Trip to Mornington Peninsula

BAV Seniors Mornington Peninsula Trip – A personal perspective- Bhaskar Majumdar

I have not been able to travel for more than two years due to health issues. Thus, the prospect of going for an excursion without having to do anything myself was too tempting to miss. In the weeks that followed I saw the personal care with which Amitabha meticulously planned the event. He worked with a tour operator to include interesting places to visit, consolidated our food orders and emergency contact nos. Hats off to Amitabha. 

Shyamalidi next picked up the baton as the leader of the team announcing the day’s schedule and logistics. Shubrotoda kept everyone updated on the weather forecast and clothing needs. The D-day arrived and we all reached the GWCC hall on time. Unfortunately, Dr Sukanya, Parama & Lisa were unwell and could not join. 

We started off in high spirits but our driver took such an interesting route to reach Huntingdale that I heard Shyamalidi asking him if we are indeed headed for Mornington. The sun shone bright outside as we travelled through the greenery. Dr Madhumati, Pratishda, Alaka, Subhankarda & Dr Sudha led the entertainment singing popular Bengali songs to create a festive mood. Our first stop was Peninsula Honey. We made sure to taste all types of honey that was on offer before making our purchases. Sitting outside in the sun we had a great time chatting over coffee & icecream. We took the opportunity to introduce ourselves to others we have not met before. 

A short bus trip brought us to Mornington Art Gallery. It is a nice colourful place with variety of exhibits. The ones made out of paper were particularly impressive. The sunny open space outside was ideal for group photographs. 

Arriving for lunch at Rosebud RSL we were surprised by their hospitality and size of operation. They served good portions at reasonable price and even heated up the food some of us had carried from home. I saw Shyamalidi carrying a stack of glasses for others at the table. I noticed a shake in her hands. Such is the spirit of leaders; they ignore their discomfort to put a smile on someone’s face. I was surprised to know that Pratishda prepares for Durga Pujo by restricting to vegetarian food for three months before the event. No doubt he performs the Pujo with so much of devotion.

After lunch we drove to the Mornington beach. The tide had receded and thus we could only watch the sea green waters from a distance. We took a leisurely stroll on the beach picking up some intricate shells. I saw Dipankarda walking far ahead of me even though he walked with a stick. The fresh air must have inspired him to walk fast with confidence. Jayashreedi narrated some interesting experiences from the time she had lived in Africa and how her family arrived in Australia.

Next stop was Flinders chocolaterie. Flinders is a cosy village with excellent eateries, gourmet produce stores, boutique shops, galleries, antique outlets and coastal walks. The chocolaterie served excellent coffee, a huge variety of chocolates and icecreams. We all settled down for a round table Adda outside to discuss and have a laugh about things in life. The Adda prolonged as no one seemed to be wanting to return to our homes and daily life.

It was indeed a wonderful trip and I would urge other BAV Seniors not to miss the opportunity when such an excursion is organised next time. 

Quipped Dr Madhumati after the trip “Every bit was worth it. The duration, the drives between points, the comfortable bus, places covered, the art gallery, the beach, the chocolaterie, the RSL food, and last but not the least the beautiful dynamics and belongingness among the 17 strong group! Very well planned, till the last minute, last entrant, and meticulously implemented, must thank Shamalidi for this, in her competence in shepherding us along. The weather God was smiling too, after signing a deal with BAVS.”