Sun, Sand and Surf

We reserved an entire bus for the trip to Cox’s Bazaar. It was a Greenline Scania and was very comfortable.

We stayed at the Sea Crown. The view was undoubtedly the best in Cox's Bazaar!

The rooms were on the small side, but spotlessly clean. The service was prompt and the food was good. It was, on the whole, a good place to stay.

The next day, we headed for Inani beach and the Himchari waterfall. The road hugged the coastline, and hills rose on the other side. The place made me long for a beachfront cottage. Sigh!

It was a dreary kind of day, and the beach lacked its usual appeal.

We still had fun though. Beachfootball, nature catwalk, sharing food.

Himchari was next. The climb showed how unfit I was. But the view was breathtaking! And so worth the huffle and puffle!!

There were three waterfront cafés near the hotel. We made ‘Tropicana’ OUR café!

It had great food at affordable prices. And boasted local talent. We became regulars.

The famed Dulahazara had a nature reserve.

We saw black bear, crocodile, wildebeest and hippo. White peacock and spotted dear.

Said hello to the elephants. They had been tamed and were friendly.

The lion was taking a nap. He was just a big cuddly cat.

There was an angry monkey. With acres and acres of land all around, he had been placed in a very small cage. I wondered at the logic behind it.

The gang posed for a photograph.

Outside, there was fruit for sale.

We shared some with the four-legged locals. And played with them as well.

At Cox's Bazaar, the sea was inviting. The water was warm, albeit a bit (actually, quite a lot) on the dirty side. We still took a few dips.

We promenaded up and down the beach. Laughing with glee like children at finding pretty shells. Look, mine are better than yours!

Made some more friends.

After three days, we returned to Dhaka, invigorated and rejuvenated.