Finally 50th

'Antaro glani, sansaro bhar, poloko felite kotha ekakar!'

Few words can translate these to induce the true feeling as these do in my mother tongue; here's a feeble attempt: all that's hoarded - be it temporal or emotional - will be gone in a jiffy as the eyes droop for good.

I hum this tune many a times these days. The words are my guide rails along the path of my life. On one hand they carry and imbue a solace of impermanence, and on the other they constantly whisper to make the most of my time. I see a place knowing I'll never get to come back again, I read an article knowing I'll never get to read it again, and I plan knowing I'll never get to do it again. 

Birthdays are no longer about only cutting cakes or blowing balloons but looking back at the past yearbook and opening a new.

With God's grace (Guru Maharaj's), I fortunately rounded off the year the way I desired - 🌈 rainbow way for my 50th. It wasn't just the colours, but the little achievements that infused the flavours - trekking to The Arch, hiking to Cape Hauy, assaulting Mt Kosciuszko, cycling round Uluru.

The climactic day, themed red, was nothing short of thrilling. Glentworth Valley, thrumming with cicada sounds and enfolded in hills appeared a perfect place - not just for the serenity, a thriving ecosystem of endemic flora fauna, and bucolic beauty, but also for the adrenaline amplifying activities it offered. We opted for the easiest - quad biking. But as the engines revved up impaling the buzz of cicadas, snorts of horses, and lassitude of the farm animals, I realised, the beast wasn't an easy one to tame. While my son and husband effortlessly traversed the challenging track, I took to easier quieter course at my capable and accommodating guide's wake. Rest of the day was well spent with fish and chips by the sea at The Entrance, a sumptuous family dinner at O'Bombay, and sweet fleshy KP mangoes for dessert at home!

Needless to mention, I am sincerely thankful for the precious heartfelt wishes flowing from friends and family across the globe. It's a pleasure to wrap up this special day knowing you are loved and remembered!

Drone shots of The Entrance 

 

Dona, Sydney, Dec '24.