8th May, 2015

I get up earlier than usual to see Bonu staring at my face. She says we need to get ready. It is only then that I remember what day it is: we are leaving Binsar and going downhill to Bhimtaal. I ready myself as quickly as I can and go out of the cottage to absorb as much of Khali Estate's beauty, serenity, and sanctity as I can. I do not take my camera this time as I just want to enjoy the freshness and freedom that only one who has lived in the city all her life, and is visiting the Himalayas after ages, can know. The bright blue Verdita flycatcher makes itself visible, and poses in front of the pinkish red roses, creating an amazing contrast. Nature is truly a fantastic eternal work of art. I take a video of the surroundings and play badminton till I hit too hard and the shuttle lands on the bungalow roof. Ah well, sorry about that.

We are in the car, winding our way down, towards Bhimtaal. We stop a few times so Mamma can buy the herbs and spices this region is famous for. We get two flavours of squash and two bottles of Rhododendron juice. I quite liked it the last time I had it. I take the opportunity to fulfil my social obligations and inform my friends that I am nearing Nainital. Someone suggests a few hotels I can stay in, but I tell them that we are just passing through the city and our objective is to go to Bhimtaal for paragliding.

We enter the Retreat after much searching and are greeted by three friendly dogs. Then follows a huge exterminating session wherein, mamma and the lady incharge kill or drive away spiders so that I do not freak out. I spend the rest of the day doing what I have only read of in books- picking mulberries from the mulberry bush to be made into jam! Soon we set out for paragliding; however we aren't able to go for it as the wind just refuses to calm down. We wait for one and a half hours and return to the Retreat disappointed. After an awesome dinner of lentil soup, home-baked bread, cutlets, white sauce vegetables, roast chicken, and an amazing variety of home-made jam tarts, we retire for the night. Sadly I could have only one mulberry jam tart (yes, made from the mulberries we collected!) and am now craving for more.