RvLiving and Lifestyle during 2020 Pandemic

Rv living is not only a style statement but a form of adventure , independence and a home away from home.Early on in the mid twentieth century mobile homes and campers made an appearance on the North American landscape.I remember in the mid sixties when my cousin migrated from Canada to US taking his mobile home with him,we were so much in awe back then. Never could imagine a whole house on wheels.

Freedom is a much coveted asset ,it gives a whole lot of sense of belonging too.Rv living as the name suggests is recreational as well. But all this cannot be possible if modern  facilities are not available. The facilities are not only in the vehicle but in the trailer parks as well.A modern Rv is well equipped with all modern appliances ,comfortable living area, llacosy sleeping area which can either be with bunk beds or king size beds, a good sized bathroom .Some Rvs have sunroof for better natural light. Some even have solar panels for heat and light.

How is an Rv lifestyle beneficial in the 2020 pandemic? Covid 19 has made travelling and travellers virtually non existent.The very fear of contracting the virus by mere human contact is restricting movement in public places (hotels, supermarkets, malls) and transport(rail,road and air). Long winter months keep Canadians confined to their workplaces or homes; naturally spring and summer months enhance the urge for travelling . For Winnipegers the best months  to look forward to are summer.

Social distancing is the new normal thanks to Covid 19.The right time to invest in an Rv is now , the mood is right, summer is here and Covid 19 has very much confined us to our homes. How to beat the isolation yet enjoy the outdoors. One of these hot summers days just pack yourself and your family and visit one of the off-beaten tourist spots to enjoy camping, fishing or just leisurely outdoors in the safe environs of your Rv.

One of the very  positive outcomes of Covid 19 has been families have come closer. Much of our waking moments are in pursuit of personal ambition, goals to achieve with little time for our loved ones.To fulfill dreams that stretch us thin. We tend to ignore a family member needing personal attention. 

Rvs are the best way to visit nature and enjoy outdoor activities. Modern amenities in the vehicle give us daily comforts while enjoying the outdoors. Depending on the activities that you like you can indulge in hiking in the abundant trails that are in around the various parks.

One of my favourite places to visit was  Kenora where you have nature at its best .It's one of the touristy spots but still away from the usual hustle bustle. Hiking down the trails or finding the quiet fishing spots are highly rejuvenating experiences. I would recommend visiting the Rushing River trails for an exhilarating experience. You can come across gentle wild animals such as deer who come out to enjoy summer and its abundant spirit.

Rv living is supposedly for retirees who still have the spirit of adventure and enjoy new places. Normally Rvs are for long distance adventure. Say you wish to take a trip further west from here to Banff, Lake Louise.

Golden BC, it's a long distance to cover. 

These places may need 14 days of self isolation because of inter-provincial travel. You may refer to these sights for relevant updated information before deciding to travel.

Well it can be done at a comfortable pace and random stops at leisure. One advantage would be a clean hygienic place we are comfortable with rather than a place of stay we are unsure of.  Besides, long distance travel can be budgeted as well.

The new normal is also proper social distancing in public places. Rv living is recommended in 2020 if you want to opt for:

• Freedom of travel, leisure 

• Stress free environment, lots of outdoor activities

• Social distancing and personal hygiene 

• Back to nature

• Living within budget

Covid 19 has had a devastating effect on the whole world such that we had not witnessed in our lifetime. Our lives came to a standstill not knowing when it would end. Adaptability is second nature to humans.As we grappled with the situation, new rules that we are learning to live bye ... social distancing ,three is a crowd now...therefore socialising and festivities may be a thing of the past.  But there is a way out of every negative situation and Rv living can give us a sense of healthy safety and a semblance of a balanced lifestyle.

A View A Room A Window

 The window, the apartment and Covid19

2020 was a joyful beginning for my family. Lots of preparations going on for my daughter’s wedding in Winnipeg, Canada. Of course there are last minute shopping spree little things that one tends to forget which turn out to be very important. To top it all we were also trying to downsize hence in the process of selling our house. Inevitably a bevee of prospective buyers were parading in and out of the house.Just when after waiting for so long and getting ready to go a buyer would popin. In this hulla baloo we were busy with our itinerary.  

Anyway nobody knew that an unprecedented danger was waiting to unfold. So we all are now packed and ready to fly to Winnipeg.So having made all arrangements here in India we took our flight from New Delhi to London on march 9th 2020. The pandemic had already set foot in the western world and in India too for that matter but everyone was in denial as to its magnanimity and the situation arising therein. Aditi my daughter was excited that we were coming yet very worried about our inflight experience sanitise properly and constantly. I simply just told her not to worry. But to tell the truth the airports kind of seemed eerie, empty and hollow; not so much at Delhi though. At Heathrow I was hit by the rapidly changing scenario airport cleaning staff were busy sanitising all the public places.They were two steps ahead or so it seemed,of the pandemic. Moving on after a layover of over five hours we boarded for Calgary.It was even surprising everything was touchless,no customs check and we landed at Winnipeg what a treat to see Aditi at the airport to receive us. 

Here we were in Winnipeg Quarantining for fourteen days. Aditis apartment though small was well lighted and cheery moreover the view was great. A note here that what would be the scenario for Aditi's wedding ceremony. There was a unilateral ban on public gatherings till April so people started cancelling their immediate wedding plans and postponing it for later date.I must vouch for the integrity of businesses in Canada who refunded all the advances made towards wedding expenses worth a mention is Fairmont hotel, Winnipeg.Wedding plans were now cancelled and it was obviously very upsetting for Aditi and Anshu, one positive thing for sure they had a court wedding in Phoenix USA in 2019. Pandemic challenges were everywhere one day toilet papers were over in the supermarket, another day salt so on and so forth. March and April went by fast and I literally enjoyed staying here with Aditi.

The tide started turning when my husband was diagnosed with cervical stenosis.So all of us started googling and it shows a minor surgery. Reality was different; it was a highly complicated one and a major one at that.I guarantee you survival in India would have not been possible. A small town and excellent health facilities and top notch surgeons and doctors special mention  Dr.Navneet Rehsia, Dr.Michael Goytan. Harsh and his family moved in with us from Saskatoon for two months. While it was a pleasure for us to be together, the apartment was a bit cramped. Param did a lot taking care of the home and hearth. Satya did keep us busy.

We were to stay on at Aditis place for nearly nine months. In December Anshu visited us for a month and then it was decided we would move to Saskatoon with Harsh. Celebrated Diwali, Dussera with Aditi. I am in Saskatoon now family life is great.

The Covid 19 experience for me personally it has taken its toll mentally and spiritually. Although Harsh and Param do take care of our creature comforts lovingly ….. Satya is a joy still there is an emptiness inside which is difficult to fathom.

The world is a totally different place, relationships are fragile, but there is hope and belief that we shall be back to life as we knew it. 2020 I shall always remember the window a lifeline to the outside world, the apartment as personal niche and covid 19 waiting to touch your life with each parcel from Amazon each, public doorKnob, elevator or public transport. Not being able to hug your friends and familyThe window, the apartment and Covid19

2020 was a joyful beginning for my family. Lots of preparations going on for my daughter’s wedding in Winnipeg, Canada. Of course there are last minute shopping spree little things that one tends to forget which turn out to be very important. To top it all we were also trying to downsize hence in the process of selling our house. Inevitably a bevee of prospective buyers were parading in and out of the house.Just when after waiting for so long and getting ready to go a buyer would popin. In this hulla baloo we were busy with our itinerary.  

Anyway nobody knew that an unprecedented danger was waiting to unfold. So we all are now packed and ready to fly to Winnipeg.So having made all arrangements here in India we took our flight from New Delhi to London on march 9th 2020. The pandemic had already set foot in the western world and in India too for that matter but everyone was in denial as to its magnanimity and the situation arising therein. Aditi my daughter was excited that we were coming yet very worried about our inflight experience sanitise properly and constantly. I simply just told her not to worry. But to tell the truth the airports kind of seemed eerie, empty and hollow; not so much at Delhi though. At Heathrow I was hit by the rapidly changing scenario airport cleaning staff were busy sanitising all the public places.They were two steps ahead or so it seemed,of the pandemic. Moving on after a layover of over five hours we boarded for Calgary.It was even surprising everything was touchless,no customs check and we landed at Winnipeg what a treat to see Aditi at the airport to receive us. 

Here we were in Winnipeg Quarantining for fourteen days. Aditis apartment though small was well lighted and cheery moreover the view was great. A note here that what would be the scenario for Aditi's wedding ceremony. There was a unilateral ban on public gatherings till April so people started cancelling their immediate wedding plans and postponing it for later date.I must vouch for the integrity of businesses in Canada who refunded all the advances made towards wedding expenses worth a mention is Fairmont hotel, Winnipeg.Wedding plans were now cancelled and it was obviously very upsetting for Aditi and Anshu, one positive thing for sure they had a court wedding in Phoenix USA in 2019. Pandemic challenges were everywhere one day toilet papers were over in the supermarket, another day salt so on and so forth. March and April went by fast and I literally enjoyed staying here with Aditi.

The tide started turning when my husband was diagnosed with cervical stenosis.So all of us started googling and it shows a minor surgery. Reality was different; it was a highly complicated one and a major one at that.I guarantee you survival in India would have not been possible. A small town and excellent health facilities and top notch surgeons and doctors special mention  Dr.Navneet Rehsia, Dr.Michael Goytan. Harsh and his family moved in with us from Saskatoon for two months. While it was a pleasure for us to be together, the apartment was a bit cramped. Param did a lot taking care of the home and hearth. Satya did keep us busy.

We were to stay on at Aditis place for nearly nine months. In December Anshu visited us for a month and then it was decided we would move to Saskatoon with Harsh. Celebrated Diwali, Dussera with Aditi. I am in Saskatoon now family life is great.

The Covid 19 experience for me personally it has taken its toll mentally and spiritually. Although Harsh and Param do take care of our creature comforts lovingly ….. Satya is a joy still there is an emptiness inside which is difficult to fathom.

The world is a totally different place, relationships are fragile, but there is hope and belief that we shall be back to life as we knew it. 2020 I shall always remember the window a lifeline to the outside world, the apartment as personal niche and covid 19 waiting to touch your life with each parcel from Amazon each, public doorKnob, elevator or public transport. Not being able to hug your friends and family,car meets, social distancing etal.

Badka Babooji - my uncle

 

                Badka Babooji –  My Uncle

Badka Babooji was a regal figure in our family There was and there has been only one Badka Babooji in our family. Many tried yet they can never measure up to him. My Badka Babooji was someone who all of us aspired to be like someday. Mr RS Pandey or depty saaheb was a dynamic young man the eldest son of a high school headmaster in the  district of Chapra, Bihar. I am so proud of him he took the onus of improving the lot of the entire family irrespective of their status rich or poor. We all looked upto him for inspiration. 

Badka Babooji was the eldest son of Mahatma Pandey, a high school headmaster in Gopalganj, Bihar. Educated in VMHE high school of Gopalganj Babooji was extremely proud of his primary education and rightly so He used to speak flawless English. Although Babooji was only 5’4’’, he had a captivating personality. The moment he entered any room heads would turn and there was his electric presence held an audience in awe. Often we would be envious of my cousins because they were Baboojis sons.

I was a child and had just learnt the art of writing letters on a postcard. My letters would addressed to Mr. RS Pandey , MD TISCO ,JSR sure that it would reach him. Of course it always did and he would reply beginning My Dear Baby (my nickname). We were all special to him but my sister was his favourite. In fact he chose an IAS officer as a husband for her. Jokingly he would tell her ‘Jab SDO banogi main Salute karoonga’.

The special trait that he had was his affection for his mother daadi passed away while he was on tour. It was like she waited for him to come and he did. Babooji was very affectionate towards us kids. Whenever he visited Patna on any official assignment he made sure he had tea and dinner with us. We used to love his visits because he would bring chocolates and take us to The Bankipur club or some other dos . I distinctly remember we went over to Jamshedpur in the company’s BEECH CRAFT Bonanza 7 seater aircraft. We went there and he made sure we had a fun stay with visit to theatres clubs etc. Poor Ma would be left behind. To make it up Dad would come and pick after the holidays ended and he would bring Ma along.

Babooji was always there for anyone in need. My father specially attached to him when my brother wanted to study medicine it was he who financed his education. As it happened he turned to be the only MD in the family. Babooji taught me how to be an achiever the spirit of giving has to be there. In part I have tried to follow him in his footsteps by helping others but we can never reach his stature or make such an impact to bring in social change.

My uncle ended up leading Tata Steel and making it a name to reckon with internationally and in India as well. It became a monolithic corporate giant and beacon of hope to many from the backward districts of Bihar and UP.

Although he enjoyed immense power money and influence he was always there for his family. For his brothers he was everything. Not much has been highlighted about his role in Tata Steel yet he made some bold changes in labor and management relations. He brought an end to trade unionism and restored investor confidence after the infamous lockout in 1958. Since then it may be recalled Tata Steel never witnessed a lockout or unrest again. 

RS Pandey during his service was awarded the title of Rai Bahadur of pre independent India for exemplary service. He belonged to the first batch of IAS of Independent India. He represented India a number of times in ILO at Geneva. His labor management skills were put to test during the infamous 1958 Lockout at TISCO. He was successful in establishing trust and bonhomie between the management and the labor. Gita Piramal wrote a book on legends of India but skipped his contribution to the corporate world completely. RS Pande set the highest standards in corporate governance in his time. Not only that the Tatas also encouraged him to work on so many projects in the social sector in and around Jamshedpur  and other parts of Bihar.

My Badka Babooji was foresighted enough to see the setting up of XLRI a premiere management institute of India. ' The Xavier Labor Relations Institute (XLRI), one of the oldest business schools in the country and among the best in Asia, close relationship with the Tatas ever since it was established in 1949. A number of people from the top brass of the Tatas have served as chairmen of XLRI's board of governors. The list includes: Jehangir Gandhy, chairman and managing director (CMD) of Telco (Tata Motors); R.S. Pandey, managing director, Tisco (Tata Steel); Sarosh  Gandhy, MD, Telco; and J.J. Irani, MD, Tisco.' Hindu. My father was briefly the Head of Department of Community Forestry and Rural Development in XLRI.

He did serve the Tatas without any bias. He was and will be always the pride of our family. He suffered tremendously post retirement yet was strong and a guiding light for all of us. 

In remembrance Badka Babooji aka R.S.Pande 1910 - 1990.