Non-Starter

The Kanyakumari trip seems to be going the Rajasthan way. It was conceived as Plan B (ref post of September 4) when Shekhawat’s promise to take the club on a free trip to his village during Dussehra came a cropper. No headway has been made in the past one week owing to a general lack of enthusiasm.
Ajmer had also come up as an alternative destination, perhaps because it entails an overnight journey (by train though, it takes around 16 to 18 hours on an average) from Mumbai.

Sharing memories of a past excursion

 But as it turned out, almost everyone in the Club, barring one or two members, have visited Ajmer Sharif multiple times, mainly on pilgrimage.
Comparatively, Kanyakumari appeared to be virgin territory. Nobody seemed to have ever set foot there. But the moment we were told that the fastest train, K.K.Express takes 45 hours and 15 minutes to reach there, everybody back tracked. Who would want to sit through two nights – that too in sleeper class?
True, Zarina Khan would not mind taking a shot, so long as we get going. Likewise, Yusuf Rassiwala opines that the “trip would be worth the effort” as it could be an experience of a lifetime. Nahid Khan feels that a 45-hour journey is doable on an AC two-tier coach -- but that would mean having to wait till January 2020 for confirmed reservations. Or else, we might consider a break journey mid-way for a couple of days, she says. But where?
Quite clearly, this is turning out to be a case of the spirit willing when the flesh is weak. Many would love to go, but do not feel confident enough. Suppose something goes wrong? We are no spring chickens. And the most horrifying part is having to make do with the train toilet, unwashed for almost three days. That is pure living nightmare.

Lt Col Angad Singh (rtd):
It is good to plan an excursion and then scrap it. This keeps us busy and in form. These are not days to venture out. The season is rough and tough. For a senior citizen, the Club is the best place to venture, relax, enjoy and to keep laughing.