After thoughts on the tour...

After the three week tour, to say that I was exhausted is an understatement. I was like a zombie. I was travelling non stop, walking, doing something or the other everyday for 3 weeks and suddenly I don't have to walk anywhere, eat at my own wish or not eat, go to work or work from home.. all these and the inactivity rendered me tired.. ironic isn't. Honestly I did not know I had enough stamina in me to do this. Even though I knew my energy was waning even when I was in London, but the spirit of being somewhere else kept me going I guess. I will never complain about it, because it is one of the things that gives me a high ;).

When I had been home after a week of work in Bangalore, my mom was like.. "OK.. so you did what you want this year, and I know that you won't be able to do it any time soon in future.. so are you happy with the trip". I was little disappointed when she said that. I know she felt bad because I purposefully timed the trip to get away for my birthday and to be really really alone in an unknown (to me) place. Not that she knows about it, but to assume that I won't be able to repeat it is what bothered me. I told her that if I wanted to travel, it doesn't have to be this expensive as it was this year, because this is once in a lifetime. I wouldn't want to spend this kind of money again (OK.. I won't promise on that..but I will try not to ;)). I told her how I loved visiting the new places, new people, new cultures and the excitement of finding something about those places. I did not have enough time with her to explain all my experiences in detail. For people from my background, at least for my family, a travel like this one is a luxury. I guess they are not used to that feel. Because when I had offered her to join me, she asked me the cost of it and asked me to deposit that amount in a FD so that she can have that money for future emergencies. So yes, the expense part does scare her a lot. But she should know better than to trigger me like that ;). I told her that I intend to make trips like this to a new place every year from here on, even if it had to be in a budgeted cost. If you want something and is within your reach, the only thing that can stop you is you. So I will try my level best to reach my dreams here on. This trip has given me confidence that I can do it.

I wouldn't lie that I never felt the need for some companion. I did feel it, but 'when the going gets tough...'. I rather be alone than having a company who doesn't share my passion for travel. Now that I have completed writing about my experiences during this travel, I can rest a while. I wanted to complete it before my memory fades, as I had written already, but more that that, I wanted it to be recorded so that I can read it later whenever I feel like reading it. I still read my posts of Singapore and Canyon trips which are very dear to me and that always bring back a smile to my face. These posts are my pensieve.

The next thing is that I should try to do small small trips within India too, but the only problem is that I don't feel that safe here. I am not sure why. But I would definitely try if I have company. My next wish to do a car road trip in India. Let me see how and when I get to do that. 

My Solo London Journey - Report

When I was discussing with my agent about the London stay and stuff, she was like, "Madam you can take the Tube and go anywhere. Travelling inside London will not be a problem". I did not share her confidence, because she has been there, seen that. And I had no definite plans and what I intend to do in London. It was decide-when-you-are-there thing. So through my five day London stay, even though not well planned, I still managed to see some important places. The following links has the detailed experiences on the day basis.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

In general, I loved the journey in the trains all through London. Be it the Underground, Overground, National Rail, Greater Anglia, Greater Western... For such a small place, the kind of extensive connectivity they have from one place to another is amazing. Local train journeys are interesting if you want to just observe other people. It can be bit scary when you are alone in the whole compartment at nights. But yes, I really loved using the trains there. Also the amount of people who come and go is amazing. I don't know why, I always get asked for directions from people everywhere. Even during the first day of my using the Tube, I was guiding another person too. Glad to be of some help.

The roads are so small in London, no wonder they encourage people to use the trains. Some places have heavy taxes for parking it seems. Even the famous London double decker buses have high connectivity. But they tend to get stuck in traffic naa. Lot of Indian restaurants and Indians. Weather is so unpredictable. But the weather websites predict it correctly. Like till 2 pm it will be cloudy and till 6 pm slight rain etc.. and I have seen it happen there according to the website predictions. The Great British weather sucks in the longer run I guess. You need to get used to it to really accommodate it well.

I did take my own sweet time to go around because I don't want to rush my travel in London. After the 15 days of the tour in Europe and Scotland, I really wanted to have some leisurely hours for myself too. That is why I did not plan any tight scheduled trips inside the city. And that is the reason I missed
a) The Warner Bros Studio Tour of Harry Potter
b) Visiting Oxford or the British Library
c) The Tower Bridge and the London Tower visits
d) St Paul Cathedral visit (I have already done my famous Cathedral visit in Vatican..and this one in London is the 2nd largest..but still..)
e) My visit to Wales , even though I was told that it is just beaches there
f) Live music show , I really wanted to see the music scenario in London and attend a live performance there, but there was none available during my stay.
g) Going up to the 70th floor in The Shard (this would have been a real test for me)

Well, there is always another time. In London, you don't have to worry about language, food or commutation. And you can be as anonymous as you want to be. I am glad I included U.K in my trip and got to see these places. 

My Solo London Journey - 5

3-May-2013

My final day in London. Since I had decided the day before where I would be going, I did not have any trouble to get ready by 10 am. I was on my train from Ilford to Stratford and then from there the national rail to Royal Victoria station. From there we have a 2 minutes walk to the Emirates Royal Docks which has the Emirates Air Line. I did not feel any thing until I saw the cable car. Rewind to Ben Nevis experience happened and I was wondering if I should go alone or wait for someone to join. There was no much crowd in this area. But then I have come this far, as well get over with it. But to my surprise, when I was inside (thankfully along with a old couple) I did not feel the fear this time, even at the peak I was able to look around and see the sights. I know it would have been a damn beautiful sight at night. But still. I was happy that I could enjoy it and that I am slightly overcoming my fear. It was not particularly very low, and too high too. It took around 10 mins to get to the other side. In fact I was a little disappointed that I did not have any adrenaline rush.. How weird is that ? When I got there, I was wondering what to do. I did not expect it to get over by 10 mins. I went outside and first decided to have a coffee. I asked the guy there about the  Greenwich observatory. He mentioned that it is not in walkable distance and that I might have to take a bus. We had the O2 area nearby, but I do not want to go inside a mall or anything anywhere now. I am not a fan of malls unless I have things to buy which can be achieved by the different shops in a mall. Since I would have to use the bus, I was wondering what to do and then slowly walked towards the Underground station, just next to the O2 area. I also saw the bus stand there and an information center for the buses. I finished my coffee leisurely, went to the old lady there and asked her about the buses to Greenwich Observatory or the Royal Observatory. She told me to take 129 or 188 buses (if I remember correctly) and said that one bus was already waiting outside. I didn't waste any time and went ahead on the bus. I could use the Oyster card there. So I was good to go. It took around 15 mins or so in the bus and I got down in the Royal Observatory bus stop. From the bus stop we have directions so we need not even ask anyone there. Its a huge park which also hosts the observatory and also the museums, Queen's home etc.

I still wasn't decided on what I would be seeing till then, but when I entered the park and scanned the locations, I decided to complete my Prime Meridian visit first. So I walked towards it. It always nice to walk in such parks which are huge and have so much space for playing, relaxing and enough trees for shade too. The walk towards the observatory was very steep and by half I was feeling thirsty. From there you get a beautiful view of the city, the O2, the cable car, the Queens home etc. We need to buy a ticket to go the observatory and the museum inside. There was a queue in stand near the Prime Meridian line where people did poses and took snaps. Well, since I wasn't that person, I just got around to take my snaps and go around the various things there. Like the Camera obscura, which gives a live screenshot of the Queen's home very near by. You can see the buses and the ships in the Thames going through, the museum of the various people who were involved with the observatory. At 1 pm we had the time ball go up and then down which was earlier used as an indication for the sailors. I was exactly there on time and so watch the performance. Spent some time around looking at the various telescopes and videos explaining the longitude and latitude details and why they were important and stuff like that.

After that I visited the gift shop to see if I can get anything worthy there in my budget. There were quite a few school groups who were visiting. When I was checking out the keychains, there was this small pudgy kid who came and was checking the telescope based keychain and then he left and then came back. When I was wondering what he was doing, he turned around and then took a keychain, put it in his coat (the school coats that they wear there) and then went away calling someone. I was shocked. I wasn't sure what to do. I was standing next to him and how dare he do that without even thinking twice. What if I tell the people there, even though they were watching like hawks, they obviously will miss this. I didn't want to put that kid in trouble, but was not sure if by letting him go I was doing him any good. And there was one other problem, I wouldn't be able to recognize him cause I did not see him that well. I left that place immediately and wondered outside taking pictures. The kids came out after some time and one particular girl (she looked short and sweet) came towards me. Now I was holding my handbags tightly.... don't know what these kids are capable of. She asked me to high five her.. I was like 'What!!' she was like 'high five'. And then I high five'd her and she went away smiling. No clue as to what she meant by it.

After some more time around there, went around the park and then after almost three hours there, came back to the entrance to the restaurant they had there. Had my lunch ( a vegetarian soup and bread and cappuccino) and headed back for my bus. My bus back to Greenwich station came in 5 mins. This time I decided to take the train back because I wanted to get back by 5 pm so that I can start packing. From Greenwich I took the train to Stratford and then from there to Ilford. I was home by 4.30 pm or so.

I called up the cab guy (whom I was introduced by the people who shared their cab ride on the way back from my Scotland trip) and confirmed my pick up time for tomorrow early morning. Informed the reception of my early checkout and then went to pack my bags. But as usual, I had tough time sleeping the day before the trip and by 3.30 am the cab was in the entrance.

I was in the airport by 5 am and my flight was for 8.20 am which got delayed by almost 20 mins or so. But I was there in the flight back home after my 3 week sojourn in a place away from home, all on my own. 

My Solo London Journey - 4

2-May-2013

There is a colleague of mine working from Reading (pronounced as redding). He had offered to meet up for coffee if I am interested. So the previous day, I had called him up and told him that I would be free the next day and if it was convenient for him then we can meet up. And the trip from Ilford to Reading is further than the one from Ilford to Sutton. The next day I got my train to Liverpool Street and from there to Paddington and then take the Great Western to Cardiff Central which stops at Reading. Till Paddington it was OK. But then when I got the train to Cardiff Central, I did not see any ticket counter on the way (because I went from the underground to the national rail) and there were no oyster card swipe machines too. I was a little apprehensive, but then since that was the first train and it was about to start in 2 mins, I got in. It was like any meter gauge train, not like the underground or the overground trains that I normally took. This was the fastest train to Cardiff (Wales). The first stop was Reading. And it takes about 40 mins to reach. Almost near the stop, the ticket inspector came. Now I was petrified, because everyone had a ticket and I didn't have time to even look around for one in the station. I asked him if the oyster card is not accepted. He was like 'what??' and then I told him that I was in a hurry and I didn't know that I am supposed to take a ticket before. Thankfully, he mumbled something (and as long as I don't hear , I don't to bother about it right?) and then gave me a ticket because my station was nearing. Thankfully he did not add any fine. It costs about 17 pounds for the journey.. Good Lord!! But thankfully one problem averted. I guess I owe him a "Thank you Officer" in Gounder style ;)

Now comes the next tricky part. Recognizing my colleague. He said he would be wearing a pink shirt and will be near the information counter. Since my colleagues in Hyderabad had described him as a old fellow, because he has been in my company for a long time I assumed he would be around 50-60 yrs. I was trying to find a person who was of that age wearing a pink striped shirt. And then after some searching when I did not find him, my eyes went on to a guy standing in pink striped shirt but worn like a jacket ..(does it count for a shirt even then ? ) and then checking his phone. Now I was confused as to if this was the guy, because no one else was there in that color shirt. He was looking at me and I was looking at him and thinking.. God, it was so embarrassing and finally I asked him if he was my colleague. Thankfully, he said yes. Imagine if he had said no.. I would have to dig the ground and force it to swallow me. In a general scenario it is a no big deal. But its a big one for me as a person. I don't know why I cannot start a conversation. Chatting, I can do confidently even to people I don't know, or if someone asks me for something , like they did in the underground stations for directions , I don't have a problem. But situations like this.. I just can't handle. Thankfully I found him and we started our way out. We talked a lot while he was driving. He showed me around Reading and took me to the offices there, even though he is working from home. Then we went to Windsor. We went to the castle, I did not want to go inside another castle for now. But we did manage a walk around the place interacting. I usually do not open up to people that easily. But since I know him for a year now and have been working with him, it was little easy. We went for a lunch near the castle and then asked me if I had any other plans for the day. Since I had none, he took me to introduce his partner at home who collects antique books. Their place was a very nice one with a big backyard and I liked his partner very much. She is totally into books, so much that almost whole of their ground floor including the kitchen was covered with boxes of books. He had three dogs and those cuties were trying to get to know me. I have no problems with dogs, except that I don't want them to lick me. Otherwise I get along with them well. And three of them wow.. After to both of them for a while and going through the book collections (which I was in awe of ) he offered me to join him for his daily dog walk. We took the dogs in the car to a near by dog walking area.

This walking area has lakes around and its a huge place...its just wow. I did not have my camera with me at that time.. left it at his home.. We had a good walk around. If we have such a place to walk the dogs well who doesn't want to have one. Seems like he got them before they were put down and he trained them himself. Good.. there is this one dog (I forgot his name) who is the oldest and he was so cute, because all he wanted to do was sit beside me and have me scratch is neck. I always have soft spot for dogs. It was already 4 pm by then and it was time for me to get back. He dropped me off in the station and I thanked him for a good time and came back to my hotel at around 6.30 pm. Since I had a heavy lunch, I could skip dinner and go straight to bed.

I had only one more day left and I wasn't sure what to do the next day. I was getting more tired day by day. So I didn't want to hang out the whole day because I had to come back and start packing up too. At the end I decided to do the Emirates Cable car to Greenwich (pronounced as Grenich) and if mood permits see Greenwich Observatory too. And with that thought went to sleep.

My Solo London Journey - 3

1-May-2013

My efforts to reach the travel agent to cancel the lodging went in vain because I forgot that 27th and 28th of April were the weekend and that they aren't available. And after that cancelling meas forfeiting the whole money. So I had no other choice to get back to the hotel from Scotland.

After checking in late night the day before I called up my friend that I had indeed checked in the hotel and am back safe and sound. Since this one had free wifi, I shot a mail to my family too. The night was fun, because there were two buildings of the same hotel and I tried to search for a reception in the first building on the main road after a few minutes saw a board, that for Reception I should try the other building near by. When I went there, thankfully there were two guys in the reception and they handed me the key, the breakfast card and I went in search of my room. Here too the steps are small, but little better than the other one. But then after climbing one level and then walking around, I sort of lost my room. I was wondering where three rooms (30, 31 and 32) went off in the same level when I can see 29 and 34. There was this small girl going hither and looking at me on what I was going to do. Then after some time, I decided that I might need help. I asked this girl, if she saw number 32 anywhere. She was so happy that I talked :) and she went running here and there..and after some time she saw a small corner and in that corner there were the three missing rooms. Urgh!!!  In the name of all that's holy, can't hide the rooms any better, can they? By the time I thanked her, her mom arrived and I was on my way to my room, which was obviously small, but better than the first. The shower was still very small. I cannot turn around at free will.

In the morning, after getting up after 7 am or so, I was so ready for my breakfast, because I hadn't eaten anything the previous day except for a small piece of the home made cake I got in Grasmere. They had extensive breakfast, but again I was more interested in my hash browns and fruits :). After that I wasn't sure what to do for the day. So I decided that I will start with by going to Victoria station from there and then decide from there. If nothing else, I will take the big bus tours for the city. Since my hotel was in Illford, I got the directions to the station, which was again round the corner, I also took the small suitcase so that if time permits I will visit my friend and return the suitcase and get mine (along with other luggage) back. Since I had the wifi, it was easy to find the directions. Went to the station to take the Greater Anglia train to Liverpool Street and from there take the underground train to Victoria. I noticed that this area was inhabited with more Indians and Black people (I am not sure how else to address them... I have nothing against them though). Saw a Punjab National Back near the corner. After arriving in Victoria, I decided in favor of the big bus tours. There was this old guy who was selling tickets for the BigBus Tours (there are quite a lot of them). There was a red line and a blue line tour. The blue line tour takes around the Paddington area (like the Hyde park, and near by places that side) and the red line does the rest of the city. I took the red line which also includes the free cruise from Tower bridge to Westminster. After waiting for sometime, they directed to a bus that came, but after sometime found that it was the Blue line tour, which I had not opted. Well, since I was there, I completed that whole section and got down in the Marble Arch bus stop (its a hop on, hop off tour) and then again got in a Red line tour. This had the interactive tour guide, and took us all through the small streets and important places. The tour guide was a young chap and kept the ride alive. There was quite a traffic, which was usual in London and there were demonstrations going on in a particular section too, being it May 1st and Labors day and all. Since I was sitting in the top, I had enough opportunities for my photos. I had decided that I will get down near the Tower bridge. I am not interested in the Wax Museum or the Ripleys etc..

It was already more than 2 hours of journey by then. Finally the famous London Bridge and the Tower Bridge came. I got down there. I had no intention of going into the Tower of London or the climbing the bridge or anything. I guess I was getting slightly exhausted by my travels. But had some good pictures. I was so hungry by then, that I was desperate to find something to eat. The only thing that was on the way from the Tower Bridge to the Cruise near the Tower of London was a hot dog stand. I went to him and asked him if he had anything vegetarian. He replied 'Sorry Darlin' got nothin' in vegetarian'. Well I guess my face would have shown the disappointment because the next thing he said was , ' well you know what, I can make up a cheese roll for you, if you wanna have it'. That should have made my face brighter. I said 'Thank you, I would like it very much and a cup of cappuccino please'. That was approx 5 pounds. I am glad he did think of something to satisfy my hunger, and I am very grateful for him. He got paid alright, but he need not have bothered. That small cheese roll and a coffee did great for my energy. After that I went for the free cruise.

Do you know that the Thames River is very dirty? It was... The guy who was driving the boat also acted as unofficial guide and helped us through the different landmarks from the river and had a good sense of humor too. After getting down in Westminster, got back in another Red line tour, only to get down in Victoria at around 5 pm. Wow, the whole day went around in going through the city and in fact I did not get in the London eye, or any other place. After that I got the National Rail to Sutton and went to my friends place and stayed there till 9 pm.

She dropped me in the station at around 9.10 pm so that I catch my train to Victoria. It was already too dark and little deserted. But by the time I reached Ilford, it was beyond 11 pm. Because Illford is a small station and a rather small place, the minute I stepped on the road, with my suitcase, I felt a pang of discomfort. There were hardly anyone on the road, except for a very few and the moment I started walking I heard a drunk person saying something. I was wondering how much energy I would need to start running with my luggage, if it comes to that.. (you know mentally preparing myself for eventualities and all). But in spite of my fear, I always make sure to keep my gait and look confident and that has always helped me. Once I reached my hotel by 11.30 pm, I let out the breath I was holding. That was really a bad idea. I should have left a little early, but then I didn't expect the trains to slow down like they did that day. It usually takes an hour and a half from Sutton, but the train stopped in lot of places due to signal.

All in all, at the end of the day, my birth day went very well, doing what I wanted to do. Exploring. 

My Solo London Journey - 2

Was supposed to complete it a couple of days ago..but better late than never ;)

Continuing with my journey....

26-April-2013:

I got up at around 8.30 am and was already tired that I have to leave the place. I guess the travelling was slowly getting to me. But I had to checkout by 11 am. So after the breakfast I checked with the reception on which station I should be going to (there are two in Paddington...one on the juncture of the two roads and one of the left road) to take my tube to Victoria Station. They asked me to take the one on the left. Since all the other formalities are not required for my checked, I hauled my suitcase down that tiny steps and was out of the door (of course after giving them their key) by 10 am. If I didn't have my luggage, I would have felt a little better, but hauling my luggage and finding out my way around the tube, well , suffice to say that I was a little bit tensed. But when I went to the station, I felt that instead of getting a ticket, I better take a oyster card. Thankfully my friend's husband had given the necessary instructions to get around my way in the Tube. There was a machine like the ATM machine which would give you the prepaid oyster cards. But by the time I tried to figure my way around it, I lost my confidence. So I went to the counter and got my oyster card for 25 pounds, hoping that would help me over the time period I am in London. I clutched the Tube map that I got in the hotel reception like its my lifeline and checked out the line that goes to Victoria. It was written as Circle Line (in yellow).

The instructions in the station are very clear. But then I saw that there is a East Bound platform and a West Bound Platform (and of course nothing related to the station I want to go). I always get confused by the directions like north of this, south of that.. well , whose north yours or mine. Wouldn't the person standing opposite of me point to a north which can be my south? I am not sure that if that logical, but yes, I get confused. Thankfully, there was this officer standing next to the gate (which is swipe and go model for your oyster card) and asked him which one I should be taking. He directed me towards the East Bound one, if I remember correctly. When I entered the underground, there were enough people down there. And on the electronic  board it displayed that the Circle line via Aldgate will be in another 2 mins. Well, call me stupid or dummy, when I saw those different color lines, I thought may be you will have dedicated trains in that color to travel. So normally I was expecting a yellow train to come chugging. I don't know why I did not concentrate on the trains that they show in the 007 movies (even the last one , the Skyfall, had it.. damn.. I missed those.. I would have had a clue by then). But when I saw a normal (I dont remember the color) train, I wasn't sure if that was it. But then when it neared me I saw the letter 'Circle Line via Aldgate' written in the LED signs in the front of the train. Just like the ones you see in the MMTS in Hyderabad. I was grinning inside like a fool, because I have no clue why I expected something like the colored trains in the first place. There was enough crowd. 90% of them had ear buds and were on their own world. The rest were either reading news paper or solving sudoku in ipad or watching others, just like me. I had to keep track of the stations. Finally it reached Victoria in about 15-20 mins or so.

Now I had to switch over the National Rail which is a overground train, to Sutton. There are enough signs to direct you, so you won't miss it at all. Its like a normal train station. But that day due to a fire alarm in one station, lot of trains were delayed. There are lot of trains that were listed and that were going via Sutton (either through a shorter route or a longer route). Since I didn't know which is which, I had to wait for 15 mins or so for the first train that goes via Sutton to be allocated the platform. I had my dose of cappuccino in the mean time. I checked with another officer who was there to help people around with directions, if I can use my oyster card there, he nodded in affirmative and I was on my way to the platform to take the National Rail which goes via Sutton. But found out that it was the one going through the longer route, so it took me around 40 mins or so to reach Sutton. After I reached the station, called up my friend and she came by to pick me up. Their home is not far, just a few minutes drive from the station. I was just happy that I got around my way in the stations and made it :). Need to savor these small small things which requires little bit effort. The whole day after that went in a haze, doing the laundry, talking to her about everything and then her kids, the notorious sisters :), reminded me of my nieces back home. I used her broadband to upload some photos and spoke to my parents back home too. She prepared a heavy lunch and dinner and had packed in a smaller suitcase given by her for my trip the next day. She asked me to try and cancel the hotel which I had booked after the Scotland trip and come back and stay with her. I had called up the hotel and they had said that I have a day to cancel without any charges. Sent an email to my travel agent (only they can cancel it as it was booked through them) and went enough chitchatting with the family went to sleep at around 11 only to get up at 4 am the next day for my trip.

My friend's husband was kind enough to drive all the way to Wembley to drop the next day for my Scotland tour.

I guess I will have to split the posts again. See you in the next one. 

My Solo London Journey - 1

The only thing that is pending from my completed trip is the travelogue of my London adventure. I guess I better complete it so that I can sleep in peace and before memories start to fade.

There is already a brief report in my WordPress blog. But that is basically a summary of what I liked. Here is the detailed one. I think it is better to put them in a single post rather than cover it in 3/4 posts for each day.  If it gets too long I will split it into two.

24-April-2013:

Not much was done on this day because all I did was to wait in the Cosmos Office and then take a cab to Paddington to my hotel. And as soon as I got checked in and hauled my suitcase on the very tiny steps towards the very small room (a single room of course) in the third floor, all I had energy left was for to relax and not get up at all. God, the rooms are so small. Its a bed and breakfast thing, cheapest on my budget and placed in a easily accessible location. But still such small stairs... Well I am capable of dragging up my suitcase or even hauling it over my shoulder if need arises, but what about the old couple who stayed next to me. I could hear them huffing and panting and finally the next day, all they did after that effort was to try to open my door thinking it was theirs. I wonder how they carried it back down.

25-April-2013:

I got up around 9 or so if I am not wrong and after a quick shower hurried for the breakfast which is complimentary. Thankfully, they had hash browns and croissant and bread. Finally some potato :D. If you are used to having hash brown in U.S (atleast the ones I had in LA and Tahoe) which is sort of sliced and diced potatoes, the ones in U.K is different, they are like the cutlets that you get in India (the triangle shape) and they taste very good with tomato ketchup or sauce as they call it. I wasn't sure what to do because I was dead tired and didn't have any plan. Was planning on something on-the-go. So at around 11 or so, when I felt a little better to walk around, went down and checked out the route to the Hyde Park. The hotel was in Norfolk Square, which was right next to the Paddington Station (the underground Tube). The lady at the reception guided me to the Hyde park as it was in a walkable distance. My phone had data enabled so I was sure that if things went wrong I can still use the maps and come back. So I started off with my backpack and started walking, taking in the narrow streets, the hustle and bustle of London. Paddington is an important station to switch trains to National Rail to go to slightly far off places. There were these BigBus double decker buses (not the normal day to day bus, but the city tour buses) that were there. For a second I thought if I should hop on them, but then I wasn't in the mood for the city tour that day, so I kept my focus on Hyde Park. I am not sure where I wrote this, but at the cost of repeating myself again, if you had read historical romance novels situated in and around London, you would have read about the Duch and Duchess or Count and Countess or Viscount or whoever is there in that novel will atleast once walk in the Hyde Park (for their evening or morning stroll, or for doing the riding in that big park or just go and sit near the Serpentine Lake). I had complete a big set of those novels, so I was super excited to see what that hype was about. It was just as they say 'around the corner' ;).

Whenever I go someplace I don't know, I try to remember some markers like for e.g the Swan Lake Restaurant on the way, which will be easy to remember either due to the name or the symbol or something like that. If it was bread for Hansel and Gretel its buildings and landmarks for me, except that these cannot go missing. I entered the Hyde Park near the Italian Fountains. It was good day because the sun was shining high and bright, it was not that windy, there was a slight chill in the air but otherwise a glorious days as these Londoners call it. Taking my camera in hand, I started cataloging my journey through my photos. Its no joke, this park is freaking huge. Hyde Park on one side and Kensington Gardens on the other. It covers a massive area. The Serpentine Lake is across the whole part of the Hyde Park splitting it into two. I started my way from the Italian Fountains (a very nice one with lot of flowers and small fountains for decoration) and on the way to the Peter Pan statue, towards the Lady Diana Memorial Fountain (which was undergoing renovation) , all of these on one side of the Serpentine and covered with lot of trees and flowers and ducks and swans.

There are lot of trees not like the woods but like a park actually , which it is and the grass properly mowed. They were fixing a few places here and there. There is a gallery (Serpentine Gallery on the other end towards my left ) which was undergoing change and some offices to which I did not go. I walked the whole way towards the end of the Serpentine Lake. On the way you have various places where you can rest, but for some reason I just kept going on and on. Beyond that there were some war memorial statues and a odd looking tree. I think it takes a whole day to look at each and everything there. They have a swimming area in the Lake too and a big restaurant on the other end. All I had was a cappuccino. Then kept walking on the other side of the Lake till I was almost near the entry point through which I had come and then went towards the Kensington Garden side. There were lot of statues erected in memory of quite a few things. There was also the Kensington Palace, home of William and Kate, which was under renovation. I saw it from far away, but people still kept going there. After almost 2.5 hours of walk, I sat down in a shade. This park calls not only the tourists, it calls people who work out (even in the mid day), office goers coming to have their packed lunches here, friends meeting up, kids coming from school taking a break with their parents, colleagues having informal chit chat... what not. Its cool that they have such a place very near to the city where people can just come and relax without having to pay anything. Really cool. I loved this park. It is the biggest park in the city it seems. And after some time to calm my paining ankle started my way back to my hotel, because it was getting warmer and I was getting hungrier. It was almost 3.5 hours by the time I made it back towards the exit. I would really love to have such a park in the city where I choose to settle down.

Since I was hungry and I saw an Indian Restaurant, I suddenly felt like having a Veg Briyani. I had that and a panneer Tikka, and guess what I paid 21 pounds for that.. Jeez, I never knew my craving for Briyani will cost that much and it did not even stay long in me. After almost 2 weeks of simple non masala food, my stomach got upset over the sudden burst of masala. I walked back to my hotel after the sort-of leisure stroll and got some snacks for the night in a store nearby. There the guy in the counter asked me if I was an Indian as soon as he saw me. Well no marks for him for guessing. And then as soon as he saw the Ganesha photo in my purse, he was like...Hey I know that guy !! :) I was like, oh yeah.. who is it .. He tried to recollect the name with so much effort, that I couldn't help but smile... he was like.. its a god isnt.. a south Indian.. the elephant god..blah blah blah.. I lost interest.. told him it was Ganesha.. he was very happy to hear that... Really ??? I wasn't sure if he was trying to flirt or if he was genuine..coz I could never recognize that. Then he was asking if this is my first time in London. When I asked him in affirmative, he asked me if I liked the city. I told him that this was my first day and I saw what I liked so far and before he could get talking again, paid him and was on my way out.

Went back to the hotel by around 3 pm or so and then relaxed for a while and called my friend who was in Sutton and check out the details on how to go to their place the next day because I had to check out by tomorrow. She called me back with the details at night and her husband guided me on how to use the Tube and the National Rail to arrive at their place. Its sort of 1 hour and 15 mins from Paddington. Noted down the information and went to sleep at around 9 pm.

I think I better break it here as it is getting lengthier... Will continue the journey in the next post tomorrow.....

Scotland Tour - Report

When I got my U.K visa one week before the travel, I had to book the Scotland Tour through Star Tours because I wanted to cover Scotland and Wales if not both atleast one of them. And my love for the Scottish accent made my decision easier for me ;)

Once I had arrived in London on 24th, I had two days to myself and thankfully for my friend and her family who live in Sutton, with whom I stayed on 26th, I got a drop off in Wembley for the tour. As soon as I saw that it was an all Indian tour, honestly, I was a bit disappointed, as I have mentioned in my first day post of Scotland Tour. Because I wanted to see and experience different cultures. But then this was my decision which was solely based on the budget , so I had to go through with it. Each day's experiences are listed below.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

It is not fair on my part to compare the European Tour and this one, but in all fairness, people are the same even though the cultures are different and even though the culture of the people in this group is very familiar, I felt hurt a couple of times. That is about the people who were there as part of the group, which no one has a choice. But the tour as such was a little disappointing. I so not wanted the Indian Dinners. I am used to it, I would rather try local cuisines, even if my choice is limited. I wanted to see some folk lore based programs, even if it was additional cost. Its just not the places. Its the people and the interesting facts that make the place special. Each place has its own story. Till Glasgow all they did was to sing (even though I got to sing.. I could have done without it) and the same in the last day. There was no interaction with the local crowd in any format. Seems like they have a European tour with their own Pantry making Indian food attached to the coach bus. I would never choose that. I accept that lot of elders who would prefer only Indian or even special Indian like Jain food might find it very accommodating. But my preferences do not match this tour specs. Since I did not have much time to investigate and analyze and the choice was more on budget, I think I am the only person to blame.

Scotland involves lot of driving time by coach buses. 3-4 hours was OK  but the first and last day, it sort of took the whole day. Not anyone's fault but that is little tiring.

But the places were amazing. I wish I could go there separately and roam around at leisure some time. Unless you like castles, country sides, ever changing weathers, this might bore you a little. But those are the things which warm me I was so enchanted by the places. I wish I had been to a pub there with some friends :) just to watch the people around, gone in the train which Harry potter took, just to go through those places and have a sense of deja vu. I wish I had more time to sit in the rocks over looking those moors and watch the clouds pass by (no wonder Wordsworth was inspired by them). I could have done without a hurt or two that happened during the trip. Its not all bad, but still that incidents overshadowed the rest for me. I am used to people taking me for granted because I am alone, but to make it so blatant was something that didn't do for me. They might have thought that I am egoistical because I am on my own, which I am fine with, but then they shouldn't have bothered me at all in any sense. Also their mannerisms during the dinner (without even considering if rest of them had their first meal or not or cutting in between to take what they want rather than waiting in the line... ) all those things sort of pissed me off. A little consideration for the fellow humans in these kind of tours go a long way in creating a good rapport and a pleasant environment, even if not acquaintance or friendship.

Would I like to Scotland again: Yes
Would I choose an all Indian tour even though it is cost effective : No (not because of what happened, but my preference to mingle with different people of different countries)
I need to select tours which can bring the essence of the place during the visits.

I did a good job or rather my agent helped me do that in case of European trip. 

Scotland Tour - Day 4

30-April-2013

Lake District

The final leg of the journey which started at 8 am through the Edinburgh city towards the Lake District. We had a long journey ahead of us, but we had a stop at Grasmere first at around noon. We pass through various lochs or Lakes and Ben's or Mountains and beautiful sight. The weather was good and sunny compared to all the other days. I slept a little on the drive because there wasn't anyone explaining us anything about the country or telling us tales. They had started on the antakshari session to keep themselves involved, which I didn't feel like getting involved at all. I was either reading a book in my laptop or sleeping or enjoying the scenery. One couple who were sitting before me, were the only ones who talked me once in a while during the journey.

When we reached Grasmere, the home of William Wordsworth, I don't know why I was very hungry. After visiting the Daffodils garden and the graves of William Wordsworth (I don't like visiting graves, at least of people whom I don't know personally, but well since I was there, took some pics) I was on my way to visiting the nearby places and shops. Bought myself a home made walnut cake and a cappuccino. The lady in the coffee shop was telling how the weather is much better that day and that we were lucky to see sun today. Wow these people wait for the sun and here in India we wish for it to reduce its intensity :). After my share of the coffee I was OK to go ahead with the day.

The next stop was Windermere for a cruise in the Bowness Bay along with the lunch stop. Since we had an hour for our lunch before the cruise, I first went around the central place which was up and down (taking more effort to walk around) for my photo shoot ;) and almost 20 mins before the cruise went for my lunch, only to be joined by the tour manager, who was chatting up with me because I was anyways alone. He was wondering why I was so closed not mingling with people and enjoying myself. I assured him that I was enjoying myself very much just not in the way the others expect. He was asking if I will be interested to come to Holland with him on another tour. I thanked him but since I was returning back I wouldn't be able to do that.

Then we ahead with the cruise, which was for an hour and a half on the inter glacial lake. It started sunny but soon the wind picked up and it started getting colder and colder, with dark clouds looming in the sky. Got some good shots there. The captain of the cruise was explaining the various locations and their relevance. I think I had enough of cruises by now :) but did welcome the beautiful sights and the cool wind blowing. Another traveler who was from U.S along with her brother and sister in law from India started talking to me and was asking about my trip to Europe and such details. After the cruise, it was time again to start back to London, with two stop in between to drop off people.

We started around 3 pm and finally ended our journey at 8.30 pm in Wembley. It was a tiring journey back since we had to sit for almost 5 hrs non stop (except for one small break in between for the snacks). I took a shared ride with a group of 3 who were going towards Illford (to my hotel) and reached hotel by 10 pm. By the time I checked in (thankfully I had already informed that I will be doing a late checkin) the only energy I had was to lie down and go to a deep sleep.

I had completed my tour of Scotland successfully, even though it can never be compared to the Europe trip. 

Scotland Tour - Day 3

29-April-2013

Pitlochary-Edinburgh

The third day started with out trip from Inverness to Edinburgh with stop at Pitlochary, that means we are leaving the Highlands. The first stop was to a Whiskey Distillery located in Pitlochary. Now that all everyone's attention (just guys I mean). On the way, the guide was explaining how the Single Malt Whiskey is famous thing of Scotland (If you talk to people who drink, you will get to know that Irish and Scottish Whiskeys are the best, just like French Champagne). Single malt means that they do not mix any other variety (the opposite of that is the blended one) and they make it from one set of barley (yes the innocent barley.. I was under the assumption that only Beer had barley in it). We saw quite a few of the distilleries on the way. The weather was varying between sunny and cloudy. And since we are coming down from the Highlands the view was amazing and beautiful. By the time we landed in Pitlochary, it was quite sunny (still not enough to take off your jacket, but enough to wear your sunglasses) and the unit we visited was the Blair Athol Distillery which produces Bell's Scottish Whiskey (I remember the name Athol from the movie Made of Honor where the other guy was from Scotland and they spoke Gaelic...you will remember that word if you have seen that movie twice or thrice). Children below 8 aren't allowed and our group had two of them, and we had split into two groups so that the parents can take turns. The Distillery wasn't that big at all. It was infact much smaller than I had expected. They explained how they take the barley and the river water or streams that flow through the town along with sugar and yeast and convert it to Single Malt whiskey. They had had a huge warehouse where they had stored the whiskey in the wooden cans (or whatever they are called) and you can really smell it when you enter it. I never thought I could smell whiskey. Then they took us for tasting. I was interested in doing that but was wondering if I should let go. But then I thought 'what the heck', I ain't driving and nothin's gonna happen with a sip (hopefully). So they all gave us a very small quantity of 12 year old whiskey that they had. And taught us how to savor the taste. I could really smell it and after holding it in the palm and closing it with the other palm, leaving it like that for a minute and smelling it again, it gave another kind of smell..something fruity. According to Scots, its a sin to mix it with water or Cola. The guy who was doing the tour begged us not to dishonor them :D like that. I had one sip (a little larger one at that.. I just can't a small sip at all). Whoa!! it burned my throat.. thank god I let it in slowly otherwise my lungs would have been burnt. It was woody and fruity together. I was so tempted to complete the small quantity they gave and see its effect. But since I am not alone I didn't want to risk it. But given a chance if I am alone will I have whiskey...nah!!! Too strong for my taste. I prefer Champagne ;)

After that tour, we came to the central place in Pitlochary for a sort of brunch thing, because its gonna be a long drive to Edinburgh. But all I did manage was a cup of coffee. I had good breakfast and didn't feel like eating anything at 11.30 or so just because we can. Walked around the place. It was quite and calm and there were quite a few buses (tour) that were coming that way. They have a place for parking which was good. The parking area was near the railway station. Walked around, took snaps and was ready after sometime to start our way back.

In the bus the guide was explaining us the same story about the history of Scotland (how Queen Elizabeth I of England imprisoned her own cousin of sorts Queen Mary of Scotland during a political drama and overtook Scotland under her reign and later when she died without heir how James, heir of Mary but was schooled in London, ascended to the throne of Scotland...so an English of sorts first became the King of Scotland... I thought our history of Rajah's and Rani's was complicated..but theirs is a maze..same goes to the European especially the Roman dynasty) also about some mythological tales belonging to that region (including Witches and brooms ;) ...no no not the Harry potter kind...but hearing those tales makes you sort of realize how witches and wizards were part of their folklore or even their history) and also the story of a plant (whose name I forgot) and how it got its smell and strength (it can withstand the strong winds of Scotland) through a folklore (believing it is up to you.. I believe in those tales..)

He kept us awake with those small small stories and it was nice to hear them. Finally the sort of things I want to hear but late in the game. There were a few people in the back who would rather gossip among themselves rather than listen to these... irritating me in the process.. But thankfully the guide was on the mic so I could tune the irritants off (why not.. since I get to hear it in his Scottish accent ;)...).

We arrived in Edinburgh by around 3.30 pm or so and boy was I hungry.. While going through the city he kept explaining the various landmarks like the coffee shop where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter, the University, the landmarks in Royal Mile (like the Queen's palace, the Edwards Seat) etc etc.. Finally we ended up in the Edinburgh Castle which is almost on the top of a small hill. I was already very hungry and climbing it from the stairs which is so steep literally took my breath away. But when you go up and see the big space before the entrance and the view of the city on all sides from there.. its like my breath left me for a beat or two (this time figuratively). The place from the castle starting from the wide area to the Queen's palace, which is in one straight line, is called the Royal Mile (exactly a mile distant) and has lot of landmarks there and is a busy shopping area too. They have the parade (I forgot for which event) through the Royal Mile, with all the Scottish Attire (their Kilts and stuff...) Since this is where our guide will part us we wanted to take the group photo. That particular event was a mess. No one knew how to get it done (even though I tried to tell them that standing with their backs to the Sun shining high and bright will do no good for the photo and no one is a professional there) and finally I decided to be out of it and I tried to take one decent one after they settled one. All of them gave their cameras to the tour director who tried to take one shot each with each camera with the guide in it. After that I was trying to take a few shots here and there when someone from the group pulled me and asked me to take their photo with the guide and tour director. I was like 'don't you have to ask my permission for courtesy sake' but since this couple were old and didn't bother with any courtesy through the trip I just went with it and took their photo in their camera. Once they were done, then every one came up with their camera and within a few seconds I became the photographer there, with the guide and tour director standing and each group posing with them (reminded me of the wax statues...jeez that is seriously sad). But then as soon as they were done, they started going of to the castle entrance to wait there. I was asking them just in jest if anyone will even bother to ask me if I wanted one. But it went to dead ears and when the last couple took the photo, I almost had tears in my eyes because no one bothered and it felt hurt to be taken for granted like this. I didn't need that picture, I didn't even think of it until they all started, but there is something called courtesy, a very common one, that you can follow. I didn't gel will with even single one of them, because they had their own partners or families and didn't bother with me and I was OK with it, because I am perfectly fine with myself. But this incident really made me feel very bad for a few minutes. Then the last couple who did not even know how to handle their own digicam let alone my SLR, tried to take one of mine with the guide and the tour manager. When it was done, I was really left with a sour feeling at the back of my tongue.

After that incident, we went to regroup near the entrance. He explained us how this castle was built for the royal family earlier to stay but later since it was too windy and not fit for staying, they relocated. Now it is sort of a museum. We started with the Half Moon Battery with the canons firing machines (none of them fired for any war) and then went to the Scottish War Memorial. This memorial is a place where photos are not allowed and is sort of sacred. We can see the memorabilia to the people who laid their lives for different wars. There is a lot of mention about India , especially Lucknow, Mysore regiments etc. After that he pointed us to the different other highlights available like the One O'clock gun (fired at 1 pm except Sunday) as a indication to the Sailors, the Margaret Chapel, where even now weddings are conducted, the Royal Palace, which has the history of the Scotland in pictures and other art forms, Crown Jewels, which has the Queen's crown and the sword stored in a high secure and alarmed place, the Prisoners of war place, which is sort of a jail earlier etc. He explained us the buildings and then said a word of good bye to all of us, because the rest of the time till 6.30 pm is our time to explore the castle and the city (may be the Royal Mile). After biding adieu to the guide, the first thing I did was to go to the inside restaurant near the Royal Hall and have myself a hearty late-lunch. I was so tired because of hunger that I couldn't take one more step. After that hearty too-costly meal (which cost me around 20 pounds) I started my way to the different buildings for my exploration and photo sessions. Its difficult to cover it in a hour or two. And requires a lot of walking. I explored for almost 2 hours and then once I thought that I had covered the essentials (did not go to the jail or the regimental museum) I started my way to the Royal Mile.

I wasn't sure how long it will take to go through the Royal Mile. But once I started walking, I felt that it was never ending. However since I was exploring the various churches, witches place, schools, and other such things there along with lot of shops for purchasing mementos, it took me a while to go to the Queens Palace. Thankfully due to a over persistent girl who had come there to take a picture of the building, the guard opened the gate for a car which was coming out and kept it open for us to take a few pics and after that I started to walk back, coz it was about to take me around 30 mins of walk up the hill and by 1/4th of the distance I was panting like a dog. My god, I was seriously not in shape and with my camera and lenses and laptop stuff in the backpack, it was bending me forward. It was a strenuous walk to the back of the castle where we have the bus. But then I took a detour near a chapel to walk down to see the other part of the streets which is sort of 2 storeys down. There was a person who was making a performance with knifes and fire in the middle of the pedestrian only section of the Royal Mile road. Stood for some time to watch it. Seems like the castle is standing on a volcano which is dormant. By the time I finished my exploration of the Edinburgh castle and the Royal Mile, I had already burned my calories that I had accumulated from my lunch. By 6.45 pm I was happy to see the bus because I was now ready to lie down for a while. We started our way to our Dinner first because it is on the way to the hotel and was near the Royal Mile. After the dinner, back to our hotel which was quite far away from the city near the express way because that way it will be easy to get back tomorrow to London.

By the time I hit the bed, I was exhausted and thanking my body for supporting me so far went to sleep only to be awake by 6 am for our return journey.

Edinburgh is a beautiful place as is any part of Scotland, and this is the other biggest city apart from Glasgow.

Scotland Tour - Day 2

28-April-2013

Fort William – Inverness

We started at around 8.30 am from Glasgow towards the Highlands. Our first stop was at Loch Lomond. Loch means Lake. So if you hear Loch (pronounced as lokkh) Ness that means its Lake Ness. It was literally freezing out there. We had a cruise (charged at 10 pounds). Already experiencing the cruise in Lucerne Lake, I knew what to expect. And moreover it looked like it might rain any time. It was a very huge fresh water lake surrounded by mountains. It was a hour long drive. And after a few minutes it started raining. They were explaining us about the surrounding islands and the very rare houses. That is when I got the opportunity to talk to the guide (which is again a first... I never initiate a conversation at all unless it is official ...that too to a stranger). I was first interested if we would pass the path of the Jacobite train that comes in Harry Potter. He said that it came in the route of Fort William and some other place, which we wont be covering. Then I started questioning about the Scotland and its vegetation and I had to question it because I didnt see any particular vegetation. That is when he said that the pines that are seen in the surrounding mountains are not natural. They are actually cultivated and act as a good investment option. It takes 25 years for them to grow to full length. That when I noticed that they were patches of the pine trees and in some they have grown to full length and some they were very small.

We were also discussing why Scots hate the English (They had a celebration party when Margaret Thatcher died recently!!!!) and its history, the current radicalism that is going on, how they wanted to separate from U.K, its impact on the social and economic conditions of Scotland (seriously I never had that kind of discussion because I am not a politically active person), but I could understand and question on their thought process. The guide himself did not seem convinced that it is a good move etc.... and suddenly the discussion became a person one (not from my side). He started explaining how he came from Hungary  with almost nothing and how he made it here and how he left a good paying job to do what he wanted to do. I was like 'Whoa!!!' where is this going.. but I am good listener if not anything else. Whatever that was, we were interrupted by others as they wanted to ask something and that is when I realized that we had been discussing for almost 20 mins or more. And I learnt more about Scotland and its current problems in that time. Interesting to know that they are in the same shoes as we were some 66 years ago. Hope they learn from others mistakes and make better decisions for their future, whatever that may be.

After the hour long cruise clouded with rain and mist, we came back , had a hot cup of Tea (my first Tea in the U.K) and then proceed for the upper Highlands to Fort William. Do you know that Scotland produces energy from Windmills (you can see quite a lot of them on the way) and they even export it to England. On the way to Fort William we stopped in a view point called Black Mount Estate and the Rannoch Moor. It is Scottish Heritage Site and is very very beautiful.A photogenic place and is 1000 ft above sea level. After the photo shoot there we proceeded to the place where we have three hills called as the three sisters  and then straight to Fort William.

Fort William is the one of the largest part of the Highlands (the other one is the Inverness , where we were supposed to stop tonight). The drive to the central part of the city is very beautiful, with the water on one side, mountains spread wide and long everywhere, cold weather with occasional rains. What is not to like here. This being Sunday, it was mostly quiet and the central place was a pedestrian only area with so many restaurants (and enough Indian Restaurants). We had our own sweet time to go around (along with the lunch break). There was a office for the Ben Nevis cable car climb, which was our next stop. Ben means Mountain. After the relaxed stroll through the place and a heavy Thai lunch (I wanted something very spicy because of the biting cold there), we were ready by 1.30 for our Ben Nevis climb. Of course it is not as big as the Mount Titlis but a climb is a climb in the cable car. And I need as much adventures as I can have to reduce my fear of heights.

Its a very short drive to the Ben Nevis , even though you wouldn't know unless you reach it. We got our tickets (and its just one cable car up there, only 6 people can fit). I did not see any snow in sight so I was ok with it. And when I climbed in one of the car no one else climbed along with me. So I was all alone. I was like...wow.. finally I am doing it all alone. I knew it was a test. I was feeling very brave for a few meters high. And when the buildings began to become very tiny specks that is when I started feeling little nervous so I switched sides. Now I can look up to my destination and it was no where in sight...Oh God!!! Now I wasn't very sure if coming alone was a wise thing.. After some time, there was this huge wind that was starting and then I heard something hitting the window and saw that the snow flakes were pasted there. Sort of snow storm because within a few minutes I was unable to see anything outside. This was the time I started calling all gods (rama, krishna, shiva and family...you name it) to my rescue and that I was stupid enough to do this alone and started blabbering I dont know know what on my own. More than anything it was like, if something happened, there will be no one to inform my family :) I started plotting ways to inform who I was if things went wrong there. The whole car was shaking so badly, I didn't know what else to do. I know that I would laugh about it later...but at that time I was dead serious with my conversations with God. For a mountain that looked not that big, it sure did take a long time to reach there. In fact we reached the destination where there was no snow but you have to climb a little far ahead to the snow filled area (and I guess it was ice rather than snow). But since there was this strong gusts of snow filled wind, we were unable to venture outside. They have a cycling track here to have competitions in the summer and I saw a couple hiking the mountain range and struggling against the wind. They also have the ski tracks for the winter. After having a strong cup of coffee and trying to wait for the winds to come down (which did not happen eventually) I tried to brave myself and venture out and take my risks with the shots (of course not much was visible). After almost 45 mins (20 min ride in the cable car) I was ready to go down. But I waited till I have company and made sure I sit in the direction where I dont have to see the city below. Its called learning from mistakes :).

 The Ben Nevis Range is popular because it is the UK's only mountain gondola.  They also have rope courses there (not in the high range..but near the parking area). After coming back at around 3.30 pm we started our way to Inverness.We stopped in the place which was popularly used as the training ground for the military. They had a statue in memory of the soldiers who died in the 2nd world war. It was in a very nice place with a beautiful view. But as soon as we got down, it started to rain... God!!! After that we had a stop near Loch Ness (this is again a very large lake and is famous for the Nessie Monster). The drizzling hadn't let up still. After the stop in Loch Ness, we started our way to Inverness and reached by around 6 pm or so. Checked in and started for our usual Indian Dinner. After dinner (which was way quick for me), we had time to look around the central place, even though we had been through the city in the bus (it was still raining at that time, but did let up after dinner). Because it is the proper Highlands, it is more colder most of the time and it is called the mouth of the river Ness. Gaelic is highly popular here. I had some beautiful shots of the places around. And by the time it was ready to go to the hotel back, it started raining again.

If the lowlands were beautiful, the Highlands are breathtaking. Except that the journey time is too high. They have trains, if we are inclined to do so.

Again I went to sleep by 9 pm because the next day we had to start the journey by 9 am to Edinburgh. Actually on the way to Inverness, they also did a detour to show the places that were used by Bollywood in their movies. One such place they took us was to a house which was used in SRK-Rani mukherjee-Kajol starrer movie ( I forgot the name) and it was raining so were did not get out (and I wasn't that interested anyway). But it was a secluded place with just that house near by. Seems like Scotland is much popular in Bollywood for the amazing locations.

Scotland Tour - Day 1

27-April-2013

Gretna Green and Glasgow

The tour for Scotland started from the Star Tours and Travels office in Wembley, which is much near the stadium. My friend's husband dropped me off after some drama (I forgot to take my backpack from the car and after he left, had to call him back for it...you should not get up at 4 am for a tour..this is what happens, paavam...he drove for almost 40 mins to drop me from Sutton to Wembley). If I had thought that it would be a tour like the previous European one, all my hopes got crushed when I saw that it was an all Indian Tour. Not that I was prejudiced or anything, its just that I liked to mingle with people from different countries when I am on a tour. It was a fully booked tour and guess what only I had an empty seat next to me because I was travelling alone....good for me naa..

We started at around 6.45 am for the long drive to Gretna Green. In between we had two stops where in we had to pickup a few people on the highway. The tour director, a Parsi from Mumbai (who conducts tours for 6 months for Star Tours from March to September) tried to break the ice and get people involved etc. Well I guess all of them were tired because they had to get up early. So there was not much response. The only English person was the driver (I really felt sorry for him, because right from the start most of the conversations were in Hindi).

During the first stop, one guy was almost 10 mins late. So the tour director told us that there will be consequences if we are late next time. And guess what during the 2nd break, I got a minute late and except for one more person everyone was in the bus (The girl in the Costa coffee shop took her own sweet time to make the coffee and I got a minute late). This time he said that we have to do something about the tardiness and that the people who were late should sing a song in the mic (which is kept in the front of the bus). I was like 'No way' and continued with my coffee. But God, this guy can be persistent. He would not let me or the other lady who came late after me, rest. And for some unknown reason, I got so frustrated, I said ok and went on to sing a song. Only when I got hold of the mic, I started getting jitters. I know no one from the group and here I am trying to sing a song. First in my life. And after a small intro of myself (which was actually forced out of me) I sang 'Chura liya hai' because there were no Tamilians in the group and all of them understood Hindi. Talk of breaking the ice. I never thought I will be that person. But once I sang and came back to my place (amidst cheers and congratulations...which made me feel good though) there were quite a lot of people who were now willing to try their hands in singing. There were two women , actually girls, who sang very well. One of them is a classical singer and her voice was amazing.

After the pickups, we drove straight to Gretna Green for our lunch. If you have read historical romances, you would have heard of Gretna Green one too many times for it is the famous place for eloped marriages. Be it Pride and Prejudice , Lisa Kleypas Romantic novels, everyone goes to Gretna Green if they wanted a quick wedding. And especially in the Blacksmith's shop. That is where we stopped for our lunch. There was a wedding going on. Nowadays it is famous for normal weddings too. We have this structure depicting the joined hands in a dance form and the marriage takes place beneath the arc with horse shoes in it. You can see the wedding but cannot go near that place. They have cafe's, shops and everything. It is famous because of the old Scottish laws related to marriage that were different from the English ones. After the lunch, browsing (and buying a magnet for myself) and lot of photos (even that of a Piper who was playing for us) we headed back to our bus at around 2 pm. After we started from the place, the people from the back of the bus shouted that a couple was missing. Great!!! We came back again and parked and the tour director went in for a search. Thankfully he found them somewhere there (its not a big place, but still it would take some time to look around). They misunderstood the return time as after 2 hours instead of 2 pm. Paavam, they were old couple and can't blame them for the misunderstanding. But what if someone did not notice them.

Then again we started our travel to Glasgow, where we would meet our Scottish Guide who will be with us for the next three days during the trip. We came around 5 pm or so to the central place of Glasgow, where we met our tour guide, A Hungarian cum Scott (who is a private tour guide) and who was very good looking and his accent was not pure Scottish but bordered there. It was nice to hear it. I like hearing different accents  and his accent was cute in a way (not like Sean Connery's which I adore). Our first stop was the Glasgow Cathedral, which was undergoing renovation on one side, built by Saint Mungo and very near to the famous Infirmary (aka hospital) and the Necropolis (aka Cemetery  and a small Museum. It belongs to the Church of Scotland (different from the Church of English or the Roman Catholic Church or in other words they are Protestants in a way). It was not a very huge church, but it was a old one and you see the interiors almost the same as the catholic churches in Italy. Because in Scotland it was Catholicism earlier, but after the Reformation that happened in Scotland, they changed to Protestants. The guide said that the followers of the Church of Scotland are dwindling in numbers and so many Churches are being abandoned due to lack of funds for maintaining. There is a underground path  (which we did not visit) to the Necropolis on the other side of the road which used to host the burials of rich and the renowned. The hospital (or the infirmary as they call in Scotland) is built near the Cathedral and is the oldest one where experiments were conducted during the discovery of xrays it seems. It has now a new face on the other side which is a modern building but they still have maintained the old one too.

After the visit to the Central Place, we drove around the city seeing the important places and all, like different squares. the tolbooths (i.e the towers), the University of Glasgow and the University of StrathClyde are two big Universities from Glasgow and is well renowned in Scotland (the others are in Edinburgh). We stopped near People's Palace Museum, where in there we see a fountain, representing 5 countries (including India , depicted by a person in turban and his wife in saree) and was built for the Queen's Golden Jubliee. This is near the place called Glasgow Green which is nothing but a huge park with some monuments (and is near the river Clyde which flows in Glasgow). After that again we drove around the city (its quite huge). They have two main languages here, English and Gaelic and all street signs are written in both. All the time, the weather was cold, very cold and windy. We were almost frozen due to the cold winds when we got down near the People's palace. And they say that the summer had arrived in Scotland !!!! We also made a quick stop in the George's square. After the tour of the city, we ended up in our hotel which was located near the Charring cross underground station. Just across the street was our tour arranged Indian Dinner (which I didn't want..I wanted something English or Scottish.. even if it is vegetarian :( , but well this is sort of included so I didn't have a chance). That street had 2-3 Indian restaurants. We checked in our hotels and then after a short break , went for our dinner (which was in a very small restaurant..actually all restaurants were small there) . It was the typical North Indian buffet and after the dinner walked back to our room by around 8.30 or so. By that time, the whole place was deserted and was very quite except for the few cars.

I was so tired after sitting in the bus for almost 6-7 hours that I went ahead for a deep sleep coz we were supposed to get up by 6 am the next day.

So far, the Scotland looked pretty cool with the every hour changing weather and the vast vacant lands and long mountain ranges and lot of rivers. And we are still in the lowlands. We still have to go to the Highlands the next day.

European Tour - Report

The idea to travel some countries in Europe started last year when some of us were discussion about travel during our coffee breaks and then 3-4 of us eventually decided that we should be doing it this year i.e. 2013. But when the project started to roll out and work started to take up crazy hours, I, for one, decided that I will definitely make a trip, come what may. I had already told my manager that I would need 3-4 weeks of leave in April end or May (I decided since I am making it, I rather spend my birthday in some foreign location, even if I have to alone :D) and he reluctantly agreed (thinking that I would give up one week and that he could convince me to take only 2 weeks... He didn't know how persistent I can be...) 

Then by October or so we decided on the countries and places and stuff like that and then got caught up in work. Then in Dec, I started pestering others that if we want to go then we should make a move and start planning. But since we were working non stop without any holidays and even weekends, it was not quite possible because each of us enough work to do, but since by Jan the product was to be released, I wanted to start with planning at least so that we can have the documents ready for the visa and stuff. But release got postponed and such things happened. But by Feb we were through, even though work was still crazy, we started to plan and decided on the places and were ready to apply for the visa. 

The count of 4 reduced to 2 (me and my friend) but then that also reduced to 1 because he had to take care of some personal stuff and he couldn't make it this year. Now since things went haywire I did the only thing I do. Go ahead. I changed the places and instead of the backpacking trip we had planned went for the group tour with all the famous places and my favorite places and included U.K in the game too :) and finalized on things with my travel agent (with whom I had already dealt with for my Singapore and Malaysia trip). March went away in the visa's and stuff and April I had to apply for U.K visa. I was shuttling between Hyderabad and Bangalore but by April I was in Bangalore for the Visa and for the trip. 

Till the day before the trip, I did not get any jittery feelings or anything, because I am undertaking this one alone and after a long time , that too abroad. My parents weren't very happy about it because some one told them that it isn't safe to be in Europe to be alone. I know that they are looking out for me, but I was tired of not trying and since I have already booked the group tours, I don't want to take any pressure from anyone. And for some weird reason, I was getting this feeling that this is something I won't regret and  I definitely need to do it now or it will be never. I have let go so many things not listening to my instincts but this time I was so ready to listen to it. I tried to convince them and then promised them that I will message every day about the place. 

Now that I am back I am glad I listened to myself for once and did what I really wanted to do inspite of everyone else's concerns or worries. Looks like I am tough enough (like I need that reminder, but somehow my family needs that I guess :)) to handle things on my own. I am really glad that I got to do this trip and experience and see everything out there. 

I have my brief report on the tour here. But the detailed journey is logged in the following links.
Day 1 - 14th April 2013
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11 - 24th April 2013

I am yet to chronicle my London and Scotland tour but that might take a while, because with this European tour I wrote it down everyday once I get back to hotel. But I could't do that with other trips because I was short of energy and time. 

Even though I had a little tough time with my vegetarian food demand (being the lone vegetarian in the whole group of 32-36) I did survive didn't I? I now know that food is secondary during my trips and I or rather my body can handle with minimum food even with the salads and breads and lots of cappuccino's. That doesn't mean that I have lost weight or anything like that. I might have lost an inch max but that is all :). I seriously don't know how I can go low on food and have enough stamina and not lose any weight. Jeez I am tired of finding tricks to lose my weight without any exercises ;) . 

I completed my visit to the 2nd new wonder of the world, The Colosseum of Rome, visit to my favorite dream place Venice, watching Eiffel Tower at night (on a full moon day is a additional treat) and discovering a new dream place in Austria.

We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. - Jesse Owens 

 I am glad I continued with the original plan and went ahead with the journey. I thank God that I had that much determination in me to achieve this and I hope I keep achieving the rest of my dreams one by one.