Beach, La Jolla Cove, Del Mar, Oceanside, and Torrey Pines — offer diverse coastal landscapes, from sparkling golden sands to dramatic sandstone cliffs.

Below are a few pictures showcasing San Diego’s scenic coastline.

Although the city is best known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and fresh seafood dishes, visitors can also enjoy authentic Mughlai and Indian food at restaurants and catering services such as Deccan Bites, Charminar, Chaiwala & Co, and Sufra Kabab. My top picks during the stay were the chicken kabab and chicken biryani from Sufra Kabab, a San Marcos-based catering service; the mutton sukka (a dry-style goat preparation flavoured with South Indian spices) from Charminar; and the samosas from Chaiwala & Co.

Below are pictures of Julian, a historic mountain town known for its famous apple pies, Gold Rush history, and scenic mountain views, as well as Annie's Canyon Trail, a popular 1.4- to 1.5-mile round-trip hike featuring a narrow sandstone slot canyon, metal climbing ladders, and panoramic views of the San Elijo Lagoon. Julian is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains, about 60 miles east of San Diego, while Annie's Canyon Trail is in Solana Beach, approximately 22 miles north of downtown San Diego.

(elahi.raza82@gmail.com)