We are always ready for a long weekend getaway from Amchi Mumbai but have now outgrown the allure of regular trips to popular close destinations Pune, Lonavala, Alibagh etc. Rather, whenever there’s a chance we love to visit the charming, culturally vibrant city of Vadodara for it has amazing rail connectivity with Mumbai 24×7, that’s just a six hour train journey !
More importantly, it has been home-city for many decades to my eldest sister Bijoya Di and our late Jamai Babu, Col. Baksi, as their family of five had decided to settle there. We often say in jest to our Didi that she is now a bonafide ‘Gujju’ who pursued an illustrious career there, receiving fame and recognition. Over the years we’ve been privy to famed hospitality of the Baksi family comprising of wonderful nephew, nieces, grandchildren.
This time our visit was for the milestone 75th birthday of Bijoya Di, which was celebrated by her children in a glittering luncheon meet with grand bon-homie with close friends and colleagues. It was sheer delight meeting & reconnecting with genteel Baroda ‘vasis’, always so warm & welcoming. This visit also included a day’s getaway to a unique home-stay/resort about one hour’s drive from my sister’s house in New Sama Road.
Known as ‘Misriote Farms’ on sprawling open space, it is a place where one can meet nature in pristine serenity away from the city’s hustle bustle. Located on banks of the Mahi River, 20 kms from Vadodara city, ‘Misriote’ has very idyllic surroundings, lush greenery, excellent facilities and fun activities for a comfortable overnight stay (or more) and to have repose & to rejuvenate. It was a unique experience, which we will always cherish.
Needless to say, every visit of ours to Vadodara and our Didi’s home is memorable and itself a treat, that makes us do ‘Wapsis’ again and again.
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