a hiatus (work induced, not courtesy MTNL) and the blog is forging ahead - full steam. arun u r a master of the word, evocative and with an eye 4 detail. hats off! well 4 all of us the romance continues. even now my idea of a holiday would be a journey on the palace of wheels- redolent with luxurious ease, pampered 2 like royalty and stopping 2 take in sights on the way. nargis do ask if they need a doc on these trains- i remember how maugham (incidentally my fav writer) useed 2 sign up on ships and trawlers as the ship doc- out of these travels came those wonderful south sea stories. berhampur seems now 2 b a place full of magic, giving us different yet shared memories ( or is it childhood?). but i feel that the catalyst that transformed this sleepy town in the backwaters of orissa was our school and the teachers our conjurers who opened our eyes 2 a different reality. it amazes me that u guys also r able 2 put ur thoughts across so beautifully ( believe me u, i have not come across 2 many guys who can do so). can someone prod reena and ask her 2 specify a date when she is likely 2 come here - would serve as good a reason as any 2 unite us and plan a reunion. happy diwali and hope 2 see u all soon.