SUPER SENIORS SPARKLE AT GAJNER PALACE
Hold on to your breath, folks! A whirlwind adventure at the magnificent Gajner Palace in Bikaner has just begun. It is only the forenoon of the first day, but so much has already happened. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of magic!
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| A century old tall trees guarding the natural red stone terraces |
We forgot our age, ignored the high temperature of the desert and laughed like teenagers because this trip was about living it up just the way we were six decades ago!
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| Enjoying the swing, reliving our younger days |
Day one had started with the excitement of seeing the newly renovated IGIA T1 airport, early flights, meeting new friends, and the sheer grandeur of the heritage fort. We cruised along the serene Gajner Lake, soaking in the tranquillity, before diving head-on into a royal Rajasthani feast for lunch. (Okay, maybe a little spicy, but who is complaining? Did we not have a sachet of Eno or a tablet of Digene ready in the bag?) The taste buds reigned supreme, and no one thought of the blood sugar levels rising or the anti-cholesterol medicine we were to take.
Having devoured a delicious meal, we felt that a short siesta was in order! A cosy bed in an air-conditioned room after a hearty meal was very inviting. And we sprawled in bed for, I do not know how long.
"Beep... beep... beep!" The
phone jolted me awake – the evening party was getting started, and our absence
was holding everybody back! Hopping out of bed, we rushed to the Dining Room,
the party venue. It was Tambola time! Well.. well! I am not a Tambola pro, but
the energy was infectious. We were all hollering and cheering, and those prizes
vanished faster than a plate of pakoras! And speaking of snacks, the
crunchies and chai were the perfect fuel for our evening escapades.
Then, the magic truly began. We gathered in the palace courtyard under a canopy of ancient trees, twinkling stars in the sky and fairy lights on the ground.
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| The lights are ethnic. The charcoal in the bar-be-que is fired. The chefs are ready to cook. |
We were ready to be entertained! And wow, how we were entertained! A troupe of Rajasthani folk singers and Kalbelia dancers took the stage, and the atmosphere exploded with vibrant music and mesmerizing moves.
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| The musicians are ready to entertain us with Rajasthani folk music. |
That Kalbelia dancer? Forget flexibility; was she made of rubber! Bending backwards to pick up a currency note with her mouth? Jaw-dropping!
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| Oh my God! Is she made of rubber? Bending over backwards like a U-pin is unimaginable. |
Suddenly, many of us were on our feet, dancing like there was no tomorrow! Knee pain? Backaches? Gone! The spirit fuelled the spirit, and we were lost in the “Masti ka Aalam.” We were all young again, swept away by the rhythm and sheer joy of the moment. We, the 10 PM bedroom light switchers, danced till midnight! Midnight!
Gajner Palace wasn’t just a place; it was an experience. It was laughter, music, dance, and the pure, unadulterated joy of being alive. It was a reminder that age is just a number and that adventure awaits at every turn! One only needs a lively company and a will to have fun.
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| The party is on, the mood is high. Life is not just good: it is excellent. |
At Gajner Palace, we had a strong
dose of Rajasthani magic in an old-world charm. Memories were being made every
moment, and the spirit of celebration never faded!
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| Use of chimneys of the hurricane lanterns to create the ethnic look. |
Stay tuned for more tales from our super senior adventure in Bikaner! Until then, laugh boisterously and enjoy life with friends.
(To continue)
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2 comments:
It’s is a heartwarming, energetic, and delightfully humorous account of a magical reunion at one of Rajasthan’s heritage jewels. The story beautifully captures how age becomes irrelevant when the spirit is youthful and the company, electrifying. From the excitement of early morning flights to the royal lunch spread, from tambola giggles to Kalbelia-fueled dancing, every detail is told with vivid imagery and infectious enthusiasm.
What truly enhances your storytelling is the inclusion of relative photographs with descriptions — they add an authentic, visual richness that complements the narrative beautifully. I felt not just like a spectator but like a part of this unforgettable journey.
In short, it’s not just a travelogue — it’s a celebration of life, friendship, and the undying joy of being together, proving that sparkle doesn’t fade with time; it only grows brighter!
Being with friends is rejuvenating. Thanks for sharing your lovely holiday where everything took a back seat and living in the moment came to the forefront.
Varsha Uke Nagpal
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