Euro Trip Experience
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by Experience: Euro trip
I have inhabited a new life. I managed to do every bit I planned to. I ate everything & anything served on my plate. I moved by train, bus, flight, and tram; not to forget mentioning, by walk. I stayed at hostels, hotels, rented apartments and private rooms. I also slept at the airport, missed my flight and pooped worth eight hundred bucks. Met some amazing people, tourists and made few lifelong friends. Each and every day was rocking. I can call this trip an exceeding expectations. In short, quitting a job to travel was worthwhile. I am really thankful to some of the people who have helped me to take this decision. Thanks Jai and mom to support me. Everybody should do this one time in a life.
The following quotes I found out to be so true:
· The more I travelled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends- Shirley MacLaine
· When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable-Clifton Fadiman
· A wise man travels to discover himself-James Russell Lowell
· A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles-Tim Cahill
· Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen-Benjamin Disraeli
· Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
· To travel is worth any cost or sacrifice-Elizabeth Gilbert
· Paris is always a good idea-Audrey Hepburn
· A bad day in Paris is still better than a good day anywhere else.
European Girls
And now let’s talk about the beauty of Europe (If I may call it that way). Yes, I am letting the cat out of the bag about the beautiful girls. As I landed in Paris, I was stunned to see the beautiful girls. Previously I used to think only Russian girls are beautiful. But I was so wrong. As I went on, expectation kept increasing. When I landed in Amsterdam I saw the most beautiful girls and they were from Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria because many East European girls comes to Amsterdam to earn their living. But Antalya, Turkey surpassed every country of Europe. Yes, I don’t know the reason behind it. I was really busy in admiring the beauty that I forgot to know the reason behind it.
Communication Gap
Yes, I confronted a good deal of problems because in many countries, people don’t speak English. Paris- My first destination where I landed. People speak only French. I heard that French people knows English but they don’t speak and Yes it was true
Brussels, Amsterdam and Copenhagen were fine, English was a much comfortable language even if I wasn’t familiar with their local. As I landed in Istanbul, Language was a problem again. That is when I realized that how other people feel when they come to India.
The question I was asked a hundred times
· I have been asked one question for at least 100 times by different peoples- Of all the place you have visited which one did you like the most? It was really difficult for me to answer and what I said that people are not ready to buy that. Every situation was different from one another. Most of the population don’t know what Europe is. They only get excited when they hear EUROPE and & nothing else! I specifically went to the western part of Europe – France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. Along with this I also went to Denmark and Turkey. I have seen all the Capitals. And it was a mind blowing experience.
· Our Curator in Frankfurt asked me about my trip so far. I told him I have seen west. Then he said: What!! Are you guys serious? I replied: Yes, I am. He said: “You have witnessed most of the costliest cities of Europe. You should go to Eastern Europe, it’s very cheap.” This adds a few more places to my bucket list.
Is Prostitution legal in Europe?
Germany and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands it’s Amsterdam and in Germany its accepted everywhere except Bavaria. I have visited both from very close spectrum. One who visits these places should see the red light district in Amsterdam. It’s definitely a must see site! They also have a museum on this here, which explains how prostitution evolved here.
In Germany, I have seen Hamburg and Frankfurt. In Hamburg, there are many ways in which it takes place. But in Frankfurt, it’s kind of problem. Prostitution and drugs are the two major problem. I was so shocked to hear that. It is controlled by the Russian Mafia and government also cannot do anything. The total business every year approximates to 550 million Euros. Previously, there was one building new main HBF, Frankfurt where you can go and consume drugs. Now you will see people taking drugs even on the streets. But prostitution happens in a much planned way. Some buildings are specifically allotted for these jobs. Girls have to rent a room on a daily basis in order to do their business. The rent is about 140-150 Euros per night. Just go to the buildings and check out the girls.
The Journey Starts…….
On the way to Paris
The place from where my trip started. I took flight with Air France, my dream flight. I don’t know why Air France always fantasized me. Whenever at Bengaluru Airport I used kiosks for check in I always see Air France and tell myself one day I will also click on Air France when I will be heading to Paris. The ticket was double priced compared to few other flights but I consider worth it. The hospitality was remarkable. Throughout the night the air hostesses were at the service of the flyers. I was excited when I heard the proclamation from the Pilot- “Passengers are requested to fix the seat belt, in a little while we are landing in CDG, Paris.” It was the best feeling I have experienced. Finally, at 8:00 AM on 8th April’2015 we landed… I felt like “The Boy” in the alchemist… Searching for a destiny, reading all the signs & understanding the languages of the universe!!!
Paris
It was a dream to see Paris and I was really happy that it came true. It was a new city. People don’t talk English and everybody are in a rush. But one thing I noticed- Parisians are the well-dressed & women are gorgeous. Smoking and drinking are the most significant component of their lifespan. They eat a different sort of bread called as Baguette. It’s really weird compared to the ones we eat in India. When I saw the Eiffel I was like Aww!!! I was the happiest person in the world. It was incredible. The lights of the Eiffel made me miss the stars that night, I couldn’t take my eyes off the beauty.
The awe that glows, brighter than million stars..
The eyes that glitters, shinier than costliest diamonds..
The kisses that loves, in the making of I to YOU..
I came to realize why this was the most romantic place on earth!! The picture still lingers my mind. I sat here all night and was just staring at the Eiffel. It was tough to leave the place, but I left with one decision. I will gift a sight of Eiffel to my parents… May be for their anniversary next year.
Brussels
I only knew about Beers, Chocolates, Fries and Waffles. It was totally different compared to Paris. We did party for two nights. One at the sports bar and other at the world’s most famous bar- Delirium. We walked the entire perimeter of the city. It was more of an eating expedition in Brussels-Fries, waffles and Chocolates. The best part of the Brussels was the Bronze statue: Manneken Pis. It was hilarious. Every day I used to go and see that statue.
Amsterdam
When I was more or less to reach Amsterdam my heart was pumping really fast. I was getting impatient and wanted to get down from the bus. And finally reached around 4pm. I was actually shaken up and you guys know why, because it’s Amsterdam.
The urban center was looking really beautiful and the food was awesome. And if you are in Amsterdam don’t forget to eat cheese. It was the best cheesecake I had till date. From Amsterdam I went to the World’s famous garden to see the TULIPS, because it’s blooming time. It is really worth the time to visit. Overall, I love Amsterdam and will definitely call again.
Copenhagen
I took flight from Amsterdam to Copenhagen. Land of Dan’s, the costliest European city. Also named as the cycling capital of the world. Local people are very kind, but if you come on their way when they are doing cycling they will become the rowdiest people on earth. I stayed at a hostel for the first two nights. The hostel was totally different as to what we have in Asia. I love the food out here. I also went to see the beaches and castles. Since it was cold beaches were empty. The best part of living in Copenhagen was the Japanese festival: The Sakura Festival.
Turkey
Why Turkey in Between?
I have also been called for many times: Why you included Turkey in between? I gave an instant answer: I just wanted to extend my trip. I always wanted to go to Europe for 2 months (approx.). Since I took a multiple entry Visa for only 30 days, I exited with no choice but to plan for Turkey. I was in turkey for 15 days. It was a totally different experience altogether. It was so different than Europe-People, food, structure of houses, drinking habits, etc. Even tea and coffee was so dissimilar.
I spent 15 days in Turkey. Yes, I will once again go to Istanbul. It’s very cheap as compared to Europe. Awesome place more or less like Asia. Cruise, Blue Mosque and shopping. Istanbul is also a great shopping paradise like Bangkok. Grand Bazar is a must visit. Experience of living in a Cave House in Kapadokya was amazing. Don’t go for Hot Air Balloon ride it’s a waste of money. Why?? Because it’s a normal ride and no thrilling experience, Instead of that opt for Green tour which will cost you around 120 TLR and it’s really worth for money. I saw many things in Turkey- People, food, culture, beaches, waterfall, World heritage sights, natural rock formation sights, river valleys and many more. It was the best 15 days I had on my trip. I will take my parents to Turkey for sure.
Germany
It was the last leg of my dream. Since it was my last destination, I was not able to concentrate. I was thinking so much about what to do after going back that totally destroyed my stay in Germany. If somebody asks me what you saw in Germany I wouldn’t have an answer. The same thing happened to me when I was in Copenhagen. It was really difficult to cope up with these things, but somebody told me- Everything will be fine don’t worry. She was from India and after hearing those words I was fully charged to rock Germany. I landed in Berlin. Berlin really surprised me. I never knew I would be so interested in European history.
I saw many cities in Germany. It was awesome meeting a friend in person with whom I was only in touch virtually. We also travelled by rail to another city without a ticket. I was so happy when I was with her not even for a second I thought that what I will be doing after going back. It was amazing. Getting drunk in Koln was also an amazing experience. I was having one picture of Frankfurt in mind, but when we took a free walking tour it totally changed my perspective. Germany was totally different from other countries of Europe. But it was really cheap to travel within Germany. I will defiantly return to the land of Hitler to know more & do more, Hail Hitler!!
Few more Experiences
People say to be cautious when you travel to foreign nations. As per my experience in Europe – If you are good, everybody is your friend. You will find good and bad people anywhere you go, so it’s all the same.
1) I was sitting in the food court at Central station of Hamburg. One lady was sitting with her three year old son and eating Indian cuisine. I told her- It’s our food. She told – Excuse me! I said- the food you are eating is Indian and we are from India. And she started out laughing and conversation got down. She was a Berliner. She asked me the most difficult question ever- What you are looking for. I was blank and finally could only say – “I am looking for love and happiness”. But I’m still looking for what I need within myself!!
2) Only two people recognised my name in this trip so far. First- Guy working at a hostel in Berlin. As I said- My name is Gautam Modi, he asked immediately- Are you from India and do you have any contact with that Modi, the Prime Minister. But before that he asked me two times- Are you Modi?
Second- I met a guy at the Mannheim Bus station. As I told him- My name is Gautam Modi. He told – Are you Modi! Are you Modi! He dint believing me to begin with, but when I showed him my ID card, he started to relate things. After that we began talking about Modi. He asked me many questions about India. We became friends. When we reached Frankfurt he told me – “Next time you are here just let me know and you have a home to stay & a friend to guide you!!”
Overall it was an amazing experience. And yes, once again I will say it was worth to quit a job and travel.
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