Category: playing

Vacation gone different – 1

~ Srinidhi Prabakar ~ Leave a comment

This year’s vacation to India was like switching from a sad rom-com to a wacky sitcom! Normally, I spend two whole months in the city, cramming a week’s worth of family visits into one crazy day, hitting the book fair like a discount-sleuth, and packing enough loot to rival a treasure chest to bring back to the UAE. But this time, it’s as if someone took my typical India itinerary, tossed it in a blender, and pressed ” puree,” because this year’s trip was a rollercoaster of pure hilarity and surprises!

As I stumbled off the plane after what felt like a four-hour journey (or was it four centuries?), there was my grandfather, looking more like a statue than a human in the arrivals area, waiting for us. I zoomed over with my trolley, like a racecar driver who just spotted the finish line. After everyone piled into the car, we decided to treat ourselves at a bakery—because who doesn’t need a boost of pastries and tea?

My sister, the designated biscuit bearer, provided chocolate cookies that made us feel like royalty. Once we were sufficiently caffeinated and sugared up, we headed straight home, practically vibrating with excitement to see my grandmother and, let’s be honest, my bed that I had missed more than my last three meals!

After a few hours, we finally stumbled home, and there was my grandmother, seemingly glued to the front porch, waiting for our grand entrance. I dashed over, gave her a bear hug that could rival a grizzly’s, and then made a beeline for the living room. The moment I walked in, I beelined to the closet like it was a treasure trove and dug out my glorious comfort clothes—who needs a superhero cape when you have fuzzy pants? Once I’d donned my fluffy armor, I replenished my hydration levels with the finest H2O and made a heroic leap into my bed, ready to conquer the land of dreams.

After an epic battle with my pillow, I woke up and decided to fuel my day with a brunch fit for royalty—idly and sambar, because clearly, I’m a breakfast connoisseur! After devouring my delicious masterpieces, I plopped down on my couch like a potato and tuned into my favorite shows: Golmaal Jr. and Chikoo and Bunty—because who needs real-life drama when you have cartoon chaos? After a riveting episode of animated antics, I miraculously found room in my stomach for dinner and then, like a true champion, retreated to my bed, ready to conquer the dream world once again!

The next day I sprang out of bed like a rubber band and launched into my daily routine, which involved some thrilling activities such as brushing my teeth (a wild ride, trust me), taking a long bath (the only place my rubber ducky has consistently employed), devouring breakfast like a hungry dinosaur, and binge-watching TV like it’s my full-time job.

After a few days of this elite lifestyle, we decided to grace my dad’s relatives with our presence. When we arrived at my aunt’s house, my cousin emerged from school, and before he could ask for supper, we snatched him up and whisked him away to my house, where my paternal grandmother greeted us like we were surprise guests on a reality show!

Well, folks! If you thought my adventures in India were wild, just wait until you hear the sequel—it’s going to be like a Bollywood film, minus the catchy songs and dance numbers! Stay tuned for the second part!

The End

The wonders of Quranic Park

~ Srinidhi Prabakar ~ Leave a comment

I’ve ventured to this park more times than I can count, and I just had to share it with all you lovely folks out there in the UAE—consider it my public service announcement! The first time we made the great trek, we were so bored at home that my dad suggested we go wherever the road might lead us, which is basically his way of saying, “Let’s wing it!” Lo and behold, we stumbled upon this enormous park that’s so big, I half-expected to find a lost civilization hiding in there somewhere!

As it was night time, we decided to unleash our inner fitness gurus in a random area before hopping into our trusty steed (a.k.a. our car) and zooming off to the local Spinneys. Now, let me tell you, this Spinneys was like the alien version of the ones I’ve encountered before! The products were so bizarrely different, I half expected to see an intergalactic menu. We snagged a pistachio chocolate croissant—because why not mix nuts with chocolate?—a cheese and spinach roll that looked like a fancy burrito’s cousin, pretzels that could probably double as weights, and scones that had obviously taken a dip in the “I’m too fancy” pool.

My mom even splashed out on tea like we were hosting the Queen! After a gourmet feast of randomness, we strolled back to our car, brimming with excitement to return the next day. Fast forward to the following afternoon, and off we went, this time packing our own food like seasoned picnickers. We also splurged on a veggie burger because, you know, health is wealth! And of course, I brought my bike because there was a glorious 3km path that practically screamed, “Ride me!” So, I rode for 9km because why stop at just 3 when you can send your legs into a spin?

Then I decided to let my dad take my bike for a spin, because who doesn’t love a middle-aged man on a bicycle? Meanwhile, I practically attacked the veg burgers my mom had made, while my sister was busy making new squirrel friends in the park. There was even a sneaky cat eyeing our feast, probably plotting a heist, but it quickly got distracted by a shiny plate of chicken biryani instead—its true love!

After a bit, my dad returned, probably winded from trying to act like a kid again, and I rushed off to join my sister. There was a zipline that looked super fun, but the line for it was longer than my patience. So, we stacked our things aside like seasoned pros and set off to explore the wonders of the park, which mainly involved dodging other people’s picnics.

There was this fancy green house packed with veggies that made a cameo in the Holy Quran—who knew produce could be so divine? It was a picturesque spot where my mom and dad spoiled us with ice creams, because obviously, ice cream is the real holy grail! We then waddled over to this place that looked like a cave, minus the bats and treasures, of course. But wait we must, as the next English tour wouldn’t start for another 15 minutes—oh, the agony of waiting when ice cream is involved!

After what felt like a lifetime in a queue that would make a snail seem speedy, it was finally our turn! We dove into some fascinating tales from the wonderful world of Islam—talk about a plot twist! Afterward, we trekked back to the designated treasure trove of our belongings, scooped them up, and made a mad dash for our car like kids escaping from school.

The next outing? Oh, we traded in our storytelling for some exhilarating cycling—because who needs a treadmill when you have two wheels? Then, on yet another adventurous exploit, we rolled out with our friends, ready to create a whole new chapter of amusing mishaps!

As we were too busy soaking in the fun, I completely forgot to play photographer! I guess you’ll just have to trust that it was as amazing as my memory—hoping you visit this place and enjoy the sights instead of my invisible photo album!

The End

Trip to Baku – Day 5

~ Srinidhi Prabakar ~ Leave a comment

Hello to my fabulous viewers eagerly anticipating the wacky escapades of Day 5! So, picture this: we woke up in a hotel in Gabala (the name is as forgettable as my memory). We jumped into the shower, but the water heater had other plans, treating us to a hot-cold spa experience that felt more like a surprise party gone rogue! After our refreshing rollercoaster, we ventured out for breakfast.

Let’s just say the options were about as plentiful as a diet at a chocolate festival—so I went for the classic combo of pizza, parota, and egg. Once we made our culinary masterpiece disappear, we packed up faster than you can say “check-out time,” then struck a pose with some stunning cherry blossom-like flowers that clearly had more Instagram followers than I do!

Then, we loaded our luggage into our van, embarking on our grand adventure to Baku today. Our first stop was the Seven Beautiful Waterfalls—because why not start our tour with something that sounds like a fairy tale? The view was so stunning, I half-expected a nymph to pop out and offer us tea. We trudged to the top, making sure to awkwardly splash our hands in the running water because, let’s be honest, who can resist?

At this point, I had firmly decided to stay back, but I suddenly found myself ascending the hill like I was on a reality show challenge; I swear my feet had a mind of their own! That view was so breathtaking, I might have shed a tear—or was it just the mist? We snapped a few photos worthy of a magazine cover and then trooped back down to rejoin our group, only to realize we had all collectively just conquered the most glorified stair stepper ever.

Then we piled into our van like a bunch of excited squirrels and headed to the Gabala shooting range! I was sooo pumped for this adventure because, guess what? They had archery! Now, I don’t exactly dabble in archery myself, but I’ve read enough about it to almost qualify as a professional expert!

But first, the adults got their moment to shine, blasting away with guns and shotguns like they were in some action movie. Then it was the kids’ turn! They handed us a paper, the target looking at us like it was all too easy. I managed to get 4 to 5 bullets in the black circle, which is basically my version of scoring a winning goal!

Then it was time for Archery! I was super excited, practically bouncing off the walls. As luck would have it, I was called first—probably because they wanted to witness my imminent archery greatness (or comedic failure). I loaded my arrows like a pro and almost hit a bull’s eye! Then it was the kids’ turn, followed by some very brave adults who clearly didn’t mind risking their dignity.

After our glorious displays of skill, we plopped down in the lounge area, waiting for the uncles to finish paying for their wild off-road escapades. Just when I thought it was safe, my mom instructed me to vacate the sofa. Confused, I stood up and—surprise!—there was a cat hiding under me! I sat on a cat! Talk about a surprise guest! This gave me a minor heart attack and left me questioning my life choices!

Then we went off-road driving, which was like a roller coaster but without the safety harness! I squeezed into the front seat with my sister and dad, and we had a blast—like, literally, at one point I thought we might take off! After conquering the wild terrain, we returned to the van while the adults had a shoe-washing party for our muddy footwear, which, let’s be honest, they were more excited about than we were. Then it was full throttle to Baku!

We made a pit stop at the legendary RAJA RESTAURANT, where we dined like kings on cumin rice, naan, roti, chapati, paneer butter masala, dal tadka, and spaghetti—because, obviously, we needed an Italian twist! With our bellies bursting, we hopped back into the van. On our way, my mom decided to interview our driver about the entire history, laws, and regulations of Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, knowing we’d be starving by the time we reached the hotel, the adults ordered chicken burgers from McDonald’s online—because nothing says “cultural immersion” like fast food!

When we finally rolled into the Diamond hotel, we dashed to our rooms and devoured the chicken burgers like they were the last supper. Meanwhile, the adults, in their infinite wisdom, decided sandwiches were a better choice and promptly regretted it as they waited an eternity—I’m pretty sure the sandwich could have been a contestant on “The Amazing Race”!

While they were in the restaurant engaging in cardio by waiting, we kids hijacked a room to binge-watch TV like it was our day job. Curiously, the adults entrusted me with the prestigious title of babysitter—clearly, they had low standards. Eventually, the adults stumbled back to our rooms and crashed, dreaming of tomorrow’s grand adventures—but plot twist: tomorrow, we’re trading adventures for the UAE!

And now, folks, brace yourselves for today’s masterpiece of picture-taking! Don’t just enjoy them, revel in the pixelated glory!

See you guys tomorrow! Unless, of course, I get abducted by aliens or mistaken for a lost sock—then it might be a minute!

The End

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~ Srinidhi Prabakar ~ Leave a comment

Happy New Year! On this day, let’s see some things that happened this year.

1. The West End of London comes alive with Ramadan celebrations.

London’s West End shimmered with a breathtaking display of 30,000 dazzling holiday lights, elegantly adorning the bustling streets to commemorate the Islamic holy month of Ramadan for the very first time in March.

2. Chandrayan-3 (India) was the first spacecraft to land on the south pole of the moon.

Chandrayaan-3 is the third mission in the Chandrayaan programme, a series of lunar exploration missions developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It had successfully landed on the south side of the moon.

Now let us see how the Beta Squad celebrated the New Year.

It was the 31st of December, and the Beta Squad members Beta, Beti, and Betiya had just woken up to the chirping sound of the birds. They all brushed their teeth, bathed, and got ready to start the preparations for the New Year party. First Beta (the leader) started giving instructions to Beti and Betiya on what to do “So, Beti, you do the hot chocolate and the chocolate chip cookies. Betiya, you can do the decorations.” The two girls nodded their heads and asked, “What will you do, Beta?” Beta said, “I will prepare the music and some games.”. The three girls started doing their jobs quickly. A few hours later, the guests started to arrive. Do you know who all came to the party? It was-

Lily (Always try)

Oliver (Success and Confidence)

Ravi (Ravi’s Youtube channel)

Thea (Mind reader)

Tina (Trying is the best)

Floppy, Cherry and Jilly (3 dancing cars)

Sam (Sam’s Adventure)

Ice (Ice-cream day at the Park)

Cleany, Lily and Shalini (Who will be the princess tooth?)

Pinky and Sara (The hair problem)

Jimmy, Tommy and Lucky (The wolf and the 3 pigs)

When everyone came, they started to play games. The game they played was the resolution game. This is what they all said:

Beta- I will grow more taller

Beti- I will try to stop eating nutella

Betiya- I will try to prevent myself from falling down

Lily- I will try everything

Oliver- I will study more to get even better marks

Ravi- I will eat more food to get more subscribers

Thea- I will solve more cases and help the needy

Tina- I will try everything

Floppy, Cherry and Jilly- We will try to get the National Dance Award

Sam- I will go on as many adventures as possible

Ice- I will make my students laugh more

Cleany, Lily and Shalini- We will make all the tooth in the world clean

Pinky and Sara- We will try to come up with a good hairstyle

Jimmy, Tommy and Lucky- We will always be good friends with Mr.Wolf

After finishing the games, it was 11:59 p.m., and they all went outside to the balcony and saw the fireworks. After this, they all had hot chocolate and chocolate chip cooking by the master chef, Beti. After some time talking, all the guests went to their homes.

And do you know what resolution Junior Story has taken? To write as many stories as possible

The End

Snake and ladder

~ Srinidhi Prabakar ~ Leave a comment

Did did you how the game snake and ladder came? Well let’s see today how it came and how to play. Are you ready !

So long time a ago there lived a village called Tiruchi. There everyone would find a new game like Ludo, Chess and etc. In Tiruchi there lot’s of snake came and people over there are wonderful artists they make lots of art so there were lot’s of ladder’s to climb and draw on the walls. The people then got a new game called Snake and ladder.

So that’s how they found the game snake and ladder.

Now let’s see how to play the game

Draw or buy the board. The board looks like this :

This is how a board looks like when you buy it.
This is how it would be when you draw it.

So now you got a board you need to get a dice to roll and some coins.

This is the dice.
Who ever bought the board from the store they would even get coins.
Who ever are doing as DIY’s you can take pista shells and color them.

Now let’s see how to play it…

Step 1: Call 3 to 5 people and take the coins and put them in the number 1.

Just like this.

Step 2: Now roll the dice. If you get 1 you may go. After you go you get another chance. Roll the dice go.

Step 3: When you get 1 remember that you can’t go for a chance. When you get six that when you can take another chance.

Just like this.

Step 4: When you get to 100 that means you are the winner. Remember that when you get a ladder climb on it or when you get the snake follow down where the snake is going.

The end

A Fun day at the Garden

~ Srinidhi Prabakar ~ Leave a comment

Yay woohoo! Me and my friends are playing in the garden. Do you know who my friends are? Yes it is Ramu, Ravi, Rina, Sam and Tom. They are my best friends. Now we are playing hide-and-seek. Ramu is counting now “1,,2,,3,,4” and we are all trying to find a hiding place.

Do you know where we are hiding? Ravi was hiding in the bush, Sam and Tom climbed a tree and Rina and I was hidden  behind a tree. Then Ramu finished counting and was finding us.

While Ramu was finding other’s I had a chance to touch the place where Ramu was counting. So I secretly went over there and touched and then I was the Winner. Me and my friends played and played until night.

Then we went to our home. When me and my family were having dinner I was telling how me and my friends were having fun. Then I went to bed with a sleepy face. I slept with snoring dreaming that everyday me and friends will have fun always zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

The next day when I woke up I went to the garden to play. But all my friend were very sad. I asked “What happen guys” Sam told “We came to playground early in the morning. But when we came there was a meeting held in garden.

We hid behind the bushes and listened what the said. The host was saying that they are going to make this garden to a garbage area.” Sam continued “That’s why we are sad.” I said “Don’t worry! I have something to show you.

It is very special to us. I made it for us” and took them to my house. We went to my bedroom and I opened a secret door. Do you know what was there behind the secret door? In the secret door there is supplies the spy’s use.

My friends were very surprised and asked “Are we going to spy’s ?” I told “Yes we are”. Then we all wore the spy suites took some gadgets and went out. We saw some people working on the garden to make it into a garbage area.

Then we came to them and fought with them. Sam hitted one person doing a very big kick. The people said sorry and ran away. Me and my friends gave high-five’s. We thought we can name our team as “Spy Kids”

The end

A day at the beach

~ Srinidhi Prabakar ~ Leave a comment

“Oh what a day! So hot. I think I need to drink hundreds and hundred cups of water in a day.” I said feeling thirsty. So me and my family planned to go to the beach. But we don’t know which beach to go.

My father called his friends and asked “Hi, We are planing to go to the beach. But we are confused which beach should we go. So can you tell which beach to go.” one of his friend said “I know a beach. It is very far.

I will come with you and give the directions.” and my father agreed to the plan and said “We can call the other friends to come.”. So me and my family was packing things. I packed a bag full of sand castles. My mom packed some dress for me and my sister and took a pack full of biscuits and chocolates. We were all ready to go.

Me and family came to the ground flour and went to our car. It was long journey to go to the beach. By the way I was reading a book called ‘The cheese experiment’ in the series Geronimo Silton. The book was amazing. Finally we came to the beach. Actually it did not look like it was a beach it was like clay beach.

I took of my slipper and went to the water. In the water there were tiny baby shells. I took the bag which had the sand castle. There were no sand so I took the buckets and pretend that I was making some yummy juice.

I was walking in the water. It was so cold over there. We came home we the sun set. The sun set was beautiful. We ate our dinner and slept. I was dreaming that I was eating ice-cream in the clay sand.