Always in love with “Vibrant Europe”

Our second visit to Europe was as “Fascinating” as the first one. We could explore and cherish much more than we had expected from this trip, too. We boarded the flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport and layover at Munich was two hours. By another flight, I reached Vienna International Airport, the largest airport in Austria, at 10:00 AM. Vienna, Capital of Austria, lies in the east of the country on River Danube. “Wien” as it is read and spelt in German is also known as the “City of Music” due to its musical legacy. Check in time in “Rainers” was 03:00 PM, so we had plenty of time to roam about in the city. Our luggage, we kept in “Rainers” checkroom, and made good use of the time we had in hand. Language was a big issue. The people did not understand or respond to English and we were in a fix. We tried to explain with gesticulation that we wanted to go to Tram Station, restaurant and market place which served the purpose to some extent.Read more: Manas National Park uncovered: 8 experiences beyond tigersThe next day, we were taken for a sightseeing tour of Vienna by bus. On the way, we could see and appreciate the Rolex Building, Vienna Opera House, a unique Opera House in the world due to its daily change of performances and stages. Other impressive and important places of interest which caught our attention were the Parliament, The Royal Theatre, City Hall and the University. Passing by the Church of San Carlos, we reached Belvedere Palace where we walked through the gardens and had a fabulous view of the city. We were taken to Schonbrunn Palace and strolled around its lush green gardens and glittering fountains.We were given two hours for shopping at Naschmarkt (Nash Market) and Flea Market.Evening was set aside for rolling Vineyards of Grinzing, an old wine growing village. It is known for its traditional taverns. It was a half an hour drive to this picturesque place with a lot of scenic beauty. I had never been to any vineyards earlier thus it was like a once in a lifetime experience. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, was next on our itinerary. It was approximately a three and a half hours journey from Vienna. We started at 08:30 AM from Vienna and reached Budapest by 12:10 PM. At the entrance to Budapest, the statue of Eagle and Christ are there. Before Christianity, people of Budapest worshipped nature and animals.Here, too, plenty of vineyards, we could see, on the way. Red wine is considered a special wine. Tokaj/ Tokai wine is the most popular and expensive wine of Hungary. There is a general saying there, “King of wines is the wine of kings”. “Buda” is costlier than “Pest” and is bisected by River Danube. Its 19th century Chain Bridge connects “Hilly Buda” with the “Flat Pest” region. Along its course, the River Danube passes through ten countries. We entered Buda by bus and headed for Pest via Chain Bridge because it has all notable sites like the Inner City, the Parliament, The Opera, the Great Market and Hotels whereas Buda consists of castles, hills, mountains and some residential buildings.Read more: 9 oldest hill stations in India that still charm travellersThe first half of Buda City, we explored by bus and second half, was on foot. We reached Buda Castle, situated atop the Castle Hill, first by climbing the steps and then walking uphill on the paved path of the castle. I felt a little out of breath, but did not regret on reaching there because it offered a stunning view of the River Danube and Buda City. We could never appreciate the vastness and grandeur of Buda City and River Danube, had we not put in those many efforts. Some of the sightseeing places in Buda Castle are St. Mathew's Cathedral, Fisherman's Bastion, Habsburg palace, Fountain of King Matthias and the Elegant Boulevards. Our Castle tour ended by Sunset and we were dropped in the city to spend time at our own sweet will.“Shopping” is the best pastime and it is our Supreme Right. We availed this right at “Vaci Utka”. It is a happening street of Budapest and there are lots of souvenir shops, shopping malls, supermarkets, boutiques, restaurants which serve food from different countries. We shopped to our heart's content. From there, we proceeded to Margaret Bridge for a boat ride of half an hour in the River Danube. It was very relaxing, and I discovered the city by boat. Oh, What fun it was!We spent the evening at “Vadaspark” located in the middle of the lush forests of Buda. We were served a glass of the traditional Hungarian liquor the “Palinka” as per their ritual which we declined with utmost politeness. There was very little choice of food items for us, vegetarians. But we enjoyed the performances of Hungarian artists who performed traditional Magyar music. After having a good night sleep in our Hotel, Hampton by Hilton in Pest, the next morning, after breakfast, we left for Prague/ Praha, Capital of Czech Republic. It took us six hours to reach there via Bratislava, the Capital of Slovakia. We were given an hour to have some refreshments and move around the city. We had a stroll in the Square, enjoyed delicious Kingsize Pizza, clicked photos and boarded the bus. Reached Prague in the evening and straightaway drove to the Old Town Square, the most popular Square in Prague. It is a marvelous place, full of energy and touristic activities. This Square has a famous Astronomical Clock which gives an animated hourly show. Thus, we had breakfast in Budapest (Hungary), Lunch in Bratislava (Slovakia) and dinner in Prague (Czech Republic). Prague is considered as one of the safest cities in Europe and safest for locals and tourists. 28th October, 1918, is a National holiday. On this day, Czechoslovakia was declared Republic and a provisional Constitution was adopted on November 13th, 1918. On 1st January 1993, it got peacefully separated into two new countries: The Czech Republic and Slovakia. The second day's stay at Prague was kept for sightseeing. Firstly, we visited St. Vitus Cathedral, which is inside of the Prague Castle, Prague Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square in the morning hours and The Marian Column. The afternoon was for a long walk through the 'Small City Malastrana Quarter', the city's Baroque Jewel to the famous “Charles Bridge”. Bohemian people make ethnic jewellery with crystals in Prague, which is quite expensive. The city tour was followed by a monumental cruise by Boat 4 U on the River Vltava which is the longest river in the Czech Republic. Later we were given a free evening for self-exploration of the city, Prague. Spent some time at the most happening Down Town Square, shopping and admiring the majesty and splendour of the Square. Evening was well utilized in shopping at “Arkady Pankrac Mall” till late at night because our 'Hotel Panorama' was a stone's throw away. Dinner, at Bombay Express in the Mall, was very delicious having an Indian touch and that too in a non-vegetarian dominated city.Another city in the list is Frankfurt. On the way, we halted in Plzen/ Pilsen. Our guide helped us to know the city better by leading us through its Historic Centre where we found the Great Square, the Cathedral, a Renaissance era Town Hall and many breweries. Plzen is renowned for its beers and produces the best quality beer of the world. Plzen has one more feather in its cap, it is the home of SKODA. Earlier it made firearms, train and tram wheels then onwards cars. Had some refreshments and moved on to Rothenburg and finally from there to Frankfurt. It is the financial capital of Germany and known for its production of high quality sausages. We spent around two hours at the Old Town. Started for our Hotel Mercure and now good night sleep was badly needed to gain energy for the next day's journey to Amsterdam. Finally, we came to the last leg of our Europe Tour, with Amsterdam, the Capital of Netherlands. Our bus stopped at the ravishing village of Rudesheimer at 9 AM for a Cruise Ride en route from Frankfurt to Amsterdam. Rudesheimer is famous for its German Brandy. The cruise ride was of two hours in the romantic River Rhine. We had a gala time enjoying the scenic beauty, medieval villages, castles, vineyards, hills, and small churches. The Cruise ride ended around 11:00 AM at St. Goar, another city in Germany, which has acres of vineyards. Lo! Our bus was waiting for us at St. Goar. We started from St. Goar for Cologne at 11:15 a.m. and reached Cologne at 01:00 p.m. We were given free time for lunch and to explore the city. We strolled through the City Centre and were awestruck to see the imposing twin spired Cathedral, huge market area with shops selling all types of things like chocolates, dresses, souvenirs, a variety of waffles, coffee, pizzas and of course cologne too. A bottle of cologne must be bought for self and near and dear ones which will be the best souvenir. Cologne is what dreams are made of with the beautiful River Rhine, glistening in the Sun. The word “Cologne” comes from the German city of Cologne and the term “Cologne” originates from the French word eau de Cologne. Its scent is milder than the perfume. Cologne University is more popular than Frankfurt University among the students. Here Number 11 is considered very auspicious that is why Carnival Day is celebrated on 11 November and it starts at 11:11 a.m. This day was quite tiring but enriching too. Left Cologne at 05:00 p.m. and Reached Amsterdam, Hotel Amedia, around 08:30 p.m., had dinner and had good night sleep to rejuvenate ourselves for the next day. Next morning, we were taken to a small village, Zaanse Schans. It had traditional windmills, various warehouses and workshops which depicted the life in the 18th century. We could see the process of Cheese making, different types of Cheese and the ways to store it for a long time. Clog Factory was another attraction. The workers very cheerfully demonstrated the technique of making Clogs (wooden shoes) and explained their usefulness to the locals. Captured the windmills, canals and their typical style houses in our cameras. Left Zaane Schans around 10 AM. to reach Volendam, a small cute fishing village. Anyone can fall in love with its beautiful landscapes, greenery and peacefulness. One more Boat Ride on IJsselmeer, also known as, Lake IJssel to go to Marken. This small divine village is united to the mainland by a fixed dike. Houses of the locals are built on stilts. Volendam and Marken both are worth visiting and both overflow with natural beauty.It was time to get back to Amsterdam to see its rich cultural heritage, lush green fields and gardens, canals, bridges, Art Museum and Diamond Museum. Here ends the day's trip. The third and last day in Amsterdam was completely at our disposal. It was a clear sunny day. Thus, considered it the nature's blessing and enjoyed an hour long Canal Cruise in the River Amstel. We were charged 21 Euros per person but it was worth spending. It passed through Dam Square, Town Hall, Royal Palace, many many bridges and the floating houses. After the Cruise Ride, gave a final and finishing touch to our Shopping by going to PRIMARK. It is very close to Amsterdam Centraal Railway Station. Must visit PRIMARK, if in Amsterdam. It has different floors for different things. You think of a thing and it is there. Be it cosmetics, dresses, footwear, purses, bags, backpacks, suitcases, woollens, children's section and what not. One visit is mandatory.“All good things, sooner or later, come to an end”. I am a strong believer of this saying. Same goes with our second visit to “Vibrant Europe” also. I have fallen in love with Europe. I will always adhere to this - Europe is truly Fascinating. A Destination Beyond Imagination.Author: Archana Agarwal