Date: January 4th, Saturday (Evening)

This trip was spontaneous. Our initial plan was to grab some printouts, wander a bit, and return home. But a sudden U-turn landed us at Socorro Plateau, just 5 km from our home.

The plateau is vast and flat, allowing you to see as far as your eyes can reach. People come here to walk their dogs, watch birds, and simply unwind. The community vibe is great—people always make eye contact, say hi, and are generally friendly. We’ve been here countless times—once with Ambica’s parents and my mother, many times with Ammu, and even when Arjun was tiny, tucked into his stroller. I even cycled all the way up once—my biggest elevation challenge! I’ve also brought Ranjith, Kate, and Maya here. And, many from our society come here for a relaxed evening.

The open ground delighted Arjun. The moment we let him down, he began exploring with boundless energy. He interacted with friendly dogs, who greeted him with gentle kisses, much to his delight. More than walking, he enjoyed playing with the soil, stones, and tufts of grass. His little hands turned red from the laterite stones as he immersed himself in his discoveries.

We captured countless pictures of him as he roamed, curious and carefree. Unfortunately, the joy was dampened slightly by the sight of litter scattered across the plateau and groups of people drinking in broad daylight.

During our walk, we spotted several birds, including the magnificent Brahminy Kite, which caught our attention with its graceful flight.

On our way back, Arjun had a small tumble, leaving him with minor scratches on his legs and hands. As we carried him to the car, he decided to share his dusty adventure by smearing dirt all over Ambica’s clothes—and even on my face, hair, and outfit!

Despite the bumps and scrapes, it was a day filled with exploration and little joys, making it another unforgettable memory for Arjun.

We as a family should do a picnic here. 🙂