How I found my way through Venice?

One of the most amazing part of getting lost in a city is finding your way again and just not think of the consequence. We had such experience in Venice. True, its of the places that would loose you, the alleys are like a maze that will stun you and make you want to just carry a guide with you. But if you have your phone charged and your map set right you could find your way right in- thats how navigation will help you despite of being lost in a new city. And when you have a fauji husband who can read maps like a pro, you will thank your stars for the right decision you made to marry him. And the best thing you could do is saving the maps from all over the cities you have visited. Who knows you would have to go back again in future? Or the next day.

The private boat of a resident

It was getting late in the evening and I was worried about loosing the last bus home and then hunger pangs stuck. The super market in Venice was serving fried chicken and we bought wine to go with it. As we sat by the water and watching the Ferry bus coming to pick up people, I for once felt at peace sitting and not walking for once. We took some pics, sat and talked about our day. And being on vacation has its advantages. You really don't have to reach home on time. To have commitments of any other kinds. It was just the two of us and Venice. Is that why its called one of the most romantic destinations in the world? I found it amazing to be there though.

The beautiful City reflecting in the waters

We did pull out our feet up finally when the battery was going down and our power banks were giving up. And the streets of Italy are not the safest at nights so you just have to believe that you will be safe. And as the darker alleys got darker, we found a cafe with bling christmasy lights on and lots of customers enjoying live music. Thats the thing about Venice, you just find them on perpetual holiday. Every time you walked through the cobblerstone lanes, you knew that you will find it equally different and amazing. The map provided at the guide office was everyone's friend there since no one could hire or ride vehicle inside.

Anyway we we did find our way out. The bus was just ready to go and while I watched the city lights fading where I left the beautiful waters behind me, I just remembered to gather them like precious jewels where I can keep it in my heart forever.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

The Leaning Tower Of Pisa

THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA

The View from the tower. That is the museum 

When we reached Pisa, we planned to stay there for a night and just enjoy one of the seventh wonder of the world. Again our host from Airbnb, gave us the directions and asked to take a particular bus that dropped us very close to her home. It was a sultry day hence the walking with luggage wasn't entirely pleasant but we reached pretty soon, changed and reached The Leaning Tower Of Pisa. It was not as big as I thought it would be but then we took the ticket to climb up and well, that meant lot of climbing- about 150 steps that has never been renovated. They were slippery and tilted to a side. Also no children and people with heart conditions were allowed up there. I could see why. After briefing us about the history of the tower gave us ten minutes to visit and come back down.   ticket also states a particular time when you are allotted to go in since there were a lot of tourists. And we took a few selfies and had some fun lying on the green grass, just watching the beautiful tower in front of us.

A Memory that's etched forever

The First View Inside

All About the Leaning Tower Of Pisa inside

The top most view of the tower

I tried my best to straighten it but it was too heavy

PISA is a beautiful little town and we specially liked walking here. The street food was yum and as usual I tried pizza (hence all the weight gain) and we also had the opportunity of seeing some local music and dances. I did take videos of it and i think it was kind of music that touches soul. Lots of drums and feet tapping. And where else can you find a group of people waltzing at the pavement of the road? It all happened in Pisa.

The Great Europe Holiday- How to plan a holiday last minute?

I am been off blogging for a while and soaking in the culture of other countries for a while and it has been, wait-for-it, absolutely amazing to begin with. Of course we had our share of planning the last moment and actually acing it like a pro. Unfortunate for us, our travel agent backed out and we were left with just a sketchy plan and the money we had saved for the trip.

Planning in one of our journeys in train

From Prague To Budapest

Paris Metro Station. The best connected city. 

Get A Pass:

When you know that you have to go and the VISA stamp is staring right on your face then just make a travel plan. The best thing you could do is get a euro rail pass. This railway pass is divided into three categories- single country, four countries and 24 countries. The gobal pass is the most flexible if you want to change the route you had planned earlier. This pass means that you get to use any train from country to country but (And yes, you have a magic formula that I will tell you now), you have to get a reservation done which is as less as 3 to 4 euros. And without a reservation, its as good as not carrying a eural rail pass, so avoid any drama with the TT in the train and get reservations done as soon as you reach the first country.

Get a multi currency Card: 

Getting a multi currency card will ensure you with money that could be transferred from India too. Your relative could put the money if are short and that way you will not feel penniless. It's better to check out the currency of each country before deciding on one. My suggestion would be if you are adding Budapest and Prague in your list of countries then you have to have Krowns and Forints
with you.

Carry Cash:

At Berlin central station

If you plan to visit the country side and want to just relax away from the city then it's best that you have cash in hand. Also not only will you save on food but also you will have change with you for souvenirs on your way. The kebab stalls and the Asian food stalls are cheap and sometimes great on the go if you are in a hurry to get on with out sight seeing.

Cheapest deals online:

Accommodation should be your next priority. If you are looking for hotels and have enough to squander on stay then go ahead. It will cost you a bomb even if you plan to only sleep in the room anyway. The best favor you could do to yourself is check the websites like Airbnb.com and Lastminute.com. Do give breakfast and bed accommodations a chance. They worked out great for us and that could be the best way for you to meet the locals.

And we relaxed because our planning was just going perfect. Yes alcohol is permitted on board. 

Carry a GPS aka Smartphone

After getting your accommodations done, save them all on your maps. That way when you arrive, you will know the exact location of your destination. Also if you think that you will need to come back to the particular place then keep saving locations. It works great offline too and you will have cafe's wifi and hotspot wifi everywhere in Europe so you will have no problem in saving locations.



Airtickets:

Contrary to what people say, air tickets are not expensive the last minute. You will get good airlines like Air India too. But be sure to book them before you leave.


Booking tours:

You can reach your destination and book your tours right in the city. There are tour offices that provide you will deals and combo deals that would suit your itinerary. But do not pinch money now that you have reached your dream place. Just go for what makes you happy and will make your memories evergreen.

This are a few tips to have a holiday if you really do want to get your hands dirty with planning at the very last minute. You will actually get so much confidence in yourself that you will already be on your way on ditching the travel agent for your next trip abroad.