Categories
Uncategorized

EXPO 2020


‘Connecting Minds and Creating the Future’ through sustainability, mobility and opportunity.#ThankstoExpo

We dreamed. We dared. We astonished!#EXPO2020

Today, Expo is celebrating 20 Million visitors. As an ardent and obsessed visitor with an uncountable number of visits to this amazing World fair, I would like to share my experiences and my list of top 10 pavilions. It’s been 171 days since Expo opened doors and I’m so excited that I have been a part of this incredible milestone.

While each of the 192 country pavilions offers unique experiences related to the country, there are plenty of other activities awaiting visitors, from dipping your toes in the Surreal waterfall and getting an aerial view of the entire Expo site from the Garden in the Sky, to engaging in sports and games at the Sports Arena and having some fun time at the Festival Garden or simply snap chat.

Expo is divided into three main districts or ‘petals’, equidistant from the heart of Expo, Al Wasl Plaza. Named Sustainability, Opportunity, and Mobility Districts, these are where you will find the bulk of the pavilions. The spaces between the petals are dedicated to two verdant parks – Jubilee and Al Forsan.

Top 5 Tips: How-What- Why?

  • Use metro – it will bring you to the main gate.  Dubai Metro’s Route 2020 runs straight to the Expo site. Drop off is right at the mouth of the site’s entrance, next to the Dubai Exhibition Centre, putting you directly in the path of Al Wasl Plaza, which is just a short stroll away. Frequency of the trains is approximately every two minutes.
  • There are also 203 buses, transporting Expo visitors from 18 stations across Dubai and key cities of the UAE. In addition, 15,000 taxis and limousines have been deployed across the city.You can catch the free RTA buses called Expo Riders that have been shuttling ticketholders to and from the site every day. Each of the colour-coded buses takes you to one of the three gates of Expo – Sustainability, Opportunity or Mobility District. Therefore, you won’t have to take the Expo bus or walk extra miles.
  • Bring a refillable bottle for water. Refill stations are available all around the expo site. The downside during the hot day is that water is not really cold.
  • All pavilions are open daily. According to the new timings that began from March 1, the country pavilions will receive visitors from 10am to 11pm. Visitors can still roam the site after 11pm. From Sunday to Thursday, Expo is open from 9am to 12am (the next day); and on Friday and Saturday, the site closes at 2am.
  • Use Smart Queue on Expo 2020 app to book the time slot for the more popular pavilions. If you are visiting on weekend or evening when it is very busy, prebook your vsitis to the biggest pavilions. You can download the app on mobile or book on the Expo site. You can prebook 10 smart queues a day. This especially goes for Japan, Alif, Russia, Egypt, Singapore, Morocco, UAE and other larger pavilions. Having smart queue booking will save you tons of time as you will be able to skip the queues. (Germany- No smart Queue)

TOP PAVILIONS

JAPAN-INTERACTIVE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Among the distinctive pavilions at the Expo venue is the Japan Pavilion, which is exhibiting under the main theme of “Where ideas meet.” The building’s white façade with its three-dimensional latticework is striking. Expressing the links between Japan and the Middle East, the motifs for the façade are the arabesque patterns of the Middle East, the asanoha (hemp leaf) patterns of Japan, and geometric Japanese origami. The water feature installed in front of the building reflects the façade and, by making use of the heat of vaporization, cools the breezes that pass through the building.

As you enter the pavilion, you will be given a smartphone where you will receive a set of instructions to follow. Once, you are done, you will be ushered into several rooms where you will be able to watch stunning presentations of Japan displaying its impressive accomplishments, and providing a look at the pillars and the core of why Japanese cultures are so unique. The exhibition is divided into six “scenes.”

Scenes 1 and 2 use cutting-edge technology to introduce the nature, culture, and history of Japan through impressive images and sounds.

Scene 3 uses miniatures incorporating mitate, a time-honored Japanese method in which one thing is represented via another, to represent 128 examples of solutions that have emerged out of the meeting of ideas in modern Japan. It is divided into Four sections- Space, Land, Sea, and City.

Scenes 4 and 5 in the second half of the exhibition present the global issues that Japan cannot solve alone, encouraging action and telling visitors that bringing together ideas from people with different backgrounds is linked to resolving the issues.

HUMAN-Red

SOCIAL-yellow

FOREST-Green

OCEAN-Blue

As the first step of taking action, it is possible to post issues and ideas for solutions on the JUNKAN online platform (described below) in Scene 6. The exhibition also features a display that communicates the outline and attractions of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai planned for 2025.

TOP HINT- Do not forget to log in at 8.55 am to the smart queue, coz the bookings are done before 9:15 am for the day.

SAUDI ARABIA-BEST PAVILION AWARD

Located in the Opportunity District, the second-largest pavilion has an environmental certification grade of Platinum LED. The Saudi Arabia pavilion won the award in the ‘large suites’ category. It also received honorary awards for best exterior design and best display. The pavilion had earlier won the Platinum Certificate in LEED by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It also holds three Guinness World Records for the largest interactive light floor, the longest interactive water curtain, and the largest interactive digital screen mirror.

The huge structure shaped like an open window has registered more than four million visits

The biggest draws are the world’s largest digital mirror screen, a waterfall that has visitors dart in and out, and a stunning escalator ride that takes people on an immersive journey past Saudi Arabia’s world heritage sites.

Once inside, you will be ushered up an escalator through small models of some stunning tourist sights around Saudi Arabia, and once at the top, you will see one of the best presentations on tourism you will ever see at the Expo.

The exterior of the Saudi Arabia pavilion features the largest in the world interactive mirror screen with around 8000 LED floor lights that illuminate into different multi-colored patterns. Those are reflected in the mirror. This impressive sight can be witnessed at night after dusk. Called “the window to the world”, prism-like Saudi Arabia’s pavilion invites visitors to get acquainted with the country’s rich past, breathtaking natural wonders, and promising future. Indeed, from the outside, the building looks like it is seeking the skies, and it does imply Saudi Arabia’s limitless ambitions. The exhibition hall features lots of impressive installations as well.

My favorite part was the huge waterfall right at the entrance of the pavilion and the outer screen.

GERMANY-SUSTAINABLE EDUTAINMENT

Study and play (or vice versa) at Campus Germany. Based in the Sustainability District, the Germany pavilion is an “edutainment”-based large-scale exhibition focusing on German innovations and solutions in the sustainability area. Germany pavilion is by far one of the most interactive ones where you can spend hours of learning about the latest innovations, play educational games, “swim” in a pit of 100 000 yellow balls pool, and finally, graduate from a little university on swings.

The overall exhibition is very well thought out, and the experience is personalized. It doesn’t come as a surprise that this pavilion is also one of the most popular. To get to the German pavilion you will have to queue for quite a bit. But the wait is worth it because even in the waiting line you will be kept busy with many informational boards and videos about different regions of Germany. There is also a dance instructor at the queues who keeps you entertained all through the waiting.

THE GRADUATION SWING CEREMONY

WOMEN’S PAVILLION: #BREAKTHEBIAS

“Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” 

Women make tremendous contributions to the world, yet many remain unknown or forgotten. The Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier at Expo 2020 challenges this imbalance by taking visitors on a journey through the remarkable achievements of women across the globe. The showcase underscores the principle that “When women thrive, all of humanity thrives”. The pavilion showcases the exceptional accomplishments of women, world-famous and unknown.

You can see the triumphs of women through history, discover the journeys women have taken to claim their equality and dive into the stories of the inspirational women shaping our future, and also Instagram your thoughts on and about women’s equality.

INDIA: MY PRIDE

4 floor massive pavilion of India invites you to get familiar with the country’s culture, heritage, technology, and space-related achievements. Those are the 4 main pillars of the exhibition. The India and US pavilions have registered more than a million visits each with people keen to see what the countries have on offer.

When night falls, the swiveling blocks of the India pavilion act as a movie screen on which the country’s heritage sites and colorful dance performances are displayed.

People try their best to copy challenging yoga postures demonstrated by instructors in a leafy zone on the ground floor. The pavilion reached more than a million visits last month.

The exposition is quite interactive and fun, with my favorite part being a massive LED room showcasing Indian culture and heritage via highlight videos. I spent there at least 30 minutes admiring colorful and dynamic scenes captured in different regions of India. The grandness of the screens and kaleidoscopic projections are simply mesmerizing.

Mangalyan-Yoga

 It showcases the best of what India has to offer, with a mix of themes including Ayurveda, yoga, a space program, and its rapidly expanding US$ 2.5 trillion economy. You’ll get the chance to learn about both India’s legacy and future and the possibilities that having a 1.3 billion-strong population brings. Expect film shows, conferences, cuisines, and daily cultural performances at this unmissable pavilion. 

RUSSIA’S COLOURFUL DOME

One of the pavilions that can’t go unnoticed is the multicolored dome-shaped Russian pavilion. To me, it looks like a spinning rainbow-colored Saturn. According to the architect himself, the two hemispheres that form the building actually embody planet Russia. Moreover, one dome sits inside the other which is a representation, well done if you guessed it, of traditional Russian Matryoshka (a chubby wooden doll which comes in a different size but looks exactly the same, and you can put them all inside each other). The building looks very cheerful and dynamic, though. Indeed, it is meant to represent constant movement and progressing development. At night, when all the lights come on, it looks like it is spinning. The structure of the pavilion is made out of colorful aluminum tubes which are bent to form the body of the building. The total length of the “threads” used is 46 KM! And the 6-color paint is added after to prevent aluminum from burning in the sun!

Inside, people snap photographs of a giant sculpture of the human brain that pulses and lights up to show the emotional and intelligence sections in neural networks.

Other crowd-pullers are large robotic arms that are part of a digital display of the power of technology.

UAE’S FALCON WINGS

No visit to Expo 2020 Dubai would be complete without visiting the UAE pavilion. The largest pavilion was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, who is also behind the iconic World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York City. From the outside, it has a striking white design complete with 28 movable wings. The slick and minimal interior features six different zones so there’s plenty to explore, including the Desert of dreams, which showcases a multi-sensory journey of change and Dreaming together, an immersive film about UAE values.  

wings during daytime

Visitors bend to touch mounds of sand when they enter as captivating visuals are beamed across the mini dunes. I was totally amazed by the final message — success stories of artists, scientists, and educators among Emiratis and residents told on digital screens under a sun-streaked steel roof embedded with Expo’s ring logo.

SWISS-SEA OF RED

Switzerland is up there when it comes to presentation. The reflective façade of the pavilion with a massive white cross on the red backdrop can be seen from afar. At the entrance, guests are handed red umbrellas with country-related white logotypes and letters. And while visitors are passing through the huge rectangular red carpet, their reflection in the huge mirror above looks like a sea of umbrellas. The main focus of the exhibition is to showcase the beauty of the country’s landscapes, inventiveness, and openness.

In one of the rooms, we had to walk through the fog which gives a sensation as you are walking through the misty Swiss Alps. Still in love with it!

BRAZIL’S COOL POOL

The Brazil pavilion has attracted more than 1.6 million visits and is popular with families.

Pools of ankle-deep water are a symbolic recreation of the Amazon basin and give people a chance to splash around — a welcome reprieve from soaring temperatures outside.

At night, visitors settle into numerous seats to watch the sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest beamed across the translucent membrane that makes up the pavilion’s outer structure.

SINGAPORE- ORCHID GARDEN

It’s hard to tell where nature begins and architecture ends when you look at the beautiful nature-inspired Singapore Pavilion. With the concept of sustainability in mind, the Singapore Pavilion is a showcase of the country’s urban innovations that seamlessly combine urban planning and nature together to create an immersive 3D greenery experience. The walking path will crisscross its way up the 9-meter tall Garden Cones while enjoying a multitude of orchid species Singapore is known for.

It is now or never before it is gone forever. You have only two days left to see the world in one place, at Expo 2020 Dubai, which concludes on March 31.

As the “world’s greatest show” enters its last countable days’ I urge you to make the most of it.

#ThankstoExpo for this wonderful wonderful opportunity.

you wanted to connect minds and create the future, bring people from all nations together, and celebrate humanity. It’s been 172 days since you opened your doors and we are so excited that we have been a part of this incredible milestone.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UAE.
SEE YOU EXPO AT OSAKA -JAPAN IN 2025

Categories
Africa

Magnificent Morocco-2


  • SAHARA DESERT
  • TODRA GORGES

Today let’s continue to explore the most talked-about destinations in Morocco.

Day-1: Marakkesh We reached Marakkesh by afternoon in the train-one of the easiest way of transport. Marakesh is one of the imperial cities of Morocco. We had our riad booked in the medina.

The medina was densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, with mazelike alleys where thriving souks sell traditional textiles, leather, pottery, and jewelry. We finally made our way into the riad. The host was very welcoming and offered a glass of orange juice on our arrival. After freshen up we went around to explore the medina. The Argan oil and all other natural oils are found abundantly in the narrow market áreas. Exploring the medina in the evening is a dream come true.

The huge market área Jema-El Fnaa turns into a live movie during the day it is predominantly occupied juice stalls, water sellers with traditional leather water-bags and brass cups, youths with chained Barbary and snake charmers. As the day progresses, the entertainment on offer changes: the snake charmers depart, and late in the day the square becomes more crowded, with dancing-boys,story-tellers (telling their tales in Berber or Arabic, to an audience of locals), magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines.

As darkness falls, the square fills with dozens of food-stalls as the number of people on the square peaks. This square has been under the UNESCO label to prevent the culture of the locals. The square ends at the Koutoubia Mosque. It is located in the southwest medina quarter of Marrakesh, near the famous public place of Jemaa el-Fna, and is flanked by large gardens.

After shopping for leather, brass, argan oil, and other products, it was past midnight before we could it call it a day and move towards the riad which was not more than 15 mins walk from the medina.

DAY 2: MARRAKECH—ATLAS MOUNTAINS—AIT BENHADDOU—OUARZAZATE– BOUMALNE DADES

Early morning we were picked up from our Riad. Then, we passed through the well-known pass of Tichka -2260 m-. In Tichka, we were surprised t to see snow-capped mountains on the scenic High Atlas Mountains peaks and charming Berber Villages. After the pictures break, we will arrive at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah; it is a UNESCO site and a stage for many western movies. The stop and the guide took us to this tour of Ait Bin Haddou, 

Like many ksars, Aït Benhaddou is built along with a water source, the Ounila River, which sprouts palm trees and other desert vegetation along its banks. Locals believe that Aït Benhaddou was founded in 757 C.E. by Ben-Haddou, whose tomb is supposedly behind the city. But historians say it’s unlikely any of the buildings in the city are older than the 1700s.

Many movies have been shot here: Sodom And Gomorrah (1963)Oedipus Rex (1967)The Man Who Would Be King (film) (1975)The Message (1976)Jesus of Nazareth (1977)Time Bandits (1981)Marco Polo (1982)The Jewel of the Nile (1985) The Living Daylights (1987)The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)The Sheltering Sky (1990)Kundun (1997)The Mummy (1999)Gladiator (2000) Alexander (2004)Kingdom of Heaven (2005)Babel (2006)One Night with the King (2006)Prince of Persia (2010)Son of God (film) (2014)Queen of the Desert (film) (2015) and the infamous Game of Thrones- Deyneres Hometown.You will not believe that there is a site where you can spot all the movies shot here!

We climbed to the very top of the ksar which has a fortress that inhabitants could retreat as a last resort. The view from the fortress at the top is a spectacular panorama of the desert around the ksar. Stunning scenery indeed❤️

  • THE TOP FORTRESS

After exploring the miraculous structure, I was tired and couldn’t walk more. We relaxed at a restaurant and tasted the local cuisine- Tajine. Moroccan tajine dishes are slow-cooked savory stews, typically made with sliced meat, poultry or fish together with vegetables or fruit. Spices, nuts, and dried fruits are also used.

Our next filmy destination was Quarzazate. Ouarzazate is a city south of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert. Its huge Taourirt Kasbah, home to a 19th-century palace, has views over the rugged local landscape, which features in several movies.

Over the years, Ouarzazate has served as a shooting location for Alexander the Great, Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven, Babel, The Mummy (1999), Star Wars (1977), The Living Daylights (1987), Martin Scorsese’s Kundun (1997), and many others, including Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator (2000), starring Russell Crowe, and Body of Lies (2008) also starring Russell Crowe along with Leonardo DiCaprio.After visiting the Atlas Studio, Tifoultoute Kasbah, and Taourirt Kasbah, we moved on to Agdez a beautiful village where you spent the night and had a delicious dinner at the riad. After dinner, we were amazed by the local music and dance. The hospitality by the locals in such a scenic beautiful place was simply superb! What a day!!!

DAY 3:  GORGES DADES—TODRA GORGES–ERFOUD—MERZOUGA   Early morning we had a magnificent view of the gorges Dades driving on the hairpin bends. Later we visited a Berber village enjoying the local cuisine and locally woven carpets.

Our next destination was Todra Gorges- a series of limestone river canyons, or wadi, in the eastern part of Tinerhir. Both the Todra and neighboring Dades Rivers are responsible for carving out these deep cliff-sided canyons, on their final 40 kilometers through the mountains. After taking a walk through the hillsides of Tinghir, a narrow valley with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it. We drove through the landscape of this beautiful area from Tinghir to the remarkable dunes Merzouga.

The beauty of the Sahara Desert was remarkable. We were welcomed with orange drinks at our tents where we were going to spend the night. Later, the dream ride through the dunes to the Camp watching the spectacular sunset over the dunes. With great pleasure we came back to the camp to enjoy the delicious dinner under the desert sky, nightlife with traditional Moroccan music, will kept us entertained all night in the Erg Chebbi Dunes in the Sahara Desert.

DAY 4: MERZOUGA- RISSANI- MEDILT- IFRAN- FES

The next morning again was filmy, we woke up 5.30 to watch the spectacular sunrise, and enjoy a delicious healthy breakfast outside the camp. We got back into our van to head out on another scenic long drive to Fes with intermediate stops at intervals. Crossing the mountains of the Middle Atlas, where Cedar trees typically only grow at over 1600- 1700m. Also, we took a short break to observe the wildlife and enjoy the splendor nature, as well as a break for lunch at a Berber village, most of the way was spent winding our way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages.

Fes- we had come back to the starting point. Reluctantly, we had to leave this wonderland. You can read the first edition of Morocco in my previous post.http://trekkingtheworlds.com/2020/06/07/magnificent-morocco-1-the-pearl-of-the-west/

Last five days I had witnessed a spectacular natural environment and rural landscapes of the south of Marrakesh. We had crossed beautiful river valleys, had seen fascinating historical sites, and slept in an authentic camp under the stars. I was a living example to have experienced all the wonders of nature in such a short tenure- Snow, river, Atlas mountains, Sahara Desert!

Morocco- Aren’t you heaven on Earth!

Categories
Africa

Magnificent Morocco-1: The Pearl of the west!


  • CASABLANCA
  • CHEFCHAOUEN

Aww, Maghrebi! Who can withstand the gravitas of one of Maghreb countries, the others being Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Tunisia, and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. This country flaunts diversity from the largest desert in the world- Sahara to the highest mountains- Atlas. The Todra Gorges and spectacular seashore filled with smiling Berbers around. Lo…Love you Morocco!

Casablanca- Tangier- Chefchouen-Fez

Come join me to explore the beautiful pearl. I began my journey at Casablanca. How many of us have related ourselves to the old classic movie- Casablanca, have tried the dialogues on our missed loved ones. Here is a chance to watch the recreated Rick’s Café, the famous café in the movie.

We were staying at the medina youth hostel which was close to the casa- the main train station and trams are available often. After a quick breakfast at the hostel, we walked to the Hassan V mosque, around a kilometer from Casa. The mosque is a world heritage monument that can be seen from KMS away and a tranquil and a peaceful place. It took seven years and 10,000 craftsmen to construct the Hassan II Mosque, but the result is a modern and massive tribute to the former King of Morocco that beautifully blends traditional Moorish architecture with the 20th-century innovation and equipment.

Although it is only the 7th largest mosque in the world, Hassan II claims the title of having the largest minaret in the world. Capped with a spotlight that shines east towards Mecca, the minaret is 700-feet tall, towering above the Atlantic Ocean. Almost lighthouse-like in its position, it is also built directly on the Atlantic Ocean on reclaimed land, which was done with intention by the architect to recall a verse of the Qur’an stating that “the throne of Allah was built on water.”

The final construction took 2,500 men working around the clock. Besides the mosque’s intricate beauty and incredible size, it was also built with modern concerns in mind. The mosque can withstand earthquakes and also features a sliding roof and a heated floor. The intricate designs on the innumerable pillars and the drinking water taps, facades attract everyone.

  • INTRICATE DESIGNS
  • EVEN THE DOORS ARE SUPERBLY WOVEN

The journey in and around the mosque is a destination by itself with lovely views around and the calm atmosphere.

By afternoon, we were hungry and walked towards Rick’s Café. The café had numerous options in both veg and non-veg and the taste of Volubila wine along with French fries was mouth-watering. I went around clicking pictures of the scenes recreated from the movie and had a sumptuous filmy lunch.

Took an evening stroll towards the Marina Shopping mall, bought stuff from GEMS and other outlets.

  • TICKET TO BLUE PEARL

The next morning, we took a train to tangier from the casa port. Our next destination was the Blue Pearl of the East- Chefchaouen is a delightful, small city in a glorious setting. Chefchaouen is often called the “Blue City” as the buildings are painted white with much deep blue paint being used on doors, windows, and decorative features. It is a calm city with a gentle and slow pace of life. The city is located amongst the high peaked and rolling Rif mountains where meadows, woodland, and farmland are all to be seen on the lower slopes. Chefchaouen is located about 60 km South of Titouan, in the northwest of Morocco.

The area round about is ideal for all levels of hiking and outdoor activities. Chefchaouen’s blue walls are a popular subject of interest. There are several theories as to why the walls were painted blue. One popular theory is that the blue keeps mosquitoes away. The blue is said to symbolize the sky and heaven and serve as a reminder to lead a spiritual life.[7] However, according to some locals, the walls were mandated to be painted blue simply to attract tourists at some point in the 1970s.

We reached the hill station at about 11 in the morning. The journey is uphill and the main square is the final stop for all taxis. But, be mindful that your riad is not at the square. You need to carry your luggage and climb the narrow steps to reach the place. After reaching our riad we freshened up and started to explore the small hilltop village. The uphill and downhill lanes are blue and a feast to any body’s eyes. They are picturesque, postcards, and is a fairy tale story.

After enjoying the blue pearl we moved to the small stream that is at the end of the city wall. The whole village is a city wall and is covered and protected well. At the moment tourists throng to the village for its beauty and each instagrammable lanes.

After spending a peaceful night we continued our journey towards Fez. The imperial cities of Morocco are the four historical capital cities of Morocco: Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes, and Rabat. 

You cannot imagine the well-knitted bus service, the markets, and all the shops that are open to selling the handicrafts and leather items. The leather tannery is a famous industry on which the locals thrive upon. 

A little imagination goes a long way in Fes.” I will take you through the lanes of Fez- Merzouqa- Tondra gorges- Sahara Desert- Marakkesh in the next edition…

Fes- the main entrance

Till then hang on…explore with me and please be with me to enjoy the excitement of morocco!

Categories
Europe

Surreal Spain!

SAGRADA FAMILIA
DCIM100GOPROGOPR0553.JPG

  • Sagrada Familia
  • Inspired from Barcelona
  • Money Heist

Most of us would have dreamt of visiting Spain right through our childhood days. Spain has a lot many reasons and attractions to call all the travel lovers around the world. The Bullring, the Sagrada familia, the flamenco, Al Hambra Palace and the Netflix rage- Money Heist. Today, it is disheartening to see the news headlines showing the tally chart of the barbaric corona virus engulfing the country .

I relished on the opportunity of visiting this beautiful country on the lines of Zindagi Na Milagi Dobara- a road trip. A journey to celebrate our flaws and an inner journey of the soul.

Day -1 BARCELONA

  • Placa de Espana
  • Sagrada Familia
  • Monument a Colom
Our day began from Placa de Espana, reached via bus from the airport. From there we headed  towards the Sagrada Familia- the Basilica and Expiatory church of the holy family designed by Antoni Gaudi(1852-1926)which is still under fine construction to be completed by 2026. Later on, the Christopher Columbus monument at the end of La Rambla- in honour of his quest to the Americas. our journey next was onto the large hill to visit the main stadium of Olympics. The long walk in the evening at La Rambla -shopping street to Placa de Catalunya was worth living for.
  • Camp Nou
  • Estadi Olimpic Liuis Companys
Day-2 :VALENCIA & ALICANTE
  • Modernmise Plaza of the City Hall
  • Valencia Cathedral
  • Valencia City Gates
  • Valencia Autumn in vogue
  • Alicante
  • Christmas Scene in Alicante
As we devour the juicy oranges of Valencia,Alicante is famous for its wonderful palm tree flanked boulevards and shopping streets. The  “City of Light”- Costa Blanca has stunning beaches, huge plazas, wonderful parks and lots of adventure as well as great weather. Did you say night life,yes!!! any time at Alicante!!

DAY -3:GRANADA- ALHAMBRA PALACE & MALAGA CHRISTMAS SHOW
  • the general Life
  • “Cuarto de los Leones” (Chamber of the Lions)
  •  “Puerta de la Justicia” (Gate of Justice)
Granada is on the plateau of Andulasia province.This historic city was ruled by the Visigoths and the Arabs. The Al Hambra Palace originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 was renovated and rebuilt in 13th C by the Moorish emperor Mohammed bin Al Ahmer of the Emirate of Granada. It was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf 1. Later in 1492,the site became the Royal court of Ferdinand and Isabella.
The World Heritage site has two main areas- The general Life- full of greenery and the Main  Nasrid palace.
PS- While booking the ticket be careful of the timing as they are very strict regarding the entry into the palace.
BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE
DAY-4 RONDA

Ronda is spell charming beauty. A mountaintop city in Spain’s Malaga province that’s set dramatically above a deep gorge. This gorge (El Tajo) separates the city’s circa-15th-century new town from its old town, dating to Moorish rule. Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge spanning the gorge, has a lookout offering views, which was earlier used as a prison. New town’s Plaza de Toros, a legendary 18th-century bullring, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, never to miss.

  • Puente Nuevo-the stone bridge
  • El tajo- the gorge

You can get into the bull ring by buying tickets or you can go up the hotel top floor to get an aerial view of the complete ring.

  • Pedro Romero-the famous bull fighter
  • Narrow alleys of Ronda
  • Ronda- bull ring

DAY 5- SEVILLE

Seville -Zindagi na Milagi Dobara- flamenco dance-Seville cathedral & the Spanish Square and Paella with Sangriya…

  • The main square
  • Seville Cathedral
  • Segway Tours

One can have a wonderful time, going around the maze city and enjoy all the delicacies and visual treats the city has to offer. The Alcazar castle and the piazza Di Spagna is surely going to take your breath away!

  • Seville Cathedral
  • Sangriya
  • veg Paella

May good health envelop you Spain, spurring a quick recovery.

Love you lots…get well soon,We miss you!

Categories
Uncategorized

Lost in Ladakh!


A photo story of a solo tripper lost in the beauties of old treasures and a rich vibrant culture, with the landscapes stretching from the green fertile lands of Kargil in the west to the highest desert of the world to the east. Ladakh is a land full of mystique and magic, watered by rivers Indus, Zanskar and Suru continues to fascinate everyone,everytime. Now the beautiful patch has turned into a territory.
#solotripper#travelasifthereisnotomorrow#thrillophilia#Camping#magical#travelmore#change#salutesoldiers#indiamypride#lovemyindia#colddesert

Day -1

The moment I landed in the airport with all the pre knowledge and feedback from media and friends, Ladakh looked quite calm and had convoys and military men around every nook and corner of the airport. Being a small airport the check out was very easy and quick.The driver was waiting at the exit and within 10 minutes transported me to the home stay- Zik Zik.

Day-1 Shantistupa & Leh Palace.

Shanti Stupa- situated at a hill top in Changspa village provides a bird’s eye view of the Leh town. .Architecturally it has the Japanese touch with small clean rooms on the side for mediators and the main Japanese shrine at the entrance. The views and pictures ideally comes out brilliant at this spot.

Leh Palace: The Palace overlooks Leh town and is modeled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Leh Palace is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated the royal family, the stables and store rooms were in the lower floors. The palace, a ruin, is currently being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India. There are Chinese Thangka or sooth paintings which are more than 450 years old but still look new. You need to exert and climb up to the top . Cameras are allowed everywhere. By evening you would have acclimatized to the weather and will be able to breathe with little ease.

  • The wonderful hall of Fame
  • Salute the soldiers
  • My country#India
  • Our Hereos
  • Zanskar and Indus River Confluence
  • Mera Bharat Mahaan

DAY-2

Morning after breakfast we advanced towards confluence of the Zanskar- Indus Rivers -on the way to Sham Valley before Nimu village one can have this magnificent view of two rivers in wedlock! In seasons they have different colors and flow and wildness. The white water rafting is a plus and a must do. The movement then was towards the ever intriguing Magnetic hill, where you can witness the unusual phenomenon of your car sliding uphill on neuter gear. ( It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up-hill although some believe it’s only an optical illusion) Ladakh Hall of Fame: A museum constructed by the Indian Army filled with war memorabilia, martyr biographies & busts, images and weapons used during the Kargil war and other battles fought in Ladakh. Also on display are belongings of the enemy soldiers found at war site.This I must saw is a must must watch for anybody and it’s worth it.You need to buy the tickets for yourself and your camera but I recommend this museum. I was in tears when I came out of teh museum after reading the letters written by soldiers to their parents. Admire their sacrifice to the country and love!

SECMOL: Rancho School. This school became famous after the Aamir Khan’s movie Three Idiots. The wall with painting about the three Idiots movie is the most popular spot for the tourist. No teacher in the school and still the best school in the world. You also get to enjoy food and drinks at the small cafe.

DAy-3

This day was the most awaited day in the history of last six months.We always wonder the beauties of the world little do we know that we have a magnificent beauty lying right next to us. I was so humbled and carried away by the mighty Himalayas and its beauty,The narrow dangerous roads carrying us to the mighty Khardungla Pass- The highest point in the world. I’m amazed and was up above the ninth cloud,enjoying the beauty of nature and her gifts to mortal men.

The Hunder has the white sand dunes in and the a ride of the exotic double humped camel. If you love to have adrenaline pump go high try the quad-bike at the famous Bhag Milka Bhag scene. Very memorable. The night stay in those tents were amusing, though the fear of animals and creepers were bogging me down and the cold was sending a spine chilling effect,I enjoyed the stay with hot tea and unforgettable hospitality of the locals.

DAY-4

Morning after sumptous paratha and pickles we drove to Pangong Lake-the highest salt water lake where many movie buffs have taken shots , on the Indo China border. The main attraction of this circuit is the Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 M). A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometers at its widest point to which foreigners are permitted, is only some seven km along the southern shore from the head of the lake, but it affords spectacular views of the mountains of the Chang Chenmo range to the north, their reflection shimmering in the ever-changing blues and greens of the lakes brackish water. Above Spangmik are the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Pangong range. You will keep wondering if its a dream or a reality untill the cold winds blow you to the earth. You will not believe that these areas get just 1.5 hrs of electricity supply in a day and they finish all their cooking at that time. Drinking water is a major scarcity.

DAY-5

After spending a night besides Pangong Lake,and taking all our cherished memories we drove back to leh passing Chang La pass, this again is the most beautiful hill top at about elevation 5,360 m or 17,590 ft (second highest motorable pass in the world). I enjoyed every bit of snow. Are we really talking of Kailash Parbat or is it just a fairy tale? Wow!!! That was a life time experience!

Thiksey Gompa: Situated 19 Kms from Leh and spectacularly placed atop a mountain in the middle of Thiksey village. Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas in Ladakh and is inspired from Potala palace in Lhasa. There are several temples in this Gompa, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, religious texts and the largest statue of Buddha is here. After enjoying the blessed views we moved on to the Shey Palace, Situated on a hillock 15 Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family and the summer capital of Ladakh. A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, plated with gold is installed here. At the entrance below, a small market of antiques will surely pull you towards it. After reaching Leh at night we called it a day and crushed on the bed. I had taken a shower after 4 long tiring but still cherishing days.

DAY-6

SECMOL School visit was an eye opener to me. The students are made to choose their skill and work on it. It was amazing to see volunteers from all over the world trying to hold hands and work on this project. After SECMOL we had a sumptous meal at the local house and hospitality was fabulous.

Whatever said and done, Love you Ladakh-for what you are and what you offer to the world. The mighty Himalayas and your New Territory now ,no doubt will attract more and more tourists to you! Always mesmerizing! you truly rock my rock!!!

with lots of love to you -Ladakh and more!!!
Categories
Africa

Zingy Zanzibar!


Welcome to Zanzibar

Are you up for a Sea Safari plus a jungle safari with a lot of white sand and surf?  Well, Absolutely, you are in for a trip to Zanzibar- an island archipelago on the shores of Indian Ocean. 
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja and Pemba Island. The capital is Zanzibar City, on the island of Unguja. The only probably the smallest airport is the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. The transfer rates are fixed, In fact, there is a board in the lobby denoting the prices to the designated areas unless you are picked by the hotel staff.

  • The Airport
  • The cute little aircraft

Why Visit Zanzibar?

Zanzibar has a rich diverse nature a great combination of Sea, Jungles and UNESCO protected Stone Town.

  • Kizamkazi Dolphin Beach…Here I come

Do I need a Visa?

https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa

Please check them and if you need one you can always apply. It’s super easy and less of formalities.

You can divide the days based on your preferences and choices, the must-see attractions are;

  • Day 1: Kizamkazi Dolphin Beach & Jozani Forest ( South Coast)
  • Day 2: Stone Town, Spice Tour (Kizambani) & Prison Island ( Main City)
  • Day 3: Blue Safari Tour ( East Coast)
  • Day 4: Nungwi Beach and Water Sports ( North Coast)

Where do I stay?

You can have a range of choice from dormitory to luxury beach resorts according to your budget. However, all hotels are pocket-friendly and the hosts are amazingly good to guests. I had booked a lodge in Bububu maybe 5 minutes from Stone Town. There were Dala Dalas operating from the main road close to the lodge to Stone Town regularly for very less price.

How do I book Activities and transports?

Some hotels do provide transport to activity sites. You will have to pay the transportation depending on your choice of Group or private transfers. Ideally, if you are staying in Stone Town/ Bububu then the transportation to the South coast will be around 65 USD. North coast also should be around teh same. For Spice tour ( Kizambani) should be complementary and to stone, town will not be less than 10 USD.

For activities it varies how you bargain:

  • Dolphin Watch- 20 USD
  • Prison Island- 10 USD
  • Spice Tour- 5 USD
  • Stone Town- 10 USD
  • Jozani Forest- 8 USD
  • On the search
  • here they are…
  • Take me with you to the deeper seas

Day -1

Get ready for major tanning and loads of fun on the speed boat which transports you from the southern coast to the interior bay area of Dolphins. Dolphins are human loving creatures and they try to come near the boat. They come out of the water mainly during sunrise and close to sunset when the temperature is low and cool. You will love to see them twirl and twist and move around trying to compete with you. You can wear those paddles and the mask to dive into the water and enjoy the company of heavenly bodies.

The activity is of 3-4 hours depending on your choice and the intensity of sun you can bear( would suggest being there early in the mornings or late evenings.

Once you reach back the shore after bidding goodbye to your dear new pets. Your hunger shows up and there are enough restaurants to cater to your cravings. I went on a fruit diet and the fruits were pretty cheap and fresh Avocados, mangoes, bananas, pineapple, and tender coconuts are found on the footpaths all through your journey.

  • Jozani Forest
  • On the Forest Trail
  • The thick main forest
  • Its a rainy afternoon though
  • Join me to the mangrovees

Next, our destination was the Jozani National Park. After buying  entry tickets, you have three options

  • Jozani Main Forest.
  • Mangrove Forest & Swamp
  • Red colobus monkey area.
  • Wow..to the dark deep forest
  • The Indian Ocean
  • How about spending some more time here
  • A lovely place to stay

This forest is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the world of the red colobus monkey.

The forest is 2,512 hectares (6,207 acres) in size and was declared a nature reserve in the 1960’s. Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well-trained and informative. A walk through this impressive flora and fauna is one of the highlights Zanzibar has to offer.

You will love each and every minute spent watching and experiencing the flora and fauna of this forest. As it was raining, the forest looked greener and rich.

After a day filled with diverse activities in nature, we limped back to the lodge tired.

Day -2

The Kizambani  Spice tour is something you shouldn’t miss. The spice tour takes you on real spice trees of  cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, turmeric, garlic, ginger, chilies and many other spices which are the essential ingredient in a Zanzibari’s everyday life, it is the island’s connection to spices and herbs. Zanzibar and Spice is a romantic entanglement that dates back to the 16th century. Apart from being an important commodity on the trade routes, this was the main attraction for Portuguese to colonize these countries. Some rare plants like henna, perfume tree, and lipstick tree are used for their value in preparing cosmetics.

You will be gifted with a handmade crown and chain by the guides here. You can also buy perfumes/ spices sold authentic from the farm.

  • St.Joseph’s Cathedral
  • The special doorways
  • The entrance to Hamamni Baths

From there, we started off to City Tour of Stone town. Steeped in history, Stone Town in Zanzibar was once the biggest business center of East Africa. In it’s earlier days it was the hub for trading ivory, spices and slaves. Power has changed hands many times over the years; the Portuguese, Arabs, Sultans of Oman and English have all had their influence on this unique and fascinating town which has created an incredible mix of architecture and culture. It is a fascinating look into the history and culture that has shaped this island and is something that should not be missed.UNESCO protected site.

  • The Indian doorway
  • The Arabic Doorway
  • Being Tolerant
  1. Anglican Cathedral built on the former slave market, the house of the famous slave trader (Tip Tip house)-Must Visit!
  2. St.Joseph’s Cathedral
  3. The temple
  4. Hamamni Bath
  5. Darajani market (fish and fruits market)
  6. the Old Portuguese Fort
  7. the house of wonders (Zanzibar National Museum of History & Culture)
  8. Home of world famous musician, Freddy Mercury.
  9. Farodhani Gardens
  10. The beautifully carved doorways in Arabic/portugese and Indian Art.

After enjoying a sumptuous lunch at Farodhani restaurant we moved on to the most exciting part of the day sunset at Prison Island/Changua Island. Not far from the city is the island used as a prison for rebellious slaves in 1860s and also functioned as a coal mine. You can witness a wonderful collection of tortoises and peacocks moving around without any fear. The slave ruins which has a rich history of African slaves is worth visit. After wandering around the island and getting mesmerized on the boardwalk- the world-famous UNESCO site. You will immerse in the beauty of the sunset as the world passes by.

Day -3

 A safari blue is parked with an adventure which takes place at Menai Bay. Menai Bay is scattered with isolated sandbanks, rugged island scenery, uninhabited islets, pristine marine life and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It contains extensive tropical fish species, seagrasses, coral reefs and several small islets supporting mangrove forest. The area also has diving and snorkeling sites which offer underwater cliffs, wrecks, canyons, caves, and spectacular reefs. The aquatic life within these waters is often very prolific and one usually sees moray eels, scorpion fish, lion fish, large grouper, octopus, lobsters, rays and, occasionally, and manta rays and dolphins. The Safari Blue Activities includes sail, snorkel, swim, sunbathe, explore, feast and see.

Day -4

 Nungwi beach is Zanzibar’s most popular tourist destination, nicknamed ‘Jambo Square’ thanks to the relatively recent boom in foreign visitors.

Some beaches radiate light even after sunset and this beach has such fine white sand and picturesque landscape that there is no bidding bye to this island.

There are plenty of water sports Jet skiing, diving, parasailing snorkeling, Deep sea fishing, Scuba Diving, surfing and skim boarding.

What a day what an experience!!


Totally Zanzibar is -Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books!!

Categories
Uncategorized

Dear Darjeeling!


A photo story of the paradise on Earth, the Queen of Hills and Perfect picture spots!!! Was blessed to witness the beauty of nature and all I could do was to thank the almighty for giving me an opportunity to bask in his glorious wonder!

My most amazing moment was the 3.45 a.m trip to Tiger Hill. Located at the highest point in Darjeeling area, Tiger Hill is best known for the dazzling sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga and the snow-covered peaks of the entire eastern Himalayan range. We were so lucky on that day ( 24th Dec 2018) we could even see the Mount Everest from there. Tiger Hill is located 11kms from the Darjeeling Town and takes about 40 minutes to reach by car and an observatory is being made there.

Coffee and Tea are available for a small price but be prepared for traffic jams while getting down the hill.

The Tiger Hill

Finally, I made it.

2. BATASIA LOOP

While you are still basking in the glory of the sunrise you end up at the outskirts of a deep gradient -Bastasia loop. Batasia means airy space. the As you stand on one side of the garden and see the toy train making a complete loop while hooting its whistle along the way and trying to negotiate the spiral track with a double loop, it’s a fabulous experience. The war memorial is at the center and you have a lot of market space and even Ghorkha attire to try on. A picture with the Himalayan background should say is a must!

3.GHOOM MONASTERY

Located below Ghoom railway station, is the Yiga Choeling Monastery or the Ghoom Monastery ( cross the railway lines) built by the monk and a famous astrologer Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1850. One of the key attractions inside the monastery is the 15-foot model of the Lord Buddha which is known as The Maitreya Buddha or the Gyalwa Shampa which means the Buddha of the future or the Coming Buddha. 

4. PADMAJA NAIDU ZOO

If you are looking for a specialized Zoo in the country internationally recognized for its conservation breeding programmes of Red Panda, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf and other highly endangered animal species of Eastern Himalayas, then you are right on dot at the zoo. here, you can try Ghorkha costumes and click pictures. You will have plenty of time to communicate with rare animals and white peacocks.

5. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center 

This center was established on October 2nd, 1959 for rehabilitation of Tibetans who followed Dalai Lama and escaped their homeland during the period of mayhem. In order to sustain a living, they adopted the principle of self-help. The center is located on a hilltop that can be approached from the Lebong Cart Road. You can see Tibetan men and women making exquisite handcrafted items like woolen carpets, shawls, carved wooden crafts, leather items and more. There is an outlet at the center from where you can buy these items.   This place emotionally takes you to another world of hope.

6. TEA GARDENS

While getting down from the Tibetian colony one gets mesmerized by the beauty of the tea gardens -the lush green garden from the sky to the earth with the white snow-capped background is an ideal dreamland. In addition to the beauty, you also get to sip a fresh hot cup of tea- the choice is yours! Green/black or milk tea. How can I possibly describe the feeling? It’s just surreal!

7. ROPEWAY

Ropeway is one of the major attractions of Darjeeling but unfortunately, during the time of our visit, we couldn’t experience the splendor due to technical issues.


8.Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda 

The next jewel not to miss after the summer, the resort is a wonderful area that is symbolic of peace and tranquility. Located in the Jalapahar hill, the Japanese Temple is built in traditional Japanese style where you can join the prayers and feel the spiritual peace amongst humming and chants. Close to it is the Peace Pagoda where there are four large avatars of Lord Buddha. The view from the top is magnificent. You can see the snow peak range from here including the Kanchenjunga.  I recommend it as must visit!

9. UNESCO RAILWAY TRAIN- TOY TRAIN

Are you interested in retracing the journey of Mark Twain who traveled on the train in 1895, and this what he had to say: “The most enjoyable day I have spent on earth mixed ecstasy of deadly fright and unimaginable joy.”
The marvelous track passes through 14 stations, over 500 bridges and forms incredible loops and ‘z’ reverses that make one reflect on the sheer genius behind the planning of the railway. UNESCO has laid down very specific criteria for inclusion of a historical monument into the list and it is not surprising that Darjeeling Himalayan railways fulfilled them all. Isn’t it surprising to travel on the train take a stop at Ghoom station which is at high altitude and then take a short break at Batasia Loop to savor the snow-capped mountains . It’s worth living for! To take the breath away!!!

10. MIRIK- A fairy tale!

Mirik is 1767 meters above the sea level and has charming weather throughout the year. About half the route is through the Nepal border and almost the entire route is through forests of Pine, fir and chestnut oak forest. The beautiful road passes through small hamlets of Sukiapokhari, Pashupati,  and Simana. The lake Samendu popularly known as Mirik lake is about 1.25 km long and a 3.5 km road surrounds the lake. At the backdrop of the lake, you will get an idyllic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the green luster of Oak, Chestnut, and Maple. Boating in this lake placid is a must to soothe the soul of a weary traveler. A stroll around the lake is highly recommended. You can also go for a horse ride around the lake.
About 8 km south of Mirik towards Siliguri is the Tingling viewpoint. From here you can view the tea gardens carpeted tea plantation. Many of the best tea garden pictures you will see online is taken here. The viewpoint is surrounded by three tea gardens. One can get a sweeping view of the plains as well as the snow capped mountains from this viewpoint. The sunrise and sunset from here is a visual delight.  What is life if you haven’t witnessed or appreciated the wonder of nature!!!


When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love, to appreciate the gifts of nature which takes my breath away!Love you Darjeeling!!!XOXO

Categories
Uncategorized

BLISSFUL BHUTAN!


Happiness is a place…says all the taglines leading to this super scenic snowing land. The land of thunder dragon welcomes you with open arms! Come, let’s explore the secrets to the fountain of bliss.  Let’s find out why people call this land the- Happiness place despite modern amenities and technological advance.


Happiness is a place…says all the taglines leading to this super scenic snowing land. The land of thunder dragon welcomes you with open arms! Come, let’s explore the secrets to the fountain of bliss. Let’s find out why people call this land the Happiness place despite modern amenities and technological advance.

Where is Bhutan? 

Bhutan is a small, isolated Buddhist kingdom located in the eastern Himalaya. It is bordered by Tibet to the north and by India to the south, east and west. Bhutan has a population of only 750,000. The two main religions in Bhutan are Vajrayana Buddhism, followed by nearly 75% of the population, and Hinduism. The main languages in Bhutan are Dzongkha, a language in the Tibetan family, Tshangla, Nepali, and English.


How to reach Bhutan?

Bhutan can be reached by flight/road. There are flights to Paro, Bhutan from Bangkok, Kolkata, New Delhi, Guhawati, Singapore, Bagdogra, and Dhaka.
There are only 2 airlines that fly to Bhutan, Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. It is also possible to enter (or exit) Bhutan overland from India. There are 3 international border crossings that you can use to enter Bhutan from. The most common overland route is through the town of Phuentsoling, located along the border of West Bengal, India in southwest Bhutan. This is near to Bagdogra Airport. Usually, your trip starts from here or from New Jaipalguri Railway station. From the airport, you are taken to Phuentsholing via Jaigaon(4 hrs approximately).
The other 2 lesser used overland entry points to Bhutan are located in Samdrup Jongkhar in southeastern Bhutan and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan So finally we landed at the Bhutan gate of Phuentsholing. We have to get our Bhutan visa and vehicle permit here. It takes some time to get the paperwork ready.

When to go to Bhutan?

Spring (March- April-May) is the favorite time to visit Bhutan. Nature lovers who are keen on local flora should consider visiting Bhutan end of April or in May. Flowers would be in full bloom then.
October is also considered to be a peak season for attending festivals.
Winter (December, January & February) is specific to catch the Black-Necked Cranes, Himalayan blue sky without paying the additional tariff, snow clad mountains and playing in the Dochula pass with snow consider visiting Bhutan in December. The temperature will not be too cold yet as lowest temperature usually takes places near the end of January.

Who needs the visa to enter Bhutan?

The permit
  1. Every visitors to Bhutan requires a tourist visa. The exceptions are India and Bangladesh passports holders.
  2. Visas are only issued to tourists who booked tour packages with local tour operators, directly or through a foreign travel agent.
  3. Al tourists have to go through biometrics in the immigration office.
  4. Visa is issued by Tourism Council of Bhutan in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Day 1- Phuentsholing( Altitude-300m)

So, the last week of Dec 2018, on a snowing rainy day we were at Phuentsholing, immigration office for our permit/visa. The roads are narrow with plenty of shops selling vegetables and groceries. You can also find a great collection of vegetables and fish at a separate market near the bridge. The chief tourist attractions of Phuentsholing are Amo Chuu, the Crocodile Breeding Center, Chukha Hydrothermal Project, the gate at the border (called Bhutan Gate), immigration center( a must visit) and Karbandi Monastery.

The natural beauty of Phuentsholing forcefully captivates you. It is the perfect place to visit for those people who love nature and want to remain in solitude. This town is an amazing mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of the mingling of people and their culture.
After getting our permits done we walked to Zangtho Pelri- a small temple representing the Heaven of Guru- Rinpoche.

Day-2 Thimphu ( Altitude- 2320 m)

Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs, and shopping centers, however, it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization. Thimphu is one of the few towns in Bhutan that have been equipped with ATM banking facilities and is a good place to stock up on some currency. One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Instead, a few major intersections shave policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary and just immerse themselves in the lifestyle of contemporary Bhutanese.

Major attractions:
• Memorial Chorten/Thimphu Chorten- built in 1974 to honor the third king of His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972) popularly known as Father of modern Bhutan. (Entrance Fees-300 BTN)

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang)-It holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and gilded in gold.

Changangkha Lhakhang: This temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town. Local parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessing from the protector deity ‘Tamdrin’

Takin Preserve. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kuenley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. (Entrance Fees-50 BTN)

    Trashichhoe dzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. This is one of the most impressive buildings situated along the right flank of the Thimphu river built in 1641.
    BBS Tower/Sangayang- There’s a wonderful view of Thimphu valley from the hillside below the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) tower (2685m), high above the town at the end of a road that branches off from the approach to the youth center. Don’t photograph the telecommunications installation, but the valley is worth a few snaps particularly in the afternoon. The area is known as Sangaygang and the access road attracts fitness fanatics after work and becomes a lover’s lane after dark.

    Finally, post lunch the visit to the local Handicraft Bazaar to experience the rich culture and carry souvenirs back home.

    I would strongly recommend must visit all these destinations as they add aesthetic sense and appreciation of nature.

    Day-3 Dochula pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft)- Punakha Valley

    Today happened to be the best day of my life. We were so lucky to be there when the first snow had kissed and laid itself thickly on all the 108 chortens, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. The skies were clear, and we could see the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar plenum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.


      The snowcapped mountains formed a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens (stupas) built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2003 war against insurgents from India.

      You can also have a fun time on the snow-clad hills to the right of the stupa and the temple in front of it as well as sip hot coffee and enjoy local cuisine in the restaurant watching the peaks.

      With a heavy heart we descended to Punakha- the former capital of Bhutan and seat of the Government until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. The Punakha valley gives a wonderful backdrop of greenery during the month of April.
      • Chimi Lhakhang Temple
      • Punakha Dzong (Entrance Fees- 300 BTN)

        The Chimi Lhakhang Temple known commonly as the Fertility temple offers tremendous views of the valley. Hiking to the temple itself is a spectacular journey and it is said that people all over the world come here to seek blessings of the mad monk. Later on, they do return with their kids.
        The Punakha Dzong is one of the oldest prettiest architecturally attractive buildings ever built in Bhutan. Even know this is the place where royal families get married and are the winter house for monks.

          Access to the dzong is across the Bazam bridge, which was rebuilt in 2008 after the original 17th-century bridge was washed away in floods in 1958. The wooden stairs are steep and are designed to be pulled up when needed. The dzong is unusual in that it has three docheys instead of the usual two. The first courtyard is for administrative functions and houses a huge white chorten and bodhi tree.


          After you exit the dzong from the north you can visit the dzong Chung and get a blessing from a wish-fulfilling statue of Sakyamuni. The building marks the site of the original dzong.

          DAY 4- PARO Altitude-2280 meters

          Have you ever wanted to see the smallest yet the scariest landings? Well, here you are at Paro, the international airport where it connects to the whole world. This town was found in the year 1985 and consisted of only a single street. Over the years this destination has been transformed enormously and this is one of the prime reasons for the increase in tourist activity.


          •Ta Dzong (watch Tower)- National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. (Entrance Fees-50 BTN)
          • Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”.
          • Visit the Airport.
          • Kichu Lhakhang-the oldest temple in the country
          • Drugyal Dzong- Bhutan victory fort

          Day 5- Tatsang Monastery(3120 meters) Entrance Fees- 500BTN

          Taktsang Monastery also recognized as Tiger’s Nest in Paro is one of the holiest places in Bhutan. Trekking takes about 2-3 hours depending on your stamina. You will walk through pine trees climb a mountain and then get down the stairs to the edge of the mountain and then take a bridge and pass on to the holy mountain and climb another 100+ steps to reach the sacred destination. The journey is one lifetime.


          The monastery is mounted on a high granite cliff and was established for meditation. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m and overlooks the Paro valley and the river.

          50% almost…

          It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.

          And finally at the sacred point…cameras not allowed anymore.

          The Four Noble Truths are:
          The truth of suffering (Dukkha)
          The truth of the origin of suffering (Samudāya)
          The truth of the cessation of suffering (Nirodha)
          The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering (Magga)


          The Noble Eightfold Path is Right Understanding, Right Intent, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Marvelous Macedonia-A Photo Story


          At St.Naum’s Cathedral with my bestie!

          Like the Marvelous Mrs.Maisal show on Amazon Prime, Macedonia is sharp witty and extremely attractive to be just enjoying the bits and pleasures of life. This summer in the month of July I had an opportunity to explore this beautiful historically popular and peaceful place.

          FYROM -Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

          Day 1- Ohrid

          We had already discussed and shared the beauty of the Ohrid lake while sailing from Tirana- Albania.https://worldtrekweb.wordpress.com/2018/11/04/three-days-in-albania/.

          Today let us move to the town of Ohrid- the Macedonian Pearl! It is a hill way up the town and the first monument is the Archaeological first ever church.

          • the hallway up
          • The Early Christian Basilica

          From there you reach the second century printing Press.

          Your Next stop while admiring the beauty of the surrounding and flavoring Rosemary on the way is St.Sophia’s Church. The church is one of the most important monuments of Macedonia, housing architecture and art from the Middle Ages

          • rosemary’s everywhere
          • St.Sophia’a church

          Next is the famous Samoil’s Fort- capital of the First Bulgarian Empire during the rule of Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria at the turn of the 10th century and you will witness the 1.9-mile ruins of city wall and gates. You also can witness a magnificent view of the lake and the town from the top of the fort. 

          • The Fortress
          • Posing for a picture
          • The Ruined City walls
          • Enjoying the view of the lake and the town

          After some shopping in front of the fort, you can slide down from the pine forest section. Be careful when it’s raining as the road is steep and unguarded. Lo! Behold you are just at the iconic point of Ohrid -Right behind the Saint John the Theologian, Kaneo or simply Saint John at Kaneo Church. The heart is sure to skip a beat or trip down on the floor admiring the beauty of the church and the view to behold!

          You can relax on the beach,enjoy sea food and call it a day !!!

          Day 2- St. Naum Monastery

          If you are a lover of natural beauty and peacocks this is a day especially for you. Situated about situated along Lake Ohrid, 29 kilometers south of the city of Ohrid is the world famous Eastern Orthodox Monastery of St. Naum. It is believed to be sacred and almost looks like an island with great facilities for swimming, boating or simply sunbathing.

          • Admiring the peacock friendly place
          • Entrance to St.Naum Monastery
          The Monastery from the Lake Side
          The front view of the Monastery
          • Frescos inside the monastery
          A breathtaking view from the Monastery
          • Inside the Mosque
            arena Džamija- Decorated/painted mosque in Tetovo on the way to Skopje
          • The  Sarena Mosque-Decorated Mosque in Tetavo

            arena Džamija- Decorated

          Day 3- Skopje


          Welcome to Skopje. An attractive tourist destination with its fortress, cultural and historical monuments, archaeological sites, sports halls, caves in the canyon of the River Treska and Lake Matka and a health spa in the eastern part of the city.

          • The clock struck at 5:17 the earthquake time
          • An old church on the main street

          In 1963 a dreadful earthquake destroyed much of the regal old city. An international competition to redesign the city was won by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Skopje was reborn in a imaginative, futuristic style. His creations, such as the National Theater with its sloping roof of concrete, have shaped Skopje’s modern skyline. 

          On the main street is the Mother Teresa Memorial House is dedicated to the humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa and is located in her hometown Skopje, in Macedonia, where she lived from 1910 to 1928

          Our next stop is the Arch de Triumph. which leads to the famous historical figure Alexander the Great, statue at the center of the Macedonian Square.

          The stone Bridge on the river Vardar and the old town across the bridge are photogenic.

          • On the Stone Bridge

          Walking on the streets of the old town, you will find one of the oldest churches –
          The Church of the Ascension of Jesus /The church of St Spas (Holy Salvation.  The church was built in the mid-16th century and is three-nave, with the middle vessel arched and flat pages covered with gains in domes.

          Our next destination (by walk) everywhere is an Ottoman Era Mosque very well decorated and extremely well maintained with a Rose garden and a tomb.

          Last on the list is the Kale Fortress- The first fortress, according to research and available data, is believed to have been built amidst the 6th century A.D., on land that had been inhabited during the Neolithic and Bronze ages or roughly 4000 B.C. It was constructed with yellow limestone and travertine and along with fragments of Latin inscriptions, asserts the idea that the fortress originated from the Roman city of Skupi, which was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 518.

          The fortress is thought to have been reconstructed during the rule of emperor Justinian I and constructed further during the 10th and 11th centuries over the remains of emperor Justinian’s Byzantine fortress. The walk is long on the city walls and the gate at the extreme end is locked. So, the journey is from the entrance to the end on the city walls. However, you do get a beautiful view of the city along with the  Millennium Cross – a 66 meter-high cross situated on the top of the Vodno Mountain. It was constructed to serve as a memorial of 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia and the world. The construction of the cross began in 2002 and was funded by the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

          On the way back,do not miss the Art Bridge- featuring many statues of noted Macedonian artists and musicians. It was built as part of the larger Skopje 2014 project, with an estimated construction cost of €2.5 million.

          And thus,my 3 days of historical journey in Macedonia ended and packed my bags for another endeavor.

          The UNESCO site in Ohrid is


           “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle

          Categories
          Europe

          “Made in Montenegro”!


          Can’t wait to see you Montenegro…

          Why Visit Montenegro?

          When I decided to visit this multiverse country, I wasn’t ready for a big surprise. I had read that, this country contains traces and influences of Mediterranean, Central European, Eastern European and Oriental civilizations from different times. However, the Capital Podgorica is a brand new baby with modern buildings. Perhaps, this eternal interweaving of cultures and artistic influences is what makes Montenegro, the most beautiful city. Amalgamation of east and west, paganism and Christianity, Orthodoxy and Catholicism, Christianity and Islam, Byzantine and Romanesque postulates, traditions and modern times … they have all influenced the development of art here.
          With that background in mind, I had planned to visit Budva & Kotor from Podgorica.


          Travel from Podgorica to Kotor!


          The journey on the beautifully landscaped road is about an hour and a half in a private vehicle. A lot of buses are also available. You stop at the look of the huge city wall. Powerful city walls frame the historical heart of the town, stretching along the edge of the hill St. Ivan to its peak – its highest strategic point. The walls grew successively together with the city. You can also hike to the peak and get a glimpse of the church of Our Lady of Health, called also Our Lady of Rest, which was used for the rite of the military garrison of the upper fortress. And, of course, there is an entrance fee.

          The pillory and the clock tower welcomes you to the old town!

          As of the 15th century, Kotor became a border city, and, because of the constant threat of Turkish attacks, walls were expanded and strengthened in the 15th C. Kotor among few of Mediterranean towns which have preserved its fortification system up to today. The walls surrounded the old town of Kotor were one of the main motives and reasons why the UNESCO put this city on the list of the world natural and cultural heritage in 1979. The fortification system of the Kotor was build and developed through the centuries. The walls are 4.5km in length, at some place they reach 20m in height and 2-16m thick. At the sea level of 260m, there is St. Ivan’s fortress on the basis of which there are traced Illyrian period.

          As you enter the main gate of the old town you can see a huge cannon welcoming you at the entrance. The main gate is the Sea Gate on the west side. It dates from 16th century and is constructed at the time of Venetian Provider Bernard Renier. A long time ago the sea reached the very entrance. The gate was built in the Renaissance and Baroque style, the proof of which is the pillar and the arch done in the Bunjato technique.

          Clocktower and a Pillory-Constructed in 1602, this tall structure overlooks a stone monument which used to serve as a pillory. The town’s miscreant and rebellious citizens would be left for public ridicule.

          There are different squares in the old town!


          St. Tryphone Cathedral with St.Ivan hill and the church in the background!
          1. Arms Square- The entrance and the biggest square.
          2. The Square of Flour
          3. St. Trypone square & St.Tryphone Cathedral
            The Romanesque church built in 1166 on the foundations of the small Romanesque church from the ninth century. It is three-nave Basilica, extensively restored several times. Especially after the 1667 earthquake when the bell tower and a part of the facade were destroyed.

          4. Museum Square
          The Grgurine palace
          The palace Grguriny belonged to the noble family Grgurin. It was built in the eighteenth century in the Baroque style, with the facade on which dominate stone balconies with balustrades. Particularly interesting is originally preserved layout of the floor rooms according to the Venetian pattern which says: the master’s house has four rooms and one parlor. Today it is the home of the Maritime Museum.
          5.St.Lucas Square

          St.luke’s Church-the oldest catholic church
          • At the Nicholas Church-Pretty new one!

          St. Luke’s Church
          Sweet little St Luke’s speaks volumes about the history of Croat-Serb relations in Kotor. It was constructed in 1195 as a Catholic church, but from 1657 until 1812 Catholic and Orthodox altars stood side by side, with each faith taking turns to hold services here. It was then gifted to the Orthodox Church. Fragments of 12th-century frescoes still survive along with two wonderfully painted iconostases: a 17th-century one in the main church and one from the 18th-century in the chapel of St Spiridon, another saint venerated by both faith


          St. Nicholas Church
          the building of the church started in 1902 according to the plans of Cyril Ivekovic and according to the inscriptions on the façade, it was finished in 1909. It was built in the Pseudo-Byzantine style as the one-nave church. The church has and a large cupola which rises above the rooftops, while the details were done in a Romanesque style.

          Because of authenticity and general cultural and historical values as the eternal link between the Mediterranean and the Balkan hinterland, Kotor is on the UNESCO’s list as part of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage.
          The cult of the beauty of the word lives even today. Through the centuries of the struggle for the preservation or gaining freedom, through the centuries of poverty and hunger, word managed to preserve its dignity and strength and it is the one which gave meaning to life. That is why it was cherished with special care.

          BUDVA

          A half an hour drive from Kotor city will land you at another old town as well as a party hub- Budva!

          The city walls of Budva


          Those walls represent a medieval-style fortification system, with town gates, protection walls, and towers. From the urban point of view, the town is laid out with narrow streets and small squares and valuable monuments from different Mediterranean cultures that all marked the development of the town Budva.

          Budva is known for: – The Church of St. Ivan from the 7th century built at the center of the old town.
          Manastir Stanjevići- The monastery is another beautiful spot at the end corner of the old town. The city walls give a beautiful view of the sea around Budva.

          • St.Ivan’s Church

          The Church of the Holy Trinity was built in 1804. In front of the church is the grave of the writer Stefan Mitrov Ljubiša. The church is near the citadel in the old town.  The Citadel, constructed for the purpose of fortifying the town in the Middle Ages. It owes its current look to the Austro-Hungarians. .It creates immense spirituality when you sit on the city wall watching the sea and the sun sets down with the musical sound of the bells in the late evening.
          Truly Mesmerising! 


          Montenegro
          • Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
          • Durmitor National Park
          • Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards *
          • Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar *

          “Travel brings power and love back into your life.”

          Categories
          Europe

          Three Days in Albania!


          A paradise with an Adriatic coast, white sand, and crystal clear water. Where am I? Lying on the beach chair of Lake Ohrid. The moment when you completely unaware of the world and relax. It’s a complete treat to all the senses.

          DSC_0086

          Albania offers a remarkable array of unique attractions: ancient mountain, friendly demeanor, forgotten archaeological sites and villages where time seems to have stood still are all on the menu. With its stunning mountain scenery, a thriving capital in Tirana and beaches to top it all is bordered by the deepest lake-Ohrid, Albania has become the sleeper hit of the Balkans.

          Come let’s embark on a journey to the most important and noteworthy places of Albania.

          • Day 1- Shkodra
          • Day 2- Tirana
          • Day 3- Ohrid

          Day 1 –Shkodra

          This is one of the oldest and the most important cities in the country founded in 4th BC. Shkodra has been occupied several times throughout history: First by the Romans (168 B.C.), then the Serbians (1040), the Venetians (1396), and finally by the Ottomans (1479). You can clearly see Catholicism, Culture, and Harmony between different religions here.

          DSC_1580

          You can visit the renewed Marubi National Museum of Photography famous for its big and rare collection of photos over Albanian history or just take a tour at Pedonalja so-called Kole Idromeno street that is the old center of Shkodra, very Mediterranean taste passing through mosques and churches. It is surrounded by the waters of three rivers; the Drini, Buna, and Kiri. Do not forget to enjoy the local cuisine and fabulous nightlife.

          Day 2 –Tirana

          Tirana is a relatively newborn city. Sulejman Pashë Bargjini, a local feudal lord constructed the first building in 1614. In 1816, the Toptani family came to rule the city. The most important date in Tirana’s history is February 11th, 1920, when the Lushnja Congress declared Tirana the provisional capital of Albania; definitive status would be given in 1925. Following this act, the city has experienced constant growth, which continues today and has gained particular momentum since 1990.

          I started my journey from the Rinia Park at the junction of I love Tirana- Sign. Wow! what a way to start my journey. The park built in communist era (1950) has about 3 hectares of land covered with a huge fountain at the center. If you are moving north from the sign you reach a traffic signal and Lo! In front of you stands a huge cloud of white glass. REJA-The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2013 is designed by multi award-winning Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto in the lawn outside of the National Gallery of Arts. The pavilion is intended as a free-flowing social space that Fujimoto has described as a “transparent terrain”, a delicate three-dimensional structure constructed from 20mm white steel poles in an intricate latticework pattern. Inspired by organic structures, Fujimoto’s architectural designs merge in a harmonious way with nature, widely stretching to the boundaries of the surrounding terrain.

          After spending about an hour or so at the cloud and the Art gallery it’s time to move further north to Bunkart2. Unique Albanian history museum inside a preserved, Communist-era nuclear pit bunker. You will certainly be amazed at the wonderful museum and the artifacts preserved. From there your journey continues towards the Tirana City Hall to your left. Opposite the city hall is the National Theatre. Any passerby would love to take the picture of the bright red color contrast of the government building. Albanians are trying hard to cope up and move on with life by coloring the buildings vibrantly. Way to go!

          Moving further the monument that catches your attention is the clock tower/watch tower built in 1822 by Haxhi Et`hem Bey, who also designed the mosque next door. Just over a century later, the height of the clock tower was increased to 115 feet (35 meters) high with 90 steps. The Ticket fare to the tower is 100lek which also includes the museum downstairs.

          You are at the most important  Sheshi Skënderbej, square named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu who fought against the Ottomans. The total area is about 40.000 square meters. The Skanderbeg Monument dominates the square. Here you can relax for a while and can also pass a pleasant evening at the National Theatre or the Opera and Ballet Theatre.

          DSC_1585

          For dining/lunch, Tirana offers both a rich traditional cuisine and a variety of foreign fares, from Italian to Chinese, or even Indian. Dairy products are ample and cheap. There are also several clubs and restaurants on Mount Dajti reachable by cable car, which provides a fantastic view of the city.

          Day 3– Lake Ohrid

          Now, comes the paradise of Europe. On the border between Albania and Macedonia is the  ‘The Jerusalem of the Balkans- ‘Lake Ohrid (“Ok-rid”)  one of the oldest lakes in the world, almost certainly the oldest in Europe, and among the deepest too. Not surprisingly, it has a rich history and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the jewel that is Ohrid town. Here you will find churches galore (it is believed that Ohrid once had 365, one for every day of the year) as well as a medieval fortress, a Roman theatre, Ottoman architecture, and fine cobbled streets.

          The first thing you notice about the lake is the clarity of the water. This is paradise for swimmers and tourists who would love to leisure on the white pebble beaches, ochre cliffs, and glass-clear water. Do not miss the ferry/boat ride on the lake.

          There are many natural wonders here too. Not only is the lake beautifully framed by hills and mountains, but it is considered the most biodiverse in the world for its size. Its depths contain several species of fish, including the endemic pink-fleshed Ohrid trout. Another fish, called plasica, has scales that can be turned into beautiful ‘pearls’.

          DSC_0008

          Can’t agree more about the serenity and tranquility this lake provides for anyone. More places to visit and explore Ohrid Town in the next photo journey on Macedonia!

          So, for now, this week Mirupafshim dhe ju shoh javën e ardhshme ( Goodbye and see you next week)

          UNESCO protected sites in Albania and Lake Ohrid:

          the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

          DSC_0002

          Categories
          Europe

          The Heart Shaped Land- Bosnia & Herzegovina


          Bosnia and Herzegovina is a heart shaped land that lies in the heart of southeast Europe. It is here that eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history. A multinational small country with different three races and religions. A Bosniak is an ethnic Muslim; a Bosnian is someone from Bosnia or their nationality. There are Bosnian Bosniaks (Muslims), Bosnian Serbs (Orthodox Christians), and Bosnian Croats (Catholics).

          Historically important– This is a place where World War I commenced with the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the Austro-Hungarian heir to the throne, his wife Sophie and their unborn child on June 28th, 1914. Hence, Sarajevo hosted the 100th anniversary of this historical event and featured European Bridge of Culture in 2014.

          • Day 1- Sarajevo: Tunnel of Hope, Bash Tower, Latin Quarters, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Bazaar, Orthodox Church
          • Day 2- Mostor
          • Day 3- Trebenje

          Day 1-Tunnel of Hope

          The cultural and Olympic spirit of the city was shaken by the longest city siege in the history of modern warfare – 1452 days long for the siege of the 1992 – 1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nearly three-quarters of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital were destroyed or damaged by shells and bombs during the war but, since then, Sarajevo has mostly returned to being the vibrant city of years past.

           

          DSC_1193The tunnel is an evidence of hope and shelter, the extension of support during the siege of Bosnia. The tunnel connects the city to the airport thereby supplying food and warfare to the soldiers and allowing people to get out. Even now, you can watch videos and can even walk inside the tunnel.

          A very small, compact sort of town in Sarajevo in which even strangers can feel at home The city’s breathtaking backdrop of seemingly endless hills and towering mountains have in a sense always isolated the city, creating a timeless world, which despite its seclusion has always kept its doors open to the rest of the world.

          A walk through Sarajevo is a walk through its past. From the oriental Ottoman quarters lined with sweet shops, café, and handicraft workshops, to the administrative and cultural center of Austro-Hungarian times, Sarajevo encompasses the very best of both worlds. Bash Town, the Latin Quarter, Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque and the church all in a street? Few places on earth feature an Orthodox and a Catholic church, a mosque and a synagogue within the easy walking distance of each other.

          If there were any city in Europe that effortlessly straddles east and west, it is Sarajevo. Here the Byzantine and Ottoman empires of the east and the Roman, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian empires of the west left an indelible mark through culture, traditions, and religions.

          In Sarajevo, people have time for family and friends. It is often said that a man’s wealth here is not measured in his material belongings but rather in his friendships.

          Day 2-Mostor

          Mostor is known for the New- old bridge. The original bridge was built across the mighty Neretva River in 1566 by Ottoman design and Dalmatian masonry. It had stood as a symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina for over 400 years before it was destroyed in the war of the early 1990s. When the Stari most, or Old Bridge, collapsed from tank shelling in 1993 it was like the heart was ripped out of most Mostar natives. The Stari Most not only bridged two sides of the river but bridged the many cultures and customs that have settled in Herzegovina over the past millennium. The town of Mostar received its name from the bridge keepers on either side, called Mostari in Ottoman times. The reconstruction of the bridge in 2005 in its original form is perhaps the most powerful manifestation of a country that looks positively towards the future.

          The richness of the town lies in the cobbled streets and the open shops of bronze and copper. As you reach up to the tip of the town, you will see the museum and mosques of olden days. The city is slowly limping back to normal as the bridge is Mostar’s core and its reconstruction means a lot to the people of the city.

          There is a lot to shop –Lavender soaps, oil, and laces are at the best bargain here.

          Day 3-Trebinje

          This southernmost city in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Trebinje ranks with Mostar and Stolac in terms of beauty but fortunately escaped the fates of these two towns and was not heavily damaged during the war, leaving its old town intact. The Old Town of Trebinje was established in the 18th century and soon developed into a trading & crafts center named Kastel.

          DSC_1323

          Trebinje is no exception: its old town lines the banks of the Trebisnjica River that flows through the heart of the city. The river and the city have always been known for the enormous old mills treading the Trebisnjica. Klobuk is the large fortress in Trebinje. It is assumed to date from the 9th century and is believed that the Slovenian princes of Krajina – Pavlimir, and Tesimir were buried here. Since the 12th century it has controlled the Nemanjic region until, in 1377, Klobuk has become part of the expanded Bosnian state.

          Not to miss:

           Bosnian coffee echoes Ottoman traditions, there are also cafes embracing more Western European traditions, serving strong coffee with cakes.

           Hand-hammered copper goods, some handmade delicate lace, as well as traditional carpets, weaves, and jewelry is among the traditional specialties.

           More unique are the pens on sale in the market around Sarajevo’s Bascarsija – they’re made out of bullets from the siege of 20 years ago.

           In downtown Sarajevo, a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic church, and an Orthodox church can all be found in the same block.

           a healthy dose of Shopska Salad accompanied by a spongy, freshly baked flatbread is hard to beat.

           “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” -Gustav Flaubert

          Categories
          Europe

          Belgrade -Serbia’s coveted Trophy!


          DSC_1088Sipping Rakija on the banks of river Danube and watching the world pass by could be anybody’s favourite activity in the evenings at Belgrade- the capital of Serbia.

          As one of Europe’s oldest cities, located at the crossroads of the East and West, the capital of Serbia is an incredibly rich mosaic of different cultures, influences and styles with a mysterious and exotic atmosphere. The commute is dead cheap and easy from place to place. Trams, buses and taxis are easily accessible and comfortable. Safety is a plus point in this city at any given time you get taxis reaching you to your destination without hassles and the taxis are metered and can be paid by card. The Serbian dinar is the currency of the country however, locals accept Euros as well.

          Let’s start our journey from Sava Temple. The center of the city is the beautiful temple.  The church is dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and an important figure in medieval Serbia. It is built on the Vračar plateau, on the location where his remains were burned in 1595 by Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha. First Temple of Saint. Sava was erected in the place to commemorate the from 1895 (temporary chapel) erected in the place where the temple is being built today.

          From its location, it dominates Belgrade’s city scape and is perhaps the most monumental building in the city. The renovation process is still going on but the magnificent frescoes and mind blowing chandeliers attract your attention. You can also see the monument of Saint Sava in front of the temple.

          After enjoying the beauty of the temple, you can take the bus no 33 or tram 31, to land at Republic Square. If you are interested in water sports or bungee jumping then Ada Ciganlija(20 minutes by car) should be your next destination. At the Republic Square you can see the site of some of Belgrade’s most recognizable public buildings, including the National Museum, the National Theatre and the statue of Prince Michael.

          After a stroll and picking up some stuff to feed your hunger, you are on to the most visited streets of Belgarde-Knez Mihailova Street or Prince Michael Street.In the evenings you will witness plenty of guitars and jazz players filling the air with musical notes while music and shopping lovers move around and relax sipping wine.

          The life at the ridge over the confluence of the Sava and the Danube has lasted for over two millenniums. Six centuries elapsed since Belgrade became the capital for the first time in its history. The core of today’s two million agglomerations is the Belgrade fortress and the Kalemegdan Park.

          They form a unique spatial entity with clearly visible remains of the Fortress divided into Upper and Lower Town, with two distinct styles – elements of medieval architecture combined with dominant baroque solutions typical for the 18th century.

          DSC_1138

          The Kalemegdan Park, Large and Little, developed in the area that once was the town field, are the place of rest and joy. The Belgrade Fortress and the Kalemegdan Park together represent a cultural monument of exceptional importance, the area where various sport, cultural and arts events take place, and are fun and joy for all generations of Belgraders and numerous visitors of the city.Do not forget to click pictures in the background of the Great War island from the upper fortress. As you move around the fortress and reach, the upper tip of the upper town is the Pobednik.

          Built to commemorate Serbia’s victory over Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empire during the Balkan Wars and the First World War. Erected in 1928 and standing at 14 metres/46 feet high, it is one of the most famous works of Ivan Meštrović.

          DSC_1068

          VICTOR-A standing bronze male figure with a falcon in the left hand and a sword in the right,is set on a pedestal in the form of a Doric column on a tall cubic base, designed by the architect Petar Bajalović. The statue looks forward across the confluence of the Sava and the Danube, and over the vast Pannonian plain, towards the very distant Fruška Gora showing his butt to Hungary.

          DSC_1145

          This is a statue to commemorate the soldiers who passed away in the Balkan wars.On 9 May 2018 on the occasion of Europe Day, the Victor was illuminated for the first time with the colours of EU – blue and yellow (stars) – thanks to the EU Delegation in Serbia.

          DSC_1072

          If you have a day left and would want to spend with nature then the next destination in Belgrade would be the Great war Island Just 40 mins by car from the fortress.Inhabited you can enjoy wildlife, birds and mammals around you!!

          “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

          Categories
          Europe

          Slovenia- A fairy-tale Story!


          DSC_1010

          Nature is what we see—
          The Hill—the morning
          white lilies—the Bled castle— the island tower—
          Nay—Nature is Heaven—
          Nature is what we hear—
          The Bled—the lake—
          Rain—the seagulls—
          Nay—Nature is Harmony—
          Nature is what we know—
          Yet have no art to say—
          So impotent Our Wisdom is
          To her Simplicity. ( my version of Emily Dickinson’s nature)

          the serene beauty
          The park route

          Perched on one of the benches next to lake Bled-The most beautiful and serene place on this earth is just heavenly, timeless and stationary.It is a picture or a dream. You will never know its real unless you taste the “Kremsnita”- Bled Cream Cake.

          Lake Bled is one of the major and must-see attractions in Slovenia.  Slovenia being the first country in the world to be declared a green destination based on the Green Destinations Criteria. Situated in the heart of Europe, Slovenia is a boutique country between the Alps, Mediterranean Sea, mysterious Karst with more than 11,000 karst caves and Pannonian Plain, rich in healthy water springs.  To add to its glory ,Ljubljana the capital  was awarded the European Green Capital 2016 title.

          Welcome to Slovenia, the only country with the word LOVE in its name!

          Day 1:

          When to visit Lake Bled?
          Lake Bled can be visited any part of the year. During the Summer months, visitors can sled down Straža hill on a toboggan with beautiful Bled in sight! A cool activity (boom boom) do in Bled during Winter is to ski or board on Straža. The slope is small (503 – 634m) but you are skiing with Lake Bled in full view and the slope is lit up for night skiing. You can rent equipment there. Straža is a very short walk from the center of Bled.
          How do I reach there?
          There are buses available from the main square of Ljubljana to Bled and back from the bike stand.

          What are the must do’s in Lake Bled?
          • Hike to the Bled Castle
          • Click pictures inside and around the castle
          • Row to the Bled Island – Church of the Assumption
          • Ring the bell and wish at the church of the Assumption
          • Eat the Bled Cream cake
          • Dream- Dream –Dream at this beautiful dream site!!

          I was so mesmerized at this place it was like Alice in Wonderland never to return back to the real world.

          Day-2 Ljubljana

          A fairy tale in the wonderland!

          DSC_1044
          The Dragon bridge

          Ljubljana’s colorful history, art, and architecture make this city look like it’s been taken out of a fairytale and it will definitely make one instantly fall in love with it. The legend of the Ljubljana dragon is the symbol of the city. How Jason killed the dragon and founded the city of Ljubljana while returning home to Greece is the best fairytale you get to hear when you are here. Today, the dragon is a trademark of the City and a mascot and a symbol of various sports clubs in the capital and is highly popular as a souvenir. The Ljubljana dragon also appears in Slovenian tales and songs.

          Must see attractions:All attractions in Ljubljana are at arm’s distance from the Tourist information center. The Dragon Bridge- Just 3 mins to the right from the tourist center is the Symbol of the Slovenian capital, and sentinel of the iconic Emperor Franz Josef Jubilee Bridge, Ljubljana’s dragon is comfortably the city’s most recognizable resident. Not only does he perch, with teeth bared and wings spread, on all four corners of the aforementioned arch, but his image also appears on the town’s coat of arms, flag, river walls, manhole covers, and even on the crest of the local soccer team.

          The Bridge with padlocks
          The Triple bridge

          The Bridge with padlocks

          Mesarski Most- The next bridge you come across if you are on the boat or on the walk is the Bridge with padlocks and sculptures. Following the Ljubljanica river, you will be at the meeting point of three bridges.
          The Triple Bridge- connects the Ljubljana’s historical, medieval, town on one bank, and the modern city. At the bank, you can see varieties of restaurants offering good food and drinks up till early morning. Do not miss the statue of Preseren at the center of the square where major programs are held.

          DSC_1032
          From the square, one can see the imposing structure of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, the pink colored building, a symbol of the Franciscan monastic order.
          If you walk on the bridge you will reach the cathedral –St. Nicholas a Gothic style church. You will find a splendid fountain on your way the Robba Fountain, since the first half of the 20th century also known as the Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers, is the fountain that stands in front of Ljubljana Town Hall.

          DSC_1034
          From there you will walk straight to the market square, and be surprised with farm fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables sold at a cheaper rate. Having half a kilo of cherries in my hand savoring the fresh juice I walked further up to the castle my final destination for the day.

          DSC_1041
          Ljubljana Castle-Situated on a small hill in the center of Ljubljana, reportedly the oldest castle dates back to the 11th century, and it was a wooden and stone fortification. However, the present castle was built in the 16th century following the earthquake of 1511. Its original purpose was to defend against the invasion of the Turks who progressed in the Balkans in the 15th and 16th century. There is a funicular which will take you to the top of the castle. You get stunning views of the city from the castle.
          A clock tower at the city center grabs your attention at every hour as the doll comes out to greet with musical notes.

          With a heavy heart, I had to say goodbye to this fairyland and move on further to Serbia…
          Suggested Activities- Visit Skocjan Caves

          Other UNESCO sites in Slovenia are:

          Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but Nature’s sources never fail.

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Captivating Croatia!


          Being historically renowned and one of its kind, Croatia is a diverse country with eight National Parks and eleven Nature Parks among which are the stunning Plitvice Lakes, recognized by UNESCO. Its sea is the purest in Europe according to the European Commission and some of its beaches are considered the most beautiful locations in the world.

          Pearl of the Adriatic-Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar turned world famous overnight from the ecstatic locations of Game of thrones.

          Welcome to Croatia- The best place to get lost, the best place to find yourself!

          The crossroads between East and West, Central European and the southern spirit of the Mediterranean, Croatia has developed a wide artistic, literary and musical tradition over the years. A rich cultural heritage that lives beyond museums, churches and cathedrals. This summer, I had a chance to explore and soak in the culture and the beauty of the country.

          Day 1- Zagreb

          Day 2- Plitvice Lakes

          Day 3- Dubrovnik

          Day 4- Split/Zadar

          Day-1

          You can reach the capital by bus/train or by plane. All streets are well connected by trams. The city is divided into two halves: Gornji Grad (Upper Town) and Donji Grad (Lower Town) Gornji Grad lies on a high plateau and is home to Zagreb’s Cathedral and parliament building, while Donji Grad is a more modern area known for its world-class museums and the Croatian National Theatre.

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          A good place to start your Zagreb adventure is in Trg Bana Jelacica, the city’s main square where the Upper and Lower Towns meet. My stay was at a hostel that was a 10 mins walk to the main square. Swanky mint was not only an affordable hostel but also comfortable to commute either to the airport or to the bus station.

          My evening started from the main square at 6.30 pm (free walking tours) from the main square. There was a huge crowd watching the football match as we waited for the guide to arrive, as it was the fifa season. We moved to the Zagreb Cathedral, the tallest building in Croatia and the most monumental sacral building in Gothic style. It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and to kings Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus. The church is under renovation now. However, you will marvel at the amazing Neo-Gothic architecture and amazing details inside. As you exit the Cathedral, you will notice a stopped clock. The time is always 7:03, the exact time when the big earthquake hit Zagreb in 1880.

          Right in front of the church is the monument of a fountain in middle of which is a column with the golden sculptures of Virgin Mary and four angels. It completes beautifully the view on the cathedral and its surroundings. Moving up, you will come across the old gothic structures and while you hike the mountain. Further,  there is the Stone Gate, the eastern gate to medieval Gradec Town, which is now a shrine. According to legend, a great fire in 1731 destroyed every part of the wooden gate except for the painting of the Virgin and Child (by an unknown 17th-century artist). People believe that the painting possesses magical powers and people come regularly to pray, light candles and leave flowers. Square stone slabs are engraved with thanks and praise to the Virgin.

          From there you can walk to the oldest church- St. Mark’s easily recognizable by its brightly colored tile roof bearing the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and Zagreb City. Tracing its roots back to an earlier 13th-century church, the church of St. Mark’s other notable features include its Romanesque windows; Gothic doorway by Ivan Parler; and a series of statues of the 12 apostles. Be sure to also pop inside for a look at the stunning interior with its statues by famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, along with frescoes painted by Jozo Kljakovic.

          DSC_0825

          Down the lane of the church is the Lotrasck tower that dates back to the 13th century and has been used as one of the most remarkable landmarks. You will find the shortest funicular to take you to the top or bring you back from the tower. From this point you get to see the most stunning views of the city as well as a beautiful promenade to relax.

          The funicular to the tower
          The footprints

          Downtown has other notable buildings like Mimara Museum (most of the day tours start from here), The Art Pavilion, Ethnographic Museum, Croatian Theatre, Modern Gallery.

          Day-2

          Plitvice Lakes

          Be ready to get amazed by the mesmerizing beauty of nature! I had booked online for a day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice with a guide.

          We started at 8 from Mimara Museum and the journey was about 2 hours.

          I had an idea about the beauty of the waters and the greenery there but honestly, there are no words that can possibly describe the harmony of nature in Plitvice that was granted the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.

          The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species.  The National Park covers a total area of 300 square kilometres, whilst the lakes join together over a distance of eight kilometres.

          The Park is open daily all year round, with longer opening hours during summer (usually 7am to 8pm). There’s an entrance fee which acts as a contribution to the Park’s upkeep and protection: for adults it’s 55 Kuna ($8) January to March and in November and December; 110 Kuna ($16) during April to June and in September and October; and 180 Kuna ($26) in July and August.

          The entrance ticket covers both the boat ride to different levels and back. There are plenty of restaurants inside. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle along with you. The washrooms are at the entrance and at the restaurant sites.

          Lakes are divided in two groups: 12 Upper and 4 Lower. The Upper ones are larger than the Lower ones. There are 8 trailing routes. 4 from entrance 1 and 4 from entrance 2.

          If you’ve got limited time, the upper lake section can be completed in two hours. The lower section takes about three, although it’s best to start with the bus ride and end with the boat to save yourself a climb.

          The highest point of the park is Seliski Vrh (1279 m), and the lowest point is the Korana Canyon (367 m). There is also a cave which is the highest point of the lake and can see ice formation inside dripping. The mineral composition of Plitvice creates an array of stunning colours in the lakes, from teal to azure, green, grey and blue. The crystal clear water provides a brilliant view of a variety of fish. The water itself is high mountain runoff and, because the water calcifies everything it touches, there’s no mud or algae, which keeps the water clear. While it looks enticing, swimming is prohibited.

          Day-3

          Dubronvik –Old city, UNESCO Site

          After watching the HBO series Game of Thrones, who wouldn’t be excited to visit and witness the major scenes that had taken place in the Dubronvik Old town. It takes about 6 hrs from Zagreb by car or you also can take a flight. There are several drinking water sources around so need not worry about carrying water bottles.

          The Pile gate-Entrance
          Jesusist Steps-Walk of Shame
          On top of the steps in front of teh museum

          The Pile gate-Entrance
          The Ploche Gate-Extreme end

          There is no entry fee to get into the fort or the old town. The major Dubrovnik Old Town is known as one of the world’s finest and most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world.

          The western Pier

          Today, these walls still enclose Dubrovnik’s historic center and it is possible to walk along them to enjoy the best views of the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and the surrounding lush green islands. Dubrovnik’s Baroque churches, monasteries and palaces; its Renaissance fountains and facades, are all intertwined with gleaming wide marble-paved squares, steep cobbled streets and houses, all of which have also remained unchanged for centuries.

          The Ploche Gate-Extreme end
          The western Pier
          The bay
          The narrow alleys

          The main entrance is through the Pile gate all through the stradum (the main street) and the cathedral.

          Top Tips!

          1. Visit Zadar and Split if you are a nature lover and ardent watcher of game of Thrones.
          2. Do not worry about milk products and meat.Dirt cheap.
          3. Balkans offer the best food on the earth.
          4. Do not forget to taste ‘Rakija’-hard liquor and anything made out of cheese tastes heavenly here.
          5. Follow trams/buses/trains dirt cheap!
          6. Clubbing is a part of life.
          7. Nature is awesome and abundantly beautiful!

          DSC_1426

          The UNESCO Sites:

           

          DSC_1336
          “I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met.”

           

          Categories
          Europe

          Go Greece: Athens


          “Earth proudly wears the Parthenon as the best gem upon her zone.” 

          -Ralph Waldo Emerson

          Greece has been the cradle of Western civilization for centuries. Historically grounded, geographically overwhelming and well-placed, this was one country on my prime bucket list. The place has housed renowned mathematicians and intellectuals- Archimedes, Galileo, Aristotle and many more. Keep your camera handy as each and every monument is picture worthy.

          Athens is the oldest European city with a history of more than 4000 years. It is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, theater, music and poetry.

          Day 1: Acropolis Area.

          Acropolis- The ancient city of the Acropolis includes the:

          • Parthenon
          • Erechtheion
          • Temple of Athena, Nike
          • Areopagus (the Rock of Ares), which served as the high court of appeal for criminal and civil cases, during classical times.
          • The Boulevyard with the Greek flag.

          Constructed during the late 5th century BC during the ‘Golden Age of Athens’, the Acropolis was built to honour the city’s patron goddess Athena.

           NOTE: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a refillable water bottle. There are potable taps inside the temple.Do not forget to wear a hat/cap and put on some sun screen.

          As you start an early uphill walk from the Monastariki Square, you will see Agora– the early settlements. Further you can also see the Areopagus where you get incredible pictures of Athens.

          DSC_0755

          The ticket price is 20 Euros and you will have long queues in the month of July-August which are the peak travel months.

          As you enter the gate, start your ascent and you find one of the legendary sites that sits beneath the slopes of the Acropolis,  the stunning open-air theatre, Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The circular orchestra has now become a semi-circle, paved with black and white marble. With 35 rows, the marble auditorium extends slightly beyond a semi-circle that today seats 4680 people.

          The view of Odeon of Herodes Atticus
          At the entrance of Acropolis
          The Propylea.

          The next monument that catches your eye is the Propylaea– the entrance to the temple. I found myself quite emotional looking at the ruins and visualizing the beauty the monument once glorified.

          Erechtheion-Caryatids
          o The Boulevyard with the Greek flag.

          The Porch of the Maidens sits at the rear of the elegant Erechtheion. Directly facing the Parthenon, the maidens were given the name ‘Caryatids’, after the young women from the village of Karyes.

          The Temple of Athena Nike overlooks the entrance to the Acropolis and was constructed in 426BC. The temple was a replacement for a 6th century BC dedication to Athena Nike which was constructed of wood but destroyed by the Persians. It survived virtually intact for 2000 years, until 1686 when the Ottomans demolished the temple to use the marble as a fortification wall on the Propylaea. Unlike the famous Nike of Samothrace which is winged (winged victory), Athena Nike was wingless (wingless victory), so that the goddess would never leave Athens.

          The Greek flag which is situated on what was a Belvedere tower during the medieval period of the Acropolis, is more than just the best vantage point for photographs across Athens.

          The Parthenon is a symbol of classical Greece built during the height of Athenian democracy. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, it is the third Parthenon to occupy the ancient site after the second was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. It remained unchanged until it was converted to a church during the Byzantine period in the 5th century AD and then a Mosque in the 1460’s during the Ottoman occupation. In the year 1687, the Parthenon was severely damaged by an explosion caused by the ignition of ammunition being stored there by the Ottomans during the Morean war. The restoration is in progress and you will witness lot of marble work being laid on the huge columns from the same quarry where the ancient Greeks are believed to be using them.

          The Acropolis Museum has a permanent exhibition of over 4000 artifacts retrieved from the Acropolis area. You can walk on the glass terrace of the ancient Greek civilization.

          The descent from the hill lands you in one of the biggest market squares-the Placa. The Placa is the home of several museums and has all amenities with lot of historical monuments. The placa was called the neighbourhood of gods and is today the swarming hub of all shopping.

          The rest of the day we relaxed at the restaurant with some Gamistha -a vegetarian cuisine made up of rice stuffed in capsicum and tomatoes (A must eat!) and called it a day as my legs were not listening to me anymore!

          Day 2:

          • Monastriki Square
          • Hadrian’s Library
          • Pantanassa church
          • Tsisdarakis Mosque
          • Metro Station
          • Flea Market

          The o Pantanassa church
          o Tsisdarakis Mosque
          o Flea Market

          To start from where I left yesterday, I came back to Monastriki Sqaure early in the morning. This area brims with energy and bustles with lot of business and shopping. You can also expect bargaining to a certain extent. A day can easily be spent here. If you want to go to the airport or any other point of interest, it is very easy. Commuting is positively  swift and metros are easily accessible. I spent the entire day exploring here and also happened to shop enough including a few antique pieces. I walked back to my hotel late in the evening after munching on some Greek salad and drinking some Rakhiya.

          Day 3:

          • Hadrian’s Arch
          • Temple of Zeus
          • The Undying Soldier and Change of Guards
          • The Parliament House
          • The Hellenic Academy of Athens
          • The National Library

          Hadrian’s Arch
          Panthenic Stadium

          Today I started  my journey from –The Temple of Olympian Zeus one of the largest temples in the ancient world. It originally had 104 columns but only 16 have survived with one fallen after a storm in 1852.

          Ticket Price- 6 Euros

          Just outside the fenced archaeological site, stands Hadrian’s Arch built by the Athenians in honour of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.

          After the arch you will move towards the Panathenaic Stadium, a multi purpose stadium which was the final point of Marathon. One of the main historic attractions of Athens as it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.

          Parliament House
          Grave of undying Soldier

          The Parliament House stands tall and one can observe the change in the design of the column. The next monument that will catch your attention is the Greek Guards or “Evzones” who are the  members of the Presidential Guard found outside the Hellenic Parliament.

          They guard the Grave of the Unknown Soldier that represents the common memory of all unknown soldiers killed at war. The changing of the Greek guards occurs every day at the top of the hour and we were lucky to witness one of them.

          As we move further on the main road from Syntagma Square through the National gardens, there are  noteworthy monuments after the Helenic Parliament.

          The Hellensic Academy
          The Hellensic Academy
          The Library

          The Hellenic Academy and the Library have amazing columns and brilliant finishes.

          After the walking tour of these monuments you will have an option of coming back to Monastrasiki square and continuing with your shopping. You have a plenty of options in restaurants at this junction.

          Day 4: Optional

          • Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio.
          • Lycabettus Hill

          At the end of the Sounio Peninsula at the southernmost point of Attica, lies the Temple of Poseidon within a fort that protects the coast of Attica. Made entirely of white marble, it was erected in the middle of the 5th century BC and built to honour Poseidon, god of the sea. It takes 4 hours to reach the tip and watch the colors of Aegean blue, sky blue, orange sun at sunset.

          Standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point of Athens. You can either reach via funicular or taxi. You  get to click delightful pictures of Parthenon, temple of Zeus and also enjoy the sunset with the panoramic view of the city.

          And thus my Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence moves away from my vision as my journey continues to the Greek islands, my soul still perches on Pantheon.

          Categories
          Europe

          Slovakia’s Seducing Beauty:Bratislava


          Ever fancied a European country with such cute compactness and a fairy tale city. Bratislava’s compactness means that whatever you’re after – be it hikes, nice views, shopping, historic buildings, and Bohemia architecture – lies within a comfortable distance. Travel from Budapest or Vienna, the choice is yours. A beauty encompassed and served on a platter.

          The First scene you get of Bratislava is as any bus stops at Slovak National Theatre: built in a neo-renaissance style and opened to the public in 1886. It is located on Hviezdoslav Square, where US President George W. Bush gave a public speech in 2005. The building is a natural cultural monument and attracts visitors from all around the world to attend a rich programme of well-known operas. The best photographic attraction in the square during autumn is Mr.Hans Christian Andersen in his beauty.

          On the way, you find amazing out of the storybooks scenes of autumn.

          You are heading towards the town hall and the tower- situated between the Main square and the Primate Palace. The oldest city hall in the country and one of the oldest stone buildings still standing in Bratislava. Housing the oldest museum of the city and owning a tower that offers a charming view on the city center to its visitors.

          DSC_0716-77.jpg

          You get a beautiful view of the town from here.

          DSC_0718-79.jpg

          On the way, you get to see the beautiful Ronald’s fountain and the Man at Work Sculpture. Cumil the watcher-some of the most photographic attractions of Bratislava are its sculptures in human size located all over the old town. Cumil means the watcher in Slovak. There are two explanations for the same. A communist worker not bothered about his work or a man interested in looking under the skirts of women. You can go with what pleases you the most!

          DSC_0711-72

          From there we head towards the Primate Palace considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in Bratislava for its pale pink and white exterior. It was built in the 18th century and offers large oil portraits of Habsburg royalty, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and tapestries. The former seat of the archbishop of Esztergom became the most important architectural monument of that period in the city. Today, the palace is the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava.

          DSC_0723-84

          In medieval times, the town was surrounded by fortified walls and entry and exit were possible only through one of the four heavily fortified gates. St. Michael’s Gate from late 13th century is the only preserved gate from the four original town fortifications in Bratislava. The tower with its current height of 51 meters was built in 14. the century and it houses the exhibition of weapons. Michael’s Gate is the last standing gate in Bratislava. As it is one of the main entrances to the city Old Town, you will surely pass it!

          You simply cannot overlook an imposing castle perching on the hill right above the Danube river. One of the symbols of the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava castle, is the top attractions you should definitely visit. The castle was completely destroyed by a fire in 1811 and reconstructed in 1960’s to become a national cultural monument.

          DSC_0750-105

          The two other cathedrals which take away your attraction are –The Church of St. Elisabeth, commonly known as Blue Church, is a Catholic Church built in 1913 and located in the Eastern part of the Bratislava’s Old Town. It was designed in the style of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) by Budapest architect Ödön Lechner. It is dedicated to Elizabeth of Hungary, daughter of Hungarian King Andrew II.

          DSC_0692-55

          Cathedral of St. Martin is both in size and significance the largest sacral building.For more than seven centuries, it dominates the skyline under the Bratislava Castle. St. Martin’s Cathedral was in the years 1563 to 1830 a coronation church, where the main coronation ceremony took place. In total, 11 Hungarian Kings and Queens were crowned here, including Maria Theresa of Austria.

          DSC_0703-64

          Slovak Jewish Heritage- The holocaust memorial to commemorate the memory of tragic events and the memory of the former Rybne square synagogue!
          TIPS:

          • You can complete the trip by walk
          • There are a lot of places around Slovakia which are attractive and pocket-friendly.
          • Do not miss the Devin castle and the UFO Bridge! which we couldn’t because of heavy rainfall.

          UNESCO Sites in Slovakia:

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Love-Light-Louvre: Paris!


          • The Louvre: World’s largest  and the biggest museum.
          • Many movies are shot based or on the theme of the Museum.
          • Though Monalisa -the enigmatic smile attracts thousands of visitors every year,there are much more artistically appealing works.
          • After entering the museum through the pyramid or via the Carrousel du Louvre, you have access to three large wings: Sully, Richelieu and Denon.
          • The choice is yours to discover Louvre- wing wise or floor wise. You can also choose to discover theme wise.

           

          Top Tips!

          • The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, be realistic how much time you budget for a visit.
          • The standard ticket is for full-day access to the Louvre, except for temporary exhibitions held in the Hall Napoleon. There is a supplemental charge if you wish to view the temporary exhibitions.
          •  The museum is open daily, except Tuesdays and certain public holidays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Evening open until 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.
          • Visitors under the age of 18 enjoy free entrance (id maybe requested).
          • The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
          • You can book tickets online and the waiting time is comparatively less.
          • Audio guide which I used during my amazing trip was a very helpful friend and guide. 

            DSC_0085.JPG

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Naturally Nepal!


          Amazing views combined with spirituality and bliss! A trekkers’ paradise, Nepal combines Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villages and jungle wildlife waiting to offer one of the world’s great travel destinations.  Kathmandu, the cultural and political capital is an incredibly diverse historic city with breathtaking Newari architecture, centuries old Hindu and Buddhist religious sites along with dedicated tourist-friendly accommodations and restaurants.

          Stepping into Kathmandu is like stepping into another world that everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime.

          Before we tread further into the beauties of nature and the expeditions of brave men…let’s watch these two documentaries which highlights the beauty and fury of the most famous UNESCO Sites-Kathmandu Valleys

          The Wildest Dreams conquest of Mount Everest!

          A documentary film about the British climber George Mallory. In 1924, he and his climbing partner Andrew Irvine attempted to climb Mt Everest and didn’t return. It’s not known whether they reached the summit or not. More than half a century later, in 1999, Mallory’s body was discovered by a climber named Conrad Anker. The documentary, released in 2010, won the Best Adventure Film award at the Boulder International Film Festival.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax-ggrA_TyQ

          Beyond the Edge-  It’s a 3D docudrama about the first ascent of Mt Everest. It was released in 2014. In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay summited to Mt Everest for the first time in history.

          http://123movie.sc/watch/kvX5bKxe-beyond-the-edge.html

          What not to miss in Katmundu?

          • Day 1- Pushupathinath Temple & Rituals
          • Day 2- Budhanilakantha ,ISKCON temple & Shivpuri National Park.
          • Day 3- Swayumbu Temple & Boudhanath Stoupa & Shopping
          • Suggested Activities- Living Godess- Kumari, The garden of Dreams.
          • Manokamana Devi temple-Ghorka town.4 hours by bus from Kathmandu.

          http://www.nepaltourism.net/

          As I had lodged at Hotel Maharaja (Hotel Narayana) located at Gaushala Chowk, which is in a close approximately to Lord Pashupatinath Temple, 2 minutes’ drive from Tribhuvan International Airport is another added benefit to this location. As Gaushala Chowk is a busy and important city corner, it is easy to get public transport at any time of the hour to go to main city centers (approximately ten minutes taxi drive). The hotel also has a blissful swimming pool, barbecue and a huge collection of pearls and gems.

          I woke up around five and could see the rituals happening at the temple early in the morning from our hotel room balcony. I could even enjoy the ice capped mountains and Boudhanath stupa in the morning fog. Cyclists were bustling on the roads with milk cans and few women carried flower garlands to the temple.

          The  Pashupatinath Temple is one of the 8 UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley.  It is also a cremation site where the last rites of Hindus are performed. At that moment I could smell and see pyres burning. The site and events at cremation is not for the faint hearted.

          Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, the site itself is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here. The main pagoda style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and wood carvings of the finest quality. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath.

          We started to move towards the temple around 6 a.m (The temple is open from 4 a.m).We had booked tickets for special rituals and hence we could jump queues and went straight to the spot after offering chants and prayers we could enter the sanctum for darshan. There are hundreds of Shiva lingam within the compound. The big Maha Shivaratri festival in spring attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees from within Nepal and from India.

          On the banks of Bhagwathi river you can also spot Fossilized seashell stones – called saligrama, and serves as non-anthropomorphic symbol of Vishnu. We do perform strict rituals and offer prayers to saligram.So we made an attempt to buy one from the local market. The rulers have made strict laws to protect  saligram from smugglers.

          http://www.saligram.org/

          By Evening we were tired and rested for some time on the steps of the river. That night had a wonderful dinner at the Maharaja Hotel and looked for some pearls and gems at the store downstairs.

          Day 2:

          Today our journey was towards the  Shivpuri hills 8 km from the city. At the foot is Budhanilkantha. The shrine with probably the largest stone statue of Lord Vishnu in Nepal is reclining on a bed of Nagas or serpents in the middle of a small pond. The 5-m long granite image carved out of a single rock dates back to the Lichchhavi period. After the visit within 10 minutes  we are at  the ISKCON Temple. A very beautiful temple. On the other side is the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.

          http://www.shivapuri.com.np/

          I would highly recommend the stay at the National park to immerse in the green forests.

          IMG_3634.JPG

          Day -3

          Today our journey is to Swayambhunath a hill top destination. Takes around 30 minutes from the temple or city center.On the way you can visit the Durbar Square-the main square.Resting on a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises.

          But it involves a lot of walking and to your sides you see the old archeological remains on display.If you are good at bargaining and fixing prices.Yes! you can always do it. The momemt you reach the top you are on front of the stupa.There are lot of pillars around the stupa. Inside the stupa stands the lord Swayambhu literally means “self-existent one”. According to translations from an inscription dating back to 460 A.D., it was built by King Manadeva and by the 13th century, Swayambhunath had developed into an important center of Buddhism. Legend has it that Swayambhu was born out of a lotus flower that blooms.

          Must not miss:

          • The huge gold plated Vajra ‘thunderbolt’ set in the east side of the stupa
          • Buddha statue on the west side of Swayambhu
          • The Sleeping Buddha
          • The Dewa Dharma Monastery, noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings.
          • The temple dedicated to Harati, the goddess of all children.

          In the evening we strolled around Boudhanath,  is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu as it is the largest stupa in the Kathmandu Valley. Around the Stupa there are plenty of shopping available.

          I bought the famous light weight sarees, colourful flower vases,Rice paper wall hangings,Bone and bead jewellery, silver jewelery and knives to give away as souveniers.

          Start from the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley. Experience the authenticity of the valley, its cultural and religious harmony; the varieties of temples of Hinduism and Buddhism that are standing next to each other for centuries, diverse ethnicity, colorful festivals and celebration.Spin the hundreds of prayer wheels that surround the main domes and be a part of spiritual recantations and prayers that take place in the evenings. Light oil lamps and send prayers to a loved one

          We love you Nepal! One visit is not enough to drown in your beauty and serenity!

          Categories
          Europe

          Amsterdam- Netherlands’s Pearl!


          Do you love Tulips? Have some free time with no restrictions or just while away with what all life could offer you?Today we will embark on a journey to the most exotic place traveled by many. When you think about Holland, you probably think of tulips, windmills, and cheese. These and other icons can be found throughout Holland. I had heard of Amsterdam a city full of life, love fun and frolic.

          The moment I set my foot I could sense it. There are enough trains at the airport which takes you to the city center. Everything here is walk able and transport is superb. You have trams, metros, and bicycles everywhere. You can also see group cyclists singing and moving around. All the bridges have cycle stands and you can spot them almost in every nook and corner of the city.

          Is it Holland or Netherlands?

          Between 1588 and 1795, the area currently representing the Netherlands was the Republic of Seven United Netherlands. The republic was conquered by French troops in 1795 and became the Batavian Republic. Napoleon appointed his brother Louis as king in 1806, turning the country into a kingdom. The Netherlands remained a kingdom after Napoleon’s defeat. At that time, the area called “Holland” made the biggest contribution to the entire nation’s economy and wealth. As such it became the commonly used name to indicate the entire country.

          Day-1

          My first visit to the cheese factory to understand the process of cheese making was not only tasty but also informational. Clogs, Cheese, and Holland are inseparable and a factory visit demonstrates this traditional business. I was astonished to see the way the cattle were treated, the milking process, the cheese making as well as the secrets while choosing the right cheese to buy.
          The cottage industry had all the modern facilities and had an attached showroom where they sold fresh cheese and porcelain utensils. After about two hours of the cheese making workshop, we landed to the most beautiful sight…
          The Windmills- Munnikkenmolen (1890), Zijllaanmolen (1850), Achthovensemolen (1893) are a cluster of polder windmills found in Leiderdorp, a town situated about halfway between The Hague and Amsterdam. Like De Valk, all three mills were in use well into the 20th century – until 1958 for Munnikkenmolen and Zijllaanmolen, and Achthovensemolen until 1964 – and are still in working order, though Zijllaanmolen is not open to the public. We were lucky to click some pictures and make memories in front of the Zijllaamolen windmill.
          Memories we will cherish forever!

          Day-2

          Today we began with a Canal cruise.I suggest the journey ‘a must’ as it takes you on a wonderful journey through all the bridges and picturesque places. You’ll explore Amsterdam’s UNESCO protected canal ring and discover plenty of interesting facts about the city along the way.There are about 160 canals and nearly 1000 bridges in Amsterdam. The canals beckon as you board a glass-topped boat and glide past regal mansions, houseboats, and bridges. A canal cruise in Amsterdam is a rewarding experience.
          https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/things-to-do/canal-cruising

          After a fabulous ride in the canal, we came back to the city center. If you walk down to your right you are on the main street of Amsterdam where you can pick trams/bus to your destination.I choose to walk through and reach the dam square.
          Dam Square:
          Nieuwe Kerk (New Church),
           Royal Palace
           War Memorial.
           Madam Tussauds

          The Paleis op de Dam, or the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, is located in the very heart of the city on Dam Square. It is one of the three palaces that are at the monarch’s disposal, thanks to an Act of Parliament. It is often used for Royal Events and official receptions and open to the public most of the year. There is a huge ground at the center surrounded by the war memorial, the church, the royal house and Madame Tussauds.

          You will need more than 4-5 hours to enjoy the settings and the beauty of the square.There are many Pizza points on the road and you get excellent ones for less price. If you walk back towards the city center to take the train back to the airport you have plenty of shops offering the best. The New Primark is an added attraction to the city.

          Day-3

          If you come to Holland when tulips are in bloom (only from March 20th to May 17th) visit the famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. The rest of the year visit Madurodam, the enchanting miniature city that features the best of Netherlands. Here windmills turn, boats sail and trains move on the world’s largest miniature railway!
          https://keukenhof.nl/en/discover-the-park/what-keukenhof/
          https://www.madurodam.nl/en
          Though I love tulips a lot, since my visit was in the month of July, I had to go with Madurodam. I would recommend the place to everyone visiting Amsterdam as it is worth visiting you get to know the history, an aerial view of Netherlands and much more…

          Suggested Activities- Visit Anne Frank House, Museums and to enjoy the Nightlife.

           

          We are all just a car crash,
          a diagnosis,
          an unexpected phone call,
          a newfound love,
          or a broken heart away from becoming a completely different person.

          How beautifully fragile are we
          that so many things
          can take but a moment
          to alter
          who we are for forever?-Samuel Decker Thompson

           

           

           

           

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Breathtaking Bintan-Indonesia’s Best!


          Where is Bintan Island?

          Are you looking for entertainment throughout the holiday with no less than 30 water sports and 20 land-based activities such as tennis, soccer volley, archery, and a lot more? At sea and on the beach are activities to choose, from a banana boat, flying fish, snorkeling trips, to surfing, kayaking, rafting and an array of sea sports for the young and young at heart and a special area for kids.
          Then head on to Bintan Resorts. Bintan is known for adventure sports. Situated just a ferry ride away from Singapore or Johor Bahru in Malaysia, as well as its neighboring Batam Island, Bintan is the largest island in the Riau Islands province and one that offers the perfect getaway with its high-end resorts, world-class golf courses, and refreshing coastal atmosphere. Covering 23,000 hectares along the entire sandy white coast facing the South China Sea. Bintan has now become a world-class Sport-Tourism destination attracting thousands around the world to compete in its marathons, triathlons, extreme sports and golf challenges.
          There are currently ten independently beach resorts, four designer golf courses, as well as a range of recreational facilities and attractions located within the fully integrated Bintan Resorts.
          http://bintan-resorts.com/visitors/bintan-live/
          I happen to be privileged to stay at one of the best eco-resorts.
          http://loola.net/

          How to reach Bintan?

          Considering its proximity to Singapore and Malaysia, most visitors enter Bintan through by sea. From Singapore, there are three operators (Penguin, Indo Falcon, and Berlian / Webmaster) that offer frequent services from Tanah Merah Terminal in Singapore to Sri Bintan Pura Terminal at Tanjung Pinang and Bandar Bentan Telani Terminal at Bintan Resorts.
          The distance between the Singapore Airport to the ferry terminal is about 10 minutes. Your immigration can be done inside the ferry terminal only.The price for a person will be around 28Pounds. You can either book tickets online or at the terminal. The journey is for two hours and you will enjoy every bit of it.Water and café are available on the ferry.You can also stand on the deck to enjoy the beauty of nature and the sharp skyline of Singapore.

          How to reach your preferred Resort?

          Your resort escorts will be waiting for you at the terminal when you reach Tanjung Pinang.If you have chosen Bintan Resorts you will have a different stop otherwise you will have a common landing on the island. The escort will take you in a car or a jeep.

          Loola Adventure Resort!

          I had chosen to stay at Loola. Part of the Ecotourism scheme which was developed by tourism operators in Bintan, it is primarily designed for nature lovers, companies interested in doing world-class CSR, and school and youth groups. Loola is the winner of many (inter)national sustainability awards, notably the WTM London 2015 award as the World’s best overall responsible tourism operator, Singapore’s most sustainable SME (several times) and Tripadvisor World top 1% family resort for the last 5 consecutive years 2013-2017. Some of the activities that LooLa provides are as follows:

          What to do there?


          GET WET:
          • Kayak, dragon-kayak, sailing
          • – Rafting & raft building
          • – Sea-flat marine walks
          GET HIGH:
          • Coconut tree climbing
          • – Rock climbing wall on the beach
          • – Skywalk first, then take the leap of faith!
          • – Zipline: fly into our swimming pool!
          GET INVOLVED:
          • Orienteering, village walks
          • – Community programs
          • – Our famous Eco/edu tours
          GET PLAYFUL:
          • Ping pong tables, archery
          • – volleyball, futsal & basketball courts
          • – Team building games/obstacle course
          • Bonfire/ music and dance

          My stay for about three days at the resort was just amazing and out of the world. The Chalets, the sound of waves, non-ending kayaking and the sunrise from the bed are some of my experiences which I would always cherish in my life.

          UNESCO Sites at Indonesia are as follows:

          DSC_0298
          TIPS:

          Forget your mobiles and pads.
          Please carry mosquito repellents.
          Savor the seafood.
          Indulge in the beauty of nature.                                                                                                      Do not miss the local massage
          Nature has so much to offer in this piece of land!

          DSC_0361.JPG

          Categories
          Europe

          London Dreams!


          London has been a dream of everyone around the world. Indians, we do have a special bond with Great Britain.Be it education, movie shooting or just sightseeing. The top list of the bucket would be-London.
          Even I had a couple of opportunities to visit this beautiful country in 2015 and 2016.

          DSC_0666.JPG
          Day 1- London Eye-The 4D experience- Madam Tussauds- Tower Bridge- London Bridge- Night ( Absolute Bar)

           

          At the 4D
          The Roads..
          London Eye
          The City…
          The Euro rail
          Amazing view of the city

          To get a bird view of the whole city I found it better to start with London Eye -The ticket comes along with 4D Experience. You may spend 2 hours in leisurely enjoying the beauty. The whole journey is amazingly planned. From London Eye to The tower of London is about 15 minutes. You can go up the bridge and gaze the valuable crowns and emeralds at the bridge. http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/
          This might take about two hours and then your journey trails towards the Madam Tussauds museum where you get to see the wax statues of most of the celebrities and important personalities. Later in the evening, you can have a stroll at the corniche area around the tower bridge and then chill the night at the Absolute Bar where everything is in the ice form.

           

          UNESCO Site
          Living my Dreams

          Day 2- Big Ben- Westminster Abbey -Buckingham Palace- Queen Victoria statue- Albert Memorial- Hyde Park.

           

          The Bigben
          Westminster Abbey
          A wonderful view
          Buckingham Palace
          Buckingham Info
          Queen Victoria Memorial

          Today start your journey with the icon of London-The Big Ben. The Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster – officially named Saint Stephen’s Tower – is commonly known as the Big Ben. The tower is one of London’s most famous landmarks. The clock was the largest in the world and is still the largest in Great-Britain. The clock faces have a diameter of almost 25ft (7.5m). The hour hand is 9ft or 2.7m long and the minute hand measures 14ft (4.25m) long. Next is the Westminster Abbey, located near the Houses of Parliament, is more a historical site than a religious site. Since 1066 every royal coronation, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII has taken place in this church.
          http://www.westminster-abbey.org/
          Walking further you will stand in front of the Buckingham Palace- one of several palaces owned by the British Royal family is one of the major tourist attractions in London. The Changing of the Guard in front of the palace always attracts plenty of spectators.
          https://buckinghampalace.londonpass.com/
          In front of the Palace is the Queen Victoria Statue- Right in front of the building is the Queen Victoria Memorial-designed by Sir Aston Webb and built in 1911 in honor of Queen Victoria, who reigned for almost sixty-four years.
          The changing of the guard takes place daily at eleven o’clock in front of Buckingham Palace.
          A colorfully dressed detachment, known as the New Guard, parades along the Mall towards Buckingham Palace and during a ceremony replaces the existing, Old Guard. The ceremony, which is accompanied by music played by a military band, always attracts throngs of onlookers.
          After about three hours at the Palace, you can walk to your right towards the Albert Memorial- commissioned by Queen Victoria as a tribute to her late consort, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. The High Gothic monument was completed in 1876, fifteen years after Prince Albert died at the age of forty-two.
          A photo stop at the memorial and voila you are at the gates of Hyde Park-the Royal Park of the town. The Diana Fountain and the Marble Arch are eye-catching.If you are with your kids they will surely have a gala time at the park and then by dusk, you can call it a day.

           

          The famous bollywood Phones
          The Royal Observatory
          Time sets hera

          Day 3- Greenwich meridian- St.Paul’s Cathedral- Sherlock holmes’s home @Baker Street.

          If you are amazed by the time difference around the world, you should not be missing the Greenwich meridian. Yes, it is slightly away from the center but you have excellent tube till Canary wharf and then you should take another bus which will drop you at the foot of the hills.And then, from there the journey begins. Greenwich is a charming and historic area of London that is best known for lending its name to the time by which the British set their clocks – Greenwich Mean Time. It is also home to a number of touristic attractions such as the Cutty Sark and the Maritime Museum. The Greenwich Park is breathtaking and from the top of the sloping terrain, near the Royal Observatory, you have a magnificent view over East End and the Docklands.
          http://www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/
          Greenwich Mean Time, the time zone used in the United Kingdom, was at one time based on the time observations made at this observatory, which is no longer in operation. However, each day a ball drops at precisely 13:00 to mark the exact time. Also, astronomical and navigational tools are still on display here for guests to view.
          Try not to carry any luggage as you have to climb up to reach the observatory but the people are so helpful that anybody would volunteer with the luggage.
          After about 4 hours of climbing, enjoying the view studying the museum and the observatory you can come back to the foot of the hill and continue your journey towards St.paul’s cathedral. The majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral was built by Christopher Wren between 1675 and 1711. It is one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and its dome is only exceeded in size by that of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. You need to buy tickets to get in.
          https://www.stpauls.co.uk/
          On the way back to Oxford street you can also visit the Baker’s street -Sherlock holmes221-B if you an avid lover of mysterious stories. You have reached Oxford Street and Now, starts the shopping fever.
          The Oxford Street ends to the Piccadilly Circus is a busy square in the heart of London. It is famous for the fountain that was installed here at the end of the nineteenth century and for the neon advertising that turned the square into a miniature version of Times Square. further to the Trafalgar Square.This area is completely branded.You get to see all brands and all sort of shops.All walkable and you can shop till you drop!

           

          Windsor Castle!
          The Windsor Castle garden
          Queen Elizabeth!
          Finally Made it for X-mas
          Enjoying the hot coffee
          The Stonehenge
          The Roman Bath
          The Christmas Market

          Day-4- Piccadilly circus-Oxford Street- Primark- Shopping-(Optional)
          Day 5- Windsor castle- Stone Henge- The Bath

          Today we are on the outskirts of the city. We had taken up a day tour service from Victoria station to the castle. This is better as the places we had opted were far off and is a very cold day it was difficult to reach the destinations on time as well as study the places.It comes up to 100 Pounds but was worth paying as it covered the entrance fees at the castle, stone Henge and the bath.Plus they also brought us back to the Victoria station.

          https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-windsor-castle

          http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/

          https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/tickets-prices

          The only hitch was that by the time we reached the Roman bath they were already closed. Being Christmas season we enjoyed the Mulled Red wine and the Christmas Market.

          UNESCO World List 2018:

           

          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????

          Tips:

          1. London has five major airports: London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton and London Stansted
          2. London has the best Tube travel.There are five lines-Piccadly Line,Jubilee line,Central Line,Victoria line,DLR.
          3. If you buy an OYSTER Card you can travel in all the lines.All major attractions are connected by tube stations.
          4. All airports have access to tubes.Your card can be topped in all grocery shops.

          Go enjoy London-It has so much to give !

           

          Categories
          Europe

          Three days in Brussels-Belgium’s Beauty!


          Belgium may be small but it’s packed full of sights. UNESCO-acclaimed sites in the capital city of Brussels range from 14th-century guildhalls surrounding the elegant Grand Place to the early 20th-century Art Nouveau townhouses of Victor Horta .If you are a sweet lover there you are enjoying the waffles!

          What more sweet pocket sized city filled with history and beauty!

          Day 1-The Grand Palace-Mannken Pis-Shopping

          Day 2- Atomium- Mini Europe

          Day 3-Victor Horta Town Houses–Palace of Justice – Galeries Royales Saint Hubert- Stoclet Palace.

          Day-1

          The Grand Palace

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          You will be amazed to see the  square  surrounded by Brussels’ Town Hall, nearly forty guildhalls and other beautiful buildings from the 14th to 17th century. The 110 by 68 metre Grand Place is also home of the flower carpet a bi-annual event featuring the creation of a colorful carpet design using more 700,000 cut begonias.

          The Grand-Place testifies  the success of Brussels, mercantile city of northern Europe that, at the height of its prosperity, rose from the terrible bombardment inflicted by the troops of Louis XIV in 1695. Today the Grand-Place remains the faithful reflection of the square destroyed by the French artillery and testifies to the symbolic intentions of the power and pride of the Brussels bourgeois who chose to restore their city to its former glory rather than rebuild in a contemporary style, a trend commonly observed elsewhere.

          A pinnacle of Brabant Gothic, the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), accentuated by its bell tower, is the most famous landmark of the Grand-Place. Facing it, the King’s House, rebuilt in the historicist vein, is perfectly integrated into the ensemble. The King’s House has been occupied for decades by the City Museum. On both sides of these monuments symbolic of public authority were houses occupied by powerful corporations. Each different but built over a very short time, they illustrate remarkably the Baroque architecture of the late 17th century, with a singular treatment of the gables and decorations, sometimes fretted, sometimes more classical. Each house has a name and specific attributes, heightened with gold, reminiscent of the status of its occupants. It is interesting to note that this is a rare example of a square without a church or any other place of worship, which emphasizes its mercantile and administrative nature.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          After basking the beauty of the Gothic structures and digesting the history if you move southwards you wil reach the Manneken-Pis.

          Manneken-Pis was at first a fountain that played an essential role in the former distribution of drinking water since the 15th century. The system was well-known in all of Europe.Towards the end of the 17th century, the statue became more and more important in the city life. It was also a survivor of the bombardment of Brussels in 1695. Manneken-Pis became a precious good and enjoys a ceaselessly growing glory.

          During big events, he is adorned with  luxurious clothes. In the 18th century, Manneken-Pis was dressed at least 4 times a year. Since he lost his main function in the network of water conveyance of the City in the 19th century, Manneken-Pis gradually became an image and symbol of the Brussels folklore, the joy of the inhabitants and their capacity of self-mockery.23 dressings are planned on fixed dates and Manneken-Pis regularly receives new suits.DSC_0322.JPG

          Right behind the Manneken Pis as well as on the roadsides are the Belgium Waffles shops adorned to cater the sweet loving people.  You can buy as much as chocolates and sweets from the factory.

          The day was quite dull with drizzle from morning and hence choose to drive back to the hotel and call it a  day.

          Day- 2

          The Atomium is a landmark building in Brussels, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It is located on the Heysel Plateau, where the exhibition took place. It is now a museum.

          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????

          http://www.atomium.be/

          Mini-Europe is a miniature park located in Bruparck at the foot of the Atomium in Brussels, Belgium. Mini-Europe has reproductions of monuments in the European Union on show, at a scale of 1:25.

          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????

          http://www.minieurope.com/en/

          Day -3

          Today you can call it a UNESCO world site day and visit all the sites by foot! That’s the magic of Brussels.

          Start with the Horta Museum –Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels) and it takes 10 minutes on foot  to  the Palace of Justice. From Palace of Justice it takes about 20 minutes to Galeries Royales Saint Hubert.After you are done at the Gallieries you need to take a metro to reach the Stolcet Palace. Stoclet House

          DSC_0349.JPG

          UNESCO World List 2018:

           

          Belgium -you are the sweet and the historical gem of Europe! With Mini Europe in your pocket, who can ever resist you!

          Categories
          Europe

          Let’s Go Germany!


          Germany today is the education destination for most of the graduates. In 2014, Germany’s 16 states abolished tuition fees for undergraduate students at all public German universities. This means international undergraduates at public universities in Germany can study for free, with just a small fee to cover administration and other costs per semester. How cool is that?
          Hence, Germany is top on bucket list be it education, travel or just movie shooting location.

          So, we take a five-day break in Germany either you can start from Zurich/Frankfurt based on the cost of the flight.

          Black Forest

          The Black Forest is a mountainous region in southwest Germany, bordering France. Known for its dense, evergreen forests and picturesque villages, it is often associated with the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. It’s renowned for its spas and the cuckoo clocks produced in the region since the 1700s. The region’s largest town, Freiburg, is filled with Gothic buildings and surrounded by vineyards.
          https://www.blackforest-tourism.com/Black-Forest You can choose the accommodation of your choice to enjoy the beauty of the forest.

          Day 1-Drubba Cuckoo clock

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.


          You will love to take this trip to Drubba for about an hour and a half which takes you through the wonderful sceneries of the black thick forest. The circular 300 km leads you to the clock workshop stations. Drubba – the alpine nest of the Cuckoo Clock situated in the unique Hollental (Hell’sValley), directly at the mouth of the Ravennaschult (Ravenna Glen).
          The Cuckoo Clock is said to have originated between 1740 and 1750 and has remained more or less unchanged in its unique design The main attractions are the age-old clocks and the sound. An asset to keep. I suggest that you must buy at least two clocks from this place.Right in front of the clock workshop is the Murano workshop. You can see all sorts of glass blowing and designs here.


          Spending about 4-5 hours here you can move to Schaffhausen.Bordering Switzerland, you will get to see the largest waterfall in Europe.The Rhinefall.has a drop around 23 meters but are 150 meters wide making it a very large and impressive sight.The sound of the falling water deafens around and you need to take a boat to reach the spot.
          The unforgettable experience though!
          You will not miss the large central rock formation-Rhienfallfelsen.You also have a choice of stepping on to the rock to watch the falls for some time and embark the next boat.

          After the sight, you also have a choice of going around in a toy train to enjoy the landscape around the falls.

          If you prefer to spend your night you are most welcome to do so as there are ample hotels to accommodate you and the pleasure is all yours as you get to see the fall in the night light and the early morning sight.

          Day-2 Heidelberg

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Two-hour drive from the Black forest takes on a scenic drive to Heidelberg, situated in the Valley of the River Neckar and world famous for its romantic castle and picturesque Old Town with awe-inspiring surroundings.
          It’s known for venerable Heidelberg University, founded in the 14th century. Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church towers over the cafe-lined Marktplatz, a town square in the Altstadt (Old Town). The red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a noted example of Renaissance architecture, stand on Königstuhl hill.Visitors can ride the Bergbahn funicular to reach Heidelberg Castle and its gardens, which have sweeping views over the river and the baroque Altstadt (Old Town). The 18th-century Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) across the river has a medieval gate, and visitors touch its monkey statue to ensure a return to the city. Across the river, the mountainside Philosophers’ Way leads to 12th-century Neuburg Abbey.

          DSC_1000

          A vintage day with the past took my breath away!
          The night we stayed at the old town-Altstadt.My legs were sore and it took some time to have a peaceful sleep.

          Day-3-Boppard

          This morning you can drive to Boppard through the Rhine valley, where there are more castles than in any other river valley
          in the world.You get to enjoy a cruise along the ‘Romantic Rhine’. The stretch of river where you can see castles, villages, and vineyards,
          and the Loreley where the river valley runs through dramatically elevated hillsides. You can see a statue of the Loreley near the cliff. The scenery is actually stunning.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-4-Cologne

          Today your destination is Cologne, the metropolis on the Rhine where on arrival you will visit the Cathedral – the first Gothic church in the Rhineland with its characteristic spires. The adjacent Museum Ludwig showcases 20th-century art, including many masterpieces by Picasso, and the Romano-Germanic Museum houses Roman antiquities.
          Old town’s other highlights include the circa-1861 Wallraf-Richartz Museum, with a vast collection of 13th- to early-20th-century artwork, as well as celebrated contemporary art galleries. The Schnütgen Museum displays medieval religious art within St. Cecilia’s Church, one of old town’s 12 Romanesque churches. The waterfront Schokoladen Museum honors the art of chocolate-making, while the Fragrance Museum marks the 1709 birthplace of eau de Cologne. The Zoological Garden and neighboring Botanical Garden occupy parkland near the Kölner Seilbahn, a cable car running across the Rhine.
          Keep aside some time for shopping as you get wonderful brands with reasonable prices on the main road which is less than 15 minutes from the church.


          You may extend your holidays and visit Frankfurt close just one hour and you have plenty of trains to reach.

          DSC_1011.JPG

          The UNESCO sites in Germany are listed below:

          Germany

          Germany…You lead us in Education and Tourism…Your antique clocks are an asset to anybody’s home…

          Categories
          Europe

          The Honeymooners Paradise-Switzerland!


          No words can justify the beauty and ravishing landscape of Switzerland. An epitome of Romance and dream of millions land.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day 1:

          Today start your snow and ice adventure with a visit to Mt.Titlis in cable cars that include a 360 revolving car.Breathtaking!the ice flyer, cliff walk, glacier cave, and park are all waiting to be explored. After the cable car rides back into the city do not forget to shop the expensive Swiss watches from Bahnhofstrasse-the expensive street. You will also see the Peterskirche( St.Peter’s Street) famous for its 16th C clock. Across the Limmat river, you get to see beautiful Romanesque and a gothic cathedral.
          After having fondue- the national dish of Swiss made of cheese got transported to Lauterbrunnen -comparatively cheaper than Zurich to stay. It is also close by to other destinations.

           

          Day 2:

          Glacier 3000 Awaits! The everlasting snow mountain, offering panoramic views of the most beautiful summits of the Alps. Ascent is by cable car to Scex Rouge(2971m).A special adrenaline kick with a wild ride on the Alpine Coaster (weather permitting), the world’s highest bobsleigh track. You can cruise along at approx. 40 km/hour and with the brakes, you determine how fast you want to go.
          P.S- Ahista…ahista song shot on this frame in the movie-Bachna -e-Haseeno
          The ultimate highlight is the 520-degree loop, followed by 10 curves, 6 waves, 3 jumps and 2 bridges. The View Point (stairs) located directly behind the Restaurant Botta 3000 has a 360-degree view that includes some of the most beautiful alpine peaks – from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the Matterhorn – and views onto over 24 peaks that are over 4000 m high.
          Later ride the Snow Bus over the glacier – a unique experience of a comfortable ride on the eternal snow. Return to Lauterbrunnen .

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day 3:

          Lucerne-Then its’ on to Lucerne with its picturesque mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows, the poignant Lion Monument, the covered, wooden Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), and the ornate Jesuit Church. On one side of the lake rises the interesting Jesuit Church. The priest who took us Around claimed that it had been started by St Francis Xavier before he voyaged to the east. We walked across to Lucerne’s iconic bridge. It’s a wondrous, zigzag bridge, with beautiful old paintings and a tower-prison for cantankerous couples. It was bright with cascading flowers. It is still the most intriguingly beautiful bridge we have seen anywhere. Even here, however, Switzerland’s vexatious past had been preserved.
          The profusion of flowers concealed the higher parapet of the bridge. In the bad old days, it had been a battlement for the town’s defenders to repel their attackers. Lucerne’s brilliantly diverse heritage has also been captured on the other side of the lake. The facades of houses were painted like a gallery of folk beliefs. There was an unusual ‘First Supper’ in which Christ performed his first miracle. In the red cars of the Pilatus Bahn, The world’s steepest cogwheel railway, recollections rewound as we clickety-clacked from the lake through dark conifers, green meadows, and up-frowning cliffs to dock in the 2,432-metre-high Pilatus. Paragliders floated on the wings of the wind. The great Lion of Lucerne lay stabbed and dead but still protecting the shield of the last king of France. The famed Swiss Guards had died to the last man, defending the cosseted Louis XVI against the wrath of his own people. The only Swiss Guards now left protect the Pope, and they still wear magnificent medieval uniforms.
          After a thorough city tour and the magnificent corniche which is one of the wonders of the world, we returned back to our Lauterbrunnen Hotel.

          Day 4:

          Interlaken- Kleine Scheidegg-Interlaken- Today’s special, the ‘Top of Europe’, a wonderful world of glaciers and eternal ice and Interlaken City tour. You will reach the highest altitude railway station in Europe by a charming red cogwheel train, through the most dramatic mountain scenery. You get to walk on the Aletsch Glacier, at 22 km-the longest ice stream in the Alps. Visit the glistening Ice Palace, and the Sphinx Observation Terrace at 3571m, the loftiest point of all, the alpine view is simply stunning.
          You will be surprised to have a sumptuous hot Indian lunch at the top.
          P.S-Please get your Jungfrau passport stamped before alighting the mountain.
          Interlaken is a home of adventure and beauty. Be it paragliding, bungee jumping or kayaking you have it all. The city cradled cozily between the beautiful lakes of Brienz and Thun, where even today you see the horse -drawn carriages. You will have a wonderful choice of unlimited watches and jewelry.

          Overnight in Lauterbrunnen and pack off with wonderful memories.

          The UNESCO sites in Switzerland;

          DSC_0859

          Switzerland the land of Dreams, Hopes and Promises…continues its legacy over centuries-Past-present and onto the Future!

          Categories
          Europe

          Five days in Italia!


          Welcome to Italy, the most raved about, the most traveled and the permanent home for most of the Bollywood and Hollywood movie makers. Be it historical, architecture or UNESCO world sites. You have it all.

          The most visited and popular of them are; Rome is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “David” and Brunelleschi’s Duomo; Pisa, the leaning tower and the Cathedral Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.

          Come let’s delve into the beauty of Italia…

          Day 1: Rome- Arch of Constantine- Colosseum- Altar of the Fatherland – Trevi Fountain

          Day 2: Florence- Signora Square-The Duomo- gates of paradise- Ponte Vecchio

          Day 3: Pisa- Cathedral-Bell tower(Leaning Tower)-Baptistry-Knight Square

          Day 4: Venice- St.Mark’s Square- Cathedral- Gondola ride- Murano Glass factory.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          The beauty of Rome lies in its ruins. We passed the aqua duct and started our day at the Arch.

          Arch of Constantine-After years of civil war, the victory of Constantine’s army over the army of Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD finally brought some peace to the Roman Empire. To commemorate this memorable victory, the Senate of Rome awarded Constantine a triumphal arch. It gives a majestic entrance to the Colosseum.

          The Colosseum-The Colosseum  50,000 and 80,000 spectators were used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Although partially ruined because of damage caused by earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions and also has links to the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit “Way of the Cross” procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.  The Colosseum was under construction so we could get into the interiors.

          If you walk to your right from the Arch you will witness the Roman Forum- the sprawl of ruins, the Roman Forum was ancient Rome’s showpiece center, a grandiose district of temples, basilicas and vibrant public spaces.

          Enjoying the past and reviving to the present after about 15 minutes of walk, to your right is the modern white marble building-Altar of the fatherland-a monument to honor Victor Emanuel II, unified Italy’s first king, which is however also often unsympathetically referred to as either the “wedding cake” or the “typewriter”.  Lying at its foot and guarded by two soldiers is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Since 1921, the Victor Emmanuel Monument holds the tomb of the unknown soldier, a place in which the eternal flame shines and which is always guarded by two soldiers. The base of the monument holds the Museum of the Risorgimento; a museum dedicated to the unification of Italy in which weapons, flags and other objects related to this historic moment are exhibited

          A spectacular monument-The colossal monument, which is 135 meters wide and 70 meters high, is comprised of scores of majestic Corinthian columns and endless stairs, all carved in white marble. The top is crowned with an equestrian sculpture of Victor Emmanuel cast in bronze and two chariots driven by the goddess Victoria.

          P.S-Panoramic terrace-One of the greatest attractions of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel is the panoramic view that can be seen from the terrace located at the same height as the chariots. The panoramic elevators are the only way to reach the upper part of the monument, but the amazing views make it worth the effort to climb.Trevi fountain.JPG

          It was noon and we moved into our vehicles to visit Trevi-Buses and cars will not take you near the fountain as the roads are too narrow. You have ample roadside shops to relish pizza and pasta to your heart’s desire. The evening lights lit up and gave a twilight glow to the Fountain situated at the end of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC by Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. The aqueduct brings water all the way from the Salone Springs and supplies the fountains in the historic center of Rome with water. Turning towards the shop I threw a coin in my right hand over my left shoulder wishing that I will visit Rome another day. Hope my wishes turn true!

          Suggested- Pantheon & Circus Maximus.

          Day 2:

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Onto Florence, a shrine to the wonders of the Renaissance, with more artistic treasures per square meter than any other city in the world! The single road that leads from the bus stop takes you to the Signora Square

          The Piazza Della Signora has been the center of political life in Florence since the 14th century with the prominent Palazzo Vecchio overlooking the square. It was the scene of great triumphs, such as the return of the Medici in 1530 as well as the Bonfire of the Vanities instigated by Savonarola, who was then himself burned.

          The sculptures in Piazza Della Signoria bristle with political connotations, many of which are fiercely contradictory. The David – Michelangelo was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of the Republic’s defiance of the tyrannical Medici.Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus (1534) to the right of the David was appropriated by the Medici to show their physical power after their return from exile. The Nettuno (1575) by Ammannati celebrates the Medici’s maritime ambitions and Giambologna’s equestrian statue of Duke Cosimo I(1595) is an elegant portrait of the man who brought all of Tuscany under Medici military rule.

          I bet you get immersed in the history and gape at the huge sculptures.If you turn to your right you are in front of the Santa Maria del Fiore, The Duomo,  the prominent landmark of the Florentine skyline.  Fourth biggest cathedral in the world is known for its size and beauty, with hundreds of years of history and its dome is a major architectural masterpiece ahead of its time.

          The famous bronze doors known as The Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery in front of the cathedral were made by a winner of a citywide competition in 1401 .Michelangelo had commented that the doors seemed like the gates of paradise, thereby giving them the name we call them now.

           After about four hours of thorough architectural savor,I moved out from the bridge to reach the renowned Ponte Vecchio – a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy, noted for still having shops built along it.

          Drive to the magical Piazzale Michelangelo for a view of the city.

          Day 3:

          Today you will visit the magical lagoon city of Venice. Nothing prepares you for the captivating city of canals and palaces – Venice is simply unique! Built on 117 small Cruise from Tronchetto Pier and glide romantically past fairytale palaces, through incredible miniature canals to the Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square), where you disembark. Napoleon dubbed the Square the ‘finest drawing room in Europe’ for its constant carnival atmosphere! Witness the bronze Moors striking the hour, as they have been doing for the past 500 years!

          St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco in Italian) is the most famous of the many churches of Venice and one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in the world. Located just off the Grand Canal, the gleaming basilica adjoins the Doge’s Palace. San Marco is a cathedral, but has not always been so: it was the Doge’s chapel until it became the seat of the Archbishop of Venice in 1807. The major landmark here is the campanile- The tower is 98.6 meters (323 ft) tall, and stands alone in a corner of St Mark’s Square, near the front of the basilica as an icon of Venice. The tower is capped by a pyramidal spire, at the top of which sits a golden weather vane in the form of the archangel Gabriel.

          From there we moved on to the Doge’s Palace, connected by the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ to its prisons. It was from here that the legendary lover Casanova made his famous escape! A brief visit to a Murano Glass showroom for a demonstration in glass blowing. It was on the island of Murano that glass was first made in Europe and hand-blown Venetian glass is world famous. Enjoy a Gondola Ride as in most of the Bollywood movies.DSC_0311

          DSC_0321

          Day 4:

          This morning it’s Pisa, the hometown of Galileo and a city, which makes the most of its claim to fame – its Leaning Tower! It has leaned almost since construction first started, due to the swampy soil beneath it. The Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply the Tower of Pisa is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its unintended tilt. It is the Duomo’s (Cathedral) Bell Tower. It is a Cathedral is a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy. It is a notable example of Romanesque architecture, the style known as Pisan Romanesque. Together with the Baptistry, these are all a part of the Field of Miracles. Begun in 1093, Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Despite its proximity to the eye-catching and tourist-attracting Leaning Tower, the Duomo still dominates the monumental Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa.

          Do not forget to shop at the small shopping outlets at the knight square.

          Day-5

          Milan-Optional

           UNESCO sites in Italy are:

          Italy-You invite us…allure us with your architecture and UNESCO sites.Transport us into history and amaze us with your beauty!

          Ti amo Italia!

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Pearls of Wisdom-A collection of Motivational Poems


          Just like a pearl made from an oyster,all of the imperfections of our being and the attacks received from the outside world work together to create an amazing heart that only YOU have.

          It’s time to open your shell and show the pearl to the world.

          1.Tale of an oyster

          There once was an oyster, whose story I’ll tell
          Who found that some sand, had gotten into his shell
          It was only a grain, but gave him great pain
          For oysters have feelings, although they are plain

          Now, did he berate the harsh workings of fate
          That had brought him to such a deplorable state?
          “No”, he said to himself, “Since I cannot remove it”,
          I’ll lie in my shell, and think how to improve it”,

          The years rolled around, as the years always do,
          And he came to his ultimate destiny …. stew.
          Now the small grain of sand that had bothered him so,
          Was a beautiful pearl all richly aglow,

          This tale has a morale, for isn’t it grand,
          What an oyster can do with a morsel of sand?
          Think…what could we do, if we’d only begin,
          With some of the things that get under our skin!

          2.Tale of a Teacher

          Whose child is this?” I asked one day                                                                                                Seeing a little one out at play.
          “Mine”, said the parent with a tender smile
          “Mine to keep a little while.
          To bathe his/her hands and comb his/her hair,
          To tell him/her what he/she is to wear,
          To prepare him/her that he/she may always be good,
          And each day do the things he/she should”.

          “Whose child is this?” I asked again,
          As the door opened and someone came in.
          “Mine”, said the teacher with the same tender smile.
          “Mine, to keep just for a little while.
          To teach him/her how to be gentle and kind,
          To train and direct his/her dear little mind,
          To help him/her live by every rule,
          And get the best he/she can from school”.

          “Whose child is this?” I asked once more,
          Just as the little one entered the door.
          “Ours”, said the parent and the teacher as they smiled.
          And each took the hand of the little child.
          “Ours to love and train together.
          Ours this blessed task forever.”

          3.Comfort zone

          I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn’t fail.
          The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.
          I longed so much to do the things I’d never done before,
          But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

          I said it didn’t matter that I wasn’t doing much.
          I said I didn’t care for things like commission checks and such.
          I claimed to be so busy with the things inside my zone,
          But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

          I couldn’t let my life go by just watching others win.
          I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
          I took a step and with new strength, I’d never felt before,
          I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

          If you’re in comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
          Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
          A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
          Reach for your future with a smile;
          Success is there for you!

          4. Sculptor

          A sculptor took a piece of clay
          and molded perfectly
          The figure of a little child,
          so beautiful to see;
          But when I held it in my hand,
          no warmth of life was there
          Its cold, changeless beauty
          was all that it could share.

          God sent a little child to me
          that I might supervise
          The teaching that would satisfy
          the wonder in his eyes;
          And when I took his little hand,
          to guide him on his way,
          I felt the warmth of trust and love
          he shares with me each day.

          “And so, dear God, I come to Thee,
          in all humility,
          To ask for wisdom, strength and love
          that I may always be
          The kind of teacher who can help,
          in some kind, loving way,
          To mold a better, stronger child
          with every passing day.”

          5. Life

          Don’t undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others.
          It is because we are different that each of us is special.
          Don’t set your goals by what other people deem important.
          Only you know what is best for you.

          Don’t be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect.
          It is the fragile thread that binds us to each other.
          Don’t be afraid to encounter risks,
          It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

          Don’t shut love out of your life by saying it’s impossible to find.
          The quickest way to receive love is to give love.
          Don’t run through life so fast that you forget where you’ve been.
          But also know where you’re going.                                                                                                Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored every step of the way.

          6. Children

          Your children are not your children.
          They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
          They come through you but not from you,
          And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
          You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
          For they have their own thoughts.
          You may house their bodies but not their souls,
          For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
          You may strive to be like them but seek not to make them like you.
          For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
          You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
          The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
          Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
          For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so he loves also the bow that is stable!

          7. Happiness

          Everybody -everywhere seeks happiness, it’s true,
          But finding it and keeping it seems difficult to do.
          Difficult because we think that happiness is found
          Only in the places where wealth and fame abound.

          And so we go on searching in palaces of pleasure
          Seeking recognition and monetary treasure,
          Unaware that happiness is just a state of mind
          Within the reach of everyone who takes time to be kind.

          8. A phase of Life!

          We all go through this phase at times…

          • When I got enough confidence, the stage was gone!
          • When I was sure of Losing, I won!
          •  When I needed People the most, they Left me!
          •  When I learned to dry my tears, I found a shoulder to cry on!
          •  When I mastered the skill of hating, someone started loving me from the core of the heart!
          • While waiting for the light for hours, I fell asleep, and then the sun came out.

          9. Raindrop!

          The raindrop from the sky, 

          If it is caught in hands is pure enough for drinking.                                                                       If it falls in the gutter, it’s value drops so much that it can’t be used for washing the feet. 

          If it falls on the hot surface, it perishes.                                                                                            If it falls on a lotus leaf, it shines like a pearl and finally,                                                              If it falls on an oyster, it becomes a pearl.                                                                                    The drop is the same, but its existence & worth depends on with whom it associates.

          10. Tips to Remember by!

          1.  Heavy rains remind us of challenges in life. Never ask for a lighter rain, just pray for a better umbrella. That is Attitude.
          2. When the flood comes, fish eats ants and when the flood recedes, ants eat fish. Only time matters. Just hold on. God gives an opportunity to everyone.
          3. In a theatre when drama plays, you opt for front seats. When the film is screened, you opt for rear seats. Your position in life is only relative. Not absolute.
          4. For making soap, oil is required. But to clean oil, soap is required. This is the irony of life.
          5. Every problem has (N+1) solutions: where N is the number of solutions that you have tried and 1 is that you have not tried.
          6. Only two categories of people are happy in life-The Mad and the Child. Be Mad to achieve a goal. Be a Child to enjoy what you achieved!

          11.  Ten Timeless Tips!

          1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight, and height. 
          2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
          3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever… Never let the brain idle. ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’
          4. Enjoy the simple things.
          5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
          6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
          7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
          8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
          9.  Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
          10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

          12. Walking is the Best Exercise!

          Walk away from arguments that lead you to nowhere but anger.                                                Walk away from people who deliberately put you down.                                                                Walk away from failures and fears that stifle your dreams.                                                          Walk away from people who do not care for you and who are opportunistic                       The more you walk away from things that poison your soul,                                             The happier your life will be, GIFT yourself a walk towards HAPPINESS!

          13. Studio!

          I dreamt I stood in a studio,                                                                                                                  And watched two sculptors there.                                                                                                  The clay they used was a young child’s mind,                                                                              And they fashioned it with care.

          One was a teacher, the tools he used                                                                                                  Were books, music, and art.                                                                                                                One a parent with a guiding hand                                                                                                  And a gentle loving heart

          Day after day, the teacher toiled,                                                                                                        With a touch that was deft and sure.                                                                                            While the parent labored by his side,                                                                                                And polished and smoothed it o’er.

          And when at last, their work was done,                                                                                            They were proud of what they had wrought.                                                                                  For the things, they had molded into the child,                                                                            Could neither be sold nor bought.

          And each agreed they would have failed                                                                                            If each had worked alone,                                                                                                                For behind the parent stood the school                                                                                            And behind the teacher the home.

          14. Peace with life!

          Acharya Chanakya answers:

          What is Poison?
          Anything which is more than our necessity is Poison.It may be Power, Wealth, Hunger, Ego, Greed, Laziness, Love, Ambition, Hate or anything.

          What is Fear?
          Nonacceptance of uncertainty.
          If we accept that uncertainty,
          it becomes adventure!

          What is Envy?
          Nonacceptance of good in others
          If we accept that good, it becomes inspiration!

          What is Anger?
          Non-acceptance of things which are beyond our control.
          If we accept, it becomes tolerance!

          What is Hatred?
          Non-acceptance of a person as he is. If we accept person unconditionally, it becomes love!
          It’s a matter of acceptance.
          Resistance creates stress. Acceptance does away with stress.

          15. Oak!

          Stand tall oh mighty oak, for all the world to see,
          your strength and undying beauty forever amaze me.
          Though storm clouds hover above you,
          your branches span the sky,
          in search of the radiant sunlight you
          count on to survive.
          When the winds are high and restless and
          you lose a limb or two,
          it only makes you stronger, we
          could learn so much from you.
          Though generations have come and gone
          and brought about such change,
          quietly you’ve watched them all yet still
          remained the same.
          I only pray God give to me the strength he’s given you,
          to face each day with hope, whether
          skies are black or blue,
          Life on earth is truly a gift
          every moment we must treasure,
          it’s the simple things we take for granted
          that become our ultimate pleasures!

          16. Prayer!

          Prayer doesn’t just happen when we kneel or put hands together and expect things.

          Thinking positive and wishing good for others – is a prayer

          When you hug a friend – That’s a prayer

          When you cook something to nourish family and friends- That’s a prayer

          When we send off our near and dear ones and say ‘Drive Safely’ or ‘Be Safe’- That’s a prayer

          When you are helping someone in need by giving your time and energy – You are praying

          When you forgive someone by your heart, that is prayer.

          Prayer is a Vibration- A feeling – A thought.

          Prayer is the voice of love, friendship, genuine relationships.

          Prayer is an expression of your silent being.

          Listen…Learn…Live Inspired!

           

          Categories
          Europe

          Vatican City- Smallest Holy Nation in the World!


          Who hasn’t dreamt or fancied of visiting Rome in their lifetime? Be it Italian pasta, pizza the Italian beauties, architecture, and spirituality have attracted millions all over the world. Me, no spare.I had dreamt of the place from time immemorial.Dan Brown novels, Hollywood movies had created a craze, a desire to visit Vatican city.
          One Summer, I decided to make my dream a reality. I headed towards Rome to reach Vatican city. I picked up a taxi to reach me to the city. ‘Rome was not built in a day’- the truth of this oft-quoted adage hits you with full force as you breathe the fresh summer air in the city. According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. Vatican City, also called the Holy See, is a tiny sovereign independent state. Vatican City is only .44 sq. km. and has a population of less than 1000. Vatican City gained independence from Italy on 11 February 1929. In 2013, over 5 million people visited Vatican City.
          The Holy See is the seat of the Catholic religion and home of the Pope since 1378.
          With only 110 acres of global real estate and a microscopic population (fewer than 1000), Vatican City actually qualifies as the smallest sovereign state on the planet. What this means to you is that you can see an entire country in only a few hours, no visa required.DSC_0048 - Copy
          The first monument that attracts your attention is -The ‘Altar of the Fatherland’ (Altare della Patria) is the largest national monument in Italy and it was inaugurated by King Vittorio Emanuele III during the 50th anniversary of the unification of Italy at the Universal Exhibition on June 4th, 1911. Located at the Prime center it gives you a warm welcome into the city.

          The Dome-St.Peter’s Basilica
          The Vatican Museum

          Within 30 minutes you are in the square and you can spot the dome easily. The dome of St.Peter’s Basilica. This was designed by Michelangelo, who worked on the construction of the basilica beginning in 1547. When you enter the basilica from the St.Peter’s Square, you will not be able to spot the dome. The dome has a double calotte, with an inner diameter of 42.56 meters and it measures 136.57 meters from the base to the top of the cross. The lantern is 17 meters high. This dome was used as a model for other domes in the western world. Among such domes, although built according to different techniques, are those of Saint Paul’s in London (1675), Les Invalides in Paris (1680-1691) and the Capitol building in Washington (1794-1817).

          After parking the taxi filled up the water bottles( there are various drinking water taps around, you don’t have to buy water). My prime destination was the Vatican Museum.

          Vatican Museum

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          (P.S- Entry Tickets- Long queues- preferably tour guides)
          Vatican Courtyards:
          After passing the Atrium of the “Corazza” on the left, and crossing the Atrium with its Four Gates, you will see three courtyards.
          The Courtyard of the “Pigna” A large niche, planned at its northern end to complete the perspective, was realized, as it can now be seen in the so-called Courtyard of the “Pigna”, by architect Pirro Ligorio in 1565, using the Pantheon dome as a model.
          The Library Courtyard -Collection of books and statues of the era
          The Courtyard of the “Belvedere”-In the middle of the wide-open space are two concentric spheres by sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro (1990).The Sphere within a Sphere is a statue also known as “Sfera con Sfera”. It is part of a series of bronze sculptures on this theme that can be found in prime locations all over the world such as the Headquarters of the UN in New York; The Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, USA; Trinity College in Dublin; the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C; the de Young Museum in San Francisco, USA ;The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art; the Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus and the Tel Aviv University in Israel.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          The most excited part of the visit was about to begin. The Vatican Museums contain masterpieces of painting, sculpture and other works of art collected by the popes through the centuries. The Museums include several monumental works of art, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Chapel of Beato Angelico, the Raphael Rooms and Loggia and the Borgia Apartment. The Pinacoteca, or Picture Gallery, is situated in a building that dates back to 1932 and that was designed by the architect Beltrami. It is connected to the Museum complex (at the entrance of the Quattro Cancelli) by an elegant portico. The Christian, Profane and Missionary-Ethnological Museum contains a collection of artistic and archaeological objects, some of an ethnological nature, that were once housed in the Lateran Palace. The Collection of Modern Religious Art was added to the Museums in 1973. The History Museum is located in the Lateran Palace and includes, among other things, items that belonged to the Pontifical Military Corps.
          The Museums are usually open to the public every weekday morning and in the early afternoon in summer. Entry is free on the last Sunday of every month. The entrance to the Museums is on Viale Vaticano, near Piazza Risorgimento. A Workshop for Restoring paintings, bronzes, marble, tapestries and other items, is part of the Museums which also includes a Scientific Research Laboratory.
          There are few hidden museums which are not allowed for the public.

          Sistine Chapel

          P.S- Photography is strictly prohibited.These are the pictures clicked from the courtyard description.

          Regarded as Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) is a jaw-dropping attraction worth at least seeing once in your lifetime. The Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest treasures of the Vatican City, of Rome and of the world in general. It is known as much for its decoration, as for being the temple in which popes are chosen and crowned. The construction of the building was carried out between 1473 and 1481 during the mandate of Pope Sixtus IV, to whom it owes its current name. The architect responsible for the construction was Giovanni of Dolci and it is the only work that he is remembered for.What grabs the attention of the Sistine Chapel is not its architecture, but the frescoes that completely cover the walls and the ceiling. Some of the most important artists who worked in the chapel are Botticelli, Perugino, Luca, and Michelangelo.

          DSC_0073 - Copy
          The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
          All of the frescoes of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are the work of Michelangelo, who spent four years painting the vault between 1508 and 1512.If there is one thing that stands out from among the images on the ceiling, it is the nine stories from Genesis that occupy the central area: The scenes from the Drunkenness of Noah to the Separation of Light from Darkness are represented.

          DSC_0072 - Copy
          The Creation of Adam
          Without any doubt, The Creation of Adam is the best-known image from the Sistine Chapel. It is located in the central part of the vault and represents the story from Genesis in which God gives life to Adam.
          The Last Judgment
          Located over the high altar and with some magnificent dimensions (13.7 by 12.2 meters), Michelangelo’s other masterpiece, The Final Judgment, is found. It is a fresco that represents the Apocalypse of St. John.Decorating the apse occupied five years of Michelangelo’s life, between 1536 and 1541. It was an assignment of the Pope Paul III to cover the murals that existed to that point.

          DSC_0071 - Copy.JPG

          After an artistic and intellectual journey, we reluctantly dragged ourselves out of the museum to retire for the day.Food joints and bars are easily accessible on the streets and you will relish your favorites with no bargain on price.

          Day -2

          St. Peter’s Square

          The day started with a long endless queue at the world famous square.It was blazing hot and all the caps and umbrellas and cool drinks could not quest the thirst.The queues were not moving at all. St. Peter’s Square, known locally as Piazza San Pietro, is the massive plaza located in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, large enough to hold as many as 400,000 people. Like the basilica, it was named after Saint Peter, whom the Catholics claim as their first pope.

          The square has two beautiful fountains, but it’s an ancient Egyptian obelisk that competes with the basilica as the square’s focal point. Caligula brought the obelisk from Egypt to Rome in 37 AD, and it was moved to its current site in 1586.
          Designed and built by Bernini between 1656 and 1667, during the pontificate of Alexander VII (1655-1667), the square is made up of two different areas. The first has a trapezoid shape, marked off by two straight closed and convergent arms on each side of the church square. The second area is elliptical and is surrounded by the two hemicycles of a four-row colonnade, because, as Bernini said, “considering that Saint Peter’s is almost the matrix of all the churches, its portico had to give an open-armed, maternal welcome to all Catholics, confirming their faith; to heretics, reconciling them with the Church; and to the infidels, enlightening them about the true faith. The measurements of the square are impressive: it is 320 m deep, its diameter is 240 m and it is surrounded by 284 columns, set out in rows of four, and 88 pilasters. Around the year 1670, Bernini’s pupils built 140 statues of saints, 3.20 m high along the balustrade above the columns. On either side of the obelisk, which was moved to the middle of the square by Domenico Fontana in 1585, are two great fountains built by Bernini (1675) and Maderno (1614)? Below, at the foot of the staircase in front of the basilica, the statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul seem to welcome visitors.
          After about 2 hours of slow movement, we were able to reach the Basilica.

          St. Peter’s Basilica
          «The virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son. They shall call his name Immanuel, which is, being interpreted, “God with us” … Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king» (Mt 1,23. 2,1). 
          St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the holiest temples for Christendom and one of the largest churches in the world. Besides, it is where the Pope presides many liturgies all year round.
          The construction of the new basilica began in 1506 when the old basilica had been torn down and was finished in 1626. It was consecrated on 18 November 1626. Several renowned architects designed the temple, highlighting the works of Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno.
          The basilica was called St Peter’s after one of Jesus’s twelve disciples known as Saint Peter, who became one of the founders of the Catholic Church and was executed in Rome and buried where the Basilica now stands.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          St Peter’s Basilica can accommodate 20,000 people. It measures 190 m (624 ft) long and the central nave is 46 m (150 ft) tall. The dome stands 136 m (447ft) tall.
          Inside, visitors will find extremely impressive pieces of art, including St. Peter’s Baldachin, a large bronze baldachin designed by Bernini, The Pietà, a sculpture by Michelangelo and the statue of St Peter on his throne. St Peter has his right foot worn down due to the touches of the devoted. Visiting St Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience when staying in Rome. Visitors mustn’t miss out on climbing to the top of the dome, where a stunning view of St Peter’s Square, and if the day is clear of most of the city, awaits them.Climbing to the top might prove to be a little oppressive for some, as the last part of the ascent is a narrow and steep spiral staircase.

          You will need more than 5 hours for a complete spiritual journey of the basilica.When you come out enlightened you get to see the Swiss guards.
          The Swiss Guard
          The Swiss Guard have guarded Vatican City since 1506. Today they still dress in the traditional Swiss Guard costume. Guard recruits must be Roman Catholic Swiss nationals, between 19 and 30 years of age, single, high school graduates and at least 174cm tall. They must have also completed Swiss military service.
          In the evening you can visit the Vatican Gardens: 23 hectares of beautiful gardens with a small villa and medieval fortifications separate the Vatican from Rome on the north and west sides.

          Top Tips:
          • Remove hats indoors.
          • Shoulders must be covered. No sleeveless tops, tank-tops, sundresses or halters. A scarf/pashmina is acceptable as a cover-up.
          • Knees must be covered. No cut-offs or short skirts. No shorts, either. Women can wear tights to comply with this rule. Or, you can wear zip-off pants (the ones that convert to shorts with zippers around the knees) and reattach the lower legs as needed.
          • Wear good walking shoes. Many people spend a whole day on their feet in the Vatican City, which means lots of hard surfaces and waiting in lines.

          Vatican city- You amaze us…you attract us and you take us historically and spiritually to another world!
          We love you more than anything else on this earth!!

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Singapore-Passion made Possible!


          The country known for its Educational Research, Preservation of Natural resources and Innovation- Singapore. Singapore boasts of itself as the cleanest and one of the top tourist and educational destinations in the world. It’s constantly evolving, re-inventing, and re-imagining itself, with people who are passionate about creating new possibilities.

          It’s where foodies, explorers, collectors, action seekers, culture shapers, and socializers meet―and new experiences are created every day. Singapore is much more than the sum of its numerous attractions.

          Do not stop at finding out what you can do when you visit, more than just a destination. It is where passion is made possible.

          Day 1– Singapore- Gardens by the bay, Merlion Park, Eye of Singapore
          Day 2– Jurong Bird Park, Underwater World, Night Safari.
          Day 3– Sentosa Island.
          Day 4– Botanical Garden- Orchid Garden, Chinese temple, Gems & Metals store
          Day 5-Shopping in Little India and Little China.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day 1

          The moment you step near ‘The Gardens by The Bay‘, the beautiful landscape takes your breath away. Opened in 2012, this landscape has been a must-visit sight as it involves the terrace garden. Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land in central Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Gardens by the Bay is part of a strategy by the Singapore government to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden”. From the garden, you can view the opulent Marina Bay Sands Complex. At the top of the Marina are the viewing deck and infinity pool on the ship (yes, ship) that tops the hotel. Only hotel guests are allowed to use the infinity pool but anyone can visit the observation deck. You won’t want to miss Supertree Grove, where you’ll find a cluster of the iconic, futuristic structures designed to perform environmentally sustainable functions. Then, head to the Cloud Forest Dome to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and learn a bit about biodiversity.

          You get a sumptuous lunch of various cuisines in the garden. After spending the whole day and waiting for the ‘Supertree grove‘ which measures between 25 and 50 meters tall, these iconic tree-like vertical gardens are designed with large canopies that provide shade in the day and come alive with an exhilarating display of light and sound at night. We were awestruck by the beauty of the trees. Later we moved on to the Merlion Park, a Singapore landmark and major tourist attraction, located near the Central Business District.

          From there you can literally walk to the Singapore Flyer or the Singapore eye to enjoy the evening view of the city.

          Day-2

          After a day of colors, lights, and garden, today we chose to visit the various land of animals. First, our visit was to the Jurong Bird Park. The bird park, managed by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, covers an area of 0.2 square kilometers on the western slope of Jurong Hill, the highest point in the Jurong region. You have buses to take you around the park and you will surely enjoy every bit of your time inside the park.

          After enjoying the animal shows we moved out to reach the Night Safari. I would suggest this as the prime activity as the trams take you into the world of animals in their original habitat. You can also hike or move around at ease without any fear. The bird and animal show on ‘Reduce-Reuse-Recycle’ is worth mentioning. The dance at the entrance also grabs your attention. Dinner is also an extensive part of the night safari, we had a splendid buffet at the hotel before we dragged ourselves to the bus to reach the hotel.

          Day -3

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Singapore isn’t exactly known as a beach destination, but if you’re really craving some fun in the sun, Sentosa Island is the place to find it. Siloso Beach is a good spot for getting some beach time, and visitors can play volleyball on free courts or go kayaking and skim-boarding. There are several other beach attractions as well, plus an Underwater World Aquarium where you can swim with dolphins. A must-see on Sentosa Island is the Merlion, Singapore’s famous statue that has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. You can take an escalator to the top of the statue, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Fort Siloso, the country’s only preserved fort, is also located on Sentosa Island. Do not miss the Madame Tussauds Museum which also includes a short tour from the old to the new Singapore. Next, we moved on to the Skyline Luge for an adrenaline rush drive followed by cable car lift and finally to the underwater world. You can see all the water animals all around you in the aquarium and as you walk you will move into the arena of animal shows. Dolphins, sea lions. “Living in the Ocean”, an overnight camp at the oceanarium, was introduced in an effort to share more about the oceans and marine wildlife. One of the camp highlights was the opportunity to sleep under the aquarium’s tunnel, right beneath the sea creatures.

          That night was spectacular with the Laser show on the beach-‘The song of the sea’ which culminated the memorable trip of Sentosa. Even after reaching the hotel room it was as if I was in a trance walking on the Sentosa Island.

          Day-4

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Botanical gardens-The only tropical garden to have the UNESCO World Heritage site. The tropical site was founded 158 years ago and is ranked the Number 1 status. Singapore’s botanical gardens are the only ones in the world that are open from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight every day of the year. More than 10,000 species of flora is spread over its 82-hectares area. The main entrance has the National Orchid Garden with 2000 hybrids of orchids. The Burkill hill, VIP orchid garden, Orchidarium- housing natural species in a tropical setting, Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse (where you feel you are in the layer of mist with plants favoring that temperature(fragrant orchids), Lady Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad House, Coolhouse.

          The other attractions in the botanical garden are the ginger garden, Children’s garden, and the Tanglin gate. The various lakes such as Swan Lake, Symphony lake, and the Eco lake is worth visiting.

          The garden took most of our time and being a lover of orchids, it was an absolute bliss to be in the land of flowers for a full day. Later we moved out into the Chinese temple which was close by and then to the Gems shop for some shopping. Singapore gems are irresistible. Isn’t it?

          Day-5

          Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
          Chinese temple
          The China Town
          Little India

          Staying at Little India in itself is a bliss, as you are in walking distance to all the special attractions. My stay was right behind the temple. One of the most exciting aspects of Singapore is the diversity of its neighborhoods. Yes, the country is a savvy shoppers’ paradise, but you’ll also find rich traditions, delicious foods and local character in its older quarters. Nowhere is this truer than in Little India and Arab Street (also known as the Arab Quarter). The Indian community has a rich history in Singapore, and this enclave dates back more than 200 years. Singapore’s name actually derives from the Sanskrit words for Lion City. Today, the neighborhood is a thriving, colorful place where traditional holidays are celebrated, and visitors can observe worship and activity at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple or purchase saris while mingling with local vendors. The whole road has many shops and the much talked about ‘Mustafa Mall’. At 10 mins, the metro drive is the China Town where you can shop till you drop.

          UNESCO World Heritage Site- Botanical Gardens.

          Thank you, Singapore for treating us with so much greenery in the world. For showing us that passion is well made possible by hard work, dedication and perseverance.
          Who can resist your Educational Excellence and the Beautiful Bays!

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Welcome to the Tourists Paradise: Thailand


          Thailand – A land of beauty and adventure, on-arrival visa for Indians, a popular honeymoon destination and most-sought after destination for Bollywood movies.

          Thailand is a gorgeous country located in the center of the Indochina peninsula and in the mainland of South East Asia. The country shares borders with Laos and Cambodia in the East, Myanmar in the North, the Andaman Sea in the west and with the Gulf of Thailand in the South. A mesmerizing destination, it covers an area of 513,120 sq km.

          This beautiful country is a potpourri of multiple cultures. From ascetic lifestyles of the monks to the throbbing nightlife and rave parties on the beaches, Thailand boasts of a wide spectrum of things.

          The tropical beaches of Thailand attract throngs of visitors every year. You can get a tan on one of its many beaches or enjoy the many water sports available for those looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Also known for its massages, it may be a good idea to get a relaxing back massage from one of the masseuses by the beach.

          Ornate Buddha deities and their glittering Thai temples are a major attraction here and the Wat Phra Kaew is an absolute beauty! (P.S.don’t miss!). There are many royal palaces that one can visit in Thailand. Sprawling gardens and beautiful architecture greet you at the abode of the royalty. One can also check out the ancient ruins at places like Ayuthaya and pay a visit at the tiger temples in Thailand.

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Apart from these, Thailand is also known for its street food. It offers an opportunity to bite into different kinds of delicacies on the streets. The fruit platters being sold at every nook and corner are a must have. Talking about transport, commutation is easy and cheaper on sky-train, connecting all the important places around the city.

          • Day 1- Pattaya: Nong Nooch Village-Elephant show
          • Day 2- Pattaya: Coral islands: snorkeling, sea diving, paragliding-Alcazar show.
          • Day 3- Bangkok: Grand Palace-Wat Phra(Emerald Buddha)-Wat Pho(reclining Buddha)- Siam Niramit Show
          • Day 4- Bangkok: wat Triamit(Golden Buddha)-China Market-Chao Phraya river cruise-Floating market- Wat Arun( Temple of Dawn)
          • Day 5- Krabi: Koh Klang island
          • Day 6- Phuket: Phi Phi Islands

           Day 1:

          http://www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com/home/

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          In the year 2012, I happened to visit this great country. After getting out of the airport, we started off to Pattaya. We reached Pattaya after 2 hours of journey. Our first destination was Nong-Nooch village, a sprawling recreational park in the typical Thai setting. You will Enjoy an array of activities-explore the orchid and fern houses; the exquisite pottery & mackerels show and a wonderful evening with the fun elephant show where the elephants will impress you with their antics such as painting, dancing, riding a bike and playing football. You can also visit the butterfly garden right next to it. Later, we had a well-organized cultural show almost like the Siam Niramit show and called it a day. You can also walk around the streets enjoying the fresh fruits and vegetables sold. Seafood lovers will have a plenty to look forward to.

          Day 2:

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          This day was reserved for our coral islands trip! Our tickets were pre-booked online. It was a full-day tour on a private speedboat to the Coral Island (Koh Larn) from Pattaya to Tien Beach (Hard Tien), one of the most beautiful beaches with turquoise seawater and white sandy beach. Packages with Snorkeling, Parasailing, Underwater-Sea-walk, Banana Boat ride and Jet Ski are available for your selection. The package comes about 1100 Baht. The day was quite adventurous and filled with an adrenaline rush, as we enjoyed the water sports with trained professional. We went back to Pattaya by night and dropped in for a massage on the way. I must tell you, massage is a boon here and you have a  wide range of choices in there.

          Day-3

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Got up early for a continental breakfast and left to Bangkok. The day started with Wat Phra kaew inside the Royal Palace. One of the most significant features of Wat Phra Kaew is the Emerald Buddha, carved into a 66 cm tall block of Jade. Wat Phra Kaew is a superb temple to explore, especially the two km long gallery covered with incredibly detailed mural paintings depicting 178 scenes of the epic story of Ramayana. Around every corner, you’ll find tall chedis covered with glazed tiles or gold leaves, but the most photographed building is the massive golden chedi of Phra Sri Rattana, featured on the one baht coin. You will need about 2 hours to explore the palace grounds, the temple and also an adjoining Wat Mahatat– a temple for learners. Later, we moved to our next destination Wat Pho, named after a monastery in India where Buddha is believed to have lived, is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Wat Pho is also known as ‘The Temple of the Reclining Buddha’, thanks to the 15 meters high and 43 meters long Buddha image it shelters, covered with gold leaf and baring four meter long feet encrusted with exquisite mother-of-pearl (or nacre) decorations. Located just next to the grand palace, Wat Pho also houses one thousand Buddha images and 91 chedis (stupas), including four very impressive chedis dedicated to the four Chakri kings. The entrance fee is 100 baht.

          We then moved on to the much-awaited Guinness World Record Show-The Siam Niramit show.

          Siam Niramit is a modern theater with 2,000 persons seating capacity. It is located on Tiam Ruam Mit Road close to Thailand Cultural Center. Siam Niramit Show is usually about culture and history of Thailand. It houses huge shows with more than 100 actors and 500 different costume changes, and the special effects are truly spectacular. These are one of Thailand’s must-see shows. It is a good idea to get-down early before the show so you have time to join in with the other activities here such as learning about Thai culture and history.

          The show time is 8.00 pm but the place opens at 5.00 pm for the previously mentioned activities. There are also many fantastic local restaurants surrounding the theater for our dining pleasure.

          P.S- Take a sky train to reach the place. As traffic gets more and more congested in the evening, It is very difficult to reach the place on time.

          Day -4

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          The day started with the beautiful Wat Traimit – an elegant multilevel white and gold temple located at the very beginning of Yaowarat road, making it a perfect starting point for a Chinatown exploration. The main attraction on Wat Traimit is not only its beautiful architecture but the immense Buddha made of solid gold seated inside, the largest of its kind in the world. This five meters high, five-and-a-half ton statue, which was long-hidden under an unimpressive coating of stucco and plaster, is believed to have been built in the 13th-14th CY but the gold hidden underneath was only revealed by accident in 1955! A small entry fee is required to visit the museum located halfway up the steps but in-fact visiting the golden Buddha above is free. After visiting the temples, we explored the China market, which has literally everything one would ask for.

          From here, we went to the starting point for our Chayo Praya River Cruise (about 1500 Baht) 4 hours journey on the sea-floating markets- Orchid garden- Wat Arun temple and back to the same point.

          Floating markets are an added attraction and you will enjoy every bit, as you sail in the sea. Now, the sewage water from all the houses on the banks are making the water stink and is an eyesore. We stopped by at the Orchid Garden -a great collection of colorful orchids where one will get absorbed by the beauty of the flowers. Our last stop was Wat Arun, the most iconic temple of Bangkok is located on Thonburi side of Bangkok, almost opposite to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Built during seventeenth century on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, its full name ‘Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan’ is rather hard to remember so it is often called ‘Temple of Dawn. The distinctive shape of Wat Arun consists of a central ‘Prang’ (a Khmer style tower) surrounded by four smaller towers all encrusted with faience from plates and potteries. The stairs to reach a balcony on the main tower are quite steep, usually easier to climb up than to walk down, but the view from up there is really worth it. Despite its name, the Temple of Dawn looks amazing at sunset. We were right on time on the spot to enjoy the sunset from the viewpoint. We walked slowly with a heavy heart towards the boat to leave for the day.

          That evening was a memorable one!

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day 5

          http://packages.asiatravel.com/packagebooking/packages-list.aspx?pc=11&departcity=BKK&destcity=KBV

          Day-6

          http://www.gokohphiphi.com/bangkok.html

          The UNESCO world heritage sites in Thailand are as follows:

          Thank you, Thailand for welcoming us with open arms, pristine beaches, unforgettable massages, fresh fruits and wonderful gems collection!

          We will surely come again to savor and indulge in your beauty!

          Categories
          Europe Uncategorized

          The Bridge that connects Asia and Europe-Istanbul!


          Are you a lover of Architecture or History or simply a shopaholic?                    Are you looking for an aesthetic surgery?                                                                    Do you want to step into the fairyland of Tulips?                                                Istanbul is just right for you!

          Istanbul is one of the most beautiful historical cities in the world. Formerly, known as Constantinople- capital city of the Roman/Byzantine (330–1204 and 1261–1453), and  Latin (1204–1261), and the later Ottoman (1453–1923) empires. With numerous mosques, churches, synagogues, museums cisterns, fountains, palaces, libraries, squares and buildings left from Roman,  Byzantium, and Ottoman eras, Istanbul continues to become the cradle of civilization where Asia meets Europe. It has a unique color, style, and customs of its own because here prospered a unique concept of civilization, the concept of tolerance and the concept of culture.

           So, come let’s visit Istanbul which combines all these differences within her structure with all her glory and without corrupting or harming them.To ice on the cake is the Lila festival between April 1- end of  April.

          Why Visit Istanbul in April?

          Every April since 2006, the city government in Istanbul has planted millions of tulips in Istanbul’s parks, avenues, traffic roundabouts and…really anywhere there is open ground. In 2016, the total was 30 million!The result is a glorious spring flower festival with brilliant splashes of color everywhere you look: During the month of April, you can spot these glorious spring flowers everywhere in Istanbul. Hence this April makes it a point to visit Istanbul.

          https://turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Sights/tulip_fest.html

          Health Tourism is another area of Turkey which is picking up in leaps and bounds and beauty conscious people from all over the world flock to this country to avail the cheap and effective treatment on various products.

          https://www.health-tourism.com/cosmetic-surgery/turkey-c-istanbul/

          Day 1- Camilica Tepesi ( Asia Side), Bosphorus Cruise, Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park.

          Day 2-  Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square, The Milion Stone

          Day 3-  Cappadocia- Pigeon valley, open-air museum, Kaymaki underground city.

          Day 4- Pamukkale- Sultanhan Caravanserai, Pamukkale hot springs, Heiropolis

          Day 5- Ephesus ruins- back to Istanbul

          Day 6-  Grandbazaar & Spice Bazaar.

          Day 1:

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          After getting down at the Sabiha Airport in Istanbul early in the morning around 2 a.m we took rest till 6.a.m in the morning all the while excited about the Tulips Festival. So, our first destination was to Camlica Tepesi on the Asian side. Transport from the airport is slight to the expensive side but once you are in the city then the trams and underground trains are cheaper to move from one place to another.

          The taxi dropped off at the turn and we had to walk quite a bit to reach the top of the hill. Lo! the site was worth seeing. Covered with different colors of tulips the hill looked picturesque. We walked slowly through the gates savoring every moment as we passed by and reached the viewpoint. The view of the city and the European side of the hill is breathtaking. We could spot the bridges and the beautiful Bosporus river slide by. The mist tinted rays of sun kissed the tulips and the romance with the background turned the site a fairy tale.

          Later, we came down in a bus to take the cruise on the Bosporus and to reacheth European Side of the city. The cruise is quite cheap and takes about 45 mins and drops you at the heart of the old city. The bridges and the skyline gave a new look to the day. As we stepped out of the cruise we walked to the Gulhane Park which is about 30 mins from the shore. Lo! Again it was a tulip carpet everywhere.All colors and all shades swaying and so inviting. After walking through the park we reached the Topkapi Palace. The palace, a city within the large city is composed of two parts-Enderum and Birum. The holy Islamic Relics are displayed in a renovated pavilion, jewelry, weapons, books and garment collections.

          When you come out, do enjoy the Turkish delights and boiled corn at the entrance! We were dead tired and moved into a hammam bath to call it a day.

          Day-2

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          We stayed very close to the main square and so the next morning after sumptuous breakfast made our ways to Hagia Sofia-The Greek orthodox church which was later converted into a mosque and now is the museum. It has two floors and was the world’s largest cathedral till 1520. The Epitome of Byzantine Architecture is a must visit and the audio guide will take you through the pages of history. After the glimpse of Sultanahmet Mosque from the Museum, we walked towards the mosque popularly called as the Blue Mosque due to the color of the light reflected by the cobalt tiles, the structure has six elegant minarets and large central dome.

          If you cross the road you are at the Square which again has a beautiful flower carpet of colored tulips and a huge fountain at the center. If you look across the road is the Milion stone  Greek memorial.We relaxed there and enjoyed the Turkish lunch and drifted to our next destination-The Basilica Cistern. The Roman method of storing water. It has 143 m in length and 65m width resting on 336 marble columns. It’s a marvelous structure to relish.

          You can also watch old ladies making sweets in the shops and taste them fresh and hot! After enjoying hummus, kubbus with Turkish coffee we called it a day.

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day -3 ( Suggested Activities: Flight/Bus to Cappadocia)

          Pigeon Valley-Located between Göreme and Uçhisar, Pigeon Valley is a picturesque maze of exceptional rock formations, cave dwellings, and a distant volcano. Next, you would be proceeding to  Land of Fairy Chimneys and stay in one of the cave hotels to get the feel of it.Interestingly these shaped caves created by volcanic activity and landscapes are molded by the lava. The name “Cappadocia” (Kapadokya in Turkish) originates from the Persian for “land of the beautiful horses”.

          Later you can visit Open Air Museum in Goreme through Avcilar Valley and also visit the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. The final destination is to  visit Kaymakli Underground City, the place where Christians used to hide from persecutors

          P.S- Hot air balloons-A must enjoy if you are visiting during summer months.

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-4 ( Suggested Activities: Flight/Bus to Pammukale)

          Visit the 13th-century Seljukian masterpiece, Sultanhan Caravanserai in Konya. Then, you would be heading to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Persian people Sufi mystic also known as Mevlâna or Rumi. Final destination would be  Pamukkale, meaning cotton castle in Turkish, is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Hierapolis is the place where you would see the Necropolis, the biggest cemetery of Anatolia with 1,200 graves. You would be having free time to walk on warm water terraces, where people have bathed in for thousands of years.

          P.S- Carry your swimsuit and a pair of chappals to walk around in the water.

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-5 ( Suggested Activities: Flight/Bus to Izmir)

          Ephesus ruins, former home to one of the wonders of the ancient world. Your excursion starts with a visit to the Polio Fountain and Temple of Hadrian, which is dedicated to Emperor Hadrian in 138 AD.Thereafter, you would be visiting the Great Theatre, the largest ancient theatre with 25,000 seat capacity.Once you’ve had a look at the ancient amphitheater, head to the Library of Celsius, one of the most beautiful structure of Ephesus, built in 117 AD.After lunch, make way to the House of Virgin Mary to see a humble house where Mary is said to have spent her last days.

          Night flyback/drive back to Istanbul.

          Last day you would be exploring Galata Tower- Called the Great Bastion by the Byzantines. The trains are available every 10 mins and take about 19 mins to reach the tower from where you can have a wonderful view of the city. Coming back we hopped into the most exciting part of the trip-The Grand Bazaar/Spice Bazaar known for all kinds of carpets, lights, spices and everything you could possibly look for under the sun.

          The lanes next to the Bazaar has innumerable shops of branded bags, sandals, and laces. I bet you pay for what you buy.It’s absolutely cheaper than in any part of the world.No taxes and no bills.

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          You get for 25% of the quoted price.Only, if you are a good bargainer.

          Turkey- You mesmerize me with your beauty, Byzantine, Greek architecture, shopping, and Sweets.

          Who can resist you!

          Categories
          Europe Uncategorized

          The Symphony of Extremes- Finland!


          Finland is a large and sparsely populated country, but getting from point A to B is no hassle. Transport networks by bus, train and metro are zero cumbersome and easily accessible. On a condition that you have tender change less than 20E.

          Last summer, I had an opportunity to visit Helsinki- modern, pocket-sized European city known for design and high technology. Helsinki’s attractive and unique character comes from its proximity to the sea, as well as its location between the East and the West. The vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands and great green parks. The city’s rhythm is laid back yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of both the number and quality of restaurants and nightclubs.

          Why Visit Finland?

          Finland can be visited in two seasons to enjoy the beauty and immerse in the land of contrasts.

          White Night Magic- Summer/ Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) – Winter

          What is White night magic/midnight sun?

          With the midnight sun anything you can do during the day, you’ll be able to do at night – with a special edge. Summer in Finland is a spectacular time of the year. For those who venture north of the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set at all for couple of months, while further south the sun can be visible for almost 24 hours a day during June and July.

          That phenomenon, known as The Midnight Sun, is caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis. As a result, at both North and South poles, the sun only sets and rises one day every year! In Finland, the summer months of June and July are the months where the Midnight Sun is at its strongest. When nights are almost as light as day, it is possible to do all the same things that you would do during the day at night – the biggest difference comes from the incredible change in the nature of the light. The sun takes on a reddish-yellow color – almost like during sunrise or sunset – and everything around you is bathed in an unimaginably warm, bright light.

          The Best Educational System in the World!

          Being a teacher, I was amazed by the schooling in Finland as it routinely tops rankings of global education systems and is famous for having no banding systems. All pupils, regardless of ability, are taught in the same classes. Finland provides three years of maternity leave and subsidized day care to parents, and preschool for all 5-year-olds, where the emphasis is on play and socializing. In addition, the state subsidizes parents, paying them around 150 euros per month for every child until he or she turns 17. Ninety-seven percent of 6-year-olds attend public preschool, where children begin some academics. Schools provide food, medical care, counseling and taxi service, no uniforms and 3 teachers for 2 students if needed. Student health care is free. As a result, the gap between the weakest and the strongest pupils is the smallest in the world. Finnish schools also give relatively little homework and have only one mandatory test at age 16. It’s almost unheard of for a child to show up hungry or homeless.

           Hats off to the innovation and research led curriculum!

          Day 1- Helsinki Cathedral-Senate Square- Market Square- Esplanadi- Uspensky Orthodox cathedral

          Day 2- Temppeliaukio Church(The Rock Church)-Finlandia Hall- Sibelius Monument-Kampens Kapell

          Day 3 – Soumelina  Maritime sea Fortress (ferry)

           Day 1

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          I stayed at Original Sokos at Kampii, it was at the heart of the city and I could almost walk to every nook and corner. My day started at The Helsinki Cathedral located in the Senate Square. It took about 20 minutes on foot, the square presents Carl Ludvig Engel’s architecture as a unique allegory of political, religious, scientific and commercial powers. A statue of Emperor Alexander II is located in the center of the square. The statue, erected in 1894, was built to commemorate his re-establishment of the Diet of Finland.  Senate Square and its surroundings make up the oldest part of central Helsinki. Other landmarks and famous buildings surrounding the square are the Government Palace, main building of the University of Helsinki and Sederholm Houseo. After clicking a bunch of pictures around, we moved to the Market square. The Market square has all the ferry links and has a fantabulous skyline of the Presidential Palace and the Helsinki City Hall. You can see quite a lot of stalls with fresh peas, carrots and other vegetables (Fresh peas here are very sweet, make sure to try some). There are also stalls for sea food and fish. At the center is the ‘The Stone of the Empress’, the oldest public memorial in Helsinki. It was erected in the Market Square to commemorate the Empress Alexandra’s (the German-born wife of Nicholas I), first visit to Helsinki. The memorial is an obelisk cut in red granite. A bronze globe is set on top of the obelisk, and the two-headed eagle of Russia. I later moved on the Love Lock Bridge to the Uspenski Orthodox cathedral. After service, relaxed at Esplandi Park and called it a day.

          Day -2

          The second day started with the Rock church at about 10 minutes from my hotel. After prayers, I left to Finalandia Hall by foot which would take about 20 minutes. Finlandia Hall offers a unique environment, for everything from conferences and banquets to events and concerts – and helps turn them into unique experiences. From there the walk was towards the Sibelius park. The hunt was to see the Sibelius monument -The smaller version is at the Paris UNESCO site of 600 hollow pipes hanging. Definitely, worth a visit! While coming back do not miss the The Kamppi Chapel -located on the Narinkka Square, also known as the “Chapel of Silence”. Two minutes from the hotel, it is intended to be a place to calm down and have a moment of silence in one of the busiest areas in Finland. What a thoughtful way to end the day!

          Day-3

          My third day was reserved to the archipelago of Helsinki which consists of around 330 islands providing beautiful setups for weekend trips. Many of the islands such as Soumelina can be reached by ferry in the morning and has regular services during the entire day.

          The sea fortress of Suomenlinna is not only one of the most popular sights in Helsinki, but in the whole of Finland. Nearly one million people visit Suomenlinna a year – that’s 20 % of the population of Finland!

          This irregular shaped fortress has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 as an example of the 18th century military architecture in Europe. But there is a lot more to see to it than the fortress; Suomenlinna is also a lively neighbourhood with cafés, restaurants and 800 inhabitants!

          • King’s Gate (Kuninkaanportti) is the original main entrance of the fortress and it is also regarded as the symbol of Suomenlinna.DSC_0180
          • Along with King’s Gate, Suomenlinna’s cannons are its most well-known symbol. Cannons from the Russian period can still be found on the sandbanks of Kustaanmiekka.DSC_0158
          • Built in 1854, Suomenlinna church is made exceptional by the fact that it also serves as a lighthouse for both air and sea traffic – a function shared by only two other churches in Finland.DSC_0073
          • During the summer when the nights are warm, it is possible to stay on Suomenlinna until late at night. The last ferry of the day departs at two o’clock in the morning.
          • DSC_0134
          • The youngest adventurers particularly enjoy the tunnels, most of which are open to visitors. However, they have no lighting, so remember to pack a torch.
          • DSC_0127
          • Gardening and various artistic garden compositions have long been a part of Suomenlinna’s history.
          • DSC_0062

               Day 4- Shopping

           The UNESCO world heritage sites in Finland are as follows:

          Finnish drink-Salmari, Schools and Soumellina fortress keep calling me often and is sure to lure any tourist on this earth!

          Categories
          Europe Uncategorized

          Welcome to Tbilisi, Spiritual Heart of Georgia!


          Tbilisi is reminiscent of a quaint European town, brimming with medieval churches, ancient fortresses, narrow cobblestone alleys, charming courtyards and balconies, and old, rustic houses. There couldn’t be a more rewarding experience than taking a stroll along the cute, charming alleys of old Tbilisi while soaking in the local lifestyle and journeying through the timeless history of Caucasia. The best time I would suggest is winter to get mesmerized with the snow games at Gudauri and be at the religious orthodox churches to celebrate the festive season.

          The top tourist attractions in Georgia include more than 2000 mineral springs, 12,000 historical and cultural monuments, and a few other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.


          Day 1 – Holy Trinity cathedral- Metekhi church- Narikala Fortress- Green Park- Turtle lake.
          Day 2- Jvari Cathedral -Ananuri-Gudauri- Gergeti Holy Trinity Church-Kazbegi
          Day 3 – Svetitskhoveli Cathedral- Gori- Uplistsikhe -Gelati Monastery
          Day 4- Shopping/Sulphur bath/Batumi/Borjomi.

          Day -1

          My morning was made as I started my Christmas prayers at The Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world and one of the largest religious buildings in the world by total area. The cathedral consists of nine chapels (chapels of the Archangels, John the Baptist, Saint Nino, Saint George, Saint Nicholas, the Twelve Apostles, and All Saints). The serene, majestic church and the bell tower soaked us in the morning bliss of blessings. Continue to Metekhi church and monument of Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. If you pay 12 Lari you can take a cable car to Narikala Fortress– The fortress consists of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulfur baths and the botanical gardens. From there, you get to enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city. You can also try the zip line and trekking in the fortress. To your right is Kartlis Deda-Mother of Georgia. The statue was erected in 1958, the year Tbilisi celebrated its 1500th anniversary. The twenty-meter aluminum figure of a woman in Georgian national dress symbolizes the Georgian national character: in her left hand, she holds a bowl of wine to greet those who come as friends; in her right hand is a sword for those who come as enemies. Walk down to the district of Sulphur bath houses passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Stroll through the Sharden area full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine tasting bars, souvenir shops, and breathe in the living past. Visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the clock tower of famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Cross the Bridge of Peace – which stretches 150 meters over the Kura River which connects old Tbilisi with the new district. The official opening took place on May 6, 2010. The bridge stretches over Kura River providing a view of the Metekhi Church, the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali, and the Narikala Fortress on one side, and Baratashvili Bridge and Presidential Office on the other. After crossing the bridge, you reach Rike Park and The Open Air Museum of Ethnography, a miniature model of Georgia. Last on the list is The Turtle Lake – Kus Tba, a small lake on the outskirts of Tbilisi.My stay was a street away from The Freedom Square-which was very well lit for the season.

          P.S-Make sure you don’t miss out on the Red wine, which is unbelievably cheap and super tasty.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-2

          My second day started with Jvari church. A true architectural masterpiece of the early Medieval Period overlooking the confluence of Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers from the top of the hill. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, journey to the church at the top, the bell tower, the tree with sacred ribbons and the incredible view of the city from the top adds up to its charm. Then, we continued to Ananuri complex, a former residence featuring churches and towers dating back to the XVI-XVII cc. is beautifully overlooking Jinvali reservoir. Drive further North to see the conjunction of two small mountain rivers famous for the fact that being different in color they keep their own colors even after merging. On your way, you will then drive over the Cross pass and can stop for a short time at ‘The People’s Friendship’ Mountain View Point overlooking a deep gorge of Caucasus mountain range.

          DSC_0805

          The next drive takes you to the white-Christmas route where all winter fairy tales come true: Gudauri. Here, you can stay up on cloud nine (literally) with the gondola ride that takes you over mount Kazbegi. Every moment on this ride is worth a life time. You also have the option of Skiing and parasailing. In Kazbegi, you can change your vehicle to a four-wheel drive to reach Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located on altitude of 2170 m, and enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Kazbegi.

          I called it a day after hours of playing with the snow and headed back home. Thanks to my guide/driver who had driven us all the way up to Kazbegi and brought us home after a 2-hour drive. An unforgettable experience, I must say.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-3

          My third day of Christmas started with the visit to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral which may be translated as “The Life-giving pillar”. Svetitskhoveli is the main cathedral of Mtskheta and a sacred place where the robe of Christ is preserved. A masterpiece of the Early Middle Ages, Svetitskhoveli is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Known as the burial site of Christ’s mantle, Svetitskhoveli has long been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the most venerated places of worship in the region. The present structure was completed in 1029 by the medieval Georgian architect Arsukisdze, although the site itself dates to the early fourth century. After a deep prayer, we drove to Gori to visit Stalin Museum. The museum includes more than 60,000 artifacts, the tiny house where Stalin was born, and impressive bulletproof train Stalin used to travel to Yalta and Potsdam.

          DSC_0984

          Finally, we were all ready to explore the cave-town Uplistsikhe, ‘Fortress of The Lord’ dating back to Hellenistic Period and notable for unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures and the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture. The Entrance fee is 5 Lari per person. We reached to the top and came down after 28 interesting points of interest including a large hall, called Tamaris Darbazi, pagan places of sacrifice, dwellings, as well as functional buildings, like a pharmacy, a bakery, a prison, and even an amphitheater. The rock-cut structures are connected by tunnels. The final stop is a tunnel with the purpose of an emergency escape route. Stunningly beautiful, the preservation and the visit is magnificent.

          IMG_2636

          P.S: Make sure you’re carrying a pair of sport shoes, as there are no distinct steps on your way to the top.

          The UNESCO world heritage sites in Sweden are as follows:

          Tbilisi will surely come to you again for the spirituality you fill in, idyllic beauty of nature and of course your tasty red wine! Cheers!

          Tips:

          1. Power cuts are regular in Old Tbilisi. If you’re renting an old apartment like I did, make sure you’re well-prepared in case of a power cut.
          2. The public washrooms are a bit of a problem as they aren’t well-kept. It is better off to use the washrooms while in Tbilisi in any of the malls before starting the trip.
          3. Make sure to stop by at stalls on the side of the streets, for some Churchkhela (Georgian Snickers) and fresh fruits.
          4. There are no fee/procedures for the visa for UAE residents.
          Categories
          Europe

          Welcome to Stockholm, The Royal Capital of Sweden!


          Modernity meets tranquility. Trend-setting restaurants and vibrant nightclubs next to idyllic archipelago; Welcome to a city where it is easy to breathe – and to feel your pulse. Well-preserved medieval buildings stand alongside modern architecture. And just outside the city, there is a rich archipelago of 24,000 islands waiting to be explored. Wander back in time on twisting cobblestone lanes, and fast-forward through to dazzlingly chic modernity!

          Welcome to Stockholm!

          Day-1 – Gamla Stan( the Old city), The Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, Nybroplan.

          Day-2- The VASA Museum, the ABBA Museum/Grona Lund Tivoli.

          Day-3 – City Hall, VisitThe capital of the Archipelago-Vaxholm.

          Day -1

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Gamla Stan– The original heart of Stockholm, which is a walkable distance from the central bus station. If you turn to your right from the main bus stand you will have to walk for about 15 minutes enjoying the views of the city and Lo! You are at the entrance of the old city. Nowhere is Stockholm’s 750-year history better illustrated than here, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe.  Gamla Stan dates back to the 13th century, even though most of the surviving buildings are from the 1700s and 1800s. Surprisingly, this lively and very sought-after district was once considered the slum of Stockholm from the mid 19th to 20th century.

          Today, its narrow cobblestone streets make for a colorful labyrinth through the beautifully preserved old buildings and gothic churches as well as excellent cafés, bars, restaurants, and shops. From the bridge, you get a magnificent view of the Royal Palace as well as the cathedral. This part of the city also contains many art galleries, museums and other attractions, including the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace. You can also visit the first bar and the first restaurant in the gullies. It is an unexplainable experience to peek and taste at those bars! After enjoying pizza along with some red wine, I walked along the streets bathing in the lit street and landed at the Central metro station to enliven the nightlife and shopping at Nybroplan. The street has almost all brands and has a huge collection of bags and leather goods. Bargaining is beneficial and most of them speak English. Finally, to unwind around 11 p.m. we walked into a nightclub.

          P.S- You must be well dressed to enter nightclubs. People are tipsy before they get in. The drinks are pretty expensive. It is advisable to sip a beer/wine to keep up with the manners.

          Day-2

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Commuting in Sweden is not all an issue as you have metro to move around the city and some areas can be covered by foot. I stayed at Kungsholmsgatan, right next to Radhuset station (town hall subway). So visiting places was not at all an issue. The first point of the visit was to Vasamuseet- The Vasa Museum on the island of Djurgården in Stockholm which showcases one of the best-preserved 17th-century ships ever salvaged. The Swedish warship Vasa, one of most heavily armed and ornamented of its time, sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was recovered mostly intact from the Stockholm Harbour in 1961. It is now one of Sweden’s most popular attractions. You can spend about 2 hours in the museum.Tickets: Adults: SEK 130 -Students: SEK 110

          You can opt for guided tours as well as watch Vasa movies inside the museum.Next up around the corner will be ABBA Museum- a perfect place to dwell into Sweden’s most famous band and the rich music history. You will also experience the Swedish amusement parks and rides.

          Tickets: 250 SEK  Adult- 95  SEK ( Children 7-15 years) It takes about 3-4 hours to have a thorough visit and enjoy the rides. The park closes at 6 p.m in the evening.I called it a day and mechanically walked to the subway to reach Radhset.

          Day-3

          The day started with a walk of about 15 minutes from Radhuset before crossing the bridge. if you walk along the corniche, you are at the  Stockholm City Hall, with its spire featuring the three golden crowns. This is one of the most famous silhouettes in Stockholm and one of the country’s leading examples of national romanticism in architecture. The 106-meter tall tower has the three crowns, which is the Swedish national coat of arms, at its apex. Behind the magnificent facades are offices and session halls for politicians and officials, as well as splendid assembly rooms and unique works of art.

          Tickets- 70 – 100 SEK Guided tours.

          By noon, you can start from there and reach the stromma kanalbolaget terminal. It takes about 10 mins in the subway to reach the port. You are out of the station at the port. you can either prebook the tickets or buy online. There are many options,I wished to explore including the classic tour to Vaxholm.The capital of the archipelago, Vaxholm.

          You can take a boat and reach the Vaxholm fortress, but I chose to move around the narrow alleys, the many galleries, and shops. The bay at the corner is a picturesque spot you must not miss. We had a fine lunch on board with a perfect guide and returned late in the evening.

          https://www.stromma.se/en/stockholm/

          The straight road from the port reaches you to Nybroplan and leads you to Radhuset.

          Day-4

          Shopping at Nybroplan and flight back home with wonderful Summer memories.The UNESCO world heritage sites in Sweden are as follows:

          From archipelagos and lush greenery to crisp white winter wonderlands, the majesty of Scandinavia is alive in Sweden. Loved every moment of summer in Stockholm. Miss you so much…Sweden!

           

          Categories
          Europe Uncategorized

          Five Days in Denmark! – Scandivinia’s greatest little kingdom


          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Velkommen til Danmark!

          Denmark, a country known for its dairy products worldwide was on my bucket list for a very long time. Finally, this summer, in the month of July, I could delve into the Danish cuisines, culture, castles and the most beautiful Danes. To my amazement, I could still find traces of the Norse explorers here, since it was a Viking settlement. It also features a blend of modern architecture and historical artifacts, Art galleries, narrow streets, canals, parks, and Baroque churches round out the city’s cultural attractions. I also visited reconstructed villages, the remains of a 1,000-year-old castle, and museums dedicated to the notorious raiders.

          Copenhagen- The magic of resident monarchy!

          • Day-1 (Little Mermaid, Marble church, Amalienborg Palace, The Gefion Fountain, Nyhavn, Christianborg Palace, Carlsberg Glypotek Museum)
          • Day-2 (Townhall, National museum, Rosenberg Palace, Botanical gardens, National gallery)
          • Day-3 (National Cathedral, Danish Design Center, Church of our savior, Royal Library/black diamond, Tivoli Gardens)
          • Day- 4 by train & bus to Helsingor (Kronberg Castle)
          • Day-5 Shopping

          Day -1

          I stayed at the Hotel Vesterbro, which is centrally located about five minutes from the train station. So, the main attractions were divided into three days depending on the location.

          If you take a train and start your day at the park, you will reach Little mermaid statue on the Langelinie promenade. This bronze statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen of Carlsberg Beer fame and created by Edvard Eriksen in 1913. It is a beautiful statue on the shore and once you walk down the Waterfront, you will reach the Geffion fountain-a must watch. It is believed that If you throw a coin and wish for anything it will surely happen. The next stop, which is some footsteps away from here, is the beautiful church in the Frederiksstaden district, also known as the Marble Church because of the rococo architecture. Further down is the Amalienborg Palace-This large palace complex is the Danish royals’ winter home. Four identical palaces face onto an open courtyard where visitors can stand and gaze at the beautiful buildings, it is also where the Changing of the Guard takes place and where you can see a statue of King Frederik V (1771). The palace was constructed in the 1700s and is a fine example of Danish Rococo architecture. After the palace, a few meters away, you reach the UNESCO site – Nyhavn, a canal running inland with walkways and brightly colored 17 the -18-century houses on both sides. Through history, these houses have been home to famous figures like Hans Christian Andersen (who lived at #67), artist H G F Holms (who lived at #55) artists, ballet dancers, and poets. The oldest house built in 1681 is at #9. Today the waterfront properties house specialty stores, bars, restaurants, and cafes. In the canal, you can see picture-perfect wooden ships and yachts. There is a 1912 bridge which crosses the water. One of the must-do activities in Nyhavn is to take a canal boat cruise through the city. After enjoying the cruise you end at the Christianborg Palace- Christiansborg Palace is located on a small island in central Copenhagen, it is still used by the royal family for receptions and as their royal chapel and stables but it is now primarily the seat of the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Denmark is unique in holding the executive, legislative and judicial headquarters in one building

          Finally, you can call it a day by visiting the Carlsberg glypotek Museum-This is one of the top art museums in the country. It was established by Carl Jacobsen of Carlsberg Breweries in 1888 and the core of museum collection came from Jacobsen’s private collection. The word Glyptotek comes from the Greek “to carve.” Here you can see collections of antiquities, French art, and Danish art.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-2

          THE TOWN HALL-The Radhus or Town Hall is a magnificent building on Radhus Square where the zero kilometer stone is located. At this granite stone, you are in the exact center of the city. Next to the Zero Stone is a fountain dating back to 1925 and marking the point where the former West Gate of the city.

          The next point would be the National museum-the largest collection of cultural, ethnography, natural science, archaeology and numismatics from around the world. Five minutes from there is The Round Tower, which is a beautiful and unusual cylindrical structure in the center of the city. The 17th-century tower was constructed during the reign of Christian IV as an astronomical observatory, walking to your right you are at the infamous Rosenberg Castle which is 400 years old, it was built in the Renaissance style by Christian IV and the castle was his favorite home and place for throwing lavish parties. Visitors to the castle can see the rooms which are decorated with period furniture and art including authentic artifacts which belonged to Christian IV and his heirs. The castle is surrounded by the beautiful King’s Garden, the oldest royal garden in Denmark.

          You can get out-of-the-world pictures from the garden as the views here are spectacular and the garden leads to the city’s botanical garden. The garden with unique 13000 species covers 10 hectares and holds the largest collection of living plants in the country as well as the country’s only gene-bank for wild plants.

          Your next destination also is at the National Gallery of Denmark- largest art museum and holds Danish and international works from the 14th century to present day. The works are arranged in chronological order.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-3

          This day, my husband and I set out to explore the north of this wonderful city. The first destination is the Copenhagen’s official National Cathedral commonly known as the Church of Our Lady. Having undergone several changes over the years, the version of the building we see today was completed in 1829 and designed by Christian Frederik in the neoclassical style. Walking to the left towards the corniche is The Royal Library has 5 branches and the main branch is housed in a jaw-dropping building called the Black Diamond in Slots Holmen on the edge of Copenhagen harbor. The building was designed by Schmid, Hammer, and Lassen and cost 462.1 million Kroner. The Black Diamond appears to be two tilting black marble blocks joined by the glass atrium. The façade is made of black Zimbabwe granite.

          Further, you will witness many spires of Copenhagen, and the spire of Vor Frelsers Kirke is perhaps the most beautiful. The baroque church boasts a helix spire with a stairway which winds up the exterior of the tower. The balustrade is gilded gold so that from a distance it looks like a ribbon that has been wound anticlockwise around the black spire. The 90-meter high spire is topped by a 4-meter high figure of Christ. Visitors can climb the spire’s 400 stairs to a small platform, which offers amazing views of the city. And to unwind yourselves, visit the Tivoli garden, which is right next to the train station. They close 3rd January to 1st April and are also closed from 20th September to 9 October and 1st November to 14th November. The pleasure gardens hold an amusement park, 10 restaurants, and gardens. It was established in 1843 by Georg Carstensen, at the time the garden was outside the city walls. It is the 2nd oldest amusement park in the world and one of the parks that gets the most visitors.

          P.S. Do not miss the wooden roller coaster and the Vertigo rides in the gardens.

          Day-4

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          “Brevity is the soul of wit.” ― William Shakespeare, Hamlet

          Being an avid reader and a literature student, I was excited to get transported into the Shakespearean era.If you are a fan of Hamlet-like me, you are undoubtfully on an unforgettable trip to one of the most breathtaking palaces you ever will see. From its great sea view to the Canon Tower and the mighty ballrooms of the Royal Chambers with their royal velvet tapestries to the murky dungeons with the Viking legends – the palace lives up to its reputation. Frederik II’s fortress, Christian IV’s home and Shakespeare’s scene for Hamlet, this world heritage site stands as the epitome of Danish culture. Artists on regular timings in the palace recreate the famous scenes. The church itself along with exploring the creepy crypts and catacombs of Kronborg Castle is a pronounced experience. Hidden deep down under the castle, you’ll meet Holger the Dane (Holger Dansk), an imposing stone statue.

          You will also enjoy the wonderful surroundings with the palace lake, as well as the wonderful path up to the palace itself, before entering one of the most important art collections of the Renaissance period in Denmark.

          If you buy the train ticket from the main station, it includes the entrance fee to the palace as well as the short bus drive from the train station to the palace.

          Day -5

          You can shop up to your heart’s content as the prices of clothes and accessories are absolutely cheap. Do not miss on Carlsberg and Tuborg beers, Enjoy Bargo 300 (a mixture of Vodka, brandy, beer, Red wine). Seafood and open sandwiches are so welcoming that you name it and you get it. Not to forget the Danish sweets which are world famous.The UNESCO world heritage sites at Denmark are as follows:

           

          Experience, travel – these are as education in themselves.–Euripides

          Categories
          Europe

          Five Days in Norway! – ‘The Happiest country in the world’.


          “A thousand words will not leave as deep an impression as one deed.”-Henrik Ibsen. Today, Norway is ranked as ‘The happiest country’ in the world, on criteria as freedom, honesty, welfare, good health, and generosity.

          What attracts you to visit Norway?

          Fjords (Summer): a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs, as in Norway, typically formed by submergence of a glaciated valley.

          The main attraction in Norway is the country itself, landscapes and nature. Norway has an abundance of fjords, islands, coastline, forest, lakes, mountains and waterfalls. Fjords are perhaps, Norway’s most famous attraction, and many tourists rush to Geiranger and Flåm where the most famous (and UNESCO-protected) Fjords are. They are however found all over the country although the typical ones are in West Norway from Stavanger to Kristiansund as well is in North Norway. The Magic of fjords can be felt only during summer due to the sharp contrast of green, white sparkling streams and falls to the aqua blue ocean. Even the temperature allows you to make the most of it.

          Northern Lights (Winter)

          A sizable section of northern Norway is located within the Arctic Circle, a fact that provides the country with two of its most popular tourist attractions. The first, the Midnight Sun, is an impressive sight and experience. During the summer months, surrounding the summer solstice, these latitudes see endless days when the sun doesn’t set. However, it’s the spectacular Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, that really steal the show in winter. Caused when electrically charged particles emitted by the sun are caught up in the earth’s magnetic field and producing striking light effects in the thin ionized upper atmosphere at heights of between 40 and 620 miles, the sky comes alive with spectacular bluish arcs of light, glowing coronas and shimmering curtains of radiance flaring over the sky in constant movement.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-1

          Bergen -The Hanseatic city of Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, but with its wooden buildings, it has a distinct small-town charm. Seven mountains and seven fjords, making it a perfect starting point for excursions to the Norwegian fjord region and hence referred to as the Gateway to the fjords, surround the city. The places you must see in Bergen:

          • Fish Market
          • Hanseatic Museum.
          • Bryggen Wharf- In the late middle ages, the Hanseatic League established an office in Bergen, which became a thriving center of international trade. The characteristic parallel rows of buildings with their seaward facing gables represent a building tradition dating back almost 900 years. The old wooden buildings along the harbor front in Bergen were placed in UNESCO World Heritage list.
          • Mount Floyen- funicular
          • Mount Ulriken-gondola lift.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day 2 & Day 3

          Norway in a Nutshell- this trip is one of the most memorable and well-planned trips wherein you get to feel the fjords on all modes of transport.

          The journey goes this way. You can book tickets online /buy at Bergen rail station. The ticket includes all the modes of transport till Oslo.

          • Train– Bergen to Voss
          • Bus– Voss to Gudvangen( the stalheimsklevia road with 13 steep hairpin bends)
          • Boat– Gudvangen to Flam(the 2-hour fjord cruise will bring you along the Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord to Flam.The Naeroyfjord is the narrowest channel in Europe and has been added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
          • The Fjord village of Flam-The village of Flam is Norway’s only fjord village with train connection; this is where the Flam railway station meets the Aurlands fjord, an arm of the Sognefjord. The village is surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys; the perfect place to enjoy nature. The Flam valley is a typical western Norwegian fjord slicing into the depths of the ancient mountains. Through many ice ages and millions of years, melt water stone and gravel from glaciers formed both Flam and Aurland fjord to today’s beautiful landscape.
          • From Flam it takes 2.30 minutes to reach sognefjorden in summer (May- September*From Sognefjorden – the Geirangerfjord region north of Ålesund offers some of the finest sceneries anywhere in Norway. The eastward continuation of the Sunnylvsfjord, the Geirangerfjord boasts some of the country’s most spectacular views. One of the best is from the summit of Dalsnibba: at 4,905ft, the views of the surrounding mountains and the Geirangerfjord far below are simply breathtaking. Numerous cruises and tours are available, but if you’re driving, be sure to take the winding Eagles’ Road with its 11-hairpin bends and great view).
          • Flam Railway– The flam railway passes through the wild and beautiful mountain scenery with waterfalls and steep mountain sides from the Sognefjord and reaching up to a height of 900 meters.(Kjosfossen was a 93m tall hourglass-shaped waterfall that one will be able to see from a large viewing platform, which gets a little crowded when the train would stop right in front of the falls for a few minutes. Adding to the entertainment value of the falls, there will be music blaring from the train while ladies  dance on the peninsula right in the middle of the waterfall)
          • Myrdal- Oslo  (the five hour journey is classed as one of the finest train journeys in the world .It connects the two largest countries and shows the diversity.

          • This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day 4- Oslo

          The Norwegian capital is beautifully situated at the head of the Oslo Fjord and is surrounded by the forested ridges, Arable fields vast forests and the untouched nature areas surrounding the city.

          Main attractions:

          • The Vigeland Sculpture park
          • The Royal Palace
          • The National Gallery
          • The National Theater
          • Ibsen museum
          • City hall
          • The Norwegian Opera
          • Akershus Fortress and castle-If you stay near the City Center and take the Karl Johans Street next to you, you can reach all the attractions on foot.

          Top Tips:

          Norway is one of the richest countries in the world and many things are accordingly expensive (particularly personal service, such as restaurants and taxis, as well as some food items). Note that service and taxes (VAT) is always included in the price offered, nothing is added to the bill. Air transport is relatively cheap if the traveller is flexible with regard to time and date.

          Health & Safety standards are very high and visitors generally don’t have to worry about personal security. For instance, tap water is not only drinkable but usually of very high quality (better than bottled). During summer there is virtually 24-hour daylight everywhere, which adds to safety. Keep a safe distance to glaciers, waterfalls and ocean waves (this is where accidents happen).

          UNESCO sites: Norway

          To Travel is to Live…To Live is to Travel!

          Categories
          Europe Uncategorized

          Two Days in Liechtenstein! – ‘The Heart of Alpines’


          In Wildness is the preservation of the world-Henry David Thoreau

          A postcard fairy tale on your mind? Your search ends here at Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. You are one with nature here. Zero pollution minus the sound of vehicles, surrounded by the bountiful beauty of the Alps is the town of Vaduz.

          The Richest and the Sixth Smallest country in the world:

          Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world, with the lowest unemployment rate (1.5%) in addition to being the world’s sixth smallest country. In summer 2015, I visited this city, on my way from Innsbruck (Austria) to Lucerne (Switzerland).

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          How to reach Vaduz?

          A German-speaking country, this is the only nation in the world to be completely situated within the Alps. Getting into the country is a little tricky, as there is no airport within its borders. The visitors must go through Switzerland’s Zurich Airport to reach this Alpine country which is a Kingdom ruled by the Prince!

          From Zurich, you must reach Vaduz by coach which is available frequently. The travel time is 1 hour 30 minutes with fare up to Euros 10. The city, 6 kilometers wide and 25 kilometers long, the principality is pocket-sized but filled with spectacular views, friendly locals, charming villages and lush green forests crisscrossed with numerous cycling and hiking trails. Vaduz is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring this stunning natural beauty.

          Hotels are medium prized (200 AED per night) and availability of food is like other European countries but slightly expensive.

          How to go around the city?

          Explore the quaintest streets of Vaduz on the miniature City Train. The relaxing journey takes visitors past idyllic vineyards and the show-stopping Vaduz Castle. The country’s prince reigns from the elegant and straight-outta-Disney fortress marked by white and crimson medieval shutters and massive ramparts. Built in the 12th century, the castle was largely destroyed by a fire in 1499 but was fully restored in 1905. The prince enjoys his privacy, so visitors are not welcome inside, but it is still a stunning sight!

          However, the tourists have the freedom to walk around freely, appreciating some of the many surviving medieval, Gothic, and Baroque structures. The older buildings stand next to more recent structures, like the black basalt cube that showcases the contemporary and modern art collection of the Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts. The Vaduz Castle, the home of the royal family, overlooks the city from the hills that surround the city.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Is Trekking Possible?

          The beautiful alpine tracks allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Alps. ‘The Planet Trail’ is another themed trek. You can race toward Jupiter and other planets on the trail-long solar system map complete with signposts and shining silver orbs.

          Vaduz Main Attractions

          • Vaduz Castle (only from outside)
          • Lichtenstein National Museum (10CHF tickets)
          • Lichtenstein Center (wonderful place to buy souvenirs)

          Other Attraction in Vaduz

          • Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (15 CHF)
          • Hofkellerei of the Prince of Liechtenstein

          Welcome to the world of princely wines! Experience an unforgettable outing to the Prince of Liechtenstein’s wine cellars. Taste award-winning high-quality wines in a place where hospitality and coziness are an integral part of everyday life. Taste quality wines awarded numerous prizes at a place where hospitality and a cozy atmosphere are still alive and well. Walk along the wine trail, where 12 signs describe the wine year in words and illustrations, from vine to wine

          • Post Office and Stamp Museum – the stamps of the Principality of Liechtenstein are a must for philatelists.
          • Triesenberg/Malbun/Steg – Must on the to-do-list excursion, hiking, ski, and cross-country skiing region in the Principality of Liechtenstein.
          • Ski Museum – shows the history of the winter sport from its beginnings to the present.
          • Gastro and wine-growing tradition – vineyards, historic inns and top cuisine make a visit well worth it.

          “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…” 

          ― Henry David Thoreau

          Categories
          Europe Uncategorized

          Five Days in Scotland!


          But pleasures are like poppies spread— You seize the flower, its bloom is shed; or like the snow falls in the river— A moment white—then melts forever. -Robert Burns (National Poet of Scotland)

          Nature’s bounty and Bollywood filmmakers’ favorite spot, the map showcases 23 Indian films that have been shot in Scotland. The list includes some of the groundbreaking movies that kick-started the trend; screen legend Dev Anand’s Main Solah Baras Ki and Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, which featured iconic landmarks including Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Eilean Donan Castle in the Highlands and Crossraguel Abbey in Ayrshire.

          The United Kingdom (UK) comprises four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The major cities in Scotland are;

              Edinburgh

              Glasgow

              Aberdeen

              Inverness

          My 2015 Christmas happened to be in Scotland. Personally, for somebody living in the Middle East, I look forward to celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New Year in a snowy and wintery location. For me, it gives the real essence of the festive season.

          • Day 1: Reach London and then take a bus/train to Edinburgh.
          • Day-2: Edinburgh sightseeing
          • Day 3: The original Lochness Tour
          • Day 4: Aberdeen/Glasgow
          • Day 5: Back to London in bus/train(Shopping)and fly back.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day 1

          Reaching London airport from the UAE is comfortable and economical. There are many night flights to London so you can save a day by taking a night flight and reaching London early in the morning. From any of the airports; {(LCY) Heathrow, (LHR) Gatwick, (LGW) Luton, (LTN) Stansted,(STN) and (SEN) Southend} there are numerous trains to connect you to the bus stations or the train stations. OYSTER card is available in all stores and you can top up at any given station. If you are planning to go by bus, you will then need to reach the Victoria Bus Station in the city of Westminster. This is a huge bus station from where you can move to any part of Europe using the bus services. The bus service is on point and pocket-friendly.

          So, I chose the night bus to reach Edinburgh. I was free for the rest of the day to roam around the city and pick up a couple of winter clothes at Primark.

          Day 2

          The weather was a bit fussy in the morning. It was completely foggy in the parts of Scotland. The traffic jam on the roads reminded me of back home. Anyhow, we managed to reach the coach station on time.

          Edinburgh is Scotland’s hilly capital. It has a medieval Old Town and  an elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings.

          The points of interest, sure not to miss are:

              Waverley station

              Princess Street

              Princess Gardens

              Castle Hill

              Edinburgh Castle

              Royal Mile

              St.Giles Cathedral

              Greyfriars Bobby

               the sunset at Portobello Beach

          Five minutes from the Coach station, is the Waverley station, which is one of the oldest stations renovated a century ago. It lies between the old town and modern Edinburgh, adjacent to Princess Street. The main shopping area is home to 19th-century- Jenner’s Department Store and its sky lit grand hall.

          From the station, if you walk to your right, you will be on the at the Scottish National gallery. Spend some time here and later at the Christmas market around the gallery. If you climb up the stairs, you will see the Princess Gardens to your right and then you are up onto the castle hill. There are buses and cabs readily available but I preferred climbing up the hill to take a sneak-peek of the famous Edinburgh colleges.

          https://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/visit/tickets-prices

          Edinburgh Castle is a famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. You need at least 5-6 hours for exploring the Scottish castle and the view of the city from the castle are great.

          After having a sumptuous lunch, I made my way to the Royal Mile, which refers to the road link between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holy Roodhouse. Lined with charming townhouses and historic landmarks, this splendid thoroughfare is a great first stop in Edinburgh with its fine shops (including kilt makers), numerous inns, museums, cafés, and restaurants. Many of the buildings are tall, averaging six to 15-stories and referred to locally as “lands”. Narrow little alleys, called “winds” with the hidden backyards “closes”, weave in and around them.

          The St Giles Cathedral is Edinburgh’s principal church. The 161 ft. central tower with its eight arched buttresses forms a huge crown (the Crown Steeple) and is a favorite backdrop for photos.If you take a left turn and walk down, you are at the Greyfriars Church which boasts of the city’s oldest graveyard that serves as the final resting place for a number of celebrated Scots. Perhaps the most famous name associated with the church, however, is Greyfriars Bobby. In 1858, this Skye terrier loyally followed the coffin of his master, John Gray, to the graveyard and refused to leave until his death. A kennel was built for him to shelter in, and a famous landmark outside the church is a statue of Bobby erected in 1873.My legs were about to give up by the end of the day and hence, decided to get back to the hotel.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day -3

              Kilmahog Village

              Rannoch Moor

              Glen Coe

              Loch Lubnaig

              Spean Bridge

              Commando Memorial

              Great Glen

              Urquhart Castle

              Lochness

          Leaving Edinburgh behind, I headed towards Stirling, stopping on the way for my mandatory coffee break at Kilmahog. Next up, was Rob Roy’s Country and dramatic Rannoch Moor before arriving at the Weeping Glen– Glen Coe, the infamous site of the 1692 Massacre of the resident MacDonalds by Government troops of the Campbell Clan.

          After a short drive, we arrive at Fort William, which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Spean Bridge is a small village around 8 miles (13 km) northeast of the town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The Commando Memorial is a Category A listed monument in the United Kingdom, dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces. It is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Spean Bridge. Then we are at the scenic beauty of the famous Great Glen, a landscape of soaring mountains and shimmering lochs.

          Our journey follows the route of the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness and the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle. The Castle provides a superb vantage point to see the deepest part of the loch. Here you can enjoy an optional visit to the castle and take a short cruise on the loch.

          https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/urquhart-castle/

          After Inverness, our descent through the Grampian Mountains took me into scenic Perthshire, “The Big Tree Country”. The final schedule was through the ancient Kingdom of Fife to the famous zorth Rail Bridge and then on the wild snowed Princess Street.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          The UNESCO Heritage sites in Scotland are;

          1. St. Kilda
          2. Edinburgh Old Town and New Town
          3. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney
          4. New Lanark
          5. The Antonine Wall
          6. The Forth Bridge

          Top Tips:

          • Get ready to enjoy a plateful of Fish and Chips( everywhere)
          • Vegetarians will get a wonderful bowl of any vegetable soup of your choice.(try pumpkin/cauliflower/carrot) They are superb and can keep you full for hours.
          • if you are visiting in winter carry layers of winter clothes.
          • Original Scotch will surely keep you warm.

          To Travel is to Live!!!

          Categories
          Europe

          A Week in Budapest!


          Jó reggelt utazási hibák- Good morning Travel bugs

          Welcome to the travel hub the “Paris of the East”, which came into being in 1872 with the amalgamation of three previously independent towns – Old Buda (Óbuda), Buda and Pest. Straddling the River Danube, Budapest is famous for its stunning architecture, thermal springs, economic and cultural capital of the country.

          Moviemakers both Bollywood and Hollywood have thronged onto this city for its richness and pocket friendliness. Who can forget the twist in Sanjay Leela Bansali’s ‘Dil de chuke sanam’ climax scene shot on the chain bridge where Aishwarya runs into the arms of Ajay leaving Salman gasping for breath? What an epic scene! Instantly the city though doubled as Italy was thronged by many just to see the bridge and click a picture on it to make the moments memorable.So, going with the trend, I decided to visit the site last December to enjoy the Christmas season.

           

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day 1-  Arrival and enjoy the night views on Danube Promenade.

          Day 2- (Buda)-Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, St.Matthias Church, Gellert Hill

          Day 3- Danube Bend Tour

          Day 4- (Pest) Heroes Square, Parliament Building, Thermal bath & Andrassy Street.

          Day 5- Shopping and fly back

          I stayed very close to the Elizabeth Bridge, which was literally at walking terms to all the main sites of the city. As soon as I reached, the first thing was to run to the Danube Promenade.As I strolled towards the memorial of shoes in front of the parliament building, one will see 60 pairs of rusted period shoes cast out of iron. Different sizes and styles reflect how nobody was spared from the brutality of the Arrow Cross militia (the shoes depict children, women, and men). Behind the sculpture lies a 40 meter long, 70 cm high stone bench where at three points are cast iron signs, with the following text in Hungarian, English, and Hebrew: “To the memory of the victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944–45. Erected 16 April 2005.”

           

          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????

          Day -2 BUDA

          1. Gellert Hill
          2. Chain Bridge
          3. Buda Castle
          4. Fisherman’s Bastion
          5. Matthias Church                                                                                                                            The next morning, I had a fine Hungarian breakfast and walked to the funicular, which leads to Buda castle. Towering at 235 meters, it is one of the wealthy residential areas and a part of the ‘Banks of the Danube’ World Heritage Site since 1997. You get the view of the entire city with the bridges from this point. Named after St Gellért, a Benedictine monk who died in 1046, the hill’s northeast slope is home to the Gellért Monument. The city was snow-clad but still, I could get some wonderful pics from the point.

          After exploring Buda Castle and the Gellert Hall, I made my way to the Chain bridge. The historic quarter-mile long Chain Bridge was and remains the first connecting permanent link between Buda and Pest. With large lion statues guarding all four corners of the Bridge, it is my personal favorite. The Chain Bridge leads to the Royal Palace. Inside the Palace, you’ll find lovely ballrooms, a grand library, gold-plated interiors with rich ornaments, two great museums, and cute exhibitions.

          Once you are out of the castle from the back door, you are at the Holy Trinity Square, which is literally the middle of the castle hill. On the Northside of the square, is the Matthias Church.  Although it is still called the Church of Our Lady, most locals call it Matthias Church as it was rebuilt by him which was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Turks. The Fishermen’s Bastion is right in the courtyard of the Church. It has made its name in almost every postcard of Budapest.  The Fishermen’s Bastion’s seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled the Carpathian Basin 896 A.D which holds modern-day Hungary.  The Bastion takes its name from the guild of fishermen who were responsible for defending this stretch of the city walls in the Middle Ages.  The spectacular views and the steps migrate you to another world of fairy tales with the white domes in the background.

          I had to call it a day as it got colder and my legs had given up. On the way back, I stopped by at a small restaurant to enjoy the alfredo pasta and the famous Pálinka.

           

          Visegrad lunch home on the hill
          Visegrad-The fairy tale city
          Esztergom church
          St. Stephen´s Coronation Statue
          The citadel
          Interior of the church
          Christmas sale
          The winter show
          Szentendre-Christmas shopping
          Church from Outside
          The Slovakian Border

          Day -3 Danube Bend Tour

          • Esztergom
          • Visegrád
          • Szentendre

          The Danube River flows through 4 modern European capitals (Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; Budapest, Hungary; Belgrade Serbia).  One of the most interesting stretches of Danube is to visit the point, where the river makes a dramatic horseshoe curve known as the Danube Bend.  Adding to the charm of the bend are numerous smaller villages creating a vintage vibe to the whole place. The sights vary dramatically from 300-year-old mummies to river bluff castles, to ruins of an ancient Roman city, and even a farm village where the houses still have thatched roofs.

          Esztergom is on the Slovak border and its ambiance is still very authentic and untouched by external influences. This village was the capital of Hungary from 1000 to 1256 with the help of a large citadel known as Esztergom Castle which was built on top of another church.The Basilica is not only the largest Church in Hungary but also the 18th largest Catholic Church in the World.  You really get the sense of history when you enter the Chapel and it is hard to tell that it is a consolidated structure of 1,600 pieces earlier destroyed intentionally and moved from a location.

          The St. Stephen´s Coronation Statue is the large white statue in Hungary is a mix of old and new depicting Stephen being crowned with modern elephant tusk-like curves protecting him.   The St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Budapest even has the mummified right hand of the former king. The views of the Slovakian border, the castle ruins, the Danube river can be captured in a frame. You get lovely views of the city from here.

          Visegrad-meaning High castle was the next destination on my list. It was the capital of Hungary in 14C and King Matthias summer palace was built here. You can visit the citadel, the Solomon Tower, The Sibrik hill and the Royal Palace.I had a sumptuous lunch with pumpkin soup, pizza and the tastiest local wine-Tokaji which kept me warm on a cold winter day.

          Next up was Szentendre, which is a village and the most visited Danube River town by tourists from Budapest. The Serbians migrated during the war and Szentendre grew with narrow alleyways and brightly colored houses. The village has many shops, which look, like museums showcasing a wide collection of porcelain and rare pieces of art. The village has such an ancient ambiance to it that even cars aren’t allowed into the center.  You’ll love strolling along the city centers narrow passageways, feeling the medieval village life, folk traditions, and architecture.  The main folk attractions are typically closed on Mondays and the outdoor museum has limited availability in the Winter, so I suggest taking this trip on in the Summer months.

           

          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????
          ????????????????????????????????????

          Day-4 PEST

          • Parliament Building
          • Thermal bath
          • Heroes Square
          • Andrassy Street.

          Buy the tickets online to enter the Hungarian Parliament to avoid the queue.  The world’s third largest Parliament Building boasts of 691 rooms as well as an impressive 19 kilometers of corridors and stairs. Guided tours (approximately 45 minutes) are available in many languages whenever the government is not sitting and include many of the building’s highlights, such as the main entrance hall, various lobbies, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. You can see many sculptures around the magnificent cobbled streets. This is something you will always remember. It was overwhelming to witness the architectural beauty in its interiors. After the tour within the Parliament, I tagged along with another group for a free tour around the Monument.

          Hero’s Square: Took a metro to reach Hero’s Square. The impressive Heroes’ Square highlights include the Millennium Monument. Around the plinth can be seen a group of bronze horsemen representing the conquering Magyar Prince Árpád and six of his fellow warriors. On either side of the column, colonnades extend in a semi-circle, and between the individual pillars stand statues of Hungarian rulers. Above the corner, pillars are beautiful works in bronze. In front of the Millennium Monument stands a memorial to the Unknown Soldier. This is something, which amazes anyone who passes by the monument.

          Thermal baths are available can be easily accessed. This is a must if you are visiting Budapest. Pools, saunas, and steam cubicles are included in the price of the admission ticket. Massage is not included among the basic services.

          The last evening at Budapest was reserved for shopping at Andrássy Avenue-dating back to 1872.  Since my room was at Elizebath square I chose to walk down the street. The Avenue is lined with spectacular Neo-renaissance mansions and townhouses featuring fine facades and interiors, it was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2002.

          The UNESCO sites in and around Hungary!

          Top Tips:

          1. Buy printed bags they are fanciful and cheap.You don’t get them anywhere.
          2. Transportation is the best and easy.
          3. Restaurants are available every corner of the street.
          4. A long walk on Danube Promenade/ Boat ride is a must in the night to enjoy the lightings of the Parliament building and the bridges.
          5. Flix bus is cheaper and connects you to most European countries.The bus stop is easily accessible by metro.

          Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer!

           

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          12 days in the East Coast of united States of America!


          Who doesn’t love to travel to the US? It is bliss for tourists and travelers since history, the promised land of dreams, adventures and attention-grabbing urbanity.

          Made of 51 states, it is one of the toughest countries to cover in one single trip. The East Coast is home to beautiful colonial cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Florida’s sanctuaries of fun, Miami, Orlando, mighty Niagara Falls, and Washington, D.C.; the capital.

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-1: New York

          Autumn could be quite pleasant in most of the US. In the northern states, it usually brings warm sunny days with cool nights. The leaves of the hardwood forests begin to change color and produce a magnificent display for a few short weeks. I started my journey from this point often referred to as BMW; the three bridges are the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge. Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges are near each other while Williamsburg is a little bit further. Brooklyn is an elegant reminder of New York’s history of architectural innovation. When it opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Now it attracts thousands of tourists and locals, who enjoy spectacular views of lower Manhattan and another city as they stroll its more-than-mile-long expanse.

          Next spot was the Times Square. The Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment center and neighborhood in the Midtown Manhattan section of New York City at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. The Times Square was quite attractive and vibrating. The titles, “The Crossroads of the World”, “The Center of the Universe”, “the heart of The Great White Way”, and the “Heart of the world” just the place. Cliché ‘much?

          This slideshow requires JavaScript.

          Day-2: New York

          • The Statue of Liberty
          • Central Park
          • Trump tower
          • 9/11 memorial
          • Wall Street
          • Empire State Building

          Autumn had turned the ground into a beautiful carpet of maple colors. The Statue of liberty, which has turned, green was celebrating 125 years then. We had to reach there through a ferry as it’s situated on an island. The view of the statue which commemorates the struggle of freedom was worth watching. We also recommend stopping in the museum on Liberty Island, if only to marvel at the initial ambivalence of 19th-century New Yorkers when they were asked to fund the construction of the pedestal, We also visited the Zero ground, which is now being renovated, and a skyscraper is coming up. Moving on, in the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood are North America’s largest man-made waterfalls, the bottoms of which seem to be impossible to see. The twin reflecting pools and the 9/11 Memorial

          We also visited the Zero ground, which is now being renovated, and a skyscraper is coming up. Moving on, in the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood are North America’s largest man-made waterfalls, the bottoms of which seem to be impossible to see. The twin reflecting pools and the 9/11 Memorial is a solemn reminder of all that was lost during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the World Trade Center bombing in 1993. Along the poolside, one acre in size, are bronze panels with the names of the 3,000 deceased victims from the attacks, including the rescue personnel who died to help the other victims. Inside, visitors can hear first-hand accounts of survivors, see the picture and video footage of the attacks and see recovered objects such as wrecked recovery vehicles, large pieces of warped metal foundation and the 30-foot National 9/11 Flag. Next, we were taken around Lexington road and Chelsea-the famous edifice in which the great writers fancied their skills.

          By around 8PM in the evening, we rushed to the Empire state building and were directed to the 86th floor to watch the aerial view of the city and the lights that adorn the night like an ornament. Try imagining NYC’s skyline without the towering spire of the Empire State Building. Impossible, right?

          Day-3: Washington

          • Air & Space Museum
          • White House
          • Washington Monument
          • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
          • Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
          • Einstein’s Statue
          • Lincoln Memorial

          We started at 7 from NJ after having breakfast and left to Washington DC, the historical city of US. We first visited the Air and Space Museum – to witness everything about Zero gravity, space launch, and Rocket making. Later we were taken to the Capitol- where the official matters are discussed and the senators meet every day.  The journey continued to the White house-the dream of the mass. Next up was the Washington icon; the long stature – no other building can break the height records of the icon of the city. The Martin Luther Memorial, The Einstein’s statue, The Abraham Lincoln’s Memorial and finally the Jefferson’s Memorial took us back in the time machine. The wordings encrypted on Jefferson’s memorial was worth reading and captivating. After a long day, we landed at the famous road known for Cuisines. We had a great dinner at Aroma and called it a day.

          DAY-4: Universal Studios 

          To wake the kids up for a very early flight by 8AM was not an easy task! They were given a wake-up call by 3.30AM to reach the airport by 6AM. The traveling time was for 2.30hrs and we reached Orlando at about 11AM. We couldn’t help the excitement and immediately took a bus to UNIVERSAL. The ticket was priced at $90 and we had a choice to stay either at Universal Studios or to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. I chose the land of Adventures and it was perfect for every bit. The land of adventure had six different islands like;

          • The Marvel Super Hero Island
          • Toon Lagoon
          • Jurassic Park
          • The Wizardry World Of Harry Potter
          • The Lost Continent
          • Seuss Landing

          The Universal studios had different areas for covering like;

          • Production Central
          • New York
          • San Francisco/Amity
          • World Expo
          • Woody Wood Pecker’s Kid Zone
          • Holly Wood.

          Day-5 EPCOT- Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

          Discover Disney’s beautiful theme park, which is crowded even on weekdays!  We reached there around 11AM in the morning. The Future World is further divided into two parks.

          FUTURE WORLD EAST:

          1. Spaceship Earth-An imagination ride that was worth every bit of it. It took us from the early man to the present world, the saga in different phases of human civilization.
          2. The universe of Energy-A show on running rails, which highlighted the importance and the uses of energy.
          3. Mission Space-This attraction had 2 types in it- a green one for beginners and an Orange for the advanced learners of launching a rocket into space.
          4. Test Track- for all those who are petrol-heads and thrill-seekers.
          5. Innovations East and West- This show is for kids on developing Earth into a better place.

          FUTURE WORLD WEST:

          1. The Adventures with Nemo & Friends
          2. The Land-Soarin-Experience the ride over mountains, seas and all the parts of the world
          3. Imagination-A journey that takes us into a 3D world of imagination.

          WORLD SHOWCASE:

          We had different countries putting on their best shows as the Food and Wine Festival was going on. The countries hoisting their flags were; Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Morocco, France, UK, Canada. The 10PM fireworks rejuvenated the tired legs and we sprang back to life.

           DAY-6 DISNEY –MAGIC KINGDOM

           The beautiful land of magic created by Disney is truly enthralling. The dream comes true when the kids truly get to meet their favorite cartoon characters at the magic kingdom. It is divided into six kingdoms and a toy train takes you around the kingdom to show you the highlights.

          1. Main Street the USA
          2. Adventureland
          3. Frontier land
          4. Liberty Square
          5. Fantasyland.
          6. Tomorrow land.

          The Disney parade at 3PM attracted everyone. It transformed into a fantasyland by night when the whole area was lit and Christmas decorations added more drama to the whole experience.

          DAY-7 Huntsville 

          We started the day early to fly to Huntsville for the Space Camp, the ultimate mission of our trip. The journey was about 2hrs 30min.The weather was very cold and the campsite was on the outskirts of the city.

          We checked-in at the camp at about 3PM afternoon and had a quick lunch. We were called for a meeting at 6.30PM to outline the schedule of the program. It is a huge site amidst thick forest. The autumn had painted the forest in deep orange and red.

          Day-8-11: NASA CAMP

          The schedule was strictly followed, with the morning call at 6AM and out on the site by 7 till 10 pm. It involved different activities like Scuba diving, Zero gravity, G-Force, Space shot, Teambuilding, Leadership qualities etc. In the last two evenings, the parents had to take an escape to Wal-Mart Supercenter, Target, Bridge Street Town Center, Maddison Blvd. to get the best of Christmas sale.

          Day-12: Graduation & Fly back home

          The Graduation ceremony started around 11AM and all the groups were present along with their crew leader by 10.50AM. Each group was called on the stage with their crew leader and were graduated formally. We left Huntsville with a heavy heart and headed towards Atlanta. We reached Atlanta at about 6PM. By that time, the Coco cola factory was closed so we couldn’t make our trip to the factory. We finally headed out for some last minute shopping at Walmart and Apple store to get our hands on the first few devices rolled out after the release of 4S iPhones back then. The queue was pretty long and had to wait for hours.

          Top Tips:

          1.Please carry a sophisticated camera to capture autumn.

          2.Carry warm clothes if in Nov- Dec Season.

          3.Tweak your itinerary to enjoy Miami if you aren’t a Space lover.

          4. Don’t miss the world-famous  Niagara from Washington( Summer Trip)

          I read…I travel…I become!

           

           

           

           

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Truly Asia-Malaysia


          Is Kabali your favorite movie? Have the Don series stolen your hearts?

          Then Malaysia is definitely the place with its ideal combination of technology and natural beauty. One of Malaysia’s key attractions is its extreme contrasts which further add to this theme of ‘diversity’. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts while five-star hotels sit just meters away from ancient reefs. Rugged mountains reach dramatically for the sky while their rainforest-clad slopes sweep down to floodplains teeming with forest life. Cool highland hideaways roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.DSC_0027DSC_0019DSC_0004DSC_0002

           

          http://www.bollywoodpresents.com/malaysia-popular-destination-for-bollywood-indian-tourists.html

          Day 1- Petronas Towers, KL Towers, King’s palace, National monument, national museum, National Mosque, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Cricket Club.

          Day 2- Batu caves & Genting Highlands

          Day 3- China Market & shopping

          Day 4- Langkawi/Penang Island (optional by flight/bus/electric train)

          https://www.seat61.com/Malaysia.htm#Malacca

          Day 1

          The day began with Theon Hou temple, one of the largest Chinese temples in South East Asia located on top of Robson Hill. This structurally appealing temple was built in 1869 and it attracts tourists from far and wide.

          Further, as you walk down the main streets, your eyes are automatically taken to the world famous Petronas Twin Towers which were once the tallest buildings in the world. These 88-storey towers joined at the 41st and 42nd floors act as a double-decker Sky Bridge. As I stood there in front of the gigantic structure,I forgot the world. The tickets were bought online so we joined in quickly to reach the top. The bridge that joins both the towers give a different look to the structure. The moment you get into the building, you will see a huge mall. Standing 452 metres tall, the Petronas Twin Towers’ architecture is Islamic-inspired and the buildings primarily housed the corporate headquarters of the Petronas Company and other offices. After spending about 2 hours at the campus, we moved towards another structure that caught my attention- the KL towers.

          The KL Tower is a high telecommunications and broadcasting tower which appears to be taller than the Petronas Towers, because it is built on a hill. The Menara Kuala Lumpur at 515m above sea level. Once you reach the bottom of the hill you can avail the services of free shuttle to reach the tower. You have to buy tickets to the observation deck and the revolving restaurant (Berputar Seri Angkasa) located at Level Two of the Tower Head. It serves both international and local food ‘above the clouds’ but isn’t quite pocket friendly. The views from the tower are amazing and you literally get to see the whole of Malaysia and a picturesque Petronas towers. You are on the deck with nothing but glass floor under your feet?

          While getting down the towers you can enjoy the Flora and Fauna Park and probably pick up Starbucks on the way if you have not opted for the revolving dinner.

          The next point of interest is the King’s palace– which was bought by the Federal Government to be turned into the Istana Negara for the Malaysian King. The Lake Gardens also called the Heritage Park, at the heart of the city captivated my attention.

          On the way to the park you get to see, The Butterfly Park. If you are interested, you can always take a break of an hour or so to enjoy this beauty. The park houses The National Monument which is a sculpture built in remembrance of the brave soldiers who died fighting for the independence of the country.  Remember, this historic sculpture has also marked its place in the book of records for being the tallest, freestanding group of bronze sculptures.

          You get to visit the Botanical gardens, National Mosque and the Museum inside the park. If you still have the drive, you can take a train to Little India and enjoy the night life. If not it’s time to hit the bed!

          Day 2


          The second day is far different from the first one. It is a spiritual and a scenic journey. The Batu Caves mainly made of limestone is both historical and mythical.  You need to climb 272 steps to reach the abode of Subramanyam-the son of Shiva. On arrival, you will enjoy the company of monkeys waiting to be fed. Peanuts and bananas are their favorites and devotees do offer them on the steps as well as on the resting places.

          It takes real guts to climb and your legs may start shivering as you get down the steps. After a good spiritual journey and the sight of the metallic idol in front of the cave, tender coconuts quenches your thirst and roadside junk calls you.

          From Batu your next destination is the Genting highlands. Casino lovers you are most welcome. Nature lovers, you will stand wondering at the beauty and bungee jumpers, this one is for you and all the kids. The Genting outdoor theme park awaits you. The cable car takes you to the top of the highlands in minutes or you may reach by car or bus.

          You can bask in the salubrious mountain air while you enjoy the host of entertainment options; ride South East Asia’s longest – and the world’s fastest – cable car system, roll the dice at the exclusive Casino de Genting – Malaysia’s only casino – or spend the day enjoying the thrills and spills of the wildly popular indoor and outdoor theme parks. Genting’s cool mountain air makes jungle trekking, star gazing and firefly watching an infinitely pleasurable experience. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you can also take part in abseiling, indoor rock climbing and flying fox activities to get your blood pumping.

          By the time I reached the hotel room it was late in the night and I dropped down dead till the next morning.

          Day 3

          Next day, it was too tiring to get up from the bed and I got up late and moved to China Town for some shopping and had a few sips of anchor before I could call it a day.

          Day 4

          For the fourth day, you have ample choices to choose from depending on your area of interest. Here are some more things to see & experience in Malaysia.

          1. Cameron Highlands, Pahang, for Afternoon tea and scones
          2. National Parks in Sarawak
          3. Mystery, myth, legend at Langkawi, Kedah
          4. Sipadan Island, Sabah, one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world
          5. Heritage trails and hawker food in George Town, Penang
          6. River safari – Kinabatangan River, Sabah
          7. Seafaring tales & old world charm of Melaka City, Melaka
          8. Play time for all at LEGOLAND and Hello Kitty Town, Johor.

          Top Tips:

          • Food is amazing. Eat as much as you like.
          • Clothes are cheaper and durable.
          • Transportation is super easy.
          • People are friendly and kind.
          • Tamil, English and Malay are the main spoken languages.
          • Must visit Langkawi and Penang to detoxification-You cannot drive your car according to the laws. You need to hire a chauffeur.

          The UNESCO sites in and around Malaysia.

          • Gunung Mulu National Park
          • Kinabalu Park
          • Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
          • Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley

           

           I would rather own a little and see the world…than own the world and see little of it!

           

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          The Wonder of Asia: Srilanka


          A magic island filled with abundant nature, beautiful sceneries, unspoiled beaches and a peaceful air surrounding the Hindu and Buddhist temples, it is a haven for tourists who are looking to de-stress and detoxify.

          Topography:  Lapped by the Indian Ocean, the coast is fringed with idyllic – and often refreshingly undeveloped – beaches, while the interior boasts a compelling variety of landscapes ranging from wildlife-rich lowland jungles, home to extensive populations of elephants, leopards and rare endemic bird species, to the misty heights of the hill country.

          With a history expanding over 3000years, Sri Lanka holds some of world’s ancient cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla; their once glorious townships, palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved and modeled out of stone amidst jungles.

          The Ramayana epic also says that Ravana had kidnapped Sita to Lanka and the stone bridge constructed between Rameshwaram and Lanka was by the troop of monkeys. Today, Adam’s Bridge– also known as Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu  is a chain of limestone shoals, from the Dhanushkodi tip of India’s Pamban Island and ends at Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island. Pamban Island is semi-connected to the Indian mainland by 2 km long Pamban Bridge.

          Quite a lot of Hollywood and Bollywood movies have been shot and the eternal natural beauty of the country has been explored to an extent.To taste and feel the beauty of nature one must travel to the pristine, scenic, historic and heritage country.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D5Ie6pOrSo

          It was a dream come true holiday, when I visited in 2012, unpacking my luggage at The Mount Lavinia Hotel in Colombo.

          [I had read about the hotel in a magazine and was eager to explore it myself. The history of the hotel goes like this- in 1805, Sir Thomas Maitland, a gallant military General, who sailed to the island of Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was known at that time) to assume duties as the second British Governor. He set his eyes on a beautiful mestizo dancer, Lovinia Aponsuwa, the half Portuguese and half Sinhalese lead dancer. He fell instantly in love with Lovinia, for nowhere had he seen such perfection. Lovina, the lowly dancer was elated when, as a token of his growing affection, she learned that he was to name his grand country mansion Mount Lavinia, after her. A tunnel was secretly dug, wherein the mouth of this tunnel was a disused well near Lovina’s dwelling place, and the underground passage led to the cellars of the Governor’s House. Their romance continued for six years with Lovinia a regular visitor at King Tom’s private residence. King Tom, however, because of poor health had to leave the country but donated a large piece of land in her name. The hotel even today is brilliant with a wonderful beach view from its backyard and is absolutely a must stay to enjoy the 18th cy royal residence.]

          Moving around or commuting is very easy and cheaper in Colombo. Do try out the Auto-rickshaws, if you are not from the asian continent. The people are honest and fun loving.

          We visited the Gangaramaya temple, which was established during Sri Lanka’s 19th century Buddhist revival. It is not merely a temple but a centre for vocational training. Gangaramaya is currently one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples. The Buddhist temple has a collection of elephant tusks, rare artefacts, and relics of Buddha acquired locally and from abroad.

          The temple has the following features; the Boddhi tree (sacred Fig tree), pagoda, seema malakaya (an assembly hall for monks) and the chamber of the relic. The  original oil paintings  displayed in the corridor of the temple  are amazing. The museum and library situated in the premises are a source of insight to this marvelous structure. You also get to see the antique cars around the temple.

          Next day, we visited the Singhalese sports club that has the infamous cricket stadium. Nearby is the ODEL factory outlet, a divine collection of cotton that is a must-visit for any tourist and the prices are honestly cheap.

          The third day was dedicated to the Slave Island, which is a suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka, located directly south of the Fort. The suburb contains Beira Lake, and is mostly a commercial area with hotels and shopping centers. The name “Slave Island” was given during the period of British colonization referring to the situation under Portuguese rule when slaves were held there, most of them black people from the Swahili coast and Portuguese East Africa. Many of these slaves later returned to Africa. However, a small group of African descendants are scattered throughout Sri Lanka and are collectively known as Sri Lankan Kaffirs.

          The national museum, The World Trade Centre and the world’s oldest Dutch hospital along with the independence square takes our immediate attention.

          We had planned to visit the lion rock and the taxi was booked but due to heavy rainfall I could not make the trip as the roads were blocked and it was hazardous to drive at that point of rainy season.

          Top tips:

          1.Must visit ODEL.

          2.Buy any cotton fabric from this country it will last forever. No fading of color and absolutely no shrinking.

          3.Food is very cheap and food joints are available on all the streets.

          4.Shopping mall in Colombo are Arcade Independence Square & The House of Fashions-highly recommended.

          5.Indians do get an online visa.The processing is easy and time saving.

          6.Kandy and Lion rock (Sigiriya) visit is a must.

          The UNESCO sites in and around Srilanka.

           

          “To travel is to live.” ― Hans Christian Andersen

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Paradise on Earth: Maldives


          Who doesn’t love to work in a dream location; a beach villa, work location by the beach with a bunch of amazing people, flawless climate and just unpolluted, serene and breathtaking scenery?

          I was lucky enough to work in this country for about 2.5 years and have an extended paid exotic vacation.

          All set for an adventurous, marvelous and quaint destination? Come travel with me…

          The Maldives is home to perhaps the best beaches in the world, every resort in Maldives is its own private island. With its crystal, clear blue skies and white coral beaches, it makes a picture perfect romantic destination for weddings, honeymoons, celebrations and vacations.

          https://www.facebook.com/uniladmag/videos/2857213170968390/

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKgo4Sv4PD8- the song: ‘Yeh ladki’ from ‘MAINE PYAR KYUN KIYA’

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maKDIvUVkQo -the song: ‘Dil kyun yeh mera’ from KITES

          “It is a place where the weather is a dream and the deep rays of sun awaits to engulf you in their arms”

          What one can do in Maldives?

          Diving and world-class snorkeling, Submarine ride, underwater snooze, Sunset cruising, tantalizing your senses at the glow-in-the-dark-beach, indulging in a romantic massage, exploring the islands and much more. To be specific, Maldives is becoming one of the most favorite holiday destinations in the world.

          Where is Maldives located?

          • 1190 coral islands and an archipelago of 26 atolls
          • Known for: beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. T
          • Capital: Male
          • History: British Colonization and Independence in 1965.
          • Perfect Travel Months: May and June, just before the onset rains.

          How to enter Maldives?

          For tourists, visa rules and regulations for Maldives are pretty relaxed. Here are a few things, pertaining to visa, which you must keep in mind before embarking on a trip to these magical islands.

          1: In order to enter Maldives, Indian nationals do not require a pre-visa arrival and can safely get a tourist visa valid for 90 days on arrival.

          2: You will be given a Maldives Tourist Form at the airport which needs to be filled in with appropriate details. Make sure you carry following documents which you need to submit along with the form.

          1. a) Valid Passport for the duration of your stay is required by Indian national
          2. b) Appropriately signed and completed Form
          3. c) 1 latest passport sized colored photograph mentioned in the form which should be 35mm in width and 44 mm in length and it should be absolutely clear.
          4. d) Confirmed reservation of the hotel or Name of the hotel where you are to stay
          5. e) Valid Tickets for Onward destination or confirmed return tickets
          6. f) Photo copies of important documents such as bank statements

          Most importantly, no fees for visa. Wow!

          Which atoll to choose?

          An atoll is a clear demarcation for geographical as well as administrative purposes. There are 20 natural atolls in Maldives. After entering the Country, the airport will be at Hulhulé is an island in the North Malé . It is one of the islands closest to the capital island Malé.  Hulhulé is considered a ward of Malé. You should now decide which atoll to visit?

          Apart from having the country’s highest point, the north has smaller islands and an enormous number of underwater ring reefs, while the south has deeper lagoons and fewer and therefore stronger channels into and out of the atolls. You could say that the north has more snorkeling options while the south has the better diving.

          For the islands themselves, no two are quite the same. One might be an elongated rectangle on the horizon, covered with palm trees. Another might be low and bushy, without a single tree. And then there are those the shape of a fried egg, an upturned saucer, a scraggy hairdo and there are many inhabited archipelagoes with the white sand beaches.

          How to commute in Maldives?

          Ferries are the cheapest. cycling is the best transport within the island. Speed boats are expensive. Cruises are also available .Sea planes are wonderful but slightly expensive and are found in many resorts.

          Where I lived?

          I lived in Gaafaru working with the School under Ministry of Education, Maldives. The working hours would get over by 2.00 PM and the rest of the evening was spent in the jetty, playing in the turquoise water which attracted everyone with its color changing as the sun sets. During winters, the sea creatures would crawl up to the school premises and to our houses. Tuna fish is very famous and students gift a lot of seafood to the teachers, That’s how they express their gratitude.

          https://www.facebook.com/maldivesplus/videos/276758359396947/

          During my stay, I visited many islands to name a few;

          Hulhumale– Hulhumale is a reclaimed island, recently developed to meet additional industrial, commercial, and housing demands. It is much advanced island. You find taxis and well-maintained buildings. It is the closest island to Male.

          Villingili–  Villingili really is a great alternative to Male’ if you have to spend a day or more in the capital. Rents are cheaper here. And you’ll get a taste of  what life in Male’ was like before development spiraled out of control. There is a reason why Villingili is so popular with foreign visitors, expats and locals.

          Kashidhoo– Is the island near Gaafaru. The island has a clinic, a secondary school and over 1900 people, which makes it one of the most populous in Kaafu. Some of the ruins here are believed to be remains of an old Buddhist temple. Local crops include watermelon, lemon, banana, cucumber and zucchini, but the island is best known for its raa – the ‘palm toddy’ made from the sap of a palm tree, drunk fresh or slightly fermented.

          What I enjoyed the most?

          My breakfast was Roshi and Vegetable stew in the ubiquitous undhoni, the Maldivian swinging chair or in the wonderful nylon threaded hammock. The Wax Apple also known as love apple, java apple, bellfruit, water apple, mountain apple was one of my favourites. The fruit is bell-shaped with colors ranging from white, pale green, green, red,  purple, crimson, to deep purple or even black. The flavor is a bit like a snow pear. It’s remarkably refreshing and juicy. Unlike apples, the wax apple’s flesh has a very loose weave. The very middle holds a seed that’s situated in a sort of cotton-candy-like mesh. The mesh is edible but flavorless.

          The Submarine: On reaching the submarine dive site, you will be transferred to a large floating platform, where you will be served complimentary fresh towels, soft drinks, and tea/coffee before boarding. Boarding will start 15 minutes before dive time and passengers will enter the submarine via the main hatch down a staircase. Once you are seated (free seating), the submarine will leave the floating platform and cruise on the surface while crew give you a safety briefing and demonstrate the use of safety equipment’s on board the submarine. After an announcement, the pilot will start the decent, and through large acrylic view-ports in front of each seat, you can see the depths of the ocean and a school of surgeon fish greeting the submarine. On reaching a depth of 100 feet, you will see a coral reef with different types of marine life and corals. Depending on the time of the day, you may see manta rays and the reef sharks swirling around this reef. The submarine is equipped with a fish feeding system to attract these creatures closer to your view-ports. While cruising underwater, the submarine will move slowly to avoid damaging the reef or scaring away the marine life. During the dive, you maybe asked to switch seats so that both you and others can view the depths from a different view-port. Claustrophobic visitors might want to avoid this activity, as conditions inside can be cramped. After a 45-minute tour the submarine will come back to the surface and you will be transferred back to a boat. It costs about 75 $ per person.

          Banana Reef :One of the oldest dive sites in Maldives to become internationally known, Banana Reef gets its name from the shape of the island when viewed from above. The area has some of the most beautiful caves, cliffs and coral growths. A popular spot with divers, the caves at Banana Reef contain several species of exotic fish, and other marine life like the squirrelfish, soldier fish and Maldivian grub fish.

          Bluetribe Moofushi diving center: This offers the best experience and cost effective solutions in terms of water sports activities such as windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, riding on catamarans/pedal boats, and many more activities. Moofushi is also known for the excursions that it offers, where you can spot whale sharks, manta rays and a lot of fish from the shore. Whether you want to enjoy a romantic cruise or just want to discover traditional Maldivian marine life and enjoy great memories within your stay in the Maldives, it will give you that unforgettable vacation of a lifetime.

          HP Reef: If you are looking for diving sites, in the number 6 spot is the HP Reef, which is one of the best diving sites where you can explore different kinds of superb coral reef formations and colorful fish underwater. It is a marine protected area located at the North Male Atoll. If you are looking for a close encounter with numerous marine life beneath the deep blue sea, this place is for you.

          Tips:

          1. Maldives is an Islamic country and they follow a strict dress code. Cover your hands and your knees (even at beaches)
          2. There are very few bikini beaches and bikinis are allowed in resorts.
          3. Seafood is available everywhere at extremely cheap rates. Vegetarians, hold on! You have very few choices.
          4. The weather is unpredictable and it rains quite heavily so it’s always safe to carry a sturdy umbrella.

          P.S: The photo quality isn’t that great for this was way back in 2007. These photos do not do any justice to the beauty of Maldives. 

           

          “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better”

          -Albert Einstein

           

           

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Enchanting Jordan!


          Ola Travel bugs,

          If you are a fan of history and your movie nights are mostly binge watching the series of Indiana Jones, Jordan is your star location! The lost city of Petra is the crowning glory of this tour. Follow the traces of Indiana Jones and the Last crusade, The Martian, Red Planet, Passion in the Desert, Krissh 3, Prometheus and Transformers.

          Come travel with me to Jordan; an Arab nation on the east bank of Jordan River, defined by ancient monuments, nature reserves and seaside resorts.

          Day 1: Amman

          Day 2: Jerash

          Day 3: Madaba-Mount Nebo-Dead sea-Ma’in.

          Day 4: Wadi-al-Mujib- Karak castle- Shobak castle

          Day 5: Petra

          Day 6: Wadi Rum

          Day-1: Amman

          Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a modern city with numerous ancient ruins. Put the below on your itinerary along with trying their cuisine:

          • King Abdulla Mosque
          • Nymphaeum- Roman ornamental fountain made up of stone
          • Odeon Theatre-500 seat theatre
          • Jordan Folklore Museum-Region’s cultural heritage.
          • Roman Theatre-restored Roman amphi theatre
          • Amman Citadel- Historical site
          • Temple of Hercules- Historical site.

          Day-2: Jerash-Pompeii of the East!

          Jerash lies on a plain surrounded by hilly wooded areas and fertile basins and was one of the ten great Roman cities of the Decapolis League.

          • Hadrian’s Arch: built in 129AD, this marks the ancient city’s boundaries.
          • Hippodrome: a restored Roman-era stadium. This was the smallest of the two arenas in the Roman Empire.
          • Forum (Oval Plaza): this is the main attraction. Bordered by 160 Ionic columns, it literally cannot be missed!
          • The Cardo:a 600m (1,968ft) colonnaded street running the length of the city.
          • Temple of Zeus:impressive temple ruins dedicated to the Ancient Greek deity.
          • Agora:once the city’s main food market positioned around a central fountain.
          • Nymphaeum: an ornate public fountain decorated with lion heads and dedicated to nymphs.

          Day-3

          Madaba: City of Mosaics

          Best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, Madaba is home to the famous 6th century Mosaic Map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. With two million pieces of vividly coloured local stone, it depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta.

          Greek Orthodox Basilica of saint George
          St. George Interior
          City of Mosaics

          Greek Orthodox Basilica of saint George

          This beautiful church is one of the main places of worship and pilgrimage across Jordan. Decorated with sumptuous interiors, elegant colonnades and various mosaics, the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George hosts the mosaic map of the holy land. With two million pieces of vividly coloured local stone, it depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta.

          Mount Nebo

          One of the most revered holy sites of Jordan and the place where Moses was buried. Rising over 700m above the Jordan Valley, it offers spectacular views of the Promised Land as seen by Moses. It houses important mosaics, which rank as some of the best in Jordan.

          Moses Memorial
          The View from the top
          The Brazen Serpent Monument
          Equinox

          Ma’in

          The thermal mineral springs for centuries have attracted people to come and immerse themselves in the sites’ warm therapeutic waters.There is an excellent 5-star hotel here, which offers indoor and natural outdoor hot pools, a swimming pool and spa facilities.

          Dead Sea

          The Dead Sea is a 4000-mile fault line in the earth’s crust and also the lowest point of dry land on earth at 1300 feet below sea level. At any point of time you can buy tickets and enjoy floating on the water for as many hours as you wish. This place should definitely be on your bucket list! You can stay here for about 4-5 hours especially during sunset. 

          You don’t have to carry sunscreen because this place is guarded well from any sort of UV due to its depth.

          Day-4

          This was one of the most scenic journeys so far. I had booked a cab to take a drive to Karak castle via the Kings Highway. On the way to the castle, you can stop by for a bit to take pictures at the Wadi-al mujib Viewpoint.

          Karak is the biggest castle in Jordan, many civilizations have passed it, it is 1000-meter high and has the greatest views along with a museum. You can have authentic buffet lunch near the castle or anywhere around as there are several hotels.

          On the way from Karak to Petra you will stop at a few picturesque spots like The Wadi Hissa and the Dana Mountains Viewpoint. Then comes the spectacular Shobak Castle, which is totally worth the visit. I reached there around 5 p.m. and the sun rays played a vibrant game in the surroundings.

          Dana Viewpoint
          The Ruins in Shobak Castle
          Shobak Castle

          Day-5: Petra-The Pink City!

          The Pink city, half as old as time is a UNESCO World Heritage site and there is lot of walking to do. It is advisable to wear sport shoes and DO carry a hat.

          I started early in the morning around 6 a.m. as it gets quite sunny during noon. You need to buy tickets at the counter, which is around 50 JD, and if you are looking forward to staying there for the light festival at night, it would be 65 JD.

          SIQ-The 1.2km siq, or canyon, with its narrow, vertical walls, is undeniably one of the highlights of Petra. It has 200m-high walls, is not a canyon but a single block that has been rent apart by tectonic forces.

          A view of The Treasury through The Siq

          THE TREASURY– Treasury, is the tomb where most visitors fall in love with Petra. The Hellenistic facade is an astonishing piece of craftsmanship. The Treasury derives its name from the story that an Egyptian pharaoh hid his treasure here (in the facade urn) while pursuing the Israelites. The Treasury is at its most photogenic in full sunlight between about 9am and 11am. Diagonally opposite the Treasury is a Sacred Hall, which may have had ritual connections with the Treasury.

          ROYAL TOMBS– If you turn left from the treasury, you will see the street of facades and then when you turn right the amphitheater welcomes you with all the rich historical importance. Downhill from the Theatre, the wadi widens to create a larger thoroughfare. To the right, the great massif of Jebel al-Khubtha looms over the valley.

          The Royal Tombs
          The Amphitheatre

          MONASTERY-AL DIER -Walking to your left with Royal tombs to the right you are on the colonnaded street further away is the temple. After the temple is the famous arch which is the entrance to the city gates. Walking through the city gate, hidden high in the hills, the Monastery is one of the legendary monuments of Petra. Similar in design to the Treasury but far bigger (50m wide and 45m high), it was built in the 3rd century BC as a Nabataean tomb. The ancient rock-cut path of more than 800 steps starts from the Nabataean Museum and follows the old processional route.

          The Pillars on the Colonnaded Street
          At The Temple
          On the way to Monastery
          The glorious Monastery

          The cave tea shop opposite is a good vantage point for admiring the Monastery’s facade. The courtyard in front of the Monastery was once surrounded by columns and was used for sacred ceremonies. You can also go beyond the monastery and enjoy the view point.

          Day-6: Wadi Rum

          This place looks so magical and out of the world, they nicknamed it ‘Valley of the Moon’. The sand is brick-red here, which is the sole reason why most Mars-related movies are shot here. It is a UNESCO Protected area and you can hire a jeep to reach the place or book a Bedouin camp if you would like to stay and enjoy the sunset as well as the sun rise (ranges from 150-200 AED). The maze of monolithic rocks capes rise up from the desert floor to heights of 1750 m creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. Hikers can enjoy the tranquility of the boundless empty spaces and explore the canyons and water holes. You can also opt for camel ride/ balloon ride or other aerosports. Contact the visitor center at the entrance. Do not miss the seven pillars of wisdom and the rock bridge.

          Sunrise Viewpoint on King’s Highway
          After an hour long journey to Wadi Rum
          Wadi Rum

          Wadi Rum
          Viewpoint on King’s Highway

          You can also customize your day trips to the following UNESCO heritage sites in Jordan.

          Click on the link to customize your trip. ( Number 1 & 4 have been included in the itinerary)

          1. Petra
          2. Quseir Amra
          3. Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa’a)
          4. Wadi Rum Protected Area
          5. Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)

          Tips:

          1. It is not advisable to visit from June to September as it going to be very hot and sunny.
          2. Carry your sports shoes, hats, shades and sunscreen especially on the day you visit Petra.
          3. The authentic Arabic food (cost: 2JD) is a must!
          4. You are better off on your own in Petra, don’t bother hiring a guide.
          5. Carry some money along so that you can sip on some fruit juice after the long, tiring walk to The Monastery.

          “Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions.” — Peter Hoeg

          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Trekking the World-Prema


          Categories
          Uncategorized

          Amarnathji Yatra-2019


          A Spiritual Journey within the soul…

          Abode of Amarnathji

          A journey to the abode of the living god-Shri Amarnathji-situated in the narrow gauge on the Himalayas at the end of the Lidder valley at 3888 m is not a pilgrimage or just yatra. It is a spiritual journey within the soul wherein your mental strength compliments your physical strength in reaching your destination. Devout flock to this incredible shrine where the image of Shiva in the form of lingam-18 feet is formed naturally in the month of July. The naturally formed ice stupa is visible only between June- Aug.
          The Holy Cave of Shri Amarnathji is situated at 13,500 feet atop the South Kashmir Himalayas. The high altitude trek to the Holy Cave involves exposure to extreme cold, low humidity, increased ultra violet radiations and reduced air pressure.
          Come ,join me in experiencing every detail of the yatra!
          • SRINAGAR AIRPORT
          • DAL LAKE

          My journey started on 1st July 2019, straight from Ladakh. You must have read my blog on my experiences in Leh ,Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake in my previous post. I landed in the srinagar airport at around 2.00 pm and carried a handout on Amarnath yatra from the airport. Hiring a taxi, I reached my hotel and relaxed for a while. I was anxious and had lot of plans about roaming the streets of Srinagar. I walked all the way to Lal Chowk. i loved savouring exotic fruits on my way. After a long shopping spree at the Lal chowk walked back amidst raised eyebrows seeing me walk alone down the street.

          • SONMARG
          • MUGHAL GARDENS
          • GULMARG

          Next few days, I was busy living the bollywood moments in my life. Each and every corner of Srinagar spells beauty and spell-bounded nature. On the 8th of July, the scenario was not that great. There was a total bundh in teh city which always happens without notice.( I was told so). The minute the bundh gets announced,all internet gets snapped.

          • ZERO BRIDGE
          • REACHED PAHALGHAM

          It was a brain draining situaton, there was absolutely no communication with anyone and secondly, no one can travel to Pahalgham. Unfortunately, my helicopter tickets were from Pahalgham as I couldn’t secure one from Baltal, which is very close to Sonmarg. The strikes were high by god’s grace I woke up at 3 a.m and luckily the driver was there by 4 and we zapped out of the borders before the guards could come in.

          • AT THE HELIPAD
          • MY TICKETS

          I reached at the helipad at around 6 am. There was a long queue and only two officers were there checking the online ticket booked, our weight plus teh weight we are carrying and our mandatory health certificate. To my dismay,i had forgotten to stick the picture on my medical form. Luckily, there were photo studio around and could easily get one done.

          • THE WEATHER
          • CHALLENGES WE NEED TO FACE

          Finally, with my boarding pass in hand, I walked confidently into the helipad entrance with an illusion of seeing the god in minutes. I was totally wrong, the online timing and the helicopter time has nothing to do in front of the natural disasters. There was wild wind and glaciers as a result of which all the helicopters were called off. I was waiting in a small waiting hall for about 3 hours or so…praying that the weather gets better. I was aware that many of my friends ,relatives and acquaintance had mentioned about their number of trials. Some had tried 3-4 times and had returned disappointed. Finally,it was my call and for teh first time I got into an helicopter. I sat next to the pilot and was really thrilled by the very thought of the ride and plus the darshan.

          • AT THE SHRINE
          • ON MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

          By the grace of Amarnathji, I was at Panjtarni, looked for a pony so that i can come back on time to the helipad.But before you take up the journey, there are certain precautionary measures to be taken:The high altitude trek to the Holy Cave involves exposure to extreme cold, low humidity, increased ultra violet radiations and reduced air pressure. Under these conditions, one of the common risks for the trekkers is the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
          Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): AMS is the most common form of mountain sickness and may occur after you ascend to altitudes above 2,500 m. It is characterized by breathing problems, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness and difficulty in sleeping.
          High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACO): HACO is a severe form of AMS and occurs due to swelling of the brain tissue which may eventually impair the brain. The illness often manifests itself at night and may result in coma / death within hours. Its symptoms include breathing problems, headache, fatigue, visual impairment, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, disorientation and partial paralysis.High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO): HAPO results in respiratory failure due to accumulation of fluid in the lungs. HAPO manifests itself at night (typically the second night of climbing in high altitude areas), progresses rapidly and may lead to fatality within hours. Its symptoms include shortness of breath even when resting, persistent dry cough, bright red stained sputum, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, chest tightness, congestion and increased heart rate. Younger people are held to be more susceptible to this ailment as, in exuberance, they are inclined to over exert while trekking.
          Do’s for prevention of High Altitude Sickness
          1. If you suffer from any pre-existing medical condition(s), it is important that you plan your pilgrimage to the Holy Cave only after prior consultation with your doctor.
          2. You may be able to avoid high altitude sickness by giving your body adequate time to acclimatize. It is, therefore, advised that you don’t over exert during the first 48 hours of arrival in the Yatra area.
          3. You are strongly advised to ensure that you do not take any medicine which is not recommended by a qualified physician or doctor. Use of any medicines without proper medical advice can be harmful or even fatal in the high altitude conditions.
          4. At higher altitudes, dehydration is common and results in headaches. Consumption of lot of fluids, say about 5 litres of water, juice, herbal tea etc. every day would be advisable.
          5. You are advised to eat lot of carbohydrate rich diet during the pilgrimage. Carbohydrate rick food is considered to be a good guard against acute mountain sickness.
          6. It is recommended that portable oxygen may also be carried on the pilgrimage; it is extremely beneficial, particularly for those who face difficulty in breathing.
          7. If you suddenly develop AMS symptoms during the trekking, you should immediately descend to a lower altitude, to a place where you feel comfortable. You may also promptly put yourself on the prescribed medication and take oxygen. Efforts should also be made to contact the nearest medical practitioner / medical facility, stationed en-route by the Shrine Board, for further medical advice. Your trek should be resumed only on doctor’s advice.
          8. The mountains must be treated with respect and attempts to ‘conquer’ mountains or showing off physically fitness must be totally avoided. You are advised to walk at a steady and rhythmic pace, preferably in a group and not alone.

          • MY JOURNEY
          • ALMOST AT THE BASE
          • THE HEART

          So, I reached in about 2 hours to teh foot of the cave. I was on DIAMOX from last 3 days,so I didnt experience any sort of health issues. After, the pony lift till the foot,you need to walk about 2-3 kms on foot with shops of prasadam around. You can buy pooja items from here and leave your bags at this point as further bags,mobiles and cameras are not allowed. There are about 200 steps to reach the lingam.

          From there on, I borrowed a long stick and paved my way towards the cave har har mahadev…and i was there!!! right in front of him, the 18 feet icicle had a magical effect on me. I stood as if in trance contemplating it a dream or a reality. How true it is…that we go spell bounded in front of the l magnificent mendicant. Tears of joy rolled over my cheeks and froze. I stood frozen for time immemorial mesmerized by the beauty of God; the divine, the pure and the absolute.

          May be after a while,i was reminded to pass by and lo behold! I spot the dove couple at that altitude on the top of the cave. There is a myth that sighting a pair of white pigeons in the cave is considered to be highly auspicious and meritorious during the Amarnath Yatra. The locals here say that the two pigeons still visit the cave at midnight on every full moon.

          After the holy darshan, the priests tied holy thread on my wrist and applied tilakam on my forehead. Slowly, I started getting down the stairs. My pony wala was waiting at the foot and finally came back to the helipad.

          Though, I reached around 5 pm in the evening there was no helicopters available to reach Panjtarni. The wind was cold and severe. The best thing about the yatra is food and hot tea at all times. I really appreciate and salute the langars and the security on duty 24×7.

          I managed to sneak into a tent for 600 INR and woke up at 3 am to stand in the queue for helicopter boarding pass. The journey,the hazards and the climate along with the physical risks nullifies the moment you are in front of the bum bum bhole- Mahadeva!!

          “Mrutyunjayaaya Rudraaya

          Neelakantaaya Shambhave

          Amriteshaaya Sarvaaya

          Mahadevaaya Te Namaha”

          I pray to Lord Mahadeva who has conquered death, who is the destroyer of the universe, who has a blue neck and who gives happiness to all. HAR HARA MAHADEV!!!