21st May,2007

Early morning alarm failed to wake me up! Grandma got seriously miffed as she missed the bus. She was planning to go to Bhiraonde. Now that’s where she grew up. Its some 30 kms away from the place we were right now.

We tried to get an auto but all efforts went down the drain. But the relentless spirit of the old woman wouldn’t be cowed down. She decided to start walking! And off she went in a huff. Repeated requests to stop were if no avail. Finally we gave up. We walked nearly 4 kms. The spirit of my grandma and more importantly her awe-inspiring fitness at so young {ahem!} an age was exemplary. Finally we managed to find a rickshaw.

At her home we visited a Shiva temple. Now I am not much of believer but sometimes one has to toe the line. As we were going towards the temple Abhay sighted a beautiful heron in one of the infinite fields that surrounded us. The picture that u will see is beautiful and when i actually took it, i never thought it would turn out to be this good. It kind of shows that some of the best things happen accidentally.Bhiraonde has some of the most stunning views of the Sahyadris.The whole greenery and blue skies and everything has a soothing effect on you. But we couldnt wait there for too long.

In the afternoon at 2 pm back at Varavade packed my bags and was off to Osargaon my dad’s home. From there I would be off to Goa. On the other hand Abhay and grandma were off to Bombay.Abhay was feeling really disappointed. He really wanted to come to Goa.But sometimes we tend to keep some things before others and so sacrifice on some wonderful things. But he has what they call a very determined personality. So he did go to Goa, but thats another story.

Vivek the benevolent Gujju had some great news. He had located a Youth hostel in Miramar near Panaji at 50 bucks per night. What a steal!