THE ROAD TRIP- ALL YOU NEED IS GOOD FRIENDS AND A FULL TANK

Even though I have been to Europe before but I feel Europe is made for a classic car journey. It was quite an experience travelling six countries in 17 odd days- number of languages, Several alphabets, Architecture both old and new, Few border checks, a great network of international highways and infrastructure and perhaps the richest amount of preserved history anywhere on Earth. Road trips can turn a rational being into an unstoppable travelling maniac.

When we planned this trip in March on a Sunday afternoon, little did I know about Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled in Slovenia. It’s a large lake situated amidst the Julian alps in Triglav National Park. Until I visited these mesmerizing blue green waters, I always conveniently escaped noticing ‘SLOVENIA’ when scanning the map of Europe. A cute little chalet next to the lake amidst the mountains enclosed by forests added to the enthusiasm on day one. I read this somewhere that “Agatha Christie used to come here. But she never set any of her works here. She said it was too beautiful a place to set any murders.”

Anyways after a lovely start to the trip, we headed towards Croatia(country of 1000 islands, they say) passing through the capital Zagreb, situated along the Sava river and eventually to the coastal town of Split. It’s easy to be impressed by the town as you approach it - From highway to high waves. Famous of course for its night life and lively streets, the city respires with the party spirit wherever you go especially midnight. KRKA National Park  and its magnificient water falls are a delight. Best of all you can swim in these fresh waters.

If we talk of what I found most striking- the drive along E65, a Mediterranean fantasy with balmy days with terracotta-roofed ancient houses carpeting the hillsides around its cosy harbour. The road almost hugs the coastline.

From Croatia we proceeded to the magnetic, romantic and the metropolitan city of Florence. My prime fascination to visit this city was to experience a striking adventure among secret passages, astonishing paintings, and lush gardens like Robert Langdon would have in the Dan Brown novel “Inferno”. One of its most iconic sites was the Florence Cathedral, with its dome engineered by Brunelleschi and bell tower designed by Giotto. Of course, I don’t remember these names very naturally. Ponte Vecchchio with its outlandish shopping street needs a special mention. It beautifully brings out the sumptuousness of the town. Even if you are not a Dan Brown fan, I assure you are bound to be spellbound by the vast world class art that the city has to offer.

Humans make mistake and no human is perfect. This is exactly why I wanted to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. When I reached this little eight storied white marble tower, famous maybe not for the reasons its original architects would have wanted; I saw a bunch of tourists posing for the same photo: hands outstretched towards the tilting structure, as if they are supporting it with their sheer strength. I tried too unsuccessfully though, I would admit. 

Despite the super hectic day, we frantically managed to grab hold of our overnight ferry from Genoa. And it was a welcome change to be on board after a very long drive all the way here. On the other side of the magnificient deep blue sea, awaited the mountain jewel of Mediterranean in the corner of France- Corsica- The city where Napoleon was born.

Prominent for its beaches though, but I simply fell in love with the old port of Bastia which is where our ferry landed. Bright and sunny, narrow streets and many restaurants promenading along the water-fronts with classic yachts was a charming day to remember. And not to forget the Palace and the Citadel - an adoring place to stroll around the idealistic island. I wasn’t surprised when a restaurant owner approached me and asked if I had seen the Indian movie shot in here.

From Corsica, we were all set to enter the French Riviera more fashionably called Cote De Azur.  We began with Marseille, France' s second largest city, also known to be a bridge between Africa and Europe. In a beautiful hilltop location, its Notre dame church stands on the summit of the city giving a 360 degree view of Provence, visible from afar. This basilica is inspired by Neo byzantine architecture which has a monumental statue of the Madonna and Child made of copper gilded with gold leaf.

On the way to Nice, we stopped at Cannes for an elaborate Indian lunch.  Money is what it is about. Wealthiest of people are known to have holiday homes here. Nice is the largest city on this stretch and its airport is on an area of partially reclaimed coastal land. The vivacious squares and breezy pebbled beaches sounded like the perfect holiday destination. Much tempted to sleep after a late night, I still couldn’t miss the opportunity to sit down, coffee in hand, and watch the day away as I walked along the serene coast on Promenade des Anglais. 

It was a lucky coincidence that we went to Monaco, a small sovereign state, on the day the Grand Prix races were to take place. Honestly I am not a fan but the deafening sounds of the racing cars zooming along the street is bound to intrigue you. So i definitely was glued until the competition finished. What was astonishing was that it is still ruled by a prince and although independent, it is run as a piece of France.

From cote de azur, we moved to Avignon - popularly known as city of popes; where the Pope lived for 70 years approximately. Once in Avignon, you won't want to leave, and the town is too interesting to let you go. It is an ancient city full of history that you could wander the narrow streets inside the fortified walls. The unfinished bridge spanning half of the Rhone river, Pont du Avignon is very interesting. It was built to connect Avignon with the town of Villeneuve-les-Avignon. However, due to war it remained incomplete and has remained a Unesco world heritage since then.

 A must mention is Châteauneuf de Pape, a medieval village where you have an outstanding view in all directions, mostly of vineyards, of course. This is where we took the wine tour knowing on the way how grapes are grown, fermented, stocked up in oak barrels and finally bottled in to the fancy wine bottles. Gigondas, meaning 'rejoice' is by far the prettiest village have ever been. The apartment at Avignon was very sweet but guess the appeasing vintage of the town overwhelmed me too much to have enjoyed it.

Pont du gard only 40 km from this place was the most interesting 2000 years old structure to my knowledge. This yellow limestone roman architecture masterpiece is 50 km long three-level aqueduct standing 50 m high, it allowed water to flow across the Gardon river to supply water to Nimes. Remarkable!!!!!! Isn’t it?

Next came Fontainebleau surrounded by 200 Sq km of forest. The town grew up around its magnificent château(Palace), one of the most beautifully decorated and furnished in France. Although it’s less crowded than Versailles, it was rightly called the sumptuous home of the king. I totally agree with that after having seen the latter one the next day.

 Paris, I wonder why it's called the most romantic city in the world.. I can say so too maybe but for a different reason. It was amorous to spot the gigantic structures like Arc di Triomphe, Notre dame , Pont du arts and of course the Eiffel tower in the gentle rains. Louvre definitely was the newest experience for me as I have never really been fascinated to appreciate original pieces of art ever before. I had shot listed about 15 masterpieces. For the reason that I had read a bit, I was able to comprehend slightly. Too amateur to comment but I simply loved “The wedding feast at Cana”- painted by Paolo Veronese. Large is an understatement when I looked at it, totally astounded.

Next on our itinerary was Amsterdam, while skipping Belgium being quite late on our way. Historic canals, Van gogh museum, lively cafes were eccentric to the town. I would not forget how I would panic when the trams would come just behind our car and we would wonder if we were on a wrong road. But thankfully we weren't. This city has small battery operated rickshaws, people cycling all over and two very lively squares - Dam square and Rembrandt square.

A must go is Delft blue pottery. I managed to buy the KLOMPEN, a pair of pottery Dutch shoes,a vintage Delftware traditionally meant to use for ashtrays.  And though ‘Madurodam’ at Hague, tells stories of Holland entwined with miniature buildings; it only brings some weird funny memories of the crazy time we had there.

Subsequently, we travelled to Cologne; the precious gothic cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany and it's magnificence is jaw dropping for sure. From cologne we drove via baden baden, the much appreciated belt of black forests in Germany.  The black forests are in fact a scenic drive through the dark green hills.

On the way to these forests, we criss-crossed through the Rhone valley, running between Klobenz to Bingen.  At St. Goar, How I really wished that we had time enough to cherish this antique town. The slow paced river with a story book Germany was indeed a romantic location.

Neuschwanstein Castle, which King Ludwig II built on a rugged hill against a backdrop of picturesque mountain scenery is truly a fairy tale castle. This was a dream come true not just because it was shortlisted amongst the 21 wonders of world but because it is truly intriguing to see only an imagined Cinderella story. A bell tower just like Rapunzel would have let down her golden spun hair for the prince to climb up.  No wonder, this story is originally from Germany. This place was inevitably the best in the entire trip and I would definitely come back.

That almost brought us to the end of the trip as we crossed the scenic alps to Innsbruck, Salzburg and finally to Vienna. In Vienna we took a short cruise on the Danube river.  Flowing through six countries, the Danube meanders for nearly 1,800 miles — from Germany’s Black Forest through Austria into the Balkans before dumping into the Black Sea. The canal was conceived by Charles the great to connect the North Sea with black sea via Rhine -maine- danube channel to facilitate trading.  The most interesting part was when ship finally sailed into the lock and the back door to the lock was shut electronically, and for a period of time, it seemed as  if nothing will happen. Slowly the water was pumped out of the chamber leading the ship up and finally crossing to the other side.

And thats it!!! Like they say that all good things must come to an end. The trip finally was over and we left back for India with a mixed feeling; unforgettable moments with forever friends Shikha and Ankit on one hand; and the adrenalin rush to meet the kids and cuddle them after so long. Missed them big time.