Beyond Resorts

Arun Patil

Arun Patil today popped the proposal of a picnic, but not to any resort: “We have had enough of resorts, they are all the same. And yet, we spend too much time planning, checking their facilities, negotiating rates, adjusting dates to get maximum numbers on the bus and in the end, nothing happens. The picnic is abandoned.”
Instead, he suggested thinking beyond the resorts and setting out at short notice regardless of how many people join in or what it would cost. “There are so many scenic places in and around Mumbai we have no clue about. For instance, how many of us are aware of the Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Panvel? If that is too far, there is the Borivli National Park close by. We had been there and had enjoyed a lot. Just pack a lunch box and get out to explore nature. What is there left in resorts?”
Dilip Babani observed that even the local Byculla Zoo could offer

Show of jubilation and gratitude for Durga Puja passes

a picnic experience that no resort can match – more so, because it is unlikely any of us has ever been there. Nahid Khan pitched in to declare that going to resorts means “nothing but eating and eating” while others like Fahmida Khan and Zarina Khan opined that just about any place will do so long as we set out.
“The idea is to break out of the routine and enjoy the experience together,” affirmed Arun. “It does not matter whether any of us has been there earlier and yet, should anybody be reluctant to go, so be it. Nobody should be forced to join. The rest of us will proceed and divide the costs. And as for food, there are enough eating places at almost all picnic spots.”
Meanwhile, Siba Prasad Maitra played Santa Claus by producing passes for all the ‘starry nites’ at the Durga Puja celebrations of Tulip Star Hotel, Juhu (ref yesterday’s post). For the many fans of Sonu Nigam, Shaan and others, this was much like a dream come true. They triumphantly waved their passes around, much to Maitra’s amusement.

Harish Wadhwa:
Thanks Maitra-ji, you have indeed been very kind to us.