River Seine, French Fries and Chocolates

This is how it all started. I had a week between end of my project and a course in Rotterdam. Now thinking what all i can do and where all i can go, was the question.
Paris was on my mind, one of the most visited place in Europe and never been there. More importantly the time was right, just before the winter catches in.
So got my flights sorted but the hotel was still an issue. Got it done few hours before the flight took off.
I don know why I had this impression that no one entertains you much if you speak English (feedback from some of the friends and colleagues), so was little bit skeptical.
But anyways, two hours of flying and there i was at Charles de Gaulle airport.
I decided to drop the baggage at hotel and visit the Eiffel tower the same day. It was like a dream come true, beautiful.
If I am visitng a place for the first time, have not done much research and have enough time at hand, I take a bus tour to decide on the places i want to visit.
There is something about Paris. I have never seen so much well dressed crowd.
There are Cafes and bars all over Paris. One can sit out on nice evening and enjoy.
I could not keep myself away from Eiffel tower so visited it everday.
As far as people are concerned, they try to help with as much english as they can. Learn a few words like Bonjour (good morning, guess we all know that ), merci (thank you), that will definitely help.
Be it fashion, style or luxury, Paris has it all.

Art Prague

My latest weekend trips have taken me to Prague or Praha as the Czech would call it. I have titled this blog as the "Art Prague" after the Art exhibition that was going on there. Another reason is that it truly represents Prague...which is nothing less than a master piece in architectural art.
Visiting Prague is effortless in the sense that once you get to the downtown, all you have to do is walk around and appreciate the beauty of Prague.
Most of the places are within walking distance from each other. The main attractions include Old town square in downtown, The Astronomical clock, Charles Bridge, Dancing House, Power Tower and National Musemum.
Most of the tourist attractions you can find Opera shows, if you have time you can sneak in one. I did attend one in National theater and was good. Best part is you do not need to be dressed in formals, which works for me as a bag pack traveler :).
some information about the famous Charles Bridge. It is named after king Charles IV and crosses the Vltava river. Take your time to look at different statues and appreciate the beauty. You can go for a portrait of yours, as you see quite few artists drawing portraits of tourists.

Make sure you are carrying a good camera to capture Prague to show your family and friends.

Connecting Flight to Srinagar

My wait to come home was almost over. I was waiting in the queue on Delhi airport to get the boarding pass for my flight to Jammu. All smiling and happy, little did i know that the flight was overbooked. After arguments and counter arguments i settled down for a connecting flight to Srinagar and then to Jammu.
I have never been to Srinagar/Kashmir after 90's the so called migration. I was very small when my family left Kashmir or Kashir (AS it is called in kashmiri).
Kashmir has always been very close to my heart but didn't know what would it mean or how would it feel to be there after so many years.

As the flight was about to land, the whole scenery was amazing. There was still some bits of snow still left on the mountain peaks. All of a sudden my heart was filled with excitement and curiosity.
I never seen so many speaking kashmiri at the same time. As i glanced out of the exit, some kids were wearing Faran and holding Kangdees. I felt nostalgic about the things i barely experienced.
I was all happy and smiling looking at the people; who are just like me and you; helpful and smiling.
After I landed the stop over was just over an hour.I finally left to board my next flight to Jammu.
As the flight was taking off my eyes were full of tears and heart full of joy.
I bid Goodbye to Kashmir with a promise to be back.