Thank 'Gods' for Greece!

Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean sea. - Nikos Kazantzakis

And I do not think I have seen anything 'bluer' than the Aegean Sea!

Mumbai-Abu Dhabi (only transit)-Athens

Athens-Abu Dhabi (only transit)-Mumbai

Day 1

We arrived.

Relaxed after a long flight. Spoke with the receptionist for a local sightseeing place and left for Mt. Lycabettus via cable car (Ticket to-and-fro: Euro 7.50 but you can walk up and down the hill for free). The view of the city from atop is stunning.

Day 2

Athens to Santorini

Early morning we left for Santorini by a pretty luxurious ferry (Blue Star Ferries). It was a 7 hour-long but a treat to the eye journey. To our luck Poseidon (Sea God) was happy and so were we. After reaching, later in the evening we strolled around the city centre areas, had dinner and called it a day.

Day 3

After breakfast we left for for a long-day tour (included a lot of walking and hiking). We hopped on the King Thira's (traditional sail boat) rocky boat, which took us to the volcanic islands where we hiked up the volcanic craters. Next stop was Kameni Islands where we braked for a swim in the hot springs.

After having lunch in Thirassia (another island), we started with our second hike of the day- to the village of Oia to view one of the most amazing sunsets in the world.

Day 4

Santorini to Mykonos

We left for Mykonos (via Naxos) on a terrible rocky boat ride. We were supposed to take a half day trip to Naxos but due to a little mixup we took the wrong ferry and did not have enough time to spend in Naxos as our next ferry to Mykonos was already booked. So we moved towards Mykonos- another enthralling island. Later in the day after reaching Mykonos, we went to the old port- what a splendid place to spend an evening- experience the view, the sunset and the walk along the shore.

Day 5

We started with our day trip to Delos Tour to the island of Delos- centuries old architectural site which was a cultural centre of the ancient Greek civilization and supposed birth place of Apollo (god of sun, music, wine and many more). The place flaunts of the beginning of theatre and other art. The ruins show the iconic Delos Lions, markets, temples, amphitheatre, use of mosaic and much more to explore. The place is a gem, a historians delight and very intriguing indeed.

Day 6

Before leaving for Athens, we had half a day with us which we spent on going for a swim in the sea. Our hotel has a private beach- one of the most calm beaches in entire Mykonos- called Kalafatis.

Mykonos to Athens

Welcome back to Athens (on ferry ride- a 5 hour long journey).

Day 7

Athens- day and night tour

The day city tour included- Panathenaic Stadium (place of first modern olympic games), Parthenon (temple of Athena), Acropolis (iconic peak housing the Parthenon) and Acropolis museum (extremely informative and innovative built on dug up archaeological site with glass floors for the view).

The night tour included floodlit Parthenon, walk in the city centre- old district of Plaka and dinner at a traditional Greek Tavern with Greek folk dance performances.

Next day (day 8), we left for Mumbai.

In a nutshell: The buildings are so white they can give 'tide' a run for money. The water so pure it can wash away all the sorrow and grief (but please buy water in the islands as tap water is not safe to drink). The food so deletable it can fill you with happiness. The culture so profound and history so deep that more than 20 museums are needed to house it. The people so warm with the smiles you want to keep grinning!

A week's trip gave us a glimpse of their centuries old history, profound culture, traditional dances, delectable food, scintillating wine, serene and calm beaches, rocky and scary ferry/boat rides, mesmerising islands and eternal bliss!

Thank 'Gods' for Greece!

Winter Break in 'His' own Country- Kerala

If Kashmir is heaven on Earth then God probably takes his winter breaks in 'His own Country.’

Lush green forests, carved tea estates, gurgling cascades, chirping insects, coconut trails, herds of elephants and fragrance of spices- welcome to Kerala!

Memorable Mentions (in addition to the nature’s bountiful experience): 

The hospitality- which was over the top with warmth and cheerful grins and Spices- that still bring flavours afresh- every bite of food in any dish talks about each spice that has been put in heartily. 

Do not miss: Uphill walk around tea plantations (estates) amongst trails of spices and coffee bean plants in Munnar, elephant rides in Thekkady (also available at other places), Elephant Camp near Guruvayoor Temple in Thrissur (houses more than 50 elephants), Athirappilly Waterfalls in Thrissur, overnight stay in house boat in Alleppey and Kathakali dance performance in Fort Kochi.

Places visited: Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thekkady and Thrissur

A Spanish Tale

"Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." - Ibn Battuta

While some claim Ibn Battuta never travelled to Spain (and I am no historian...), the others google and believe that he probably did visit Grenada and Gibraltar (not Spain..but well kinda Spain). And when he saw Magnífica España, he may have said to his inner-self, "¿vale la pena?" Is Spain actually worth a visit? I am pretty sure it is!

Mumbai-Istanbul(transit)-Madrid

Barcelona-Istanbul(transit)-Madrid

Day 1

Welcome to the capital. We relaxed a bit, were tired but still went on to see the traditional folkloric dance- Flamenco (with complimentary Sangria).

Day 2

We left for a day tour to the old towns of Toledo and Segovia (UNESCO World Hritage Sites). In Toledo, you will see some old houses, super narrow streets, and one of largest Cathedrals in the world. Segovia has the most amazing castle called Alcazar which is restored sever times.

Day 3

Madrid to Seville

We reached Seville from Madrid by train. Lots of walking needed for visiting the Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar Palace. The Cathedral was built on a mosque but most of the parts were left unaltered. The tomb of Christopher Columbus is also placed in the Cathedral and has various stories connected to it. One can also hike up to the top of clock tower in the Cathedral. Seville is also called the orange city, and one can take a stroll on the sidewalks of oranges.

Day 4

Seville to Malaga

We took a train from Seville to Malaga. We then headed towards the port side and had the most amazing time. We walked along the shore and took a ride in the ferris wheel.

Day 5

Day trip to Gibraltar. Heard of the rock of Gibraltar? As your enter Gibraltar, you will se all things British (as it is part of UK). Very small city and all you find here are shops, restaurants and cafes. Apart from the rock, there is a cave that attracts a lot of tourists. A pretty port city.

Day 6

Malaga to Barcelona

The fastest train I have taken so far. After reaching Barcelona, we headed to explore the city- Barcelona beach, Placa Reial, Jewish quarters and Fountain of three Graces.

Day 7

Day trip to Montserrat. Feel the temperature falling as you climb up the mountain of Montserrat. It houses the Royal Basilica which holds the very famous Black Madonna. After the walking tour of the Basilica, you can check out the audio-visual exhibition and later move towards the liquor tasting.

The evening tour:

Barcelona has the most incredible structures built by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. His works are spread all over the city - Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Park Guell, Casa Mila and many more.

Day 8: Adios

You see it all- old fold buddies-Toledo and Segovia, cultural history- Grenada, architectural marvels of Gaudi-Barcelona, breezy gorgeous beaches- Malaga, orange city-Seville, capital city- Madrid and you must cross the border and sneak a peek into Gibraltar. And do not forget to refuel yourselves with Tapas- Churros with Hot Chocolate, Croquettas, sumptuous Pizzas (yes they make them heavenly too..) and ever refreshing Sangrias.