Biking and bananas

So back on the bike for the first time since Xmas and it's wonderful! Cold frosty morning and a sunrise to die for - shades of pink everywhere. Curiously I don't feel that stiff although I get overtaken but that's pretty usual too.

I followed an interesting link (http://www.torq.ltd.uk/pfm_disp.asp?newsid=5)
in the latest CTC newsletter all about the joys of frozen bananas. I quote:

"1) You must use bananas that are over-ripe (the ones you normally throw away). Over-ripe bananas are sweeter, because as the fruit ripens, the complex starches turn to sugars. A mature banana can often taste a bit overpowering, so next time you consider binning it, throw it in the freezer instead.

2) Wrap your banana in tin foil, because nothing else will work. If you’re looking for an explanation I can’t give you one, but it’s just one of those little mysteries of the universe OK. Oh yes, and make sure that you peel your banana before wrapping it."

So I am trying this out and will keep you posted. The same link points out that bananas come from India originally. That's so satisfying having just been there.

What I realised in India was that I was visiting a religious culture. The dominant religion is Hinduism and there are Gods and Goddesses for everything or so it seems. The discourse seemed seeped in spirituality. At best Hinduism is inclusive so the other religions in India - Christianity, Islam, Sikhism etc seem to share in this acceptance of spirituality. This sense of a culture seeped in religion contrasts so strongly with my post modern life in post Christian Britain in which to talk of spirituality may be fashionable in some circles but the dominant discourse is secular - remember how Tony Blair would never discuss his faith whist Prime Minister for fear of being considered a nutter?

Best to all,

Bill no-longer-on-rickshaw - But back on bike!