Figure 1 - The Prabhakar clan - 31 Dec / 01 Jan 2016. Hugo
the Lab joined us in Feb 2015
At
the very outset I wish to thank all readers of my blog for continuing to visit
‘samundarbaba’. I take as much pride in writing for the blogs as you enjoy
reading them. It is a matter of great satisfaction to know that ‘samundarbaba’
is read across 86 different countries.
2015- It was a very good year;
I don’t mind joining Frank Sinatra in singing the song - provided the family
permits. As usual we travelled a lot during the year. We visited Turkey, Czech
Republic, Poland, Romania, Croatia and Slovenia. It was a very interesting
journey through these countries. Fortunately we visited them well before the
refugee problem erupted. These countries have a lot to offer tourists. We went
with very close friends and this makes an incredible difference. The trip
becomes even more enjoyable when one travels with likeminded people. This year our
internal travel was limited as we had to cancel Kaziranga at the last minute;
instead we went to Cambodia and Vietnam. These countries offer a totally
different experience. I have documented these trips in some detail in my blog -
samundarbaba.blogspot.in
Among
other things traveling, golf, grand
parenting and cooking remain my most cherished activities in retirement.
2015 was a
very special year for our children, Vivek and Shubhra. Chumbak added apparel to its portfolio by
launching a fashion apparel line branded “Collection One” for men and women. It
has been a remarkable success. They also plan to open 50 new retail outlets by the
end of this year.
More than all this ‘Hugo’ the Lab joined Samara in
Feb 2015 and has been the centre of attraction ever since then. Bow wow.
Figure 2 – Founders of Chumbak
Akhila and
Anirban took time off from their busy schedule and went around Mumbai selecting a house to buy.
Finally they decided to settle down in Pali Hill and moved into their own house
during Deepavali. We went across to Mumbai to be with them for a very lovely
house warming party. Anirban continues to be busy with CAAKWAN. Akhila was busy
discovering new talents and interests within her.
Figure 3 – A view of the new
house from the drawing room
The grand
children are growing up fast.
Their need for the grandparents is slowly decreasing as they grow up. They have
become very independent. Books have entered into the life of Ayaan and Samara
in a very big way. Both have devoured the Harry Potter series and other books
during the year. The twins are fun to watch and find great company in each
other. But at night, before sleeping all of them without exception, come to
Tata to listen to stories.
On the whole they had a whale of a time during the Christmas
holidays in Bangalore and so did we.
Jayanti was
busy throughout the year with the school. Freedom International School started 11th and 12th
standard classes from this year. FIS completed 10 years this year.The
school continues to grow in academics, sports and other extracurricular
activities. This year’s piece de resistance was undoubtedly their annual day play “Night at the Museum’. The play was
loosely structured on the film by the same name directed by Shawn Levy and
starring Ben Stiller and the late Robin Williams.
The play was staged on two
successive days and all the 1300 children of the school participated. The
stage, lighting and acoustics were breathtaking and added to the overall
effect. The children contributed their histrionic might, making it an
incredibly memorable event. The audience sat captivated as history unfolded on
the stage – from stone age to Nelson Mandela passing through Alexander the
great and Porus, Abe Lincon, Mahatma Gandhi, 2nd World War, Moon
Landing etc. Daughter dear wrote the script and made her directorial debut with
a play of this magnitude for the very first time and emerged extremely
successful. Many accolades went her way. The director of the school Mrs Sushama
Rajesh Rao provided the all essential impetus and overall management.
Figure 4
- A scene from ‘Stone Age’ period
Figure 5 – Julius Caesar holding court –
Roman Empire
Figure 6 – Alexander the Great fighting
Porus
Figure 7
- A paper mache creation of ‘T Rex’ made by the drivers of FIS –
remarkable endevour.
Figure 8 – Mrs Sushama Rajesh Rao,
Director of FIS appreciating Akhila’s effort as Jai is all smiles.
Figure 9 – A very unique X –
Mass tree displayed at Freedom International School
The Marine Commandos from Mumbai visited us in
June for their summer vacation. The local GI Jane joined them in right earnest.
Visits to Bannerghatta National Park, the Planetarium, a trip to
Nagarahole and other local activities kept them well occupied. As they grow
older, a detailed plan needs to be put in place to occupy their free time.
Figure 10 – Two Leopards sun bathing on a rock. Bannerghatta National Park
Figure 11 – Two sloth Bears fight on the road. Bannerghatta National Park
Figure 12 – Can’t get any closer. Bannerghatta National Park
Akhila
organized a wonderful birthday party for the twins on 02 July.
Figure 13 – All the children
at the twins’ birthday party.
Figure 14 – Cake of their choice –
Agastya and Aarin. Wild Kratts on the Left and Chris and Martin on the right.
All
of us went to Sushama’s yet to be officially inaugurated wild life resort ‘Wilderness Retreat’ near Nagarahole. It was a great experience for all of us – the
children loved being in the midst of nature, sleeping in tented accommodation,
safaris, feeding goats, bonfire and a whole lot of wilderness all around. They
could not have asked for anything more. It was a lovely holiday. Thanks,
Sushama.
Figure 15 – At the entrance - under construction
Figure 16 – Akhila in front of a deluxe cottage
Figure 17 – Samara with the goat, as Anees and Akhila look on.
Figure 18 – Akhila and Sushama with the children on top of the
viewing platform.
Figure 19 – An elephant encounter on the way. This one is known to
be troublesome.
Figure 20 – A group of deer
Figure 21 – Jai, Sushama and Akhila all pleased
Figure 22 – Cottages hidden in the rich flora and fauna
Figure 23 – Bye bye ‘Wilderness Retreat’
This
year I decided to attend the ‘Navy Day’
celebrations in Mumbai on 04 Dec. This day has a special meaning for all of
us; especially to those who served in the ‘Killer Squadron’ which attacked
maritime assets off Karachi on the night of 04 Dec 1971.I was a young ‘Killer’ on board INS Nashak as a
Missile Officer during this historic occasion. After the ‘Beating the Retreat’
ceremony at the Gate Way of India, the Killers met at the USO Club to unwind
and slide down the memory lane. Meeting old wartime mates after a long break
was a very emotional and heart rending event. Long live the Killers.
Figure 24 - Naval Band at Gate Way of India as the Governor of
Maharashtra watches the show
Figure 25 – A Seaking helicopter demonstrating commando slithering.
Figure 26 – The ‘Killers’ from 1971 at USO club, Mumbai
This year’s Christmas barbecue party
was a big hit and the children enjoyed running around, eating chicken and
generally keeping the place alive. Unlike previous years there was no carry
forward to the next day. Finally I have settled down to cutting the chicken
into eight pieces and allowing three pieces per head.
After
a hectic night the kids woke up late next morning to be greeted by the gifts
Santa had bought for them.
Figure 27 – Mighty pleased with the gifts.
As
a part of our end of the year family outing we decided to visit ‘Jungle Hut’ located in Masnagudi. When going with children,
it is very important to select a place which is children friendly. Ideally the
resort should be close to a beach or a forest. Children love to spend time in a
swimming pool and run around and play outdoors. Located at an altitude of 3000
meters Jungle Hut is an excellent property for a getaway from Bangalore. We
left Bangalore at 0630 h to beat the Bangalore chaotic traffic. After a
sumptuous breakfast enroute at Kamath’s, we landed at the hut around noon –
nothing more invigorating than a glass of chilled beer.
The
property is located on a 20 acre area amidst abundant greenery. The majestic Nilgiri
hills overlooks the resort providing an enticing backdrop. The open space,
salubrious climate and the quiet atmosphere is a great change from the noisy
city life. The early morning weather was ideal for walks and treks. The sun
picks up and becomes sharp as the day progresses exhorting the adults to seek
shelter in the shade for some serious elbow bending, whilst the children splash
around in the pool in gay abandon.
All
the meals were delectable – the food was extremely tasty and there was a wide variety
of dishes to suit everyone’s gastronomical urges. Lot of planning, care and
concern appears to have gone into this culinary exercise.
As
the sunsets the bon fire is lit and the guests slowly gather around the fire to
sit and chat. The crackling of cinder, clicking of glasses, mesmerizing jungle
rumblings and occasional sighting of deers make the night all the more
enchanting.
However
the biggest contribution in making the resort truly remarkable comes from the
owners – Vikram and Anu Shree. The V and AS combo, work tirelessly in creating
a very cordial and homely atmosphere in the resort. They make it point to mix
with guests and chit chat, making the whole ambiance friendly and vibrant. Their smile and eagerness to help is
contagious and goes a long way in creating a good deal of bonhomie.
Figure 28 – The proud owners of Jungle Hut – Anu Shree and Vikram
We
stayed in a secluded and independent bungalow some distance from the main
resort. We were dropped and picked up for all the meals. We also managed to go
on a safari one night as news of a ‘big cat’s’ presence near our resort reached
us.
We
really enjoyed the outing and promised to return.
Figure 29 – The lovely bungalow we stayed in. 2BHK an ideal place
for a family. Right in the middle of nowhere.
Figure 30 – View of the Nilgiris from the bungalow
Figure 31 – Akhila and Anirban enjoying nature. A lovely place to
catch up on reading, long walks, doing nothing just taking in lungs full of
fresh air and enjoying the solitude the place offers.
Figure 32 – Masti masters in the tree house
Figure 33 – Akki with Agastya all happy
Figure 34 – Enjoying- simply
Figure 35 – A typical Jungle Hut cottage
Figure 36 – Kids in the pool
Figure 37 – Relaxing after a swim
Figure 38 – Petting a young calf
Figure 39 – Collecting firewood on the trek
Figure 40 – Did you enjoy Jungle Hut – their signs and smile says
it all
Figure 41 – Shubhra and samara – totally pleased
The
year ended with a quiet family evening at home. We all sat around the bon fire
remembering the year gone by and ushering in 2016 the New Year.
Figure 42 – The bonfire on 31st night
Figure 43 – Letting go 2015
