This happened during our visit to Dubai in December 2007. The visit itself was a memorable one, as both Mohan and I enjoyed the unpolluted air, the cleanliness of Dubai, the way the whole place was well-kept and the warmth of the inhabitants. Our daughter Preeta and her hubby Nikhil introduced us to their friends' circle and we enjoyed the closeness and the rapport very much. The group planned a picnic together, an adventurous one.... A REAL CAMP!! Ganesh, Ajay and Nikhil got their road-maps ready and were identifying a spot to camp, the route to take, a date to travel and above all, the friends who can join in the camping-fun!!
Deepa's parents and Preeta's parents were two sets of seniors whose hearts and attitude did not age at all. They were game and ready to join the youngsters. So the Terrific Ten took the road in two vehicles and ended the year 2007 with a BIG bang!!
THE MEMORABLE 'DUBAI OFF-ROAD CAMP' !!
The adventurous group had a camping plan
They took off, there were ten in the clan
Two pairs of seniors, the rest, all young
The elders, to their young hearts, clung....
All stuff loaded in the car, we were all set,
With Ajay and Nikhil driving, there was no cause of upset
We looked forward to fun, frolic and adventure
With minds light and laughing, we started the venture.
Ganesh joined us with his bag, before we set off
All strategies addressed, no chance for scoff
Folding chairs and tents, including mashaals
Pillows, sleeping bags, woolen caps and shawls....
Water, juices, and bottles in queue
Foodstuff planned with yummy barbecue!!
Charcoal, firewood, oil and matches
Plates, knives.... hunger - there were no weight watchers!!
The spirit was right, the group just apt,
The scenic beauty, sending us on a rapt
Together the two cars started to move
Towards the destination, we shouted, "YAHOO!!"
Ganesh was the navigator, he had the road-map
He read the directions with precision, smart chap!!
The cameras went click click, time and again,
Deepa with handicam, her comments in the bargain...
Once the paved road was through, the path was rough
Pebbles, BIG stones n rocks, we thought it was enough
Luckily the spot seemed right for the overnight camp
The place cleaned, the tent was put up by our enthu champs!!
It was fun all along with kidding and laughter
We looked forward to what was coming after
Once relaxed, we were ready to enjoy the stay
And the wonderful time ahead, in every possible way!!
Chitra, the charming youngster, won our hearts,
Mmmm...Deepu and Ajay with their loving hearts
The parents sent off their silent messages
With songs, smiles and mutual gazes....
Ganesh was busy clicking to glory
We enjoyed many songs, jokes and stories
'The affle, finaffle..." narration made us double up
The giggles got everyone to open up!!
We had anthakshari, then 'pillow blowing' competition,
'Mehbooba, mehbooba...' with Preeta's dance rendition!!
Our appetite enormous, the thought sent us drooling
Palak paan, the eating invention, set the ball rolling
Barbecue began, with Deepu's supervision
Chitra, to fan the fire, she had a promotion!!
Compliments for cutting the veg, the senior ladies deserved
With Ajay 'popping' the first bottle, drinks were being served!!
Sleeping late was expected, not at all a bother
To anyone in the group, that we could gather,
Early risers got ready, set off on a distant walk
Whistling, singing and enjoying the funny talks
Breakfast with sandwiches n tea for hungry tummies
Everyone agreed, they were just yummy
Soon we folded the tents and cleaned up the place
Before we bid adieu, with emotion and grace
We had an excellent rapport, it was a wonderful team
having had real fun, we left the place with a beam
We thought, 'maybe we will camp together again'
But our first camp of Dec 2007, is engraved in our brain!!
--Written by © Shanta Ramakrishnan (in December 2007)
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