Avril Dsouza
A tour to Europe is almost everyone’s dream. Most of us have experienced it through television and other types of media but very few have had the privilege to experience it in person. I can say I have, and I can also say it’s an experience one must pursue in their life, as it can change the way one thinks and understands the world beyond the borders of their own country.
We also learn to respect the luxuries we take for granted in our daily lives. The trip started with an unusual mix of people of different age groups and backgrounds. We didn’t even know each other much but during this trip we became good friends. We got a chance to see seven different airports around the world, from which, I can proudly say that Mumbai International Airport was the clear winner. The feeling when the plane left Indian soil for the first time was ineffable. Our excitement bridged the gap between time-zones which made the three hour and later seven hour flight seem like a few minutes.
Our trip started from Paris where we strolled in a luxury bus viewing the city till we reached the Eiffel tower. It is a truly majestic monument I must say. The entire city can be viewed from the top as the cool breeze blows through your hair.
At several places we stayed at Hostels where we enjoyed the amazing coffee and freshly made bread as well as a few other delicacies that helped us to understand their cuisine and food culture. Our visit to Germany was amazing. From the visit to Vestisches Gymnasium, the school visit where the Principal and teachers were so warm and helpful, to the interaction with German families. I gave us a glimpse into their culture and tradition- it was all there.
The beautiful age-old architecture of their homes had interesting stories behind them. Most had gardens of their own where they’d grow their own fruits and vegetables of choice. It was the first time I learnt of the existence of red and purple potatoes and green eggs! We also learnt a new game that we played with this family called the Vikinger Schach. It takes some practice!
The visit to Köln Dom was another sight to see.
Virtually impossible to get the entire monument in a single frame, this Roman Catholic church is a beautifully carved monument with a lot of history along with scriptures inscribed all over it. The Black Forest was like from out of a movie scene with the beautiful Fall Triberg, the cherry on top! The cuckoo clocks were a real work of art with interesting details and variations.
Visit to the Parliament in Berlin was impressive after which we continued sight seeing up to the Berlin wall and Checkpoint Charlie while visiting some beautifully made and preserved memorials, in honour of the people who lost their lives during the war, on the way.
Our trip to the lovely Amsterdam included a visit to the Cheese factory, where the men and women seemed to be so proud of their work, something we must learn. Interestingly, the woman gave us the demo in Hindi and Clogs, beautiful wooden shoes that are manufactured there. As the windmills of Holland flaunted their beauty, we reached another beautiful sight to see, the amazing Tulip garden, where an awesome display of tulips of every shade will make you feel like you’re a part of a beautiful bouquet.
Our visit to Switzerland, the Rheinfall took our breath away with gushing milky waters. It felt like a dream. Our visit to the beautiful Constance lake, the serenity of the place makes you want to just stop right there and listen to the waves while resisting the temptation to dip your feet in the ice cold water!
Austria was another beauty where we got a chance to see the lovely country through Pfänder cable cars till we reached the top where another piece of heaven was waiting for us. Photography in the ice cold weather with warm coffee was a great feeling.
After Europe, our last destination before returning to India was the city of Moscow in Russia. As we travelled along the roads, it reminded us a lot of the metro cities in India, just cleaner and more refined. One can say India is just a few steps behind. No wonder our PM Mr. Narendra Modi decided on the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan program. This is really what India could be! Our visit to beautiful Cathedrals, the Red square and the Kremlin gates in Moscow made us feel like we were on a movie set. The unforgettable Radisson cruise, ideal for a first date that displayed the best of Moscow on both sides.
The visit to the museum of Cosmonautics was a real eye opener about Russia’s contribution towards space programs. Last but not the least, our first experience with snowfall was something that turned grown ups to kids and teenagers to toddlers.
As we boarded the return flight to New Delhi, we left with sweet memories to cherish evermore and friends that grew into a family. I believe this was a trip for me to remember forever as we got a chance to see the real Europe as closely as possible as if we almost lived it. I think everyone should explore an opportunity like this, it’s an experience of a lifetime!