Memorable Trip To Goa

So, today we said goodbye after spending the most memorable four days in Goa..'Me' time (as promised,) was spent eating, drinking, dancing with thirty two single women. (er..not single actually, some of them have large demanding family at home, but they decided to spend some ‘Me’ time with friends whom they had not met for a very long time) They all lived in Mumbai (once upon a time) when they were in school but now scattered all over the world, North, South, East ,West of India and also far away places like USA and Canada. There was not a moment of silence (how could that be.??.Women always have much to share)

Most of the women I was meeting for the first time, although I had interacted with many of them on social media and on private chat. I had climbed into a cabin of close knit friends, (who were class mates some forty odd years) and were celebrating their class reunion. But, although I was odd person out, the love and warmth that I received was monumental.

The friendship started two years ago, when I was invited by a close friend for a short trip to Lonavala with her small group of school-friends. Some people are destined to be the part of your life, so although, I was a stranger,(a student from another school, with no friends of my own ) I was able to squeeze in (they were very generous) and I found a comfortable corner for myself. I became a part of their group (pretending to be their classmate) and started attending their parties. I was invited once again for a bigger trip to Goa with a larger group of friends from different parts of country. (I was hesitant at first, since it was their class reunion, but many had become my good friends too and insisted that I join them, so I checked in on their last call)

It is not easy to organise such a big event single-handedly, thus the most talented persons in the group, took upon themselves to come forward and work in the interest of everyone. It was excellent arrangement and they have to be applauded for the efforts they had put in to make this the most memorable trip for all.

The days were planned meticulously, attention paid to every detail, so as to get the best deals with maximum comfort. The team took trips to Goa (at their own cost) and explored the city for best deals for place to stay, eating places to dine and places for shopping and entertainment. The air and train tickets were booked in advance, few months ahead, knowing not if the trip would materialise (some doubts about health problems and family responsibilities are likely to arise). Luckily, everybody was able to come, and surprisingly, many of them, finding a helper to do their chore, stole time to spend their ‘Me’ time with their friends.

The fun started at the train journey itself. We were separated into smaller compartments, scattered all over, but that was resolved as soon as the ticket-checker arrived. Some shuffling with other passengers seats, and we huddled together again. It was a night journey, but most part of it was spent chatting, eating and celebrating (birthday of our team member).

Aguada Anchorage, a beautiful resort was chosen for our comfortable stay. Surrounded by lush greenery and neatly paved path, I was happy with my 3-bedroom villa, that was closer to the dining area and to the main large 4-bedroom villa with attached swimming pool, where we assembled during our lazy hours for chitchatting, swimming and for interacting with each other.

First evening was spend at Chalston, a restaurant closer to the beach. After a light snack of sandwiches, cakes, puffs and a cup of coffee, I found a comfortable seat closer to the beach to spend the rest of the evening. Many of the girls went for a long walk closer to the sea shore to wet their feet in water, I just basked in cool breeze, laying stretched on an easy chair, watching the sunset.

The darkness set in, the whole place lit up with hundreds of twinkling bulbs hanging down the branches of the trees in the large garden, and the live music started, clear and loud. The girls hopped on to an uneven floor and swayed with fun and laughter. There was dance, drinks and dinner.  Everything was forgotten, family, home, pets, the friendship reached its peak.

Second day, morning was planned purely for individual entertainment and outdoor activities. Some chose to tour around the city, some for a swim at the resort pool and then go for local food (Fish Curry is the the speciality of Goa and everybody loved it)  and some went for shopping. Due to the pain in my ankle, I had limited movements, but I was so grateful to a friend, who drove me in her car through this shorter distances while rest of the girls walked. Thank you Universe for blessing me with good people!!

Second day, evening was dinner at Chinese, (with menu previously planned) vegetarians dined at separate tables to avoid the confusion by the waiters. It was the best meal we had, I loved the TomYum soup and after a satisfying dinner, I walked over to an open kitchen to watch the chef fry ice-cream.

Third day, morning was a Sunshine day. All the girls planned to dress in yellow, we had a photo-shoot and then went for a boat ride to watch dolphins. There was so much excitement during this morning, the yellow color reflecting on all faces with pleasant smile that was so infectious. The cameras must have clicked thousand times and moments captured in every mobile.

Third day, evening was to mark the closure of the trip. We walked few blocks away(some shuttled in a buggy) to the large general bar by the pool at the centre of the resort. We feasted on drinks and snacks (and another birthday celebration of our team member). Together we played entertaining games like DumbShera, passing the parcel (each one of us had brought a secret gift for a person wrapped in brown paper with a punishment inside)  and opening our hearts (all of us had sewed a heart on a patch of cloth, that would further be joined to form a warm rug, and these hearts were presented to the moderator of the Watsapp group, it was a thoughtful show of appreciation to one, whose sincere efforts had brought all school friends from different parts of the world together)

During our moments together, we chatted freely, picking up the missed moments, sharing our ideas. We learnt the beauty tips, the cooking tricks, the sewing techniques, all women from different walks of life came under one roof and  they shared their talents. There was laughter, joy, companionship and a promise that there would be lonely moments no more.

It was the most memorable trip of our lifetime. Here was the group of matured women, who listened attentively, talked freely and extended their friendship joyfully. This week there has been much excitement over Powerball in America (I kept getting messages from my cousins telling me that I would get a share if they won) and that had raised their expectation to win and become millionaires, BUT, here I was, already RICH with most lovely friends that I had been blessed with. Truly grateful to the persons behind the scene, the most talented organising team amongst us, who had spent nine months planning and bringing us all together...

Thank you Universe for providing me with such happiness………

PS: See the Video of this trip on U_TUBE at Memories Of Another Day

Watching Sunset at Lewisville River in Dallas

The greatest joy for me  is to sit by the river side and watch the sunset. I love beach too but walking on the sand, getting my feet dirty is not my idea of fun. Nor do I like to walk on slimy rocks where there is danger of losing my balance. Its just water that I am attracted to, the rippling sound of the waves, the cool winds touching the shores, and staring in the sky for hours watching the different shapes of the clouds that change ever second.

I was thrilled therefore, when my cousin in Dallas organised a boat ride on Lewisville river, one Sunday afternoon during my visit  to his town. Watching the sunset from the seashore is different, having done that many times, at every opportunity that I have got, but to watch it while sitting in the boat, surrounded by water on all sides, the birds diving to catch a fish and the mild breeze..its completely a pleasant experience.

The meeting was set at around 5pm. We were a group of eight members, family, friends and kids too, that added extra joy with their chatter. It was a private recreational area for members who owned boats.

One could spend all day here. A long expanse of free space, surrounded by water, trees and open space. There were lawn furnitures everywhere for people who would like to picnic at the site.

A proper concrete path to reach the curb cut where the boats were parked.

It was most beautiful speed boat that I have ever sat in. soft comfortable, low couches and enough room to relax.  

The sun was beginning to set.

We started as soon as we were ready to sail, at a speed so high that I wished I had life jacket (although it was not really necessary). When it stopped in the middle of the river, I was totally disarrayed and deperatedly looked for comb to straighten my hair.

While our boat stood still, rocking pleasantly on the waters, we snacked on delicious sandwiches that my cousin had picked up from a restaurant. Perfect sandwiches of meat, vegetable salad and spicy sauces.

We watched the sun move slowly down the horizon, changing the colors of the sky from yellow to deep red.

So grateful to my cousin and his family in Dallas who created this opportunity for me……a memorable day to relish for a lifetime.

Special Children's 3-days Camp to Wagoli in Pune

Last week I made a trip to Pune. My family owns a residential home for senior citizens at Wagoli, (near Jain College at Bakodi Phata) and there are many rooms still vacant, so this was a good opportunity to take the special children of Swami Brahmanand Prathisthan for a camp for three days. I went two days prior to their visit to make the arrangements.

35 children and 15 staff enrolled for this camp. I called up my cousins, who was very happy to help. They helped me arrange for a cook and helpers that would be required on hand, since it was not possible for us to take from Mumbai. Seven large rooms were prepared for their accommodations.

The main purpose was to make children's visit as comfortable as possible. “Give them the food that they don’t eat on regular basis.” Said my cousin excitedly. We spent many hours discussing menu and shopping for the things we would require. We tried different flavors of ice-creams. A dish with cottage cheese and chinese too was planned. The menu was planned, different meals each time that included snacks, vegetarian meals, ice creams, fruits and also desserts like Gulab Jamun( that my cousin popped into his mouth, (secretly) more than it was allowed  by his doctors)

The children just loved the food and came personally to my cousin to thank him for the delicious meals. 

There was much activity in the kitchen during those three days, many volunteered during preparation of food and making snack packets for outdoor trips. The gifts kept arriving as the news spread. I had to stop many people from distributing food items (cause there is limit to eating and couldn't risk stomach upset)

Children enjoyed their road trip from Mumbai to Pune, singing and dancing in the bus and yet when they arrived in Wagoli, they didn’t look tired. That same day they spend their evening at Chowki Dhani - a Rajasthani theme park that has various activities to keep people occupied such as pottery, drama, music, singing, dancing. There were different kinds of street food at regular interval and also proper Rajasthani food for dinner.

Children were most eager to take part in all activities

and prouldly posed with their tattooed arms

The staff enjoyed too, for camel rides and many other rides.

The next two days were spent visiting different temples. They visited all the gods during those two days, seeking blessing in every form.  It turned out to be spiritual camp. Because besides visiting different temples, they were also singing and dancing on spiritual hymns. 

They loved the temple activities and came back with beautiful designs done by the priest on their foreheads.

And of course..a group photo is a must

Next day evening was spent going to Sadhu Vaswani mission and then attending a bhajan session by group of visually handicapped children.

They played outdoor games in the ashram compound whenever they were free, they took part in the organized games during late evenings after dinner. I was amazed by their energy level.

The children showed great discipline and took part in all the activities. People who met them, showered much love on them and commented that they were well behaved, much more than normal children, cause none of them were shouting or quarrelling amongst each other. It was remarkable that each child help the weaker one and everybody was alert all times of the day…..

It was the most enjoyable camp.