When days got closer to vacation in India or a trip, Mumma Lin usually went into severe planning and strategising mode. The key takeaway from her economic major, "maximum utilisation of available resources", blared louder than on regular days. She ensured that she ran the show with everything available until the departure and avoided "procurement" in the last week. When the stock was minimal and other tasks were on priority, I always wanted to eat something that was not there at home. If I wanted a burji, there wouldn't be the egg. The potato wouldn't be there if I felt like having mumma's special potato korma. And if all the main ingredients were there - then onion wouldn't be there! After some discussions and convincing, I'd be on my way to my neighbour's home to pick up every missing part of my craving! These trips were wholesome in every way I can remember. Sometimes, you'd have to go to a couple of doors to ensure you have everythin...