Karaoke is Fun

 Ever since I got a karaoke mic as a 50th birthday present, I have enjoyed it immensely, and broke the ice in many a gathering with its help too. It's a great tool for having unadulterated fun, and in small and large groups-family, students, music groups, anyone .. we have done this at MDP groups with executives! . Just like antakshari, which we did without any accompanying technology. These pics over the years might show you what I am talking about.. 

Varunika's debut, and I think, Radhika's too (below)- at my IIM Indore residence

Anjali at Indore, in the hot seat, and Vasanti Muthukumar at Bangalore

Akansh and Prachi enjoyed singing too, at Indore in recent times..

and Shradhha at Bhagyalakshmi's place. (below)

Venkatesh is a regular, and Pooja and Anu also joined in at his place

Tourism and Goa

 Goa occupies a unique spot in our psyche out here in India. Its tropical beaches stretch for miles, and give you an opportunity to swim or bathe in the sea almost any time of the year, except when it is raining heavily. Very few beaches in the world can compare. 

But more than this, it's an idea. Just the mention of Goa brings a smile to anyone's face. Stories of plans made to go there tumble out, many of which went unfinished. Some who actually made it want to do more of it. I have rarely met a person who does not wish to holiday in Goa, in all these years. It's almost a magical land.

Maybe, at a psychological level, it's a place where you can BE. Try and discover yourself, your limits. Not just the drinking limits, but in forgetting your routines, and immersing yourself-figuratively, in the sea. Enjoying the present, without a care of the past or the future.

Having been there about 8-10 times now, probably more, I can vouch for that feeling. You feel bad when you leave. Viva la Goa!

Long Awaited Goa Trip

 It finally happened. The family went on a vacation to Goa and stayed at a new place in Candolim called Lillywood Highland Resort. Also found a decent restaurant called Taste of Goa nearby and gorged on Xacuti Chicken, Chicken Cafreal, Pork Sorpotel, and a few other local specialities. Had a bit of Feni too, before the poll-induced dry days. All in all, had a bit of wine, whisky, beer and Apple Cider-different people, not me alone. Also picked up Kadamba, a Single Malt made here, for 2120 rupees. A good deal, I am guessing.

Satisfying, but never enough, as usual. Pics-