Lonavala Again?

The Lonavala hangover hasn’t yet left us. It’s been three months since we had bussed it to the hill station near Mumbai and now, once again, as we are on to firming up plans for our next picnic, we want to go back. Memories of that trip (see post of September 27) seem so compelling that we cannot think beyond Lonavala.
This morning Shekhawat-ji (below) announced that in the absence of any other proposal coming up from members, we have no option but to revisit the hill station on January 8 – the date fixed for the picnic. Like last time, it would be an overnight stay and the damages are Rs 1,000 per head (subject to adjustments on actuals). He however, added that he was still open to a change of programme, should anyone come up with a better idea.
Quite clearly, this trip to Lonavala is mainly for the benefit of those who had missed the last one and have since been regretting. They have heard so much about the fun and games there that it is natural of them to feel deprived. At the same time, to expect a repetition of the same experience is nothing but wishful thinking. Certain things in life can never be replicated. The joy experienced in any trip is one such.
Already there are many disgruntled voices sounding off: “Who wants to go to the same place a second time?” Well, the only answer to this is nobody has yet come up with a suitable alternative. Yusuf-bhai had suggested Alibaug, but nothing came of it. Sunita Jajodia suggested Palghar, but it turns out that accommodation itself works out to Rs 2,500 per head – which doesn’t really make sense, particularly for members who’d want to take their families along.
What could perhaps be considered is to abandon the idea of overnight stay till such time an "economically viable" place is identified. We could as well go and come the same day as we used to earlier. That way, we would at least be assured of maximum participation from one and all.
Of course, the majority opinion would prevail.

Renu Babani says:
Considering no one has come up with any further ideas, I guess Mr Shekhawat is right in deciding on Lonavala as everyone did enjoy themselves. However, if anyone has a better resort in mind, please let everyone know about it. No matter where we go, it is bound to be fun, because we make sure we make the most of it. Tomorrow being Monday, I guess the picnic will be the main agenda and final decision made -- unless the majority decides otherwise.
-- Renu