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!
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!
Hello to all my viewers reading this. Today was our last day in Baku as we prepare to make our grand exit back to the UAE, and I must say, I was sad—so sad, I could probably win an award for it! After I woke up, I got ready and had my last meal at the Diamond Hotel, which was as epic as a last supper could be.
After packing our bags, we shuffled to our van like a bunch of reluctant cats being dragged to the vet. I will definitely miss Baku, the driver of the van, and the view—oh, that view! After some time, we finally reached the airport, where adventure awaits… or at least a long line at security!
We wrapped up our security checks and check-in—it was about as thrilling as watching paint dry. To sprinkle some joy on our hungry faces, the adults embraced their inner heroes and whisked us away with Happy Meals from McDonald’s, though they ominously instructed us to devour our feasts on the airplane. I ended up with crocs as my toy, and guess what? My sister got the exact same pair—twinsies!
I even managed to score a chicken burger, which I confidently deemed a gourmet meal at 30,000 feet. Afterward, we sauntered over to passport control and made our way to our gate, where I stumbled upon a sweet shop. My mom and aunt decided it was the perfect time for some Azerbaijani sweets, but I was too stuffed to entertain the idea of eating any more—priorities, right?
Then my mom, in her never-ending quest for the perfect souvenir, waltzed into a shop and called me, sounding like a modern-day treasure hunter, demanding I arrive with 10 bucks. So, off I went, and what did I get? A wooden pencil and a pen—because obviously, that’s what every kid dreams of on vacation! By the time we got our souvenirs, our flight had begun boarding, and we were practically the last ones to waddle to the gate like it was a race.
Once aboard, we became professional photographers, snapping selfies like we were about to win the Oscar for Best In-Flight Snack Montage. Just when we thought we’d reached peak dining bliss with our Happy Meals, guess what? My pre-ordered food swooped in like a superhero: a chicken cheese zinger wrap! Talk about an upgrade!
You see, there were so many empty seats on our flight that it looked more like a ghost town than an airplane! So, our friends from the back decided to join us up front, probably thinking there might be snacks or better views (spoiler alert: there weren’t). After a while, I got bored out of my mind, so I whipped out my phone to indulge in some literary magic – that’s right, I dove into a Harry Potter e-book!
But just a few hours later, the flight attendant popped up like a magician, telling us we were landing shortly. I was sitting with my mom and my aunt, battling ear pain like a warrior when my aunt discreetly handed me some bubble gum (keep that on the down-low, will ya?). And just like that, we landed in Abu Dhabi, UAE – our home sweet home where the only flying I do is in my dreams!
Then we landed, did a quick makeover in the restroom, and made our way to passport control like we were in a reality show challenge. After that, we heroically rescued our baggages, and since my family was the speediest, we even snagged our friends’ luggage—talk about a heist! We staged our grand exit from the airport, hopped into an airport taxi, and made a beeline to my friend’s house. From there, my family commandeered our friend’s car and off we went to Dubai, with dreams of grandeur and adventure.
But first, a pit stop at a gas station where my dad, in a caffeine-fueled frenzy, bought us coffee. My sister and I shared a French vanilla latte like it was the last cup on Earth, while our parents savored a cappuccino—because adulting is hard, right? Finally, we rolled into our home, grabbed a bite at Vegme, and crashed into bed, where I dreamt about all the wild adventures I could potentially feature in a blockbuster movie.
And that’s a wrap on our Azerbaijan escapades! Until next time, when we’ll embark on even more questionable adventures! (P.S. Today’s photo album features a stunning blank page—a true masterpiece!)
But hold onto your hats, folks! Here’s a pie-in-the-face question for you—what was the most shockingly fascinating, mind-boggling piece of awesomeness you stumbled upon while chomping on my wildly entertaining escapades in Baku from day 1 to day 5? Spill the beans!
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!
Let me whisk you away to October 2024, where the dinner plates were still spinning from our meal. Just as I was contemplating whether dessert was a good idea, one of my family friends rang us up like a delivery pizza that had gone rogue. “Guess what?” he exclaimed, “Air Arabia is practically throwing flight tickets at us!” After what felt like a lengthy debate—you know, the kind that could rival a political debate—my family, along with two other brave families, decided to book our escape to Baku in March 2025. Who said planning a trip wasn’t as fun as a family board game night gone wrong?
After 2025 rolled up like an unexpected guest at a party, my family had a lightbulb moment, realizing we had booked tickets to Baku a month prior—who knew time travel could be so confusing? We were stuck in a conundrum of whether to go or not, thanks to a series of personal dramas worthy of a soap opera. Initially, we decided to pull the plug on the trip, but just like a plot twist in a bad rom-com, Dad swooped in a week before takeoff with a dramatic declaration: “We are going!” My mom and I were so laser-focused on hunting down the coziest winter gear on Amazon that we willingly sacrificed lunch on the last day.
You see, I live in fancy Dubai while my flight is set to take off in Abu Dhabi, and one of our friends is in the same boat—except their departure is in Sharjah! So, like seasoned travel gurus, we hatched a master plan. With our flight scheduled for Friday, we decided to kick things off on Thursday. Our friend, being the clever schemer, borrowed our car on Thursday and crashed at our place. Meanwhile, we gratefully invaded their home like unpredictable houseguests! Let’s just say it was a real swap party—minus the snacks!
On Friday morning, we jumped out of bed like we were being chased by a bear, frantically double-checking our bags to make sure we hadn’t packed our entire house and missed the essentials—like phone chargers—because who needs clothes anyway? After a taxi ride that felt more like a rollercoaster, we finally arrived at the airport and spotted our other family friend, who seemed to have a sixth sense for luggage pickup.
Together, we checked in and sped through security as if we were auditioning for a spy movie before settling at our gate. That’s when the real feast began! My uncle swooped in with poori, which he’d heroically smuggled in, and their infamous GOAT tamarind rice—yes, it’s a dish so good it deserves its own fan club! After our epic airport banquet, we rolled onto the plane like overstuffed burritos, ready for adventure!
On our flight, the culinary adventure began! I opted for a kids meal—because who doesn’t want to relive their toddlerhood? I swapped it with my friend, a miniature human with a penchant for fried chicken and mac and cheese, who was desperate for the allure of the kids meal. While I was munching away, my other friends, including my mom, who clearly channeled a food peddler, showered me with a treasure trove of snacks: gummy bears, chips, mango juice, Oreos, and a chicken & cheese zinger sandwich that could probably qualify as an aircraft emergency exit slide!
After what felt like a mini eternity, we touched down in Baku. While waiting in the passport control line, I spotted my friend who had bravely flown in from Sharjah. I couldn’t resist the temptation and fired off a selfie showing my best thumbs-up pose just to annoy my friends—nothing says friendship like digital torture! Once we rescued our luggage from the conveyor belt, we made a beeline for the van. The moment I stepped outside, I transformed into a shivering human popsicle, eagerly sprinting towards the van like a clumsy penguin in winter gear!
We reached our hotel and somehow managed to get ready in 20 minutes—what a miracle! I threw on my shirt and jeans over my thermal wear, because nothing says “fashion icon” like layers of clothing! Our first stop was Highland Park, which has a staircase so long that I half expected to find a pilgrimage happening on the way up. But when you finally reach the top, there’s a view of Baku so stunning that I nearly forgot to take pictures. I whipped out my dad’s camera, striking poses like a pro, while trying not to tumble backward and embrace the “scenic view” from a different angle—straight down!
Our next pit stop was Nizami Street, which felt like London but with fewer red buses and more pigeons that were obviously trained in the art of dodging tourists. The first gourmet achievement of the day was a chicken burger at McDonald’s—because why not experience local cuisine in the most global way possible? After our culinary adventure, we couldn’t resist snapping some photos with a rather fabulous pink cat who clearly knew it was the star of the show.
And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any weirder, I stumbled upon a statue of a lady holding an umbrella as if she were about to fend off an army of raindrops, right next to some impressive wooden carvings of stacked books that looked like they were desperately trying to keep their literary secrets intact!
We found ourselves at a festival that seemed to have popped up out of nowhere, snapping photos like we were on a celebrity red carpet. As we strolled deeper into the streets, we stumbled upon another statue that I attempted to capture, but my photos turned out darker than a sitcom’s plot twist. Meanwhile, I witnessed the police engaging in a tussle straight out of an action movie, trying to get someone into a car—it was like I was living in a bizarre film where I was the unwitting extra!
Next, we dragged ourselves back to our hotels, collapsing like a bunch of weary superheroes after a long day while dreaming of the next day’s adventures. And now, brace yourselves for a stunning slideshow of my highly artistic photos from today—trust me, they’re the reason the modern camera was invented!
Get ready to buckle up, folks, because tomorrow we’re diving headfirst into another wild adventure—bring your snacks and a helmet!
In my last post, I mentioned that my dad had a sneaky little hint about camping for New Year’s. Guess what? He wasn’t just daydreaming! So, on December 31, we turned into packing ninjas, stuffed our bags (oops, we mean “bage” — classic typo!) into the car, and zoomed off to Love Lake in Dubai, which apparently decided it wanted to look like two hearts trying to perform a synchronised swimming routine. We got there early, set up camp like it was an Olympic event, while our friends—including the cutest little baby, who I’m convinced is the real reason we have friends—were still caught in Abu Dhabi, probably pondering the life choices that led them to embark on this wild adventure!
After what felt like an eternity (because clearly, my watch was on vacation), they finally showed up! We kicked things off by setting up the campfire, which was just a fancy way of saying we huddled together like penguins—no one wanted to be the first to admit they were freezing! The baby boy, who apparently thought my lap was the VIP lounge of the universe, plopped down like he owned the place. Meanwhile, my mom and the aunties were busy channelling their inner chefs, whipping up a feast that included parathas, chana masala, garlic paste, and hummus—because why not have a five-star restaurant experience in the great outdoors?
After our feast, we dove headfirst into a game of Japanese Whisper, where one overzealous uncle was convinced we all had to suddenly speak Japanese fluently. Spoiler: We didn’t! By the time we wrapped up our high-stakes game of misunderstanding, it was already 12 am, and we were wishing everyone a happy new year while half-asleep. After a quick chat that felt like it took place in slow motion, we hit the hay. The next morning, I sprung out of bed at the crack of 6:30 am, thinking I’d witness a glorious sunrise, but alas, the sun was playing hide and seek behind a cluster of clouds!
We all spruced ourselves up, ready to face the day. I heard the uncles and aunties were having a talk that lasted all night, but I totally missed out! Meanwhile, my mom and the aunties were in the kitchen like culinary superheroes, whipping up a breakfast feast that included omelettes, egg sandwiches, half-boiled eggs (because who doesn’t love a little mystery? ), mushroom omelettes, kubus, and of course, more eggs! After our eggstravaganza, all the uncles started packing up like they were off to a camping expedition, and the kids, including me, decided to channel our inner Poseidon and went for a walk on water. Why not, right?
There were more Koi fish than I had ever seen; it felt like I had stumbled into a seafood buffet! I was a bit terrified to play water walker at first, but once I realised they were more interested in my toes than eating them, I dove in like a cannonball champion. Soon enough, all the uncles and aunties showed up, and we waddled over to an island for a photoshoot—I think my dad took more pictures than the paparazzi. Eventually, I was so wiped out from all the fun that my dad and I decided to retreat to the car early for a much-needed rest. After all, even champions need to recharge their batteries!
After a comedic eternity, the rest of the gang returned, chatting away in the parking lot like they were discussing the meaning of life, and we eventually exchanged our overly dramatic goodbyes, as if we were parting forever. Then off we went, back to our humble abodes, dreaming of an incredible camping trip that definitely needed its own highlight reel!
After we stumbled back home from what felt like a marathon of festivities, we dove headfirst into a towering caramel cake, our unofficial new year mascot. The sweet aroma wafted through the air like it was auditioning for a cooking show, and each forkful was a blissful explosion of smooth caramel and sponge as moist as a rain-soaked sponge (and just as hard to resist).
And now Junior Story is popping confetti and juggling pineapples while wishing you a very happy new year—because if you can’t start the year with a laugh, what’s the point?
Here are some masterpieces I snapped during my camping trip—because nothing says “I’m one with nature” like a blurry shot of my buddy trying to outrun a raccoon!
My winter vacation, which was about as exciting as watching paint dry, has just taken a joyride straight into Awesomeville! Last Thursday, my dad dropped the bombshell that we’re going camping in LIWA! I nearly flipped my lid! Now, for those of you who are scratching your heads about LIWA, don’t sweat it; I’ve got your back. Picture this: the Liwa International Festival, cramming the last few days of the year with more excitement than a cat in a laser pointer fight, is back to jazz up the Al Dhafra desert!
This winter fiesta has been wooing visitors for over two decades, pulling in crowds that could fill a small stadium—like 40,000 people who thought, “What better way to freeze than in the desert?” The Liwa Oasis stretches across an east-west arc longer than your average family road trip—over 100 kilometres—and boasts some of the world’s biggest sand dunes. Seriously, these dunes are taller than your average giraffe at over 150 meters!
Now let’s continue with my story. On Friday, we crashed at our friend’s house like a bunch of travel warriors gearing up for an epic camping adventure, and we stayed over like it was a slumber party! The next day, we revved up the car, and our first pit stop was Al Dhafra Mall, where we refreshed ourselves and snagged lunch—I went for the gourmet delight of vegetable fried rice because, you know, health is wealth! We devoured our lunch in a park nearby, then we were off to LIWA, feeling like serious road trip pros.
After approximately one hour (but it felt like an eternity in the car), we finally reached the camping spot. All the kids darted towards the small sand dunes, which were about two times my height. My mom and the aunties were in full-on culinary battle mode, whipping up mouthwatering meals like barbequed chicken, prawns, and fried fish. Meanwhile, my dad and the uncles were channelling their inner architects, setting up tents like they were building a five-star hotel! The tent I was destined to conquer for the night was a fiery red, my favourite colour—because if you’re camping, you might as well do it in style!
There were a ton of cars that were bravely climbing the monstrous dunes, which were probably a hundred times taller than my wildest dreams. After what felt like a feast fit for royalty, we all snoozed off—well, sort of. I was trying to sleep (more like shivering uncontrollably, thinking I was a human popsicle) when I heard a chatterbox convention breaking out nearby. I peeked outside and spotted all the adults warming up like marshmallows around a campfire they managed to whip up. Naturally, I made my grand escape from the tent and dove into the chaos to join them for a lively round of Antakshari.
The uncles and aunties were joyfully unleashing their hidden talent for singing, while I played the role of the enthusiastic cheerleader, making jokes that were definitely funnier to me than anyone else (I had no clue what ancient tunes they were belting out). After munching on chestnuts—because apparently, it’s a nutty kind of night—we all wished each other good night and finally crashed at 2 am, because who needs sleep when you have late-night shenanigans, right?
After 5 hours and 10 minutes (which my watch insisted was time but felt more like a Netflix binge marathon), I finally woke up. But then—plot twist—a gigantic swimming pool of drainage water had decided to throw a party in the washroom, making it a no-go zone! So, along with everyone else who had urgent nature calls, we awkwardly piled into our cars like sardines and zoomed off to find a functional washroom. When we returned to the campsite, a glorious egg sandwich breakfast awaited us, which was obviously the highlight of our morning. We played for a bit, stuffed everything into the car like we were preparing for a game of Tetris, and then it hit me—my camping adventure was over. Cue the sad trombone!
We agreed to rendezvous at the next petrol station, a hotspot that was about as thrilling as a trip to the DMV, and off we went in my car, packed tighter than a can of sardines with my family, friends, and a little cutie who seemed convinced my lap was the VIP seat of the universe. Before we could actually hit the road, my dad decided we needed an epic desert detour so thrilling it felt like the camels might start throwing confetti. Meanwhile, we transformed the car into our personal disco, blasting music as if we were the next great party on wheels!
After what felt like centuries of him driving, we finally stopped at the next petrol station—also known as “the land of gourmet cuisine,” where we feasted on a meal that was questionable at best: roti, dal that could double as glue, bland ladies’ fingers, and a chicken sneakily misplacing itself in my egg biryani. Once our taste buds recovered from that rollercoaster, we cruised over to another restaurant where my other friends were dining like royalty. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy as I watched them savouring the meal of their lives—roti, mushroom masala, noodles, biryani, and a parade of other deliciousness that made my stomach grumble in protest.
After saying our “see ya later, alligator” goodbyes, my family and I embarked on the treacherous journey back home, just a bunch of road warriors. My dad, being the quintessential gas station hero, decided to pit stop at another petrol bunk where he snagged my mom a lemon tea (because everyone needs a citrus pick-me-up), my sister a watermelon juice (because hydration is key), and an avocado milkshake for me and my dad (the green smoothie brigade strikes again!). After chugging our booster beverages like champions, we finally revved up for home. The moment we arrived, my mom transformed into a spa director, insisting we take hot baths as if we’d just come back from a marathon—or, you know, a long car ride. Post-bath and feeling like new people, we rallied the troops for a culinary escapade at a place called VEGME. We devoured ghee dosa, masala ghee dosa, sambar vada, and mushroom and corn pulao that tasted so good, I half-expected Gordon Ramsay to pop out and yell, “Delicious!” After feasting, my mom and sister went off on a grocery adventure worthy of a reality show (because we needed to stock up on all the essential veggies and fruits), while my dad and I decided that sleep was the ultimate prize. Hours later, my sister and mom returned, their shopping bags bursting (or should I say “groaning”?) under the weight of their victorious haul, only to join us in the great land of slumber.
I thought about all the wild adventures yet to come and dozed off, dreaming of s’mores and firewood fights. My dad even dropped a cheeky hint about another camping trip on New Year’s—because nothing says “ringing in the New Year” like dodging raccoons at 2 AM! Honestly, what better way to celebrate than with a campsite disco featuring those party-loving raccoons? And that, my friends, was my epic camping trip!
Here are some slightly blurred pictures and a video of my trip that will have you questioning my photography skills—my camera must’ve thought it was on a rollercoaster!
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
Happy Friendship Day to all! Let’s see how Friendship day was born
Joyce Hall proposed Friendship Day in Paraguay in 1958. It was a global festival that involved the celebration of friendships. The initial day of celebration was 2 August, but owing to conflicts in the United States, it has now been rescheduled to 7 August.
In 1998, Nane Annan appointed Winnie the Pooh as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations to commemorate Friendship Day.The United Nations Department of Public Information and Disney Enterprises co-sponsored the event, which was co-hosted by Kathy Lee Gifford.
Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho presented the concept of a Global Friendship Day on July 20, 1958, over a dinner with friends in Puerto Pinasco, a village on the River Paraguay about 200 miles (320 km) north of Asuncion, Paraguay.
During said meeting, the World Friendship Crusade was born. The World Friendship Crusade is a foundation that promotes friendship and fellowship among all human beings, regardless of race, color or religion. Since then, 30 July has been fervently celebrated as Friendship Day in Paraguay every year and has also been adopted by several other countries.
During that conference, the World Friendship Crusade was established. The World Friendship Crusade is a nonprofit that encourages friendship and fellowship among all people, regardless of race, color, or religion. Since then, the 30th of July has been ardently honored as Friendship Day in Paraguay every year, and it has also been embraced by numerous other nations.
For several years, the World Friendship Crusade lobbied the United Nations to recognize 30 July as World Friendship Day; finally, in 2011, the United Nations General Assembly decided to designate 30 July as the International Day of Friendship and proceeded to invite all Member States to observe the International Day of Friendship in accordance with the culture and customs of their local, national, and regional communities, including through education and public awareness-raising.
“Come quickly, we’re leaving now,” my father cheerfully announced. We were headed to Sharjah, and both my sister and I were brimming with excitement. In just one hour, we arrived in Sharjah, and our first stop was Baskin Robbins. My sister chose the delicious Cookies and Cream flavor, while I indulged in the irresistible Maui Brownie Madness.
After enjoying our delightful ice creams, we excitedly headed to the scenic Al Majaz Waterfront. It was an amazing experience as we embarked on a pedal boat ride. As we sat on the pedal boat, it brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of the fun-filled boating adventures of Peppa Pig and her family.
We spent a blissful hour exploring the serene waters. Once we returned to our room, we refreshed ourselves and eagerly made our way to a charming restaurant. The delectable food surpassed our expectations, tantalizing our taste buds. Satisfied and content, we returned to our room and drifted into a peaceful slumber, eagerly anticipating the adventures that awaited us tomorrow.
The following morning, we joyfully headed towards a delightful restaurant to savor a scrumptious breakfast. Energized by the meal, we embarked on an adventure to Noor Island. Our first stop was the enchanting Butterfly Park, where we were captivated by the presence of butterflies from Philippines and Costa Rica. It was a truly mesmerizing experience surrounded by such exquisite beauty.
The island was an absolute rollercoaster of excitement! We had a blast bouncing on the trampoline, swinging like carefree birds on the swing, and capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the blooming flowers through our trusty lenses. Reluctantly, we eventually packed our bags and bid adieu to this captivating paradise, but the memories we forged will forever be etched in our hearts. And now, brace yourself for a visual feast, as we proudly present a collection of the marvelous photos we took during our unforgettable expedition. Enjoy the spectacle!
Welcome to Junior Story 