Good Bye 2011

It is the last week of December and, time to look at the good things in 2011, time to bid goodbye.  

One of the best things happened to me in 2011 is getting back to full time work. A long honeymoon turned into a long vacation and then part-time work in the UK was not very exciting. Getting back to Capgemini was the best thing of 2011. And of course living with Abhishek is the best thing happened to me not just in 2011, but I think that’s the best thing that happened to me till date.

The best time we spent this year was in Goa. The Goa trip- wow how I can forget. Thanks to my brother Situ who’s been our constant guide in Goa. It was indeed good to see him after two years. He has gone even darker- I mean this time really dark. He took us to the best beaches both in the north and south of Goa. We checked-in one of the best suites of a boutique hotel in Goa. But the private pool and Jacuzzi of our suite did not have the magic power like the sea. The Morjim in the north Goa was so isolated from the rest of the beaches with just the Brits that it almost felt like the beaches on North Sea in England. The small waves reminded me of the Scarborough beach. But Palolem is different. This is one of the best beaches I have seen in my life. No wonder the Brits are here, enjoying the winter. There is no word to express the tranquility of the beach. Though we thought that the long ride to Palolem from Calangute would be tiring, we were surprised to see our energy level after we reached the beach. I think it was magic of the blue sea and the white sand.  We walked inside beach for almost half a kilometer in knee deep water. The water was still and having no waves. The white-sand made it easier to see your feet on the ground even when we were in 4-5 ft. deep water. We learnt back-floating from Situ. Abhishek almost fell asleep on the waterbed after he started floating on his own. I too loved the back-floating. That was the most amazing experience.  For me, another experience was eating the fresh fishes and other seafood in the beach shacks. Those are so fresh, I had almost forgotten their taste after we left Paradeep 19 years ago. We never had that experience in either UK or India. I could live in Goa forever for the seafood. What else is required in life when your day starts with Mojito, Caprioska or Lemonana (the lemon and mint cocktail) and seafood? I now very well understand why Saif Ali Khan in Dil Chahta Hai decided to become a Hippie and stay in Goa. I don’t mind following him; but yes, I plan to be a hippie with Abhishek, so no risk of getting robbed on the beach. I think after going to Goa, I know what I want to do in life- take the beach on lease and build a happening shack; eat seafood, drink Caprioska and live in the fresh air of the Palolem beach. I saw many foreigners are running their shacks and beach huts in Goa. Another best thing about Goa is that the air is fresh and not polluted. It is the only place in India where I managed to breathe without a stole covering my whole face excepting my eyes. Wow what an experience! It finally made me start scribbling for my blog after two years. Of course Abhishek has been pushing me to start writing again, but I must also give some credit to the amazing Goa.

Now, coming back to the good things of 2011, Shelia’s wedding tops the list. It’s good to see her settling down with the love of her life.

Rila’s getting back to Bhubaneswar from the deserted Jamnagar is also good and moreover a relief to all of us. I can’t forget the fun we had in Mumbai while she was here.

Though I do not want to look at the health issues of Baba-Mamma, it’s impossible not to think about it while remembering the whole year. The time we spent with Biren mamu, Bhuki and Damini also adds to the sweet memories of the year.

Mona, Mommy-Papa’s Mumbai trips are still awaited.

2011 - Overall a good year. Hope 2012 turns better with everyone’s health getting better. Now we are busy making plans for the New Year party. Wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2012 :)