Foraging For Food In The Mountains After The Rain

The continuous rain for three days presented an opportunity to go on a foraging trip in the mountains. With fresh bamboo shoots likely sprouting after the downpour, I ventured uphill, carefully navigating the slippery forest floor.

Amidst the verdant vegetation, I spotted unopened Tonkin jasmine flowers (Telosma cordata), known for their delicious edible blossoms that add a unique twist to vegetable soup.

These unopened flowers were my first harvest, and I envisioned a flavorful soup simmering with mung beans and the jasmine flowers.

As I continued my ascent, I reached a bamboo grove teeming with the sought-after bamboo shoots. I selected three shoots, mindful of the weight they would add to my backpack.

Reaching the mountaintop, I paused to capture the breathtaking views. The industrial zone sprawled across the western flank,

while the eastern side unveiled a panorama of neighboring villages.

A juvenile python probably a reticulated phyton (Malayopython reticulatus,) coiled itself on a tree branch provided an unexpected wildlife encounter.

Back home, my wife transformed my foraged treasures into a delicious meal. The bamboo shoots were prepped into an omelet and a refreshing salad,

while the Tonkin jasmine flowers bloomed into a fragrant soup with mung beans, topped with crispy fried fish.

This foraging adventure not only yielded a delightful meal but also provided a chance to commune with nature and appreciate its bounty. It's a reminder of the simple pleasures found in exploring the outdoors and the satisfaction of preparing a meal with freshly-picked ingredients.

This is my Lifescape for this week and have a nice day!