"She's got all the friends that money can buy..."

"...She's the apple of her daddy's eye"

Listening to She's got all the friends by Chumbawamba

The magical power of short breaks completely different from daily on-goings is grossly underestimated. Just two weeks ago, I went on a 3 night-3 day course which was at a convention centre out in the countryside. Expecting long days full of lectures, assignments, homework little did I know that there was a surprise in store for us.

One thing I learnt, you're never too old to learn through fun and games. That's right. We were taught how to succeed in our ambitious undertakings in London through crazy group activities and exercises. 3 days spent in exercising our minds and bodies non-stop. They were exhausting hours but we were well rewarded with the most delicious fifty thousand course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Behold:

Example 1 : Our skills with bucket and rope

Example 2: After dinner card playing with communication via drawings on pads only.
No words!

Team Pie (that's 3.14159...)!

My 24 new friends!

And did I mention, there were beautiful gardens all around the place and the fresh country air? During one of our evening walks we came across a couple deer as well as rabbits with flashing white tails! We also got 'lost' in the woods and took on the role of fearless explorers and found are way through a scary, dark (even though it was late afternoon) crooked path lined with trees whose leafless branches blocked our way menacingly!

Over the three days, much fun was had, games were played, competitions were held, challenges were faced, friends were made and we all learnt how to dance an English Country Dance! I returned to London physically and mentally exhausted yet refreshed and energised!

"If you want me you know where I am"

Listening to Simple Things by Belle and Sebastian

Walking from South Kensington to Paddington is a pleasure indeed. The first time catches you unaware especially if like me, you avoid guide books and just discover places on your own. The Albert memorial glimmers from a distance and from close up, is an inspiring work of art. (Mentioned here)Where are the dogs and the ducks, the sticks and the swans? This place turns every one into a child again, people playing with their pets with abandon. Dogs racing around fetching balls, frisbees, sticks even from the lake.
Peter Pan graces my walk too. One sunny afternoon you'll catch me over there visiting my Neverland as I read under a tree, sunbeams dancing on my face, tempting me to go visit.
Every bench I pass, I stop, I read, I smile to myself and walk on. Were these women best friends, staunch pillars of support for each other who spent Sunday afternoons sitting on the grass eating strawberries and drinking Rose' as they joked and laughed about the happenings of the week ?
A bench like this I would like to give and receive. Simple. Beautiful. Full of meaning and love.
Now tell me this, who would give such a walk up and use the underground?
"Not I", said Aakanksha.