Stockholm | Cruise

SWEDEN | COPENHAGEN | Cruise



After the sojourn at Copenhagen, we headed off to the next Scandinavian behemoth….SWEDEN!!! Early morning, we wake up from the luxury laps of the expensive beds we paid for…our first and last luxury booking on a Eurail. After exchanging the Krones with another set of the same….Danish with the Swedish ones…we headed off in search of a hostel in accordance with our exciting night plans at Stockholm. The original Ice Bar, the sunshine on the streets and the glittering water all made it a joy to tour the city on foot. Stockholm, like most of Sweden is a set of islands, all connected, appealing and resplendent in its entirety.

After reluctantly not taking accommodation at a ship youth hostel, we settled in for a cheaper one. We also completed the most integral part of the morning and quite efficiently at that – collecting the passes for the DJ TIESTO show, which was scheduled after a few days. Even though we had pre empted all sorts of things going wrong with that one, to our delight….it all worked out just fine. The rest of the day, which honestly seemed quite a drag as we just couldn’t wait for the high-time, going aboard the cruise, comprised of the following:

1. Visit to the Coin and Currency museum [which had free entry on that particular day of the week]. Also the presence of the World’s Largest Coin, was appealing enough.

2. The discovery of a café run by a Pakistani dude, who apart from serving us a customized pasta delicacy [the best dish on the entire trip], also provided us with an hour long discussion in sub continental mother tongue’s. He also proved to be our savior the very next day, be responding to our fussy dietary needs [read: Jajoo]

3. A million more pictures, till our trustworthy batteries ran out on us, yet again, with all the trust we had, to betray us at the most scenic spots.

4. Running towards the cruise liner, fearing we might miss that one too, going by enough evidence of a 2 month history timeline.


Coming to the cruise, it was a Viking Line cruise one of the famous carriers in that part of the world. It was a two day trip, Stockholm – Helsinki – Stockholm. Another first for us, we were eager, and already flowing, before the latter happens literally.

We make it in time for the boarding and it at first seemed like a culmination of a 5 star on water and an airport. After a brilliant reception and welcome, we managed to find our way to our cabin. Dumped our bags and just went exploring the structure and its insides, the most exciting corners of the ship being the Duty Free shop and the club.

As the night dawned on us, we braved our way to the deck, and when I say ‘brave’, trust me it was worthy of a Red and White Bravery Awards nomination if not winning it out and out. With some of our structures, the wind would have literally blown us out onto the Baltic Sea. It was chilly, and while I write this, I still feel that clip through my neck and hair right now. We then directed our efforts to the edge and given the sleet cover present, it is safe to say we were outta mind, high on momentous glory.

Out comes the multi faceted sandwich, customized to the last detail, and prepared with heart felt warmth by our Pakistani friend from Stockholm and click goes the beer can, one of the many, I must add here, as we conveniently decided, out of the blue [color seems apt as we were on sea]at the duty free shop that we have to consume all brands of beer available that night, and don’t even get me started on the number on sale. Let’s just say it reached quite a ‘high’ figure. So this moment on the deck, which I term as the Globaliz-ing moment of our Trip is for the following reasons:

 On a Swedish Cruise Liner
 Enjoyin the sumptuous Sandwich made by a Pakistani
 Along with a beer brewed in Holland and another in Germany
 Somwhere in the Baltic Sea
 Towards Finland
 And all experienced by an Indian

Unable to find a more appropriate definition and understanding of the clichéd term. It’s special when you experience it, rather than just reading it in texts and glossy covered magazines. After the wind on the face and delight in your stomach experience, we staggered back[ we literally were moving backwards, thanks to the wind] to the interior confinement of modern luxuries. To further the cause we headed straight to our rooms to make sure our trip and purchases from the duty free were in good stead, if you know what I mean. After hasty swigs we left for the club scene, which was trippy in itself, as all rooms were anyways having private crazy parties and to top it all, the club had views of the serene water world outside giving one a kick one, he could never expect to imagine or wonder. Some of my dear friends had to call it an early night, as they could not handle the first experience, of, mixing waves splashing and alcohol splashing in their stomach too well.

For others, well all I can say is, we were there to Livin’ it Up!!! …..Aboard Style….Another dream realizes on this journey of a lifetime….:)

Scandinavia Alla....Copenhagen...

COPENHAGEN :

Well we got onto the final leg of our marathon journey and hence SCANDINAVIA!!! Our first stop plausibly had to be Denmark. We made our way from Berlin via Hamburg and its well “much enjoyed events” from the train journey to the walk at Ripperbahnhof at 3 am.

So when we did arrive in the morning at Copenhagen, the capital we were a bit tired, mentally and physically. First things first we had to get our Euros converted into Danish Krones and our mathematical cells again were called upon, also use of our income statement and Balance Sheet of the next few hours had t be thought upon.

Hence after doing darshan of the much heared about “Tivoli Gardens” we sought the tourist destinations which woudnt demand much effort, so to say [never once foretelling what lay ahead]. We started from the Botanical Gardens and another famous garden/ park in the heart of the city. It was just like in the fairytales, verdant grass, pristine water bodies [not to mention the other celestial bodies all around us], leaves of multitude both seen at their abode and sparkling the streets. Inside the Botanical Garden there also was a green house packed with rare species from the plant kingdom, flora and fauna abound to our hearts content in this scenic city. After taken the “NATURE-al path” we decided on paying visit to a random museum of art. Again was a diverse hence enjoyable usage of time.

We then made our way to the Royal Gardens and this again was a sprawling spread of land, and aptly fit for a King and his Queen. With a mini palace separated by a sleek water body it was another chapter, another fairytale.

It was getting insanely windy and the temperatures falling. Note: we still we were on foot all this while and not once did we make use of the Danish transport system. Our plan of visiting the Carlsberg Brewery though had to be omitted as it would close by the tie we would have reached….damn.

We then headed off to the most popular tourist location of Copenhagen : The Little Mermaid. This was the infamous site and character on which Hans Christen Anderson’s work by the same name stands apart. But it never did mention that it was built on the other extreme of the city and we made our long walk with shopping bags and heavy jackets and the unwelcomed gusts of wind with us. On reaching the place we could see the tourists making the most of their new Asian made digicams. And so we delightedly obeyed too. It was a nice piece of work but we couldn’t figure out what was so famous with it. Or maybe we were too tired and our expectations just increased with every step we took towards to Mermaid [apart from imagining Mermaids]. We somehow managed to make our long walk back to the station, this time viewing the city in all its lights and then spending some time at the Hard Rock Café, Copenhagen…a perfect ending one would say….and we obliged.

Hamburg Sista Sasta ve...

Luckily on our train journey to Hamburg almost all of our co passengers were football fans of Hamburg FC who had been for an away match to Berlin. And the Germans really do love two things the most: Beer and football. Let me tell you or rather warn you that a blend of these two could be a lethal combination. Thanks to this feature we experienced the most enjoyable and memorable train journey ever. What followed was a series of events one could just think back and laugh their guts out about kinda thing. Fans with crates of beer and massive flags just stormed the train and well it was quite a normal course of events for them. A large amount [number recall is quite weak] of beer consumption followed with drinking games with crazy soccer fans and to top it all we found out that their team had lost….Imagine if only they would have…..

We made some crazy friends of the fans and since we had some time to kill at Hamburg till our next train to Copenhagen we were taken to a sports bar at the Hamburg station for further intoxication rounds. We then made our way to the “lively and vivid” area of Hamburg, Rieperbahnhof which seemed a mini Amsterdam, of whatever I remember…all in all a Dream come true of partyin with insane football fans did materialize and this I would remember for time to come….

Hamburg Sista Sasta Ve….the chant we were shouting in the city at 3 a.m.

Berlin...The Historic and Political capital of the World...

Chilly gusts of wind greeted us onto the German capital, seeming to compensate for the lovely time we had at Munich. After the tiring forceful walk from the Bahnhof to our first stop which was well invariably the German Parliament or better known as in German parlance “The Reichstag”. The structure from outside quite failed to give us any kind of hint which would draw us to such a guess. This primarily was due to the Indian mindset of everything administrative and political and certain imagery to that. The building was an authoritative one but at the same time there seemed connotations of contemporary linings which made for a pleasurable and distinct blend of sorts. We jumped at the offer to take the free tour of the parliament. This was due to one of the following plausible reasons or the combined appeal of all of them on the different sub levels of our psychic:

1) FREE !! FREE !! Our penchant for anything…FREE
2) Tour of a parliament, u gotta b kiddin me….
3) Escape from the rain
4) Two pretty [decent description chosen] beings of the opposite gender in the line.

NOTE : The above points are not in a particular order or preference except for number 1

On entering the Reichstag an air of unexpected seriousness overshadowed our intentions. We were highly impressed on learning of the history surrounding this place and the importance attached to it. The relatively rebuilt structure was based on principles of transparency and trust. This was mainly because of its history and the ruling government’s relation with the German people. Visitors could from above watch parliamentary sessions in progress and on prior reservations also attend them from the stand allotted. We made our way out after quite an eye opener tour of the historic venue and losing the pretty beings in the crowd.

Our next stop which was a few strides away was the popular and recognizable Branderburg Gate. This venue again held high degrees of importance in German and European history. A spot for many a post-war celebration, revolutionary marches, inspiring speeches and many more of the same bracket. A symbol of power and grace it sure was a winner with the tourists. Right opposite the Branderburg Gate was Hotel Adlon, the one from whose window Michael Jackson had held his baby out for his fans. Also a Starbucks is fitted where a sumptuous and worthy purchase was made. And as fate would have it we were on tine for a free walking tour. With no plans as such as to where and how to go we decided once again to listen to our pockets, quite seriously at that.

After being divided into groups and assigned guides we were taken along a fixed route along the significant points and spots in this historical city. The whole concept of a free walking tour quite caught my fancy, which was nothing less that brilliant and an all win situation in the end. Another astonishing fact being that most of the guides were not local Germans, but tourists who had been staying in the city for a few years or so. We headed to the Holocaust memorial site next to the Branderburg Gate which was in remembrance of the atrocities met out to the thousands of Jews. The site was composed of gray stones of a cuboid nature and placed in an ascending order open to multiple interpretations which has a fair bit of controversy itself.

We then made our way to the most popular and heard of in every tourist –to- see- list in Berlin….the erstwhile BERLIN WALL and along with it the history being recited by our Guide. This sure felt special, simply to be standing there and imagining the happenings on that very ground and how it affected people and their views around the world. Even more shocking was the story of how only “two words” brought down the Berlin Wall…and these were “Effective Immediately”, the build up to the story even more astounding to hear. We then made our way to Charlie Checkpoint, the most famous crossing point between East Germany and West Germany where numerous hilarious escapades have been documented. Other spots of visit included the Memorial for Book Burning and few other significant locales.

Finally on the steps of one of the palaces was a perfect and picturesque way of signing of our walking tour of this deep rooted and essential city in every respect. After this 3 hour story session on Berlin and its history I was quite drawn towards it and the first thing which dawned upon me was how much the city would have meant without the inputs. According to me Berlin served as the chief and the most vital city for its part in history and relation to world political issues. It was undoubtedly the seat of world agenda and its activities, whether it be the Nazis, the Soviets, etcetera. Fell in love with Berlin for entirely different and unforeseen reasons…

Just before we caught the night’s train to Hamburg we had one of the best dinners on our Euro Trip. Roast marinated - Chicken and beer out in the Berlin cold on an empty gurgling stomach…now that’s what I call Life….

Munchen/Munich...Danke

Munich: We reached Germany late at night, this not being our first time in the country thanks to the sojourn at Cologne previously on our Benelux trip. It though wasn’t the warmest of welcomes and trust me, we hadn’t even started with our free usage of public transport, ruling that out as a reason for such unexpected greeting. Whoever we spoke to especially the officials, cops or the railway DB staff, there was a rude sense underlining their tone of speech. Either it was simply that they didn’t get enough beer for the night or it had to be the lovely wheatish color which we without a choice carried as baggage with ourselves.

A funny incident happened just as we were leaving the Bahnhof [station], there were two well built guys with marks on their faces which could have easily passed off as scars, were staring at us. I noticed that and very wisely thought it had been a long time in Europe to feel scared of anything in particular, definitely not two ruffians trying to give us the look. Hence I went ahead and did the inevitable: and returned them with the favor with a correct proportion of aplomb and grace. The next 5 mins were a lesson not to be forgotten by any of us. They followed us mysteriously for quite some time and at their correct moment told us to halt. This is the best part. They took out two wallet sized purses and just like Holly flicks flash their identification of being from the “Police”. We were smarter than them thanks to IMDB, and didn’t believe them so I asked them to show their identification again. On confirmation and making their mood even worse when we realized that we were in a badly ordered burnt soup we decided to listen to them. Unfortunately one of us wasn’t carrying his passport and that for some time did cause problems as relationship building wasn’t where we were really scoring enough points.



Out on the streets, looking for a hostel to crash we observed the much heard about partying culture of Germans. Everyone was happy because everyone seemed drunk. That later I concurred was the key and helped in formulation of the German Happy – Happier Theory. There were only two types of Germans, either they are drunk -or -they are not, the ones who are not come across as rude just because they are not drunk or haven’t had the time to have one till that particular point of time. The ones who are luckily drunk are the happiest bunch in the world chilling like the best moving from pub to street and a roundabout.

Our bunks were more like an ancient concentration camp but we couldn’t refuse it thanks to the free shots which were part of the deal. With a “no spread” early morning breakfast we headed out to D.A.C.H.A.U., the first concentration camp by the Nazis an hour away from Munich. This was on reference as a must visit by our Xim friends who had already been to Munich. Open to the public now, the place gives a feel and information of how life was inside the camp for especially the Jews during Hitler’s regime; the Third Reich. On entering, the place actually sends a chill down the spine and one can relate to and feel a sense of sorrow and grief. There were on display the means and tools used by the Nazi soldiers and also a video to succinctly inform us about life inside the camp, all in all “hair raising”. After spending quite some time inside the camp visiting the model bunks, dorms, toilets and the gas chambers we made our way back to Munich. This being one visit we were not going to forget even if we tried.

Our next stop was the Munchen Olympique Arena. This was the site of the infamous 1972 Olympics where the Israeli contingent was attacked and killed. The venue though was highly impressive and we were shocked at the way it was superbly maintained. Now used by the Bavarians for their daily activity the infrastructure has been aptly utilized and is a jewel in the city of Munich. The campus’ green and eco theme was a pure joy and it was more like we were crossing a natural park dipped in pristine flavor. After almost covering the whole of the area and half a million pictures we headed out towards the BMW Welt [World].

BMW or Bavarian Motor Works has its headquarters in Munich and also on display for its customers and admirers world wide a range of automobiles and the works. From simulation drives to state of the art engines and with a classy and suiting décor and bistro it sure was a treat and insight into the developed and industrial side of Munich.

Our next stop was the Aliianz Arena, home to the well-known Bayern Munich Football Club. This stadium was special in its architecture and presentation and hence another must visit especially for football crazy fans like me. The stadium’s outside shell is illuminated in a delightful way changing its color thrice every evening, which being red, white and blue. On reaching there what happened next was destiny. There was a 2nd division match in progress between FC Ausberg and another local team: a derby. 10 minutes were left and came this young chap [ who was going to be christened as our 5th angel] running towards us, not in a very good mood and made our night by throwing his ticket in disgust at us. It didn’t take us long to come back to our senses as obviously time was not on our side. I being the only football fan simply ran with the ticket to the entrance gate and started begging the security to let me in and then other joined me in giving our patent “We have come all the way from India” lines. I would not give up as this would be a dream come true watching a match the Allianz Arena and that too unplanned. After a few minutes of pleading and 4 pairs of folded hands they agreed to let us one by one only. So I rushed in first and the Dream surely came true. My first European football ground…..Live…..Dream…aha…those few minutes passed off so quickly even though it seemed like eternity. After watching a few crosses I ran back and the cycle continued with all four of us managing a glimpse of the pitch. We were ecstatic.

Once the fans trotted outside it got crazier. The winning team fans were on a complete high and the losing one’s trying their best to avoid and ignore them, unsuccessfully though. As the main transport from there was the metro, it got insane, a few fights and crazy football fans battling against each other. The FC Ausberg [winning team] fans lined up against one track and the losing team against the other, no matter if they had to travel to the opposite direction of the city. They couldn’t and wouldn’t travel on the other train. We got on with the jubilant fans who for the entire trip kept jumping in the metro, cheering and shouting, making a noise which could be of parallel to the inside the stadium. A few of the losing fans had to bear the brunt of the others throughout the journey irrespective of age and gender. It all depended on what colors you were of and supporting. Insanity defined, definitely one of the craziest times of Euro trip. I had heard and pictured such activities sitting at home watching such matches but to be there and see it happened in front of your eyes and expectations getting beaten and battered…..it was like Dreaming and Flying at the same time without a parachute on…..That was MUNICH….Wo Hoo!!!

Start of the Final Lap...

11th Nov: We take off for our last lap [or so I thought], it was the biggest of ‘em all…just like they keep the best for the finals. This particular trip taught us more in planning than 1387193 lessons in the same had even come close to. We also came to know the actual meaning and the relevance of the term itiniery which is a word highly abused by all…u had to see ours…n then you would agree with me….whole heartedly and sympathetically. 15 days with pin point timelines and around 7 countries to be covered…..from the Mediterranean beauty to the Scandinavian beauties…aha wata plan….after all we were pursuin an Mba, we woudnt dare let the educational system of India down like this.

We leave Marseille on the 11th and comfortably take our plush seats. After switching trains at Lyon en route to Geneva and spending time switching seats for an hour or two everything is and goes as per planned which we were not quite used to….something’s gotta give way…damn it, it’s a Euro-Trip and we were obliged. Such spectacular scenes pass by that we were more than certain that Switzerland couldn’t be far off now thanks to the image we carried in our minds thanks to Mr. Yash Chopra and his brethren. The arrival time passes by and we haven’t reached our destination of Geneva. Well either the train’s late which is next to impossible [as impossible as trains are on time in India] or we are in for something unplanned for. The latter sounds better…only in a story though. After much deliberation of nonsense amongst us we found out that we were sitting in the wrong compartment and the train had split in two in midway at one of the stations. We were still very much in France and had mistaken its beauty for Swiss lands. We got off at the next station and somehow managed to reach Geneva at the earliest. Oh wata start to the final course….we were oozing of confidence….lol….wateva.

We obviously were delighted at being in Swiss land mainly for two important reasons: firstly, we were in SWITZERLAND!!! And secondly we had reached there without visas and free of cost which was a point of achievement especially for Jajoo. As we could not betray our past we decided again to travel without buying tickets. We strongly advocate that travel must be made free to Man…one n ALL!!!....and we practice this religiously. We roamed the whole of Switzerland professing this concept and lived the Swiss dream munching on Swiss dark chocolate which btw we had to buy as shoplifting comes with a high fine package along with it. We crossed right through the country and finally reached Innsbruck in the middle of the night to chance upon our first meal at Burger King and to Jajoo delight a yum V-E-G-etarian burger on the menu…officially. To add bring in some amount of craziness we decided to switch plans and leave for Vienna the same night as we were way too lazy and tired to find a place to crash.

Vienna : chilly winds greeted us to the land of Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart and the seat of Western Classical music in the world. We saw the infamous Opera and other popular tourist sites after which as fate would have it we got divided in two groups of two each losing our way. Jajoo and myself in one and Tapan and STD aka Sashi in the other. Both of us decided that we just had to visit the United Nations headquarters at the UN Centre in Vienna. There are only 4 UN headquarters in the world and we were lucky enough to be too close to one of them to ignore it. We again made a risky trip via multiple trams, trains and subways to finally reach the tall and commanding structures. This is where we met our 4th or 5th angel…am losing count now…As the timings for tours and visits had just gotten over we got into the Bollywood acting mode and gave a Filmfare winning performance with lines such as “We have come all the way from India just for this” and other such preposterous and horrendous stuff. We finally got the best deal, not only did we get to enter the area but also a free guide just for the two us…I mean next stop’s gotta be Mumbai for both of us. The tour was quite nice and we felt qite important for no obvious reason as such apart from clicking away millions of snaps amidst the flags of the member-nations of UN. Luckily we met the other two at the station and made our trip to Salzburg.

Salzburg: Reaching in the middle of the night we somehow managed to find our hostel and the next morning made our way to certain gardens parks and museums in the light shower. This is was the land of Sound of Music and scenic landscapes and this is where we met an Indian lady selling interesting flavored and creamish alcoholic drinks. We then made our way to Hangar 7, a display section for Red Bull the energy drink manufacturers. That’s all we knew and we headed out again via free transport mediums. We reached the last bus stop but coudnt find the Hangar. We were stuck in the middle of a highway with rain and wind blowing on our faces. Finally after a stopover at McD we decided to carry on our search and finally chanced upon the place. The Hangar 7 was tastefully done showcasing everything Red Bull was associated with especially the sports and its sponsorships. Various models of planes, bikes and other automotive works were exhibited. The ride back was known this time around…thankfully so.

Paris ki Pari: We were in Paris, for the second round which again would prove to be inadequate, pleasantly enough. Paris woah!!!.....one of the power capitals of the world and we were here….for he 2nd time. Taking off from the first one the metro/tube reminded us of the Cal metro in terms of the number of people thronging the place but the frequency sure delighted us. It was a convenient mode of transport which was what it had meant to be. Some of the compartments also sported hot looks.

Paris is a unique and fabulous tourist destination and hence marketed and maintained in an even graceful manner. There are myriad places to visit and is a vast city. Paris is so famous from a tourists point of view was confirmed by the tourist information office at the Gare du Nord [station]. He was flabbergasted when asked for where to visit apart from the Eiffel and Louvre and other few known to us. From his look it seemed as to how we could arrive in Paris without knowing A-Z of the city.

Our first destination was the beautiful St. Marguerite Basilica. The weather really was depressing in all its elements with the cold breeze and occasional rain which splattered on our faces. We speculated as to how clear and enjoyable the weather would eventually be once we reached the mighty Eiffel. We made our way to the Grande Arche. This seemed like the corporate part of the city. To welcome us was this massive gate or arche from which I believe it got its name from. Wherever the eye moved from there on in terms of direction or distance one could see only steel structures jutting out of the ground as an attempt for the sky. All kinds of MNC’s names led signage to these sky scrapers and hence lend its equity with poise. We then moved onto the renowned and well-recognized Champs Elysees which also seemed to be the major artery of the capital. This was erected in commemoration to the French soldiers who had lost their lives. Right bang in the middle of the multi-point crossing it lent the place the expected sense of elegance. On both sides of the road were brands of every category and any name one could imagine and more importantly afford. One actually felt and sensed a power while walking on this street. I remembered this spot from the various celebrations the French carry out especially the glorious World Cup wining gala festival in 1998.

Our next and ultimately final stop or more appropriately termed destination was the Tower de Eiffel or popularly known as the Eiffel Tower. Made by Gustavo Eiffel this structure and world wonder have always fascinated me especially after viewing the documentary on Discovery. It had become a dream to watch it in person after attaining the facts about this construction. The Tower was supposed to be constructed in Barcelona by Gustavo Eiffel but was eventually done so at this spot as an entrance to a fair. It was also supposed to be dismantled after a year. But the French fell in love with it and hence to our delight and fate it still stands at the very same place. It has on it three coats of color currently a reddish brown at its three levels so that from afar it looks like just one shade. Bunk the facts and history let’s get down to the place….for real…live!!!

The first sight of the Eiffel Tower left me yes in wonder…..I mean isn’t that what a Wonder of the World supposed to do….according to me if it doesn’t then it’s not one. The first picture or thought which came to my mind was that of walking through that gate at the Taj Mahal…..another masterpiece. There sure was a connect between these two attractions and historic spots, both also left me motionless and staring at them for approx 7 minutes, no blinking involved. To read about it and be amazed is one thing and to witness the spectacle and monument is another experience altogether. From every angle and with every step it seemed more attractive than the previous moment. After clicking around a million pictures at every possible and impossible angle we made our way to the base and joined the snaky line for tickets or Billets. My i-pod comes out….it had to. Had to be one with one of the most important things in the world to me….if I could I would have taken a football too. World Hold On…plays on…and it sure is on my command at least that was what it felt like while moving up the lift to the 1st floor. Deciding on to move to the second level straightaway it gets colder and makes way for Limp Bizkit, my all time favorite and an inspiration to other forms of music was the obvious choice. It was like Fred paving the way for me. The music just cut out all forms of human efforts which tried very hard to spoil this special moment via intervention and affirmed the fact that at times its always better to be one with the nature or excellence delivered by man. This was quite an irony on my part as it was built by the vision of one such individual. The work and talent of many such workers who believed in the vision and the architecture is exemplary especially considering the time at which it was thought of, planned and built. We moved onto the second floor and Limp moves onto Lakshya which seemed apt for the situation and view….oh wata sight….the city of Paris right beneath you and one sight captured thousands of people and numerous man made houses and cars, along with the river and lined up trees. I changed the song to Swades and put on my favourite song which I purposely had not heard on this entire trip and had kept it for a exceptional moment like this…which truly deserved the value of this song.

We couldn’t hide our excitement and wanted to at once to move onto the final or 3rd floor. As soon as we move onto the 3rd floor there was this really chilly breeze which greeted us. “Kuch paane ke liye kuch khona padta hai”… I took out the i-pod and finally toggled to Pink Floyd as I knew taking it out another time in this wind would be physically impossible. From here it just seemed like the city of blinding lights…unaware of the height at which we stood we sure were at a high and with Gilmour singing it seemed an out of world experience. We noticed this small window and found a man selling champagne for 10 Euros. We had been quite very thrifty in our spending on our Euro Trip….so far. At the price quotation we didn’t even think twice or exchanged any kind of acceptance looks. We just had to have it for the appropriate cherry on the top adorning this momentous occasion. As per Jajoo a very deserving scene took place after this. A French individual came and asked for the price and at hearing it slowly turned away dejected finding it too expensive. For us it seemed like a moment for further celebration and a few laughs. “Learning to fly”….”High Hopes”…”Comfortably Numb”…”Wish you were here”…each one sounded so apt and fitted in perfectly….insanity….too good to be true and real. The weather was challenging to say the least and the champagne kept spilling over as I was literally shivering. We also did the inevitable and yet surprising. We peed on the 3rd floor of the Eiffel….obviously in the WC facility. One had to after the guzzling of coke cans which were not allowed at the security check. Every tourist was enjoying this special moment and romance was definitely in the air, the cold one. It is said that a large number of proposals are made at the Eiffel which did not a come as a surprise to me. I ended up with random talk with many of them and happiness and achievement seemed contagious. I asked myself what else could one ask for, what else could one see more pretty and gorgeous than this, how higher could man go from here.

Simply a dream comes true…simply…

Reluctantly, once we came down from a distance we could see the Eiffel to our amazement sparkling and glittering in blue… incredulously.

Shine on you Crazy Diamond…

Troughs and Crests...of the XP....

Dreams!!!...The Unbeatables

1) a:Nou Camp Barcelona vs Valencia
b:DJ Tiesto live at Stockholm
2) Champagne on Eiffel Tower 3rd level
3) Getting sloshed in train post Berlin match with soccer fans en route to Hamburg
4) Norway in a Nutshell
5) My first omlette/ and delicious Chola sabji


The Piss offs

1) Lack of the thing called sense of humour
2) Non- party and music people who prefer sitting at home and watchin a movie rather than go for a killer European party.
3) Mediocrity
4) Irresponsibility and immaturity
5) Inactive and lazy even for 3 months in a foreign land which surely is a life time opportunity.

Lyon

Well sometimes when you’re really pissed and can’t take anymore of some people or the surroundings, or people’s disrespect for time and more pathetically other people’s time, or the mediocrity or any such likewise stuff what do you do??? You take a trip alone. That’s what I did and went to Lyon. You start respecting solitude much more when you realize what you were missing out on, diluting your best part with others and not making the most of it.

Lyon is different in character to Marseille, is a more busy and on the move town professionally. It also is the city which has a branch of my beloved school La Martiniere. Its main attraction though is that of the Basilica on the top of a hill which overlooks the entire city more as if its always looking after it. The Basilica in itself is beautiful and the scene from the top is breath taking. One can see the city with its houses as toys and trees, seemed like this is God’s view of us, the people too. The path which went down from the Basilica was definitely one of a fantasy world. Narrow path, curving, trees with golden, orangish and yellowish leaves, scattered on the ground. A sight of an old couple walking down that road in front of the statue of Jesus surely caught my sight and is something I wont be forgetting for a long time to come. It as they say was a picture worth a thousand words….with a few more zeroes added to it.

Monaco/ Monte Carlo

This time we were joined by our two flat mates from IIM B for this trip. Somehow all southern French coast cities look the same with the picturesque horizon and beaches, with the golden sand and the even more magical sunshine. Monaco also shares this commonality. There was a mini fair or mela on when we reached the famous place mainly because of two reasons. One, the Grand Prix which takes place every year and it happens right here on the city roads and has no special track as such!!! Secondly because of its Casino which draws the who’s who from all over the globe to show off and donate their wealth. Monaco as many do not know is a separate state altogether and is only supported by the French in some essential matters like military etc. It comprises of around 80% of businessmen and trust me their net worth is definitely sum long figures which explains the cars and the luxury yatches.

Talking about cars it was advised to us by a few Ximb friends from Lille whom we accidently ran into, that just a stop outside the Casino would give us a free road show of the top most luxury and sport cars in the world from the Ferrari’s to the Lamborghini’s. As we reached the place it sure was like a ramp show for cars whizzing past showing off their powerful engines n all. Cars were standing for customers who would dish out enough money for taking a ride in them either as pillion or in the hot seat itself and they totally worked on the human vice of temptation.

I am what I am…

Phase I

[I] AM the sun that shines, that shines on me,
Am the rain that soaks, that soaks with the sea,
Am the thought that blinks and it’s gone
Am the plant that grows, not withdrawn

Am the Time that returns, returns for more
Am the fire that glows in the light
Am the Hero that saves one and all
Am the Awakened while you sleep tonight

Am the air in search for space,
Am the pebble that shines in disgrace,
Am a tree on a hill, one of its kind,
Am a room; no windows, only blinds

Am the wave which makes its own way,
Am the cloud that bursts upon,
Am the ray which makes your day,
Am the rhyme that goes on n’ on

Am the wheels that keep on rolling,
Am the Emperor, whose Kingdom’s come
Am the crack that allows the night with light,
The mind and its might [The Pizza and its slice]

Am the crowd on sunset boulevard,
Am you and the person next to you,
Am a one-liner, not ignored
Am the last train and your thought of the day,

Am the size that fits all,
Am the dog and the bone,
Am a single…and counting more
I am a Rolling Stone

Am a player with infamous own goals,
Am the President and a beggar’s chores,
Am the headlines and a newspaper unsold,
The ink’s getting over…runnin out cold

Am the potter’s mould,
Am a font too bold,
The winning moment in sport,
I’m perfection…only untold

Am a tired bed and battery in red
Am a skirt too high, a superhero sans flight
The centre in a round table, a shadow in the dark
Popeye with spinach…am an invisible mark

I’m the No.1 on the charts,
Am without a Pulitzer, Nobel and Oscar awards,
I’m writing and you’re reading now
I’m thinking and you……disbelieving somehow

This rhyme I keep under wraps,
I trust the beat demanding to snap,
The words I trust, it’s you I fear,
To look through me….to read my words