One by one Bhaksar studied the stack of old photographs inside the dusty box, running his fingers along their frayed edges and staring at them with eyes that glistened.
His attention settled on one photograph in particular. With the very lightest of touches, he stroked its faded surface and stared at an image of himself taken more than 70 years ago. Dressed smartly in a crisp suit and standing next to his beloved mother, it was taken in his native India when he was just 14. In both, their hands were young vervet monkeys.
“I remember that trip like it was yesterday,” he said softly, his voice choked with nostalgia. “We had traveled across Gujarat to visit my grandparents who lived in a small wooden house deep in the forest where tigers prowled and monkeys swung in the treetops. I wanted to make a good impression so I spent the money I earned from shining shoes at the market to buy a new suit.”
Bhaksar wasn’t taking a trip down memory lane for the sake of passing a rainy Sunday afternoon. This was important work and part of a project that had come to define the past few weeks and bring him much pleasure and, in some ways, closure.
At the grand old age of 88 – and at the incessant insistence of his family – the pharmacist and businessman from Surrey was finally penning his life story.
TOP TIPS ON WRITING YOUR MEMOIR
ONCE UPON A TIME…
Esta historia es de la edición December 2021 - January 2022 de Business Traveller UK.
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Esta historia es de la edición December 2021 - January 2022 de Business Traveller UK.
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Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
Lima
Peru's coastal capital boasts colourful public parks, striking street art and generous plates of ceviche
The inside scoop
We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month
Why business isn't better
Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class
Here be dragons
For a city known for its densely packed streets and hectic pace of life, Hong Kong has a truly remarkable countryside
Provincial Provence
As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé