If you've grown up reading Enid Blyton's, Dickens or any classic children's books you would have a fair-y view of the world. Sprawling meadows, mooing cows, lots of gingerbeer, marmalade, ham...Mmm
Then there's also the expectation of adventure. Like when you see a hideous looking pen-seller by the school grounds after class, you trail him suspecting he's smuggling (what only your tiny underdeveloped brain can imagine) in those pens...
Then there is green air, space, comfort, quiet.. freedom..
When I first landed in Germany I tucked away my dreams in the dark looking airport, cloudy chill, deserted roads and well.. my humble hotel room. But then that was November and I was not a rich kid. As I unpacked, the fantasies burst out too and how! From Germany to Paris to Venice and back it was the first and best glimpse I could get of the world outside.
Munich - Campeon: The place where my workplace was - a huge campus with three ponds, reluctant ducks, frozen gardens and the autobahn around it. As I took the bus/train to work I could see the really tall building with the hard-to-miss wheel with blue and white spokes.
Fussen: Then there was Fussen. Ah! Throw in all the good, cosy things you have seen in the movies and this place trumps that. A good few hours from Munich by the spectacular Eurail.. every frame that passed my window is still crystal clear. Ahead from Fussen, separated by yet another train ride stood Neuschwanstein.
Neuschwanstein Castle: Picturesque village, woods closeby leading to the hill that held the Castle. Built by a not-so-frugal ruler, this castle stands in the clouds with its own small indoor forest for tea/garden time for the royalty. Beautiful in its court as much as inside this place can be reached by a short stroll in the woods up the hill or by regal carriages driven by sturdy, dark and elegant horses.
I couldnt get enough of it.
Lindau: On my way back, I took a detour to a little-heard-of place called Lindau that sits in the midst of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. To think we sometimes get excited about double-cheese.
Well Lindau is closest to my heart not because it has views to die for or because it has a mini-harbour, or the cobblestone streets lined with pretty shops and cathedrals and casinos.. but because I met a stranger who took it upon herself to be my tour guide!! An elderly woman who visited on-and-off for conferences, she didnt consider it late after 9PM to introduce herself to me (having been to my country too). She dropped off her bags and chaperoned me into the cracks and crevices of this beautiful place. We also sat for a sermon. My first real bit at a decent pizza was here at the train station in Lindau waiting to head back after a most pleasant day.
English Garden: A good stroll close to where I stayed. Got to watch all the breeds of canines I had only read about. And some..
Deutsches Museum: One-Stop shop for all Science aficionados.
Paris: Next up was Paris. I may be killed for saying this but I didnt connect so much with Paris. It was bustlier and real unlike Germany. Reminded me much of the city I grew up in. Lots of people, lots of activity, commercial..but here is where it shone for me. Imagine walking by a crowded subway and you witness someone playing the harp like a pro!! Or when you are in the train, a good-looking young fellow just gets up from his seat, produces a guitar and sweeps you off your feet. And asks you to dance with him?? Paris. Paris.
Sacre Coeur (sacred place): Cut to another scene where for every hero, you meet a big, scary guy, trying to block you from moving, to sell a friendship band at Sacre Coeur.
Didnt help that he realized I was frantically shaking my head a no (wouldn't you if you were asked 8 Euros for a band??) and gave me one for free. Phew..wasnt I glad to run.
I loved the music on the steps of Sacre Couer, the fun train that you could hop onto for a tour and the amazing architecture around it.
NotreDame: A quiet little cathedral, and streets full of splendid art and museums and tiny book shops. I would love to have sat here with a book..
Arc De Triomph was a short stop - a memorial of sorts.
Champs De Elysses: Confessions of a shopoholic.. By the way here was where I first saw crepes, yum!
Eiffel Tower: The day's grand finale was walking up to the Eiffel. Not only is the gardens around the tower very relaxing, the view from up there is really a wonder. If you stay until 7-ish in the PM, you can also see the lights magically turn on.. as you stand. It is quite a climb though.
The Louvre: brought down my exorbitant expectations to see it all in a day... There could be a city in there! It was inspiring to see artists of all ages brushing away in front of the masters.
Montparnasse: I took a taxi to pay a short visit to Montparnasse, decided against climbing up for the view this time and headed back to Germany on a bus.
Venice: The last leg of my EuroTrip was Venice. It was the sunniest day, and there was clear water waiting outside the Trenitalia station. I could have taken a gondola but I saved it for a time when I wasn't alone ;)
Murano: First off I headed to Murano to see the glass art and factory. The boat ride was the best commute I have ever had.
Burano: I call it the 'Asian Paints Island'. You will know why when you see the bright colours revealing themselves as you reach the island. I could live here. Amazing homes, cobbled streets, music .. if Sunday were a place this would be it. If you like Italian gold and Venetian masks Burano offers aplenty. I would've never come back if it were not human nature to see if the next island had anything better to offer!
San Marco: A short cruise away was San Marco. The place for St. Marks Cathedral, The Bell Tower, numerous museums, the Rialto Bridge and romantic waterfront restaurants.
Ducale Museum: Doge's Palace
Germany: Back in Germany I spent a memorable time with Gitty - my good friend and colleague who was passionate about showing me the local haunts - jazz club, dance floor, a live brewery, shopping malls and some buildings of the parliament. I saw my first snow in heaps in the city centre.
We went to a nice little restaurant that college students frequent, had a drink in another popular hangout.
Apart from all the fun part, I wanted to see something historic and grave - Germany being the spotlight in the wars.. Dachau was intimidating, moving and enough for me to be grateful for the much better world we have today. [http://sandsofrhyme.blogspot.com/2007/12/dachau.html]
Europe was like sugar-rush .. for my soul and eyes. Will be returning soon for Part 2..
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