It had only been two days and my very first solo Euro Trip had already been everything I had hoped it would be. But what was to come next, was something I had pretty much planned my entire trip around.
Europe is brimming with endless holiday options and so it was no surprise that I had a fairly hard time trying to narrow down my choices. I had 14 days set out on the calendar for my first Euro Trip but ideas and desires were worth years. And so as I do for all problems and puzzles that need solving in my life, there was only one person who could help me map out my dream vacation: my brother!
My brother is my go-to person for everything. In my head, if there is a question that needs answering or a problem that needs solving or a mystery that needs cracking, my brother has the answers and solutions to them all. Hence, it was but natural for me to turn to my brother for help, despite his reluctance.
In an attempt to get me to focus, my brother decided to send me a series of photos, each representing a certain type of vacation possibility for Europe. It takes no points for guessing that I wanted to pick them all! But forced to restrict myself by picking only one of the photos, surprisingly it was effortless as I decided to centre my entire itinerary around:
The Road Trip
Once I knew I had to drive in Europe, the hard part was over. It was onto the finer details. Driving around Paris was too daunting a prospect, and wheeling through Italy came as a BIG No No from my brother, especially since this was going to be my first time driving on the “wrong” side of the road. While my driving skills are applause worthy, but the proposal of driving in Europe, all on my own, came with its obvious parental and brotherly conditions.
After hours of discussion, unanimously it was decided that I was going to make my European driving debut from Dijon to Zurich and back. All set to blaze through French and Swiss highways, I was jumping to ignite the engine of my adorable little hatchback, courtesy Hertz. Of course, being the meticulous planner that I am, all car related bookings and formalities in obtaining my international driving licence were done well in advance. So all I had to do now was to land up at the Hertz counter in Dijon, pick up the keys and set out on my four wheeled adventure.
The drive was exhilarating, not only because I was averaging over 130km/hr, but also because it was the most scenic drive of my life so far. And the road discipline was just mind blowing, as I had no occasion to blow the car horn even once, throughout my 350x2km journey to Zurich, and back.
With adrenaline pumping through my veins, I arrived at my next destination:
Time to Fondue: Zurich
As is evident from the verbose details of my trip so far, I was excited beyond words for the entirety of my trip. But truth be told, I could have easily rated each of my destinations in order of preference as: Rome, Paris, Dijon, Milan and then Zurich.
So here I was, after a 4 hour drive, in Zurich, for which I was least excited for (comparatively of course). Little did I know that over the next two days, not only would I fall in love with every inch of this glorious city, but Zurich would also manage to slide its way to the top of the list with utmost ease.
From cobblestone streets, to quaint architecture, to peaking mountains in the background, to cheesy vino drenched fondue; what is there to not love about Zurich! And to top it all off are the wonderfully friendly people this city is filled with. Not for one minute did I feel as if I was travelling alone.
While I came to Zurich by car, the best way to explore the city (as recommended by the extremely handsome 10/10 man at my Hotel reception) is on foot. And so I set out high and low, mapping every inch of this breathtaking city, discovering its magic and myself, as this art infused town embraced me in its fold.
Oh Zurich, you had stolen my heart!
But time is never on our side. I had to pinch myself back to reality, reminding myself that I was on a tight schedule. It was time to make my way on to my next destination.
And so as I left a piece of myself in Zurich, I bid adieu to Switzerland, memories of which would be etched in my heart. A place I knew I would return someday!
With another 4 hour drive back to Dijon, and a short rail ride return to Paris, I was now ready to head in first class rail style to my next destination:
Boungiorno Italia: Milano
When heading to Italy for the first time, Rome and Venice are the obvious choices. However, owing to some logistical and other extraneous reasons, I decided to ditch Venice for the time being and make my way to the Fashion Capital of Italy: Milan.
While I pride myself that this trip was “My Trip” because I made sure I did things I wanted to do and went to places I wanted to see, nonetheless, the form and shape of the itinerary was greatly influenced by the people closest to me. In case of Milan, Shilpi brought along the much needed inspiration. An important tip while traveling to Milan, especially for art lovers, also came from her. If one wishes to see the magnificent master piece i.e. the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, one has to pre-book a package/guided tour; and so I did. Armed with my camera, and pre-booked arrangements, I was ready for Milan. And it seemed that Milan was ready for me.
Closing in on the mid of June, and having travelled towards south of the continent, things were certainly heating up. The Indian Sun, however, had had me suitable prepared. Despite the complex and convenient public transport available in Milan, I once again chose to make my explorations on foot. And this second home to Leonardo gladly offered its charms, despite its Italian shortcomings. Milano, you did well!
With only having completed half of my trip so far, I was already a changed person. The sights, sounds, tastings, and sensations that Dijon, Zurich and Milan had offered me had already had my soul bursting at the seams.
However, now it was time for the BIG GUNS, and I could hardly wait.
Roma and Paris were waiting for me, and I was ready for them. There is plenty more to come, I told myself; as will be revealed in the concluding part of my Scribblings.
nish ^_^
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