Reimagining Spaces: From Humble Beginnings to Grand Dreams The Birth of Rabira's Nest

"As we look back at the journey so far, we set the stage for the inspiring tale of how Rabira's Nest came to be."

Once upon a time, in a land filled with people glued to their screens, I decided to dream big and create passionately. My first step into the hospitality abyss was launching Rabira's Nest, a homestay that promised the rustic charm of a countryside escape with modern amenities. The twist? We encouraged our guests to be less on their gadgets instead reconnect with nature and each other. This was either a stroke of genius or madness, depending on who you ask.

On opening day, I braced for impact, half-expecting my first guests to storm out, pitchforks in hand, as they realized the horrifying truth of an almost internet-free vacation. But, plot twist! They loved it. This early success was a clear sign to take things further – much further.

A less-Gadget Zone: The Ultimate Challenge

I didn’t want to be confined within the walls of my home, and I knew for sure that no other kid on this planet did either. The thought of staying indoors, isolated from the world outside, filled me with a sense of restlessness. I craved the freedom to explore, and to breathe in the fresh air without limitation. The very idea of being trapped inside seemed unnatural, a stark contrast to the boundless curiosity and energy that define childhood and youth. I knew for sure that everyone yearns for adventure, laughter, and the simple joy of being out in the world where endless possibilities await.

So I proposed: "How about we go camping without tablets or smartphones?" In an era where working from home and studying from home had become the norm, the idea was greeted with questions. Would going tech-free affect the studies or marks of the students? Oh and then came the biggest and most important question of all times - Run by a homeschooler? You bet your backpack; kids might start thinking of traditional school as more of a distant cousin than a close friend.

In my defense and that of the million homeschoolers picture this: custom-made curriculums, simple schedules, and engaging in subjects they love. And let’s not forget the added bonuses of homeschooling: stronger family ties, a quiet atmosphere (cue the Zen music), and a sprinkle of real-world, hands-on activities. It’s like school, but with a personal touch and fewer rules about where you can and can't chew gum.

Anyways so coming back to Rabira's Nest, the conversation took a serious turn with the parents' worries out in the open. The chat hit a serious note as parental worries spilled out like spaghetti from an overturned pot. Parents openly aired their serious concerns. They worried, "What if my kid doesn’t want to return to school after visiting or meeting the homeschooler? Are we raising future couch potatoes?" With eyes full of concern, one added, "We went to school; it's a rite of passage for every miniature human." More questions followed: "Do we really need to take our kids to such a tempting wonderland? They need to focus on studies, not daydream about adventures!" Anxiety thickened as they pondered the playground's impact on their kids’ education and future.

Amidst all the noise and my mother's growing concern about my venture—which, to parents of school-going kids, seemed like a homeschooler's game - I began to picture the days ahead: embarking on long hikes through breathtaking trails, spending cozy nights by the campfire where we could share stories, and waking up to the peaceful sound of birds singing in the early mornings. And all while learning so much more than any textbook could ever teach.

During the hard times of COVID, balancing online studies and work made us crave the peace and simplicity of the great outdoors. The chance to immerse ourselves in pure, distraction-free joy was the ultimate draw for me. To keep things on the safer side, I thought, "Why not play it extra safe?" So, I decided only one family or group of friends with a negative COVID-19 test could visit at a time. Think of it like an exclusive VIP club, but instead of bouncers, we have hand sanitizer and face masks. This way, we could minimize the risk and keep everyone—including my own gang—safe and sound.

This well-intentioned plan raised eyebrows from both family and friends, but I pressed on. I envisioned a sanctuary where the rustling of leaves replaced notifications, and ghost stories were shared around a campfire, not on Facebook Live. Amid mandatory work-from-home and study-from-home norms, I aimed to create a retreat for these needs. Thus, first came Rabira's Nest, followed by the evolution towards a place that combined the charm of camping with a dash of glamour – Rabira's Nest Glamping.

I highlighted the unique charm of our place as a major selling point to attract guests, emphasizing that it's like a home away from home. It offers the nostalgic comfort and familiarity of a setting reminiscent of your childhood, evoking memories of simpler times, all while staying seamlessly connected with the conveniences of modern life.

I asked parents to imagine this: your children attending online classes from the cozy, inviting space we've created, and you working from home without a hitch. The best part? No member of the family would have to worry about cooking, cleaning, or doing the laundry!

Rabira's Nest offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it ideal for families to stay relaxed and productive. Guests enjoy a homey atmosphere without disrupting online education or work, with no need to cook, clean, or wash. This stress-free living experience, that created a nostalgic experience became a top choice for many. Thus came the birth of "staycation" at Rabira's Nest, where you could come and stay for a while.

The Digital Detox Dream: Thriving in a Gadget-Crazed World

The "less gadgets policy" was met with raised eyebrows and skeptical nods. "How do you plan to entertain guests in an age where Netflix and chill is a lifestyle?", asked a friend. I, however, was fueled by the challenge. Instead of electronic distractions, Rabira’s Nest would come alive with the laughter of board games, the flipping of book pages, and the rustling of leaves during sunset walks. To me, it was the perfect antidote to the digital fatigue that had gripped society.

The on-site library may not rival the New York Public Library, but it’s well-stocked with literary classics, best-selling thrillers, and even some dog-eared cookbooks if one needs culinary inspiration. For those who get their kicks away from the written word, our trove of board games that included everything from Scrabble to Catan could make a grown-up weep happy tears of nostalgia. From "Monopoly", "UNO", "Sanskar," to the timeless favorites "LUDO & Snakes & Ladders" there was and is plenty to ensure evenings are spent hurling friendly insults over the game board, not fretting over Wi-Fi speeds and what shows to watch.

If business ventures were a game of charades, going tech-free during the COVID-19 pandemic would be the answer to every "most unlikely move" prop. Everyone was glued to their gadgets, trying to find solace and entertainment, which made the idea of a gadget-free space even more radical.

However, this unique approach piqued curiosity in a way I hadn't anticipated. Word began to spread that I wasn't merely selling a place to stay; I was offering a precious opportunity to escape the relentless buzzes, beeps, and dings that had come to dominate everyday life. It felt like a win when, parents and others saw this as a golden chance for children to experience a childhood like their own—full of outdoor play, imaginative games, and personal interactions. They envisioned a space where friendships could thrive without digital distractions and where family bonds could strengthen through shared experiences and quality time. Even the most avid social media fans found joy in life without constant digital noise, picked up new hobbies, rekindled old passions and created lasting memories.

Experiencing this beautiful blend of life was simply awe-inspiring. Both adults and children spent obligatory hours each day deeply immersed in their gadgets connecting with people worldwide, accessing a wealth of knowledge, and capturing precious moments. And once offline, they fully enjoyed the present, engaging in conversations and appreciating their surroundings. This coexistence of technology and an unplugged lifestyle created a captivating dynamic, highlighting the diverse ways people can experience and enjoy life.

Rabira's Nest, my dream, had become a reality. After months of hard work and challenges, I could hardly believe my vision was unfolding. This once-imaginary place was now a vibrant, bustling hub of warmth, creativity, and community. Every brick, piece of furniture, and decorative touch echoed the passion and dedication behind it.

Alright folks, it’s time to wrap up this riveting article!

But before go I would like to leave you with something I have learnt in my journey over the past 4 years: Those unwavering aspirations we often don't dare to pursue, due to all the noise around us telling us otherwise, actually serve as inner motivators, urging us to chase wild dreams and overcome obstacles. They're like twinkling stars of hope, showing that with a little elbow grease and a lot of caffeine, even the wildest dreams can come true!

Until next time, where I will write about my expansion to our glamping tents, "I say let's ninja-kick any obstacles & keep dreaming big !"