Doha, 20 November 2010: The day we all were eagerly waiting had come. Members of Bellevision Qatar with their families and friends had a great picnic at Al Shamal Gardens on 19 November 2010. The main focus of the picnic was to get relaxed, refreshed and to bring the community together, make new friends and have fun. The picnic was organized by Lucas Castelino, Anil Mathias and Avith Lobo with guidance by Therese Dalmeida.
All of us showed up at the meeting point near Qatar University and as we reached the place, the sun was just rising over the sand dunes. There after in a convoy we travelled by cars together, lead by John D’Souza who is one of the senior most residents among us in Qatar. We stopped at Al Khor corniche for breakfast and had pre arranged steam hot breakfast idli-chatni-sambar with tea.
After breakfast we travelled towards Al Shamal Gardens. The garden surrounded by lush green trees, beautifully landscaped, manicured lawns and pathways. We camped under a large tree. The pleasant weather was just perfect for us. This picnic brought together old friends and new for a relaxing day of fun, games, food and interesting conversing.
In her inaugural speech, President Therese Dalmeida thanked everyone for coming and also appreciated each and everyone who worked hard for this picnic. She emphasized on the goal of the Bellevision community, which is building a peaceful community and help each others at the time of need. She also called upon more people from the community to join and make this as a strong unit. She invited everyone to have fun and have a great day of picnic.
We had no idea from the word go what was in store for us. Lucas, Anil and Avith had arranged everything under the guidance of Therese, surprised us with everything, starting from the breakfast until the end. There were games such as Passing the ball, balloon race, couples tying belt by single hand and Tug of war. The games were conducted by Avith Lobo, Kenneth Coello and Sunil.
Tug of war was the highlight of all the games. The slithering and slippery grounds only made the tug of war contest even more enjoyable. First it was ladies who pulled the rope as they gritted their teeth and showed their mettle and tenacity. And then it was the turn of men who flexed their muscles and demonstrated their killer instincts and winning edge.
After the tough tug of war, everyone sat and enjoyed playing anthakshari. In between the games snacks and juices were served and no one knew how the good time has passed away in that fantastic atmosphere. The lunch was chicken biriyani from the restaurant, Mable Martis, Tina Castelino and Lucas Castelino helped in serving the delicious meal.
Bingo was conducted by Avith and Anil after lunch. Lucas Castelino, John D’Souza, Anil Fernandes, Philip Andrade and Steven made every one laugh with their chain of jokes one after the other during relaxing after lunch and Bingo. Then followed the prize distribution ceremony conducted by Avith Lobo. After all the fun and games, the fine day of picnic was over.
Avith Lobo in his vote of thanks thanked the President and everyone for making this picnic possible. He also, congratulated and appreciated each and everyone, especially Lucas and Anil who worked to make this picnic a great success. He called upon every one to get together for more such events, which will get the community together. Therese Dalmeida narrated the objectives of Bellevision and called upon everyone to contribute towards Bellevision and the community in whatever way possible. Victor D’Souza explained on the various services rendered by Bellevision web site http://www.bellevision.com/ and called upon everyone to make use of the various columns and place their ads or provide sponsorship available at web site.
The entire day was enjoyed in peace and harmony far away from the daily routine activities. It was just another fantastic day which everyone will surely remember.