Memories

Published in the Sunday Sakal on 26 January 2025

Our Vietnam tour was nearing its end, but I hadn't found the perfect 'Buddai,' 'Happy Buddha,' or 'Laughing Buddha' statue that I wanted. During our visit to Vietnam, we had seen so many grand Happy Buddha statues that I was determined to bring home a small replica. The idea had firmly taken root in my mind: the statue should be around 10 inches tall, as I had reserved that much space for at least one souvenir from Vietnam. Ideally, it should be white, with a touch of red, green, or yellow—because the background where I planned to place it was blue. It had to truly exude happiness and be welcoming. 

Throughout our 10-day tour, we came across numerous Happy Buddha statues, and every time we visited a souvenir shop, I searched for the one that matched my imagination. However, our envisioned fair-skinned, chubby, adorable, smiling Buddha seemed elusive. My husband, Sudhir, had long since given up on my quest, greeting my relentless search with a mock salute. Every time we entered a shop, he'd point at a Buddha statue and say, ‘This one looks good, doesn't it?’ But I'd dismissively find flaws in each, as though searching for the perfect match for my child. 

Ultimately, the inevitable happened. My search mission hit a critical point on the last day of our Vietnam tour, in Ho Chi Minh City. The day passed, and evening descended. We were strolling along the lively 'Nguyen Hue' Walking Street, and I couldn't hide my disappointment at not finding my Happy Buddha. I didn't dare show it openly, though—Sudhir would have seized the opportunity to tease me endlessly. Most shops were closed, so I reassured myself, saying, ‘I'll check at a souvenir shop at the airport tomorrow,’ and temporarily set aside the thought of Happy Buddha, deciding instead to "enjoy the moment." 

The Walking Street was bustling with activity, like a fair. People were dancing, posing as living statues, and simply enjoying themselves. Tourists dressed in vibrant outfits were clicking photos as though attending a party. We observed everything with curiosity, capturing photos of our own. ‘When in Vietnam, do as the Vietnamese do!’ The vibrant atmosphere filled our evening with joy. We walked quite a distance without realizing it, reluctant to leave the festive mood. Telling ourselves, ‘We can rest on the flight tomorrow,’ we kept moving forward, greedily soaking up every last bit of our final night in Vietnam. 

While walking, we noticed a large bookstore on the right side of the street that was still open. Both Sudhir and I are drawn to bookstores like magnets. Thinking it would be nice to pick up a couple of books for the flight, we ventured inside. The store was enormous, spread across multiple floors. Exploring such stores in different countries offers a glimpse into the locals' lifestyle, what items they use in their daily lives. Wandering to the far end of the shop, I suddenly froze. Eureka! 

There it was, a white, smiling Happy Buddha, carrying his disciples on his shoulders, made of ceramic and exactly the right height: under 10 inches. I could have danced with joy! I was reminded of the dialogue, ‘If you desire something with all your heart, the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it.’ Carrying that Buddha, we began our journey back home, and I felt a profound sense of contentment. Today, that Buddha sits in our living room, spreading his message of joy and welcoming everyone who visits, while rekindling the fond memories of our Vietnam trip. 

Back in the day, most homes had a showcase. Every trip would result in a souvenir, which would then be proudly displayed in the showcase. Over time, family members would share the stories behind these items. Cleaning the showcase and dusting the artefacts was almost a ritual, and breaking anything in the process would unleash the wrath of the elders. I remember disliking one thing about our showcase, the sliding glass panels were so stiff that they never moved smoothly. 

As time passed, sliding glass gave way to hinged doors, and then came a phase when showcases were deemed ‘cheap’ by many architects. The showcases disappeared, replaced by open shelves or spaces to display art pieces. These shelves, however, were often precarious, and accidents were common. The expensive, store-bought showpieces lacked sentimental value, merely serving as displays of wealth. Minimalism then entered the scene: fewer items in the house meant a more sophisticated interior and a higher perceived taste of its residents. While grappling with these changing trends, our travel adventures increased, and with each trip, a new item joined our growing collection. 

Bringing back something from each place meant bringing back its memories. Writing about Happy Buddha now brings our entire Vietnam trip vividly back to life. In the end, what matters most is collecting beautiful memories in life. So, what to do with all these items? We decided to set aside minimalism slightly and created a bookshelf-cum-showcase at home. The open shelves now house all the small and large items from around the world. When alone or feeling low, I sit in front of that shelf, revisiting each item's story. Any sadness quickly vanishes. 

My colleague, Roshni Bagwe, has an immense passion for collecting fridge magnets. She has travelled to numerous countries and cities, amassing an incredible collection. One day, she approached HR in our corporate office and requested a large magnetic board, saying, ‘I want to donate my magnets to the office.’ HR immediately obliged, and her entire collection now adorns a wall in our office. 

Inspired by her, I, too, began collecting fridge magnets whenever I travelled. Recently, while visiting the tour management department (which oversees tour managers), I noticed a board displaying keychains from various countries. When I asked Rajiv, Shri Krishna, and Sandeep who created this wonderful display, they explained that tour managers bring back these keychains as mementos from the countries they visit. I thought, ‘Wow, these are milestone keychains!’ In short, whether we realize it or not, we are always gathering memories in some form. 

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Dekho Apna Desh
Dil se! Pyar se! Samman se!  

When the sun blazes fiercely and the heat becomes unbearable, wanderers naturally yearn for the Himalayas. At such times, the evergreen state nestled in the lap of the Himalayas calls out to them. Majestic mountain ranges, snow-clad peaks, ancient monasteries, lush meadows, sparkling lakes, and scenic valleys, these wonders can be found in many states of North India. Among them, Himachal Pradesh stands out as the Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods. It is also considered the land of legends, folklore, celestial beings, and spirits like Yakshas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras. 

For centuries, this region was ruled by the Maurya, Kushan, Gupta, and Kannauj dynasties. The green vistas in summer and snow-draped landscapes in winter are stunning natural spectacles. This state is home to breath-taking destinations like Shimla, Rohtang Pass, Kullu-Manali, Kasol, Dharamshala, and McLeod Ganj. 

Himachal Pradesh has also given India several prominent film and music industry celebrities, including Preity Zinta, Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Mohit Chauhan, and Yami Gautam. Do you remember the 2007 Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor movie Jab We Met? The song Aaoge Jab Tum Sajna was filmed on Shimla’s Mall Road, while Yeh Ishq Hai was shot near Rohtang Pass. Ranbir Kapoor’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani also showcased the beauty of Kullu-Manali. Touring this state is truly a heartwarming experience. 

Himachal offers numerous adventure activities like rock climbing, skiing, trekking, and paragliding. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, known as the ‘Toy Train,’ and the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Khajjiar, with its enchanting beauty, is often called ‘Mini Switzerland.’ Himachal Pradesh is also known as the ‘Fruit Bowl of India.’ 

This enchanting state is immensely popular amo ng tourists. To witness the extraordinary beauty of the Himalayas and create lifelong memories, explore Himachal Pradesh with Veena World. 

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Oh! I Didn’t Know This... 

The Fox Glacier in New Zealand is considered a natural marvel. This glacier, stretching 13 kilometres, descends from the heights of the Southern Alps down to a temperate rainforest just 300 meters above sea level. Along with the Franz Josef Glacier, it offers travellers the unique opportunity to witness ice valleys extending almost to the sea level. Named after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1869 to 1872, the glacier is a wonder of nature. 

Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the South Island's west coast, the Fox Glacier spans approximately 13 kilometres. At the foot of the Alps lies the township of Fox Glacier, renowned for hiking and scenic walks. Hiking is the best way to experience this glacier. The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway or Cycle Way leads tourists through ancient rainforests, offering a feast of cool breezes and the diverse sounds of nature. This trail provides a glimpse of the glacier itself. 

For those who love panoramic views, the Lake Gault Track is a must. As you ascend, you will see the majestic Mount Cook standing tall against the shimmering waters of Lake Gault. To fully appreciate the glacier's grandeur, you can visit Lake Matheson on Cook Flat Road, a picturesque lake often referred to as the ‘Mirror Lake.’ Here, you can embark on ice hiking adventures or enjoy a scenic helicopter ride. As you soar above, the expansive glacier stretches out below, providing a breath-taking bird's-eye view. 

The Fox Glacier Visitor Centre is a treasure trove of information, making it a must-visit. The ancient podocarp rainforest surrounding the glacier serves as a sanctuary for countless plants and species. Walking along the glacier trails, you’ll be enchanted by the melodious calls of various birds. This lush green forest, framing the icy expanse, offers a rare chance to witness nature’s brilliance up close. 

Being close to the main highway, Fox Glacier is easily accessible, whether by car or on foot. For photographers, it’s nothing short of paradise. From dense forests to icy terrains, the diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for capturing stunning shots. A journey to the Fox Glacier leaves you with unforgettable memories to cherish for a lifetime. 

So, let’s plan that trip to New Zealand!

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Life! A Beautiful Journey
By Mr. Tryambak Mainkar, Dombivali 

You must have often heard the phrase, ‘There’s no age limit for travel,’ but I have truly lived it. I am Tryambak Mainkar, and I began traveling at the age of 82. After my wife passed away, I felt deeply lonely. Although I had children and grandchildren who cared for me, everyone was busy with their own lives, and I often found myself with no one to talk to. Loneliness had started to weigh heavily on me. 

One day, my son suggested, ‘Instead of feeling lonely, why don’t you go on a trip with Veena World?’ It felt like an opportunity handed to me on a silver platter because I had always loved traveling. Since my marriage, I had never really had the chance to travel for leisure, except occasionally visiting MTDC hotels as part of my job responsibilities. So, taking my son’s advice, I immediately called Veena World’s Dombivali branch and booked a tour to Sri Lanka! 

From 2015 to 2020, until the lockdown, I travelled extensively. Senior Special Tours are particularly convenient for retired but not tired individuals like me. Since then, I’ve placed my complete trust in Veena World, a trust that has remained unshaken to this day! I don’t travel much now because I am 92 years old. In another eight years, I’ll hit a century! 

After Sri Lanka, I visited Australia, Japan during cherry blossom season, and Dubai. Out of these, I enjoyed Dubai the most. None of these trips would have been possible without the Senior Special Tours. So far, I’ve visited 20 to 22 countries and taken 11 tours. Traveling to a foreign country at 82 was nerve-wracking, but thanks to Veena World’s tour managers, all my worries disappeared seamlessly. 

Old age can feel daunting. When you grow older, loneliness and depression creep in. The best way to combat this is by travelling, it keeps the mind fresh and the body healthy. In short, tours introduce you to new people and new places. Memorable highlights of Dubai included the Burj Khalifa, malls, and desert safari. I had always dreamed of traveling abroad, and Veena World turned that dream into reality. 

Whenever I travel, I make it a point to shop for my family. I know what each of them loves. For instance, my son loves watches and T-shirts, my daughter has her specific preferences, and my grandson enjoys gifts of his liking. I shop for them wholeheartedly. 

Looking back at all the tours I’ve taken, I am thoroughly satisfied. These journeys have given my life a sense of fulfillment. What more could one ask for a happy life? 

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Private Holiday Ideas
With Veena World Customized Holidays 

Who among you loves going on safaris? India, known for its natural diversity and rich wildlife, offers an experience beyond imagination when it comes to jungle safaris. There are countless options for such safaris in India. 

• Bandhavgarh, Tadoba, Ranthambore, and Jim Corbett: Exploring the national parks here, especially tiger reserves, offers a truly unique experience. 

• If you prefer river or boat safaris, where you can spot not only tigers but also crocodiles and other wildlife, head to Sundarbans National Park for an adventurous boat safari. 

• At Satpura National Park, you can embark on a beautiful walking safari guided by experienced naturalists to spot rare bird species and enjoy nature's serenity. 

• If you choose to travel on the luxury train Deccan Odyssey, you can experience an exceptional safari covering multiple wildlife sanctuaries, including Tadoba and Pench. 

• Enjoy a cosy campfire dinner while listening to thrilling jungle tales shared by local rangers amidst the eerie ambiance of the forest. 

• Some forests offer night safaris, where you can spot nocturnal creatures like owls, leopards, and civets up close. 

• Early morning safaris often come with the delight of a bonnet breakfast, leaving you with lasting memories. 

• For a truly unique experience, set up telescopes under a clear sky and join a private stargazing session with astronomers. This one-of-a-kind session will leave you in awe. 

Worried about accommodations during your jungle safari? No problem! India offers some incredible jungle lodges: 

• Near Ranthambore National Park, stay at luxurious hotels like Aman-i-Khas, Oberoi Vanyavilas, or Sujan Sher Bagh, known for soothing spa treatments and gourmet dinners. 

• Experience a private safari while staying at Sawai Madhopur Lodge, which was once a hunting lodge for royalty. 

• If visiting Bandhavgarh National Park, stay at Mahua Kothi or Bandhav Villas, where you can enjoy luxury tents and get up close to wildlife. 

• For those travelling to Pench, the Jamtara Wilderness Camp offers a stargazing experience under the shimmering night sky in a tranquil rural setting. 

Your jungle safari isn’t just about wildlife; it’s also about these unforgettable moments and experiences. To make your safari truly exceptional, connect with Veena World’s Customized Holiday Team today!

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Chalo, Bag Bharo, Nikal Pado!  

We all eagerly look forward to those upcoming holidays. They offer us a chance to step away from our everyday routine and break free from monotony. The simplest way to do this is by planning a short tour. These short escapes bring new colours to our lives, breaking the dullness and refreshing our spirits. 

So, what can you do on such tours? 

• Visit popular family entertainment destinations. 

• Explore sacred pilgrimage sites. 

• Experience the diversity of India by attending unique regional festivals and events that highlight the cultural richness of different parts of the country. 

These trips not only offer new perspectives but also leave you with countless memories. They rejuvenate you, helping you recharge and return to daily life with renewed energy. 

If you’re craving such a refreshing break, grab your calendar, find those long weekends, and explore our website for various short tour options to destinations you would love to visit. 

Visit: www.veenaworld.com