We had a 15 days of family trip to the land of Pharoes,pyramids and mummies- Egypt in, Dec. 2023 . It was the premier trip with well planned itinerary,7 nights cruise on Nile on Dahabhia (the golden boat) and all 7 star accommodation, in ~ 100 old heritage properties of yesteryears of Egypt. It was customised from the arrival at airport to the departure. It was guided by the gentleman pursuing Ph.D in Egyptology.we may not know our last 30 ancestors of our family,but our guide made it sure ,we remember the long lineage of Egyptian history of Ramses and Tutenkhamen,Nefertiti and Cleopatra . Thanks to our thoughtful wards for such benefits and making the precious memories to live with. ( Read my story on Nile cruise on my Facebook wall - the winter on Nile)
January 6, 7 and 8,2024 were special days as we were celebrating 75 th year of Baroda medical college. The grand function was organised by the alumni association. Being the coordinator for the exhibition of painting and sculpture,it gave me the opportunity to organize on large scale ,roping in alumni,current students and Fine Arts faculty.
In February,we visited the Dehli for wedding of my daughter's brother - in- law . We met Rishabh and Karnika there.,we visited few relatives in Dehli before embarking return journey.
We visited the Hampi,Badami, and coastal Karnataka( Murudeshwar,Gokarn,Udipi) in the March along with NRI classmate and his spouse . It was conducted by the kesari tours. It was well planned ,well executed.
After the tour ,we added Shravan Bel gola ,Belluri and
Helabbidu ,ending at Banglore and flying back to Vadodara. It was great cultural and architectural exposure to Vijaynagar empire of Krishnadev Rai fame, of Hoysala dynasty. The 58 feet tall, monolith statue of Gomteshawara at Sharvanbelgola is majestic.
Summer has set in ,my games ,tennis and Golf continued along with daily walk with Manjoo. We were preparing for our treking, we keep climbing 14 floors of commercial building near our home .
Now ,we were planning our trekking in Uttarakhand ,called ' Ali Bedni Bugyal' in the June end. We were on our own as 2 member team. After many searches ,we found the yellow bird cafe in Lohajung,our starting base camp for the services during treking. . We trusted them and it was paid back satisfactorily in terms of best services,safety, wholly customised .
The trekking was the marvelous experience and best supported by the trek leader and his team con,helper and pony caretaker. We came back happily. ( Pl read my 8 episodes of trekking story in Gujarati on my facebook wall )
The monsoon has started . It was very heavy and for the first time the overflowed water entered our home up to 4 inch on 26th August ,2024. . It was nightmare for us and majority people,damaging property,cars .
Luckily,no major damage
and we thank Almighty.
Diwali and festivities were as usual fare. We had pooja,lunches and dinners at our home and at brother's.
As a tradition,we always have "anna koot "at my home as we derive the divine pleasure offering the God , the original bestower of all good things .
My son ,Karan and his wife,Shabana gave us a visit for 8 days, in November. We had a nice time to catch on. Karan,being good cook,delighted us with his culinary skill. . Now,our last travelling of the year was to Hornbill festival and Dzukou valley trekking in first half of Dec. ,in Nagaland. We had wonderful experience of Nagaland, it's people , culture and food. Moderately difficult trek was successfully completed.
Our Son in law,Rishabh paid us visit on 15 th December. We had a family get-together at close friend's s son wedding. Rishabh met my both brothers and the rest
of the family.
Now the 2024 is ending and new year,2025 , coming. Our best wishes to all.
On health front,both if us maintained good health during the year without any hiccough.
My post retirement daily routine is all well set and enjoying the every moment.
We pray to the God for his mercy to all.
My story will be incomplete if I do not mention the near - miss incident.
Manjoo in last trekking ,slipped in ravine up to 15 feet but was held back there due heavy bushes and growth. Our lady trek leader ,in a split second rushed to her.
I shouted from the trek to Manjoo,to get on her feet,she obliged and that was the end of any possible disaster. She walked back to base camp and had no injury except knee pain .
We are thankful to the God and all of our well wishers for their silent prayers.
In few days,the year 2024 will end and let us welcome 2025. Wishing you all the year end festivities and welcome to 2025.
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