Where the seas are home…

On the thought of some lip- smacking, plate- licking fish delicacy Alibaug pops up to mind. It pops up more than it should, for sea food umm... exquisite sea food, which is just one of the things attracting people from across the country. A recent New Year’s trip was a blissful walk deep into the corridors of childhood when school vacations felt like an eternity. The thought of ‘tomorrow’ didn’t poke us right in the ribs nor did the thought of flabby arms or protruding bellies hovered in our minds.

Accompanied by a crazy army of cousins and nephews and nieces (I know! I am that old!!!), I guess time couldn’t be more perfect for us to re-live our childhood days and introduce the unfolding pathways of the city to our next generation. Strolling through the old city market I spotted miniature stainless steel utensil sets with which I often indulged in gross experiments as a child! Cooking food was a fascination I would play upon, storing hajmola candy in water in the miniature pot and pan. That served as lunch in the doll house play!

As my seven- year- old niece and I greedily claimed the lollypops in a tiny general store, we rejoiced holding the unusually sleek rectangular candy that differed so much from the city lollypops! We then carried on with the mandatory city-beach visit and to our surprise found the low tide ruling over the muddy sand which had traces of retreating water. The Kolaba fort which otherwise can be figured out by its light grey outline was barely 10 minutes away from the shore. We walked right through the sea, flip-flops in hand and cameras held up high for perfect illusional-slim-us selfies.

Fort Kolaba is stationed in the middle of the sea and heavily commercialised with entry tickets to tiny kiosks selling sea shells and wafers! While most families sought photogenic spots, mine kept hunting for public toilets but once relieved we joined the photo clicking charade in need of good uploadable clicks. The unkempt grass and a pond of dirt filled murky water with a pair of tortoise swimming had many wonder about the maintenance while some others didn’t mind so much as long as their clicks came with filters.

At the extreme end of the fort, the sun rays on our skin felt good, the heat tolerable and the breeze just right enough to have a good time with loved ones. While the evenings had chilly water approaching us to take a dip, we shivered at the thought of getting drenched and then sipping on some cold beer. Finally, the playing-in-water was done by the younger ones while we focused on our thirsty selves desperate for some pints! A hostful of cheers and a quick drive home to save us from the prying eyes of the old.

With each day a new adventure, with each night summing up into jokes and nostalgic memories and endless laughter with a horde of members sitting together sharing the warmth of togetherness, it made perfect sense to celebrate being home in Alibaug.