I’ve been known for being clumsy, forgetful and, everything in the general theme that my dad would describe as ‘irresponsible’. I try my best to not let that shadow over my great achievements which include not losing my passport, my wallet, or accidentally reading the wrong time and missing my flight anymore. But, it is hard, you know. When falling down a single stair while standing perfectly still is not upto you, it’s hard to not fall.
Anywhoo, earlier in June, I was on a family (parents, sibling, grandparents, family friends & their kids) trip around Europe, beginning with Czech Republic (Prague & Cesky Krumlov), Austria (Hallstatt, St. Gilgen, Wolfgangsee, Salzburg, Vienna), Slovakia (Bratislava) and ending in Hungary (Gyor & Budapest). So, Prague was literally our first destination in a long list of many.
After spending 3 days in Czech Republic, we were taking the train to Salzburg at some 7 AM, and had called for taxis. Always one for the back seat, I sat there – with my backpack and camera bag and a small stroller. When we got down, I was in such a rush, I picked up whatever I could and got down.
We were way too early for the train (nothing new about that), and everything on the station was closed (really nothing new about that) – so we just sat and waited. We boarded our train to Salzburg.
Now, there was some work going on in a station in the middle so they stopped our trains and said there are buses waiting outside that’ll drive us to next station – but meaning with an obvious delay of an hour. Confused, dazed and very sleepy, we got on the bus.
Let me tell you, the country-side was stunning. Green everywhere, hills, small coloured houses, giant fields- it was things right out of poetry. As soon as I sat, I was wow-ed. I put in my music – at this point, the bus hadn’t even begun moving. And I hastily looked for my camera bag – when the realization struck. In the backseat of the bloody taxi.
My first thought was obvious – find a different bus and run away. And as I suffer a very frequent case of ‘speaking with thinking’, I blurted out OMG I LEFT THE CAMERA IN PRAGUE. For the tiniest second, my dad looked at me hoping I was joking, but then he realized the kind of monkey I am and looked like he wanted to kick me out on the side of Czech/Austrian countryside.
But that wasn’t worse, my grandparents were with us, and they only know me for my very stupid actions (you should ask my entire family – I’m very popular for them!). Luckily they were sitting in the front of the bus – so it wasn’t gruesome all at the same time.
At first, I got several repeated lectures of being silly, irresponsible, in-no-possible-way-of-ever-being-mature, immature, and so on. And then he called the taxi agency we’d booked the taxis through. Luckily (for me!!!!), they did find the camera and had it in their offices. Since it we were only in Salzburg for 2 nights, we asked them ship it straight to our address in Vienna.
When we arrived in Vienna, the camera didn’t. It was still somewhere between Czech and Austria. It arrived the day after we left for Budapest. So, my dear, dear dad just asked them to ship it to our home in Dubai.
The result was (backstory: my family friend’s kid broke his camera while actually going down the stairs in a castle in Prague) so we didn’t have any DSLRs to take beautiful pictures. So, everyone just took it on their phone – which kinda sucked for image quality. Considering how beautiful everything was!
But –
Happy ending: It did arrive – like a month after I first saw it – came with the memory card, nothing broken.
With access to over 80 slopes, Giardino Mountain is a haven for adventure-seekers. Guests can also revitalise their senses with warm relaxing massages at the retreat’s signature dipiù Spa. Alongside, the hotel provides a therapeutic and non-medical health programme for guests, called Ayurveda by Giardino. The concept focuses on holistic well-being for the body and mind achieved through consultations, treatments, nutrition and exercise.
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame is probably the first thing that comes to your mind right? Well, at least that’s the case for me. But, the Notre Dame is more thanthat. Considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, its one of the most popular Cathedrals in the world. It was built in 1345, yep- the 12th century. However, during the French Revolution, most of it’s religious imagery and artwork was damaged and destroyed. There have been several restorations processes since then. There is history and character in the Cathedral that can fascinate one endlessly. I’m a sucker for history- so a place like this would definitely grab my attention for longer than others.
Another fine example of French Gothic Architecture, the Sainte Chapelle was finished in the 11th century. Damaged during the French revolution, it was also restored in the 19th century. It is popular for the mesmerizing stained glass work windows. It is really close to the Notre Dame- so they can be visited one after the other.
Le Jardin du Luxembourg is much newer compared to the cathedrals. It was built in the 17th century. Pack a picnic basket with baguettes, fresh macaroons, croissants, fresh strawberries and some bubbles and plot yourself in the beautiful garden. While I would recommend definitely visiting it- especially after a day full of busy itinerary- you can sit back and relax here.
A super fancy name to a super fancy Parisian Opera theatre. It was finished in 1875, and got its name from its architect, Charles Garnier. Its popularity is hugely related to the fact that it was the backdrop for the plot of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. You must tour the insides of the magnificent Opera house.
The river flows through the heart of Paris, and is one of the must dos when in Paris. The river cruises are usually an hour long. Many reviews suggest that you get some of the best picture of the Eiffel from the river. It takes you under beautiful bridges, much like 
It was a beautiful morning, and I found myself popped outside the Moscow State University in Sparrow Hills, Moscow. Within minutes, it started raining heavily. Just as the rain cleared and the sun set in hue behind clouds, it was a view out of paintings. The hills are one of the highest points of Moscow and give the best view of the city.
SWATINESS 