‘Walk from Shimla to Kasauli’
Khushwant Singh, author, A train to Pakistan

My favourite places for summer vacations were Goa and Kasauli, where I have a home. In my younger days I used to love taking long walks and skiing in the mountains. I have often walked from Shimla to Kasauli and from Kasauli to Kalka. But now, at the age of 92, I do not travel, and the only place I go to is Kasauli, where I enjoy reading and writing and sitting out in the garden. Friends often visit me. And of course I like my two scotches in the evening, sharp at 7.

I was not a good student and did not do well in my studies. I think students should not neglect extra curricular activities, like sports, hobbies and travel. They make a more rounded human being. During the time I was free, I used to play tennis or go for a walk, when I was more active. Now my idea of free time is to listen to some music and read and be with stimulating friends, preferably ladies.