When I was planning my trip I bought Lonely Planet’s Europe on a Shoestring. I must say that it has been immensely helpful in picking the right destinations to stay and visit.
On our trip, documented on this blog, we used to get lost in any new city or rather look about blankly figuring out which direction should we head. Luckily at this time Lonely Planet's Europe on a shoestring came to our rescue. It helped us find the tourism offices with ease and also pointed us in the right directions to our hotels and lanes we had to explore.
A little bulky for a backpacker, but very helpful. Do refer to this guide if you want explore the European cities without burning a hole in your pocket.
It's our last few hours in Italy. And from the time I have been here, that's about a week, I have grown to love everything about this country - the food, the people, the culture, the art,architecture, sculpture and even the language. I love Italy!
From Bologna we had to make our way to Switzerland - the land of snow covered mountains as far as the eye can see. We took the Intercity Plus to Milano (Milan) which cost us 20 Euros and from Milan to Interlaken Ost just 5 Euros aboard the Eurostar, thanks to our Eurail pass. They journey to Interlaken involved a lot of train switching. Milano Centrale to Spiez to Brig to Interlaken.
The view on our journey was breathtaking. The Italian countryside is so laid back and wonderful. Few houses, a church in the middle of nowhere. Wow! Then we entered a long long tunnel which lasted for almost 20-25 minutes, in the meantime I dozed off as there was nothing to see, and then suddenly blingly light... voila! Switzerland baby! And I see snow. I almost do a little jig in my seat. For those travelling to Europe and intend visiting Switzerland, make sure you apply for a Swizz visa. Then my Schengen Visa did'nt permit entering into this European country. Do note this was at the time of my travel. Please do check the Schengen Visa site for the latest updates.
After quick switchovers at Spiez & Brig which are in Switzerland and temperatures hovering single digits, we find ourselves at Interlaken West. This city is just a kilometer long, which I discovered on my numerous walks. Thankfully the hotel - Hotel Central Continental was just across the station and it took no time for us to settle in the warmth of our room. Our room was beautiful. Huge French windows and the decor was glamorous yet with character.
The view from our room was awesome. We could see the snow covered mountains, a river just below our balcony window, swans, ducks paddling by...it was heaven on earth. After a long lazy soak in the tub, we stepped out to grab sandwiches (our staple diet) and sat on the balcony enjoying our dinner. I could'nt believe that I was enjoying this kind of a life. I feel blessed. I feel wonderful to be in Switzerland.
Aaah Venezia (Venice) is simply the most beautiful and romantic place on the planet. Venizia was another day trip for us from Bologna. We made it into the city early in the morning. The journey to Venezia is amazing. The local train journey offers you a lot to see. Italian graffiti, wide open fields so vast till you can see no more to finally rivlets and lots of water.
In Venezia we embark at Stazione di Santa Lucia, it is the principle train station in the city. Once out of there you see... gondolas, water, buildings in water, people rowing, water taxis and Vaporetti (water bus). We took our time sinking the whole scene in. It was unbelievable that we were here.
Soon we hoped onto Vaporetto no. 1 and set off to explore Venice. Our destination Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square). We did not bother hoping down at the various stops and you can absorb the city from the decks of the water bus. The Grand Canal, the bridges, the rows of houses, etc. We were even lucky enough to see a couple getting married on a Gondola. So romantic... sigh!
It's really interesting to see the Gondolas and other water transport in Venezia. We disembarked at Piazza San Marco. And the square is filled with pigeons. Huge mighty pigeons! However what meets the eye here are Byzantine domes, spangled spires of Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica) and the 15th century Torre dell'Orologio (clock tower).
We decided to lunch at the piazza. Got some salad rolls and sat by the dock talking about our journey so far. Oh how I missed my whole family then and Bonnie too. Later made some quick international calls to my folks, convincing them that they have to visit venice. The rest of the day we spent walking about the piazza and window shopping. Soon it was time to leave.
For once we reached Bologna in the evening and rode the bus back. And as we walked back the stretch from the main road to the hotel, a tree was calling me to hug it. So i did and Tan absolutely refused to click a picture of us. How rude! Anyway i clicked one by myself. What a day it was.
Bologna - Firenze - Pisa Phew! What a day. I don't know how we managed it, but we did. Whoohooo! We got up early and made our way to Firenze.
Firenze (Florence)
Having got to Firenze, we made our to the Duomo and were off to see David. The real one! Followed the map to Galleria dell 'Accademia. The streets were filled with street artist, musicians and fine artists, and graffiti. They lent the perfect mood and made the wait to enter the museum interesting. We even gave our hard earned Euros to the artists, appreciating their talent. There are some things you just had to do :).
After almost an hour we enter the museum. It holds many of Michelangelo's unfinished sculptures. Listen and you will feel the sculptures talk to you. As you walk through the gallery, you see him. If the copy was so amazing, then believe me when I say that the real David was gorgeous. Tan and I were transfixed. We must have stood starring at David for eternity. Till we realized that we had to go. Mission accomplished. Having ogled at David, our train journey to Pisa, which took an hour, was all about David. And what a masterpiece of art it is. Check out my pics of Firenze
Pisa
Well, Pisa was kinda a disappointing. Having made our way to Piazza del Duomo, there wasn't much to see. You have the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Battistero di San Giovanni (The Baptistry of St. John). We spend a few minutes sitting at the steps of the cathedral and watched other tourist clicking the typical tourist snaps. You know the type that has them stopping the tower from toppling. Morons!
Oh well, the thing that cheered me up in Pisa was a Ferrari flag flying high. Go Ferrari! I also picked up some marble miniatures of the Leaning Tower for my family.
Well we missed our ride back, the direct train to Bologna, so we had to go via Firenze. At Firenze station we grabbed some hot dogs before we boarded the Eurostar. An expensive ride but we had a pass. We reached Bologna pretty late again. But this time it was close to 10 p.m. Had to take a taxi back, as it was the safest and fastest way. Anyway tomorrow is another exciting day. Venezia here I come.
It’s pretty late in the morning, and we hurry and make our way to Bologna Centrale. After trying to make our way around we reached the station at 12! We had to hurry as museums close early. However we did indulge in a little sightseeing on a local bus in Bologna. Then we travelled on the local trains to Firenze, and their second classes are luxury when compared to the sad train network in India. It took about an hour and half to reach and the ride to and fro costs us 10.20 Euros.
Firenze (Florence)
What a beautiful city – Firenze. The birth place of Michaelangelo, Botticelli, Dante and many renowned renaissance artists, the city itself is a masterpiece. From Piazzas filled with sculptures to homes with intricate architecture and carving, every street and corner offers something to see.
Using my Lonely Planet guide once again to navigate, making my way around this city was pretty easy. You could see the dome of the Duomo so this
was easy. We took a bus to Galleria degli Uffizi. The galleria houses paintings and sculptures from the renaissance period. It’s one of the oldest and most famous museums. The hallways house the sculptures while in the galleries you will find some of the famous paintings - The Birth of Venus (Botticelli) by Botticelli, Madonna del cardellino by Raphael, The Doni Tondo by Michelangelo and many more. Each painting like all renaissance art is perfection in detail.
We were dying to see David. Not just any David but Michaelangelos’s masterpiece in Renaissance sculptures. Well we got late exploring Uffizi Gallery, so we had to make do with the copy of David standing in the original, in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The copy is as impressive as the original. I fell in love with David. I fell in love with a sculpture.
Palazzo Vecchio is an impressive palace. It is also the town hall of Flroence and has some statues from the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi on display.
We made our way back to the train station. What an interesting name for a train station - Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Anyway our route back has us passing by the Duomo or The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore . It is known to have the largest ever brick dome to be constructed and influences of gothic architecture. The façade of the church is astounding!
It’s time to head back, but before we leave we decide we have to come here tomorrow to see the real David. Anything is worth it.
Bologna
So we are back to Bologna, digging it at McDonalds as once again we reached super late and this was the only place open. Stuffed we had to take a taxi back to our hotel.
Having packed our bags we leave them at the hotel and rush off to Vatican City. The line to enter Sistine Chapel snaked all the way to the main road. It took almost an hour to get to the gates. Then there was a security check, baggages screening that were just adding to my anticipation. But the moment you walk up the stairs you know that every minute was worth the wait.
Our tour at the Sistine Chapel began with frescos done by the greatest Renaissance artists including Michelangelo,
Raphael, Bernini and Sandro Botticelli. As I walked by each of them, I was filled with a deep sense of respect for each of the artists. The detail to each painting was so well done that it brought tears to my eyes. As an art student you always imagined seeing these masterpieces. Now all I could do was stare at them in wonder. WOW!
As we proceed, following the floor plan, we made our way to Raphael’s rooms. Amazing! Simply amazing each and every one of them. But nothing, I mean nothing, comes close to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescos. We were not allowed to click any photos and right so. No photograph will ever be able to capture the beauty of this masterpiece. I almost died of vertigo, staring up looking to absorb each and every detail. I don’t know how he achieved such perfection, but hats down to Michelangelo and his craftsmanship.
After this everything else passed in a blur. Went back to the hotel, picked our bags and… it rains! Looks like Roma was sad we were leaving. I promise to come back.
At Roma Termini we board the Eurostar. Wooohooo! We sit next to two gentlemen and to pass time, Tan and I begin to play Name, Place, Animal, Thing. These dudes we so amazed by this, that they kept stealing glances at us and our game. Damn Tan won.
Bologna
We reached a new city in a foreign country very late. No information counter open at this hour, it think it was about 9 at night. Bus was out of the question, so we ended up taking a taxi. That will be 18 Euros ma’am. Damn!
The hotel was at the end of the world. Nestled away in the woods. Modernity in the midst of serenity. I felt it was so out of place. It was so different from the one at Rome. Hotel Relais Bellaria was in every way modern. The room uber col. But as usual at the end of the day we are tied and munch on some snacks to keep the energy levels up. Today there wasn’t much of sightseeing as the day went at Vatican City and then shuttling between cities. Tomorrow we will explore!
Roma, Italy
It started off being a cloudy day and it even drizzled as we sat out for breakfast. Today I am off to explore Rome. We hoped on the Caio Rome Open Tour bus to see the sights. Since we booked it via our hotel we got a discount, do check with your hotels for deals. We boarded the bus at Piazza Dell 'Esquilino and we were off.
Stop 1: The Colesseum
It’s huge. It’s beautiful. It’s wonderful. And it’s ancient! For the time that we were standing in the queue to enter, my imagination went wild. Men is short skirts walking by, lions and gladiators… I touch the columns, the stone and it comes alive. I am in awe.
It’s hard to describe what you feel. You just got to travel way back in time to enjoy the moment.
Just next to the Colesseum is the Arch of Constantine. It commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. It’s something you just cannot miss.
Across it is the Palatine Hill housing the most ancient parts of Rome.From here we hop back on the bus and proceed to the Piazza Venezia.
Stop 2: Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia takes its name from the adjacent Palazzo Venezia, the former embassy in the city of the Republic of Venice. What’s makes this Piazza a must visit is the imposing monument to Vittorio Emanuele II. Built of pure whit e marble, it honours Victor Emmanuel, the first king of unified Italy.
We then proceed to Piazza San Pierro, all the while passing through some on Rome’s beautiful streets. We also spot the Castle S. Angelo on a hillock and what am amazing sight it is.
As our bus approaches the Holy City or the World’s smallest country – The Vatican, you just cannot help but be filled with awe.
Stop 3: St. Peter’s Basilica
OMG! OMG! OMG! What in imposing structure that symbolizes the beliefs associated with Christianity. It’s like heaven just opened! As a child I remember always seeing this place on TV. Never had I imagined I would be here one day. Suddenly feeling how blessed I was to be here, I rush to send a postcard back home, thanking my parents for funding my trip and for everything they have ever done for me.
St. Peter’s square is magnificent. Intricate mosaics, sculptured pillars, saints on the columns, it’s it’s… hard to describe. We stand in a queue to enter the basilica. There are some hot cute Swiss guards guarding the Papal chambers and areas not open to public. But as we set foot into the basilica, I was zapped and all that came out was “Holy Shit!” Ouch! Tan just nudged me, saying to show some respect. Fine! But I couldn’t help it. From the ceilings to columns to the flooring, everything was perfect. The works of Michaelangelo & Bernini, and numerous artists on display. What a masterpiece each one of them. We took an audio guide and made our way across the basilica, spotting Michaelangelo’s Pieta.
We dint realize just how much time flew by as a result of which we missed visiting the Sistine Chapel. But for that we come back tomorrow.
Tied and having munched on some snacks, we get back on the bus to find the Spanish steps.
Stop 4: Fontana di Trevi
The architecture in Rome is mindblowing, and so are the carvings, sculpting on the façade of Fontana di Trevi. As tradition has it, you have to throw a coin into the fountain and make a wish. A wish that you come back to rome. How convenient. How expensive! Especially as a Euro could have fed me. Anyway some things you just got to do, so i flung my precious Euro and made a wish.
After a bit of posing and clicking pictures, we decided to try out a gelatto. And it was yucks! I have had better ones in India.
Our next stop were the Spanish Steps, but considering how lost and tired we were we decided to skip it.
Having made our way back successfully this time, we stopped atthe local pizzeria for dinner. I had a pasta. Yummy!
It’s just our second night in Rome and it’s time to say goodbye. Tomorrow we head to Bologna, but not before we visit the Sistine Chapel!
Roma, Italy It’s our first morning in Europe. Roma, Italy is where we crashed. We stayed at Osimar Hotel www.osimarhotelrome.com a comfy B&B. All charged up, we treated ourselves to an awesome breakfast. Bacon, juice, homemade jams… it was the life. We stuffed ourselves up, picked our day bags and ready to make our way to Naples armed with my Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring Travel Guide . What a blessing this book came to be!
“Naploi? Sunday?” shrieked the receptionist. Tan & I look at each other. I think Mafia! I don’t know what Tan’s thinking about. But we decided to f*** it, we didn’t come all the way from India for no adventure.
So here we are at the Roma Termini, validate our Eurail passes and are off to Napoli. The landscape is beautiful, especially as we go from city to coast.
Napoli, Italy As we set foot at Stazione Napoli Centrale my jaw drops. What a railway station. Amazingly huge. The first few minutes in this city were spent staring at the signs and trying to find a friendly face. In Napoli we were lost again! Being Sunday, the information kiosk were closed. Finally we managed to buy a bus ticket, thanks to a guy at some counter and my Lonely Planet guide, and found our way to the museum.
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (The Naples National Archaeological Museum) is a museum in Naples. Entry to the museum was € 3.25, thanks to being just 25. The museum was beautiful. I clicked a lot of photos. The museum is all about the city of Pompeii and wherever they could they stamped it with penises. One bigger than the other signifying their conquests. For easy reading matter what to expect at the museum click here.
Once we got done at the museum, we got lost again. The closest metro station was closed. And not a soul in the street. We walked down opposite the metro and waited for a bus there. Some dudes passed us by. I guess they dint make much of us, two brown girls! How rude. Finally the bus arrives and we hop on board it to the train station.
We take the late evening train back to Rome, and I crash out on the journey back.
Roma, Italy. Back in Rome, we realized we missed lunch. So as starved as we could be, we head to a pizzeria. And it being Sunday everyone decides to dine out. We order two pepperoni pizzas at a local pizzeria near our hotel and after a one and half long wait we bite into it sitting on the footpaths of Rome.
I am sitting at the Mumbai International airport, immigration checks all done. And I am super excited as one can be. It is my first solo trip to Europe, without family, just me and my girlfriend Tan. It was my dream to roam the streets of Europe and today I am on the way to doing just that. Still got an hour and half to leave this country, so till then bear with me.
Well the evening started with a relaxed goodbye-have-a-blast-dinner at Six Degrees. For those of you who don’t know where that is, it’s at the Leela’s in Mumbai. Freaking expensive (thank God I dint have to pay for it :P), but I so enjoyed this time spent together, considering I would be away for the next 35 days without anybody stalking me :).
We then made our way to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai and then it was all goodbyes.
From here on it’s the usual shit the make you go through. And there are damn huge mosquitoes in the airport! Looks like they are making the most of sucking on my brown skin.
Ok cool its time for my flight, Turkish Airlines here I come. Bye bye Mumbai!
I have no memories of my journey across the skies. I was out as cockroach, or Tan says.
Istanbul Airport, Turkey, 11.15 am Turkish Time
(Applause)Tan sets afoot on foreign soil for the first time & … she felt cold! For all of you wondering Tan is, well she is my colleague at work and a good friend and a person who had the misfortune to be my travelling partner.
I for a matter of fact, couldn’t care less. I wanted to spot the Turkish GP circuit from the skies, which I think I did. My head is hurting as hell. I am super hungry. And amazingly I am homesick! And trapped for the next 6 hours at Istanbul International Airport.
So with nothing better to do, we eat. I just spent some 12-11E on food!!! Everything is expensive and its not even day 1. But I am lovin’ it! And here are some lines I came up with while drowning down my lunch.
So many faces
So many different nationalities
Yet we come together in one place
Everybody has a place to go
Everybody has to destination they must reach
And then there’s me
Who wants to see
David, the Monalisa & the Sistine Chapel
as far as my eyes will allow me to see
The next few hours were spent in a blur, sitting opposite the duty-free shop and watching everyone go bye.
Ta-ta Istanbul it’s time for my connecting flight to Rome :)
Rome, Italy, 9.15 pm Italy time
We finally made our way. After getting lost a million times at the terminal! From Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport to Roma Termini, surprisingly we made our way unscratched. Finding our hotel was a task but we did it. Got help from a hot Italian guy and life was beautiful :)
Later in the evening once I freshened up and all, Tan and I sat in a bar. Not a bar bar per se just a hangout joint. Anyway since we were lost finding our hotel, I got to see Rome and the living quarters side of it.
