Lithuania

Nestled in the heart of northeastern Europe, Lithuania is a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. It is the southernmost and largest of the three Baltic states. Whether you’re wandering through the cobblestone streets of its capital, Vilnius, soaking in the tranquility of its thousands of lakes, or immersing yourself in the local art scene, Lithuania promises an enriching journey of discovery. Its diverse landscape, unique cuisine, and the warm hospitality of its people make it an off the beaten path destination for any avid traveler.

Our journey in Lithuania began at Vilnius Airport, the gateway to a city steeped in history and culture. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is nestled in the southeast part of the country, at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers. The city is renowned for its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe. The city’s history is a rich tapestry of diverse influences, from its establishment in the 14th century, through periods of Polish and Russian rule, to its present-day independence. Vilnius is a city where different cultures, religions, and styles coexist harmoniously, reflected in its architecture, which ranges from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque to Neoclassical.

Our first stop was the Artagonist Art Hotel, a boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel is a modern boutique, blending contemporary design with a nod to Lithuania’s rich history. Each room is uniquely decorated by local artists, making it a living art piece. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. The hotel’s location is a major plus, with major attractions like the Vilnius Cathedral and Gediminas Tower just a short walk away. Some other hotels I recommend are Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre, Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius, Relais & Châteaux Stikliai Hotel and St Palace Hotel.

For lunch, we headed to Bistro 18, a multi-cuisine restaurant near our hotel. The Indian curry was a delightful surprise, with a perfect spicy blend of spices that transported us to the streets of Delhi. The beetroot risotto was a standout, with the earthy beetroot perfectly complementing the creamy risotto. The pasta was cooked to al dente perfection, and the salad was fresh and vibrant.

After a leisurely stroll around town, soaking in the city’s charm, we retreated to our hotel for some rest before heading out for dinner at Cozy cafe. The cafe lived up to its name, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their signature cold beetroot soup was a revelation, a refreshing blend of flavors that was both comforting and exciting. The salads were fresh, the pizza was cheesy and delicious, the pasta was flavorful, and the shakshuka was a hearty end to the meal.

Our sweet tooth led us to Sugamour, a quaint dessert shop in the center of the city. This place is a must-visit for dessert lovers. The assortment of entremets and ice creams were a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Each dessert was a work of art, with complex layers of flavors and textures that were both unique and delicious. The shop’s cozy ambiance and friendly staff added to the overall experience.

My second day in Vilnius began with an early cup of coffee at Brew. The hand brew was a revelation, a fruity concoction that was a perfect start to our day. Our breakfast at the Artagonist was a delightful spread of local and international dishes, setting us up for the day’s adventures.

The walking tour of Vilnius was an enlightening journey through time, where each monument we visited was a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Our first stop was the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe. The cobblestone streets, the charming old buildings, and the vibrant atmosphere made me feel like I was stepping back in time. It was fascinating to see how the city has preserved its heritage while also adapting to the modern world. During this stop, I also grabbed a Batch brew and Tiramisu from Backstage coffee, which was nice and the tiramisu was quite soft and tasty.

Next, we visited the Gates of Dawn, one of the most important religious, historical, and cultural monuments in Vilnius. Today, it is a significant site of Catholic pilgrimage in Lithuania. We then visited St. Anne’s Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The intricate brickwork and the beautiful stained glass windows of the church were a sight to behold. The first floor is a cafe and above is the church. Onwards to the Church of St. Constantine and St. Michael, a Russian Orthodox church built in 1913 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. The church’s dazzling exterior and modest interior were a stark contrast. Despite being relatively ‘young’ compared to the other monuments, the church held its own charm and historical significance.

Our detour to Uzupis, a district of artists, was a delightful surprise. Declared as an independent republic by its inhabitants in 1997 as a prank on April Fools, Uzupis has its own constitution, president, throne, currency, and even a national day, which is the 1st of April. The bohemian spirit of Uzupis, its vibrant art scene, and the unique and comical constitution (which includes rights like “Everyone has the right to understand nothing” and “Everyone has the right to be unique”) made it a memorable part of our tour. It was like stepping into a different world, where creativity and freedom of expression were celebrated. I highly recommend reading the points in the picture below as it will definitely make you laugh.

Our tour then led us to the final stop, the Vilnius Cathedral, a magnificent structure that has stood the test of time. The cathedral has been rebuilt several times due to frequent fires, wars, and unstable soil under its foundation. The grandeur of the cathedral, its beautiful architecture, and the peaceful atmosphere inside was beautiful.

The walking tour of Vilnius was a journey through time, a celebration of its history, culture, and spirit. It was a reminder of the city’s resilience, its ability to preserve its heritage while embracing the new, and its unique charm that makes it a unique destination.

For lunch, we headed to Rosehip, a vegan restaurant that served up hearty salads, wraps, and fries with homemade dips. The portions were generous, and the food was a refreshing change from our usual fare.

Post lunch, we explored the Gediminas Castle and Tower. The tower, the only remaining part of the Upper Castle, offers panoramic views of Vilnius. The castle’s history dates back to the 14th century, and it has served various purposes over the centuries, including being used as the city’s first observatory. The 360 degree view from the top was breathtaking, and we captured some memorable pictures against the backdrop of the city’s skyline.

Our next stop was the KGB Museum, housed in the former KGB building where the crimes of the Soviet regime were planned and executed for fifty years. The exhibits were a chilling reminder of the atrocities committed during the Soviet occupation. The prison cells and interrogation rooms were particularly haunting.

For dinner, we headed to Casa La Familia, a vegetarian pizza place that offered a cozy family dining experience. We were seated on the floor in a private area, which added to the homely ambiance. The pizzas were amazingly fired in their wood fired oven, but the standout dishes were the beet carpaccio and the portobello mushroom. The flavors were unique and left us wanting more. After dinner we went for another round of desserts and ice cream at Sugamour as the food was simply to die for.

The next leg of our journey took us from Vilnius to Klaipeda, with enriching stops at Trakai Castle and Kaunas along the way.

We began our day with a drive to Trakai, a picturesque town located about an hour from Vilnius. Trakai is renowned for its stunning island castle, set amidst tranquil lakes. The Trakai Castle, a red-brick fortress dating back to the 14th century, is a symbol of Lithuania’s grand history. We explored the castle and walked around it, taking some of the best pictures of the entire trip. The serene tranquil beauty of Trakai, coupled with its historical significance, made for a memorable visit.

Next, we headed to Kaunas, Lithuania’s second largest city, about an hour and a half from Trakai. Kaunas’s blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles added to the city’s charm. We explored the Kaunas Castle and visited the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, a stunning Neo-Byzantine structure. The grand domes, intricate frescoes, and spiritual ambiance of the church were awe-inspiring. Kaunas’s lively streets, artistic vibe, and historical richness made our exploration engaging and fulfilling.

Lunch in Kaunas was at Agave, where the vibrant colors and flavors of Mexican cuisine delighted our taste buds. The homemade fajitas, well-spiced quesadillas, and delicious salads added a flavorful twist to our day. The lively atmosphere of the restaurant and the taste of authentic Mexican food in the heart of Lithuania made this meal a highlight.

From Kaunas, we continued to Klaipeda, a port city on the Baltic Sea, about two hours away. The maritime vibe, cobblestone streets, and historical buildings gave the city a unique charm. We checked into the Amberton Hotel, which turned out to be quite average. The staff was not particularly welcoming, and the overall experience was mediocre. The rooms were okay, but I would instead recommend Victoria or Michelson Hotel for a more comfortable stay.

Dinner was at Devi, where we enjoyed home-style Indian food. Though it took some time to arrive, the food was delicious and soulful, ending our day on a comforting note.

The next day’s adventure was the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique landscapes. We explored Juodkrante where we cycled and had an exhilarating experience, with nature’s beauty unfolding at every turn. We were set to explore the Hill of Witches, Sand Dunes, Nida, and however, our day took an unexpected turn when we faced a medical emergency. It was a stark reminder that travel is not always comfortable and enjoyable, and hardships can arise. Thankfully, we managed to handle the situation.

Lunch was at Manami (Asian Fusion), located in a nearby mall. The food was extraordinary! From the sushi to the best noodles I’ve ever had, the spring rolls, amazing drinks, and delicious starters like mushroom, eggplant, and edamame, everything was perfect.

We spent the evening exploring the mall and later walked along the canal in Klaipeda. Before that we made a quick visit to the Klaipeda beach, where we explored the beach and had some time there enjoying the breeze and the sound of waves. The beach was majestic and the water was cold, not ideal to bathe at this time.

Dinner was at a Lithuanian place called Agnostikas. We indulged in their signature dish, fried bread, the best cheese balls which were soft and gooey, sweet potato fries served with goat cheese and a lemon aioli, hummus, salads, and traditional Lithuanian vegetarian dishes. The flavors were authentic, and the ambiance was cozy and the riverside ambience made the experience thousand times better.

The next day marked our transfer to Riga, but I began my day with a morning walk to have some specialty coffee at Musungas. The coffee was amazing and the ambience was better. I had a fruity citrusy coffee from Ethiopia which was to die for and brewed perfectly.

Our stop in our transfer to Riga was at the Hill of Crosses, a site of pilgrimage with thousands of crosses, each telling a story of faith, hope, and resilience. The sight of the hill, covered in thousands of crosses, was both humbling and inspiring. We took our time to walk among the crosses, reflecting on their symbolism and feeling a profound connection to the collective faith they represented. At the moment the exact number of crosses is not known, but the estimated number is over 150,000! But this number is growing every day, because many visitors leave a cross in memory. The whispers of prayers, the gentle rustle of the wind, and the deep sense of spirituality made the Hill of Crosses an unforgettable experience.

Our journey through Lithuania was a rich tapestry of historical explorations, culinary delights, unexpected challenges, and spiritual reflections.

Poland

Our journey began in my hometown city of Kolkata, where we boarded a Vistara flight to Delhi. Upon landing, we checked into the Novotel in Delhi for a much-needed power nap. The hotel was a sanctuary of calm amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, and we woke up refreshed and ready for the next leg of our journey.

Our Finnair flight to Helsinki was a treat in itself as the brand new sustainable and eco friendly A350 aircraft was fresh and inviting. The seats were plush and comfortable, perfect for the 9-hour journey ahead. The in-flight entertainment system was impressive, with a wide array of movies and shows to choose from. The catering was exceptional, which offered us delicious appetizers along with exceptional mains and desserts. The cheese with their local jam was a treat. The flight attendants were attentive and courteous, making the journey even more enjoyable.

Upon landing in Helsinki, we were greeted by a modern, minimalist airport filled with local shops. The lounge was a haven of tranquility, with comfortable seating and a variety of vegetarian options such as salads like lemon roasted fennel and a beetroot salad. A much needed coffee which was strong and invigorating, was the perfect pick-me-up after a long flight.

Our next flight was a shorter one to Krakow, again with Finnair on a smaller Airbus A320. The service was consistent, and we were served a hot, delicious meal which was a Thai curry with chilli rice during the flight. The meal was a delightful surprise, with flavours that were both familiar and exotic.

Kraków, a city steeped in history and culture, is a gem in the heart of Poland. Its medieval charm, vibrant festivals, and rich academic heritage make it a must-visit destination. The city’s old-world charm was evident in its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. We checked into the H15 Francuski Hotel, a boutique establishment located in the heart of the city. The hotel was a blend of old and new, with antique furnishings and modern amenities. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, and the staff was welcoming and attentive.

Our first meal in Krakow was at Dolabella Due, a quaint café tucked away in a narrow lane in the old town. The food was delightful, with the pistachio gnocchi and mango panna cotta being the highlights. The Mamabella pizza with artichokes and sun dried tomatoes was prepared in a wood fired oven and also tasted authentic. However, the service left something to be desired. Despite this, the flavours of the food left a lasting impression, and we found ourselves reminiscing about the meal long after we had left the café.

Furthermore, we explored the city square, a vibrant hub of activity. The square was bustling with locals and tourists alike, making it a great place for people-watching. We indulged in some gelato and a White Kit Kat McFlurry from McDonald’s on our way back to the hotel. The gelato was creamy and delicious, a perfect treat for a warm summer day.

I started my next day with a walk to L’isola Café, located 1.5 km away, for a cup of coffee. Krakow’s layout requires a fair bit of navigation, with numerous underpasses and crosswalks. On our way back, we rented a Lime scooter, a fun and efficient way to explore the city. These rentable scooters are a fun and efficient way to explore the city. They’re available at many spots in the city, and with speeds ranging from 5-20 km/h, they offer a unique and enjoyable way to take in the sights. At Lilsola, I enjoyed a cappuccino and avocado toast, and took a cold brew for the road. The coffee was rich and flavorful, the perfect start to my day.

Our next stop was Zakopane, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. En route, we stopped at Chocholow, a quaint village known for its traditional wooden huts. The huts were a sight to behold, with their intricate carvings and rustic charm.

Zakopane itself was a bustling town, with a vibrant main street filled with shops and eateries. Trying the local cheese with cranberries was a culinary adventure, with the tartness of the cranberries perfectly complementing the creaminess of the cheese.

For lunch we went to a swiss restaurant on the end of the main street in Zakopane called Mała Szwajcaria. The servers did not speak English and the food was mediocre at best. The raclette with potato nest and the salad was the only dish that we enjoyed. The fondue’s texture was completely off and the bread was stale, the pierogi dumplings were thick and chewy, and the roesti was unseasoned. I’m not happy to say it, but it was not a very satisfactory meal.

Next, we took a funicular ride to the top of Gubalowka Hill. The view from the top was breathtaking, with panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains. One could easily spend a couple of hours at the top, enjoying the view, the food, and the gravity slide, a thrilling ride down the hill.

The thermal spas in Chocholow were a world in themselves. Spread across three floors, each level was a new realm of relaxation. The salt rooms offered a unique detoxifying experience, while the saunas helped us unwind and let go of all our stress. The variety of jacuzzis, each set at a different temperature, allowed us to find our perfect comfort zone. The artificial beach added a touch of whimsy to the experience. Along with these there are aroma rooms, water slides, pool bars, pool activities and much much more. It is impossible to explore the whole area in 3 hours. The spa was more than just a place to relax; it was a place to rejuvenate our mind, body, and soul. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day.

The next morning, we hopped on our Lime scooters and headed to Veganic for a healthy breakfast. The smoothies, juices, and coffees were refreshing, but the food was the real star. The smoked tofu scramble on sourdough and ful medames with chili oil and pita bread were outstanding.

At 11:30, I downloaded an app called Krakow Tours and embarked on a self-guided tour of the city’s main sights. The Barbican, a fortified outpost once connected to the city walls, is a testament to Krakow’s medieval past. Its circular structure and numerous watchtowers offered a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. St. Florian’s Gates, the only remaining part of the old city walls, was a majestic sight. The gate, adorned with a baroque roof and a statue of St. Florian, was a symbol of the city’s resilience. The sight of St. Mary’s Basilica, with its two uneven towers and stunning facade, was breathtaking. The interior was even more impressive, with its ornate altarpiece and beautiful stained glass windows.

The Cloth Hall, located in the center of the main square, was a hub of activity. The hall, once a major center of international trade, is now home to numerous stalls selling souvenirs and local crafts. I bought over there a lava stone bracelet and also a souvenir. The Church of St. Adalbert’s and the Jesuit Church stood in all their glory as well. The Wawel Cathedral, located on Wawel Hill, was a symbol of the nation’s identity.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, Excavated from the 13th century, produced table salt continuously until 2007, making it one of the world’s oldest operating salt mines. The mine reaches a depth of 327 meters and extends via horizontal passages and chambers for over 287 kilometers. The mine is now an official Polish Historic Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most enchanting aspects of the mine is the legend about Princess Kinga, who is said to have thrown her engagement ring into one of the mine shafts in Hungary before leaving for Poland. On arriving in Kraków, she asked the miners to dig a deep pit until they come upon a rock. The people found a lump of salt in there and when they split it in two, discovered the princess’s ring. Kinga had thus become the patron saint of salt miners in and around the Polish capital. This is illustrated by the video attached below.

Visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine was an unforgettable experience. The intricate carvings, the vast underground chambers, the sense of history and human endeavor, all combined to create an atmosphere of awe and wonder. The mine’s unique microclimate, rich in minerals and with a constant temperature of around 15-16 degrees Celsius, added to the sense of being in a different world, deep beneath the surface of the earth.

The guided tour of the mine was both informative and entertaining. The guide’s stories brought the history of the mine to life, and the various displays of salt-mining technology provided a fascinating insight into the challenges and ingenuity of the miners. The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the visit to the underground chapel, with its stunning salt carvings and chandeliers. The sense of peace and tranquility in the chapel, deep beneath the earth’s surface, was truly remarkable. It is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together to create an experience that is both educational and deeply moving. It is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Poland.

For dinner, we went to the Hard Rock Cafe. Before dinner, we did some shopping at Zara, where the stock was impressive. At Hard Rock, we indulged in their signature cocktails, nachos, and mac and cheese. The baked apple crumble was the perfect end to our meal and our time in Krakow.

The next morning, we embarked on a journey that would prove to be one of the most poignant and heart-wrenching experiences of our lives. We had an early start, leaving at 7:30 am for a tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau, scheduled to begin at 9 am.

Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, is a chilling reminder of the horrifying crimes committed during the Holocaust. It’s a place that leaves an indelible mark on your soul, a stark testament to the depths of human cruelty and the resilience of the human spirit.

Our tour began at Auschwitz I, the original camp. Walking through the gates bearing the cruelly ironic sign, ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ (‘Work Sets You Free’), we were immediately confronted with the grim reality of the atrocities committed here.

We toured several of the brick barracks buildings, learning about the cruel practices of the guards and witnessing heartbreaking exhibits. One that particularly struck me was a collection of confiscated shoes, a stark reminder of the individuals who once wore them, each with their own story, dreams, and hopes, brutally stripped away. We saw the Wall of Death, where thousands of prisoners were executed, and the horrific living conditions of the inmates.

From Auschwitz I, we moved on to Auschwitz II, also known as Birkenau, the largest of the Auschwitz camps. Here, the scale of the extermination process reached its horrifying peak. The sight of the freight trains that brought victims to be ‘selected’ upon arrival was chilling. Those who seemed strong enough were selected to stay and work, while the rest were sent to gas chambers immediately.

We saw the remains of the gas chambers and crematoria, which were blown up by the Nazis in an attempt to hide their crimes. The sheer scale of Birkenau, the electric fences, the ominous guard towers, and the terrible living conditions in the barracks were a stark reminder of the inhumanity that occurred here.

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau was an emotionally draining experience. The weight of the atrocities committed here lingered long after the tour ended. It was a solemn reminder of one of the darkest chapters in human history, a place of immense suffering and loss. Yet, it also served as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a call to remember and honor the victims, and a stark warning to never let such horrors happen again.

After the tour, we had lunch at an Italian boutique restaurant in Jasna Gora called U Braci. The food was a welcome distraction, with delicious tomato soup, a fresh salad, goat cheese and caramelized onion bruschetta, pizza, and gnocchi. The meal was a comforting respite after the intense morning.

We then proceeded to Jasna Gora, a stop on our journey to Warsaw. Here, we saw the Black Madonna and the monuments around it. The Black Madonna, a revered icon of the Virgin Mary, is a symbol of hope and resilience, a stark contrast to the horrors we had witnessed earlier in the day.

Our day ended in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a city where history and modernity coalesce. Rebuilt from the ruins of World War II, it’s now a thriving metropolis, boasting a blend of architectural styles, vibrant arts, and a burgeoning culinary scene. From the historical charm of the Old Town to the contemporary buzz of its urban landscape, Warsaw offers a multifaceted experience that captivates and inspires. It’s a city that invites exploration, promising a rich tapestry of culture, tradition, and innovation.

As we reached we were checked into our apartments, the Mondreal, a luxury apartment in the square. The spacious rooms with modern amenities and extra perks like Chopard amenities, Netflix, and built-in Apple TV were a welcome comfort after a long and emotionally draining day.

For dinner, we headed to Maharani, where we enjoyed paneer, yellow dal, dal makhani, and chana. Except for the dal makhani, everything was superb, a fitting end to a day filled with intense emotions and experiences.

My morning in Warsaw began with the thrill of a long Lime scooter ride through the urban landscape of this dynamic city. The wind in my hair, the buzz of the city waking up, and the iconic sights like The Palace of Culture and Science and the POLIN Museum whizzing by, made for an exhilarating start to the day. My destination was Baken, a breakfast place renowned for its toasts and coffee. I indulged in their batch brew, a perfect blend of flavors, and their bread with whipped ricotta and fava beans, a delightful combination that set the tone for the day. The ride back to the hotel was equally enjoyable, with the city now fully awake and bustling.

After freshening up, our sightseeing adventure began with a visit to St. John’s Cathedral, a Gothic church with a rich history. Its stunning architecture and the serene atmosphere inside were a stark contrast to the busy city outside. Outside the cathedral, we treated ourselves to Trubochki, a local pastry that consists of a crisp waffle outside filled with whipped cream, that added a sweet touch to our historical exploration.

Then, we headed to the main square, a lively hub filled with cafes, shops, and street performers. We took a moment to admire the square’s beauty and enjoyed a refreshing lemonade, soaking in the local vibe.

Our next stop was the Royal Castle, a majestic structure that has played a significant role in Poland’s history. Inside, the castle’s opulent rooms, adorned with art and historical artifacts, told stories of Poland’s past. The Throne Room, with its golden decor and grandeur, was particularly impressive. The castle’s blend of architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque, added to its charm. The Royal Apartments, filled with period furniture and art, offered a glimpse into the lives of Polish royalty. The castle’s history, architecture, and the stories it held within its walls were a fascinating insight into Warsaw’s heritage.

Lunch was at Literatka, a charming restaurant known for its fusion of traditional Polish cuisine with modern culinary techniques. We savoured cold beetroot soup, crispy potato pancakes, grilled veggies with pesto, and delicious pasta.

Post lunch, we continued our sightseeing, catching a glimpse of the Presidential Palace’s elegant facade and strolling down the main street, absorbing the city’s energy. Our exploration led us to the Barbican, a historical gateway leading into the old town. Its red-brick walls and medieval architecture were a reminder of Warsaw’s past. The Barbican, built in 1540, served as a fortification and is one of the few remaining relics of the complex network of historic fortifications that once encircled Warsaw. Walking through its archway, I felt transported back in time, imagining the soldiers who once guarded the city.

I then went Lime scootering across the city again to STOR, a coffee shop known for its unique offerings. The rose and Matcha Latte were indeed unique, a delightful twist to the usual coffee experience.

Pre-dinner drinks and snacks at U Barassa on the Main square were enjoyable, with crispy fries and refreshing drinks. Dinner at Frida on restaurant street was a culinary delight, with great nachos, stuffed avocados, corn on the cob, eggplants, tacos, and quesadillas. However, the experience was marred by an arrogant waiter who mishandled my grandfather’s phone and was rude and had a very unwelcoming attitude. Thankfully, our server was changed, and the new server was kind and sweet, salvaging the evening.

Post dinner, we indulged in ice cream, a sweet end to a day filled with exploration, flavors, and emotions. Warsaw, with its blend of history, modernity, culinary delights, and vibrant street life, had etched itself into my heart. It’s a city that offers a rich tapestry of experiences, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Florida & Bahamas Cruise

I recently unearthed a travel blog from 2016 detailing a family trip to Florida and the Bahamas. This is my first ever travel blog, which showed my interests in travel writing. It was a joy revisiting those memories, although I realised the account lacked detail. The images are also not the best quality. Memory of those times has faded somewhat, and while I’ve done my best to enrich the narrative, there may still be gaps. I hope you enjoy this “blast from the past,” as much as I enjoyed reliving my memories.

It was an ordinary evening that turned extraordinary as we bundled into the car at 6:00 pm, brimming with excitement, and started our journey to Kolkata Airport. Being a frequent traveler, I am accustomed to economy class, but I thought, “Why not add a dash of comfort to our journey?” So, I asked her about the possibility of an upgrade to business class. To my delight, she replied affirmatively, her smile growing brighter.

Our flight arrived soon after, its massive structure imposing against the night sky. We boarded, found our seats, and after a scrumptious dinner on board, I dozed off. Upon waking up, the flashing lights of Dubai greeted me, an impressive beacon in the darkness of the night.

In Dubai, we found our way to the Emirates A380 lounge, a haven of comfort amid the bustling airport. The clock read 2:30 am as we boarded our connecting flight to New York. We spent our time sleeping, interspersed with entertainment from the onboard selection Freshened up with a hot cup of cappuccino, the rather long flight ended.

Upon arrival in New York, we swiftly hopped onto another flight to Orlando. From there, a friendly taxi driver navigated us to our abode for the duration of our visit, the enchanting Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts. The stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere promised a memorable stay. The rooms are rather small, but the location and the perks are unlike any other. After all, you won’t be spending much time in the room anyway.

Rejuvenated from a brief rest, we decided to explore Hollywood Studios. On reaching the ticket counter, we opted to extend our 5-day park hopper pass to a 7-day one, to make the most of our trip. The park hopper granted us access to all disney parks over 7 days, with transport. We opted for the fast pass, which had a steep price but was worth it as we spent hours of time skipping the queue. The highlight of our day was the spellbinding ‘Fantasmic’ show, which left us awe-inspired, and we retired to our hotel rooms with the magic of Disney lingering in our hearts.

On Day 1, we greeted the morning with enthusiasm. I savoured a hearty breakfast of eggs and cornflakes before we embarked on our expedition to the Epcot Centre. It was a day filled with thrilling rides from the exhilarating ‘Mission Space’ to the informative ‘Living with the Land’ boat ride that offered insights into modern cultivation practices. We also did the Indoor rides, which included Soarin and the Nemo ride, where we had lunch as well. Test track, another high speed ride was amazing and a ride not to be missed. I loved it a lot.

As the day wore on, we toured the World Showcase, marveling at the replicas of Chichen Itza in Mexico and the intricate temples in China. We also wondered around the beautiful showcase of Morocco, France, Canada and Norway. Dinner at the Boardwalk was an event in itself, as we feasted on sumptuous Italian food, entertained by a talented juggler performing with glasses and balls.

Our day ended with a thrilling ride on the Rock’n Roll rollercoaster at Hollywood Studios. As we nestled into our hotel beds, exhausted but content, I realized we were not just on a vacation, but a journey of discovery, thrill, and wonderment. This trip promised to be a treasure trove of memories that we would cherish forever.

Day 2, we hopped onto the Walt Disney shuttle bus that carried us to the water park, arriving just in time for the park opening at 9:50 am. Once there, we stashed our belongings in a locker, slathered on some sun tan lotion to protect our skin from the scorching Florida sun, and raced towards our first ride: the exhilarating Crush N Gusher and Storm Slides.

Our water-filled adventure continued as we tackled a 60-degree slide that made our adrenaline surge and our hearts pound with excitement. Around noon, we took a break for a delectable lunch of salad and burger, seated right by the Wave Pool. Suddenly, we heard a roar that sounded akin to a tsunami, only to realise it was the massive wave in the pool! We couldn’t resist diving in, letting the water wash over us and laughing at the unexpected surprise.

Post lunch, we floated along the Lazy River, soaking in the relaxing vibes and the warm sun. After a day filled with splashes and screams of delight, we headed back to our hotel for a much-needed afternoon nap.

Once we were refreshed, we made our way to Downtown Disney, an iconic shopping, dining, and entertainment centre. We found cute outfits for my sister, and indulged in sea salt caramel ice cream from Ghirardelli – an absolute must-try! Our visit ended with a peek at an impressive T-Rex statue before we hopped on a bus back to our hotel.

There’s something incredibly magical about walking into Universal Studios, and on Day 4 of our adventure, I found myself feeling like a little kid on Christmas morning. The energy, the excitement, the anticipation – it was palpable, contagious, and undeniably fun.

As I walked through the entrance, I couldn’t help but marvel at the park’s sheer scale. It’s not just a theme park – it’s a world unto itself, a universe of thrills and enchantment. Every detail, from the carefully crafted storefronts to the remarkably friendly staff, seemed to have been designed to immerse visitors in a truly fantastical experience.

As we strolled on, my heart pounded in anticipation. We had chosen the Incredible Hulk roller coaster as our first ride. As the ride rocketed off, I could hear nothing but the wind whistling past my ears and my own exhilarated screams. This was my first time ever on an upside down rollercoaster and boy oh boy it was an experience.

We then ventured into the land of Spiderman. Riding the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was akin to stepping into a comic book – the 3D effects were so real, it felt like we were swinging through New York alongside our beloved web-slinger.

Transitioning from the bright, colourful world of superheroes, we entered into the heart of adventure at the Jurassic World. Here, we were transported back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. From the heart-stopping drops of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster to the more laid-back yet equally enthralling Jurassic Park River Adventure.

A short walk from the world of dinosaurs, we entered the Revenge of the Mummy. As we embarked on this thrilling escape from the Mummy’s curse, I found myself laughing out loud at the pure, unadulterated fun of it all. It was a blend of fear, excitement, and utter joy that only a ride like this could inspire.Next, we cranked up the tunes at the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. With each twist and turn, we were rockstars, with our own chosen soundtrack blaring in our ears.

Yet, the cherry on top of this day filled with thrills was the magical world of Harry Potter. The world was magical, and magnificent. The two rides – Hagrids roller coaster and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride – were immersive and well designed. I also indulged in some butter beer and some street performances which gave the place a feel. Boarding station 9 ¾ was also an interesting touch added. The train journey from the main park to Hogwarts is very unique. The train windows show schemes across the world of harry potter which is magical and a great touch to the overall experience.

As we exited Universal Studios, I found myself not just physically exhausted, but emotionally spent as well. We had experienced so much in a single day – the fear, the excitement, the joy, the wonder. It was an overload of the senses, a truly memorable experience. And as we enjoyed a much-needed meal at New Punjab, the day’s adventures replaying in our minds, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly grateful for such a day.

Day 5 began with an air of buzzing anticipation as we set off for the Kennedy Space Center. The excitement of exploring this epicentre of space exploration was palpable. We passed through the entrance, our digital tickets in hand, and stepped into a realm that embodied human ambition and curiosity.

The first thing on our agenda was an IMAX movie, which transported us to the vast depths of space. We journeyed through galaxies and observed celestial bodies right from our seats. It was like being an astronaut for a day, and the experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Following this, we embarked on a guided bus tour of the Space Center that was chock full of information. The intricacies of the powerful SLS rocket, its structure and capabilities, left us all in awe. It felt like we were privy to the inner workings of the space missions, giving us a deeper appreciation for the magnitude of these undertakings.

We then had lunch amidst this intriguing environment, fuelling up for the next leg of our adventure. The Atlantis spaceship movie was next, painting a vivid picture of the iconic spacecraft and its voyages. The exhibits pièce de résistance, however, was the spaceship tunnel. Crawling through it and sliding down the 40-degree slide, we got to experience a simulated astronaut journey first-hand, an opportunity of a lifetime.

Day 6 arrived with a promise of more magical adventures, starting with retail therapy at Vineland Mall. Our shopping spree was accompanied by a food spree at Taco Bell. Nothing beats a hearty meal of nachos and pizza, especially when it’s one of Papa’s favourite American treats.

In the evening, we went to the Magic Kingdom. It was 9 pm and you might be wondering why we went so late. The answer is magic Hours. People residing in Diney get access to parks at odd hours to skip the whole queue. Queue times are literally less than 5 minutes, and we got through the whole park in 5 hours. We kick-started our night with the mesmerising Electric Street Parade before embarking on a host of thrilling rides. The Tales of Winnie the Pooh took us into the heart of Hundred Acre Woods, while the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train invited us into the dwarfs’ enchanting world. We did the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Barnstormer as well.

The Space Mountain catapulted us into a cosmic adventure, filled with shooting stars and celestial satellites. Because of low lines, I did this ride twice. Jungle Cruise took us on a delightful riverboat tour of Asia, Africa, and South America, while Splash Mountain had us giggling as we took a log flume ride through a Southern-themed spectacle.

Our grand finale for the day, however, came with the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride. Midway through the second run, the ride stalled! But the unexpected turn of events added a hint of adventure to the already thrilling day. Rescued by the ride operators, we had an unexpected behind-the-scenes peek. We returned to the hotel, our minds buzzing with stories of roller coasters, river cruises, and a behind-the-scenes adventure.

Our seventh day in Orlando began in the cosy confines of Pikabu, a charming eatery we’d come to frequent. Breakfast was followed by a trip to Blizzard Beach, where the sun blazed brightly above us. We made our entrance, eager for the thrills that awaited. The first of those was the Teamboat Springs, the world’s longest family white-water raft ride. Together, we navigated the winding currents and thrilling drops.

The Florida weather was as unpredictable as our adventures, and soon enough, a sudden downpour sent us scurrying to the Melt-Away Bay wave pool. The waves ebbed and flowed, matching our laughter and high spirits. As the rain abated, we split up to conquer more rides. A tactical move – mother in one queue, father and I in another.

I’d be remiss not to mention the heart-pounding adrenaline rush that was the Summit Plummet. At a height of 120 feet, it’s one of the tallest free-fall water slides in the world, and let me tell you, the descent was nothing short of electrifying. We also had our share of fun at the Downhill Double Dipper, racing each other down the twin tube slides.

That afternoon, we traded the snowy slopes of Blizzard Beach for the wild frontier of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Our first stop was the Kali River Rapids, an exhilarating river raft ride through the lush jungle. It was a refreshing contrast to the morning’s icy adventures.

Lunch was an affair to remember at the Yak & Yeti Restaurant. The flavours of Asian cuisine tickled our taste buds, and the engaging map game kept me entertained.

Post lunch, it was time for the highlight of our visit – the Expedition Everest roller coaster. This ride isn’t just about the thrill, it’s an immersive journey through a Tibetan village at the base of Mount Everest. Racing forwards and backwards through the mountain, while an angry Yeti tries to thwart our path, was an experience unlike any other.

Our adventure continued at the Avatar: Flight of Passage. This breathtaking 3D ride took us soaring on a banshee over Pandora’s lush landscape. As we swooped over vast oceans and dense forests, it felt as if we were truly part of the Avatar universe.

The day wound down with a Kilimanjaro Safari through the African savannah, where we saw lions, giraffes, zebras, and more unique animals in an open environment from a jeep which was amazing. The adventure culminated in a thrilling ride DINOSAUR, back in time that took us face-to-face with these ancient beasts.

As we returned to our hotel, heads filled with memories of plummeting water slides, roaring Yetis, and majestic animals, it was clear that our Orlando adventure had left an indelible mark on us.

Next day, the journey from Orlando to Miami was as smooth as one could ask for, with a private Mercedes taxi that made us feel like VIPs. We reached the dock and were greeted by the magnificent Norwegian Sky. The sheer scale and beauty of the ship were captivating, and we knew our vacation had started.

We passed through the hustle of the check-in process and were intrigued by the diverse set of passengers. After exploring the luxurious interiors of the ship and settling into our well-furnished cabin with a balcony. The rooms were small but well designed and had a nice balcony area with views of the sea. We ended the day with a bellyful of laughter, courtesy of the onboard comedy show.

Our day began with an appetising breakfast and an exciting view of Freeport harbor. As we disembarked, we met a character dressed as a pirate who had a parrot on his back which was a nice touch who certainly added flair to our vacation pictures. We headed straight to the beach, where my father and I indulged in some water sports while my mother captured these delightful moments.

Post our beach adventure, we returned to the Norwegian Sky to continue our exploration. I dived into the onboard swimming pool while my parents enjoyed a rejuvenating dip in the hot tub. As evening fell, we decided to have dinner at La Italiago, an onboard Italian restaurant that served an exquisite range of pizzas and ended our meal with a delicious Chocolate Napoleon.

Our third day was packed with a variety of activities. While my parents pampered themselves with a spa treatment, I took the chance to lounge by the pool, enjoying the sun and the vibrant ship atmosphere. Later, we all participated in a game of Bingo, testing our luck amid bouts of laughter and cheers. I also played some games like mini golf, video games in the arcade and also shuffleboard, which I think I got addicted to.

I spent the rest of the day engaging in several activities around the ship – from challenging my cognitive skills with Sudoku puzzles to admiring the fascinating ship architecture. An evening show, aptly named ‘Fountain,’ provided a blend of comedy and dance that kept us entertained.

On the fourth day, we allowed ourselves the luxury of sleeping in until 9:30 AM. The morning routine began as always, breakfast, followed by freshening up. The excitement for the day heightened as we left the cruise ship and stepped foot on the beautiful island of Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas.

Our first destination in Nassau was the famed Queen’s Staircase. This major landmark, carved out of solid limestone by slaves in the late 18th century, was a significant slice of Bahamian history.

Next, we journeyed to the world-renowned Atlantis Resort, the first of its kind to be built. The grandeur and magnificence of the resort were awe-inspiring, as was the exquisite marine habitat. Here, we indulged in a bit of retail therapy, browsing through an assortment of high-end boutiques. A sweet interlude was a scrumptious milkshake from Ben & Jerry’s, a delightful indulgence that added to our pleasant memories of Atlantis. Following this we did some touring and local shopping in Downtown Nasau.

The afternoon sun greeted us as we returned to our cruise ship. Onboard, we witnessed a game of Deal or No Deal which was fun. The day concluded with a sumptuous dinner followed by a captivating show named ‘Las Vegas Nevada.’ The electric atmosphere and vibrant performances were a treat to our senses. Retiring to our room, we packed our bags, left them outside for collection, and surrendered to the call of a peaceful sleep.

Our final morning on the cruise was tinged with a sense of sweet sadness. After our last breakfast onboard, we packed our remaining belongings and bid adieu to the ship. A quick taxi ride later, we were checking into our new residence in Miami, the luxurious Ritz Carlton.

Despite the travel, we couldn’t resist the lure of the hotel’s inviting swimming pool. We spent the early afternoon lounging by the poolside, soaking up the warm Miami sun. This was followed by a leisurely stroll around the vibrant neighbourhood.

Lunch was a culinary adventure at Sushi Samba, where we savoured an array of unique fusion dishes that married Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines. The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to shopping, exploring the myriad stores that lined Miami’s bustling streets.

Our evening was highlighted by a special dinner at Hakkasan in the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel, for an exquisite meal of contemporary Chinese delicacies. After bidding goodbye to our friends, we ambled back to our hotel, ready for a good night’s rest.

The sixth day in Miami began with a flurry of shopping. We purchased a new suitcase and made a pit stop at Macy’s. My mother and I decided to savour a scrumptious Falafel meal at Maoz, while my father returned to the hotel to drop off our purchases.

The afternoon was pure relaxation. We lounged by the pool, revelling in the warmth of the Miami sun. Snacks of hummus, bean dip, and chips were enjoyed by the poolside. A refreshing mixed vegetable salad added a healthful touch to our lazy afternoon. We ended our day with a room-service dinner of delicious pasta, which was served with great care and presentation. With our bellies full and hearts content, we settled into a peaceful sleep.

Our seventh day started early at 7 AM. After a quick supermarket run for breakfast, we headed straight for the beach. The morning was spent building sand castles, soaking up the sun, and devouring delicious patties.

Lunch was a humongous single slice of pizza. Each of us managed to polish off an entire slice! The afternoon saw me playing solitaire and tennis at the hotel, while my parents spent some time at Nikki Beach with our relatives.

We rounded off the day with dinner at a Tapas bar near our hotel, where we savoured a scrumptious Paella. Exhausted yet satisfied, we headed back to our hotel to catch some much-needed rest.

Our final day in Miami began late, waking up at 10 AM. We started the day with shopping at Bal Harbour.

Our last evening was celebrated with a grand dinner at Zuma, where we indulged in contemporary Japanese cuisine. We were carried to the restaurant by boat which was spectacular. The flavours, the presentation, the ambiance, everything was unparalleled. It was the perfect way to end our Miami adventure. A few standout dishes were the sweet potato and asparagus robata grills, the sushi selection, the spinach salad and a not to be missed, the truffle rice pot. This was my first introduction to truffles and from that day, I have loved this delicacy. Zuma, as a chain in general, I can say is the best restaurant in the world for me.

The day of departure arrived all too soon. We started our day with a repeat of the huge pizza slice, this time serving as our lunch. We then checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport.

Upon reaching New York, we indulged in a shopping spree at Ghirardelli, Godiva, and Lindt, stocking up on decadent chocolates. An in-flight meal was enjoyed, followed by me watching some movies and savouring a cappuccino at the aircraft bar.

The final leg of our journey was filled with in-flight video games and the growing excitement of returning home. On reaching Kolkata, after completing the immigration formalities, we collected our luggage, exited the airport, and finally returned home, carrying with us a suitcase full of memories from our unforgettable holiday in Florida.

Cambodia (Volunteering)

As our plane glided above the lush Cambodian terrain, we were welcomed by the sight of sprawling rice fields, meandering rivers, and ancient temples. Cambodia, a country rich in history and cultural heritage, was about to become our home for a week.

Upon touchdown at Siem Reap Airport, we were greeted by warm smiles and a hearty welcome from the sanctuary staff. As we made our way north of the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, we were taken aback by the sanctuary’s vastness. Nestled on the edge of the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, the Elephant Sanctuary Cambodia sprawled across 32,000 acres of land that was once a verdant, wildlife-rich forest. The sanctuary’s mission was monumental – protecting and restoring a land heavily impacted by illegal logging and poaching.

Our arrival at the sanctuary was marked by the aroma of a delicious vegan Thai lunch, a savory introduction to the region’s culinary delights. Post-lunch, we were ushered to our accommodation – rustic huts that were the epitome of simplistic living. Bereft of luxuries like flushing toilets, hot water, air conditioning, and stable electricity or Wi-Fi, our huts were an invitation to reconnect with the earth and nature.

Day 1: In the Footsteps of Giants

Our first day at the sanctuary was spent shadowing the mighty elephants, the sanctuary’s primary inhabitants. Observing these creatures in their element, particularly the majestic Kaavan who was rescued from a zoo in Pakistan, was a humbling experience. The process of preparing food for the elephants and monkeys was our first hands-on encounter with the day-to-day operations of the sanctuary.

Day 2: Rolling Up Our Sleeves

Day two saw us getting our hands dirty, quite literally. We started the day by cleaning the elephant shelters. As we cut banana trees and grass to prepare more food for the elephants and monkeys, our admiration for the tireless efforts of the sanctuary staff grew. As dusk fell, we were blessed with a traditional Cambodian ritual, performed by a revered Khmer spiritual person. The spiritual blessing, with its powerful aura, bonded us even closer to Cambodia’s rich cultural ethos.

Day 3: A Walk on the Wild Side and a Lesson in Giving

Our third day began with a soulful journey through the Cambodian jungle, accompanied by our elephant friends. Walking alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat was a profound experience. The latter half of the day was spent at a local school, where we taught children English and numbers. The sparkle in their eyes as they grasped new concepts filled our hearts with joy. The day ended with a moving documentary about Kaavan’s journey from captivity in Pakistan to freedom in Cambodia, a poignant reminder of why sanctuaries like these are critical.

Day 4: Reflecting Among the Giants

On day four, as we cleaned the shelters, we took some time to reflect on our journey so far. Watching the elephants, like Di-Ploh and Sarai Mia, roam freely in the sanctuary, we felt a deep sense of satisfaction at being part of such a noble mission.

Day 5: A Day for Kaavan

Day five was dedicated to Kaavan. As we cleaned his enclosure and gathered grass for his meals, we were reminded of the enormous daily effort required to keep these magnificent animals healthy and content.

Tractor ride ( the green ring is the Khmer spiritual blessing )

Day 6: A Promise for the Future

Our final working day at the sanctuary was full of activity and reflection. Another exhilarating walk in the jungle was followed by a seed-planting session. Each seed we sowed was a promise to the future, a hope for a greener, healthier sanctuary.

The Farewell

Saturday morning arrived all too soon, bringing with it the time to bid adieu to our temporary home. As we said our goodbyes to the elephants, the sanctuary, and the remarkable staff, our hearts were heavy, yet full of gratitude. As our flight ascended into the skies, we left behind a piece of our hearts in Cambodia, carrying with us indelible memories and lessons of humility, compassion, and resilience.

This was more than just a trip; it was an experience that transcended conventional tourism. It was a week where we discovered the profound joy of giving, the beauty in simplicity, and the magic of coexistence.

Eastern Europe

In the summer of 2022, my uncle, sister, and I embarked on an epic road trip through six Eastern European countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania. Over the course of 12 days, we experienced the diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories of these fascinating places. We took in all that these countries had to offer, like the rich interesting history, unique cuisine and breathtaking underrated monuments that make this region a fascinating one to explore.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Sofia
Day 2 : Sofia
Day 3 : Seven Rila Lakes →Rila Monastry →Skopje
Day 4 : Skopje
Day 5 : Skopje → Prizren → Tirana
Day 6 : Flight to Belgrade

Part II

Day 7 : Belgrade
Day 8 : Belgrade → Novi Sad → Sibiu
Day 9 : Sibiu → Sighisoara → Brasov
Day 10 : Brasov → Bran → Peles → Bucharest
Day 11 : Bucharest
Day 12 : Departure

Bulgaria

Bulgaria, located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, is a modern country still following tradition. It is a land of breath taking beauty and endless adventure. Bulgaria’s history stretches back to ancient times and has been shaped by a variety of cultures including Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. From its delicious food and world-class wines to its stunning architecture and warm, hospitable people, Bulgaria is a place that will captivate your senses.

Just after a 15-minute drive from the airport in Sofia, in awe of the cobbled streets and architecture, we reached our accommodation Sofia Hotel Balkan, which is a part of the Luxury Collection by Marriott. The hotel is historic and monumental and it is part of the President’s Palace complex. Beneath its foundations lies a historical Roman fortress, the remains of which can be seen all around the hotel. The hotel building also houses a casino, several shops and the church of St. George Rotunda. The rooms are small and the service is average and many facilities are outdated, but the location is amazing.

After relaxing a bit, we went out to the Main Street of Sofia which is Vitosha street. The street stretches over 2-3 kilometres and has many famous coffee shops, restaurants, stores and ice cream parlours. It’s a thoroughly pleasant place to spend a couple of hours; the cafes along the pedestrian street have outdoor seating, there are a variety of local shops around, and the crowd makes the place very happening. While walking, we picked up some pizza and ice-cream for a quick snack.

Then we were off for a walking tour of Sofia, organized by Sofia Walking Tours, which began at the Palace of Justice. It was completely free, making it a great value for travellers on a budget. Our knowledgeable guide led us through the city’s bustling streets, taking us to some of the most historic and culturally significant sites. First, we stopped at the Sofia statue, a tribute to the city’s patron saint. From there, we visited the Banya Bashi Mosque, a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture, and the synagogue, a testament to the diverse religious heritage. We also stopped at the mineral waters; be sure to bring an empty water bottle with you, as you can try the fresh, mineral water for yourself! Next was the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, a stunning neo-classical building. Another highlight was the Russian Church, with golden domes that tower over the city. Finally, we ended our tour at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a grandiose cathedral that is one of the symbols of the city. The cathedral is also a popular spot for photography, with its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. The walking tour was a great way to explore the city and understand its rich culture and history; whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to see some beautiful architecture, a walking tour of Sofia is recommended.

Another unique thing in Sofia are the yellow paved street which are a unique feature of the city’s architecture and history. These streets, made of yellow-colored concrete, were built in the 1980s as part of a project to renovate and preserve the city’s historic centre. The yellow color was chosen to mimic the appearance of the original cobblestones, which were often made from a type of sandstone that had a yellowish hue. They are now a popular tourist destination and a recognizable aspect of Sofia’s identity.

After an informative but tiring two-and-a-half-hour walk, we went for dinner at Tables on Vitosha street ( Which is now sadly closed ). It is a modern place with nice dishes. We ordered the Black Sesame Hummus and the Taratar with cucumber broth. From there, we went to another restaurant Stratshavelica whose ambience and food is the polar opposite of tables due to its old east European charm. It is a historic type place with seating for up to 250-300 people but still, it is hard to find a seat. The menu is also very extensive and very well thought out. We sampled 3 dishes – the guacamole mousse, the Quattro Formaggi Lasagna and the Aubergine Caprese. Both the restaurants are very nice and are located on Vitosha Street and have outdoor seating.

The next morning, we took a taxi and went to Boyana Church, which is located on the outskirts of the city, about 30 minutes away. It is beautifully decorated with frescos all over and is beautifully preserved from the Byzantine age. From there, we caught a taxi to take us to a Mexican restaurant Takoteka. We ordered the enchiladas and the padron peppers which were both delicious and authentic. Right next to Takoteka is a burger place called Skapto which also served amazing food. Being a Sunday, at around 4 pm we saw an entire parade coming out from Vitosha street. Costumed people on stilts, jugglers, and dancers were all participating in a parade for an advertisement by Aperol Spirits, which made the place livelier than ever. After the parade, we picked up some ice-cream and some fresh juice from Vitamin C and headed back to the hotel for a short rest before heading out again for dinner.

For dinner, we decided upon Cosmos, which is a modern gastronomical restaurant serving local authentic dishes with a twist. The drinks and food are well thought out and served. We ordered the Garden salad, the Spring salad, Bulgarian Kachamak ( smoked corn from Yagodina Village, brown butter, milk skin, aged goat cheese from Kozle farm ) and an apple dessert which looked like an apple and tasted even better. A unique dining experience to say the least!

The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes located in the Rila mountain range, between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level, which can be reached by a 1.5 hour drive from Sofia. All seven lakes have unique names reflecting their shape or characteristics and as one hikes from one lake to another, you pass by each one of them from the lowest to the highest one. This gradual progression makes the hike unique. While we hiked to four lakes, we also made friends with a person named Chris who was flying a drone, and he kindly shared some of the images captured by the drone with us. We weren’t expecting snow and the lakes were much larger than anticipated. On the fourth lake, we had a picnic and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. The hike is highly recommended as the views are spectacular, and the natural beauty of the lakes is worth the effort, although a chairlift will soon be built, making it more accessible to people.

After the hike, we visited Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its painted Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno, arch-laden residential buildings, and museums. The church’s frescoes and yellow domes, the courtyard, and surrounding mountain scenery are must-sees. The Monastery is a great representation of Bulgaria’s history, culture, and architecture.

North Macedonia

Just another 1-hour drive away we drove to Skopje, which is the Capital of North Macedonia. As I woke up in the car, I reached our hotel – Skopje Marriot. The hotel was fabulous, the rooms were huge, the food was amazing and the location was unbeatable. It is located right in the square. The Spa area with the pool, steam and sauna was also very well designed. The best hotel in the city by far. After relaxing in the hotel only for a while, we went for dinner at FOUR in the Park Hotel. The restaurant has a massive open space with a live singer performing on weekends. The ambience was very nice and the food didn’t disappoint. We ordered carrot and ginger soup, a fresh salad, a traditional platter of Macedonian dips and grilled vegetables. All the dishes were very nice and the open space with live music was perfect for such an evening. In the night we just took a stroll around the square before going to bed.

The next morning, we set out to explore the city of Skopje. A private walking tour in Skopje is a great way to experience the city’s rich history and culture. The tour began at Alexander the Great Statue. [ Fun fact : Skopje is the city with the most number of statues in the world ]. It continued to the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Albanian Catholic nun who was born in Skopje. The Old Bazaar, the Old Railway Station, and the Skopje Fortress are all excellent examples of the city’s rich architectural heritage, with their intricate designs and stunningly beautiful details. The Monument Honoring Macedonian Fallen is a poignant tribute to the country’s fallen soldiers, and the Stone Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The tour ended at the Macedonia Square, which is a stunningly beautiful public space that serves as the heart of the city. Towards the end of the tour, we bought postcards and sent it back home to update our friends and family on our tour and also show them the culture of this place with the forgone yet traditional medium of postcards. Throughout the tour, the guide was amazing, providing insightful information and making the tour way more interesting for us.

After the walking tour in Skopje, we headed to Matka Canyon for a boat ride into the many caves. The boat ride takes about an hour, and the caves are lit up to reveal the stunning beauty of their intricate rock formations. It was a great way to spend time, and would be highly recommended to anyone visiting the area if time permits. The trip to Matka Canyon took about 30 minutes from Skopje by car. Alternatively, you could also visit the Millennium Cross on top of Vodno Mountain which is the largest cross in the world and offers beautiful views over the city, or take a hike in the Vodno mountain range for scenic views and nature experience.

After the boat ride in Matka Canyon, we ended our day with a delicious dinner at Forza, an Italian restaurant in Skopje. The restaurant serves fresh and tasty Italian food, it also has a nice outdoor park for children to play, adding a special atmosphere for families. Other great dining options in Skopje are Amigos for Mexican food, Gostilina Dukat for traditional Macedonian food, and Vodernica Mulino for a unique dining.

The next day, we started off with a delicious breakfast at Distrikt, a restaurant in our hotel. We pre-ordered some harissa carrots, avocado gazpacho, and hummus, which were all delicious. After breakfast, we swam and enjoyed the hotel’s facilities before leaving for Tirana.

Kosovo

En route to Tirana, we stopped in Prizren, a city in Kosovo, where we saw the main sites such as the Sinan Pasha Mosque which is one of the main sites in Prizren. Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman era, it is known for its intricate tilework and calligraphy decoration and it was built by a renowned military leader and statesman under Suleiman. Other places you could visit are the Prizren Castle and The Holy Trinity Cathedral. Then we had a light lunch of pizza and salads on the river, enjoyed the great view and had some ice-cream before going on our way to Tirana. The entire journey was by car.

Albania

Upon entering Tirana, my initial impression was one of surprise, as the city was much more modern and vibrant than I had expected, with its mix of Art Deco and Soviet-era architecture, bustling streets and vibrant energy. We checked into the Rogner Hotel, which was a good hotel with an outdoor pool, nice location and good rooms. We roamed around the city center a bit, did some shopping and decided to have lunch in a restaurant called SALT REST. We sampled many dishes, including crostini, sushi, avocado tartare, truffle pasta, and their chocolate tiramisu which was especially amazing. All the food was outstanding, and the service and ambience were awesome as well.

Unfortunately, we had only one day in Albania as we had to catch a flight to Belgrade to continue our journey. But, before our departure we made sure to tour some of the popular sights of Albania, which included the Skanderbeg Square which is an important square in the city center. Opposite this is the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman-era architecture in the city and one of the oldest mosque in the city, with its ornate tilework and intricate calligraphy. Moving on, we saw the Cloud, a striking modern sculpture that represents the city’s dynamic energy and spirit, and the The National History Museum which offers a comprehensive overview of Albania’s history. The Piramida also, a landmark building of Tirana, a pyramid-shaped building, was originally built as an encyclopaedic museum during the communist era, but now serves as a cultural centre.

The Bunkers in Albania, 700,000 in number, were built during the Communist era as part of the government’s program of national defence, now many of them have been rSepurposed and turned into street art, and repurposed as small museums, souvenir shops, and even coffee shops, thus turning them into a tourist attraction. They are a reminder of the city’s past and provide a unique perspective on the city’s history. We also saw a piece of the Berlin wall near a bunker as well. If you’re planning a trip to Albania, be prepared to see remnants of the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha, who ruled the country from 1944 to 1985. Concrete bunkers, landmarks and buildings from that era are still standing, and many people still struggle with this period of history. It’s an important part of Albania’s identity and culture, and a must-see for history buffs. Overall, Albania is a unique country with a rich culture and history, offering a range of historical, architectural, natural and cultural attractions for visitors, from Ottoman-era architecture to communist-era bunkers.

Serbia

After catching our Air Serbia flight to Belgrade, we arrived at our hotel, the Metropol Hotel. The hotel was impressive, with its massive pool, spacious rooms and a convenient location that was not too far away from the city center. The hotel also offered a range of amenities, including a restaurant, a fitness center and a business center, providing everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

In the evening, we went for a walk to explore the city, starting with a walk to the Parliament building. Along the way, we stumbled upon the impressive statue of Prince Mihailo, a symbol of the city, riding on the back of two horses. The statue is located outside the Parliament building and is considered as an iconic landmark of the city. The horses are depicted as rearing up on their hind legs, representing the city’s power and strength. Opposite to it was a beautiful park, where locals and tourists alike were enjoying the green space and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city

As we were leaving for dinner, we stumbled upon a huge prom night in our hotel, with many people dressed up for the event. It was a unique sight to see, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and energy in the air among the hundreds of people. For dinner, we went to an Indian restaurant in recall of our homeland; later, we went to Amici to have Tiramisu, which is said to be the best tiramisu in Belgrade and it did not disappoint. The tiramisu was delicious and it was a perfect way to end the day.

The next day was a tiring but fun day. We kicked off the day with some sightseeing. We visited the Old Town, where we came across the Belgrade Fortress, an ancient fortress overlooking the city and the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times, and offers great views of the city. Inside the fortress, there are several sites to visit such as the Kalemegdan Park, where we saw the Roman Well and the Military Museum, which showcases the history of the fortress and its role in the defence of Belgrade.

We also visited the new town and saw some important sites and places, including the St. Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture with its grand dome and intricate details. If you’re in Belgrade, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Bombed TV tower. This towering concrete structure was damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign and still stands as a testament to the city’s history. Another interesting stop was the Republic Square, home to many key government buildings and an important hub of the city. The St. Mark Church, built in the Morava architectural style which houses many of the country’s royal and national treasures, was a striking example of traditional Serbian and Byzantine architecture. Additionally and coincidentally on the tour, we stumbled upon the grandson of Josip Tito, the former leader of Yugoslavia, which was unique and delightful.

For lunch, we proceeded on to a café in the shopping area of Belgrade, where we shopped as well and strolled to kill some time. After that, we went back to the hotel to freshen up and swim. Later on, we went to a Michelin-starred restaurant called Mezeštoran Dvoriste, which served homley Mediterranean food. The food was really tasty and reminded me of home-cooked meals. It was a nice end to our visit, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Belgrade.

Overall, while Belgrade has a wealth of historical, architectural and cultural attractions for visitors to explore, it may not have met all of my personal expectations. My personal opinion is that it is not as worth visiting as the other cities in the region. But of course, this is all subjective, and others may have had a different experience.

The next day we had an early start and proceeded on to Sibiu, in Romania via Novi-Sad. Novi-Sad is the second largest city in Serbia and a vibrant cultural center known for its colonial architecture, open spaces, and charming old buildings. We saw a few monuments like the Palais épiscopal de l’éparchie de Bačka, a beautiful 18th-century palace that houses the Museum of Vojvodina, and the Name of Mary Church, a beautiful baroque church. We also roamed in the huge main square and had breakfast at Loft Downtown Coffee & Food Bar where we enjoyed delicious sandwiches, coffee and tea. Despite being smaller than Belgrade, I preferred the more authentic, charming and vibrant atmosphere of Novi-Sad.

Romania

From Novi Sad, we reached Sibiu, a picturesque town in Romania known for its well-preserved medieval old town, charming cobbled streets and well-maintained historical buildings. We stayed at the Boutique Hotel Imparatul Romalinor, which had average rooms, but the location was fantastic. The hotel had a very old town Romanian feel to it and was located near the main square.

We spent the day visiting some of the famous sights in the old town like the Bridge of Lies, a bridge built in 1859, known for the legend of the “Liars Bridge” where couples swear their love and promises, The Cathedral of St. Mary, a stunning gothic-style church and the Council Tower, a 14th-century tower that offers great views of the old town. We also visited some of the squares like the Grand Square and the Little Square which are surrounded by colourful, well-preserved medieval buildings.

Sibiu was very lively with lights and tourists, making it a nice place to spend time in. For dinner, we went to the Max restaurant which served a variety of soups, pastas, and Romanian dishes, in a homely yet sophisticated ambience with outdoor seating.

The next day we went to Sighisoara, a small, charming city located in Transylvania, Romania. It’s the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, and the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The city is a well-preserved medieval citadel, and it is home to several notable sights such as the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill, and the Vlad Dracul House. Visitors to Sighisoara can also take a tour of the citadel’s walls, climb to the top of the Clock Tower for panoramic views of the city, or visit the Museum of Medieval Weaponry. We took a tram ride throughout the citadel. Honestly speaking, its not worth the hype.

From Sighisoara, we drove to the city of Brasov, which is located in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The old town of Brasov is surrounded by walls and towers, and it’s home to several notable sights such as the Black Church, the Council Square, and the White Tower. We took a stroll along the charming streets, explore the city’s many sights and buildings. We visited the Black Church which is a Gothic masterpiece built in the 14th century. It got its name after being blackened by a fire in 1689. It is also known for its impressive collection of Ottoman carpets.

We stayed in a hotel called Casa Wagner, which was located in the heart of the old town. The rooms were spacious and we could lookout over the entire old square. The highlight of our stay was renting Lime scooters and touring Brasov on them; navigating through the nooks and corners of the city was thrilling and fun!

For dinner, we settled on a fancy Italian restaurant called Dei Frati. We had some delicious ravioli, Tagliatelle, and rigatoni in fancy sauces. To end the meal, we had a delicious tiramisu. All in all, it was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend visiting Sighisoara and Brasov to anyone interested in history and culture.

The next day we started by taking the cable car up to Mount Tampa, which offered beautiful views of the city. The cable car ride was quite an experience, as we were able to take in the stunning landscapes that surrounded Brasov. Once we reached the top of the mountain, we spent some time taking in the sights and enjoying the fresh air.

After that, we drove off to Bran, where we could not visit the famous castle because of a long waiting time, but we managed to catch a glimpse of the exterior. Despite not being able to visit the castle from inside, the drive itself was lovely as the countryside is so picturesque. We then visited a local market where we had the opportunity to try some local fudge and candies, which were delicious.

Next on our itinerary was visiting Peles Castle. The Castle was quite an experience, with the exterior being a mix of German Neo-Renaissance and Byzantine styles. The interior was also so fascinating, with ancient artefacts, lovely paintings and mesmerising interior design. The Castle is very photogenic and is honestly a lovely piece of architechture.

After exploring the castle, we were quite hungry and decided to grab some pizza and desserts from a nearby cafe. Then, we headed towards Bucharest, where we were staying at Marmorosh hotel. It was a modern hotel, in a nice location, and had good facilities.

To end the day, we went to Savart, a classic French restaurant. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was cozy, and the service was great. I highly recommend Savart for anyone visiting Bucharest and looking for a fine dining experience. Overall, it was a packed and exciting day, filled with lots of new sights and experiences.

The next morning, we toured around the Romanian Athenaeum, which is a cultural centre, the Stavropoleos Church, which is a small but beautiful Orthodox Church, and Revolution Square. Each of these places had its own unique charm – the Athenaeum for its history and culture, Stavropoleos for its intricate architecture, and Revolution square for its significance in Romania’s history.

Then we moved on to the Palace of Parliament. The palace is an architectural marvel and the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. The palace is an imposing structure with 12 stories and over 1,100 rooms. The palace is an example of a combination of the neo-classical and modern architectural style. Another interesting aspect of the palace is its size; it is so huge that it takes a while to explore and it is a perfect opportunity to capture some photos of the palace from different angles.

After the visit to the palace, we took a cab to Blue Margarita, a Mexican restaurant, where we had some hearty Mexican dishes with delicious beverages. The food was really well prepared, and was a great change of pace after sightseeing all morning.

In the evening, we went to Bucharest’s parks, where we did some boating. It was a lovely way to spend a warm summer evening. After boating, we walked around the park and enjoyed the serene atmosphere of the park, which was surrounded by lush greenery. The park also had several monuments and statues.

To end the trip on a high note, we had dinner at a restaurant called Nor. It’s located on the top floor of a skyscraper and offered breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. The food was delicious and the restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere, perfect to end our trip. The service was friendly, and the food was well prepared with a good balance of flavours.

In conclusion, a journey through the Eastern Europe countries of Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Serbia and Romania is a unique and rewarding experience. Each country offers a different perspective on the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. The local people are warm and friendly, with rich traditions, and delicious food to try. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or outdoor adventures, this region has something for everyone. I highly recommend visiting these countries and experiencing these hidden gems that need to be discovered.

Expo 2020 – Dubai

Morocco

As you land in Morocco, you will enter a different world. Located in the north-west of Africa, it is a country filled with culture and fun. It is a country where African, Arab and European cultures are entwined. It has everything from dusty roads to the ever enchanting labyrinths of bazaars and souks in the old Medinas, staggering number of incredible historical monuments, and above all, its friendly people. Famous as a location for many Hollywood movies, some of the country’s natural and cultural beauties that never fail to leave a lasting impression. The landscape is also very diverse with the vast and stunning Atlas Mountains, the impressive Sahara desert and the never ending warm and windy Atlantic coast line. In a nutshell, Morocco guarantees to leave a long lasting impression!

Our trip to Morocco was in the month on May for 9 days, covering 5 cities in a road trip. We began our trip in Marrakesh and ended the trip in Casablanca. Here is a detailed guide to each city. Here is our itinerary day-wise:

Day 1 : Marrakech
Day 2 : Marrakech
Day 3: Marrakech (day trip to Ait Ben Haddou)
Day 4: Rabat
Day 5: Meknes
Day 6: Fes via Volubilis
Day 7: Fes (day trip to Chefchaouen)
Day 8: Casablanca
Day 9: Casablanca

Marrakech

Where to stay?

1. Les Jardins de la Koutoubia

This hotel is a mere 2-minute walk from Jemaa El Fna square. In the Heart of Marrakech, this property has a beautiful outdoor-indoor plan with a great pool and luxurious spa. The rooms are spacious and designed with a Moroccan touch, with direct unobstructed views of Koutoubia mosque. The food in the hotel is amazing and they cater to your every need, including a rooftop Indian restaurant and a bar. The service is nice and people are very hospitable. There is live music every evening around the pool area. The property is ideally situated and the best for a stay in Marrakech.

2. Alternative options

The raw way to experience morocco is through staying in a riad. Marrakech is home to many Riad’s, both luxurious and budget. A riad is a small Moroccan home with an open courtyard decked with beautiful work by traditional Moroccan artists. Some of them are to Marvel at.

If you are willing to splash some cash in luxury accommodation, the more luxurious properties are the Oberoi, Mandarin Oriental and the Four Seasons. Though these properties are all great, the only downside is the location of these hotels. And one of the most expensive and best properties in Marrakech is the Royal Mansour. It is nothing short of luxury at its finest.

Where to eat ?

1. Nomad

This upmarket place serving modern cuisine with a Moroccan twist is a must visit. The highly rated restaurant is full most of the time, so I recommend taking a reservation. The dishes are delicious. We tried the Gazpacho (the best), Cauliflower and a dessert. The presentation, taste and service was phenomenal.

2. La Famille

A vegetarian restaurant serving health food is a guaranteed hit. The food is very nice and the earthy ambience makes the place worth a visit.

3. Fine Mamas

Located in a busy street, this 3-storey restaurant is a quick service restaurant. Serving health bowls and traditional Mediterranean Moroccan food, the place is quite nice. We tried the Lebanese platter and the lemonade pitcher, which was very nice. We ended the meal with an exotic lemon meringue pie.

4. Restaurant Marocain

A Moroccan restaurant in Hotel Les Jardins, the food was the best authentic Moroccan food we had in the entire trip. The couscous was very flavourful, and the tagine was delicious. The entire experience got amped with traditional Moroccan performances and great service and attention to detail.

5. Les Jardins De Bala

Being away from home lingers the palette to have a taste of home, that’s why a craving of Indian food develops quite often. Luckily our hotel had an amazing rooftop Indian restaurant. Serving classical Indian dishes in a traditional décor, the food was delectable.

6. Barometer

The environment of barometer combines coolness and exquisiteness. The team made us very comfortable and the food was whacky and whimsical. The cocktails and mocktails are a must try as they are served in unique whacky ways with interesting concoctions. The food is modern and plated very well, and quite scrumptious.

Other options :- +61, Dar Yacout, Bacha coffee house, Cafe Des Epices, Naranj, Comptoir Darna, Azar, Pattisserie Amandine, Al Fassia

What to do?

1. Take a hammam

Navigating through the medinas of Morocco during extreme weather may be tiring and gruesome. To relax, a hammam is the best option. Including scrubbing, washing and a light massage, it is a traditional spa like experience not to be missed. There are both budget friendly hammams and luxury hammams spread all over the city. Make sure to make a booking as they are more-or-less always full.

2. Bahia Palace

Bahia in Arabic means brilliance, and it is not an over-exaggeration. Bahia palace is beautiful with intricate marble work and beautiful lush courtyards and several gardens. Preserved brilliantly, the palace is a fantastic display of Moroccan artisan work. It is a tranquil respite from the hot weather of the city.

3. Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is the most famous monument of Marrakech. The mosque has a tall 70 meter tower which is visible from every direction of the city. In addition, a large square with gardens adds beauty to the mosque. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the monument, and they can admire the beauty from the outside.

4. Djemaa El Fnaa

This large square is the center of Marrakech. It is a vibrant hub of stalls, juice vendors, shops, fortune tellers, musicians, snake charmers etc., springing into action after the hours of sunset. There are thousands of people in the square at any evening, specially at weekends. The square fills with intoxicating smoke from the grills of food. It’s also easy to escape the chaos of the square for a time-out at one of the many cafés that rim the square. Many of these cafés also offer the best panoramic views of all the Djemaa El Fnaa action from their rooftops. The best money changers also sit along this stretch.

5. Jardin Majorelle

The Majorelle Garden is a one-hectare botanical and artist’s landscape garden in Marrakech, Morocco. The garden is the masterpiece of artist Jacques Majorelle of French origin. The garden is decorated with distinct blue buildings and many cactus and plants. It also hosts the famous Yves Saint Laurent museum inside. The entry queues are usually long here, hence it is recommended to go early when the place opens in the morning.

6. Visiting modern Marrakech

Morocco has a layer of modernity that sits alongside the traditional scenes of the bustling souks and historical medinas, ensuring it caters to all traveler tastes. The Gueliz area is a great place for shops, cafes, and upmarket restaurants. If bored of the traditional culture, this might be a good refresh.

Where to go?

1. Ait Ben Haddou

Aït Benhaddou is a historic ighrem or ksar along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh in Morocco. It is considered a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its unique architecture and incredibly magical ambience, Ait Ben Haddou has already served as a movie set for many well-known films. Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and Lawrence of Arabia were all filmed here. Ait-Ben-Haddou is about 180 kilometers southeast of Marrakech and the route is extremely scenic as it passes through the high Atlas Mountains. Once you reach, you can have a nice brunch/lunch and get on exploring the kasba of Ait Ben Haddou. It is so Instagrammable and so beautiful, it will leave you in awe. A must day visit I must say.

Rabat

Rabat, Morocco’s capital, rests along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is divided into two sides by a river, Rabat and Sale. It is one of the modern cities with developed building, but not very touristy and very commercialised by business, being a port.

Where to stay?

1. Dawliz Art and Spa (Sale)

Dawliz Art and Spa, located on the banks of the river on the Sale side of the city is a 5-star property. The rooms are spacious and the pool overlooking the river is a standout. The food is very delicious and they cater to every food request. The staff is not very professional and struggle to understand simple instructions in English, as there is a language barrier. Nevertheless, the property is nice but a bit far from the city centre. Trams and buses can be used for ease of commuting.

2. Alternate option

Staying in the city centre may be better to access restaurants and tourist spots. Sofitel is a nice option.

Where to eat ?

1. Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan is a French cuisine restaurant serving classical dishes. The food is prepared fresh and is mouth-watering. We had the black truffle gnocchi (a must order) and the eggplant, which were standouts. Look out for the desserts as they are amazing as well.

2. Ty Potes

Located in a 1930’s house, this boutique restaurant specialises in pancakes, salads, sandwiches and other such delicacies. Not to miss is the fondue and the variety of cheese selections they offer.

Other options:- Dar Zaki, Dinarjat

What to do?

1. Hassan Tower

The Hassan tower is the thought of Yacoub-al-Mansour. He wanted it to be the largest Mosque in the world but he died during the ambitious undertaking of the project. Thus, the mosque is left unfinished and all that is left is a 45m tower with immaculate architecture. The site is extremely photographic and is one of the postcard places of Rabat.

2. Stroll the Ouidas Kasbah

Rabat’s Kasbah district is one of the city’s top sightseeing draws and a UNESCO heritage site. It is located on the hill, at the mouth of the river overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Ouidas Kasbah has a beautiful exterior and will offer plenty of photo opportunities. This is a prime area for meandering in the local Jardins (gardens). The best time to visit is sunset as the views are spectacular from Bab Oudaia. The main road of Rue el Jamma leads to the Kasbah Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in Rabat.

3. Mausoleum of Mohammed V

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a mausoleum located across from the Hassan Tower. It contains the tombs of the Moroccan king Mohammed V and his two sons, late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. Royal guards wear dress uniforms, and visitors are expected to dress respectfully and are not allowed to enter but can view from a gallery above.

4. Rabat medina

The Rabat medina is more of Spanish influence, thus making it a little different than other medinas of Morocco. If you’re looking for bargains and local craftwork, the two best shopping streets are Souq-es-Sebbat and Rue Souka. Lush greenery fills the peaceful Andalusian Gardens nearby.

Meknes

Where to Stay?

1. Riads

A traditional Riad is a home with multiple stories that centers around an open-air courtyard that contains a fountain / swimming pool. Riads were once the estates of the wealthiest citizens and. The building is in the shape of a rectangle with different rooms on each of the four sides. Riads are an integral part of Moroccan culture and no visit to the country is complete without staying in one and guess what, it is very budget friendly.

We stayed at Riad el ma, which is a Riad located in the old town of Meknes. The Riad is beautiful and has spacious rooms. The staff is very nice and welcoming as well. As you enter you feel you are in a different era as the design and the tiles are very colourful and period. I highly recommend this Riad.

2. Alternate options

If you are looking for a more luxurious stay, I recommend Château Roslane Boutique hotel & Spa.

Where to eat

1. Aisha

Being the top rated restaurant in Meknes, this place is a home-run kitchen serving classical Morocco dishes like tagines and couscous. The staff is very warm, and the place has a very distinctive style. This small place with an open kitchen is situated in a narrow alley. The food is scrumptious and one of the most authentic in Meknes. We ordered the Harira soup, smokey zaalouk, Morocco rice and couscous. Make sure to ask for the harissa paste to add a bit of spice.

Other options:- Dar Hatim, La Baraka

What to do ?

1. Wander around the medina

Meknes medina is a vibrant, bustling place full of local shopping souks and twisty lanes. The main entrance is through Place-el-Hedim, a smaller and less chaotic version of Marrakesh’s Djemaa El Fna. The medina is still encased by its crumbling walls, which in some sections are still fully standing. They are presently in the restoration phase, and will be as good as new very soon. The souk shopping here is definitely cheaper than other places like Marrakech etc.

2. See the famous sites

Bab Al-Mansour is a massive Gate between the imperial city and the City medina. It is very impressive as it has intricate stone work with use of zellige tiling. The gateway is one of the finest examples of architecture in Northern Africa. It is shut currently to avoid the traffic. Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a sumptuously decorated mausoleum; it was built to house the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his imperial capital in the 17th century and fought for its freedom. The mausoleum is lavishly decorated.

Where to go ?

1. Volubilis

The main tourist attraction of Meknes is the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, located 32 kilometers away. It is very well preserved and one of the main places to visit in Morocco. Located amidst fertile plains overlooking the vast countryside, the ruin city is known for its impressive standing buildings. The arches and the ruins are beautifully built. Of particular interest are the Houses with their particularly well-preserved mosaics.

2. Moulay Idriss

This historic city built 1400 years ago on top of a hill is suitable for a pit stop on the way to or from Volubilis, as it is located on the same route. Built on the rocky spur of the Atlas, the buildings tumble down the steep slopes dramatically. It is a religious city for Moroccans, as young people come here to seek blessings for happy wedlock.

Feś

The entire city of Fes is a UNESCO heritage site! After Marrakech, the most visited city in Morocco is Fes. The city is historic and just 2.5 hours away from Casablanca and 1 hour away from Meknes. Fes is the country’s spiritual capital and is one of the best place to visit to soak up the historic ambience of Morocco’s Imperialism.

Where to stay ?

1. Sahrai

Combining modernism and traditional elements of Moroccan design is the Hotel Sahrai. The rooms are spacious, offering beautiful views of the city. The hotel offers a swimming pool, spa by Givenchy and 2 exceptional restaurants with a jungle bar with views to die for. The intricate work in the hotel lobby and rooms is also to admire. The entire property is made with local stone, giving it a modern feel. In the hotel, you will find large ceramic pots paying homage to Moroccan heritage.

Where to eat ?

1. Cafe Clock

Cafe clock is a nice rooftop cafe in the city of Fes serving classic dishes like burgers, sandwiches, salads, fries and some local delicacies with nice drinks. It has a nice ambience and is mostly filled with tourists.

2. Relais de la Paris

A fine dining restaurant chain in Morocco, this restaurant serves classic French dishes with a modern twist. Located in hotel Sahrai, Relais de Paris has an informal chic atmosphere. A few dishes I recommend are the mozzarella, pasta and the truffled egg. The desserts are one of the best I have had in the world. The lemon dessert and the chocolate lava cake are exquisite.

3. Amaraz

Located in Sahrai hotel, Amaraz lets you to sample gourmet Moroccan & Lebanese cuisines in a setting that’s in tune with the spirit of the place. The food is delicious and the ambience is even better. I recommend sampling the mezzo and the stuffed peppers as a Moroccan dish. The muhallabia with the orange blossom is also delicious.

4. Fondouk Bazaar

Another upmarket cafe is Fondouk Bazaar serving global cuisine. The ambience is appealing to the youth audiences and food is good as well.

Other Options:- Ouliya, L Amandier, Cinema Cafe, Dar Roumana, Darori

What to do ?

1. Wander around the medina

The narrow, twisty streets of the Fes medina are meant to be lost in. The city is historic and very beautiful. The entire Old City is a walker’s delight, with plenty of opportunities to explore and soak up the atmosphere of Fes life. Be aware that the area is hilly, and the lanes are laid with cobble stones, so wear sturdy shoes. The city is full of smells, sights and sounds.

2. Take a nice hammam

Fes is also home to many hammams. We chose to go to hammam Mernissi. We did the full hammam experience with the massage. It was very relaxing, and I was a new fresh man after the hammam. A hammam is not to be missed when in these areas.

Where to go ?

1. Chefchaouen

A three and a half hour drive from Fes, Chefchaouen the blue city of Morocco is a beautiful town of cobalt-stained streets set amid the majestic Rif Mountains. The city is blue up and down and wandering through the streets is a delight. It is nothing less of a unique experience. The city has stalls selling many goods such as paintings, handicrafts etc. For lunch, we again went to Cafe Clock which was the same as in Fes, so if visiting Chefchaouen, I would recommend not visiting Cafe Clock in Fes. After a nice lunch and a million photos, we visited the Kasbah area. The lush green gardens complement the blue city beautifully. It is filled with artefacts and has a tower to soak in a bird’s eye panoramic view of the blue town of Chefchaouen.

Casablanca

The heart of modern morocco is Casablanca. It is the largest city in Morocco and most famous for its business aspect. One of the best nightlife and restaurants are in Casablanca. It is one of the largest Financial centres in Africa. Needless to say, compared to the history and heritage of Marrakesh and Fes, it can’t compete. Nevertheless, if you dive deeper, there are some hidden gems.

Where to stay

1. Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency hotel located right in the center of Casablanca is the best choice to stay in. The hotel rooms are very well planned and the staff is very helpful. The view is amazing as you can see in the photo below. The breakfast spread is large and nice as well. If you book a room, try to get club access for free drinks and snack during the happy hours, which is a lovely area to hang around before dinner.

If you want to stay in a beach property I would recommend the Four Seasons hotel.

Where to eat

1. Le Cabestan

The sublime scenery of the Atlantic Ocean and the Casablanca coastline makes the Le Cabestan Ocean View a mythical and unmissable place. The ambience of the place is amazing, so make sure to sit on the deck.

2. Lily’s

An Asian restaurant in the lighthouse area, Lily’s serves delicious food. We had sushi, dim-sums, edamame, green curry and stir fry vegetables. The food, ambience and service was great. It is a high-end restaurant, as every other restaurant in this stretch.

3. Marina Juice

A large restaurant located on the Casablanca marina, this always busy place serves a variety of dishes and amazing juices and desserts. it is great for a late night snack or just some refresments while walking on the Corniche.

3. NKOA

A fusion restaurant in the modern area of Casablanca, NKOA run by an all-black community serves fusion food, inspired by several countries around the world. They have illustrations of each dish to choose from, and the dishes are healthy and succulent.

4. Clay Oven

Serving classic Indian food, clay oven has the Indian feel to it. We ordered some favourite classics, and it was made just how it was needed to be made, with the correct spices which made it amazing and a fitting finale meal to our trip!

Other Options:- La Sqala, Ricks Cafe, Le Gatsby, Patisserie Tennis

What to do

1. Hassan II Mosque

It is pretty obvious that the main attraction in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, as it can be seen from every corner of the city. This mosque is the largest in Africa, and perhaps even ranks high in the world. The prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 worshippers, while the courtyard (which boasts of a retractable roof) can fit another 80,000. Astonishingly intricate decoration covers every millimetre of surface. The interior and exterior are a must visit.

2. Shopping

After a load of traditional sight-seeing for 9 days, all we wanted was some conventional shopping; so we went to the famous Morocco Mall where we enjoyed some shopping in famous branded and local shops.

3. Old city

Although Casablanca’s medina doesn’t have the same historic atmosphere as the medinas of Fes and Marrakesh, the maze-like tumble of alleyways is still an interesting area to stroll in. The shops and cafes are nice and is a good time killer.

4. Party hopping

Amongst all cities, Casablanca is the most alive at night. The lighthouse area is filled with nightclubs and party places where DJs play songs, and you can enjoy amazing food and drinks with views of the ocean.

5. Enjoy some sea air along the Corniche

For sea views and fresh sea breezes close to downtown, head to the Hassan II Mosque area and stroll the eastern end of Casablanca’s Corniche road. Many people can be found here picnicking and playing in parks, or just strolling.

General Tips :

The condition of taxis are very bad in Morocco. It is preferred to hire a private car for long commutes.

People in Morocco haggle a lot, and may even follow you to sell their stuff. Beware of pick-pocketers, and do not indulge much if not interested.

Bargaining is almost mandatory in Morocco, especially in the medinas. You may start at 40% of what they quote and comfortably settle around 60-70%.

Language might be a barrier at places, as very few people understand clear English. But you will get your way around with them, as they are keen to serve tourists and happy with little tips.

Medinas are the best place for money changers. Never get it done at the airport, as it is a complete rip-off.

Temperature contrasts are huge in the country, being a desert region along the coast. Carry light clothing for the day, and a light jacket for the evenings.

Morocco is famous for Argan oil which may sell under various brand names, and is available almost everywhere. Be sure to buy the authentic one, as there are many fake vendors all over.

Morocco is an overload to the senses. It was chaotic at times, a lot of language barriers and sometimes stressful, but as a traveller it put me out of my comfort zone which I loved. It felt like I have entered another world. I would definitely not hesitate recommending Morocco for someone who wants an out of the box culturally unique experience!

Kashmir

We started planning a trip to Kashmir when the pandemic had quite subsided around February 2021, keeping its famous Tulip Festival in mind that falls in early April. It got me excited as I wanted to explore this territory of India for a long time. Kashmir, also known as the crown of India, is a very controversial state; thus we decided to limit our trip to 3 areas only – Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Srinagar.

Some of our family members including me were traveling from Mumbai a day prior, and my parents were to join us from Kolkata the next day. Moments before landing into Srinagar, I got a first-hand glimpse of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. The views were outstanding! As we landed in Srinagar, the cold breeze was such a pleasant welcome to Kashmir. We collected our baggage and did our Covid antigen test. Srinagar airport was very crowded due to the rush in tourism, but we were lucky to get out quickly. We were greeted by our two drivers with SUV’s outside, because we were a group of 9 with plenty of luggage. As we left for our hotel, we saw beautiful scenes of lakes and mountains en-route our journey. Away from the maddening city, nature enticed us in such a way which was totally unimaginable. We soon reached our boutique hotel Nadis, which had a beautiful small garden, a small vegetable patch, only 18 cosy rooms, and a view to die for. We were all starving by now, which was probably evident on our faces. So the warm owners of the hotel served us some pakodas and sandwiches which were delicious, topped up with some Kashmiri kahwa. Kahwa is a warm Kashmiri herbal tea enhanced with spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves, and finally garnished with slivered almonds. It completely warmed our body and soul. After a boost of energy, we decided to go to Harwan Bagh which was just next door to our hotel.

Beautiful and massive in size, Harwan Bagh is a beautiful garden. A beautiful canal, fed from a lake just behind the garden, passes through its center. The canal is laced with blossoming flowerbeds and chinar trees planted all around it. Inside the park, we also saw a cherry blossom tree which was a pictorial spot. After our fun walk and visit to the bagh, we had some ice cream and chips and went back to our hotel. After a round of card games, we proceeded to the dining hall for dinner where we got a taste of some authentic Kashmiri cuisine. We sampled paneer in tomato gravy, Kashmiri saag, nadru yakhni (lotus stem in yoghurt sauce) and of course dal. The meal was so authentic and delicious that I literally had no room for any desserts, and I just crashed after this long, eventful and tiring day.

The next morning after having breakfast, we had some time before we were to meet my parents landing from Kolkata; thus, we decided to explore Shalimar Bagh built by Jehangir for his beloved wife. Shalimar in Sanskrit means ‘abode of love’ and that is what this garden is truly. Beautiful chinar trees, flowing waters of the fountain, wild flowers spread all across this massive garden will soothe your senses and calm your nerves. This garden is picturesque with many photography points and views to soak in. Just after this soothing excursion, we decided to have lunch at the famous 14th Avenue Cafe. As we entered the café, we were greeted by a huge display of awesome looking pastries. We ordered hummus (must order), pizza, pasta and of course desserts. The food was very good and the ambience was also great. My parents joined us outside the restaurant, which looked somewhat like a family reunion in the times of this pandemic. We immediately departed for Pahalgam from here. On route, we stopped by to drink some authentic Kahwa which had captured our tastebuds since yesterday. We also shopped a bit of saffron and some other saffron cosmetics like cream and scrub which are so good and are a must buy! We made one more stop before reaching Pahalgam to drink some fresh green apple juice which was amazingly pure and delicious. We also got the opportunity to purchase some local Kashmiri attar (perfume) here. After a 2 hour drive, we finally reached our Hotel Pine’n Peak which is a part of the Welcomhotels owned by ITC.

Pahalgam

Since we were a group of 9 people, we had booked a cosy 4 bedroom stand-alone cottage. It was split across 3 floors and really luxurious. I along with my cousin sisters captured the attic room which was also the biggest room in the cottage. After unpacking, we headed for the main mall road of Pahalgam where we stopped for a warm cup of coffee at the famous Cafe Log Inn, attached to the Pahalgam Hotel. We had some good accompanying snacks and warming cups of coffees. Just a bit later when it started becoming dark, we headed back to our hotel. Since we were too tired, we had dinner at our hotel only and crashed out for an interesting day that was to follow.

All of us woke up early the next day as we had a long day ahead of us. We had planned a day trip to Betaab Valley and Chandanwari. The first stop on our list was Chandanwari. Chandanwari, situated 30 minutes on the outskirts of Pahalgam is a place of immense significance as it is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra on foot or horseback. Snowy locations and sparse greenery dominate the topography of this scenic location. Upon arrival, we got ample activities to choose from such as trekking, hiking, pony ride and snow sledging. The steep inclines also made great natural slides for tourists to enjoy on. We engaged a local photographer and enjoyed the scenic location, while throwing snow in the air and having the time of our life. At the end, to energise ourselves, we sipped on some warm Kahwa before we proceeded towards our next stop ‘Betaab Valley’. Interestingly, ‘Betaab Valley’ derived its name from the famous Bollywood film ‘Betaab’ shot here in 1983. The huge expanse of the green meadows is an ideal place to enjoy and spend a few hours. People selling shawls, food and other miscellaneous items make this place a whole lot fun and exciting.

The next day was also very interesting! At sharp 10 o’clock, we were at the reception for our trip to Baisaran valley, also called mini Switzerland by locals in Pahalgam. To reach this place, we had to ride a pony for 1.30 hours. The trail was certainly not too good, made worse by the onslaught of rain the previous night, which made the trail extremely muddy. Upon reaching this beautiful spot, all we could see was lush meadows as far as the eye can see, surrounded by beautiful mountains and tall trees. I could hear my parents reminiscing several Bollywood movies that were shot at this location! It was truly a sight to behold and soak in. We were all hungry by now being shaken on the horseback, so we had some piping hot Maggi which was very delicious and energising. The journey back was much quicker, and as soon as we reached our hotel, we all had a refreshing bath to clean up all the dirt we had accumulated. For lunch, our hotel manager had made special plans on the banks of the Lidder River at Heevan Hotel. Since it was extremely breezy, all of us were given warm blankets to wrap ourselves in. Our table was in a private setting, with our private music playing in the background of the rippling river water soothing our ears. As the warm food arrived, we all dug in with enthusiasm. It was a literal Kashmiri feast. We had rajma, Gucchi matar (morel mushrooms with peas), Nadru yakhni, tomato paneer and Kashmiri saag. After this magnificent feast, we went back to our hotel and packed our bags as we had to leave for Gulmarg the next day. After packing our bags, we had time to make a small visit to the mall road, so we headed to Pahalgam hotel to roam around in their beautiful gardens by the Lidder river. We got stunning 180 degree views of the beautiful scenery of Kashmir from there, so we snapped a few interesting family pics here. Suddenly, it started drizzling and thus we headed back to our hotel and wound up our activities for the day.

Gulmarg

We left for Gulmarg the next morning immediately after breakfast. It was a 4 hour long road trip, but I could literally not take my eyes off the window as I was soaking in all the gorgeous views that are so characteristic of Kashmir. As we reached Gulmarg, we were greeted with lots of snow scattered around, indicating that the temperature was definitely below 0 degrees.

Gulmarg, meaning meadow of flowers, truly lives up to its name. The area is filled with excellent views of the glorious Himalayas and the scenic beauty is a must-watch. We were staying at The vintage Gulmarg which is a boutique hotel located in central Gulmarg. Our rooms were very spacious and the staff was very heart-warming. We were starving, thus we decided to stop by for lunch at Northwind cafe. This cafe was so small that it could only accommodate 8-10 people. The food took a little while to come, but it was amazingly delicious (specially the burgers and the pizzas). People who visit Gulmarg must definitely come to this highly recommended place and have a bite. As we left the café, to our surprise it started snowing. The tiny snowflakes ❄️ were falling off the sky, making it look so pristine. To enjoy this ‘once in a lifetime’ moment, we decided to walk back to the hotel instead of taking the car. For our evening time, we decided to go to Black Bear Brew which sells artisanal coffee. As expected, the coffee was good here and the ambience was cozy too. Finally for dinner, we stayed indoors and dined in our hotel restaurant only, which we later found was a hot tourist choice for meals.

The next morning took us all by surprise! When we woke up and opened our blinds, the whole of Gulmarg was decked in snow. It had perhaps snowed the whole night, and now it was bright and sunny, with a clear day. All of us rushed down in our night-suits with a bit of warm gear, and started playing in the snow. It was a fun and exciting moment. Nature has its ways of expressing its beauty, and we were fortunate to witness a sight that is usually rare in a short trip. After some time, we all got ready and departed for our day excursion to Khilanmarg.

Asia’s largest and highest, and world’s second-largest and second highest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola taking you to Khilanmarg is the top attraction in Gulmarg. In fact, a Gulmarg tour without a ride on the popular cable car is considered incomplete. The gondola ride is split in two journeys – the first ride takes us from Gulmarg at 8,000 feet to Khilanmarg at 10,000 feet. Most tourists limit their journeys to this point, where they can enjoy many tourist attractions such as snow sledging, snow mobile, skiing and can pick up a variety of snacks such as chips, hot corn, Maggi, kahwa etc. This place is flocked by tourists and looks like a mini carnival destination. However, the second stop at the much higher point of Afarwat at 14,000 feet is where the views are truly unmatched. The luscious snow and mountain ranges as far as the eye can see make for an unforgettable experience. Because of the very high altitude and rather quick incline, it takes time to acclimatize to the environment, so symptomatic people need to be careful. We only spent a short while here, and were amongst the very few people who had come up to this point, but it was truly worth our experience.

Upon reaching back to Khilanmarg, we decided to take the sledge ride down to Gulmarg. We were told that it would take 45 minutes, which actually worked out to double the time. It was a rather rough ride as it had snowed the day before, erasing all the sledge tracks and making the snow deeper than usual. Our sledge got stuck many times, even toppling us on occasions! But it was a different and unique experience, and it will stay in my memory forever. As we reached Gulmarg, we headed straight to the nearby Khyber Hotel for lunch. Khyber is the best hotel of Gulmarg, and one of the premium hotels of Kashmir too. As we entered, we were greeted by the majestic entrance of the hotel with floor to ceiling windows and sprawling views. Starving after our tiresome sledge ride, we immediately went to their restaurant and ordered some continental dishes which were fresh and delicious. After our meal, we wanted to explore the hotel; so we roamed around a bit and snapped some beautiful pics in the snow covered lawns. Just before leaving, we could not resist our temptation to have a round of Kahwa at their famous tea lounge, which was delicious as usual.

As customary with most tourists in Gulmarg, we concluded the day by a visit to the famous shiv temple standing majestically atop the snow fields, where I was told the famous Bollywood song ‘Jai jai shiv shankar’ was picturized almost 50 years back!

Srinagar

The next morning, we woke up to see that all the snow from the meadows had melted away and Gulmarg was clean and green. It was time to depart for Srinagar now, and after a 2 hour car journey, we arrived at The Lalit Grand Palace. It is an iconic and landmark hotel of Srinagar that lies in the eastern more renowned part of the city with its sprawling lawns overlooking the Dal Lake. As you enter the property, a long beautiful drive with flowers on both sides takes you up to the fountain entrance of the hotel. The historic and grand luxury property seamlessly combines 5-star amenities with distinguished antique furniture and fittings, rich upholstery, ethnic carpets and local handicrafts. We had a 2 bedroom cottage and 2 deluxe rooms assigned to us. The rooms were extremely spacious and had direct access to the perfectly manicured gardens.

For lunch, we were recommended to go to Gulab’s which is famous for its chaats, and is besides the famous Krishna Dhaba (shut temporarily). Besides serving brilliant chaats, their kebab sizzler was also a hit. After concluding with this hearty lunch, we went to the Shankaracharya temple as planned. To reach this temple, there is a climb of 242 steps and a further 54 steps to the main shrine. When you reach the top of this hill, you get the best imaginable views of Srinagar (360 degrees). I am not over exaggerating the fact that Indian scenic beauty is no less than any other place in the world. All Hindu devotees and even other tourists must visit this beautiful place for a visual treat! Another point to note that photography and phones are not allowed.

In the evening at around 5pm, we went down the road from our hotel to the Dal Lake where we all hopped onto 2 shikaras. A ‘Shikara’ is a traditional gondola-type light covered rowing boat which is mostly seen on the pristine Dal Lake, apart from other lakes in the Kashmir Valley. It is one of the most incredible and relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir and should be included in your itinerary if you want to experience the surreal beauty of this region to the fullest. An hourly ride costs between 800-1000 rupees. The journey is surreal and many floating vendors on their shikara come to sell their interesting products. We purchased some ice creams, mojitos, cold coffees and fresh fruit salads. The day-beds on the shikaras make the ride even more comfortable and relaxing. I would strongly recommend to take a shawl or a blanket to cover yourself from the cold as it gets pretty chilly in the evening.

After the shikara ride, we went to the Taj Hotel for dinner. Taj hotel is located on a hill which provides it with breath-taking views of Srinagar. The ambience of the hotel is also very heart-warming. For dinner, we had pre-booked a selection of Chinese and Oriental dishes. The food as expected was great, and the chef made some special dishes for us as well with his compliments. The staff was also very courteous and allowed us to take desserts from the buffet spread, even though we chose to opt for a-la-carte dining. The day was fun, exciting and well spent.

Each morning at The Lalit is beautiful and pleasant. The breakfast is set outside in the massive open lawns during peak season where people enjoy their meal overlooking scenic views. This was the perfect start to our day. We had planned this day for local shopping, as we wanted to take back home plenty of goodies such as kahwa, honey, nuts, attar etc. After finishing with our shopping agenda, we went for lunch to a highly recommended cafe called Goodfellas Cafe. The entrance to this place might take you a bit by surprise, but don’t be fooled by it. We ordered some pizzas, pastas and french fries and let me tell you, they were one of the best we have ever had before. The pizzas were melting and oozing out with cheese and the fries were seasoned to perfection. After this meal, we got greedy and went to a nearby recommended tea room Chai Jaai for a cuppa. The decor was beyond beautiful and their selection of exotic teas is worth a glance. This is what I would call an Instagram place, as the presentation is unique and different, and the decor is very European. After winding up this ritual, we went to our daily routine of a shikara ride which was great, as it was sunset time and the colours all around were simply amazing. It was so beautiful that adjectives will fall short to explain what we witnessed.

The next day was going to be a big day and perhaps the most important reason for our entire trip. We were going to see the famous Tulip Gardens today! We woke up early at 7.30 am, as we had to make it to the entrance of the Tulip Gardens by 8am to beat the huge daytime rushes that start after 11am. Srinagar’s tulip garden is the largest in Asia and consists of 7 terraces. As you enter the gardens, the eye gets riveted to the numerous parallel running rows of more than a million multi-coloured tulip flowers. A gentle uphill climb brings us to the delightful fruit trees that dot the rim of this garden, which give us a visual break from the beautiful tulips. There are many picturesque spots here which are postcard perfect. I for one hadn’t seen such a display ever.

From here, we went to Chashm-e-Shahi. There is nothing special about this small garden, other than the fresh drinking spring water. The flowers are repeated in some patterns and the garden is not very well maintained. The more interesting part of this place was that my 4 year old cute sister got dressed in local Kashmiri costume for some nice pics, etching some memories of this place!

The next stop ahead of Chashm-e-Shahi was Pari Mahal. This is in my opinion an extremely under-rated place. A 17th-century structure made of arched niches and stone walls set high above the shores of Dal Lake, Pari Mahal literally meaning ‘Palace of Fairies’ is worth visiting for the great views of the serene valley of Srinagar. The landscape depicts an example of Islamic architecture and patronage of art during the reign of the then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This place has the second best view of Srinagar after Shankaracharya temple. Our last and final stop on this journey was Nishaat Bagh. This is one of the largest gardens in Srinagar. In contrast to Pari Mahal, I feel this place is a little over-rated as its huge expanse had not much architecture, nor fountains or flowers as we get to see in Shalimar Bagh. After clicking a few pictures, we left quickly for lunch.

We were craving Wazwan food as it was going to be our last meal in Kashmir; thus we decided to go to a recommended restaurant called Stream. They served fresh food with a nice cozy atmosphere. We were witnessing one of the worst traffic in Srinagar that day due to the weekend rush of the Tulip gardens, with many roads shut or diverted temporarily. To save us some time, we decided to take a shikara ride from just outside our restaurant that would drop us to our hotel side. We packed in a deal to take us via Nigeen Lake and the old city of Srinagar that resembles Venice due to its canal system. The first leg of our shikara ride was serene as we were sailing through narrow water lanes surrounded by tall grasses. We enjoyed our moments in Nigeen Lake as well, but slowly and impactfully, the weather started to take a sharp turn. It became very windy, the temperatures dipped and the shikara could not be steered towards our hotel jetty. The boatman somehow manoeuvred the shikara to the nearest land mass, where we then called our cars and head back to the hotel. This was a scary experience, but we all thanked our good luck that we all came back safely on shore. The eventful and busy day, with the last shikara experience had drained us completely, so we stayed back at the hotel for a peaceful and light dinner.

The next morning was our departure day from Kashmir. At breakfast, we revised all the lovely memories we had created in this vacation, and all the fun we had during this trip to PRISTINE Kashmir.

If there is heaven on earth, It’s here… its here… its here!!
Jahangir

Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary is an entrancing European city sitting on the river Danube. The metropolis is separated into two parts, Buda and Pest.

As our flight was approaching Budapest, I was filled with a lot of excitement. Once we landed, we immediately went to our hotel, Corinthia. ( https://www.corinthia.com/budapest/ )This is probably one of the best and biggest hotels in the Pest side of the Danube. It is one of the oldest classic hotels in Budapest built on a massive scale and is extremely beautifully decorated. The staff was very polite and kind to us, and the manager personally upgraded us to an amazing junior suite. The rooms were huge and had beautiful views of the streets and the hilltop castle. In the afternoon, we had exclusive access to the VIP lounge, which got us complimentary snacks and beverages every day. The breakfast spread was also grand and scrumptious.

Just after unpacking and settling in, we hit the streets of Budapest. We walked to the Chain Bridge while stopping on the way to grab some chocolate truffles to snack on. We crossed over to Buda and breathed in the European air. From there, we went to the flea market to take a glance at the local handicrafts and products Budapest had to offer. Following that, we went back to our hotel, as we were extremely fatigued because we had walked almost 7 kilometers. For dinner, we had spotted a nice Mexican café called Tacos Locos which was right next door to our hotel. The food was authentic and simple, yet very tasty. The churros were absolutely to die for!!

Budapest is known for both its awesome history and modern lifestyle. We had a lot of sightseeing to do that day, so we decided to have an early start and to make that easier, we purchased the hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets which allowed us to have unlimited journeys within a span of 24 hours including 1 boat ride on the Danube. Our first stop of the trip was Heroes Square which is a monument devoted to the patriotic heroes of Hungary. There is huge stone pillar in the center dedicated to all the people who gave their lives for the independence of Hungary, which is surrounded by seven pillars that embody the figures of Hungarian history. After clicking a few snaps, we visited the Museum of Fine Arts located next to this landmark. The museum is filled with over 10,000 art pieces designed by famous international painters from the renaissance era. The art was extravagant and a pleasure to look at.

From there, we went to the Dohány Street Synagogue, which is the largest synagogue in Europe, easily accommodating 3,000 worshippers. This monumental structure is also home to a museum, which showcases artifacts of the Jews who died during the Holocaust. This synagogue also houses a Cemetery and a memorial in the loving memory of all the Jews who died during the disturbing and destructive period of the Holocaust. The place is also equipped with a memory tree in which the names of the jews who died are written on each leaf of the tree. Today, it’s a place of beauty and solace, where hope and resilience are felt. We truly had an intriguing time in the synagogue.

By now we were starving, so we had a nice Mediterranean lunch in Dobrumba ( https://dobrumba.hu )which is highly recommended. This place does not take any reservations and is pretty full all the time, and tables are allotted on first come first serve basis. The food was delightful and also delicious. Following lunch, we walked our way back to the hotel and dived in the swimming pool to revitalize. The hotel also had 2 hot jacuzzi tubs (both at different temperatures), an ice shower, a steam and a sauna. Immediately after our swim, we went to the VIP lounge and enjoyed the sunset while bunching on a few snacks. For dinner, we had reserved our seats in the fine dining restaurant Laurel, ( https://laurelbudapest.hu/en/ )which served a modern 4 course Hungarian meal. They knocked the food out of the park. It was an eleven out of ten for me. If you ever visit Budapest, don’t miss Laurel. I have attached the pictures of a few dishes below.

We had some unfinished sightseeing left from the previous day, so we first headed towards the main attraction of Budapest, the Buda castle. We crossed the Chain Bridge again and went up the funicular to the castle. We wandered around the castle for a while and glanced upon amazing views surrounding it. From the Buda Castle, we visited the Fisherman’s Bastion. The Fisherman’s Bastion was built at the turn of the 20th century as a celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian state. The lookout replaces a once thick wall built to protect the Buda Castle. Now, as one of the most visited sites in all of Budapest, the Bastion stands as a landmark to celebrate and showcase the beautiful capital city.

Right next to the Fisherman’s Bastion is the famous Matthias Church which has Sunday concerts. Down below through an elevator is the famous Hospital In The Rocks. We booked a guided tour for 1 hour to witness this amazing monument. The history behind this monument is that it was built as a secret hospital and bunker for the injured troops during the World War. Nowadays, it’s the biggest Hungarian waxwork exhibition with more than 40 figures, and a lot of original machinery and furniture that are still in working conditions. The experience was an eye opener as we got to see the unfathomable amount of injury and damage done to the people during that time. We ended our visit to the Buda Hills with a hearty meal at Jamie’s Italian. This was another long day for us, and we needed to rejuvenate. Lucky for us, Hungary is home to many sulphur pools, which relax the body tissues and muscles, so we decided to visit the iconic Gallert spa on the foothills of Buda Castle. Gellert thermal pools, swimming pool, wave pool and spa treatments offer a great relaxation and entertainment all year round. Gellert Spa Bath is the true gem of the thermal baths where you can easily spend a day, explore the numerous pools, and get luxury treatments without having to feel crowded by other tourists.

For dinner we went to the most visited and highest reviewed place in Budapest, Mazal Tov. ( https://mazeltov.hu/en )It is a light and airy café serving sub Mediterranean food and beverages. The place is in an old pebbled courtyard and a lot of reused material, yet very modern and trendy. I found it to be a little overrated, but the food was okay though.

Next day moments after the break of dawn, we were up and ready to discover a few more surprises Budapest had in store for us. Our first stop of the day was the Hungarian Parliament. While walking towards the edifice, we crossed the historic Shoes on the Danube, which is a memorial site dedicated to the Jews who died in the world war. We also lit a candle in memory and went to the Parliament. As we reached, all the English slots of the guided tour were unfortunately booked, so we had to skip that part. But we had a delicious coffee and carrot cake in the café of this parliament building. They actually painted my photo on the coffee by the means of #coffee art. It brought a smile on all our faces and a memory to treasure for a lifetime!

Next on our list was the Saint Stephen Basilica, which is the largest in the whole of Budapest. It is made in memory of the first king Stephen, whose mummified right hand is in there. A visit to the cupola at the top to get a 360 degree view of Hungary is an absolute must. Down the alley it the famous Greesham Palace Four Seasons Hotel, which is the most iconic hotel of Budapest with views of the Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Firsherman’s Bastion and the Danube.

We had another activity planned that day which was a Segway ride to Margaret Island. We were first trained and briefed on how to operate the Segway, and then we were off on our route. We first crossed the entire riverside of Danube and then went across the bridge to Margaret Island. We saw the musical fountain and the ruins of the Dominican Church on the island. It is a very photogenic and fun route and is a perfect alternate for those willing to experience Segway Fun on the Margaret Island & Park, rather than seeing the historical parts of Budapest. After the tour ended, our guide told us about a traditional dish called Langoś, which is just like a pizza but instead of tomato base, it is topped with sour cream. We had that at Langos Papa on our way back to the hotel; it was absolutely delicious and an absolute must try in Budapest.

We had completely exhausted our sightseeing agenda by now, so the next day was our shopping day for which we headed to Vasi Utcà. Beginning at Vörösmarty Square and ending at the Central Market Hall, Vaci Utca is the main shopping street in Budapest. The whole street is pedestrianized and lined with beautiful buildings, although these days most of the shops are catered to tourists rather than locals. We hopped from one shop to another and had a lot of fun. For lunch we went to Gerbeaud, which is an iconic tea-time café serving Italian food and patisserie desserts. After our shopping spree, we went back to our hotel and had a short power-nap. For dinner, we choose to have Greek cuisine at Dionysos Taverna ( http://www.dionysos.hu/ ). It is a typical Greek style blue & white Taverna with an open terrace, serving mezzes, Souvlaki & grilled meats with traditional music playing in the background. It is beautifully decorated with an amazing aura to the place. The food sizes are also quite generous and the food was on point. It was a nice closure to our great holiday at Budapest.

I would also like to add here that Budapest is famous for its Ruin pubs and bars. While surfing for various popular restaurants, the names that showed up the most were Instant, Grandino, Csendes and DiVino.

BUDAPEST IS ONE OF THE BEST TOURIST HOTSPOTS IN ALL OF EASTERN EUROPE WITH A MAGNIFICENT HISTORY AND CULTURE, ICONIC MONUMENTS, NOTEWORTHY HANGOUTS AND SUPERB FOOD!

Australia

I was very excited for my trip to Australia as it was my first time exploring the southern part of the world. This was in the December of 2015. To us, December is winter, but in the land down under, it was summer; as the weather is inverted in the southern hemisphere. Australia is extremely vast and we had limited time in hand, so we decided to do just the eastern coast of Australia.

Gold Coast

Accommodation

We started our trip in Gold Coast which is the metropolitan city south of Brisbane, known for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots and many theme parks. We arrived at night and went straight to our apartment, which was on Broad Beach. Our apartment was attached to a mall called the Oasis from which we could get our groceries any time of the day. Our apartment on the 32nd floor had 3 big bedrooms, a lavish open kitchen with a dining and living area that had a long fabulous balcony, which offered spectacular views of Broad Beach.

Things to do in Gold Coast

• I was really excited for this day as we were going to Wet’n Wild theme park which is the most visited water park in the whole of Australia. As we entered the park we rushed to the wave pool, which is the largest in the southern hemisphere. With gently rolling waves in an intermittent cycle, we relaxed ourselves. After the wave pool, we proceeded to the thrilling rides. I did
⎯ Kamikaze – a U shaped water slide
⎯ Tornado – a 40m water slide with a funnel
⎯ Black hole – a completely dark slide with twists and turns
⎯ River rapids – a fast paced water slide
⎯ Mammoth falls – a nice water rafting experience
Between these rides somewhere, we took a break to have lunch at Dominos. It gave us a boost of energy to finish the balance rides. That day was a fun and thrilling day for the entire family.

• The next day was very special to me, and in my opinion one of the best days of the trip. We were going to Warner Bros Movie World, which is another theme park. Since I love superhero movies, I could completely relate to every ride over there. Upon reaching, the first thing we did was to take express tickets. We first rode the Green Lantern ride, which greets us at the very entrance. It is extremely thrilling and has one of the steepest inverted drops in the world. After that ride, we proceeded to the main street where we saw the Batman show, where he fights all the Villains live in front of us. From there, we proceeded to the Wild West section of the park where we did the Wild West Adventure falls ride. The ride starts with a tour of the Wild West, Ghost towns and Geysers ending with a splash from a steep drop. A live show which showcases the famous Hollywood stunts must not be missed as well. Two of the best thrilling rides were still left, so we headed on to do them. One was Superman Escape, while the other was Arkham Asylum coaster. Arkham Asylum coaster was very unique as it was an interactive Adrenaline rushing roller coaster. We were made to wear VR’s and we had to kill the monsters during the twists and turns of the ride!

• The beaches of Gold Coast are not to be missed at any cost. We made sand castles and dipped ourselves in the salty waters of the Pacific ocean. Every morning, a refreshing swim got us up and ready for the entire day to explore the city.

• Bicycle ride was another interesting activity at Gold Coast. We booked our bicycles from the rental store and wandered around the lanes and suburbs of downtown Gold Coast, exploring it like true locals would do.

• We also went to Surfers Paradise, which is the main street on Gold Coast with famous shopping malls and the tallest building in Gold Coast called Q1. We first had lunch at Din Tai Fung, which serves authentic Chinese Dimsums. Post lunch, we went to the observation deck where we gazed at the panoramic view of the amazing city of Gold Coast.

• Strolling around Surfers paradise is an awesome feeling. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and skyscrapers surrounding you from all sides. We decided to dine at at a unique restaurant, which is a sushi train restaurant. The food was good and it was a unique experience.

• We also visited Sea world, another famous park showcasing oceanic wildlife. As we entered, we went to the penguin encounter enclosure. We saw many penguins kept in their original habitat to make them feel like home. After seeing the cute little penguins, we saw the illuminated sea jellies; they were fabulous! Sea world is home to many shows out of which some are a must. We first witnessed the Seal Guardian’s show in which they show how special seals are. From there, we went to the special Nickelodeon section, which is very child friendly. There are special rides specially designed for the entertainment of children. We then went to the polar bear enclosure, which was also amazing. Just near to the polar bear shore is the shark bay. The tanks are infested with many sharks. The tanks offer a glimpse into the world of the oceans top predators. It was then time for the affinity dolphin presentation, which is a spectacular dolphin stunt show. The show makes us discover the powerful affinity between the magical mammals and their human friend. After the magical display, I did the storm coaster roller coaster, which was super thrilling. We also witnessed the thunder lake stunt show, in which stuntmen perform action packed stunts to entertain us. This marked the end of our day in Sea World.

• Currimban Wildlife sanctuary is the most famous wildlife sanctuary in Gold Coast. As we entered, we cuddled a few koalas and captured a few camera moments. We then went to the central garden where there are many kangaroos and wallabies roaming all around freely. We can touch and feed them as well. A toy train passes in the open vicinity which makes the place look like a fairy land! We took this toy train and had a short journey. After our ride, we saw many animals like dingo (wild dog), lemurs, platypus, pandas, snakes and many birds native to Australia. We also got the chance to feed thousands of birds like parrots and macaus. We also saw the reptile and bird show. It was a very educational and fun day spent in the wildlife sanctuary with true Australian experience!

Daydream Island

Accommodation

We stayed at Daydream Resort, which is the only resort on the island. It has beautiful rooms having stunning views of the Pacific ocean. There are 3 restaurants serving mouth-watering food. There is a living reef around the lobby area which is the centerpiece attraction of the entire property. The resort is filled with infinity pools and many activities to keep you entertained.

Things to do

• There are many picturesque spots on Daydream Island and there are professional photographers whom you can engage for the day. They know exactly how and where to capture the right images and make your experience on the island most memorable. We shot many sequences at several locations. Out of those, I have attached a few below.

• When visiting the state of Queensland, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest shootcoral reef system, comprising of approximately 3000 reefs. We left Daydream on a ferry and approached the Great Barrier Reef. On the ferry, we were briefed about the many activities we could do in the reef. We interchanged from our ferry onto another larger one which became our base for all the activities; it took us to the desired spot of anchoring. The first thing we did was to put on our diving suits and gear; it is mandatory before you enter the ocean waters. Then we dived into the reefs of the Coral Sea and did some snorkeling. When I opened my eyes to the underwater world, I got stunned. Millions of different colour corals and tiny little fishes are spotted. After snorkeling, I went for an underwater submarine experience to view the reef along with my sister and my grandparents. The tour guide gave us a lot of information of marine life in a very fun and educative way. People can also scuba dive over there but I couldn’t do it as I was underage. Of course, my parents went ahead and narrated their awesome experience to me!

• During the evenings, our hotel arranged for outdoor movie screening on a large screen on the beach facing the ocean. Relaxing on the greens, sand, daybeds, hammocks, or wherever you could grab a place with your snacks and drinks, it was a great fun experience and the perfect unwind after a long day.

• There are many trail walks around the island which showcase many species in the nature on this island. We spotted many birds and even kangaroos playing freely in one of our trail experiences. There are also many pools, so taking a swim overlooking the sea in itself is amazing.

• One of our excursions from Daydream included going to White Haven beach. The beach stretches for 7 km and boasts white silica sand, among the purest in the world. We went there via boat in the afternoon. As we reached, we set up our tent and our picnic baskets. Then I sunk me feet into the sand and waded into the warm waves that gently kiss the shore. It was surreal to witness such an impeccable and seamless beach untouched by civilisation.

Sydney

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities is best known for its iconic structure of the Opera House. The city is filled with surprises to discover every step of the way.

Accommodation

We chose to stay at York apartments By Swiss Bellotel which is located at 5 York street, right in downtown Sydney. Located with easy access to the tourism mecca of the Iconic Opera House and the legendary botanical gardens, and also a short stroll to Darling Harbour for days of adventure.

Things to do

• Opera house is undoubtedly the most famous monument of Australia, known for its sail like structure. The opera house has many shows in it as well as a luxury restaurant. The opera house not only is a building but also a tourist hub of Sydney. Many restaurants, cafes and shops surround the building. When we visited this splendid grandeur, we grabbed a coffee and sat in a café taking in the views of the Sydney harbor and the famous Harbour Bridge as well.

• A short walk from Sydney Opera House leads us to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Sydney. The gardens are filled with lush green vegetation and a stroll is highly recommended. Also to mention, the garden is over 200 year old which is etched in its landscape.

• Darling Harbour is a must visit if going to Sydney. Every Saturday, there is a spectacular display of fireworks that takes place over there. Shops, restaurants and many activities are found in plenty. We witnessed the fireworks and strolled around inhaling the fresh air of Australia.

• Sydney by night is another visual that in unforgettable. The broad paths along the river are lined with patisseries and coffee shops and a night stroll hopping from one destination to another left us spellbound of this city’s amazing skyline.

• The sweeping white sand crescent of Bondi is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. It is a surfer’s dream beach. Trendy health conscious people head to laid back cafes on Hall Street, while hip modern people head to the underground pubs. Right next to Bondi beach is a famous farmers market where local farmers sell the most fresh produce of the country.

• Besides the many malls in Sydney, the best fun is at the flee markets. There are people who sell local handicrafts and farm fresh food. There are many samples to try freely, so you can choose and know what exactly you are buying. These places offer the most authentic products at the best price.

• Near Darling Harbour, there is also an indoor zoo called the Wildlife Zoo. As we enter, we are welcomed by thousands of butterflies. Travelling through the gumtree and daintree forest, we entered the Australian native animals section where we interacted with snakes, koalas and many kangaroos! We also witnessed a huge crocodile, which was beyond our belief. We ended our journey at the nightfall area where we saw animals that roam around in the dark. It is a fun and remarkable experience.

• The strand Arcade is a heritage listed Victorian style retail arcade located at 195-197 Pitt street in central Sydney. This place is bustling with shops and restaurants in all 4 directions. We shopped a little and had a delicious afternoon tea in one of the cafes at Strand Arcade.

• Another famous building we visited was the Queen Victoria Building (QVB). It is also a Shopping mall built in an Australian way. Since there was a sale we all shopped a lot and also Australian snacks in a fancy restaurants.

AUSTRALIA IS A COUNTRY FOR TOURISTS OF ALL AGES. THIS TRIP OF OURS WAS A VERY SMALL PART OF WHAT THIS AMAZING COUNTRY HOLDS FOR EVERYONE. I’M HAPPY THAT I SAW THE BEST PART OF IT IN MY VERY FIRST TRIP.

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