The Seniors organised a delightful picnic to Albury on 8th October, a wholesome and unhurried trip filled with laughter and fellowship. Participants met at Nunawading Railway Station, taking the Metro to Southern Cross before boarding the 7:07 am V-Line train to Albury. The pantry car was a highlight, and the spacious seating made conversation easy, turning the journey into a warm time of connection. The ride was smooth, with wide windows revealing the lush Victorian countryside.
We arrived at 10:45 am, warmly welcomed by Lejo, who helped with local transport alongside an 8-seater Kia Carnival. Our first stop was to visit an elder, Dr John Abraham Mamootil (Pappachen Uncle), at his retirement village to wish him on his hundredth birthday. He and his daughters received us joyfully with snacks and fruit.
After the visit, we enjoyed lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant in town. The afternoon was spent at the Albury Botanical Gardens, ablaze with blooming azaleas and century-old palms, followed by a visit to the War Memorial, offering panoramic views. We then crossed the Bethanga Bridge, built in 1930, and continued to Hume Dam and the hydroelectric station, admiring the spectacular spillway.
Our return through Wodonga was relaxed, and we caught the 5:27 pm train back to Melbourne, reaching home safely by God’s grace. Everyone agreed it was a memorable and enriching day—an eight-out-of-ten experience filled with gratitude, joy, and lasting memories.
Warm regards,
Dr. Prathap