The trip to Wahabi Sands and Sur, OmanOct 23-25, 2006
A review of the pleasurable trip written by willing and unwilling(!) members:
That was a fabulous trip and three cheers to Chakri!
Manoj thanks for organizing the Eid lunch, I don’t know how you did it, but a big thanks for the lunch especially since it was still Ramadan in Oman.
Looking forward to many more velvet desert skies and 100 kms per hours on sand, cricket on 3 feet mat space, turtles (without the trampling), open air bedrooms, malabari chai's galore, kids having a blast, Cliffs, Chills, quizzes, antaksharis, games with Hindi mind blowers, Shakers from Oman, accountatainment …..convoys with the cowboys and a zillion other things.
Cheers!!!
Anil Kumar
Manoj thanks for organizing the Eid lunch, I don’t know how you did it, but a big thanks for the lunch especially since it was still Ramadan in Oman.
Looking forward to many more velvet desert skies and 100 kms per hours on sand, cricket on 3 feet mat space, turtles (without the trampling), open air bedrooms, malabari chai's galore, kids having a blast, Cliffs, Chills, quizzes, antaksharis, games with Hindi mind blowers, Shakers from Oman, accountatainment …..convoys with the cowboys and a zillion other things.
Cheers!!!
Anil Kumar
Dear friends, Uncles and Auntys and Walnut,
I enjoyed myself very much with all my friends. A special thanks to Namita for bringing Walnut along. I was happy to make new friends like Jhillika and Rithvik. I enjoyed climbing the sand dunes with all my friends and I liked the view from the top. It was interesting to see the turtles from so close, especially the big ones and the 'small baby turtles'.
I look forward to many more fun times like this with my friends.
Love to all.
Amisha
I enjoyed myself very much with all my friends. A special thanks to Namita for bringing Walnut along. I was happy to make new friends like Jhillika and Rithvik. I enjoyed climbing the sand dunes with all my friends and I liked the view from the top. It was interesting to see the turtles from so close, especially the big ones and the 'small baby turtles'.
I look forward to many more fun times like this with my friends.
Love to all.
Amisha
Surfing the net idly one day, I came across this place where turtles reportedly congregate in the hundreds. Being in Oman, on the surface it seemed an easy task. Surely it would be easy to arrange a trip there. But it was to be 8 years before I was finally able to make it to Sur. Surpassing and surmounting innumerable difficulties, with a surge of hope and a surfeit of enthusiasm and without waiting for Jassem to recite his Eid Suras we set off. I cancelled my scheduled surgical procedure and which made my surgeon really surly. On the surmise that it’s all in the mind, I surrendered myself to enjoying the outing.
Surveying the beach that night, I realized the true meaning of the term, ‘survival of the fittest’. The scene was surreal and I wished I hadn’t come. The Omani surveillance of the beach left a lot to be desired. The surroundings should have been cordoned off and tight security maintained. There should be a heavy surtax on those who wish to enter. An Omani, with the surname of Mohammad and wearing an old-looking surplice-like outfit, surreptitiously took the ones who stayed back to view the scene in private. Marvelling at the wonders of nature, I surrendered myself to the moment. There is no surety that these turtles will continue to thrive here and I will be surprised if they last another two decades. At the gate there were a lot of the baby turtles who had wandered off in the wrong direction that had been carefully collected in a tub. I thought of adopting one, but the I decided not to be a surrogate mother. Anyway, the children had a ball, which has hopefully resulted in a surcease of their surplus energy.
Kamalini Jassem
Surveying the beach that night, I realized the true meaning of the term, ‘survival of the fittest’. The scene was surreal and I wished I hadn’t come. The Omani surveillance of the beach left a lot to be desired. The surroundings should have been cordoned off and tight security maintained. There should be a heavy surtax on those who wish to enter. An Omani, with the surname of Mohammad and wearing an old-looking surplice-like outfit, surreptitiously took the ones who stayed back to view the scene in private. Marvelling at the wonders of nature, I surrendered myself to the moment. There is no surety that these turtles will continue to thrive here and I will be surprised if they last another two decades. At the gate there were a lot of the baby turtles who had wandered off in the wrong direction that had been carefully collected in a tub. I thought of adopting one, but the I decided not to be a surrogate mother. Anyway, the children had a ball, which has hopefully resulted in a surcease of their surplus energy.
Kamalini Jassem
The town in the valley was large and prosperous, and sure-footed shepherds drove their flocks through the surrounding mountains. During the harvest, the surplus food was stored in huge barns and part of it was given to the beggars to ensure their survival during the long winter lying ahead. Sometimes, surly men arrived at the village, surveying the land around it. One day the villagers got up to find a surprise waiting for them. A notice had been put up, saying that the kingdom of Surya wanted their land, as the surface was very fertile and that if the villagers didn’t surrender and pay tax to the kingdom, they would be eliminated. The villages decided to give in as to do otherwise would be a sure-fire way of dying. But after the Suryans arrived, they liked the sea across the town and made the town bigger and more corrupt and made it a surfing center. Excited surfies arrived at the town buying and selling surfboards. Fish restaurants opened across the town depicting sushi, surf ‘n’ turfs, and surgeonfish. Soon enough the town began to detest the Suryans.
The town in the valley was large and prosperous, and sure-footed shepherds drove their flocks through the surrounding mountains. During the harvest, the surplus food was stored in huge barns and part of it was given to the beggars to ensure their survival during the long winter lying ahead. Sometimes, surly men arrived at the village, surveying the land around it. One day the villagers got up to find a surprise waiting for them. A notice had been put up, saying that the kingdom of Surya wanted their land, as the surface was very fertile and that if the villagers didn’t surrender and pay tax to the kingdom, they would be eliminated. The villages decided to give in as to do otherwise would be a sure-fire way of dying. But after the Suryans arrived, they liked the sea across the town and made the town bigger and more corrupt and made it a surfing center. Excited surfies arrived at the town buying and selling surfboards. Fish restaurants opened across the town depicting sushi, surf ‘n’ turfs, and surgeonfish. Soon enough the town began to detest the Suryans.
To be continued…
By
Abhijit Jassem
The town in the valley was large and prosperous, and sure-footed shepherds drove their flocks through the surrounding mountains. During the harvest, the surplus food was stored in huge barns and part of it was given to the beggars to ensure their survival during the long winter lying ahead. Sometimes, surly men arrived at the village, surveying the land around it. One day the villagers got up to find a surprise waiting for them. A notice had been put up, saying that the kingdom of Surya wanted their land, as the surface was very fertile and that if the villagers didn’t surrender and pay tax to the kingdom, they would be eliminated. The villages decided to give in as to do otherwise would be a sure-fire way of dying. But after the Suryans arrived, they liked the sea across the town and made the town bigger and more corrupt and made it a surfing center. Excited surfies arrived at the town buying and selling surfboards. Fish restaurants opened across the town depicting sushi, surf ‘n’ turfs, and surgeonfish. Soon enough the town began to detest the Suryans.
To be continued…
By
Abhijit Jassem
Dear Sur Walnut (your surname passes me by); I would like to know how you surmounted the surreal surrender to the surly kids, including me. Honestly, I am surprised you survived, and the dignity with which you did it surpassed all my expectations! I am sure you will not miss the surplus supply of kids surrounding you. Each time I saw you and your surrogate mom Namita, on the sandy surrounds of the wahiba sands, and the surfeit sandy plains, I surmise that it surpasses the affection often referred to a mans best friend. In the next trip I will insist on kids surveillance and will survey the surging sure-fire swell of surrounding kids so you survive by my personal intensive survey and by surreptitiousness and careful surveillance of the surroundings before we set out. Surely yours....
Jhillika (inspired by the surfing capability provided by the Oxford dictionary, Dad and Mom)
Thanks everyone for making this trip so enjoyable.
A million cheers to Chakri for turning this logistical nightmare into a very well organised trip. Arranging good food all the time and on time in the not so easy circumstances is absolutely commendable – may be even the Mumbai Dabbawallas can take inspiration and improve upon their six sigma accuracy!
Thanks Kamilini for working out all the details before the trip and keeping the communication flowing. It is unbelievable that such a large group of families went through this trip without any hiccups.
Good work Bala for managing the economics of the trip. BTW it has turned out to be real "Paisa Vasooli". The wacky quizzes and games too were great fun.
Looking forward to many more such experiences. We just need a little more notice next time so that we can do a crash course in Tamil/Malyali lingo ….. that that man ….. that that car …. that that family J
Cheers
Sanjeev
A million cheers to Chakri for turning this logistical nightmare into a very well organised trip. Arranging good food all the time and on time in the not so easy circumstances is absolutely commendable – may be even the Mumbai Dabbawallas can take inspiration and improve upon their six sigma accuracy!
Thanks Kamilini for working out all the details before the trip and keeping the communication flowing. It is unbelievable that such a large group of families went through this trip without any hiccups.
Good work Bala for managing the economics of the trip. BTW it has turned out to be real "Paisa Vasooli". The wacky quizzes and games too were great fun.
Looking forward to many more such experiences. We just need a little more notice next time so that we can do a crash course in Tamil/Malyali lingo ….. that that man ….. that that car …. that that family J
Cheers
Sanjeev
Just a check to see if all have got back safely. The Barkha party got home by about 8 in the evening. The Nairs went on to Muscat and will be back tomorrow.
Undoubtedly, three cheers will not suffice for Chakri who has done a phenomenal job. Not knowing where to begin to thank him, I can just say ….THANKS A TON. From getting meals in a 'fast' country to answering a 1001 questions, it was certainly no picnic for him. I was no help to him as I was not feeling so well. I hope you will convey our thanks to ALEX for his efforts. A round of applause to Bala, the Financial Director, for the able and careful management of finance. Thanks also to Bala and Anu for their continued efforts to provide scintillating quizzes and games for the adults and children. They were really great and we need to go on another picnic to finish the ones we didn't have time for. Three squawks to Amrita and Fer..I mean.. Vinesh for their game.
I think the kids had a really great time, though I admit that Walnut was glad to be home and has been sleeping ever since!
To round off the trip, I thought we could have two quizzes. The first entries to reach me in each category will win. If there are no entries, I win.
Quiz 1:
Undoubtedly, three cheers will not suffice for Chakri who has done a phenomenal job. Not knowing where to begin to thank him, I can just say ….THANKS A TON. From getting meals in a 'fast' country to answering a 1001 questions, it was certainly no picnic for him. I was no help to him as I was not feeling so well. I hope you will convey our thanks to ALEX for his efforts. A round of applause to Bala, the Financial Director, for the able and careful management of finance. Thanks also to Bala and Anu for their continued efforts to provide scintillating quizzes and games for the adults and children. They were really great and we need to go on another picnic to finish the ones we didn't have time for. Three squawks to Amrita and Fer..I mean.. Vinesh for their game.
I think the kids had a really great time, though I admit that Walnut was glad to be home and has been sleeping ever since!
To round off the trip, I thought we could have two quizzes. The first entries to reach me in each category will win. If there are no entries, I win.
Quiz 1:
The first column has the names of the ladies in the group.
Fill in the first blank column with the correct names of that that husband and the next column with their children. Those who hate my tables, please cut and paste.
Quiz 2:
Write a paragraph on any topic skilfully incorporating at least 10 words beginning with sur---- . Perhaps the children can also take part. More than one entry per family will be welcomed.
As I type, Jassem is compiling the photos; he has some great shots of some of you and some of the kids. It'll be great to share the photos. Will some techno savvy person, please offer their know-how on how this can be done easily? And as I prepare to send this email, I am willing to offer a prize to the person who compiles all the email addresses of all those who wish to receive the message in the group. I am still getting some complaints.
Kamlu
Surely we can't hope to compete
With the surfeit of surrealistic feat
That have surfaced like a veritable treat
Surmising the trip with words so sweet.
To surpass the feast of reason and flow of soul
Appears futile-so simply surrender and extol
The su(p)erb efforts of the gang whole
That surcharged the atmosphere like rock & roll
Surrounding us in the deserts of Oman
Enthusiasm surged since the trip began
Surmounting the dunes and darkness was unlike tien shan
And we survived, thrived and exclaimed "Oh Man!"
Thanks to all for a great trip.
Arvind
Hi Everybody!!!!!!
Nairs have just got back after an extended trip to Muscat.
Thanks a lot to the entire team, for making it memorable trip. Special thanks to Chakri for all your efforts and fantastic organization, You managed to keep the SUR & THAL of such a big group in perfect harmony from start to finish.
Thanks.
Cheenu Lakshmi & Pavi
Nairs have just got back after an extended trip to Muscat.
Thanks a lot to the entire team, for making it memorable trip. Special thanks to Chakri for all your efforts and fantastic organization, You managed to keep the SUR & THAL of such a big group in perfect harmony from start to finish.
Thanks.
Cheenu Lakshmi & Pavi
It was a dark night in the Surinam area of Sur , Oman. Lurking somewhere behind the New Sur bank were the world's most wanted thieves. Their names were Suraj, Sur endra, Surpal and Surat. They were about to rob the bank. The New Sur bank had four zones which were monitored by surveillance cameras. The floor surface was criss-crossed by surreptitious infra-red beams. Just when the robbers managed to surmount the surfeit of security measures they were in for a surprise. They were surrounded by four surly looking officers. The thieves surrendered and were taken to jail. They were kept under tight surveillance. After one week when the robbers were to be shipped to an island called Surham; the officers were in for a shock. Sure enough the sure-footed robbers had escaped. The cops at the New Sur police station were baffled as to how the thieves got away when there was a surplus of policemen…….
Rishabh
Thankyou all for a wonderful trip and making SURe that everyone had fun.. Three SURs to Chakri...
_____________________________
Sur, where is Sur? Surfing the net surfaced the details
Surplus of sun and beach, it said; sure promise of fun
Sure as day, we want to surface in Sur.
Surveys over, surfing over, came the D-day
Chakri's surety bound the SURteam
As the sun surgically painted out the Dubai night,
The Surteam surged ahead,
Surrendering to the surge of surfeit adrenaline
Wajaja, Barka, Waheba, we surmounted all on the way to Sur
Survived the surging pace, we surpassed all expectations
Surveyed the superb surroundings,
Surrendered to the surreal experiences
Surmising natures surfiet of surprises
Now onto Sur, where surly surfboard laden turtles awaited us
Surreptitiously we joined the turtle paparazzi
Surrounding and mounting surveillance on intimate turtle moments
Led by surplice clothed Sur wardens, it surpassed our surmises
Long live the survivor sur turtles and their surrogate guardians
Games, turtles, surfeit of fun, we want this to go on ..
Alas, all good things surely do have to come to a pause
Accounts done, surcharges paid, surpluses surrendered
We surveyed Sur one last time and started back
Sure in our minds Sur is only the start of many more surprises...
Cheers .. Manoj
_____________________________
Sur, where is Sur? Surfing the net surfaced the details
Surplus of sun and beach, it said; sure promise of fun
Sure as day, we want to surface in Sur.
Surveys over, surfing over, came the D-day
Chakri's surety bound the SURteam
As the sun surgically painted out the Dubai night,
The Surteam surged ahead,
Surrendering to the surge of surfeit adrenaline
Wajaja, Barka, Waheba, we surmounted all on the way to Sur
Survived the surging pace, we surpassed all expectations
Surveyed the superb surroundings,
Surrendered to the surreal experiences
Surmising natures surfiet of surprises
Now onto Sur, where surly surfboard laden turtles awaited us
Surreptitiously we joined the turtle paparazzi
Surrounding and mounting surveillance on intimate turtle moments
Led by surplice clothed Sur wardens, it surpassed our surmises
Long live the survivor sur turtles and their surrogate guardians
Games, turtles, surfeit of fun, we want this to go on ..
Alas, all good things surely do have to come to a pause
Accounts done, surcharges paid, surpluses surrendered
We surveyed Sur one last time and started back
Sure in our minds Sur is only the start of many more surprises...
Cheers .. Manoj
Dear Everybody,
Fortunately the membership at the Sur Survivors Anonymous has been 100% with each one having crawled back to the safety of the Dubai traffic. It appeared that the road from the sea of turtles to the sea of traffic is by too good for us "Surtles", unlike for small baby turtles whose ratio is only "2 good in 1000.
It was thought to be a logistics nightmare to organize a picnic of this nature that too with a group this large, but great effort from every one and the spirit(s) ensured that it was a smooth ride all the way. It really has been a pleasure being involved in it. Thanks to each one of you for making it possible, cannot single out any one as each one chipped in whatever was called for (Example Manju and Cheenu working in the breakfast kitchen). We could not complete all those games that Amrita, Anu and Bala worked on due to shortage of time and less than desired lighting at nights. We will learn from this and plan for better stuff in future.
On answering 1001 questions, I redirected all of them to Alex, so it wasn’t any difficult answering them. FRQs (Fondly Remembered Questions) were Uncle! When are we going for Dune bashing, and Uncle do you know where is Walnut? Special thanks to Kamlu for putting a structure to the party and bringing the group together (without willfully omitting anyone from the email group), Manoj for the Biriyani and to Bala for the surprise return gifts.
Thanks once again to all of you for making it possible and for the fantastic time that you all had given to the party during the short (extremely !!!!) time that we were together.
(How about Surtles.com for an adventure website? Any takers to lead this?).
Best Regards
P.Chakradhar
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