Summer Vacation: Reflecting on Past Memories and Embracing the Present
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Children eagerly look forward to the start of summer break, awaiting the chance to go on trips, especially to their grandparents' house. Summer vacations are a time for family reunions, bringing together cousins, aunts, uncles, and siblings who live far apart. Planning a vacation for children is not just about making new memories; it's about reconnecting with our inner child, reliving past joys, and finding happiness in life's simple pleasures. It gives me valuable time for introspection, reminiscing, and cherishing the memories that have shaped our family.
It's a momentous day as my son embarks on his very first day of international school, filled with excitement and the promise of an upcoming vacation. As we embrace the excitement, memories of our summer adventures come rushing back. I hope my son will cherish the kind of similar moments we shared during our vacations: taking train rides to visit grandma, bonding over home-cooked meals, exploring temples, playing cricket with gully boys, engaging in board games like snakes and ladders, going on river expeditions, evening excursion to dams and watching movies together at the cinema. It was an absolute joy to savour the Jaleera mix poured from a traditional Surahi, colourful ice golas, while relishing the delicious foods served at uninvited summer weddings with my friends. However, there was always a hint of excitement mixed with caution, as we ran the risk of being caught if someone inquired about our invitation (ahh, it brings back memories of that hilarious scene from the movie 3 Idiots, doesn't it?). In my village, there was a lake where we used to fetch water for our morning routines near the fields, turning it into a fun activity. I can still recall the nights we eagerly waited at Barakar Station in West Bengal, just to catch a glimpse of the Rajdhani Express zooming past us in all its glory.
During a month-long summer break when we had no trips planned, and no summer camps like nowadays, my brother, friends and I would spend our entire days playing cricket in the courtyard. I recall a story when my father purchased a tennis cosco ball and with no friends around, I was eager to play cricket with the new ball. My elder brother was attending coaching nearby, so I went to him and mentioned that we were heading to Jubilee Park for skating. I asked if he wanted to join us or stay alone. Seeking permission from his teacher, he hurried home. Upon returning, he realized I had deceived him. He was quite upset with me for the situation. As we began to play, I handed him the new tennis ball to bowl while I picked up the bat.
My father, employed at the civil court (now retired), had a tradition of purchasing Langra mangoes whenever his salary was credited. However, there were numerous occasions when guests would unexpectedly arrive on the last Friday of the month, coinciding with our mango feast. My siblings and I would anxiously eye the dwindling mangoes, wondering if there would be any left for us after serving the guests. We often pleaded with our mother not to offer the mangoes and instead prepare chiwda bhuja or halwa, made with wheat semolina and clarified butter (ghee). I have a vivid memory of a childhood tale where my grandmother organized a visit to my uncle's house with siblings. Excitedly, we all assembled at the bus stop to kick off our adventure and catch a train from the railway station. But, I chose to come back home, worried that my parents would be lonely. As a result, they departed without me. Back then, with no phones to rely on, we had to understand each other's feelings without words.
During my time in Germany back in 2015, I had the opportunity to witness families and a few members taking part in short summer camps organized by various clubs or organizations. These camps, however, were not centred around formal education. Instead, they provided a platform for adults to engage in long runs in the morning and enjoy a refreshing small portion of beer in the evenings. This active lifestyle allowed them to burn more calories and maintain a healthier physique. Interestingly, many children chose to attend language schools abroad for a few weeks as part of their summer activities. While some students opted for this school-related experience, others preferred engaging in outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, or biking. Overall, it was clear that these vacations were primarily focused on relaxation and enjoyment rather than academic pursuits.
Transitioning into a corporate job, and obtaining extended leave becomes challenging, yet I strongly believe that summer vacations are vital for refreshing our memories. The summer vacations nowadays for millennial kids have taken a different route, with many engrossed in their smartphones. It's disheartening to witness this shift. Yet, I empathize with the challenges posed by modern technology on family time, as I find myself navigating similar situations with my son sometimes. Nevertheless, I'm determined to give him the joys of my own summer experiences. I'm planning a long train journey to visit the city of Nawabs, Ayodhya, and Kashi. I'm eager to explore these culturally rich and historically significant destinations with him.
Stay connected for updates on my experiences, which I'll be sharing in my upcoming articles.