Walking along the Walls of Jerusalem in Tasmania

My younger son Tarun loves to go on treks. Each time he returned from a trek, I used to ask him to share his experiences.  I am fascinated by the idea of trekking but am unable, being physically unfit to take on such a challenge. This time he obliged and I am sharing below the account of Tarun. He has chosen to focus on the people he interacted with during the hike rather than on the natural beauty and terrain on the way. Maybe next time we can get him to do that. Walls of Jerusalem is located in the heart of world heritage listed wilderness. The hike takes around two to five days to complete. Now over to Tarun. 

I have gone on quite a few interesting and exciting treks in India but had not recorded the experience in writing.  This trek was different in many ways. After moving to Australia around a year back, this was my first trek in this country. Unlike my treks in India I did not have friends accompanying me.  A friend who was to join could not do so due to last minute hitches.

I'm thankful to have met a lot of Australian citizens who gave me a glimpse into the lifestyle & culture of the land. In this article I am sharing my perception about each of the members in our trekking expedition. Knowing them, and about their lives was an enriching experience.

Scott, although in his 50s seemed young in terms of his sense of humour . He appeared to be open minded and having a sensible perspective of life.  He spoke proudly of his two children - a boy and a girl. They love their dad and have a friend-like relationship with him. Scott is separated from his wife and it appeared to me that he had a bit of regret about the decision. He also mentioned his girlfriend and happily revealed to me, an Indian that she loves biriyani!  Scot has made peace with his life experiences and has moved on.

 Then there was  Su, short for Susan, a lady perhaps in her 60s but as young in heart as a 16-year-old. With a navy background, she has travelled the world, volunteered for many causes and has a rich repertoire of stories.  Sue assumed the role of a responsible, caring leader during the trek, who is not shy to express her emotions and bold enough to take charge when the situation demanded it. She is happily unmarried and is proud of the course of her life thus far and has few regrets.

Sue said that she came to the Australian shore via boat with family when she was a 7 year old. She has very few memories of the place she used to call home in the United Kingdom. However, she does remember the time when her English teacher embarrassed her by asking her to read in front of the class as she had impeccable English pronunciation.

 Oliver or Oli as he is lovingly called was the trek trailer (person supervising and guiding from behind)  who is a genuinely happy person. He appeared to have a lot of love for the Aussy land, especially the beauty of the nature. He laughs his heart out like a child, without inhibitions. We shared some genuine conversations and laughs. I got the feeling that he cared for me. If I had spent more time with him, he would perhaps have made a good friend.

 Then there was the trek leader - the young, beautiful and elegant Nikky or Nichola who is in her twenties. She was committed to the role of a leader and was doing a balancing act between being a pleasant person and an assertive trek leader.  During interactions, she meant business, but at the same time wanted to be as friendly and acknowledging of people's opinions.

Nikki has a lot of experience working with kids and she could give the Disney arts and craft girl a run for her money. She deals with people like how adults deal with a restless child. Nikki could  be heard repeating the lines “Yes, very interesting” and “wow" tirelessly! She also has an adorable habit of fidgeting her feet, perhaps indicative of the restlessness in her soul.

Nikki’s sound knowledge of the mountains and the self-confidence to take charge makes her an excellent leader. My assessment about her was that Nikki was a responsible young woman, any parent would be proud of.  However, she does not like to be pushed or cornered to make decisions.  She likes and values her space.

 Rony is the first person I spoke with on joining the trek. She was a self-assured woman with a strong opinion about the world around her. She has a wealth of experience.  A mother of three sons, Rony  is proud of each of them and believes that she has raised them to take care of themselves. Rony appeared to trust and confide only in a few people. However, she and Jill or Jillian had a unique chemistry – engaging  with each other like best friends sharing similar ideas about the world. Jill works in the medical industry. Her high-pitched laugh does attract attention. However I believe that she enjoys it, and sees it as a part of being who she is. She also has three children but I couldn’t get to know more about them. 

Simone is the third friend that completes their trio of good friends. She has a very friendly aura and is invested in her friendship with Rony and Jill . Her background is that of a nurse associated with the army.  A strong woman, Simone has seen some challenging times in her life. I understand that the three of them got to know each other well on a marathon trek called  "Lara Pinto",  a 260+ Km trek covered over a period of 14 days in the difficult terrains of the Northern Territory.Simone is 45, unmarried and in love with her dog Rosie. In times of crisis, we saw her set things aside and jump in to help like a seasoned caretaker. It was clear that she enjoyed the company of Rony and Jill.

 Tom (not his real name) was the youngster in our trekking group. Although close to my age, I could see right from the beginning that Tom’s personality was diametrically opposite to mine and that it would be hard to have a meaningful relationship with him. He was uptight in manner with strong ideas of what is right or wrong in an interaction. Tom has some leadership qualities and is physically fit. Yet, to my mind he is strongly opinionated, non inclusive and biased for a young person his age. No wonder then, he seemed to have very few friends. However, Tom had a good relationship with Rony and Jill – who seemed to enjoy involving him in their conversations.

 Finally, we had Lynda in the group - a retired school principal who used to teach History and English. She was a calm and composed lady, dignified in appearance. She maintained a clear, articulate and dignified behaviour at all times, perhaps a hangover from her former role as a principal. As for instance, Lynda had an accidental fall and broke her wrist. Although she must have been in excruciating pain, she handled it with grace and accepted the situation in a matter of fact manner.

It was here that we saw the brilliant leadership qualities of  Su, Simmone, and Nikky - all of whom jumped into action to provide support and relief without overreaction. . Simone climbed up to fetch  first aid. Sue then took charge noting down vital signs and information such as allergies. She also checked and ensured  that there was no loss in cognition. Nikky gave clear, precise instructions and established control of the situation.

I would like to conclude with the thought that trekking is not just about physical exertion, climbing hills or mountains. It provides a opportunity to understand the lives of fellow trekkers, develop bond and sometimes make lifelong friends. My first Australian trek was memorable and will always be cherished for the people whose lives intermingled with mine albeit briefly for a few days….

Tarun Moothedath 

Moonstone dissolving in the Moonlight

 

Moonstone dissolving in the Moonlight

I recorded in my voice a Malayalam song from a classic film "Bharyamaar Sookshikuka"( Wives beware!). The lyrics of the song is by the veteran poet Sreekumaran Thambi and music by V. Dakshinamoorthy. I have attempted a translation of the song in English for the benefit of non Malayali friends/ readers.  

As  the moonstone dissolves in the moonlight

my life tune (jeevaraga) dissolves in your smile dear

thirsty clouds dissolve in the blue sky 

my life cloud dissolves in the gaze of your eyes...

Is it star particles or a blue lotus 

that has bloomed in your starry eyes?

Is it the colourful wishes or is it punya of previous lives

that got me a place in your lovely heart? 

Is it the spring or the new young autumn 

that will get your cheeks to blossom like flower

if only I woke up as  a drop of music 

in a golden pearl 

in your honeyed lips, blooming like a flower...

  

New Beginnings New Hope

Darkness is essentially followed by light 

dark clouds, after the rains, give way to clear skies 

storms are not forever, calmness and clarity 

invariably succeeds the stormiest of storms..

Devastated is the whole world for over two years 

in so many ways, differently for different people

some having lost loved ones, some livelihoods 

while others emotionally drained, left lonely

far away from friends, relatives and comfort zones

We now look at the new year  

longingly, earnestly for a turn in the tide

with a lot of hope... To be able to begin anew..

Yet new beginnings happen 

only when hope is buttressed with action 

by observing pandemic appropriate behaviour

wearing masks, maintaining distance

ignoring calls of politicians to attend election rallies

not giving in to temptation to attend parties

eat or watch cinema in public places

Having shown discipline for so long

why throw it all away, when  just short of day break? 

seemingly the darkest it is just before light 

discipline and discretion a little while longer

could make the difference between delight and disaster!

May the new year 2022 bring New beginnings, new hope

to each one of us, the whole world

if anything the pandemic taught the lesson

of connectedness, the truth that we can't win alone

ill health in any part of the world 

is a threat to health and well being of the entire world! 

NB: I recited this poem in the poetry session of the Seniors Today on 7th January 2022  

On her Eighteenth Birthday

 

Sunita was in bed as rays of sunshine started peeping in from the window. Normally she would have loved to snooze a little longer but today there was this tingling  excitement all over her body, right from her feet , to her hands and the upper torso. A smile broke out between her lips. She found herself stretching her hand in the air.  As she got up, she pushed her long wavy hair from  across her face.

 Although she had a round face , the other features were sharp. Any one could see that she was an attractive girl.  Well, no more a girl as on this day she had turned 18, had become  eligible to vote and was now an  attractive young woman! . Sunita’s  friends felt that her brown eyes were intent,  while her boyfriend Rakesh described  it  as "so full of life! "   

At that time the door opened and a lady in her late thirties, draped in a simple yet elegant saree walked in . She was all smiles. “Happy birthday dear!”  she cried as soon as she entered and hugged Sunita. Being a Sunday, 7 AM was too early for her two brothers or dad to get up. But here was her mom so fresh in the morning  having even finished her bath. Sunita’s mom, Anuradha was a slim lady with a tinge of grey in her curly tresses on both sides. She was loved by not only her family but by all the neighbours in the apartment for her infectious smile and readiness to help in any way, be it house warming in one house or an engagement party in another.  Anuradha reminded her daughter of the grand party that  has been arranged in the evening  to celebrate the milestone. “Have you invited all your friends?”  she asked. “Yes Amma” said Sunita happily.

 As both of them moved to the living room, Sunita found  her father and two brothers aged 12 and 7 respectively  were very much awake  although it was a Sunday!. They rushed to wish Sunita. She felt very happy; it appeared that her brothers were even more happier than her, now that she had become an adult. Children fantasize about becoming adults quickly to be able to do those many things that only adults can. The funny part is that most adults look back fondly at their childhood and long for “those care free days”. 

Twelve year old Deepak was a little on the plump side and had to often content with the jokes his classmates made about him. He was shy and withdrawn unlike his vivacious sister. After all, he was at that awkward age of knocking on the door of becoming a teenager, a period of not being sure of oneself, plagued by insecurities.    

Deepak’s younger brother Harish was a self assured boy but known to be mischievous. Frequent complaints were received from his class teacher about  Harish throwing paper arrows at other children. The parents just laugh off his antics. After all, he was only seven and a welcome contrast to the introverted Deepak. Their father Avinash is of the opinion that “Boys should be boys”. He wants them to be more physically active instead of being tied down to their video games.

Although Avinash did become this bespectacled  grim looking chartered accountant in later life, he was  an active scout in his younger days. He was in the football team and did fairly well in athletics too. But now the muscle filled strong body of his youth had given way to a flabby body with a paunch.  His desk oriented occupation had changed his life drastically. Nobody who would have known the Avinash "in his youth" would believe it is the same person!    

At the college Sunita was busy as she reminded all her friends, particularly Rakesh about the party at six.  " So happy for you Sunita!" said her best friend Ananya. All of them expressed similar feelings  and wished her whole heartedly. In the evening, as soon as the classes for the day were over, Sunita rushed back home instead of hanging around as she usually did. She wanted to try on her new dress and be ready in all respects before the guests start arriving. 

It was 7 PM and many guests and almost all her friends had arrived. Sunita, however was distracted and was staring longingly at the front door each time it opened only to be disappointed. Rakesh hadn't come yet and her father was already suggesting that they get on with the cake cutting. After Sunita's father called out to her for the third time, Sunita moved towards the table where the grand cake was placed. It had 18 candles placed on it with her name and "Happy birthday"written in italics. 

At this point her classmate Mayank appeared as if from nowhere and was by her side whole through the cake cutting exercise. Sunita cut the cake and offered the first two pieces, first to her father and then mother. Avinash placed a piece of cake into his daughter's mouth and said "I am so happy my daughter has grown into a beautiful young woman. We are so proud of her."  Everyone clapped. Mayank, who was standing beside her also took a piece of cake and put it into her mouth " You look so lovely in this pink flowing dress Sunita!", he said. Sunita acknowledged the compliment, gave him a piece of cake and then moved towards the other friends carrying the plate containing pieces of the birthday cake.  

Although she was chatting up with friends, there was a feeling of uneasiness with her mind being elsewhere. Rakesh hadn't come and it was such a important day of her life. Normally, he wouldn't miss such an occasion for anything. Her thoughts were running wildly "Why hadn't he come? Did he have some other engagement and if so was it more important than her big day? Did he meet with some accident? or was he quietly 'letting go' of her?" 

Everyone moved to partake from the tastefully laid out buffet dinner. Sunita, however was least interested in eating. Her smiling, animated face that had complemented the pink dress at the beginning of the party had turned pale and the enthusiasm had vanished. Mayank walked over and said" come Sunita, you must be quite hungry. Lets us eat." Just then they heard a thud or two from outside. Was it from the garden or from the adjacent car shed?  Some of the guests ran out to investigate. Sunita and mayank joined them. The sound was coming from the car shed alright which was bolted from the outside. Someone went and pushed open the bolt to see the body of a young man tumble out. His mouth was plastered with tape and both his hands were tied behind him. Sunita let out a surprised and alarmed gasp  the moment the tape was removed. It was Rakesh! 

At that precise moment Mayank quietly slipped out of the house. He was furious with the "Tough Guys" gang that comprised his seniors at college. He had paid them what ever they had asked without bargaining as he thought they would do a thorough job.He should have approached proper professionals instead. The jokers were supposed to pick up Rakesh soon after he came out of the college after classes and keep him far away. Moreover they were to drug the fellow so that he wakes up only the next day. 

Mayank immediately dialed the gang chief " what, what, what do you mean you missed him in college? Even so, you could have pick him up near his house instead of waiting till he reached Sunita's house!  I don't care about traffic blocks or other excuses, you fellows bungled and that is what matters! Did you give a hint to Rakesh that it was me?  What? What What? you fools you thought you were helping me  when you warned him to keep off!" Mayank angrily terminated  the call . He also switched off the phone. He didn't want anyone calling him that day.  

While the guests returned to their meal, Avinash was having a closed door discussion with Mr Premkumar, Superintendent of Police. The SP had come to the birthday function as a guest with his family but was now discussing matters in his professional capacity. Sunita had been extremely upset and wanted to teach Mayank a lesson by putting him behind bars for a few days.  Avinash finally convinced her that these are best seen as the frivolity of youth and not to be taken to heart. It was agreed that Prem uncle would call Mayank to his office and give him a severe dressing down and a warning of dire consequences if repeated. 

Rakesh and Sunita entered the room looking happy and relieved. Prem uncle asked them to sit down. As Avinash watched, he said solemnly " Look here guys, this is the time to study, explore, understand the world. Don't get bogged down by commitment in a relationship so early in life. Eighteen is the time to meet more people, have varied experiences. There is plenty of time to decide on your life partner. Now, fly high, be happy and don't get into traps of possessiveness or envy.. Are you getting me?"   Both Sunita and Rakesh nodded their heads. The two men then moved to the dining hall to dive into their delayed, yet lip smacking sumptuous dinner.  

As she lay on her bed looking up at the ceiling, Sunita found so many thoughts sail through her mind. It was almost 12 AM and in a few more minutes it would be another day. What a birthday it has been! Happiness, excitement, disappointment, shock, relief, all packed into a single day. Waiting for sleep to envelop her, Sunita told herself that she wouldn't be able to forget her eighteenth birthday ever. She would grow up, have many more birthdays but this one would always be special! Perhaps, she would even be talking about it many years later as a grandmother to her grandchildren...