Saturday, April 28, 2018

Wanderlust 2350 Kms Euro Trip - Experience from an Indian Backpacker


A naive experience of Europe tour in an odd season with freezing cold temperature.

Europe is all about small countries neighboring each other with well connected borders and a common VISA for travelers commonly known as SCHENGEN. Europe is really a natural heaven on the earth with magnificent European style architecture, beautiful country side villages, splendid greenfields, decent people's with different languages & culture, countries with one of the oldest civilization of the world, almost all developed countries with state of art infrastructure. 

We have booked Europe tour with Star Tours UK starting and terminating at London. It was a luxury bus tour with a planned but hectic schedule covering five different countries in five days. Here's mine day wise experience of Euro trip.



Day 1: *14 March 2018* 
 **London - Calais - Luxembourg -Brussels (Belgium Capital)**

Started from London early morning to Folkestone(UK). Folkestone to Calais (France) crossed Strait of Dover (English Channel) by Euro-tunnel. Started from Calais city to reach Belgium Capital.
On the way crossed France border via Dunkirk city (France). Reached Brussels in about 2 hours drive and witnessed Brussels city square with an amazing basilica church's with magnificent European architecture. Saw statue of little boy pissing in public & tasted handmade Belgium chocolates.
After having lunch in Belgium started for France to reach Germany border via Luxembourg. Had small shopping in Luxembourg a country with size of Mumbai.

Reached  Hotel "7 Hotel and fitness" in France near Germany border and Rhine river.


Day 2:  *15 March 2018* 
**Black Forest Germany - Rhine Falls Switzerland - Lucerne city (Switzerland)**

Started early morning at 9:00 from hotel to cross french border.  On motor way seen a famous amusement park named Euro park.
Reached Freiburg city in Germany famous for universities with lots of young crowd. This city is near to Switzerland border and the way to Swiss border is through the black forest of Germany to reach city Schaffhausen where the famous tourist attraction Rhine river falls.
Witnessed Black Forest in Germany and the reason why it is called as black forest is due to these forest are so thick that even in bright sunny day sunlight's are not able to reach the ground. It's also famous for cake called Black Forest with original chocolate fillings.
Black forests of Germany is also famous for it's handmade cuckoo clocks that was invented here long back in 18th century. Had a very good demonstration of how cuckoo clocks work and initially invented.

Started to reach famous Rhine falls that is on river Rhine in Schaffhausen city of Switzerland. To reach there we have crossed German border and through the dark black forest drive with natural scenic beauty with hills, long trees and snow to enter into Switzerland.

Switzerland is a very beautiful country with best in class infrastructure. Rhine Falls is natural waterfall of river Rhine and a boat tour is also there that take us to the center of waterfall with a very scenic natural beauty.

Started to Lucerne city from Schaffhausen which is about 1:30 hours drive. Lucerne is named as it is situated on Lucerne lakeside. Chappel bridge is a wooden bridge built over lake Lucerne in 14th century and is the oldest wooden bridge of the world. After visiting the lakeside we went to Lion monument which was made in honor of the Swiss guards.
Reached Engleburg a small city at the bottom of mount Titlis where we stayed in hotel.

Day 3: *16 March 2018* 
** Mt.Titlis Engleburg Switzerland- Interlaken - Geneva -Bern (Swiss Capital)**
 ‎
Started early morning to 8:15 AM from hotel to Mount Titlis highest point of Switzerland which is about 10,000 feet from sea level. The starting point of mount Titlis is about 10 mins drive from hotel. Amazing rope-way infrastructure and very strict safety precautions for going above 10,000 feet. The whole journey is divided into three stations. At the top of mount Titlis lots of skaters are doing the adventure sport and there is ice flyer at the top to view amazing view of snow. Enjoyed at lot on ice flyer and is totally worth. Hanging rope bridge is built on the top for tourists. Then we got opportunity to skate on tube and that was amazing.

Started journey to another destination Interlaken city that is about 1:30 hours drive from mount Titlis. This city is famous for paragliding adventure sport and statue of Bollywood legend Yash Chopra who is ambassador of this city for promoting Switzerland country through Bollywood.

Started journey to Geneva city which is about 3:00 hours drive from Interlaken city.

Explored Geneva city which is called as Peace capital of the world, situated on lakeside of Genev lake and it has headquarters of various international organization like WTO, Red Cross , United Nations. Seen UN building , Genev lake had dinner at Indian restaurant. Geneva city is bordered by France on all three sides and it is second most populous city after Bern Swiss capital. Because of french influence official language of the city is french. Hotel Best Western in which we have to stay is in France and about 30 mins drive from Geneva city so started to cross Swiss border.


Day 4: *17 March 2018* 
**Geneva - Paris**

It was a long traveling day from Geneva to Paris which is about 7:00 hours drive so we started same at 9:00 AM sharp.  To pass the time in bus we played little fun games and enjoyed a lot in coach. We reached hotel at 4:00 PM around and it was raining. Then we checked in to the hotel "Novotel"
and started for Paris city tour. Done boat cruise in river Seine and watched all the historic places like Eiffel Tower, Dome Church (Napoleon Bonaparte buried here), Alexander bridge most beautiful bridge of Paris, Grand palace and petty palace, Princess Diana statue and various other iconic monument. 
In evening we went Chams alese Street and done small shopping. Then we had our dinner at Indian restaurant. Enjoyed Eiffel Tower special light effects at 09:00 PM. Enjoyed the main excitement of the day  the famous Ledo cabaret show late night at Chams alese Street. Then we reached hotel.

Day 5: * 18 March 2018* 
**Paris - Calais - London (Back to London)**

We were in Paris and only thing left was Eiffel Tower top floor visit for seeing Paris City . We reached Eiffel Tower in morning but it was heavily snowing and due to bad weather conditions entry to Eiffel tower was closed. We waited but no luck then we clicked some picture of Eiffel tower. Then we started paris city day tour and had lunch in a restaurant in Paris. Finally the tour came to an end and we have to start journey to London. We started for London which is about 5 hours drive and 1:30 hours ferry ride over English channel. We reached London at scheduled time around 09:00 PM.

It was a memorable trip with lot of adventure and learning's about culture, history , geography. Made new friends had conversation with strangers and learned a lot.

Friday, September 30, 2016

Story from an Indian Backpacker.... An Indian Adventure in Sydney: A 5-Day Trip for Work and Exploration



Day 1: Departure from Mumbai to Sydney via Singapore

It's been a great opportunity for me to get a chance to visit Sydney Australia on an official tour. The anticipation of exploring a new city and experiencing its vibrant culture filled me with excitement and eagerness. A travel agent has arranged tickets and visas for us. There was no direct flight to Sydney so we plan to hop in Singapore and return via Bangkok. Finally, gala day arrive when we have to board for Sydney at Chatrapati Sivaji International Airport Mumbai. We reached there at 7:00PM with all my preparations and the formalities like Check-in, Immigration, etc. completed on time. Mumbai international airport is really a very good built-in Infrastructure with all world-class facilities. We reached at boarding gate & I was so excited to see the Boeing 737 Double Decker plane of Singapore Airlines was waiting for us to board. I have never been in such a mammoth Airplane. It was my first time being on such a large aircraft, and the sight left me in awe.

The flight from Mumbai to Singapore was smooth and comfortable. The layover in Singapore gave us a chance to stretch our legs before continuing our journey to Sydney. I spent the early morning exploring Singapore Changi Airport, which is one of the best airports in the world. There are many things to see and do in the airport, including gardens, a butterfly park, and a cinema.  After the connecting flight, we finally arrived in the captivating city of Sydney.

Day 2: Arrival in Sydney and Exploring Iconic Landmarks

Upon reaching Sydney, I quickly settled into my accommodation located in Westmead and began exploring the city's renowned landmarks. The first day was devoted to visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House and the majestic Harbour Bridge. The architectural marvels left me spellbound, and I couldn't help but marvel at their grandeur. I found it easy to get around Sydney by public transportation. The city has a good network of buses, trains, and ferries.


Day 3: Work at the SBI Sydney Branch and Enjoying Nature's Beauty

During the next few days, I balanced my work responsibilities at the SBI Sydney branch with leisurely trips to various attractions. The Royal Botanic Garden offered a serene escape amidst nature's beauty, while Darling Harbour's lively ambiance provided a delightful dining experience.


Venturing into the vibrant neighborhoods of Sydney, I encountered a myriad of international flavors that reflected the city's multicultural essence. Chinatown offered a tantalizing array of authentic Asian dishes, ranging from mouthwatering dumplings to aromatic stir-fries. I savored traditional Italian pasta dishes in the charming streets of Little Italy and experienced the vibrant spices and aromas of Indian cuisine in the bustling Curry Mile.




Day 4: Wildlife Encounters and Panoramic Views

With work responsibilities accomplished for the day, I set off to visit Taronga Zoo. Witnessing Australian wildlife up close, including kangaroos, koalas, and various bird species, left me feeling grateful for the chance to connect with nature's magnificent creatures. The Sydney Tower Eye provided breathtaking panoramic views of the city, leaving me with unforgettable memories of the skyline.


Day 5: Bondi Beach, Museums, and Fond Farewell 

I couldn't miss the chance to unwind at Bondi Beach, soaking in the sun and enjoying the ocean's soothing waves. The city's museum and Madame Tussauds allowed me to immerse myself in Australia's history and culture while having fun with lifelike wax figures.

As my 5-day trip to Sydney came to an end, I felt grateful for the memorable experiences and cultural immersion I had experienced. The blend of work and leisure made this journey truly enriching, and I cherished the memories of exploring Sydney's landmarks and vibrant city life.

With a heart full of gratitude and a promise to return one day, I boarded the connecting flights from Sydney to Bangkok and then Bangkok to Mumbai. The journey back home allowed me to reflect on the incredible moments and the great opportunity I had to explore Sydney, Australia, on an official tour.

The trip was truly unforgettable, filled with countless adventures and enriching experiences delving into culture, history, and geography. Along the way, I forged new friendships, engaged in conversations with strangers, and absorbed a wealth of knowledge.











Thursday, February 25, 2010

Let's watch Hockey

-->
In the lower classes every Indian student Learns that “Hockey ” is the National Game of our Country but in the present scenario it’s just remain like a Bookish knowledge given to the student at the lower levels.
Actually few percent of Indians are Interested in the game and rest just makes a formality because there are lot of reasons behind it or to say there are lots of alternatives present . Being as a National Game the Govt. Officials and the citizens of our country are not paying attention in rising of this game in the country but in the Earlier Decades Hockey is the most popular game of the country.
Ever since India has been contesting at the OLYMPICS, Hockey is the only sport which has won gold medals, that too not once or twice, but eight times, with six of them coming consecutively . Between 1928-1956 Indian hockey at the OLYMPICS, won the Gold medals consecutively six times and it make us feel Proud all over the world.
The Upbraid is that at Present Hockey – National Game of our Country is searching its own Existence.
Hockey is fast, furious and most dynamic of all team sports. Hockey’s another name is Non-Stop Action. The entire 70 minutes are full of life. No moment in hockey is supposed to be dull. All the 22 players on the field keep moving fast, engaging in one action or other. Our eyes catch a goal, goalkeepers’ acrobats or a doughty defender’ hard tackle, and how forwards dos them. Players rip their rivals, fight for the country, with sweat and blood, fans relish, eyes firmly focused on the green turfs.
World Cup Hockey” is one of the Biggest event of this game and this time it’s too special for every Indian because India is going to host this. But the Irony is that World Biggest Event is going to start in a few days (28 feb-14 march) but a few of us knows that.
It’s a matter of National Sorrow that being as the national game of our country nobody is paying attention for the promotion of this Game as there are no such Advertisements for the promotion as done in the other games. So, it is the Responsibility of every Indian to Promote and make a successful World cup because “Future of Indian Hockey depends on the World Cup” so, Let’s Watch Hockey.
JAI HIND!!!