We left home in the evening and reached Mumbai airport by 9 pm and boarded ALITALIA flight at 2 am and reached MILAN (Italy) Airport at 10 am and took another flight to London and landed in the evening. We boarded the tourist bus, sight-seeing Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar square, Hyde Park, Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral,Thames river,Tower Bridge and the Tower of London---
[ which actually is Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England, for over 900 years. As a Royal Palace, fortress, prison, place of execution, arsenal, Royal Mint, Royal Zoo and jewel house, it has witnessed many great events in British history.The Tower, or Bloody Tower as it is known, has been host to many famous executions and imprisonments, including those of Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey and Sir Walter Raleigh. I saw the killer guillotine still kept there. Many people have been locked in the Tower, for religious beliefs or suspected treason. Famous prisoners have included Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh and Elizabeth I. Elizabeth I was held prisoner in the Tower for two months by the order of her half sister, Queen Mary. Mary felt that her throne was being threatened by Elizabeth, so she imprisoned her in the Tower]
The Legend goes that Ravens have lived at the Tower of London for hundreds of years and that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London the White Tower will crumble and a great disaster shall befall England. Nice recalling history , After an eye-full of spectacles, we had sumptuous Indian dinner (kheer) and reached our hotel for rest. Next morning, after heavy breakfast, we went to the SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE, the biggest Hindu temple outside India, magnificent, exquisitely carved in stone and wood. After one hour drive, we reached the famous 16th century OXFORD and went around the University,It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world {since 1096}, and the second-oldest surviving university in the world. We reached Shakespeare's Birthplace, a restored 16th-century half-timbered house, situated in Henley Street, Stratford, where it is believed that William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and spent his childhood years. It is now a small museum open to the public and a popular visitor attraction, owned and managed by Trust and referred to as "a Mecca for all lovers of literature"In 3 hour drive, we reached LONDON EYE, the biggest giant wheel and took 20min round enjoying the aerial view of Thames and all of London. Next morning we left hotel with luggage, visited the famous MADAME TUSSUAD WAX MUSEUM and all its celebrity wax figures which include historical and royal figures, film stars, sports stars and also famous murderers. We visited BUCKINGHAM PALACE the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch, located in the City of Westminster, and witnessed the parade and change of guards.
After lunch, we reached WATERLOO station and boarded EURO STAR under-sea train to PARIS. For 20 minutes the train was speeding under-sea-tunnel through the English Channel, a memorable experience. After 4 hours we reached Paris, took our dinner and reached EIFFEL TOWER at 9 pm. We took the elevator and reached the top stage and witnessed the most beautiful nocturnal view of PARIS by night. A thrilling and tiring day. Next morning, we reached DISNEYLAND and saw the PARADE, enjoyed a long dreamed ride in Tea cups and other shows, like Indiana Jones, Caribbean Pirates, Space mountain, Cinderella,etc.,
After dinner, we saw the famous LIDO SHOW at a venue for the finest shows with the most famous best kept secrets of the Parisian nightlife, a night of Dreamland experience with elephants, horses, airplane, ice skating, gymnastics & fantastic stage management. We slept after midnight. Next day we went to CONCORD SQUARE, Notre Dame cathedral, LOUVRE MUSEUM (Mona Lisa original painting) and the place where French Revolution took place.
After lunch, we left Paris for BRUSSELS (erstwhile capital of Europe) After Indian dinner we slept in Hotel. Next day we visited Town hall square, sight-seeing roads/ buildings, miniature MADHURADAM GARDEN. In the evening we cruised in boat sight-seeing AMSTERDAM through all the canals of NETHERLANDS (land below sea level). Our memorable visit to Keukenhof was all about seeing flowers of more than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, in full bloom and instantly fell in love with the spring beautiful flowers. The sensational flower shows were an absolute treat for all senses and definitely worth a visit. Next day we left for COLOGNE (Germany) and saw the tallest Cathedral of Europe during our 5 hours of sight-seeing. On the way to MUNICH (Switzerland) we saw RIVER RHINE WATERFALL, biggest in Europe, Cuckoo clock factory in Druba and driving through black forest region arrived at LUCERENE in the night. Next day we went on excursion to ENGELBERG and to the most picturesque MOUNT TITLIS in the Urner Alps of Switzerland. providing a beautiful 360° panorama, with its spectacular view of the snow-covered valleys, glaciers, lakes, forests. over snow capped mountains.
TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY.
A thrilling and chilling birthday experience of TITLIS ROTAIR, worlds first revolving cable car ride to the top of Mount Titlis, that delivers awesome 360-degree panoramic views , enjoying exciting Ice flyer ride and snow sliding feats, culminating in a mouth watering Lunch on the Mount restaurant. We descended to Lucerene city for sight seeing and spent the night cruising in Lucerene Lake. The dinner party included the reputed red wine and I was given chocolates and birthday gifts. An UNFORGETTABLE DAY.
Next day we went to visit a waterfall in a cave. The elevator took us to the fantastic spot. Similar to BATAU CAVES of Kolalumpur. Later we took a cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen to Europe's highest Railway station JUNGFRAUJOCH (Top of Europe ) an exceptional experience of stunning views of a wonder world of snow and ice. The Jungfrau Railway, which leads through the heart of the mountains and up to the highest train station in Europe (at 3,454 meters above sea level), offers pristine, idyllic and picturesque views of the mountain giants Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and of the longest river of ice in the Alps. In such shivering heights, we even changed trains, stopped en route to view spectacular spots, enjoyed magnificent Alpine scenery, visited ICE PALACE with ice sculptures. It was thrilling to move through glaciers, breath-taking cable ride
through invisible clouds, walking in snow at such heights, wearing dark goggles all the time against the blinding glare of the sun reflecting on the white snow, thanking GOD all the while to keep my heart safe (My cardiologist had warned me not to venture on these adventures). The summit at Europe's highest train station (the peak is called "SPHINX TERRACE."), a lift takes visitors to the peak with its observatory and the famous observation platform, from which one has a magnificent view of the mountains and the Aletsch Glacier.This is the place of all places. It is totally unforgettable. A 6ft cut out of an impish man Shah Ruklh and a buxom girl Kajol in DDLJ, stare you in welcome mood. A great ploy of the Swiss economy surviving on Indian tourists. The Indian Lunch on the TOP of Europe was excellent. A middle aged lady fainted, breathless, gasping for air. I also felt intermittent breathlessness while returning by train.
Next day, we passed through INTERLAKEN city of Casinos, [where many Tamils live] passed through 7 tunnels and some spectacular scenes of Switzerland towards AUSTRIA.. We drove through VADUZ, the capital of LIECHTENSTEIN and reached WATTENS and visited SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL MUSEUM.
The entrance itself was enticing and the Museum was a treat to the eyes. I have never seen such articrafts and no words can describe the Swarovski Crystals whose range include crystal glass sculptures created to let light refract in a rainbow spectrum, making them absolutely bewitching. We reached INNSBRUCK for dinner and stayed in Olympia Hotel [wooden] located on the top of the snow clad mountains, in a very large bed room, well furnished and conditioned to keep us warm in such cold environment. Very unique experience. After breakfast, 3 hour drive took us to SALSBERG--the city where SOUND OF MUSIC film was shot. [ I had seen the film 5 decades before in Bangalore] While sight seeing the city, I was recalling the scenes down memory lane. The park was more or less the same still and the local guide girl was simple and admired India more than what we admired about her town.
After breakfast and 5 hours of driving, we reached the fabulous city of VENICE, in northeast Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. It is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon and widely adored as "City of Water", "City of Masks", "City of Bridges", "The Floating City"... We passed through the tallest bridge [820 meters high 180 meters long] connecting Austria and Italy. We took the Vaperetto Water Bus ride to Venice island and spent the entire afternoon sightseeing this wonder city--Bridge of sighs, Palace, Bell Tower, St Mark's square, Basilca and Glass blowing factory. Feeding pigeons was personally fascinating, having seen it many times in all films.They perched on me and my wife with great abandon and right. We took Gondola boats and cruised through all the streets, reminiscing many scenes of films of yore. Musicians played for us in the boat. Very memorable and unforgettable day to spend in a historic location.. Next day we proceeded to PISA, where the Leaning Tower is. I never dreamed that I would be there in front of it one day. It was raining that day when we visited Square of Miracles, Bapistry, Cathedral etc., and ate pizza during lunch. We left for FLORANCE and saw the exquisite statue of DAVID by the maestro MICHELANGELO. I call it nonparallel, the artist in me was enthralled.
We left Florance towards ROME. I remember the famous sentence.. All roads lead to Rome. To spend time, we sang and I too sang "Zindagi yek safar yeh suhana..." and yadoolled like KishoreKumar.. ROME is panoramic, historic and ancient.... Tiber river, Roman Forum, Trevi fountain,the ruins of the Roman empire, Graffiti etc., It was really our own Roman Holiday to step into the world’s biggest open air museum of Paintings, sculptures, frescoes and other works of
Michelangelo's masterpieces related to Rome.The COLOSSEUM is still magnificent.. While strolling inside I visualized Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Some artists portraying the Gladiators were performing which recalled memories of old Biblical Hollywood films like Quo Vadis, Robe, Demetrius & the Gladiators etc., to my mind. Julius Cesar was also orbiting my thoughts. What a place. Next day we went to VATICAN CITY, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, attesting to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. At its center is St Peter's Basilica - the world's largest basilica of Christianity, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front and bordered by palaces and gardens. The basilica, erected over the tomb of St Peter the Apostle, is the largest religious building in the world, the fruit of the combined genius of Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderna.It was magnificient, with marvelous artworks. The Museum was full of Michelangelo's Frescoes, the Last Judgement, Pieta etc., We saw Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and the Balcony from which the POPE delivers the Christmas messages. One of the largest, historical religious and ancient heritage of the world.
That was the end of a memorable time and tour and we packed and left for MILAN airport to return back home
The Legend goes that Ravens have lived at the Tower of London for hundreds of years and that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London the White Tower will crumble and a great disaster shall befall England. Nice recalling history , After an eye-full of spectacles, we had sumptuous Indian dinner (kheer) and reached our hotel for rest. Next morning, after heavy breakfast, we went to the SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE, the biggest Hindu temple outside India, magnificent, exquisitely carved in stone and wood. After one hour drive, we reached the famous 16th century OXFORD and went around the University,It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world {since 1096}, and the second-oldest surviving university in the world. We reached Shakespeare's Birthplace, a restored 16th-century half-timbered house, situated in Henley Street, Stratford, where it is believed that William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and spent his childhood years. It is now a small museum open to the public and a popular visitor attraction, owned and managed by Trust and referred to as "a Mecca for all lovers of literature"In 3 hour drive, we reached LONDON EYE, the biggest giant wheel and took 20min round enjoying the aerial view of Thames and all of London. Next morning we left hotel with luggage, visited the famous MADAME TUSSUAD WAX MUSEUM and all its celebrity wax figures which include historical and royal figures, film stars, sports stars and also famous murderers. We visited BUCKINGHAM PALACE the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch, located in the City of Westminster, and witnessed the parade and change of guards.
After lunch, we reached WATERLOO station and boarded EURO STAR under-sea train to PARIS. For 20 minutes the train was speeding under-sea-tunnel through the English Channel, a memorable experience. After 4 hours we reached Paris, took our dinner and reached EIFFEL TOWER at 9 pm. We took the elevator and reached the top stage and witnessed the most beautiful nocturnal view of PARIS by night. A thrilling and tiring day. Next morning, we reached DISNEYLAND and saw the PARADE, enjoyed a long dreamed ride in Tea cups and other shows, like Indiana Jones, Caribbean Pirates, Space mountain, Cinderella,etc.,
After dinner, we saw the famous LIDO SHOW at a venue for the finest shows with the most famous best kept secrets of the Parisian nightlife, a night of Dreamland experience with elephants, horses, airplane, ice skating, gymnastics & fantastic stage management. We slept after midnight. Next day we went to CONCORD SQUARE, Notre Dame cathedral, LOUVRE MUSEUM (Mona Lisa original painting) and the place where French Revolution took place.
After lunch, we left Paris for BRUSSELS (erstwhile capital of Europe) After Indian dinner we slept in Hotel. Next day we visited Town hall square, sight-seeing roads/ buildings, miniature MADHURADAM GARDEN. In the evening we cruised in boat sight-seeing AMSTERDAM through all the canals of NETHERLANDS (land below sea level). Our memorable visit to Keukenhof was all about seeing flowers of more than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, in full bloom and instantly fell in love with the spring beautiful flowers. The sensational flower shows were an absolute treat for all senses and definitely worth a visit. Next day we left for COLOGNE (Germany) and saw the tallest Cathedral of Europe during our 5 hours of sight-seeing. On the way to MUNICH (Switzerland) we saw RIVER RHINE WATERFALL, biggest in Europe, Cuckoo clock factory in Druba and driving through black forest region arrived at LUCERENE in the night. Next day we went on excursion to ENGELBERG and to the most picturesque MOUNT TITLIS in the Urner Alps of Switzerland. providing a beautiful 360° panorama, with its spectacular view of the snow-covered valleys, glaciers, lakes, forests. over snow capped mountains.
TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY.
A thrilling and chilling birthday experience of TITLIS ROTAIR, worlds first revolving cable car ride to the top of Mount Titlis, that delivers awesome 360-degree panoramic views , enjoying exciting Ice flyer ride and snow sliding feats, culminating in a mouth watering Lunch on the Mount restaurant. We descended to Lucerene city for sight seeing and spent the night cruising in Lucerene Lake. The dinner party included the reputed red wine and I was given chocolates and birthday gifts. An UNFORGETTABLE DAY.
Next day we went to visit a waterfall in a cave. The elevator took us to the fantastic spot. Similar to BATAU CAVES of Kolalumpur. Later we took a cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen to Europe's highest Railway station JUNGFRAUJOCH (Top of Europe ) an exceptional experience of stunning views of a wonder world of snow and ice. The Jungfrau Railway, which leads through the heart of the mountains and up to the highest train station in Europe (at 3,454 meters above sea level), offers pristine, idyllic and picturesque views of the mountain giants Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and of the longest river of ice in the Alps. In such shivering heights, we even changed trains, stopped en route to view spectacular spots, enjoyed magnificent Alpine scenery, visited ICE PALACE with ice sculptures. It was thrilling to move through glaciers, breath-taking cable ride
through invisible clouds, walking in snow at such heights, wearing dark goggles all the time against the blinding glare of the sun reflecting on the white snow, thanking GOD all the while to keep my heart safe (My cardiologist had warned me not to venture on these adventures). The summit at Europe's highest train station (the peak is called "SPHINX TERRACE."), a lift takes visitors to the peak with its observatory and the famous observation platform, from which one has a magnificent view of the mountains and the Aletsch Glacier.This is the place of all places. It is totally unforgettable. A 6ft cut out of an impish man Shah Ruklh and a buxom girl Kajol in DDLJ, stare you in welcome mood. A great ploy of the Swiss economy surviving on Indian tourists. The Indian Lunch on the TOP of Europe was excellent. A middle aged lady fainted, breathless, gasping for air. I also felt intermittent breathlessness while returning by train.
Next day, we passed through INTERLAKEN city of Casinos, [where many Tamils live] passed through 7 tunnels and some spectacular scenes of Switzerland towards AUSTRIA.. We drove through VADUZ, the capital of LIECHTENSTEIN and reached WATTENS and visited SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL MUSEUM.
The entrance itself was enticing and the Museum was a treat to the eyes. I have never seen such articrafts and no words can describe the Swarovski Crystals whose range include crystal glass sculptures created to let light refract in a rainbow spectrum, making them absolutely bewitching. We reached INNSBRUCK for dinner and stayed in Olympia Hotel [wooden] located on the top of the snow clad mountains, in a very large bed room, well furnished and conditioned to keep us warm in such cold environment. Very unique experience. After breakfast, 3 hour drive took us to SALSBERG--the city where SOUND OF MUSIC film was shot. [ I had seen the film 5 decades before in Bangalore] While sight seeing the city, I was recalling the scenes down memory lane. The park was more or less the same still and the local guide girl was simple and admired India more than what we admired about her town.
After breakfast and 5 hours of driving, we reached the fabulous city of VENICE, in northeast Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. It is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon and widely adored as "City of Water", "City of Masks", "City of Bridges", "The Floating City"... We passed through the tallest bridge [820 meters high 180 meters long] connecting Austria and Italy. We took the Vaperetto Water Bus ride to Venice island and spent the entire afternoon sightseeing this wonder city--Bridge of sighs, Palace, Bell Tower, St Mark's square, Basilca and Glass blowing factory. Feeding pigeons was personally fascinating, having seen it many times in all films.They perched on me and my wife with great abandon and right. We took Gondola boats and cruised through all the streets, reminiscing many scenes of films of yore. Musicians played for us in the boat. Very memorable and unforgettable day to spend in a historic location.. Next day we proceeded to PISA, where the Leaning Tower is. I never dreamed that I would be there in front of it one day. It was raining that day when we visited Square of Miracles, Bapistry, Cathedral etc., and ate pizza during lunch. We left for FLORANCE and saw the exquisite statue of DAVID by the maestro MICHELANGELO. I call it nonparallel, the artist in me was enthralled.
We left Florance towards ROME. I remember the famous sentence.. All roads lead to Rome. To spend time, we sang and I too sang "Zindagi yek safar yeh suhana..." and yadoolled like KishoreKumar.. ROME is panoramic, historic and ancient.... Tiber river, Roman Forum, Trevi fountain,the ruins of the Roman empire, Graffiti etc., It was really our own Roman Holiday to step into the world’s biggest open air museum of Paintings, sculptures, frescoes and other works of
Michelangelo's masterpieces related to Rome.The COLOSSEUM is still magnificent.. While strolling inside I visualized Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Some artists portraying the Gladiators were performing which recalled memories of old Biblical Hollywood films like Quo Vadis, Robe, Demetrius & the Gladiators etc., to my mind. Julius Cesar was also orbiting my thoughts. What a place. Next day we went to VATICAN CITY, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, attesting to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. At its center is St Peter's Basilica - the world's largest basilica of Christianity, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front and bordered by palaces and gardens. The basilica, erected over the tomb of St Peter the Apostle, is the largest religious building in the world, the fruit of the combined genius of Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderna.It was magnificient, with marvelous artworks. The Museum was full of Michelangelo's Frescoes, the Last Judgement, Pieta etc., We saw Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and the Balcony from which the POPE delivers the Christmas messages. One of the largest, historical religious and ancient heritage of the world.
That was the end of a memorable time and tour and we packed and left for MILAN airport to return back home
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