Into the WonderLand( aka WonerLa )

“ Wonderful “!

This was the experiece of 'WonderLa' in one word. This amazing trip happened last Sunday. WonderLa is Amusment Park having many thrilling rides (both dry and wet). Some of the rides really are breathtaking and test the courage of the rider. The kid within me came out with full force. My friend says, "I am paying money to get scared! This is scary business ;-)". Whatever it is - it is fun, adventure and thrilling.

We, Indian have a culture of group celebrations. We are wired to enjoy, laugh, cry, party and do anything in-group. A natural extension of this group culture is to have group activities at workplace. Call it 'team fun day', 'outding day', 'fun day' or any other crazy name. Idea remains same. You go out with your work buddies and do anything other than work. This 'outing' day is the most liked day by majority of people. It would easily win 'Most enojyable day of last X month' award, hands down!

Software techies are known for laziness. I think our bunch is on top of that category. So, in principle we never do activities, which would require movement of any body parts except fingers. Doing any activity that has possibility of pain is big no-no for us. Our 'group' activity generally means eating, drinking (to save water some people prefer bear and all!! ) and doing lots of 'bakar'( Could not find right English word for it, may be because English guys do not do it ;-) ).'Bakar' essentially means doing chit-chat without topic and laughing out load on anything.

By bad fortune, this time we decided to go to wonderland (aka WonderLa), which is located outside of Bangalore. Among many good rides, my favourites are 'Insanity' and 'Lazy River’. Oxford dictionary describe word insanity as "in or relating to an unsound state of mind; seriously mentally ill". This ride does not disappoint and lives upto its name. It leaves the rider in relatively permanent disorder of mind! The ride will rotate, revolve, move, shake, and throw in all possible angles and directions in good speed. You sit helplessly and only companion in that moment of fear is 'cry'.

Intially finishing comparitively easier ride give some sort of confidence. But it was of no use as Insanity was confidence-shaking ride, anyway ;-(. I wish, I could describe experiece of one friend in his own words. But the gentle language of blog does not allow me ;-). You know, what I mean! I enjoyed insanity a lot and went there again after a break to have another round of this crazy and horrifiying ride. But was disappointed when operator said miminum 10 persons are needed. There were long queues for other rides. For Insanity, we 3-4 guys waited and waited. No one turned up and unfortunately I could not get the thrill again.

The other good ride was 'Lazy River'. The 'Lazy' prefix, made it ride of choice for many. It was indeed lazy. You put yourself in the air tube and leave in the river (3-4 feet deep). The water flows slowly and river meets itself after a circle. This leaves you on same spot where you started with zero calorie loss! Our group was bit crazy and turned this lazy-friendly ride into hyperactive one. Basically, people would turn the air tube upside-down and now you are into 3-4 feet water. Laziness was distrubed ;-( One again sits on the tube and in few seconds finds again into the water. Conspiracies and sudden shock were the element of that moment. Soon we found each of us throwing everyone else into water. Also it was an opportunity for new swimmer like me to try different techniques. It was an out and out fun.

The trip was as wondrous and memoriable as past trips to WonderLa. My only advice if you are planning to go there is “Do not miss Insanity”! May you come out “safe” out of instanity ;-). All the best!