Category Europe Trip

May 4 2013

London Trip – A Walk Along The Thames

London Walk

In the Summer of 2005, I visited London for a two week trip. I stayed at a hotel in central London and very near to the Tower bridge. The first thing which I experienced here was that daylight ended at around 10:00 PM. So on a Friday evening I thought of going for a walk after coming back from the office. Taking a map with me I walked towards the Tower Bridge. It was almost 9:30 pm but the sun was still up in the sky. But as I reached the Tower Bridge it was almost dark. Suddenly all traffic was stopped going through the Tower bridge and even padestrains . For one moment I didn’t know what was going on but soon noticed that the Tower Bridge was opening and the road was lifted up as a Big Ship passes under the Bridge. This was the first time that I saw a Bridge opening up. I clicked some photos as I walked through the bridge and spent sometime there. I returned to the hotel at about 11:30 PM. I decided to come back the next morning and walk along the Thames River and experience the London City.

Next morning I took the Bus to the Tower of London and started my walk from there. It was a pleasant sunny day. After taking some photos of  the Tower of London again I came to the Tower Bridge, clicked some photos and crossed the Bridge. There was  the City Hall building on the other side of  the Bridge. I spent some time there  and clicked some photos of some beautiful paintings.


From the London City Hall, I walked along  the river and reached London Dungeon. This area was like a ghost town with all the old buildings and lots of scary pictures around.

After that I walked on the London Bridge and went to see “The Monument” . The Monument was on the other side of  the river. There was an option to climb The Monument but as I wanted to cover as much as possible I decided not to waste time doing so and headed further.

From there I crossed the river again and came to see the Winchester Palace.

From there I walked along the river and on the way I saw there was some Turkey celebration going on in a park near OXO Tower. I spent some time there enjoying the music and dance and had some food.


After taking some rest I continued my walk towards the London Eye. London Eye, Big Ben areas was the most crowded as this is place where most tourists comes. I spent the rest of my time that day around the London Eye, Big Ben. After walking for almost the whole day I took the bus and returned to the hotel.


In this post all the photos are taken from My Nokia 6600 VGA Camera. I wish i could have better camera that time.

Nov 18 2012

A Day Trip To Brussels

 

I had a day trip to Brussels when I was in Cologne, Germany in 2009. I took the early morning Thalys high speed train from Cologne to Brussels. I reached Brussels around 10 AM in the morning and from the train station I decided to walk to the City Center. The first interesting attraction I saw on the road side was a Giant Trumpet. I took a few photos of it and moved ahead to the City.

I reached the Grand Place, the most famous attraction point. It was very crowded as lots of tourists were taking photos there. Grand Place is a UNESCO heritage site located in the heart of the city. After spending sometime there I walked in the city area and just took some photos and then went to the place from where I can take the Hope On Hope Bus.

I boarded a hop on hop off and stopped first at St. Michael Cathedral Church. From there I went directly to the Atomium Building, an iconic building in Brussels originally constructed for Expo ’58, the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.
There is a Mini Europe, a miniature park located in Bruparck at the foot of the Atomium. The park has reproductions of the most attractive monuments in Europe. It has almost 350 models. I spent quite some time there and then boarded back into a Hop on Hop Off Bus.

Next Stop was the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History. Its a huge museum and entry is free. It has an excellent collection of military artifacts and historical references. I spent sometime there then walked in the Cinquantenaire Park taking photos of The triumphal arch(A horseshoe-shaped arcade).

Next I went to the Royal Palace. I did not get chance to go inside as it was already 5 PM and was closed. I took some photos there and further walked to the Church of Our Lady of Laeken. After spending some peaceful moments inside the church,I boarded another Hop On Hop Off Bus.

On the way, I took photos of European Parliament, Place du Petit Sablon Garden and A Church.

It was almost getting dark when I reached the Grand place. I took a few night photos and headed towards the famous attraction, Manneken Pis, a small statue of a little boy peeing. Its very near to Grand place. I just walked to it though it took me sometime to find it as it was located in a non-descript crossing between two small streets. I took few photos of it and I headed back to the train station to go back to Cologne. Overall I had a wonderful time that day.

Tip:Click on a photo to see slide show

Nov 17 2012

Switzerland Trip – A Trip to Mt Jungfrau

Two days trip to Switzerland

TGV Train from Paris to Geneva

After completing Paris site seeing, we took TGV train in the evening from Paris to Geneva. It was around 3 hours journey from Paris to Geneva. We reached Geneva around 10:30 PM and checked-in directly in the hotel.

Next morning we woke up early and boarded an early morning (7:00 AM train to Interlaken (via Bern). As soon as the train came out of Geneva city, the beautiful Lake Geneva, mountains, big green Swiss Farms and Cows came into view. As it was early October, fall colors were visible in a few trees.

After almost 2 hours journey we reached Bern where we needed to change the Train. From Bern we boarded another train for Interlaken. On the way we passed by the beautiful Thun Lake . We enjoyed the trip but were not able to take many good photos as the train was going very fast. There was a highway alongside the train route. I was just thinking it would have been more enjoyable if we would have traveled by car. But anyway all the way it was very beautiful.

We reached Interlaken around 10 AM and as soon as we got down from the train I saw lots of parachutes flying in the sky over Interlaken. I told my wife that we would go for paragliding if we have time after coming back from Mt. Jungfrau. We checked-in into the hotel, kept our luggage in the room and came back to the Train Station to catch the train to Jungfraujoch.

We bought some fast food and boarded in the train to Lauterbrunnen. On the way we needed to change the train at two places, at Lauterbrunnen and at Kleine Scheidegg. From Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, it was more of a flat route and it was a normal train. After 20 minutes journey we reached Lauterbrunnen. Lauterbrunnen was also beautiful with a beautiful waterfall that could be seen from the train station itself.

From Lauterbrunnen, we boarded another train (yellow mountain train) to Kleine Scheidegg. This train was a mountain train and had few stops on the way. It was around 45 minutes journey to Kleine Scheidegg. As we were about to reach Kleine Scheidegg, we were able to see the Mt. JungFrau peak clearly. Lots of people were also doing paragliding and skydiving there. Many people were doing hiking and going on foot from Kleine Scheidegg to Mt. JungFrau.

Tip: Click on a photo to see slide show

We boarded another mountain train (red train) to Jungfraujoch (Top Of Europe), the highest train station in Europe. On the way there were many beautiful lakes in the mountain valleys, and the view was just awesome. Last part of the journey was through a tunnel and there were two stops in the tunnel. From there we could see the beautiful landscape from the small window of the station. Almost after an hour journey we reached the top of the Jungfraujoch station. We got down and started walking along towards the tunnel that led to the TOP OF EUROPE, Everybody was taking pictures in front of of the signboard and we also took our memorable photo 🙂

Tip: Click on a photo to see slide show

We took the map from the Tourist Info Center and headed on the trail as per the map. First we went to Sphinx Observation Terrace. The view was just amazing, beautiful Swiss Glaciers, Mountains Alps and all around Snow. We clicked lots of photos from there. Lots of people were seeing walking on the snow and there was a Helicopter were dropping people for Mountain Ski as well.

Tip: Click on a photo to see slide show

After that we went to see the Ice Palace. It was more like an Ice cave with colorful lights. Lots of Ice Sculptures were there. There was a narrow Ice Cave to walk through. We took some photos and then came out of it.

Tip: Click on a photo to see slide show

Then we walked further on the trail and it took us to The Plateau. It was an open area of a snow covered mountain. The weather was quite warm outside and the scene was awesome. There was a Swiss flag fluttering, and we took lots of photos there. After spending almost half an hour we came back to the restaurant area. By that time we were very hungry and fortunately for us found an Indian dish which we ate heartily for lunch (though the food was very costly there).

Tip: Click on a photo to see slide show

After lunch, we headed back to Kleine Scheidegg. While returning we were very tired and so slept in the train and only woke up when the train was about to reach Kleine Scheidegg. We took few photos at Kleine Scheidegg and then boarded another train for Lauterbrunnen.

We reached Lauterbrunnen around 6:00 PM. As there was still enough day light and the sky was clear,we planned to take a quick trip to Murren. We took the tram and later a train to reach Murren. We spent some time in Murren and returned to Lauterbrunnen. From there we took the train to Interlaken and reached around 8:00 PM. We had our dinner and headed back to the hotel.

Next morning I Went for Paragliding which I have mentioned in another post.We did a quick of Interlaken and then we boarded the train for Geneva at around 1 pm.

We reached Geneva at 4:00 PM. There we had lunch in an Indian restaurant. The food was good and we ate to our heart’s full. Then we went for a walk along the town by the side of Geneva Lake. After spending sometime in Geneva we came back to the train station and boarded the TGV train back to Paris. Next morning we took the flight back to US.

It was a beautiful journey. If I get chance, I would certainly visit Switzerland again. But this time I would prefer to travel by car as Switzerland is a beautiful country which requires much leisure to enjoy the real beauty.

Nov 9 2012

Paragliding In Interlaken, Switzerland

I always had a wish to do paragliding and experience how it would feel like to fly in the open sky. At first I was scared of thinking of falling from such a height and imagined what if the parachute would not open. But still I had a wish to do paragliding once and my wish was fulfilled during my trip to Switzerland last month.

Lots of Parachute flying over Interlaken

As soon as we got down from the train at Interlaken East station, I saw lots of parachutes flying in the sky and that very moment I decided to try it if there would be enough time. I told my wife about it but since she has height phobia, she suggested I do it alone. That evening we reached our hotel quite late from Jungfrau and the next morning we wanted to go back to Geneva via the Golden Pass Scenic Train.

But in the morning we both were less interested in going via Golden Pass Scenic Train as it would take most of our day and it’s hard to take photos from the train. Then I read reviews on the internet about Golden Pass Scenic Train and there were mixed reviews. Some people said its worth and some said it’s just a much hyped brand and that any train in Switzerland is beautiful as all train routes are scenic. So we decided not to go by the Golden Pass Scenic Train to Geneva and go by a fast train.

 

Heading for Paragliding

Now we had enough time, so I searched the internet where I could do paragliding and found the details of “Skywings Adventures” on tripadviser and found a very good review of that. I called them and booked for Tandem para gliding for around 10:00 o’ clock. Tandem gliding is one in which a trained pilot and you jump together and both are harnessed together to the parachute. On the phone a lady said my wife can come along with me to the top and then I can fly and she can come back to the landing area in their pick up van. The van came to pick up around 10:00 but there was only one seat available . The driver suggested that my wife directly walk to landing area which was just 3-4 minutes walk. I didn’t like that but my wife said she will take the walk and wait for me there. There were 4 other people with me who were going for paragliding. There were 5 pilots one for each person. The Van drove us to the mountain peak from where we needed to jump. On the way one pilot gave us the tips and asked to fill an insurance form. Soon we reached the designated diving area.

We were introduced to the pilots and were asked to choose our pilots. I choose one of them (sorry, forgot the name) but all pilots were excellent professionals. Each Pilot arranged their parachute and helped us to put on the harness and then attached himself to the harness. The first thing we did was run down a gently sloping downhill, accelerated a bit and then jumped right at the edge of the cliff. I was 4th in the order. I took the photos of other gliders and then it was my turn. The first step was quite hard as the chute tries to pull us back as it goes up. As we kept on running, the parachute opened and it was time to jump.  Initially I felt a bit afraid while running but as soon as my legs were in the air I enjoyed a lot. I was finally flying in the sky. The whole Interlaken was looking so beautiful from the sky and we were above the mountains. The Pilot took our photos from different angles. He was carrying a camera with a Mono Pod.  It was such a good experience I was just feeling like floating in the air in the open Sky. I was very comfortable with the parachute and the Pilot. Interlaken is one of the best place for paragliding. The view was breathe taking with the snow covered mountains, under flowing green river and colorful trees. I also took few photos with my camera. Before landing the pilot recorded a quick video. It was almost 15 minutes flight and I enjoyed it very much.  After 15 minutes, we landed at Central Park where my wife was waiting for me. She took my landing pictures. The Central park is in middle of Interlaken City and its a beautiful park in front of the Grand Hotel.

Click on a photo to view slide show

After landing the pilot copied the photos and video in a flash drive and handed over to me. I paid the charges over their counter and we headed to go for a walk in Interlaken. It was a great experience and I would love to do it again.

Sep 9 2012

Planning 4 days Trip to Paris and Switzerland – Updated Trip Details

Top Of the Europe JungFrau

Hi Friends,

I am planning 4 days trip to Paris and Switzerland starting Oct 3rd. My Travel Plan is as below. Please suggest where I can stay and important places i should see in these 4 days.

Day 1 – 3rd Oct

– Reach Paris around 10 AM in morning

– Take the Hop on Hop of Bus and start seeing Top 9 attractions which are covered by Hop on Hop Off Bus(Mostly try to cover 4-5 attractions)

– In the evening spend time at Eiffel Tower

– Reach hotel around 8 PM.

Day 2 – 4rd Oct

– See any two museums.

– Reach train station around 6:00 PM

– Take TGV Train to Geneve at 7:11 PM and reach Geneva by 10:30 PM

Day 3 – 5rd Oct

– Take train to interlean around 8:00 AM

– reach interlaken by 12:00 PM

– Take the train tickets and required pass and head to Jungfrau

– Return to Hotel (Please suggest best area to book hotel near Jungfrau)

Day 4 – 6rd Oct

– Take the Golden Pass Scenic Train back to Geneva

– Stop at Montreux to see the castle and nearby areas

– Reach Geneva by 5:00 PM

– Walk around Geneva City

– Take train at 7:40 PM to Paris

– Reach back to Paris by 10:30.

UPDATE:

Thank you all for your suggestions. I had a wonderful trip to Paris and Switzerland. Below is link on my post on Switzerland Trip and My wife post on Paris Trip

Switzerland Trip

Aug 13 2012

Fall Colors in Germany

As in next few weeks we will start seeing Fall Colors here in US, I remember my visit to Germany and how beautiful fall colors were there. In October 2009 I traveled to Germany on official trip. It was Fall foliage time there and I got chance to see beautiful fall colors there. Mostly I went around Parks and Forest Preserves near Cologne. Here are few pics I clicked.