Sharing my UGHs :(

All of us have UGH moments in our life.

My TO DO list shows that I have plenty ahead of me.

Fortunately, last week I overcame a major one...storing my warm clothes and unpacking the summer wearables. The wearables looked limp, worn and outdated. Replenishments will definitely need to be made.

As a person that was sourcing manufacturing and following fashion professionally for over thirty years, I find this task on a personal level an UGH.

All airconditioners at home need to be serviced. Ugh. I am late..the weather has been very pleasant. Unusual. I am wondering will it be May in October?

Sofas and blinds need drycleaning. A major ugh.

First I have to locate someone who will undertake my assignment. Then, I must compare quotes. There is absolutely no point in referring to what was paid last year.I must get him to get to commit to a date..and not trustingly accept his ASAP



The real ugh is when the task is done and I must compromise with "Itna to chalta hai".

I am launching a new career for myself. A Trainer in the soft skills area for business schools and corporates.



After having been a dinosaur in one industry it is an ugh to launch a new Avatar. Ugh..you need to re asses yourself..make some changes? Develop hard knuckles to go door knocking.

For most of my ughs I did not have a choice. This new career decision I did have a control on..or can I blame it on my genes that always want me to be climbing hills. 



Binsar

Not many know of Binsar.

I had heard about it through an ex employer who owned a property there and a friend who was planning a ten day retreat.

I was attracted by its relatively undiscovered existence, its forests and that there was a wild life sanctuary that could be explored on foot....and if while doing so you came across a "bagh"..well then that was your Karma.

Binsar - Nandadevi property

And so it was five and a half hours by train to Kathgodam,then another three hours by taxi via Bhimtal and Almora to just beyond the gates of the sanctuary and then a 20 min ride in a Maruti Gypsy over a narrow stony path with bends that were so sharp that the gypsy could not take them in one go.

I arrived at the gates of Nanda devi resorts at 4.00pm and was met by the cook and his helper who carried my luggage for the next fifteen minute walk that led me to my Stone Cottage.

Binsar - My stone cottage

Nandadevi Resorts is a 20 acre estate owned and run by a remarkable lady called Mukti Dutta...but this is my story...not hers.

Einstein has said...He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand in rapt awe...is as good as dead...

Binsar ensured that I was alive.

The biggest wow factor was the rhododendron tree in full boom just outside my cottage...when it shed its flowers I had my walking on the red carpet moment. A glass of rhododendron juice every afternoon has ensured that my heart will be healthy for a long time.

Binsar - Rhododendron tree in full boom

Whoever said that the Oak is a magnificent tree..is right. It grew alongside  the deodhar  the cheer pine and I am told twenty five other varieties.

Binsar - Oak, Deodhar and 25 other varieties of trees

Wow moments became a part of my everyday life.

Each day was clear...and the Himalayan range of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kedar Nath..seemed within reach. Musk and barking deer roamed looking for grazing patches..and there were cheeky "langoors" and monkeys.

Long walks up hill and down ensured that my urban lungs were being pumped to new levels of energy...and total bliss was that the wonderful scones, apple pies and even hot pakoras were eaten at tea time with no feelings of guilt. Food,  all menu's were custom tailored.

Binsar - Resting the urban lungs

It was peaceful,quiet except for the sounds of nature, and gave me a sense of ownership.

Hello Everyone

Hello Everyone! I have joined the world.

Right in the middle !

I have email IDs. I am on facebook and now my own blog.

Plenty still remains, if Mr. Sibal allows.