Meri Kalam Se..: 2016

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Magnetic Florence to Coastal Scenery of Cinque Terre...

It was a time to visit magnetic and busy streets of Firenze (Florence). The stroll on the streets under illuminated lamps brought me a nostalgia feeling of ancestors village "Rampura" in Madhya Pradesh, India. The crowd, lights and music, it had everything you need to make it a perfect romantic evening. The walk over the "Ponte Vecchio" arch bridge on Arno river and the sounds of guitar strings make you sing yourself. The other places to visit are Pitti Palace, Boboli's garden (if you are with kids, skip it), Cathedral (the exteriors are beautiful and must see in day as well night under fog lights). The sunset at Michele Angelo gives you a aerial view of historical center.

The journey continued to PISA where the leaning tower and the green lush lawn in front of it was awaiting for us to capture the moments in our lenses. The perfect weather made our day followed by sumptuous lunch at Tandur in city center.

The last hop in the journey was Levanto and our first experience to stay in hostel. It was not to visit the small town but rather to begin our journey next morning to most beautiful coastal scenery of Cinque Terre (Five Villages). All five villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) are unique and beautiful. If you are young and without kids you can hike from one village to other. Else you can always buy a day ticket of 12 EURO to hop on train...

Sunset at Michele Angelo...

PISA cathedral and leaning tower...

Leaning Tower but doesn't look so..hmmm?

One of the five villages...

Another one...

Friday, January 29, 2016

Fall colors and panorama @ Neuschwanstein Castle ...

Ever wondered, where Mr.Walt Disney got the idea of the castle that you spot in all Disney parks? Here you come, it is from the Neushwanstein Castle at foothills of Hohenschwangau, Germany. The castle was built by King Ludwig II and was supposed to be a private refuge which he would never in his dreams had thought to open it to public. However, the history says it all, the castle was open to public few weeks after his death and is one of the most visited tourist place in Germany. The castle itself may disappoint some of the visitors but the area outside of the castle and panorama view is a treat that will leave you mesmerized. The Mariebrucke (Marie Bridge) is another most visited place, the view from the bridge is breathtaking and most of the castle's picture are clicked from this place. Booking your tickets is highly recommended else you may have to return without a tour of castle. One can easily hike to Hohenshwangu castle but either a horse cart or bus is suggested for Neuschwanstein castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Fall colors...

Bustling Barcelona....

The title of the post speaks in itself. The city of Barcelona is really bustling. We fell in love with the city, the energy and the ambiance. From architecture to adventure, it has everything. Here is the list of places that you should not miss while you are in Messi's home ground. Yes, you read it right. Camp Du Nova the footbal club of Barcelona (known as FC Barcelona) is a worth visit even if there's no football match. Recommend following attractions:

1. Sagrada Familia - most visited attraction.. still incomplete
2. Passage De Garcia - you will be able to easily locate Gaudi's work...
3. La Ramblas street - worth stroll....
4. Magical Fountain
5. Camp Du Nova (FC Barcelona)
6. Park Guell - Another Gaudi's work... if you don't have time, you can skip it...
7. Beach - The beach in Barcelona is not really a beach but it offers all kind of adventures from segway to small vehicles to go from one end of a beach to other, parasailing, jet ski....

Transit options: The public transport is reliable and a T-10 ticket is recommended. If you are not with kid, Barcelona is a city to walk or you can take one of the walking tours.

Caution: Do not leave your belongings unattended. Barcelona is famous for pickpocketing.