Friday, 27 March 2020
Life in a nut and shell...: The Unreal Times of COVID-19
Life in a nut and shell...: The Unreal Times of COVID-19: Our generation hardly believed in valentine. Let alone, Quarantine. This generation has grown up using landline phones restricted mostly ...
Friday, 13 December 2019
Eastern Europe - A Gothic Bonhomie
BENGALURU - AUSTRIA - BUDAPEST - PRAHA - BENGALURU
TRAVEL PARTNER: Thomas Cook India
VIENNA ("Wien") - Largest German speaking city after Berlin is a collage of myriad cultures, baroque style art, uber modern shopping malls and pompous castles. The city itself is nothing but an art canvas. Every corner emanates architectural poetry (Opera) to be precise ;) How can one go wrong with its food when the buildings themselves simulate pastries baked in pastel shades.
They say that summer is the best time to travel across Europe, but the sepia drama that Autumn foliage creates, just cannot be undermined.
The city is so well connected by its metros and trams, only catch is to catch it when you are Aryabhatta's baby (0) in German. Literacy is power, depending on which language you are literate in. Better still, walk till you drop as cab fare might burn a hole deep in your pocket down to your bones.
When you are overwhelmed already with the beauty of the city, soak it further in reclining in it's idyllic cafes with a hot cup of latte and freshly baked cinnamon confectioneries. Be well dressed, go out for a stroll and do "not" pet the fluffy dogs being walked nearby. It might not go down well with their owners. Well dressed because the whole city is a fashion show and it is hard to spot a single silhouette that is fashion of the past, even on a chilly rainy day.
It is said that the countryside of Austria is more picturesque than the main cities. Given the leisure of time and money, it is luxury worth exploring.
Fun Fact: Vienna is the 'most livable city in the world' as per research.
BUDAPEST - If Vienna is Chardonnay, Budapest is freshly brewed Ale. Soothing the soul on any given day. A stark concoction of modern day and history, the differences are celebrated on either of the riverbank of 'The Danube'. Danube river has given birth to rich civilizations across Europe and Budapest in one we can be thankful for. Budapest, the Capital of Hungary has been a focal point of Hungarian Revolution. The famous Chain Bridge from the 19th Century seperates the old town 'Buda' from the modern day 'Pest'. After sunset the Chain Bridge and the Parliament building right across the Danube lights up to its full glory. A sight which can be rightly referenced to "Stuff that dreams are made of". A tourist worth its salt just cannot miss the Danube river cruise. Did you?
For the fun stuff, visit Szimpla Kert also known as the "Ruin Pub" (literally and metaphorically congruent). The pun here is that the pub is operated in the premises of an actual ruined and dilapidated building bombed during the war. Salut!
For the sundowners out there, FYI below:
https://www.offbeatbudapest.com/top10/best-ruin-bars-budapest/
The city boasts of some of the best natural hot water spring baths in the world, so carry your swimwear along. This is what we missed and is deeply regretted.
If you did not recognise this bridge, check this video below (Viewer discretion is solicited for overacting)
PRAGUE (Praha) - My mind fathoms it as a city where Angels and Witches co-existed, for no particular reason whatsoever. With religion bonding the whole city, it has its own shades of grey. A dark romance with its antiquity. The cobbled streets leading to tall Gothic churches and medieval castles. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Probably the best way to capture its instagrammable shots is to go atop a high rise cafe or on the rooftop of the churches and Voila! does it not astound it with its beauty. Well in Prague, beauty lies in the hands of the beer-holder. Czech people just love their beer and sausages. Not to forget, a knack for luxury designer brands. Pretty women and pretty cityscapes, all a man wants ;)
Surprisingly, when I started writing this blog I imagined myself blabbering the most about Prague, but unfortunately I feel anything that I write cannot encompass the joy experienced first hand.
Show some love and share this blog. Everyone deserves a Failrytale, to be read at the least :)
TRAVEL PARTNER: Thomas Cook India
VIENNA ("Wien") - Largest German speaking city after Berlin is a collage of myriad cultures, baroque style art, uber modern shopping malls and pompous castles. The city itself is nothing but an art canvas. Every corner emanates architectural poetry (Opera) to be precise ;) How can one go wrong with its food when the buildings themselves simulate pastries baked in pastel shades.
They say that summer is the best time to travel across Europe, but the sepia drama that Autumn foliage creates, just cannot be undermined.
The city is so well connected by its metros and trams, only catch is to catch it when you are Aryabhatta's baby (0) in German. Literacy is power, depending on which language you are literate in. Better still, walk till you drop as cab fare might burn a hole deep in your pocket down to your bones.
When you are overwhelmed already with the beauty of the city, soak it further in reclining in it's idyllic cafes with a hot cup of latte and freshly baked cinnamon confectioneries. Be well dressed, go out for a stroll and do "not" pet the fluffy dogs being walked nearby. It might not go down well with their owners. Well dressed because the whole city is a fashion show and it is hard to spot a single silhouette that is fashion of the past, even on a chilly rainy day.
It is said that the countryside of Austria is more picturesque than the main cities. Given the leisure of time and money, it is luxury worth exploring.
Fun Fact: Vienna is the 'most livable city in the world' as per research.
 |
| Senor Dapper Mishra ;) |
BUDAPEST - If Vienna is Chardonnay, Budapest is freshly brewed Ale. Soothing the soul on any given day. A stark concoction of modern day and history, the differences are celebrated on either of the riverbank of 'The Danube'. Danube river has given birth to rich civilizations across Europe and Budapest in one we can be thankful for. Budapest, the Capital of Hungary has been a focal point of Hungarian Revolution. The famous Chain Bridge from the 19th Century seperates the old town 'Buda' from the modern day 'Pest'. After sunset the Chain Bridge and the Parliament building right across the Danube lights up to its full glory. A sight which can be rightly referenced to "Stuff that dreams are made of". A tourist worth its salt just cannot miss the Danube river cruise. Did you?
For the fun stuff, visit Szimpla Kert also known as the "Ruin Pub" (literally and metaphorically congruent). The pun here is that the pub is operated in the premises of an actual ruined and dilapidated building bombed during the war. Salut!
For the sundowners out there, FYI below:
https://www.offbeatbudapest.com/top10/best-ruin-bars-budapest/
The city boasts of some of the best natural hot water spring baths in the world, so carry your swimwear along. This is what we missed and is deeply regretted.
If you did not recognise this bridge, check this video below (Viewer discretion is solicited for overacting)
PRAGUE (Praha) - My mind fathoms it as a city where Angels and Witches co-existed, for no particular reason whatsoever. With religion bonding the whole city, it has its own shades of grey. A dark romance with its antiquity. The cobbled streets leading to tall Gothic churches and medieval castles. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Probably the best way to capture its instagrammable shots is to go atop a high rise cafe or on the rooftop of the churches and Voila! does it not astound it with its beauty. Well in Prague, beauty lies in the hands of the beer-holder. Czech people just love their beer and sausages. Not to forget, a knack for luxury designer brands. Pretty women and pretty cityscapes, all a man wants ;)
Surprisingly, when I started writing this blog I imagined myself blabbering the most about Prague, but unfortunately I feel anything that I write cannot encompass the joy experienced first hand.
For all you Bollywood buffs, enjoy the streets of Prague with Ranbir Kapoor :)
Show some love and share this blog. Everyone deserves a Failrytale, to be read at the least :)
Wednesday, 7 November 2018
Sikkim's Lenscape
Seldom does it happen, when Alice strays in the Wonderland and then call it Home....
The mystical mountains of Sikkim have their arms wide open for those who seek nothing but bliss. In it's unblemished flora and fauna habit the simplest and most benevolent of hearts, whose spirits could not be deterred by the extreme weather conditions. The humming of hymns floating across placid monasteries not just mellows ones spirit, but also makes one apprehend what we chase for, is it what we need? Do we not have enough already to suffice our needs and do we not filter out what exists, that is a miracle in itself? Maybe...
Sikkim can easily be established as a vivid dream - The land of Lamas, The land of Kanchenjunga, The land of intense waterfalls, The land of panoramic Monasteries, The land of Orchids and Rhododendrons, The only state which has achieved 100% organic produce and the land whose allure stays with you as postcard pictures imprinted on your mind even after you submit yourself to the daily humdrum.
After our direct flight from Bangalore to Bagdogra, we booked a cab to Gangtok which is approximately 4-5 hours drive depending upon the traffic in Siliguri. We booked the same cab for our local sightseeing in Gangtok. Next day, as per our itinerary we visited Ganesh Tok, Tashi View point, Ban Jhakri Falls and Hanuman Tok. We did not get a glimple of Mount Kanchenjunga though, as the clouds were thwarting our view. Nonetheless, the day well spent that was a brilliant mix of nature and city life.
Next day, it was Changu/Psongmo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass on our Schedule. Unfortunately, we could not visit Nathula Pass (Indo China Border) as it was shut for tourists. Baba Mandir is a memorial and temple honoring the great Indian Army soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh. It is strongly believed that the Martyred soldier's spirit wanders in the border vicinity and continues to offer his duties of Indian Army and many a times has alarmed the Army of any foreboding emergencies. Folklore or true?
Our evenings we mostly spent strolling across MG Marg, which is ever pulsating with positive energy. After sunset, this place turns into a Christmas party. People of all ages relish themselves with lip smacking delicacies on offer. Also a great place for souvenir and winter wear shopping at great bargains.
Having soaked in much of Gangtok vibes, we headed for North Sikkim. We took a package from Royal Sikkim tours and travels for 2 Nights and 3 day tour. Small vehicles are not allowed uphill so we got an Innova all for ourselves. Yay!. There are shared cabs too which can be availed at dirt cheap rates if one is willing to accommodate little inconvenience. The drive to North Sikkim is nothing less that a 6 hour long poetry. Innumerable waterfalls and mist layering on each slope with meandering roads leading to changing landscapes are only a prelude to what lies next. Our pitstopp was Lachen where we put up for the night. A cozy hotel serving delicious Ghar ka khaana is all that we needed before we called it a day.
Our driver being punctual as always picked us up at 5AM. We left for Gurudongmar Lake which was the reason we were in Sikkim in the first place. On our way just a few Kms before the spot, to our horror the vehicle started to skid. As fresh ice made it impossible for the vehicle to climb uphill. We being the stubborn ourselves did not budge even though our driver just denied moving forward. Finally, an Army tanker made way for us (quite literally) and the vehicle finally pulled up. Was all this effort worth a glimple of the glacial lake? Totally! Would do this 10 times again for one view. The milky blue lake encircled by snow clad mountains is so wide and so serene that for once you want to just be in silence and acclimatize to the fact, if it is real or VFX :D. The colourful prayer flags flapping unconstrained as if applauding to the revered dance performed by the Wind Gods. Icy cold and yet so alleviating. India, you took me aback this time!
Story to be continued in our next blog...
Till then, relish the pictures :)
Gangtok
Sikkim was named by Lonely Planet as "The best place to visit in 2014" and now we know why.
The mystical mountains of Sikkim have their arms wide open for those who seek nothing but bliss. In it's unblemished flora and fauna habit the simplest and most benevolent of hearts, whose spirits could not be deterred by the extreme weather conditions. The humming of hymns floating across placid monasteries not just mellows ones spirit, but also makes one apprehend what we chase for, is it what we need? Do we not have enough already to suffice our needs and do we not filter out what exists, that is a miracle in itself? Maybe...
Sikkim can easily be established as a vivid dream - The land of Lamas, The land of Kanchenjunga, The land of intense waterfalls, The land of panoramic Monasteries, The land of Orchids and Rhododendrons, The only state which has achieved 100% organic produce and the land whose allure stays with you as postcard pictures imprinted on your mind even after you submit yourself to the daily humdrum.
After our direct flight from Bangalore to Bagdogra, we booked a cab to Gangtok which is approximately 4-5 hours drive depending upon the traffic in Siliguri. We booked the same cab for our local sightseeing in Gangtok. Next day, as per our itinerary we visited Ganesh Tok, Tashi View point, Ban Jhakri Falls and Hanuman Tok. We did not get a glimple of Mount Kanchenjunga though, as the clouds were thwarting our view. Nonetheless, the day well spent that was a brilliant mix of nature and city life.
Next day, it was Changu/Psongmo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass on our Schedule. Unfortunately, we could not visit Nathula Pass (Indo China Border) as it was shut for tourists. Baba Mandir is a memorial and temple honoring the great Indian Army soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh. It is strongly believed that the Martyred soldier's spirit wanders in the border vicinity and continues to offer his duties of Indian Army and many a times has alarmed the Army of any foreboding emergencies. Folklore or true?
Our evenings we mostly spent strolling across MG Marg, which is ever pulsating with positive energy. After sunset, this place turns into a Christmas party. People of all ages relish themselves with lip smacking delicacies on offer. Also a great place for souvenir and winter wear shopping at great bargains.
Having soaked in much of Gangtok vibes, we headed for North Sikkim. We took a package from Royal Sikkim tours and travels for 2 Nights and 3 day tour. Small vehicles are not allowed uphill so we got an Innova all for ourselves. Yay!. There are shared cabs too which can be availed at dirt cheap rates if one is willing to accommodate little inconvenience. The drive to North Sikkim is nothing less that a 6 hour long poetry. Innumerable waterfalls and mist layering on each slope with meandering roads leading to changing landscapes are only a prelude to what lies next. Our pitstopp was Lachen where we put up for the night. A cozy hotel serving delicious Ghar ka khaana is all that we needed before we called it a day.
Our driver being punctual as always picked us up at 5AM. We left for Gurudongmar Lake which was the reason we were in Sikkim in the first place. On our way just a few Kms before the spot, to our horror the vehicle started to skid. As fresh ice made it impossible for the vehicle to climb uphill. We being the stubborn ourselves did not budge even though our driver just denied moving forward. Finally, an Army tanker made way for us (quite literally) and the vehicle finally pulled up. Was all this effort worth a glimple of the glacial lake? Totally! Would do this 10 times again for one view. The milky blue lake encircled by snow clad mountains is so wide and so serene that for once you want to just be in silence and acclimatize to the fact, if it is real or VFX :D. The colourful prayer flags flapping unconstrained as if applauding to the revered dance performed by the Wind Gods. Icy cold and yet so alleviating. India, you took me aback this time!
Story to be continued in our next blog...
Till then, relish the pictures :)
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| The 2nd Highest lake in Asia after Chomalu Lake which is just a few Kms from this place but not open for tourists. |
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| Gurudongmar Lake at 17800 Ft. |
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| Add caption |
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| Ban Jhakri Falls, Gangtok |
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| Changu Lake |
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| View from ropeway near Nathula Pass |
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| the first rays on the hills |
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| Teesta reservoir |
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| Frozen Lake - Zero Point |
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| Zero Point |
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| Yumthank Valley |
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| Gantok at Night |
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