AFCS 64-65 Alumni Meet, Goa, Feb. 1-4, 2013
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First Row: Vijay Shankar, Geeta Jaisim (Somasekar), Mallika Chellapa (Somasekar), Leena Heble, Kamal Puri, Tejpal Dhillon, Parminder Dhillon (Bajwa), Mrs Manjeet Khera, Arun Thakur, Geeta Mehta (Sehgal), Jaya Kapatker
Second Row: Geeta Menon (Narayan), Girija Shankar, Kavery Nambisan (Ponachha), Amitava Sengupta, Ramesh ("Rudy") Shankar, Pavan Nair, Ashok Karnik, Manjeet Khera, Vijaya Muthanna (Ponachha), Uday Heble, Nishi Kapatker
Several are missing in this pic: Bala, Hassan, Ashok Baweja and wife, Deepak Sarin
The 1964-65 AFCS batch after long discussions, email notes, arguments about hotel, payments (both in cyberspace and in real life) and with the able guidance of Uday Heble and Ekta Kohli (who could not make it), finally descended on the Citrus Hotel, Calungate, Goa, February 1-4, 2013. This was done over the span of a couple of days: the hotel staff provided courtesy vans from the hotel to the airport in a very prompt manner.
We had a GRAND time. Many of us saw each other for the first or second time after we graduated back in 1964 and 1965. To the author it always struck me what a great bunch of folks we kept company with in school. Second, we also appreciated the wonderful education we got, for practically nooooo money. No doubt that was very good grounding for us.
So we all met and on the 3rd day gathered for a group picture taken by Nishi's sophisticated SLR digital camera. No wonder we all look good! I think.
There were many post-visit e-mail exchanges but let me share what Mallika sent which was a 500 word summary of the activities during the time.
MALLIKA'S SUMMARY
Our Goa get-together started in BIA. Taxi came to my place at 11 am, picked up Sis Geeta at about 11.30.
And then - Jet kindly let us know that our plane would take off two hours later than scheduled!
We looked on the bright side - this would help us get lunch out of the way, at least. On the way, Geeta and I argued about how many would be on our flight I said it was Rudy, Geetha Menon, Nandini Mundkur, and two pairs of sisters. She insisted Vijay and Girija would also be there.
At the airport, we partook of coffee, rava vada and samosas. Spotted Kavery (mistook her for Vijaya) and the sisters joined the sisters. K&V also had the same, along with cutlets...
Geetha Menon had also been phoning (as had Nandini), but we had no idea where she was.
Finally made our way in past security and found the rest of the gang - and sure enough, there were Vijay and Girija (how did Geeta know? Rudy's last mail said they would fly to Mangalore?.)
Meanwhile, Nandini had already left for Goa! There was a 2 pm flight, and Jet had not bothered to let us know.
Had a mini get-together while waiting for our flight to be announced (with two more delays; kept Jude informed..).
Rudy and Vijay were chivalrous, stood the entire time, got us coffee. Geeta met her Samdhis and Vijay also met an old friend (Rahul Sony? Does he have a brother who studied at IIT Delhi?)
Finally - got on board, three hours later than scheduled, reached GOI
Two vans were waiting to whisk us to The Citrus. But - Vijaya had picked up the wrong suitcase! They had to return to the airport to exchange suitcases, while we proceeded to the hotel
Vijay, Girija, Geeta and I shared a taxi. Vijay put on his music. Songs were memorable, esp one sung by his daughter! At the hotel, checking in was smooth. Most got a welcome drink (they missed me, but hey - I don't believe in loading my system with too many fluids)
Room-mate Saroj briefed me about their morning, boat ride and dolphins and the little shopping she had already done..
Then we got into taxis and went to the Golden Eye for dinner. Dinner was very good, I confess I remained in my chair throughout, others circulated. Had a lime soda (ill-advised - immediately lost my voice..) Settled our bill at Golden Eye and started walking back. Not a short walk, so picked up taxis as and when, hit the sack at 1am or later
So far so good!
Next morning we slept in , got up after seven. Breakfast was a good spread, and then we started off for the Spice Farm. nandini joined us. Lots of hiccups getting to the bus! Many misunderstandings as to why the bus could not have picked us up at the hotel etc...
Some argument as to whether we should do the church before, luckily we opted for after.
Spice Farm was fun, Pavan and Jenny tried to climb an areca-nut tree! High point was the lemon grass welcome drink and the cool spray down the back after the walk.
The cocum aperitif wasn't half bad, too. Adequate food, with two non-veg dishes. Then the Mangeshi temple (after some acrimony - not all wanted to do the detour. Jenny was not allowed in as she was wearing shorts! I gave her my scarf (> 1 M sq) and she managed it
Rudy bought a "bongo" drum.
Then the Bom Jesus church, about 420 years old. Still in good shape and being used. I thoght it could do with better publicity and environs, esp after having just visited the Washington Cathedral; viewed the casket with the Saint's remains...
A wedding party was doing their photo shoot outside the cathedral, bridesmaids in lovely blue dresses, bride in regulation white, flower girls to match.. Took a snap of Geeta Mehta with the briday party in the background. Bought some fake fur puppets from a vendor outside the church...
Back to the hotel and a short rest and then we departed for Hasan's party. Some hiccups getting Dalip and the wheelchair into the bus. It would have been far better to have settled him in a taxi straightaway, as the wheelchair could not be accommodated in the bus!
Hasan and Bala and Jenny had arrived a day early and chosen this venue for the party.
A good time was had by all (all the dancers, and especially Pavan & Vijay!)
The first shift returned to the hotel >12 midnight, and the second shift (including Roh and Dalip and Mridula) after 1 am (maybe nearer 2). An early start by Saroj and me - we went to the beach and watched the sunrise (over the land) and then came back to the room to freshen up
Others had done the same at different times and we compared notes over breakfast. The hotel had offered a high teas to our group that evening.
Spent some time in the atrium of our block or rooms, where Saroj displayed her paintings (Geetha Menon had persuaded her to bring some I had also written on the topic, but had thought she would bring us images of her works..)
When hurrying downstairs to see the paintings (after having changed for a poolside rendezvous) I skidded and fell! Got a few scratches on my leg, which the hotel staff attended to! They cleaned it up, sprayed it with the wrong spray, then powdered it with the right powder and applied bandaids, so I could enter the pool! Meanwhile, also picked one of Saroj's paintings for myself (a lovely Buddha)
The "boys" were playing volleyball in the pool, and Leena was getting in some laps. I played umpire for them, tried to swim, but was frankly too tired or shocked! Relaxed on a deckchair, then retired to my room for a nap.
Meanwhile some in the party felt the need for lunch. One party went to the famous restaurant on the beach, where they had a bit of a wait to be seated. Stragglers had to make do with a beach shack. Room mates GJ and GM hit the shops and had lunch at the Crazy Horse. Bala and Hasan went shopping... Bala had had a bad time but was now recovered.
High tea with speech by Bala. Vijaya looking oh so svelte. Kavery cutting the cake - pre birthday honours. Drinks, sandwiches and pakoras/bajjis...
Rudy had mooted dinner, but this was vetoed. But the fare at high tea was really not so substantial so it might have been a good idea after all...
Another party commandeered the PA system and we moved to the atrium of our block of rooms. But at 11pm or so we were told our shor was disturbing other guests, so we called it a night I went to bed (and slept) but Saroj continued to potter. She told me next morning, that there was no water in the pipes at night, but by that time the wter supply had been restored.
Hit the beach again with Saroj. Collected shells and stones, met up with Gs and came back via Crazy Horse. Breakfast and last minute conviviality. Tried early checkout but the desk was busy. However confirmed the amounts to be paid. Then hit the shops with Saroj for last minute rubbish!
Checked out reasonably efficiently. Vijay was packed off early to the Airport (but in the end travelled on the same flight as Geeta and me. But the other ladies came on the last flight
Negotiating checkin and security at GOI was no picnic. Flight took off ( 30 min delay on the tarmac) and we duly landed in Bangalore, made our farewells to Vijay and got into a taxi for home. Dropped Geeta off and then Home Sweet Home. Heard about the snafu regarding advance paid the next day - but that's another story!
And then - Jet kindly let us know that our plane would take off two hours later than scheduled!
We looked on the bright side - this would help us get lunch out of the way, at least. On the way, Geeta and I argued about how many would be on our flight I said it was Rudy, Geetha Menon, Nandini Mundkur, and two pairs of sisters. She insisted Vijay and Girija would also be there.
At the airport, we partook of coffee, rava vada and samosas. Spotted Kavery (mistook her for Vijaya) and the sisters joined the sisters. K&V also had the same, along with cutlets...
Geetha Menon had also been phoning (as had Nandini), but we had no idea where she was.
Finally made our way in past security and found the rest of the gang - and sure enough, there were Vijay and Girija (how did Geeta know? Rudy's last mail said they would fly to Mangalore?.)
Meanwhile, Nandini had already left for Goa! There was a 2 pm flight, and Jet had not bothered to let us know.
Had a mini get-together while waiting for our flight to be announced (with two more delays; kept Jude informed..).
Rudy and Vijay were chivalrous, stood the entire time, got us coffee. Geeta met her Samdhis and Vijay also met an old friend (Rahul Sony? Does he have a brother who studied at IIT Delhi?)
Finally - got on board, three hours later than scheduled, reached GOI
Two vans were waiting to whisk us to The Citrus. But - Vijaya had picked up the wrong suitcase! They had to return to the airport to exchange suitcases, while we proceeded to the hotel
Vijay, Girija, Geeta and I shared a taxi. Vijay put on his music. Songs were memorable, esp one sung by his daughter! At the hotel, checking in was smooth. Most got a welcome drink (they missed me, but hey - I don't believe in loading my system with too many fluids)
Room-mate Saroj briefed me about their morning, boat ride and dolphins and the little shopping she had already done..
Then we got into taxis and went to the Golden Eye for dinner. Dinner was very good, I confess I remained in my chair throughout, others circulated. Had a lime soda (ill-advised - immediately lost my voice..) Settled our bill at Golden Eye and started walking back. Not a short walk, so picked up taxis as and when, hit the sack at 1am or laterSo far so good!
Next morning we slept in , got up after seven. Breakfast was a good spread, and then we started off for the Spice Farm. nandini joined us. Lots of hiccups getting to the bus! Many misunderstandings as to why the bus could not have picked us up at the hotel etc...
Some argument as to whether we should do the church before, luckily we opted for after.
Spice Farm was fun, Pavan and Jenny tried to climb an areca-nut tree! High point was the lemon grass welcome drink and the cool spray down the back after the walk.
The cocum aperitif wasn't half bad, too. Adequate food, with two non-veg dishes. Then the Mangeshi temple (after some acrimony - not all wanted to do the detour. Jenny was not allowed in as she was wearing shorts! I gave her my scarf (> 1 M sq) and she managed it
Rudy bought a "bongo" drum.
Then the Bom Jesus church, about 420 years old. Still in good shape and being used. I thoght it could do with better publicity and environs, esp after having just visited the Washington Cathedral; viewed the casket with the Saint's remains...
A wedding party was doing their photo shoot outside the cathedral, bridesmaids in lovely blue dresses, bride in regulation white, flower girls to match.. Took a snap of Geeta Mehta with the briday party in the background. Bought some fake fur puppets from a vendor outside the church...
Back to the hotel and a short rest and then we departed for Hasan's party. Some hiccups getting Dalip and the wheelchair into the bus. It would have been far better to have settled him in a taxi straightaway, as the wheelchair could not be accommodated in the bus!
Hasan and Bala and Jenny had arrived a day early and chosen this venue for the party.
A good time was had by all (all the dancers, and especially Pavan & Vijay!)
The first shift returned to the hotel >12 midnight, and the second shift (including Roh and Dalip and Mridula) after 1 am (maybe nearer 2). An early start by Saroj and me - we went to the beach and watched the sunrise (over the land) and then came back to the room to freshen up
Others had done the same at different times and we compared notes over breakfast. The hotel had offered a high teas to our group that evening.
Spent some time in the atrium of our block or rooms, where Saroj displayed her paintings (Geetha Menon had persuaded her to bring some I had also written on the topic, but had thought she would bring us images of her works..)
When hurrying downstairs to see the paintings (after having changed for a poolside rendezvous) I skidded and fell! Got a few scratches on my leg, which the hotel staff attended to! They cleaned it up, sprayed it with the wrong spray, then powdered it with the right powder and applied bandaids, so I could enter the pool! Meanwhile, also picked one of Saroj's paintings for myself (a lovely Buddha)
The "boys" were playing volleyball in the pool, and Leena was getting in some laps. I played umpire for them, tried to swim, but was frankly too tired or shocked! Relaxed on a deckchair, then retired to my room for a nap.
Meanwhile some in the party felt the need for lunch. One party went to the famous restaurant on the beach, where they had a bit of a wait to be seated. Stragglers had to make do with a beach shack. Room mates GJ and GM hit the shops and had lunch at the Crazy Horse. Bala and Hasan went shopping... Bala had had a bad time but was now recovered.
High tea with speech by Bala. Vijaya looking oh so svelte. Kavery cutting the cake - pre birthday honours. Drinks, sandwiches and pakoras/bajjis...
Rudy had mooted dinner, but this was vetoed. But the fare at high tea was really not so substantial so it might have been a good idea after all...
Another party commandeered the PA system and we moved to the atrium of our block of rooms. But at 11pm or so we were told our shor was disturbing other guests, so we called it a night I went to bed (and slept) but Saroj continued to potter. She told me next morning, that there was no water in the pipes at night, but by that time the wter supply had been restored.
Hit the beach again with Saroj. Collected shells and stones, met up with Gs and came back via Crazy Horse. Breakfast and last minute conviviality. Tried early checkout but the desk was busy. However confirmed the amounts to be paid. Then hit the shops with Saroj for last minute rubbish!
Checked out reasonably efficiently. Vijay was packed off early to the Airport (but in the end travelled on the same flight as Geeta and me. But the other ladies came on the last flight
Negotiating checkin and security at GOI was no picnic. Flight took off ( 30 min delay on the tarmac) and we duly landed in Bangalore, made our farewells to Vijay and got into a taxi for home. Dropped Geeta off and then Home Sweet Home. Heard about the snafu regarding advance paid the next day - but that's another story!
