Happy holidays

Until last year, whenever we went on vacation during summer break, my usual routine was to tell my children: “Pack your school bags, we are going for vacation. Do not forget any books and notebooks; you will have to finish your homework there.”

However, I recall my summer vacations as a child. I still remember the fun and experiences I had during my summer breaks.

I remember climbing trees and mountains, getting drenched in the rain, sleeping on the terrace, and enjoying a kulfi, a traditional Indian frozen dessert on a stick. With my gang of cousins, of different ages, we used to run out to get water from a tanker because the water that was supplied was not enough for all of us. We would sing songs, dance and giggle, get scared of dark nights under trees and rise to the chirping of birds.

Have my children created such memories yet? The thought made me decide that this year, the summer holidays would have to be different. When we reached India, the weather was good enough to climb mountains and go picnicking. I challenged my children to wake up at 5am if they wanted to go, and they did.

Our mornings and evenings were planned so that we could see the natural beauty of Udaipur — the place where I was brought up. My children were just awestruck by the beauty — lush green roadsides, with mountains and rivers, the colourful rainbows and the rain, along with the insects it would bring. They were captivated by the calls of the peacocks over the hills and even the echoes of their own voices in the mountains.

From the old palaces and temples, to squirrels and chameleons, they enjoyed each sight, away from their mobile phones and laptops. I felt happy that they were creating their own unforgettable memories!

This trip into Nature helped me realise that children should be left idle to admire things around them, which they would not see otherwise. My children have learnt to admire the little wonders and above all, they have a memorable and happy holiday story to share!

- The reader is a mother based in the UAE