Our Europe Tour- "A Seraphic Experience"

After the preparations, the day arrived when we had to board the flight to London, via Abu-Dhabi. And yes after the halt at the Abu-Dhabi International airport, we landed at Heathrow London, to commence our much anticipated Europe Tour. The Climate in London as expected was simply wondrous; a slight drizzle accompanied by a lovely innocuous breeze making the city as romantic as ever. That day after dinner we had gone to hotel and rested for the night. The next day after the breakfast we were all set to kick-start the sightseeing which was going to last for quite a few days on the trot. We visited the Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Tower Bridge, Royal Albert Hall, The Big Ben, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, the different Castles so on and so forth. With all these and many more London seriously gives you a regal feel.

The Atmosphere at Madame Tussauds was just party like, people were clicking pictures with the wax statues of their favourite world known figures from different spheres of professions but without any haste and enjoying to the fullest. Madame Tussauds is named after late Mary Tussauds the lady who had mastered the art of Wax statue making and in fact, her wax statue was also present. Madame Tussauds is not only about the wax statues of world famous personalities, but there are many other things to be enthralled by. It has a 4D show,  the 'Spirit of London' where they take you for a ride on a train which are in the shape of the famous Black Taxis in London showing you the history of London, how it was founded by the Romans, how it got burnt and how it was rebuilt. It has also got something called the “London Dungeon”, where there are humans dressed as Ghosts,witches and devils and in a stark dark room, they try to scare you by their actions with their hands almost on the verge of touching you. We totally relished the spooky and the thrilling encounter. “London Eye”  built by British Airways is also called the ‘MillenniumWheel’, it has capsules which carry people in it and over the Thames River,it gives you a Giant Wheel kind of a view of the entire city, which is to say the least, awe-inspiring. We also covered the fringes of London and some other parts of UK.

After UK , we were off to France. Apart from the countryside of Europe which is exquisite, this particular patch of our tour had an another exciting angle. The journey on the “Le Shuttle”, it’s basically a train where the vehicles can go in, even the coach buses. So, our coach went inside, and we could just get down and look on either side. It goes 30 feet beneath the English Channel for some time; and hence we can say we were in the bed of the English Channel for a while. It travels at about 180-200 Kms per Hour. It’s an exemplary use of technology providing a different experience all together to the people on board .We reached France and then we entered the Fashion Capital of the world, Paris.

The same day itself after a splendid cruise over the ‘Siene river’ covering almost the entire city where there are automatic earphone guides in different languages briefing us on what we see and pass by while on the ship, we went to the main attraction of Paris, “The Eiffel Tower. The view from the Eiffel is simply remarkable. It’s an excellent vantage point to view the city from all directions, it even houses a restaurant. Then we called off the day and headed to the Hotel. The next morning we were off to 'Disneyland Paris'. What a rapturous and exhilarating experience it was. This can't be expressed in words. The Adventure rides, the cute Mickey and Minnie, the fetching Castles, as a matter of fact the whole arena was fun filled, enjoyable and stirring to a great extent. We all regaled thoroughly .My favourite adventure rides among all would be the “Pirates of the Caribean”, named after the popular Hollywood movie franchise, and  fighting with the  Aliens on a Space ship. After having a blast there, we were back to Paris city, for the City tour. We saw the famous fashion lanes of Paris. The stupendous “Louvre Museum“ having the ultimate creation of Leonardo Da Vinci, the “Mona Lisa“, “The Opera House“ designed by Charles Garnier, the majestic “Les Invalids“ where in one of its tomb Napolean Bonaparte is buried .That day we again went to the “Eiffel” for another view of this absorbing structure built by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel .After covering many more historical monuments and other marvels, we reached the Hotel. Me and my Sis rested while Mom and Dad went to savour the exotic and the graceful “Lido Show”. It’s a one of a kind world renowned cabaret show.

The next day, passing by the ‘Champaign Region’ we reached Germany. We arrived at Heidelberg Altstadt, a place with historical significance particularly in regards to the World War II and is situated on the river Neckar. The beautiful lanes, the magnificent structures like the Churches, the Heidelberg University and the Citadels to name a few were strikingly impressive and have a beguiling appeal. I would like to specially mention the view on the bank of the River Neckar which was indeed picturesque, and kindles an idyllic feeling.

We also went to Titisee Black Forest, the place in Germany from where the scrumptious and the lip-smacking “Black Forest Cake” originates. Basically, the area is surrounded by dark green Pine trees ostensibly black, and when there is snowfall, there is a layer of snow over the trees and that’s how the place was called the Black Forest and the Black forest cake came in to being which we know has layers of whipped cream which is white in colour with the chocolate which resembles black.

 It is also the place where the well-known ‘Cuckoo Clock’ was founded; we bought a Cuckoo Clock from the shop owned by ‘Drubba Family’, the pioneers of Cuckoo Clock. It was also interesting to witness a demonstration of its mechanism in the shop itself. We also tried the authentic black forest cake along with other local food. The place had a lovely lake too. I must say along with the place which was obviously alluring, the food and drinks were also luscious.

Now coming to the heavenly Switzerland, I personally had a lot of expectations from this particular country, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. Even if I say, its landscape was blissful it would only be an understatement. The experience in Switzerland was completely enchanting.

We started with the Rhine Falls in Switzerland, where we also took a toy train ride covering the entire area and also the peripheries. Train ride was exciting and the spectacle at the Falls was beatific and delightful.

Though, all the hotels we stayed in were fabulous with spectacular views. But, this one was special, it was a Heritage hotel in Engelberg with a view of the Alps and of course nothing could beat this.

Next day we headed off to Jungfraujoch- the Top of Europe, 11,371 ft. We had to make the route in two trains. The climate was pleasurably cold and not inclement. The journey was prepossessing with snow on both sides with the scenic beauty being entrancing and spellbinding. Finally when we reached the Top of Europe, it was paradisiacal. Snowfield to play, different Ice Structures in something like an Ice Palace. A restaurant called ‘Bollywood’ where we had our Lunch. An AV (Audio Visual) was also going on about the site itself. One will wonder at the technological advancements made to promote tourism where such concrete structures and great amenities are made available at such a high altitude.  Hats off to them.

The next day we went to Mount Titlis, 10,623 ft, here we had to go with the help of Three Cable Cars, the 1^st one takes only four people in, till an altitude, the second takes some more till even an higher altitude and the last takes even more people to take you to  the highest and the final point. Here also the journey both up and down was ecstatic, filled with euphoria. Firstly there were green pine trees, and as we went higher we were in the midst of snow. Snow on the trees, snow on the mountains, snow everywhere.

Just when we landed at Titlis,we saw a cut out of SRK and Kajol from ‘DDLJ’, as we all know Yash Chopra has shown Switzerland extensively in his movies and yes his films, particularly ‘DDLJ’ and ‘Silsila’ along with their stars are very popular here,and these films have contributed to the Switzerland Tourism immensely. Like in Jungfraujoch, here also we had a great time in the snow with a lot of elation and gaiety.

We also visited Interlaken were these movies of  Yash Chopra’s were shot, it is a very planned city with striking buildings, Casinos and a lot of greenery around.

We even went to see the “Lion Monument’ or the ‘Dying Lion’, a structure designed  by  Bertel Thorvaldsen  to commemorate the sacrifices made by the ‘Swiss Guards’ in ‘The French Revolution’. It’s in Luzern. It is also a stunning city with marvellous bridges, mesmeric Churches and others. In Luzern itself, we got 2-3 hours for Shopping. Though, Mom did a bit of Shopping in UK, France and Germany with whatever little time she had. But now she had more time, so she was happy. However, I utilized that time to explore the city a bit more.

After coming to the hotel, me and my sis sauntered nearby and enjoyed some more glimpses of the serene Switzerland. I realized this place has a halcyonic affect; you just feel like staying here and pampering yourself in the tranquil and the balmy ambience that it is gifted with.

Next morning we went to Zurich, to catch the return Flight. Zurich to Abu-Dhabi, and after the halt, Abu-Dhabi to Mumbai.

After sharing my experience, I don’t want to be didactic or preachy but just want to say that every country has its good and bad aspects, nevertheless if we genuinely love our country then, we won’t do such acts that may spoil its reputation or blemishes it. There is a saying called “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” and we know that cleanliness is one of the prime facets that separate our Country from the western ones. So, along with eradicating all other evils that are plaguing the country like corruption, poverty and so on we should make a conscious effort to keep our Country Clean and Hygienic in whatsoever manner we can. If we keep our country clean, then only our Country will in true sense be Angelic.

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