Having soaked myself up and having my heart full at the Oktoberfest in Munich I was looking at what more this Deutschland had to offer. And it turned out the city of Munich flabbergasted me with its landscape, automation and memoir!
Having arrived in Munich on the very first day with the lovely weather on my side it was time to soak up the city culture in me. Continue reading “Deutschland calling! Why you should visit Munich: The city of Magic”
On my recent trip to Dubai I thought why not extend a day to Abu Dhabi and catch some winter sun. Amidst the golden beaches, water parks and desert drives, this emirate was the perfect stop to fuel my adrenaline soul.
My main halt to this Emirate was for the experiencing the surreal world’s fastest rollercoaster ride at Ferrari World. So within few hours of arriving at Abu Dhabi I made my way to Ferrari world. The name of this theme park often makes people feel that it’s a place designed specifically for car lovers. But you don’t have to be a die-hard fan of fast cars to appreciate the wonder and entertainment that Ferrari World has to offer. From the outside it’s hard to tell that this is the same structure that is shaped like a Ferrari, uh spaceship from above.
Super excited like a child to experience the Formula Rossa, I headed straight to the roller coaster.
Sitting behind the wheel gearing up myself for something I never imagined to do, I felt a strange mix of excitement and fear. But the moment it began it hit me that this is the only place on the planet where you can be blasted to 240km/h in 4.9 seconds, and that too just for fun!
What strength and power the machine must hold, within seconds I was set off, shouting and screaming on top of my voice thinking yes I was almost dying, with the wind spraying my hair as the world passed by in a blur. Before I knew it, it’s all over. It honestly felt like life after death experience. I have never felt and heard my heart race like that before. A pure adrenaline rush!
After this ride, I opted for the not so extreme experiences at the Ferrati world. With the 4D simulator, adventuring through the jungle, desert and mountains; exploring the Ferrari Factory and seeing how the prestigious cars are intricately made. Only after seeing this one can know how special the Ferrari is.
Yes Ferrari world definitely ticked off things on my bucket list at the speed of 240km/h in 4.9 seconds.
From the worlds fastest to world largest, my halt on the way back to Dubai was at the Grand Mosque. Being the third largest mosque in the world with the main dome of the mosque being the largest mosque.
Yes we had to adhere to certain norms before visiting the mosque like getting all covered up and washing our feet before any prayer offering.
The moment I entered the mosque I was thunderstruck by the beauty and serenity of the place. Each carving on the pillar, the marbles and granite used to build the floors were all spectacular. There was a sudden realm of peace and tranquil by my side.
You cannot find a more exquisite, delicate and airy mosque anywhere. The intricate pillars looked like pineapples, and were inlaid with semi-precious stones creating flower patterns throughout the mosque.
The more you keep exploring this magnificent beauty the more you are amazed by all the mosaics, stained glass, and stucco work everywhere. At times I found myself walking barefoot across the Persian carpets with a flower pattern as if I was walking across a vast meadow. Also something to get startled this carpet is in the Guinness book being the largest Persian carpet in the world. Wow and imagine the feeling of walking by it. As the evening began to fall the small pond on the exterior mirrored the flawless beauty of the Mosque.
The moons reflection on the white smooth stone was completely blinding. It was time to lift my head and embrace the grandeur of this place of this city.
A day well spent in the true sense.
Cannot Miss:
GlobeTrotting365Days: ABU DHABI March 12th 2013.
What do you do when you are time pressed for a vacation but still need some summer time to soak in the sun! And yearning to ditch the monotonous routines the only escape was a quick getaway to Dubai! The city of glitz and glamor, rich culture and awe-inspiring skyscrapers was a very momentous trip planned.
With it’s audacious architecture, spectacular skylines, fashion and nightlife, flourishing contemporary art scene and of course, amazing weather and beaches I was all ready to explore this Arabic land.
Contrary to rumours, Dubai has more to offer than concrete. Yes, it doesn’t have Versailles or the Colosseum of Rome, but it has the biggest skyscraper on the planet (an innovative piece of architecture must say) and that’s pretty amazing too!
On the very first day I was all ready to explore the tallest building in the world. When in Dubai You can´t miss the tallest structure on the planet. This wonder of modern technology and design with 829.8 m has an observation deck on the 134th floor with stunning views, basically to everywhere! The elevator journey to the top itself is very exhilarating since it makes you reach on the top height within seconds.
I made my trip during the evening here only to catch the amazon view of sunset from the deck which was quite incredible and also the best time to take pictures during sunset.
Having a lot of leisure time in the day considering the weather outside stepping inside one of the malls in Dubai is a great option. There are dozens of shopping malls, markets and souks in Dubai. My favorite is Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world with more than 1,000 stores and a giant Aquarium with an underwater zoo.
More than just a mall you would want to go there just to marvel at the startling architecture and interiors. Just make sure you use comfortable shoes… if you get tired you can also get a golf car taxi, how fabulous is that?
Another fascinating Mall is the Ibn-battuta mall, located a bit far from the main city center but worth a visit.
It is the world’s largest themed mall covering the extraordinary adventurer and traveler Ibn-Battuta’s journey spanned across 24 years and six different lands – Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, China and Andalusia. How could I have missed visiting this mall.
Right next to Dubai Mall you will find the Dubai Fountain. It has shows every evening starting at 6 p.m (every half an hour). I was lucky to catch a table outside from one of the many restaurants bordering the fountain. Not just enjoying the fountain show you can enjoy the night light view of the Burj Khalifa too.
Passing by the Palm Jumeirah, the most talked about of all of Dubai’s megaprojects is the world largest man-made island increasing Dubai’s shoreline to a total of 520 kilometers is a must visit when here.
Palm Jumeirah, which looks like a stylized palm tree from above, was the first offshore development of its kind, and was originally billed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, and along the Great wall of China, and is the only structure created by the man that you can see from space. There you will find the famous The Atlantis Resort too.
Next day was all about enjoying some beach time at the famous Jumeirah Beach soaking in the sun. There are hotels strung out all along the length, with excellent facilities with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants and water-sport operators offering jet skiing.
The view of the famous Dubai Landmark, the 7 starts hotel Burj Al Arab from the beach was the highlight here. You can actually go inside for an afternoon tea, the cost is “only” 155.
Skipping the formal high-tea experience I was exultant enjoying the view and changing colors of this structure at sun downer. Not really a view you would get from inside the hotel.
Having spent the day at the beach if you looking for some evening glitz and glamour Dubai Marina is the place to be.
Also known as The Walk by the locals it’s a great place to take a walk and a drink at night. Surrounded by incredible skyscrapers, the Marina Dubai offers hundred of restaurants, shops, etc… If you are lucky enough as a car fanatic you get to see all the amazing sports cars and automobiles driving past this street until wee hours.
I was great to be in this Arabic land during it’s most known festival the Global Village. It combines cultures of 90 countries across the world at one place. The only place where you can discover different cultures in just few hours.
The pavilions are designed in the image of iconic structures or local architecture, inviting all to meander from London’s Big Ben to the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy, or take selfies against the romantic backdrop of the Taj Mahal or travel back in time to Ancient Egypt.
Also one of their recent additions to the amazing structures they keep building is the Dubai Miracle Garden. It had launched recently since we visited Dubai on Valentine’s Day in 2013.
Excited to be among the first few to witness this Arabic marvel, the excitement couldn’t be tamed. Once you are here, it’s like the biggest flower show you must have ever come across.
The garden occupies over 72,000 square metres, making it the world’s largest natural flower garden featuring over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants.
Last but not the least I saved the adventure for the end. If you love desert and sand as much as I do, you will love the Arabian desert safari. We had our four- wheeler pick us up from the hotel driving us straight into the Arabian sand dunes.
This ride consists of utmost thrill and adventure going up and down the dunes in a way you have never imagined before. What’s best is, it is followed by a wonderful Arabic safari set up in middle of the desert with great music and dance show awaiting you.
You can take camel rides or just enjoy the Arabic sheesha while enjoying the sun- downer.
It was the perfect way to end the trip at this oasis between the heart of desert.
It’s incredible how fast time flies when you in Dubai just like how this city has grown in the past few years. … 40 years ago, there was nothing here, and now you have one of the biggest metropolises on earth! Dubai, known as the entertainment capital of the Middle East, is a city full of greatness: galleries showcasing contemporary Arabic art, crowded souks filled with gold, spices and fine Emirati cuisine, a sleek metro that zips through the sky like, man-made islands, desert, luxury hotels, fountain shows… well there’s a thousand things to do in Dubai.
And the best thing about visiting Dubai any time round the year is the weather… it’s always summer!
Cannot Miss:
GlobeTrotting365Days: Dubai March 10th 2013.
To most people whom I mentioned about my Budapest trip few years back responded with a look of puzzlement, wondering where it actually was located and out of all the places why did I chose to go there. I wanted to give them a profound answer but not until I had witnessed the beauty of this place all by myself. The moment I set my foot on the Hungarian capital I knew that the people here were absolutely welcoming. Continue reading “I am Buda and you are Pest!”
I am sure you came across this article searching for offbeat things to do, offbeat experiences, offbeat places or offbeat paths! And that’s exactly what happened with me while I was planning my next Euro-trip to an offbeat destination. Yes whilst researching for offbeat things to do in Europe my search came to a halt at this trivial country of Slovakia right in between the most visited and touristy countries of Austria and Hungary! Being guarded by stronger tourist destinations on all sides the capital of Bratislava is known as Pressburg for the Germans, Pozsony for the Hungarians, Požun for the Croatians it is. All these synonyms dint matter to me. All I knew was I was definitely making my stop at the wonderful Slovakian capital of Bratislava.
Continue reading “Bratislava: For an offbeat stopover in Europe!”
Praha, a city that doesn’t require a map or a brochure to sell itself! That’s what I felt when I started looking up for places to tour this golden city. Thanks to the beautiful spectacles and all of the beautiful towers, spires, and churches this city stands true to the name ‘The Golden City’. My trip to this capital city was out of my curio childhood wish of visiting Czechoslovakia, however now known as the Czech Republic. And with the list of things this city had to offer, how could I not make a stop here.
Some things you would definitely do!
Making my way to Prague Castle on arrival is how I started my trip in this city. Located in Hradcany (the Castle district), Prague Castle is without a doubt the city’s most popular visitor charm and it is easy to see why.
Continue reading “Ahoj Praha! Things you definitely would be doing in this city!”
After having witness the customary sights of Prague city, my heart knew there was a lot more to this European capital. And yes I did find some hidden gems nestled in the heart of Praha!
Some offbeat things you must definitely do!
Everyone who has been to Germany has captured the colorful Berlin wall in a snapshot, scribbled some graffiti there too. How about for those who haven’t yet been there? Yes Prague too has a wall of it own! Especially if you are a fan of Beatles, negotiating your way towards the John Lennon dedicated wall is worth all the time.
Continue reading “The Offbeat things you must try while in Prague!”
Its not everyday you come across a city that you could fall in love with in less than a day. A city or town that would mesmerize me as much as it would inspire me, intrigue me, and as such completely overwhelm me all of it at once. And that’s what the city of Salzburg did to me; it did not take longer than a day to fall in love with Salzburg. Continue reading “Salzburg: A place where World’s best Music & Beer combine!”
I always wondered if you could see 2-3 countries merely at the price of 1? And that’s when I came to terms about how you plan and combine your trips, just like on my recent trip to East Europe I made it a point to have a stopover to the city of Vienna. ‘Wien’ how its popularly known in Europe came across to me as a city filled with elegance and tradition. A city that is so rich in architecture, yes stunning palaces, museums, theatres and churches at every corner. But for me there were more flamboyant reasons to visit this city. So let me take you through the former reasons first!
Continue reading “Why a visit to Vienna is a must during one of your stopovers in Europe!”
A summer off and all I could think about boho paradise of sandy beaches and party scenes. What better way to live some more sunshine than to head to the raucous party destination of the world? Now imagine this – A small island getaway in the Mediterranean Sea with a population of – 132,367 but approximately 6 Million tourists visiting this place every year. Yes, Ibiza certainly had more alternative personalities than any other average holiday hotspot for me. Continue reading “Everyone needs a little bit of IBIZA in life!”
