Vacation cum Conference

Two days for a surgical conference in Mahabalipuram. The idea was attractive for many reasons- technique is relatively new and we did have a fair amount of experience with it, the town was a historical one and I did not have to travel far- only about 35 km from where I live in Chennai.

The accommodation was large and spacious. The verandah faced the beach and had wonderful rocking chairs. Such a welcome change from the routine grind with traffic jams in Chennai. So many trees and so much of greenery on the way to the sands. … Birds chirping in the morning awakening you reminded me of how much we miss out on nature in cities. Beach was without a single human being before sunrise. It was great to run on the beach at sunset for a long distance with not a single soul in sight, just the crabs for company! The sound of waves, the vastness of the ocean, the ceaseless activity of the water remind you constantly of the beauty and the strength of nature. Small fishing boats returning at dawn, made a pretty sight as they neared the shore. Weather was cloudy with intermittent showers. Gym was a good one.

Radisson Resort Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram deserves its reputation because of the high standard of food and service. The band at the dinner was great ; unlike most bands, they had a violin too and did some Latin numbers till the rain played spoilsport.

Surgical part was good too and the holiday was very refreshing. It was a time to catch up with old friends and make a few. On the whole, a well deserved break.