The annual outing of the “ techie boys group” is something we have been having regularly, starting with the first one in October 2012 almost ten years ago. This is an event which everyone dearly  looks forward to attending  and not much coaxing is required for the folks to join the weekend break. The last one we had was in December 2019 and then in March 2020 the complete world around us changed with the onset of Covid 19 and we were never sure when we would have the next such outing . Some attempts were indeed made when the pandemic situation appeared to be getting under control in late 2021 but suddenly before we knew it the third wave was upon us .In the end, just as fast as it descended , the Omicron led third wave was behind us and planning began in earnest by our two able organisers Laxman Nadar and Sunil Salian and the weekend of  26^th March 2022 was finally decided upon to pencil into everyone’s diary. When this annual outing was started way back in 2012, the group comprised 22-24 members and suddenly this time around  we found about 40 odd people showing their keen  interest in joining in . Many of the first time participants were those who had recently joined the company since the lockdown and due to the office shut down were not even familiar with many of the other members in the group and this was all the more reason for the newer members to take active part in this annual junket  . The beauty of this trip was certainly enhanced by  the presence of members who were no more working with Great Eastern but still wanted to be a part of this annual event .

The place selected for our trip this time  was Prakruti resorts in Kashid near Alibag and immediately discussions started in earnest on the mode of transport to reach the place especially considering the Roro ferry service which one could avail of now . Finally there were two sets of folks ,one set who  took the roro leaving Ferry Wharf at quarter to eight on that bright sunny saturday morning  and another set who decided to drive down all the way to Kashid . The Roro ride was a really enjoyable one as  it was a chance to catch up with every one on board after a short car ride . The sea trip itself was barely an hour long and soon we were down the Roro ramp and onto the Mandwa jetty from where we continued our ride to Kashid . The other group were of course still savouring their breakfast at our customary meeting place at MacDonalds at Panvel . By noon,  the full group had assembled at the resort and soon it was time for an afternoon round of songs and beer followed by a sumptuous buffet lunch. Soon, the more aged members of the group quietly vanished for an afternoon siesta whilst the singing continued in the assorted bungalows that were allotted to us at the resort .

Late afternoon soon descended upon us  and it was time to hit the beach. The resort has a private section of the beach almost  like a reserved berth with an outdoor dining area where evening tea had been arranged . The beach at Kashid is a really good one , clear pristine sand unlike the mud pits you get to see at Alibag and Kihim just north of this place. The waves come thick and fast though were  gentle  that Saturday evening ;and the seawater was warm which made it all the more pleasant . A few tried their hands at the water sports and beach bikes  that were available on the beach  and then it was time to attack the lovely Onion Uttapam that had been arranged for high tea right on the beach front .

Suddenly darkness descended upon us and in flash all the paunches  displayed on the beach had vanished and instead folks were spotted smartly turned out in their evening attire . The evening function started with a cake cutting ceremony to celebrate the birthday of one of the organisers Laxman and then it was time to set our impromptu stage on fire with Sudipto Mukherjee and Bonny. The songs, once it started just did not stop till we were reluctantly pulled out for dinner with the customary shout – “Restaurant will be closing down soon”! .

After a rather late dinner,a surprise package was the discotheque next to the dining area, an appealing little place named Thunder. The DJ was good and played all the popular numbers till it was time for them to close down but of course we were not willing to shut shop and continued with our songs and dance late into the night (would be more accurate to term it as early into the morning! )

For the real enthusiasts, it was time to hit the beach early the next morning ,  of course it was past sunrise but it still was a wonderful time to stroll on the beach . Whilst returning back from the beach, the swimming pool beckoned us for a quick dip and then it was time to slowly and reluctantly  head for break- fast .

There was a bit of confusion on the whereabouts of one our missing colleague through the night;however all’s well that ends well and he was duly located on his way back to Mumbai availing an early morning bus ride.

After breakfast,  it was time for the customary photo shoot session and unlike the last few outings there were no giant cameras that were being fished out and it was very evident that the mobile phone as a the de-facto camera was truly here to stay !

After departing from Prakruti resort for the ride back to Mumbai came the real surprise;a request from David Birwardkar to visit his beautiful little bungalow named Nessies  en-route at Nagaon, just off Alibag . It was supposed to be just a short detour to see his week end home equipped with a  beautiful  garden,  a lawn and some nice coconut trees  but was topped  up with a surprise and sumptuous  Malvani lunch  consisting of the staple  fresh sea-fish .

It was then time to say good bye to all and head home on the ride back to Mumbai. We all had one thing on our mind when we reached home – when do we repeat this outing and can we do  it early to make for the two years we lost to Covid 19?!

And finally what’s a trip these days without an online album to savour the wonderful memories of the trip and for sure we have one for this trip at the web-link below:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yaR5noj2mord2DA2A