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| Having travelled across 86 Countries decided it was time to explore Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg, some of the smallest and wealthiest countries in the World let alone Europe.Booked my air tickets in February as also my hostel bookings.Next approached "Farshak Travels " for my "Schengen Visa" for France and travel executive Mr Rammurthy.Iyer helped me fill the form online through "VFS Global" and got a appointment slot on Tuesday(28/3/2023).Finally on the appointed day visited the "France Visa application Centre" at Trade Centre building in Bandra-Kurla complex of Mumbai.After submitting a bunch of my personal bio-data and getting the Biometrics done paid the visa fees and received my visa after a gap of three days.I was expecting to get a long term visa as this was my 5th Schengen visa travel but was issued the normal tourist visa.Total cost of Visa fees, travel agent fees, airline ticket and hostel bookings amounted to approximately Rs 1,50,000,normally the budget of my entire solo travel in most Asian countries prior to "Covid-19" human and World travel catastrophe. Cost of air and land travel as also hotel/hostel bookings in India and across the Globe had soared exponentially post "Covid-19 Travel Ban"and besides i was travelling across the World's wealthiest region.Ahoy ! |
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| At Abu Dhabi Airport : - Not a " MILLION DOLLAR MODEL" but definitely a future case study model for " How to avoid Air travel economic blunders " .Holding my recently online purchased AED 2520 air ticket of Etihad airlines (Flight No EY 073) from Abu Dhabi to Zurich at the airport itself . My original Wizz Air (Flight No W67049) from Abu Dhabi to Fiumicino Airport(Rome) could not be utilized as i did not have the "Abu Dhabi Transit Visa".Had previously in 2017 booked my air ticket for Europe with "www.kiwi.com" which was a mega hit air travel and hence did a repeat airlines booking with "www.kiwi.com " in 2023.My blunder almost made my European travel a Non-Starter and thanks to decades of travel experience,personal physical fitness and my positive financial status that i managed to turn a jinxed air travel catastrophe into a grand travel success. WARNING FOR BUDGET TOURISTS :- CONFIRM YOUR TRANSIT VISA REQUIREMENTS BEFORE EMBARKING ON ANY CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHTS EVEN IF A SEASONED SOLO TRAVELLER . |
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| Zurich, a city of cycles and ultra luxury cars.Unbelievable but true. |
Thursday(4/5/2023)Departure Mumbai and transit Abu Dhabi :- Thank destiny I am alive after a shocking news on arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport by Etihad Airways(Flight No EY207) that I required a " U.A.E Visa" for transit by "Whiz Air(Flight No W67049) to Rome" .For boarding " WHIZ AIR(Flight No W67049)" I had to get out of the airport into Abu Dhabi territory and again re-enter Abu Dhabi Airport with the Schengen Visa not applicable for entrance into Abu Dhabi. Thanks to my speculation profession that I digested the loss of missing the "Whiz Air Flight(Flight No W67049)" and forfeiting my entire ticket fare while spending another additional amount booking a highly inflated single ticket from Abu Dhabi to Zurich costing only AED 2520( Rs 60,000 approx. ).1 AED = Rs 23
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| Trams of Zurich. Classic beauties in sophistication and travel. |
After reaching Zurich at 0730 hrs would have to travel back to Nice which is another long 11 hrs travel by road if I did get a bus.Seems my entire solo travel of Europe had to be rescripted due to my Himalayan air travel blunder of being overconfident as a "Solo Traveller" having travelled across almost entire Europe on budget airline flights and bus fares during the pre-covid 19 era of travel. Did visa permit check's in Mumbai including ringing "Indigo Air" and received same answer that unless exiting the country's airport a transit visa was not required. Hence did not probe further into details of "WHIZ AIR (Flight No W67049)" transit flight from Abu Dhabi to Rome assuming that it was a normal internal transit like all my other previous flights to and from Europe where the Schengen visa was applicable."Whiz Air" registered in Hungary is the only budget airline that has a separate arrival/departure terminal from the main airport of Abu Dhabi and hence the requirement of a "Abu Dhabi Transit Visa",peculiar only to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
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| Sihlquai Bus terminus next to Zurich Hauptbanhofin. The City Tours booking booth at the bus terminus. |
Would be spending Rs 1 lakh + just for extra air and road travel.Yes I am still alive and this monetary and travel inconvenience setback didn't deter me from completing my planned travel itinerary. A true life comedy of errors resulting in a mega financial loss and a sleepless night in Abu Dhabi Airport at " Gate N0 48" awaiting my Etihad Airways flight scheduled at 0335 hrs to Zurich and not Nice. .Once before in 2018 on a travel across the Balkans in Europe got cheated by a travel company but today it was sheerly my stupidity and thankfully monetarily still floating on the travel route of Europe.Link to my Balkans travelogue where the air travel company cheated me but I completed the tour and enjoyed my trip :- :- https://athensberlin.blogspot.com/?m=0 .On this trip I will have to alter my plans and dates which will be authentically nomadic depending on situations and monetary conditions .Readers of my travelogues by now should know that i am a "BUDGET TRAVELLER" trying to create awareness that travel need not be a mega-wealthy vocation or entertainment provided you are disciplined and have a aptitude for travelling.
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| Swiss National Museum(German :- Landesmuseum) in Zurich .Built in 1898 and situated next to Hauptbanhofin ( Railway Station). |
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| At the scenic Limmat river in Zurich.Thanks to this free living swan for soothing my tired body and.mental frame of mind. Nature is awesome therapy. |
Friday(5/5/2023) Departure Abu Dhabi and arrival Zurich :- Finally at 0335 hrs boarded the "Etihad flight EY 073" to Zurich .Excellent sandwich and breakfast for Rs 60,000 extra air ticket ,unbelievable blunder and thanks to horse racing and stock market speculation business that my temperament was normal and not in financial mourning..A elderly doctor couple Dr Mr & Mrs Manckavasgam from Tamil Nadu owning their own hospital on a tour of Europe was seated next to me and was surprised by their simplicity. Landed in Zurich at 0750 hrs and after a quick immigration check changed currency into Swiss Francs and was amazed at the sophistication and discipline of Zurich's common everyday banking system let alone the high living " GNOMES OF ZURICH ".Exchange rate was 1 Swiss Franc = Rs92. Travel educates.
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| Fr Abbot.Emmanuel at the Monk's Merchandise Market held inside the railway station. |
Thanks to local commuter's managed to book a train ticket from the automatic machine costing a princely 7 SF to Zurich Central station (Hauptbanhofin in German ).Hauptbanhof is just 4 stations from Zurich airport and on alighting walked towards the International bus terminus Sihlquai. Inquired with a Flix bus driver regarding buses to Zurich also getting access to the bus Internet.Next booked my ticket at the on-site bus stop booking counter which was more expensive than online booking. Ticket from Zurich to Nice via a transit at Milano cost U.S $ 90 and was thankful for at least getting the ticket.
Kept my trolley bag at the "Bus Booking office" manned by a hilarious Spaniard and decided to discover the vicinity in close proximation to the bus station. The imposing edifice of Swiss National Museum(Landesmuseum) looms over the vicinity and made my way towards the edifice. The River Limmat that commences its journey from Lake Zurich flows alongside the museum grounds which has a large palatial garden .Walked across the Central railway terminus and entered the main market hall that had a exhibition of monk's merchandise consisting mostly of religious icons and artifacts.
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| As a cyclist myself back home in Mumbai admired this family on a cycle holiday waiting to board the train at Zurich Hauptbanhofin |
There were many Nun's and priests at various stalls and one of the priests Fr Abbot Emmanuel head of St Otmasberg parish in Uznach town of Zurich.approached me and struck a conversation, speaking fluent English .From the Monk's market exhibition made my way further down the road towards a seating accommodation next to the river. Noticed a huge mall on the opposite side of the road and entered palatial "Coop" supermarket that was doing brisk business and was typical of any "First World country " supermarket. Purchased some take-away snacks/beer and had a quiet lunch along with the beer by the riverside watching cyclist's ride alongside and later joined by some local blue collar workers. There are a few fountains in the vicinity of the river and locals quench their thirst from this natural free flowing water from the river Limmat where ironically mineral water sold in the supermarkets costs as much as a can of beer.Use of plastic is common yet didn't see plastic waste in the Limmat river nor empty beer can's littering the streets.
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| Landmark Schweizerhof Hotel at entrance to Bahnhofstrasse street in Zurich. One of the World's costliest shopping street |
Later walked back towards the museum that had a fast food takeaway near its main entrance doing brisk business .Had a look around the reception of the museum later making my way onto the vast museum grounds. A pair of swans were in the river as also a few common ducks. Whiled away my time people watching and was happy to see one of the World's wealthiest nations having a majority of its population indulging in cycling.It was a bright sunny day and spotted men in suits cycling as also the youth ,both men and women.On the opposite side of the river saw a few men bathing at the "Badi" which are riverside and lake open air free swimming sites. Came across a local doing yoga on the ground whom i presumed to be of Indian origin and asked him if he was a Parsi as he had a uncanny resemblance to Rock star Freddy.Mercury.
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| In Zurich all pets are absolutely pampered by their pet parents. |
He told me he was a local and would have loved to visit India but scared of the populous crowded city's. I was haggard and later in the evening after a short rest at the bus stop which was my "Nomadic Rest-stop" made my way back towards the market and visited the tourism shop. The receptionist was excellent and with the help of a map explained me the locale of various prominent tourist spots of Zurich.Sun set was at past 2100 hrs and it was chill cold once darkness engulfed Zurich.Worst of all I had no Internet access the lifeline of 21st century communication especially during travel.At Sihlquai bus terminus came across two Indian I.T employees based in Zurich travelling to Paris and two Air India hostesses on a tour of Europe heading to Milan on the same bus as mine. Met a Pakistani origin Italian built like a jockey working as a linguist in the " Refugee Department" in Italy.So i was not bored of company but feeling cold with the jacket providing some warmth. The total road distance between Zurich and Nice is 590 Kms with a transit at Milan in Italy.Bus was late and it was a comfortable bus ride to Milan.
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| Arrival at Nice - Cote d' Azur airport in France by bus and not air, a bizarre change of travel plans due to " Abu Dhabi Transit Visa " fiasco.Alls well that ends well and finally in Nice after 2 1/2 days of travel by air and bus from Mumbai in India. |
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| Landmark LE NEGRESCO hotel in Nice facing the Promenade des Anglais. My hostel " La Promenade House " was just a few minutes walk down this road of Ultra luxury car's. |
Saturday(6/5/2023) Arrival Nice and exploring the mystery of Cannes and Cannes Film Festival :- On reaching Milan had to wait until 0345 hrs for the connecting bus with my co-passenger being a Indian doing his PhD in Germany.Struck a conversation with co-passenger Himanshu.Shukla, originally from Lucknow .At Genoa Himanshu alighted the bus and the early morning journey across the Italian Riviera was beautiful , beginning with a view of the Mediterranean Riviera from the large port of Genoa , stacked with containers.The drive was along the mountain highway with a Birds Eye view of the Mediterranean coast below and also yacht marina's.Passed through numerous tunnels across the mountains with a constant view of the coastline below after emerging from the tunnels..Finally at 0810 reached the French border where for the first time my passport as also identity of all the other passengers was checked.
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| Walking the 24 steps of the " RED Carpet" in Cannes. The 76 th Cannes Film Festival was to take place from 16 Tuesday May to 27 Saturday May 2023.A trial walk on the "Red Carpet" leading to the "Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes" auditorium where the festival is held. As a movie addict during my earlier years and now a theatre addict would have loved to attend the festival and have at least fulfilled my dream of visiting Cannes.So close yet so far ! |
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| Young ladies on the "Red Carpet" leading to the "Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes" Auditorium. From 16 Tuesday May to 27 Saturday May 2023 the Who's Who A-Listers of the film and fashion World would showcase their unique sense of fashion during the Cannes film festival while walking along the "Red Carpet" |
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| Outside "Casino Barriere Le Croisette" in Cannes |
Ahoy! A end of " La Strada " ,Mumbai to Nice 2 1/2 Days non- stop travel .End of the costliest single air and bus ride to " La Promenade house" in chic Nice, my home away from home for a few days.The Nomad had finally arrived by bus at the bus terminus instead of the air terminus at Nice-Cote d'Azur International Airport and bizarrely the bus terminus was next to the Entrance/ Exit of the International airport.After a French Croissant breakfast inside the airport lounge and a little help from a lady commuter having just arrived from Poland managed to purchase a train ticket costing 1.50 Euro and boarded " Tram N0 2" to Alsace Lorraine tram station.On alighting at the tram station with a little help from the local youth discovered " La Promenade Guest house" situated in building N0 48 at Rue De La Buffa .Nice is indescribably beautiful on first sight and entering the building had my long forgotten encounter with typical First World security measures of code password for opening main doors.
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| Plages De La Croisette(Croisette Beach) in Cannes crowded with beach tourists and Sun bather's. |
Was greeted by Mr Ben, manager/ caretaker of the hostel situated on the ground floor of the building, a typical European backpacker hostel in a large flat on the ground floor of the building.Was charged 20 Euro extra for the late arrival and was allotted my bed in the dormitory.
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After a classic hot water shower got dressed and decided to recover lost time of my hectic travel schedule as money can always be recovered but not time.Asked Ben for directions to the train station and made the long walk to Gare De Nice-Ville (Nice International Train Station) station.Cannes is 33.5 Kms from Nice by road and train travel is preferred as usually there tends to be a traffic jam on the highway road with vehicles heading to the jewel of the Cote d'Azur.Booking train tickets was a major hurdle as all tickets are issued only through automatic machines or pre- paid cards. Had to wait for almost a hour in the queue to book my ticket by cash costing a princely 15.8 Euro for a return ticket to Cannes and 8.8 Euro for the return ticket to Monaco scheduled for Tuesday. Unbelievingly expensive in comparison to train ticket's in my home Country of India but then I was in one of the World's wealthiest per/ capita income country's. Finally at 1315 hrs boarded the train to Cannes which was crowded and came across a young lady with her pet dog in the train.
A short half hour travel and on alighting at Gare de Cannes(Cannes train station) and exiting onto the street was amazed at the glamour and excitement of this World class city.
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| Cannes town Hall.The neoclassic-style building that houses the City Hall of Cannes looks more like a palace than a City Hall.The first communal house existed in the area as far back as 1515. However, that original building fell into disrepair after the French Revolution. The current building was completed in 1876. Also known as the Hôtel de Ville, the building was designed by architect Louis Durand.Iconic dome with two clocks tops the building.In front of it, along Pantiero promenade, is the Memorial of the Fallen. This monument to the First World War was erected in 1927 and was created by sculptor Albert Cheuret. |
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| A variety of motorcycles parked next to the harbour in Cannes on a Saturday partying weekend. Yachts, Bikes, cars,money and the " CANNES FILM FESTIVAL " define Cannes . |
Asked directions to the Casino and finally reached "Casino Barriere Le Croisette" which was a short walk from Rue D'Antibes shopping street.Standing on the main juction of the road outside "Casino Barriere Le Croisette" observing the indescribable luxury cars,heavy duty motorcycles and cycles was a treat to the eyes.Yes, also cycles in glamour city Cannes. Entered casino Barriere Le Croisette after passport scrutiny at the entrance and was not allowed to enter wearing my cap and photography is banned in casinos across the Globe.This casino having a total area of 3000 Sq m had one of the best private fish aquariums i have seen and the largest number of " SLOT MACHINES" seen during my visit across casino's in Asia ,including Macau.Among the numerous golden statues and wall carvings based on Greek mythology were also celebrity " Black & White" photo's displayed inside the casino and recognized one familiar face which was that of Indian actress Aishwariya.Rai.
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| Steep uphill walk on Rue du Suquet to the Hilltop fortress in Cannes. |
Exiting the Casino made my way next door, a short distance walk from the casino to the steps of Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes, venue of the "Cannes Film Festival".Walked on the 24 steps of the festival's famous "RED CARPET" that leads to the entrance of the Palace of Festivals and Congresses.The " CANNES FILM FESTIVAL " was scheduled from Tuesday ( 16/5/2023) to Saturday (27/5/2023) and every year during the month of May this red carpet is spread across the 24 steps of the Palace of Festivals and Congresses building.The Who's Who A-Listers of the film and fashion World would showcase their unique sense of fashion during the Cannes film festival while walking along the "Red Carpet" and as for us tourists and film fan's,a shot at 15 minutes of fame on the "Red Carpet".In fact a young group of ladies were doing a dance photo shoot on the 24 steps of the "Red Carpet" after which your's truly postured for the 15 minutes of fame photo shoot . Ahoy !Today was also the coronation day in West Minister Abbey in London of King Charles III.Next saw the handprints of stars on the sidewalk floor at the "Avenue of Stars" situated next to Palace of Festivals and Congresses.Later crossed the road and strolled across " Vieux Port De Cannes" which was a eyeopener in defining true luxury lifestyle. As a former Mariner myself was spellbound observing the sheer beauty of these luxury yachts and sail ships.
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| View of Cannes city from Musée de la Castre, a museum housed in a medieval fortress |
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| 15th century Gothic style Eglise Notre Dame d'Esperance church dedicated to "Our Lady of Hope" on Cannes Hilltop Fortress . |
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| View of Cannes Hilltop Fortress |
From the cruise port walked up Rue du Suquet,the oldest street in Cannes and trekked up the narrow cobbled street to the hilltop fortress which is now the "Musee de la Castre", a museum housing an art collection as well as artefacts of Cannes history.Visited the 15th century Gothic style Eglise Notre Dame d'Esperance church dedicated to "Our Lady of Hope".This is the most important church in France. Got a "Birds eye view" from the Fortress ground.After descending from the hill Fortress walked through the outdoor flea market held on the ground facing the harbour which has a statue of Lord Henry.Peter.Brougham a British Statesman who spent last years of his life in Cannes and hence helped in developing it into a International resort.Outdoor cafe's were filled with tourists and in Cannes you can just while away your time people and vehicle watching let alone personally indulging in other activities. depending on the economic power of your wallet.Visit Cannes once in your lifetime to understand the meaning of Ultra luxury lifestyle.Strolled along Boulevard De la Croisette,the main sea side Promenade of Cannes city facing Plages De La Croisette(Croisette Beach) crowded with beach tourists and Sun bather's.
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| Lord Brougham's statue is on the Allees de la Liberte. He was a British statesman who became Lord Chancellor of Great Britain. In later years he spent much of his time in Cannes, which he established as a popular resort. |
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| Outdoor street cafe's of Cannes |
It was a bright Sunny day and the weather warm for a dip or swim in the sea on one of the jewels of the European Mediterranean coast and besides it was also " Saturday Night Fever" partying for the young in age and young at heart .As there was some road construction work in progress a few of the high fashion luxury shops were blocked from window shop viewing . Walked upto the famed " Carlton Hotel" the setting for Alfred.Hitchcocks 1955 movie " To Catch a thief" that also resulted in actress Grace.Kelly meeting Prince Rainier of Monaco and the rest being a fairytale romance, marriage and history.The "Carlton Hotel" is also famed for being the setting of one of the World's biggest jewel thefts that happened on Sunday(28/7/2013) involving $ 136 million owned by Israeli billionaire Lev Avnerovich Leviev.Great Wealth also attracts great crimes !Since then many lesser jewellery thefts have taken place in Cannes most notably from the hotels of stars during the annual Cannes film festival.
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| Marche-brocante flea market in Cannes held every Saturday and Sunday. |
On my return towards the railway station walked across the Rue D'Antibes shopping street packed with reveler's also coming across a "Adults Sex shop". Strangely a rarity among the Cannes boutique shops as "Internet Pornography" seems to have killed the retail sex shop business once common across Europe during my sailing era on ship's. Change is permanent in all industry's including the "Sex Industry".Cannes being a tourist locale a few people do answer in English and hence traced my way back to the station.Crowded as usual and after inquiries boarded the train back to Nice Ville Station . Almost everything in First World Europe let alone France is in digital mode.Names of stations are displayed on a indicator in the compartment as well as vocally announced in French.Having travelled across almost entire Europe my travel experience helps me in Countries where English language is not popular.The train was slightly less crowded than my home city Mumbai metro trains and did get seating accommodation.
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| Landmark Carlton Hotel of Cannes. " Carlton Hotel" the setting for Alfred.Hitchcocks 1955 movie " To Catch a thief" that also resulted in actress Grace.Kelly meeting Prince Rainier of Monaco and the rest being a fairytale romance, marriage and history. The "Carlton Hotel" is also famed for being the setting of one of the World's biggest jewel thefts that happened on Sunday(28/7/2013) involving $ 136 million owned by Israeli billionaire Lev Avnerovich Leviev. Case remains unsolved with no convictions but just media speculation and folklore gossip. |
Passed alongside a racecourse reminding me that today was also the day of the " Kentucky Derby" at Churchill Downs in U.S.A.The train hugs the French Riviera coast over a certain section and although expensive it's the quickest and most comfortable mode of transport for long distances from Nice.On reaching Nice station it was a long walk to my residence with a little help in direction from locals in sign language .Dinner was a takeaway pizza with one of the best dates I have eaten since the Batul dates of Dubai.Hostel was house full with young tourists, most conveniently located hostel in prime Nice.Got busy on my smartphone/ laptop.
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| You can't visit the French Riviera and not have a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. At Promenade des Anglais sea beach front facing iconic Le Negresco hotel of Nice. |
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| View of Promenade des Anglais in Nice. |
Sunday(7/5/2023) Nice :- It was super luxury sleeping on my hostel bed after 2 nights on non-stop travel mode from Mumbai to Nice.After my normal routines at approximately 0745 hrs left the hostel and made my way towards Promenade des Anglais. "La Promenade House" is located in one of the plushest localities of Nice just behind the historic "Le Negresco Hotel" facing the 7 Km long Mediterranean sea beach front of Promenade des Anglais. There was the latest version of a Ferrari car parked outside this iconic hotel built in 1912 and named after its founder/builder Henri.Negresco known for its art collection which includes a Baccarat 16,309 crystal chandelier in the hotel's Royal lounge that was commissioned by Czar Nicholas II who was unable to take delivery due to the October revolution.
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| At Promenade des Anglais in Nice near the " L' Ange de la Baie( Angel of the bay)" monument by nice sculptor Jean Marie Fondacara which commemorates victims of terrorist attack that occurred on this promenade on Bastille Day 14 July 2016.In the hollow of the wave is a heart engraved with the names of 86 people who lost their lives on that day. |
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| In Vieux Nice ( Old Town) a prettiest soothing sight The French pamper their pets like children. |
In 2003 Hotel Negresco was listed by the Government of France as a National historic building and is a member of the leading hotels of the World.I recommend a visit inside this hotel for a coffee or snacks or still better a drink over lunch or dinner and thus getting a opportunity of sightseeing its art and chandelier along with the ambiance. Seems i had now got immune to seeing ultra luxury motorcycles and car's on the French Riviera.Although car's are not my pet vehicles ,motorcycles and cycles are definitely a priority .Decided to walk in the direction of Castle Hill(La Colline du Chateau), the highest point in Nice city. Walking along scenic Promenade des Anglais came across early morning joggers as well as a few swimmers in the early morning chill Mediterranean sea. The long strip of the beach stretching across the Promenade des Anglais had a few private beaches with chairs and umbrella's which included the private beach of iconic Le Negresco hotel. Breakfast was at the McDonalds restaurant next to casino Ruhl situated facing the promenade.
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| " Chapel of Mercy" located in Cours Saleya Flower market Square |
A local helped me select the menu electronically on the display board and thankfully they accepted cash payment . Breakfast was a small egg/cheese hamburger with French fries and herbal tea. After breakfast walked towards Castle hill and on the way came across the Cours Saleya flower market.The Marche aux Fleurs(Flower Market in French ) in existence for over 120 years is closed only on Monday's and consists of fruits, vegetables and a flower market.On Monday's the 'Flower Market" is converted into "Marche a laBrocante(Antiques/Flea Market) selling furniture, vintage book's, clothing, etc. .Entered the market that had a variety of fruits, bread and spices for sale besides flowers after which the market has been named.The fruit and vegetable stands close by 1330 hrs with only the few flower shop's remaining open until 1730 hrs as a tradition since Nice was the first city in the World to open a wholesale cutflower market.
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| A taste of signature Nice pastries at Cours Saleya Flower Market. |
There is a historic chapel located in the middle of the flower market called "Chapel of Mercy" which has unique architectural design.French bread pastry's are famous and for the first time tasted bread chocolate pastries at the market. The bread along with the chocolate just melted in my mouth.Chez Theresa stall in the market is famous for 'Socca Nicoise" the common Nice dish very similar to the Indian dish called "Chapathi".From the flower market entered Vieux Nice (Nice Old Town) that reminded me of my home city of Mumbai where the disparity between localities is tremendous. Time had stood still in Vieux Nice in comparison to the plush sea facing edifices of Promenade des Anglais.Came across a lady taking her pet dogs on a early morning walk on a pram akin to two human babies. She allowed me to photograph her non-human children and only pet parents(owners) would understand the bonding between pets and their human companions. Walking a little ahead into Vieux Nice came across Nice Cathedral( Cathedrale Sainte Reparate de Nice).
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| Nice Cathedral( Cathedrale Sainte Reparate de Nice) in Vieux Nice(Nice Old Town) Open air restaurants in the Cathedral Square. |
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| Internal view of Nice Cathedral |
The Nice Cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Nice whose construction started in 1650 and completed in 1685.Construction continued after the church's consecration in 1699 with new structures and internal decorative elements added until 1949.The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary and Saint Reparta and has been a National monument since Thursday, 9 August 1906.Facing the Cathedral are open air restaurants .Entered the Cathedral and after a brief meditation took a few photo's of this church that resembled a palace of religion. Having travelled across almost entire Europe including the Catholic heartland of Spain and Portugal should say that the churches of Europe compete against each other in magnificence of architecture and internal religious decor.
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| Palais de Justice de Nice in Vieux Nice ( Nice Old Town ) |
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| Uphill road to Castel (Castle Hill )in Nice. |
In close proximity to the Nice Cathedral is the Palais de Justice square which has a imposing building of the same name."Palais de Justice de Nice".This building recounts the history, wealth and diversity of Nice. From the Palais de Justice de Nice made my way onto the main road and headed towards Castel(Castle hill).Took a photo with the backdrop of "I Love Nice" facing the Mediterranean sea and Promenade des Anglais.If visiting Nice don't miss a photo-shoot at this locale for your children, grandchildren or just for personal memories if unmarried and a solo traveler like your's truly.
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| View of Nice from Colline du Chateau ( Castle hill) viewpoint.The 7 Km long Promenade des Anglais beach with a few of its private beach resorts is distinctly visible as also the city skyline. |
At my young age a lot of trekking is ahead on this travel tour and akin to a cricketer would have to space out my energy and hence took the elevator(Ascenseur in French ) to the top of the 92 meter high Castle hill.
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| Archaeological excavations on Castle Hill. Discovery of medieval walls & Fortifications and remains of 15th century Cathedral. |
This old elevator has actually been built into a shaft that was formerly used as a well to supply water to the castle. change is permanent. Rasputin would be turning in his grave admiring my energy despite all odds heavily stacked against me, beginning with the Abu Dhabi visa fiasco followed by 2 day's and nights of sleepless travel because of the change in air travel destination.Castle Hill(Colline du Chateau) was a former military citadel overlooking the Bay of Nice.From the 11th century to the 18th century the castle was besieged several times especially in 1543 and 1691 and finally in 1705 the castle was overun by French troops and destroyed in 1706 under command of King Louis XIV.In the present era "Castle Hill" is the most famous and visited park in Nice.
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| On the highest point in the City of Nice on Castle Hill. |
The view from the top of Castle hill of the French Riviera coastline and Nice Old port rejuvenated my youth and financial disappointments providing a fresh lease of youth to my tired legs.There was some archaeological excavations in progress in a a part of the large hill side of the park this area has been made available to the public.The site contains remains of medieval walls and fortifications, as well as remains of the cathedral dated to the fifth century. Guided tours take place in groups of 20 and last about 30 minutes.There is also has a historical Jewish and Catholic cemetery at the other lower end of the park. Was at the right place at the right time and got to see a group of women doing dance workouts to the tune of loud music on speakers. "'Send in the Clowns" theme song reverberated through my memory and after a brief view from the top of castle hill walked back down the 300 stairs and road pathway to sea level of Nice.Walking along Promenade des Anglais towards Le Negresco hotel my landmark for hostel "La Promenade house" was thrilled seeing a large crowd of tourists ,cyclists , car's and two mounted policewomen on horsebacks.
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| Place Massena main centre in Nice with open air cafe's and a tram arriving at the tram stop. Sitting on a pole perch are seven resin statues at different locations created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. During the day they tower quietly over the pedestrian filled Massena Square. Come dusk they begin to glow and twinkle with their ever changing colors.. |
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| " Fontaine Du Soliel ( The Sun Fountain)" in Place Massena in Nice.There are 5 bronze horse sculptures in the Basin and in the centre is the nude marble statue of Apollo . |
Made my way towards Place Massena which has the historic Fontaine Du Soliel(Sun Fountain) in the square.The Place Massena is a historic square in Nice and was named for André Massena and designed by Joseph Vernier in 1843-1844 .
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| Unique " Tricycle taxi's (Cyclos)" on Place Massena in Nice. |
Since its construction, the Place Massena has always been the spot for great public events and is used for concerts particularly during the summer festivals. The Corso carnavalesque (carnival parade) in February, the military procession of 14 July (Bastille Day) or other traditional celebrations and banquets all take place in Place Massena.One of the World's most sensational bank robberies whose case is still in progress in 2023 with a new twist and a new suspect happened on Friday 16th July 1976 when Albert .Spaggiari and his gang are alleged to have stolen 30-100 million Francs from the Société Générale Bank located just a few steps from Massena Square.The largest and most sophisticated bank robbery of its era.
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| Mounted Women police patrolling Promenade des Anglais on a bright Sunny Sunday. |
There is the nude sculpture of Greek God Apollo which was the centre of a lot of controversy among the Nicois( people of Nice). Spotted a tourist 3-wheel cycle taxi on the Square called Cyclos in Nice.Walked across to the Promenade du paillon situated adjacent to Place Massena and was disappointed on seeing a almost dry pond which otherwise was supposed to be a reflecting pond. From Place Massena walked back towards home away from home "La Promenade house" realizing that besides travel across country's and city's could also be in the minority 10% range of people with most hotel stay's in different country's. Passed alongside the statue of Goddess Nike which had 2 majestic Harley Davidson bikes parked near the statue. One of the bikes was a Harley Davidson trike bike(3 wheels) .
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| Promenade du paillon adjacent to Massena Square. Park with water fountains and exotic plants. |
There was also hoardings for a rock concert scheduled for next month. Rocker's and Harley's are great companions.Walking along Promenade des Anglais came across a group of locals clearing plastic thrash with a slogan.They requested me to take a photograph of their group and so I became a unofficial news photographer.Surely this photo would find its way in some magazine or news . Travel is never boring, solo or in a group.Visited "Palace de la Mediterranean " casino situated alongside the promenade and this is the larger of the two casino's situated within walking distance and was amazed at the number of casino's in comparison to population density of gamblers let alone population density of Europe . Truth is stranger than fiction, more so in the unpredictable occupation of gambling. On arriving at Le Negrasco hotel took the turn onto the road leading to the hostel. At the hostel changed over to my swimming kit and walked the short distance to the "Public Beach" space situated opposite La Negresco hotel along the Promenade des Anglais.A group of young Caucasian tourists were already on the pebble beach and hence had no inhibitions of swimming in public. Excellent crystal clear water ,excellent for snorkeling in the deep. After a short dip in the Mediterranean Sea made my way back to the hostel. After a shower searched the plush vicinity for some take-away food and finally did find a grocery and lunch was a vegetarian rice dish with a apple.
Called it a day and took rest seated at my laptop blogging in the hostel lobby." LA Promenade House" was filled to maximum capacity with 8 beds in my room fully occupied by both men and women, a mix dormitory. Excellent hot water shower in the hostel was a relief after marathon tour walks least of all arriving at the hostel after two and a half days of non- stop travel. Hostel manager Ben was paranoid about security and changed the main entrance door lock code every day and seems the Albert.Spaggiari bank robbery case of 1976 still haunts Nice security ! Back to boarding school lifestyle in prime Downtown Nice.
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| Eze Medieval village on Cote d'Azur, 427 meters above sea level. Èze has been described as an "eagle's nest" because of its location overlooking a high cliff 427 metres (1,401 ft) above sea level on the French Mediterranean and is so high that the light ochre church within ,Notre Dame de l’Assomption built in 1764, can be seen from afar.Èze Village actually consists of two villages on three levels on this mountain. The lowest is Èze-sur-Mer, through which the Nice–Monaco railway line runs and 427 m higher is Èze Medieval village (Èze-Village) which i was touring and also one of the most visited tourist site on the French Riviera. |
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| American Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit(1886) near Jean.Medicin in Nice . |
Monday(8/5/2023) Nice .A visit to Eze Medieval village :- A miracle that I slept well for over 4 hrs , the maximum sleep in 24 hrs.It gets chill at night which is good for sleep while covered in good thermal quilt.Inquired directions to Garibaldi tram station with Manager Mr Ben and he told me it was a long walkable distance and as the weather was indescribably pleasant decided to walk.I was the lone person walking on the street at 0700 hrs besides the occasional motorist passing along the road.Came across"American Episcopical Church of the Holy Spirit (1886)" at 21 Rue Maccarani near Jean Medicin.There are some noticeable differences between The Episcopal Church and the Roman Catholic Church where in the Episcopal Church bishops and priests can be both genders and can be married and there is no centralized authority figure like the Pope. Christianity is one of the most complicated religion's.Came across early morning pet parents taking their dogs for a walk including a suited gentleman with his three Yorkshire terrier's. Inquiring directions finally reached Jean Medecin Tram station and was advised to catch a tram to Garibaldi station.
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| Place Garibaldi was built in 1773 and is oldest of the main squares in Nice , second in importance to Place Massena. Statue of Italian politician Giuseppe. Garibaldi in the centre of the square with its fountain and lions. |
Boarded "Tram N0 1" and finally akin to a local alighted at Place Garibaldi which has a statue of the Italian Statesman who and is the oldest square in the city.
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| View of " Jardine Botanique d'Eze " as the walk up the inclined stairs of Eze village begins from the bus stop at base of the Medieval village. |
The bronze and marble statue of Guiseppe.Garibaldi,general and Italian politician born in Nice was made by sculptors Antoine Etex and Gustave.Deloye in 1891 with Garibaldi statue facing Turin in Italy.Next was a quick breakfast snack of the best croissants that France and Nice is famous for at the local "Glacier Gelati Amori" bakery but the worst part was inquiring directions to the N0 82 bus stand as English language is almost alien to most locals.Finally with great difficulty discovered the bus stand and at 0830 hrs boarded N0 82 bus to Eze Village.Eze village is only 12,5 Km from Nice and it was a beautiful coastal drive along the mountain highway with the beautiful Cote d'Azur (French Riviera) coast below the highway for most part of the journey.
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| Tourists walking up the cobbled medieval stairs of Eze village .Entire Hilltop village preserved in its Medieval era. |
Finally at 0900 hrs reached Eze Medieval village and having done thorough travel research was still surprised at the uniqueness of this highest French village situated at a maximum peak altitude of 700 meters(2,297 ft) on the Cote d'Azur.Eze village is on the land route between St Jean Cap Ferrat and Monaco about 8.5 Km North West to the city of Nice and 4.5 Km to the west of Monaco situated at a altitude of 427 meters, built during the Middle ages and preserved in its original form to the present day.There were a few Korean tourists and as i was early the crowd was less and hence it was a easy trek up the medieval stairs passing alongside quaint restaurants and art shops.Eze has been dubbed by some a village-musee, a "Museum village", as few residents of local origin live here and this tiny village is totally dependent on tourism .Many famous people have visited Eze with the most prominent temporary residents being Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche and Walt.Disney.Nietzsche stayed in one of the oldest houses of Eze and found inspiration for his third part of "Thus spake Zarathoustra" while climbing to the village by the path from the coast and this path is today named as “Nietzsche Trail” and a favourite trekking route for adventurer's. Walt Disney stayed in a hotel occupying old tenement houses on the slope named the " Château de la Chèvre d’Or (Palace of the Golden Goat)".
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| Walking along the cobbled street of historic Eze Medieval Village. |
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| Outdoor Cafe in tiny Eze Medieval village . Picture postcard beautiful. |
The motto of the village is the phrase Isis Moriendo Renascor("In death I am Reborn") and its emblem is a phoenix perched on a bone. Finally on reaching the last settlement of this tiny medieval village reached the entrance of "Jardine Botanique d'Eze(Jardine Botanical Gardens)" and on a entrance ticket of Euro 7 made my way into the garden's as did other tourists.Although i am no botanist just having a fancy for greenery by growing balcony plants at home the sight of a variety of Cactus was a sight to behold. Besides cactus there was a variety of succulent plants and the view from the peak of this botanical garden was worth the Euro 7 entrance money even if totally uninterested in botany and Succulent plants.The view of the Cote d'Azur from the peak of the garden which is the highest point of the village is a sight to behold. Requested a elderly tourist to click a snap of mine and hence developed a short conversation with American Mr Jeff who was on a month long cruise along with his fellow American tourists.At the peak of the Botanical Garden hill are sculptures of women by prominent French sculptor Jean- Philipps Richard.It was odd hearing loud conversation's in English and finally after walking along the entire garden trail which also had a natural rock waterfall made my way back to the exit of the garden.
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| Narrator in Jardine Botanique d'Eze (Jardine Botanical Gardens) in Eze Medieval Village on Cote d'Azur ( French Riviera) |
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| Amazing collection of Succulents and Cactus in Jardine Botanique d'Eze (Jardine Botanical Gardens) of Eze Medieval Village. The best view of the Cote d'Azur ( French Riviera) can be seen from this garden which is also the highest point on the entire French Riviera coast. |
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| At the peak of Eze Medieval village in " Jardine Botanique d'Eze " with Sculpture of woman by French Sculptor Jean- Phillipps Richard. Best view of Cote d'Azur. |
This is the second best exotic garden on the French Riviera after the exotic garden in Monaco. On my descent to the base of the village entered a art shop where the focus was painting's made out of collected waste plastic which was discharged into the ocean. Awareness against disposing plastic waste into the oceans. The showpiece was the painting of a large fish made out of waste plastic collected from the sea .Brainwave of a idea and painting for creating awareness of keeping our oceans clean and maintaining the balance of nature in our oceans.On nearing the exit came across a military procession with a wreath of flowers heading towards the garden.
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| Commemoration of " Victory Day" by the Armed Forces at Jardine Botanique d'Eze ( Jardine Botanical Gardens).Tuesday 8 May 1945 which happens to be today, Saturday(8/5/2023) is a public holiday in France celebrating victory of Allied forces over Germany in Europe and end of World War II in Europe. |
Tuesday 8 May 1945 is annually celebrated as "Victory Day" or V- E Day( Victory in Europe Day) in France, the day of German surrender and end of World War II in Europe and on the Eastern front and is a public National holiday.
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| Fragonard Perfume factory at Eze Village A free demonstration for tourists about manufacturing of perfumes,soaps & cosmetic products. |
After my exit a huge group of cruise tourists from another ship made their entry and the garden was packed to capacity. My next visit was to the "Fragonard Perfume" factory situated on the side of the hill just below the baseline of Eze medieval village. The factory offers free tours of its factory premises which includes a visit to the cosmetics laboratory.Tours are conducted in groups and as a single tourist was just in time to make it into a group of tourists of whom a few were from India.Our young lady guide explained us the method of perfume manufacturing as well as other skin care products including soaps. After the tour made my way back uphill to the base of the village and on asking for directions managed to trace the bus stop. Luck favoured me and within a short span of time bus N0 82 arrived and it was a excellent semi-coastal bus drive to Garibaldi Place bus stop.
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| Opera de Nice building built in 1885 hosts World class classical concerts. |
The bus driver guided me on alighting at Garibaldi and from there again boarded the " No 2 Tram" to Place Massena. Heard the firing of the "Cannon Shot" at 12 pm noon, a tradition since 1861 in Nice which is a colourful historical story by itself.Another peculiarity of Nice city which i haven't experienced in other European city's is the chiming of church bells very frequently throughout the day.On alighting at Place Massena was happy to see a more vibrant atmosphere than when i had visited yesterday.The square was filled with tourists and the open air restaurants busy catering to customers. Two street artists were singing songs in the square and was happy to see the fountain water jets of Promenade du Paillon functioning and something different in comparison to normal fountains.
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| " La Chaise blue" , the blue chairs on Promenade des Anglais has long been considered a symbol of Nice. |
Walked towards Opera de Nice whose outdoor street restaurants was packed with tourists. Lunch was a Greek dish called " Mussaka" at a local takeaway costing Euro 8 and consisted of brinjals, meat and cheese,deliscious.Walking back home along Promenade des Anglais came across a street artist couple posing as statues, common in prime tourist spots in Europe.After a short rest in the hostel asked Ben for directions to Saint Nicholas Cathedral ,the largest Eastern orthodox cathedral in Western Europe.Following Ben's directions and later also inquiring with local's walked past Alsace Lorraine train station , past the overhead train bridge and finally relieved to see a direction indicator pointing to the location of this Russian Orthodox church.
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| St Nicholas Cathedral ( Russian Orthodox Church) in Nice .The largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. |
The external architecture with onion shaped domes as well as interior religious decor of Orthodox churche's fascinates me and barring Russia have visited a few prominent Orthodox churches in Europe and Ethiopia.
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| Avid motorcyclist Mr Patrice with his " Royal Enfield Interceptor " First time I spotted a " Royal Enfield " brand in Europe. |
On entering the Cathedral grounds was surprised to see rabbits frolicking near a small cabin hut .On close examination was surprised to know that these were free living rabbits that had made underground burrows below a isolated hut cabin. These rabbits were very docile and accustomed to human petting as a few children did get hold of them and later i myself took a photograph with a baby rabbit.The cathedral, consecrated in December 1912 in memory of Nicholas Alexandrovich, Tsarevich of Russia, who died in Nice, was meant to serve the large Russian community that had settled in Nice by the end of the 19th century, as well as devout visitors from the imperial court of Russia. Tsar Nicholas II funded the construction work. The St Nicholas Russian Cathedral was impressive externally and tourists were allowed to enter the cathedral with photography being prohibited. After finishing my visit made my way out of the gate and was surprised to see a gentleman about to start his "Royal Enfield Interceptor" motorcycle, the first time i spotted this brand of motorcycle in Europe.
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| Mussee Massena (Massena Museum) opened in 1921 located in historic Villa Massena situated next to Le Negresco hotel. Exhibits the history of Nice. |
Had a brief talk with the bike owner Patrice whose ambition was to hire a bike and ride in India but i also warned him regarding the unsafe roads in comparison to France.If i told him i was a survivor of 3 motorcycle accidents then either he would presume i was a bad rider or India's common roads were definitely dangerous. Advised him to do the Manali-Leh motorcycle ride in India.On my way back on approaching Alsace Lorraine station decided to visit Port Lympia and hence boarded "Tram N0 2" to last stop Port Lympia.Very similiar to Cannes Port having Venetian coloured buildings but with much less sail boats and luxury yachts.
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| Port Lympia of Nice.Large cruise ships don't dock in this port but at Villefranche-sur-Mer port. |
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| Super Yacht "ELEMENTS" docked in Port Lympia in Nice.80-metre Yachtley superyacht Elements was launched in 2019 built to SOLAS requirements for cruising at a speed of 18.5 Knots with up to 24 guests onboard and a crew of 29."Elements" features both naval architecture and exterior design by Alpha Marine, while her interior was designed by Cristiano Gatto who styled the guest spaces in a lavish art deco theme." Elements" has four guest decks as seen in the photo and her volume of 2,443 GT makes her one of the largest 80-metre yachts in the world.Elements is a floating palace in the truest sense of the word.Decked in expensive marble, onyx, mother of pearl, mirrors, engraved stone, and only the finest fabrics, swathed in decorative expensive pillows and crystal chandeliers, and offering incredible amenities.Saudi Arabian Billionaire Fahad Mohammed Saleh Al Athel is the present owner of "Elements" which is on sale for U.S $ 120 million only.Maintenance cost of this yacht is estimated at U.S $12.5 million only ! Do you believe in JINXES ? I do ! Tragically "ELEMENTS" seems to be jinxed as no billionaire wants to buy her but only just charter her and recently the superyacht was in the news this year after it was vandalized in docking at Nice, during protests against the government's proposal to change the age of retirement.The vessel's size and styling attracted the attention of anti-capitalist protesters, who threw rotten fruit and vegetables, paint, and flares onboard. How often do you come across such expensive yachts with such a fascinating history during a casual harbour stroll.Only on the FRECH RIVIERA. Ahoy ! . |
Large Cruise ships don't dock at Nice port but at Villefranche-sur-Mer (Port de la Sante) situated 9.1 Km from Nice which is the cruise port for Nice and by passenger traffic is ranked the busiest on the French Riviera.The American's and other cruise tourists i met at Eze Medieval Village must have docked at Villefranche-sur-Mer port.My worst nightmare was getting Euro 1.5 in coins for purchasing the tram ticket as the automatic ticket machines accepts only card or coin payments. Finally with great difficulty managed to get change realizing that "AUTOMATION" has its advantages and disadvantages. Was finally back home away from home and relaxed blogging rough notes of my day's travel.
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| At Port Hercules in Monaco.Harbour of Playboys,Playgirls and Billionaires. |
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| Stands being erected facing Hercules harbour in Monaco for the " Monaco Grand prix" . |
Tuesday(9/5/2023) A visit to Monaco :- After a nice 4 hrs + intermittent sleep thanks to the travel tiredness that was inducing me to sleep was awake and after normal routines dressed and headed out of home away from home to the Nice Ville train station.Monaco is only 21 Kms from Nice by road but train travel is faster although more expensive than the scenic bus route.Inside the railway station had a quick breakfast of French chocolate Croissant with milkless tea the typical French breakfast snack. Asked a railway employee for the train to Monaco and to my good luck it was on the platform about to depart .It was a half an hour journey through tunnels and coastline of the French Riviera.Finally at 0800 hrs was at Gare de Monaco-Monte-Carlo ( Monaco train station) and this was Country N0 87 on my World travel list of countries visited during my lifetime.
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| Main road in Monaco facing harbour being prepared for " Monte Carlo grand prix" scheduled for Sunday 28 May 2023.It was a long walk from Gare de Monaco- Monte- Carlo( Railway Station) to Monte - Ville( Monaco old town) situated on a hill called the " Rock of Monaco". |
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| A steep uphill walk up Rampe de la Major to Monte- ville( Monaco Old Town) from Place d'Armes which has a flower market at the base of the rock |
The station, along with the entire railway line in the principality, is located underground and is actually just across the French border.From the station it was one of the longest underground tunnel walks in which towards the end i was the only tourist walking towards the exit into Monaco.After a lifetime of living in one of the most populated city's in the World,Mumbai, felt nervous being the only rail commuter alone in a broad underground railway tunnel having transparent glass boundary walls and pondering if i had taken the right exit from the train station as there was not a single train commuter walking either in the opposite or same direction as me. Finally heaving a sigh of relief was out of the glass tunnel into broad daylight with city traffic on the narrow road of Monaco.Monaco has a total area of 2.02 Sq Km( 0.78 Sq Mi) making it the second smallest sovereign Country in the World.
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| Palais de Justice located on rue Colonel- Belladonna-de- Castro next to St Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco- ville district( Old Town).The interior courtrooms are decorated with religious symbols inherited from the traditions of the Principality which is the Roman Catholic religion. Was built in 1930 and resembles a small Fort.Tourists are not allowed entry.. |
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| Port de Fontvielle as viewed from Monaco- Ville (Monaco Rock ).Situated at the foot of Monaco Rock.Situated in the heart of millionaires residential area of Monaco its used as a Marina and can accommodate upto 275 boats with a maximum drought of 3 meters.A shopping centre,hypermarkets, heliport and the sporting complex of Louis II stadium are in the vicinity of Port of Fontvielle in Monaco. |
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| Inside Oceanographic Museum in the Polar expeditions section. |
The official language of the principality is French and Monégasque (a dialect of Ligurian), English and Italian are also spoken and understood by many residents.Monaco is one of the World's wealthiest country's on a GDP/per capita basis and in 2022 the average wealth of a person living in Monaco was 2 Million U.S dollars.It is also the most densely populated country in the world/ capita land area. Thirty-two per cent of the principality’s population of 39,000 are millionaires, nearly 3,000 are multimillionaires, and at least half a dozen billionaires call Monaco home. Ahoy ! Saw a sign board indicating direction towards Hercules Port and casually walked along the wharf of the harbour.Monaco has a the world's shortest coastline of approximately 3.83 km (2.38 mi) and having visited Cannes earlier the sight of multimillion dollar yachts was not a surprise and just admired the beauty of these sail boats. As the Monaco Grand Prix was due on Sunday(28/5/2023) the entire harbour wharf was fenced and a temporary grandstand created facing the harbour.
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| Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.Inaugurated in 1910 by Monaco's modernist reformer Prince Albert I the museum is home to various sea species fauna.The building rises 279 feet(85,04m) from the cliffside and took 11 years to build.During construction the names of 20 well known Oceanographic research vessels selected by Prince Albert I were inscribed into the frieze of the museum's facade. |
All over the decades i watched the "Monaco Grand Prix" on television and here i was in the midst of the racing circuit of Monaco.
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| At Place du Palais in Monaco old town in front of " Prince's Palace of Monaco". Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress since the 13th century has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297.At present the Palace is home to Prince Rainier's son and successor Prince Albert II.This is a working Palace and headquarters of the Monégasque rulers.The state rooms are opened for public viewing during Summer. |
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| Buildings in Monte-Ville ( Monaco old Town) in close proximity to Prince' s Palace. |
Childhood daydreaming and fantasies at times does come true and here as a adult i was standing on the wharf of one of the World's most admired and talked about country's.The roads are narrow and hence the Monaco Grand Prix is considered one of the dangerous formula-1 racing circuits.Late Brazilian driver Ayrton. Senna holds the record for most number of wins at the " Monaco Grand Prix". Preperations for the Monaco Grand Prix begin in April and transforms the topography of Monaco around Monte Carlo near the harbour with the building of temporary spectator stands and barricades besides repaving the narrow roads.Walking along the harbour wharf decided to first head towards Monaco-Ville(Old Town) and first visit the Oceanographic Museum( Musee Oceangoraphique de Monaco) but knowing that it was situated in the vicinity of the Prince's Palace located on the Monaco Rock next to the Old Town of Monaco was horrified to realize it was a uphill trek from Port Hercules. Read about elevators at various locales in Monaco for travelling across this miniscule mountain Country but just couldn't see any sign board indicating "Ascenseur(Lift)".Worst, which was the right trek road to Monaco-Ville ? Luck favoured me and asked directions with a Asiatic woman who spoke fluent English and turned out to be of Indian origin.
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| View of Hercules Harbour and La Codamine from Monaco Rock(Monte- Ville) |
Thanks to Mrs Trish.Singh who along with her husband were into the child-care business in London and on a holiday in Monaco that i was led onto the right path towards Monaco-Ville.We passed alongside the Place d' Armes flower market that was just opening and from there was told to walk up Rampe Major of Monaco ,a inclined road to reach the peak of Monaco Rock.Thanking Mrs Trish.Singh made my way up the steep inclined Rampe Major finally reaching the top and surprized to find myself in Place du palais on the Prince's Palace ground.Seeing grandoise palaces back home in India was surprised at the ordinary external look of the Prince's Palace of Monaco.There was a direction indicator on the palace ground towards the Oceanographic museum and walking towards the museum came across the Palais De Justice building. This courthouse has a unique structure that differentiates it from other buildings in Old Town .Just next to this building is the Monaco Cathedral( St Nicholas Cathedral/ Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (in French language: Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-Immaculée) where Princess Grace.Kelly along with her husband Prince Rainier and other members of the Monaco family lay buried.
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| Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception also called St Nicholas Cathedral consecrated on 11 June 1911 is the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Monaco in Monaco- Ville.Many members of the Grimaldis are buried here ,Grace, Kelly and Rainier III. |
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| Jardin St Martin Garden in Monte-Ville. |
Walking further came across the Jardin St Martin garden situated on the rock slope . Finally arrived at the Oceanographic museum located near the entrance gate of Jardin st Martin garden.I was very early as the museum opens at 1000 hrs and so entered Jardin St Martin garden which has a wooden statue at the entrance gate titled "Le Messager" . This statue was first exhibited in Paris in 1937 and has a man carrying a ship and a map as offerings symbolizing the figure of the explorer revealing the discoveries of his marine expeditions.Reminiscent of Prince Albert I ,pioneer of oceanography and founder of the Oceanographic museum of Monaco.The garden had a beautiful view of the Mediterranean sea and Fontvielle Port below which had small yacht boats in the harbour.
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| Daily Flowers/ Fruits/ vegetables market at Rampe de la Major situated at the base of Monaco Rock. |
There was a statue of Princess Grace in the garden as also a fountain and human sculptures .A small tourist group was in the garden with a guide explaining them various exhibits within the garden. Next visited Monaco Cathedral( St Nicholas Cathedral/Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (in French language: Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-Immaculée) and surprised to be the lone tourist as also happy for the same as otherwise the cathedral would be crowded with tourists.The cathedral was built from 1875 to 1903 and consecrated on 11 June 1911. It is on the site of the first parish church in Monaco, built in 1252 and dedicated to Saint Nicholas.
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| Hotel de Paris on Place du casino adjacent to Monte-Carlo Casino.Was opened in 1864 .In Maarch 2019 the hotel reopened after a $ 280 million renovation that took 4 years.Hotel has 99 rooms divided into four pricing categories. The hotel has been featured in numerous films including James Bond films.It was also a popular shooting location for photographer Helmut.Newton. Just standing outside the hotel lost count of the ultra- luxury cars i spotted arriving at the entrance of this hotel akin to celebrity gazing. |
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| Inside Casino de Monte-Carlo The theme of decor was green with Jellyfish made out of recyclable material seen floating from the ceiling. |
A simple cathedral unlike other European Catholic cathedrals and strangely the graves of the Royal family was devoid of any outstanding grandeur.At 1000 hrs was at the Oceanographic Museum ticket office and on payment of 19 Euro's was the Bonny ( First : Hindi slang) tourist of the day to enter the museum.Bizarre but true.The Oceanographic Museum was inaugurated in 1910 by Monaco's modernist reformer, Prince Albert I dedicated to oceanography. The Museum celebrated its centenary in March 2010, after extensive renovations.On entering first made my way to the basement of the museum where a variety of large different aquariums presents a wide range of viewing different fish species. Four thousand species of fish including small sharks and over 200 families of invertebrates can be seen. The aquarium also features a presentation of Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystems. A large group of students were busy studying the various fish species, taking down notes.From the aquarium made my way outdoors into the turtle enclosure where a single large turtle was on display and three young divers were engrossed in cleaning the tank. Next went by lift to the first floor which has a "Natural History" section of stuffed animals and aquatic species.This section also has a separate space explaining life in the polar regions of the World.
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| Casino de Monte-Carlo gambling complex at Pl.du Casino which includes the Opera de Monte-Carlo and office of les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Citizens of Monaco ( Monégasques) are forbidden from gambling in the casino.The casino was opened in July 1865.The casino has been used as a filming location for many films including James Bond films. |
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| Casino Cafe de Paris situated next to Casino de Monte-Carlo is famous for its 480 state of the art slot machines. Founded in 1868 it was transformed several times, most recently in 1988. |
On the third floor is the terrace roof top of the museum which offers a panoramic view of Monaco.From the museum made my way back to the Prince's Palace which had a large crowd of tourists assembled.The Prince's Palace(French: Palais princier de Monaco) of Monaco Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco.During its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers and since the end of the 13th century, it has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297. There is a statue of Francois Grimaldi disguised as a monk with frock in front of the Prince Palace in Monte Carlo depicting the legend of the capture of the castle in 1297. Prince's Palace reflects the history not only of Monaco, but of the family which in 1997 celebrated 700 years of rule from the same palace.
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| Just for the camera at a slot machine in Casino Monte-Carlo. |
I had arrived at the right place at the right time to witness the ceremonial arrival of a important dignitary with police motorcycle escort.The large crowd of tourists had gathered to watch the daily "Changing of the Guards" ceremony which is normally just before noon but seems the arrival of the dignitary delayed the normal routine. The dignitary again left the Palace at 1200 hrs and after their departure at approximately 1210 hrs the "Changing of the Guards" ceremony took place.After witnessing the ceremony made my way down the Rock to the base and inquired directions to Monte Carlo Casino( Casino de Monte-Carlo).It was again a long uphill walk along the fencing barricades of the Monaco Grand Prix.Purchased a cold drink and a apple as energy boosters and walked the distance to the Casino.Having visited Cannes was accustomed to seeing ultra luxury car's but the sheer number of Rolls Royce's, Ferrari's, Porche's, Mercedes Benz in a small single locale defies wealth imagination.
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| Was at the right place at the right time to see this red Ferrari being put into a box van akin to a race horse for transportation to a auction house.I spotted a gentleman in suit giving instructions about the car to the transport crew. On a casual conversation with Mr Laurent.Blomet ( Founder/ CEO) of " Monaco car Auctions " was spellbound to know that this car would be auctioned with a few other Ferrari's on Thursday 8 June 2023 and it's minimum base price was 3.5 $ Million dollars . |
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| Opera de Monte-Carlo situated next to Casino de Monte-Carlo. |
There was a red Ferrari loaded in a box akin to a race horse being transported and on inquiry with the Founder/ CEO of "Monaco car Auctions" Mr Laurent.Blomet was told that this particular Ferrari was to be auctioned on Thursday 8 June and its minimum base price was to be only 3.5 Million Euro's which could go much higher once the bidding started.Took a photograph of myself with this car for never in my life have i come so close to a 3 million + Euro car. The Monte Carlo Casino opens at 1400 hrs for tourists and in the meantime visited the adjacent "Casino Cafe De Paris" which was huge and had only slot machines.Finally at 1400 hrs entered Monte-Carlo Casino which had grand old World decor and took a photo on the slot machine although i didn't bet a Euro on any machine as i am no fan of slot machine or any gambling depending 100% on luck with no input of human skill.My gambling is on the "Indian Stock Market" and my superhit notional sports speculation game titled "Mittoo alias mittoo the poppat" which is canvassing for legalizing sports gamboling in India.
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| Toy train ride around Monaco for tourists. |
Finally decided to call it a day and head back to home away from home,Nice.The train station was the next biggest jig-saw puzzle as believe it or not in tiny Monaco the large train station is invisible externally and after asking numerous people for directions was finally directed towards a landmark chapel of the Principality that had a road leading through steps to the station. I am no Atheist but border on agnosticism although a practicing Catholic and entered Sainte-Devote Chapel (French: Chapelle Sainte Devote) dedicated to Saint Devota, the patron saint of Monaco, and bowed down at the altar. Solo tourists illiterate in French language visiting Monaco by train on a day tour from Nice please remember this landmark chapel or you might get lost in tiny Monaco.
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| Sainte-Devote Chapel in Monaco Landmark for Monaco train station. |
The name of the chapel is used to identify the first corner, "Sainte-Devote", of the Monaco Grand Prix track, the Circuit de Monaco.Made my way to the station and was in time to catch the train to Nice Ville.At Nice Ville now familiar with the local terrain made my way to "Le Times Food and drinks" restaurant facing Nice Ville train station. Lunch at 1515 hrs was "Kebab", excellent preparation by the Tunisian chef.Noticed a shop next to the restaurant with "SEX" advertised on its nameplate and on inquiry with the Tunisian chef was told that they just indulged in selling sex toy's, etc but definitely not a brothel. The entire "Kebab" was too big for me to devour in one sitting and carried the rest back to the hostel. Akin to majority of hostels "La Promenade House" also had a pantry freely available to guests.Relaxed on the computer happy to have visited a new country , Monaco.At 2200 hrs left the hostel and walked upto Alsace Lorraine tram station.Boarded " Tram N0 2" and alighted at Terminal 1 Nice airport. Initially whiled away my time in the airport lounge but later shifted to the bus terminal.Nice was memorable for more than sightseeing.
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| Milan Cathedral or Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, is the cathedral church of Milan, Lombardy, Italy.The cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete with construction beggining in 1386, and the final details completed in 1965. It is the largest church in the Italian Republic.There are more statues on this gothic-style cathedral than any other building in the world. There are 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures that decorate Milan Duomo |
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| Arrival in Milan in Italy on a rainy day. |
Wednesday(10/5/2023) Departure Nice and arrival Milan :- The " Flix bus N508" was punctual and arrived at 0120 hrs and after the normal boarding of passengers began our journey.I was on the last seat with a group of Italian women.Milan is 318 Km from Nice and it was a pleasant journey and did get at least a hour's sleep.Reached Milan in the morning and it was raining, a slight drizzle but a very wet day.The Metro train station is just next to the International Lampugnano bus terminus of Milan.As per instructions from the hostel boarded the RED line Metro train heading towards Sesto 1 Maggio FS direction and after 13 stops alighted at Station Porta Venezia thanks to guidance from a young Black Italian lady .At Porta Venezia with a slight drizzle still persisting entered a local plush restaurant called " Coffee Joint" and after using the toilet had a " Italian breakfast",absolutely relieved .Next purchased a tram ticket from the station vendor with tickets being costlier than Nice.Next boarded the " N0 9 Tram" heading in direction of Porta Genova and after 6 stops alighted at stop Viale Monte Nero/ via Bergamo and as instructed by the hostel guide the " NOMAD" managed to find his way to " Quo Milano" hostel.
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| International " Nomad" finally arrives at " Quo Milano" hostel in Milan , a chic hostel with a collection of clocks keeping the guest tourist in touch with home city or country.Milan, the city of international fashion is obvious in the decor and murals adorning " Quo Milano " International hostel. |
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| Historic Roman Gate in Milan city with city traffic passing below the gate. |
Excellent Internal decor mural paintings of Italian rennaisance era reminding me of the plush hostels of Africa, only difference being in hostel rentals which was akin to a 3 - star hotel in my home city of Mumbai.Italy is expensive especially Milan since it is a tourist destination as well as one of the 4 fashion capital's of the World.This was a spontaneous accidental unplanned tour to Milan and hence had just 2 days of sightseeing in this fashion capital of the World.Deposited my luggage at the check-in baggage counter and asked the receptionist Mr Raphael for directions to Milan Cathedral(Duomo).He told me it was walking distance and considering his casual suggestion decided to walk the distance and to my horror it was a approximately 4 kms of walking distance from " Quo Milano" hostel.Seems young Receptionist Raphael played a "Italian Job" prank on me.Thankfully having rained in the morning the weather was cloudy and cold, driving away my travel bus lag and a almost sleepless night.Asking directions as also having a snack of Italian sausage bread on the way finally sighted the imposing structure of Milan Cathedral( Italian :Duomo di Milano).
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| Inside Milan Cathedral ( Duomo di Milano) which is capable of containing 40,000 visitors . Five great aisles stretch from the entrance to the altar. Enormous stone pillars dominate the nave which support the structure. |
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| Walked 251 steps along with other tourists in a single queue to the rooftop of Milan Cathedral.The cathedral’s most famous effigy, that of the Madonnina (Little Madonna), rests on top of the tallest spire covered in 3,900 pieces of gold leaf.Got a "Bird's eye view" of the wonderful Gothic-style architecture with the columns crowned by statues and the little Gold Madonnina, more than 100 meters high as seen in this photo. |
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| Leonardo da Vinci statue in Piazza Della Scala (1872) by sculptor Pietro. Magni. |
There was a large tourist crowd and on inquiring about tickets was directed towards a building dealing in issuing tickets.Purchased a combo ticket of visiting the Cathedral as well as walking it's stairs upto the roof.Total cost of the ticket was 15 Euro's with visit to the Cathedral and roof top distributed into two different time slots.The Milan cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete with construction beggining in 1386 and the final details of the Cathedral completed in 1965. Dedicated to the Nativity of St. Mary (Santa Maria Nascente), it is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan and is the largest church in the Italian Republic being 108 m in height,157 meters in length, 11,700 Sq m in area with a capacity for more than 40,000 people and is the identity of the city of Milan.Visited Duomo di Milano Cathedral( Milan Cathedral) that was imposing although not surprising to me having visited most of the imposing Cathedrals of Europe including the Sagrada de Familia in Barcelona which is still under construction.Enormous stone pillars dominate the nave and the walls and niches house a large amount of statuary,the largest among any building in the World.A total of 3,400 statues, 2,245 of which can be found on the exterior of the Cathedral.Since 2021 the 135 Gargoyles on the exterior of the Cathedral are up for adoption to the public on a payment of a certain sum and helps the Cathedral in maintenance cost .
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| Triumphal arch entrance of Galleria Vittoria Emanuelle II from Piazza del Duomo. |
The cathedral’s most famous effigy, that of the Madonnina (Little Madonna), rests on top of the tallest spire covered in 3,900 pieces of gold leaf. Milan Cathedral also houses a nail said to have been used for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.Next at 1100 hrs stood in the queue for walking up to the roof top of the Cathedral and seems " Swim Yoga" has done wonders to my knee joints as on this tour I had been continuously walking up and down inclined heights with still more uphill walking in store and my knee joints seemed as good as a race horse.Visitors can also take the elevator to the roof of the Duomo with a increased entry ticket price as also another 50 more steps to be climbed before reaching the actual roof top.Finally entered the Cathedral stairs and did manage to reach the peak of the Cathedral roof top climbing a total of 251 steps without much fatigue thanks to "SWIM YOGA" therapy back home in Mumbai.The view from the roof top was awesome and the weather indescribably perfect. Got a "Bird's eye view" of its wonderful Gothic-style architecture with the columns crowned by statues and the little Gold Madonnina, more than 100 meters high. Finally after being satisfied of the views walked back down to ground level.
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| Inside Galleria Vittoria Emanuelle II,Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan in Italy. Housed within a four-story double arcade.The Galleria connects two of Milan's most famous landmarks, the Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scala while the Galleria is a landmark in its own right.The Galleria is famous for being home to some of the oldest shops and restaurants in Milan, such as Biffi Caffè (founded in 1867 by Paolo Biffi, pastry chef to the monarch),the Savini restaurant, Borsalino hat-shop (1883) and the Art Nouveau classic Camparino besides normal present era haute couture shops. |
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| Transportation of cycles in Milan. Europe,a continent where cycling is a way of life. |
If having booked in advance to view the "Last Supper" mural by Leonardo Da Vinci then a visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie(Holy Mary of Grace) church situated about 3 Km from the Piazza del Duomo is mandatory.Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and Dominican convent in Milan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent contains the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, which is in the refectory.Advance booking months ahead or premier payment is essential to join a tour group to visit the convent to view "The Last Supper" as viewing is done in batches and in time slots of 15 minutes/batch.Leonardo Da Vinci's original painting of "THE LAST SUPPER" is a must see attraction in Milan if privileged enough to get a time slot in the group bookings. As for me have two statue mould " Last Supper " decorative statues at home in Mumbai , purchased by my father from Barcelona in the 1960's .Next walked into Galleria Vittoria Emanuelle II situated adjacent to Milan Cathedral which is one of the World's oldest covered shopping malls.Among the endless ultra luxury designer store's on view for "window Shopping" the sculptor of a lion on a ball in the showcase of a shop was one of my best window shopping views in this historic mall.Strolled around the vicinity having a look at the La Scala opera from the exterior which seemed ordinary as looks can be deceptive.
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| Cobblestone street of Milan with trams and vehicle traffic. |
Tracing my way back to " Quo Milano" was a nightmare as I got confused on the return road and finally two young boys told me to board bus N0 84 which I did but to my horror realized ticket payments was only through card system and no cash.Luckily the driver realizing I was a tourist allowed me to travel on the bus and a young Black Italian lady guided me through her Google map to the right stop.On alighting a stop ahead got confused of the direction of Monte Nero/ Via Bergamo and again a woman came to my aid and literally led me to "Quo Milano" hostel.Lady luck favoured me in Milan, the city of fashion,theatre and religion.In travel it is not the end destination but the journey that matters.On arriving at the hostel was allotted my "5- Star Dormitory " bed in room N0 4 and " Bed N0 8".Crazy dormitory as there were 4 triple single beds in the room and hence a total of 12 guests in " Room N0 8".The first time i had come across a "Triple layer single bed" akin to travel in sleeper berths of train compartments in India.Travel educates.
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| Quo Milano hostel at Monte Nero/ Via Bergamo .Had a total youth crowd with me probably the oldest tourist.Most of the youth were busy on their laptops in the plush bar cum lounge of the hostel. |
After a nice hot bathe was back to normal relaxation in the palatial 5-star style hostel lounge that had a telivision and music playing non- stop along with a indoor bar , classic ambiance and didn't feel overcharged.Reminded me a bit of " Shoestrings Hostel" in Victoria ( Zimbabwe) with its youthful atmosphere and decor.
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| Whenever I travel tasting the local cuisine is a part of the lifelong journey of travel. Italian restaurant situated on the opposite road of Quo Milano hostel. |
A late lunch was a Italian cold food speciality consisting of prawns from " Pasta & Tortelli" , a authentic Italian managed fast food restaurant.Was now roaming like a local Italian minus a knowledge of the language.As a horse racing fan was also happy to be in the city of legendary Italian jockey Frankie .Dettori whom I was privileged to have seen riding in the Indian Derby in Mumbai. Later in the evening walked around the locality visiting a few stores and tasting Italian Gelato( Icecream) which was excellent .Back in the hostel was busy on the smartphone while simultaneously listening to the hostel lounge music.Today was a big day in Milan soccer history with both its local teams A/ C Milan and Inter Milan pitted against each other at the San Siro stadium with Inter Milan defeating A/ C Milan 2-0 in the first leg of the semi- finals of the U.E.F.A cup.Inquiring with a white German fan at the hostel lounge who wanted to attend the game seems a normal 70 Euro club ticket was sold for 600 Euro's and that too was difficult to get.Soccer crazy Europe some would say forgetting about cricket crazy sub- continent of Asia. Ahoy !.
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| End of the opera show in Teatro Alla Scala..A free show that was housefull and the acoustic as well as ambiance was Royalty at its best.The Teatro alla Scala, usually known as La Scala, is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and Milan in Italy, is the city where opera started at the beginning of the 17th century. The theatre opened on 3 August 1778 and Scala's opera season traditionally opens on 7 December which is Saint Ambrose's Day the patron saint of Milan. All performances must end before midnight with long operas starting earlier in the evening if necessary to end the show before midnight. |
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| San Fidele Jesuit Church Statue of writer Alessandro .Manzoni in front of church. |
Thursday(11/5/2023) Milan :- Aftereffects of sightseeing seems to be inducing more than my 4 hrs of maximum night sleep. The young Irish kid's in my dormitory which included young women had a late night out party and were in a bad drunken condition and hence from 0400 hrs onwards it was bachelor "Daddy Cool" trying to decipher lifestyle of the youth in my dorm.Breakfast was Continental with the usual cornflakes/ porridge bread cold meat and cheese with coffee or tea.Excellent.After breakfast made my way out of the hostel and after purchasing 2 Euro tram ticket from a gentleman in a local shop boarded the " N0 16 Tram" to Piazza del Duoma ( Milan Cathedral Square).A Local Italian on the bus helped me alight at the right stop although I recognized the route having walked the 4 Km marathon distance yesterday. Ahoy ! On alighting at the Duomo stop walked towards familiar Galleria Vittoria Emanuell II which was devoid of a tourist crowd being early morning with the Mega luxury shops yet to open.Asked a local for directions to Castello Sforzesco(Sforzesco Castle) and he showed me the direction thus setting my long morning walk in indescribable pleasant weather.
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| Equestrian monument of Giuseppe. Garibaldi on the road to Sforzesco Castle. |
The sight of the castle from the distance was imposing,a castle built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza and and renovated over the years.Inside the castle fortification walls are modern day museum's which are the museum of Antique Art, Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Picture Gallery. The “Rondanini Pieta,” Michelangelo’s unfinished last work, is within the walls of Sforzesco castle. The Picture Gallery has works by Renaissance and 17th-century Italian masters, including Andrea Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Filippo Lippi, Correggio, and Jacopo da Pontormo.
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| Sforzesco Castle was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. It was later renovated and enlarged in the 16th and 17th centuries and was one of the largest citadels in Europe. Extensively rebuilt by Luca Beltrami in 1891–1905, it now houses several Milanese museums, including the Pietà Rondanini-Michelangelo Museum, the Ancient Art Museum, and the Museum of Wooden Sculptures. |
There is also a fine collection of French and Dutch works.From the castle grounds walked further into Parco Sempione a large garden with tree's having wild ducks and turtles established in 1888, and designed by Emilio Alemagna.
It has an overall area of 38.6 hectares (95 acres) reminding me of Hyde Park in London.Walked a long distance upto the Arco Della Pace monument situated at the North entrance of Parco Sempini.
Arco della Pace, the triumphal arch was originally built in 1807 to commemorate Napoleon’s victories, when Milan was conquered by the Austrian Empire.Situated at the northwestern edge of Parco Sempione is this 25m-high triumphal arch designed by Luigi Cagnola in 1807 and it reflects Paris' Arc de Triomphe and marks the start of Corso Sempione, the main road that connects Milan to Paris via the Simplon (Sempione) Pass. Ironically, due to Napoleon's fall in 1814, its neoclassical facade was finished in 1838 with bas-reliefs not of Napoleon's victories, as was intended, but with scenes from the 1813 Battle of Leipzig , depicting his defeat and celebrating Italian reunification..
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| At Arco Della Pace in Milan also called Porta Sempione.Porta Sempione ("Simplon Gate") city gate of Milan has its name used both ,to refer to the gate proper and to the surrounding district of Milan.The gate is marked by a landmark triumphal arch called Arco della Pace ("Arch of Peace")was originally built in 1807 to commemorate Napoleon’s victories but due to his fall in 1814 was left incomplete.Its neoclassical facade was finished in 1838 with bas-reliefs not of Napoleon's victories, as was intended originally , but with scenes from the 1813 Battle of Leipzig , depicting his defeat and celebrating Italian reunification. |
Came across joggers ,cyclists and early morning dog walkers, all dog owners with their own pets.From Arco Della Pace monument retraced my way back towards Sforzesco Castle.On the way came across a cyclist exercising his Labrador by making it run besides his cycle.
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| A cyclist in Parco Sempione, a large wooded Park. |
A little further came across a street artist lip-syncing to classics on a speaker while a elderly Italian smoking a pipe was seated on a bench straight out of a movie set scene.When the artist sang the Elvis classic " Don't cry Daddy" couldn't help joining the artist to sing a few words of this song. Finally made my way out of Parco Sempione and Sforzesco Castle that was now crowded with tourists.On the way back passed alongside historic Piccolo theatre,Italy's first permanent theatre built in 1947 .Honestly, unless with decades of touring experience like your's truly it's difficult to tour most European country's without a local guide unless you know the local language.
Made my way into Galleria Vittoria Emanuelle II and spotted tourists stamping on the genitals of the tiled mosaic bull depicting the bull reared up onto his hind legs located on the ground within an octagonal floor pattern.
The tradition and superstitious belief is that if a person puts their right heel on the bull’s testicular region and rotate on himself three times which is counterclockwise, this will bring good luck. I also did a spin for photography purpose and not because of the superstitious belief of "Good Luck" as my "Stock Market Bull " run since quitting employment in the shipping Industry in 2006 has provided me a good living and the luxury of personal private travel which was all definitely not based on "Good Luck" or "Bad Luck" belief's.So far so good. Ahoy ! From Galleria Vittoria Emanuelle II mall walked the short distance to Teatro Alla Scala ,the World famous opera of Milan.Wanted to see the Museo Teatrale alla Scala( Museum of Teatro alla Scala) where one could get to view a set of drafts, paintings, costumes, statues .The Museum is established adjacent to the house of opera and was established in the year 1913.The Museum is popular for revealing the main characters and their storylines that made the Teatro Alla Scala what it is today and one such play is Romeo and Juliet, which actually made the characters come to life after the play was enacted there. This is amongst the most spectacular museums in the whole world.
Was at first disappointed when told that the museum was closed to tourists but immediately realized i was at the right place at the right time as there was a free opera show for visitor's .Tickets normally cost a fortune with a minimum of at least 15 Euro's, besides,performances are not a daily occurence if wanting to attend ,especially as a tourist with a limited time frame in the city. Teatro alla Scala was inaugurated on 3rd August 1778 and completely destroyed in 1945 during World War II .After rebuilding in 1946 the opera has a holding capacity of 2030 people. La Scala theatre orchestra and La Scala theatre ballet are two schools associated with the theatre. Got myself registered at the ticket issuing counter and after collecting my ticket had to walk up three storeys to the uppermost balcony viewing gallery reminding me of "Opera House" back home in Mumbai.A housefull crowd and was in the nick of time at 1100 hrs when the grand classical opera began its music. I don't understand Italian nor a big fan of opera normally viewing opera in movies or T.V .Was just attending to understand the reason for La Scala Opera being on every opera goer's itinerary and was not bored by the orchestra nor the turns in singing by the male and female opera singers.One oddity I observed was that the housefull audience never clapped at the end of every song akin to opera in my country .
Finally after one and a half hour at 1230 hrs the opera performance came to a end and there was a thunderous applause by the entire crowd only at the end of the entire show.Travel educates.
I was now beginning to feel like a local in Milan and after walking to " N0 16" Tram stop purchased tram tickets from the nearest vendor and after a short waiting time boarded the tram.Requested a local commuter ,a young student to inform me on arrival at Viale Monte Nero/ Via Bergamo. Was finally at home away from home " Quo Milano" hostel and as usual relaxed on the Internet listening to the hostel lounge music.Browsing through WhatsApp messages suddenly saw a news message posted by my former classmate Mr Pinaki.Bhaduri that there was a explosion in Milan city.Cross checked on the internet and the news was authentic and seems a vehicle carrying oxygen cylinders had exploded destroying nearby vehicles and injuring some people.Life is so unpredictable as I was in the vicinity till 1245 hrs.
Later decided to taste Aperitivo, the drink associated with Milan.Walked across the street to the Italian restaurant and ordered a Aperitivo which was served along with bread snacks costing 7.90 Euro's. Excellent and something different from the normal and the alcoholic content of the Aperitivo was akin to a glass of beer.In the evening there was Karaoke music and a musician was playing the organ.As for me decided to pack up early and leave as once bitten twice shy. Travel from " Quo Milano" hotel to Lampugnano bus terminus required a combination of tram and metro train, a complex journey.Payed the hostel 68 Euros having already paid 25 Euro's through credit card while booking in Mumbai a grand total of 93 Euro's, frighteningly expensive for dormitory accomodation.Milan is Italy's wealthiest and costliest city.Checked out of the hostel at 2030 hrs and bizzarely there was a drizzle of rain and akin to a local made the journey by tram to the Metro station and further to Lampugnano bus terminus of Milan.On the Metro trains the announcements is in English as well as a display of arrival stations on a screen . The entire night was spent sitting inside the Flixbus waiting room at Lampugnano bus terminus.Visiting the Urinal cost 50 cents which sums up the cost of living in Milan.Outside ambient temp was below 10*C and cold.Milan was a accidental visit from my original tour plan due to cancellation of a "Flixbus" schedule from Nice to Rimini and in hindsight the cancellation was a blessing in disguise.
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| Wild ducks in the stream that that flows through Parco Sempione. |
The tradition and superstitious belief is that if a person puts their right heel on the bull’s testicular region and rotate on himself three times which is counterclockwise, this will bring good luck. I also did a spin for photography purpose and not because of the superstitious belief of "Good Luck" as my "Stock Market Bull " run since quitting employment in the shipping Industry in 2006 has provided me a good living and the luxury of personal private travel which was all definitely not based on "Good Luck" or "Bad Luck" belief's.So far so good. Ahoy ! From Galleria Vittoria Emanuelle II mall walked the short distance to Teatro Alla Scala ,the World famous opera of Milan.Wanted to see the Museo Teatrale alla Scala( Museum of Teatro alla Scala) where one could get to view a set of drafts, paintings, costumes, statues .The Museum is established adjacent to the house of opera and was established in the year 1913.The Museum is popular for revealing the main characters and their storylines that made the Teatro Alla Scala what it is today and one such play is Romeo and Juliet, which actually made the characters come to life after the play was enacted there. This is amongst the most spectacular museums in the whole world.
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| A view of the flooring of Galleria Vittoria Emanuelle II. A showcase of Milan as one of the four FASHION CAPITALS of the World. |
Was at first disappointed when told that the museum was closed to tourists but immediately realized i was at the right place at the right time as there was a free opera show for visitor's .Tickets normally cost a fortune with a minimum of at least 15 Euro's, besides,performances are not a daily occurence if wanting to attend ,especially as a tourist with a limited time frame in the city. Teatro alla Scala was inaugurated on 3rd August 1778 and completely destroyed in 1945 during World War II .After rebuilding in 1946 the opera has a holding capacity of 2030 people. La Scala theatre orchestra and La Scala theatre ballet are two schools associated with the theatre. Got myself registered at the ticket issuing counter and after collecting my ticket had to walk up three storeys to the uppermost balcony viewing gallery reminding me of "Opera House" back home in Mumbai.A housefull crowd and was in the nick of time at 1100 hrs when the grand classical opera began its music. I don't understand Italian nor a big fan of opera normally viewing opera in movies or T.V .Was just attending to understand the reason for La Scala Opera being on every opera goer's itinerary and was not bored by the orchestra nor the turns in singing by the male and female opera singers.One oddity I observed was that the housefull audience never clapped at the end of every song akin to opera in my country .
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| Exterior view of Teatro Alla Scala situated in Piazza Scala in close proximity to Duomo di Milano.Most of Italy’s greatest operatic artists, and many of the finest singers from around the world, have appeared at La Scala and the theatre is regarded as one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world and is home to the La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet and La Scala Theatre Orchestra. The theatre also has an associate school, known as the La Scala Theatre Academy (Italian: Accademia Teatro alla Scala), which offers professional training in music, dance, stage craft and stage management.In the 20th century Scala stage has seen the stars of Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi, Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo shine on, followed today by Anna Netrebko, Diana Damrau, Juan Diego Florez and Francesco Meli.At La Scala, Carla Fracci and Rudolf Nureyev, Alessandra Ferri and Roberto Bolle danced while La Scala’s productions were conceived by stage directors such as Giorgio Strehler and Luca Ronconi, Bob Wilson and Robert Carsen. Designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Gianni Versace, Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani designed the costumes of many productions.Next time you visit Milan and even if not into opera or dance make it mandatory to visit one of the World's numero uno opera house. |
Finally after one and a half hour at 1230 hrs the opera performance came to a end and there was a thunderous applause by the entire crowd only at the end of the entire show.Travel educates.
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| Piccolo Teatro in Milan.Founded in 1947 it is Italy's first permanent theater. |
I was now beginning to feel like a local in Milan and after walking to " N0 16" Tram stop purchased tram tickets from the nearest vendor and after a short waiting time boarded the tram.Requested a local commuter ,a young student to inform me on arrival at Viale Monte Nero/ Via Bergamo. Was finally at home away from home " Quo Milano" hostel and as usual relaxed on the Internet listening to the hostel lounge music.Browsing through WhatsApp messages suddenly saw a news message posted by my former classmate Mr Pinaki.Bhaduri that there was a explosion in Milan city.Cross checked on the internet and the news was authentic and seems a vehicle carrying oxygen cylinders had exploded destroying nearby vehicles and injuring some people.Life is so unpredictable as I was in the vicinity till 1245 hrs.
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| Don't leave Milan without tasting the city's signature menu "APERITIVO " |
Later decided to taste Aperitivo, the drink associated with Milan.Walked across the street to the Italian restaurant and ordered a Aperitivo which was served along with bread snacks costing 7.90 Euro's. Excellent and something different from the normal and the alcoholic content of the Aperitivo was akin to a glass of beer.In the evening there was Karaoke music and a musician was playing the organ.As for me decided to pack up early and leave as once bitten twice shy. Travel from " Quo Milano" hotel to Lampugnano bus terminus required a combination of tram and metro train, a complex journey.Payed the hostel 68 Euros having already paid 25 Euro's through credit card while booking in Mumbai a grand total of 93 Euro's, frighteningly expensive for dormitory accomodation.Milan is Italy's wealthiest and costliest city.Checked out of the hostel at 2030 hrs and bizzarely there was a drizzle of rain and akin to a local made the journey by tram to the Metro station and further to Lampugnano bus terminus of Milan.On the Metro trains the announcements is in English as well as a display of arrival stations on a screen . The entire night was spent sitting inside the Flixbus waiting room at Lampugnano bus terminus.Visiting the Urinal cost 50 cents which sums up the cost of living in Milan.Outside ambient temp was below 10*C and cold.Milan was a accidental visit from my original tour plan due to cancellation of a "Flixbus" schedule from Nice to Rimini and in hindsight the cancellation was a blessing in disguise.
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| Classic Alibi Hotel estate in Rimini.My residence in Rimini.A classic mansion with garden . |
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| Bangladesh origin Kamrul guided me to classic " Alibi Hotel" situated away from the main street. |
Friday(12/5/2023):- Departure Milan and arrival Rimini :- " Flixbus N524 " was late by almost one and a half hour,finally boarding the bus at 0315 hrs.Rimini is 334 Km from Milan with a transit stop at Bologna.Finally at 0615 hrs was at Bologna bus depot on tenterhooks of missing the connecting " Flixbus 433" from Bologna to Rimini.The Bologna Bus terminus was huge with systematic bus parking lanes and numerous bus's of different companies parked in these lanes and decades of travel experience helped me board the right " Flixbus 433" at Bologna terminus.Departure from Bologna was punctual at 0700 hrs and a beautiful journey through the Italian countryside also spotting a beautiful pheasant type of bird species.
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| Forrested locale of Viale Bengasi in Rimini,the locale of " Alibi Hotel", my residence in Rimini. Chirping of exotic birds can be heard throughout daylight hours akin to a countryside. |
Finally at 0845 hrs was on the outskirts of Rimini at the Flixbus terminus,Rimini {Centro Studi).Inquiring directions walked across from the main Flixbus terminal at Centro Studi to the common bus stand across the street.Boarded the N0 9 bus and alighted at Rimini Railway Station.First thing I did was to purchase a couple of bus tickets at the vendor shop outside the station as in Italy on most buses payment is through electronic cards or prepaid bus tickets but never in cash.After paying Rs 62,000 extra for air fare from Abu Dhabi to Zurich and later a inflated Rs 10,000 bus fare from Zurich to Nice due to a simple error in transit visa process and hence alteration of original solo travel plans wouldn't want to be charged for " Ticketless travel" in Europe.At the ticket booking counter inquired the direction to N0 11 bus stop and after purchasing a cold drink from a Bangladesh origin shop headed to N0 11 bus stand.Waiting at the bus stand a young Asian origin man arrived and I asked him his origins to which he replied in Italian that he was from Bangladesh.
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| Rimini is the Italian Riviera of the Adriatic sea coast a resort town in Emilia-Romagna, on Italy's east coast that boasts of over a thousand hotels and 15km (9 miles) of prime sandy beachfront. However, this is divided into numerous private plots, each with its own facilities such as beach huts, sun umbrellas, loungers and toilets as seen in this photo which is a private beach front.During my visit the weather was cold and hence off-season for "Beach Tourism". |
Travel educates , especially " Solo Travel" and never ceases to amaze.Inquired the hotel address with Bangladesh origin Mr Kamrul.Akan, a building painter by profession in the prime of his youth.
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| Deserted Rimini Beach front in close proximity to Hotel Alibi facing Viale Amerigo Vespucci street. Notice the cement stone slabs placed all along the beach which will later be fitted with Beach umbrella's once summer begins. |
We both boarded the bus as he was travelling to the same locality and with the help of " Google Maps" he led me to the entrance of plush " Alibi Hotel",Viale Bengasi 14,Rimini Central marina,47921 Rimini,Italy.Situated away from the main road,Alibi Hotel resembled a small billionaires mansion rather than a hotel and after the necessary documentation by receptionist Giovanni was allotted " Room N0 1", a entire room with attatched bath and T.V for myself.Thankfully the ferocious looking hotel pet Rottweiler " Mina" was as docile as my late cat's.Look's can be deceptive even in pets let alone humans and all pet owners would agree.After bathe had a original " Italian Breakfast" at the hotel that consisted of pastries, chocolate and curd.Never knew Italian's relished absolutely sweet food for breakfast.Travel educates.
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| At " BOUNTY" restaurant located on Via La strada( 1954) facing Rimini Beach Promenade. Styled like a " Pirate ship with pirate theme decor complete with a pet Macaw parrot in a cage inside the restaurant.A restaurant with a difference and is also a " Disco club" at night. If in Rimini it's mandatory to visit this restaurant. |
A plush 5-star style Mansion hotel run by Italians and their dining lounge had a " Namaste" board indicating a connection to India.Later I met the owner, a lady interested in trekking and having visited Everest base camp in Nepal where she purchased this souvenir "Namaste" board from Nepal.Ironically she hasn't visited India but has visited Sri Lanka.The owner' s son Andrea also assists at the reception in managing the family business.Later met the lady receptionist Romana who is originally from Russia but now Italian.She educated me regarding the direction of the tourist sites of Rimini.Rimini is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy and capital city of the Province of Rimini. It sprawls along the Adriatic Sea, on the coast between the rivers Marecchia (the ancient Ariminus) and Ausa (ancient Aprusa) and is one of the most notable seaside resorts in Europe with revenue from both internal and international tourism forming a significant portion of the city's economy.Rimini is an art city with ancient Roman and Renaissance monuments, and is also the birthplace of the film director Federico Fellini, winner of 5 oscar in foreign language films.The city was founded by the Romans in 268 BC and Roman emperors erected monuments such as the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge.For MotoGp fans the "Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli" is in close proximity to Rimini ."SOLO TRAVEL" especially in Europe requires experience as language is a great barrier in conversing or asking for directions let alone reading sign boards.
Later surveying the vicinity of my hotel walking along the beach side main road came across a Chic Pirate themed luxury restaurant "BOUNTY" complete with a Macaw parrot in a cage inside the restaurant and skeleton exhibits outside the restaurant. Had a photo-shoot with a skeleton as in the long run life is too short and one day we will all end up as skeletons." LIVE YOUR LIFE AS YOU LIVE ONLY ONCE NOT TWICE " .Absolute exotic Rimini and the Italian Adriatic Riviera.The weather was cloudy and cold and this was definitely off season for beach goers unlike the French Riviera.Came across a Pakistani and few Bangladesh citizens who were in the restaurant business in Rimini selling "Kebab's".Dinner was Italian dish " Cassoni Bugar " in chic Sbionta restaurant with a decor of indoor plants situated on the main road Viale Amerigo Vespucci street of Rimini just walking distance from Alibi Hotel." Cassoni" is very similar to a Indian chapathi rolled with stuffing of pork, onion and other ingredients.Excellent for 9.8 Euro's in one of the plushest restaurants.Back at the hotel on a chill cold wet day made myself comfortable in the room busy on the Internet with the T.V playing some Italian programme.All channels were in Italian and watched cycling on T.V as cycling is a craze and common.mode of commuting in all of Europe .I only hope my native city of Mumbai develops a few " cycling lanes" in.one of the World's most traffic congested city's. Got my normal 4 hours sleep.
Saturday(13/5/2023) A visit to San Marino from Rimini : - At 0630 hrs made my way out of Hotel Alibi and walked in the reverse direction from the sea face along the park as instructed by receptionist Romano with destination being Rimini train station.I was the only person walking along a garden path in the chill cold morning.Came across two joggers and they just ran past me unable to decipher my request for direction to train station.My navigational skills was tested to the maximum and keeping track of Ms Romano's direction took a detour from the garden path onto a concrete road .It was a very long walk along the concrete road and finally to my great relief reached the main road.From the main road it was again a long walk crossing a underpass of the railway track onto the Eastern side of the railway station.
The Tabbacheria(Tobacco) shop was closed and hence walked further and came across a early morning open air market being assembled on a by' lane road next to " Ciao Bar".Entered Chinese managed " Ciao Bar" which had a few Bangladesh employee's having their early morning breakfast.In Italy bar means a Cafe and not a liquor bar as understood in normal English language.Breakfast was Croissant with cream and the unique Italian black coffee.Modestly priced at 3.5 Euro's and after the snack breakfast made my way towards the " Tabbacheria " shop which was open and managed by two young women.Seem's smoking is not taboo in Italy and "Tabacharia" shop's are not a uncommon sight.Booked a return ticket to San Marino costing 12 Euro's and walked the short distance on the same side of the road to the San Marino bus stop situated in front of Hotel Napolean.There was a small queue of tourists and at 0810 hrs boarded the first Bonelli Bus to San Marino and was surprised to know that tickets could also be purchased from the driver on the bus itself.San Marino is a mountainous third smallest country in Europe and the fifth smallest in the World enclaved by Italy.
The Capital also called San Marino is on the slopes of Mt Titano . San Marino founded in 301 AD by Christian refugee St Marinus and his followers fleeing from Romans persecution is considered the oldest Republic in the World having never ever been ruled by a King.San Marino is 20 Km by road from Rimini and the bus passes alongside the landmark Arc D Augusta in Rimini with the initial journey not scenic while passing through the Industrial areas of Rimini and finally into San Marino onto the slope highway of Mt Titano.Just a hours drive from Rimini bus station and at 0915 hrs was at the bus park of San Marino, the Capital of the country and the 88th Country visited during my lifetime.The area of San Marino is 61.2 Sq Km(24 Sq miles) and this tiny country has 9 towns called Castelli(Municipalities) lying along the periphery of Mt Titano and tourists alway's head to the mountain capital San Marino which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.From the bus park its a upward walk on the slopes of Mt Titano for sightseeing San Marino.Took the elevator from the car park to the main road ancient 16 th century entry gate called the " Gate of St Francis " that leads into the walled city of San Marino.There was a traffic policewomen at the road juction stopping cars at regular intervals and directing tourists into the walled city of San Marino.
Having done my tour research of San Marino found my way easily through direction indicators in Italian language.
Walking up the slope came to Cassa di Risparmio della Repubblica di San Marino building which is San Marino's oldest banking institution founded in 1882 functioning as a retail and commercial bank for San Marino citizens and as a offshore bank for non resident private clients. In 2023 San Marino with the GDP-PPP of around 78,926 dollars was the tenth richest county in the world.From the Casa Di Risparmio came across the Cava e Loggia dei Balestrieri which is a former abandoned quarry now utilised by crossbowmen artistically carved out from the face of the rock.The quarry was first opened in the 19th century to source the stone required to restore the Palazzio Pubblico.
The crossbow has always been a steady part of the history of San Marino as it was often the weapon of choice in defending the republic and this Crosbowmen's park that resembles a large empty waterless swimming pool is used for hosting Crossbow events, most notably the "Crossbowmen's Palio" that is a annual event held on 3 September which is also a National holiday in San Marino.During summer months this sunken rock ground is also used to stage entertainment performances and exhibitions .Walking up further came across the "Cable Car (Funivia di San Marino)" which offers a magnificent view of the city on the base of Mt Titano .Established in 1959 the cable car runs from a lower terminus in Borgo Maggiore one of the 9 communes of San Marino to the upper station in the City of San Marino where i was standing all alone before the arrival of the tourist crowd.Next visited the Pallazo Publica which is the town hall of the City of San Marino as well as its official Government Building. This is the building where official State ceremonies take place and is the seat of the Republic's main institutional and administrative bodies.Piazza Della liberto is the main official square of San Marino on which the Pallazo Publica is situated and has the Statua della Liberta(Statue of Liberty) in the centre.
The statue symbolizes freedom and freedom is represented as a warrior advancing fiercely with one hand extended forward and one with a flag. On the head of the statue is a crown with three towers representing the fortified city of San Marino, the symbolic meaning is the reinstatement of freedom.From the Pallazo Publica following the direction indicator walked towards Castello Della Guaita .All walking is up the inclined Mt Titano slope and hence physical fitness is of utmost importance especially if aged or suffering from walking disabilities.Almost seven years ago i had severe knee pain while trekking inclined slopes or walking stairs and same miraculously solved after i undertook a change in diet and "SWIM YOGA" therapy in Mumbai.Entry ticket to Guaita Tower along with entry to a museum was priced at 8 Euro.San Marino has 3 towers, Guaita, Cesta and Montale which are the symbol of the Republic of San Marino representing freedom and Independence and are depicted on the National Flag and coat of arms of the Republic of San Marino.
Montale tower is permanently inaccessible to visitors and recently Cesta tower had also been closed for renovation and hence in lieu of closure of Cesta Tower tourists were given a option to visit a few selected museums.The Guaita, also known as the Rocca is one of three towered peaks overlooking the city of San Marino and is depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms.It was built in the 11th century and served briefly as a prison. It is registered as a World Heritage Site since 2008.Walked up the stairs of Guaita Tower with the last climb being up a ladder from where the view of the other two tower fortresses situated at a further distance on the mountain is spectacular.
Visited the prison chamber of the tower now partly a museum of armaments.There is also a small chapel " Capella Di Santa Barbara" within Guaita Tower complex next to the prison.After visiting Guaita Tower walked the "WITCHES PATH(Passo delle Streghe)" which is a cobbled narrow pathway towards Cesta Tower also called Fratta or Falesia tower which is situated on the highest peak of Mt Titano and has a "Museum of Ancient Arms" within the tower complex . Sadly Cesta Tower was closed for repairs during my visit .Trekked still further down the mountain slope towards Montale Tower situated at a extreme end of the mountain ,dangerously inaccessible . The tower offers a 360 * angle view of the valley below and hence played a important role in defending the mountain country against invaders.
Traced my way back back towards Guaita Tower coming across a young Indian origin American Mr Sathesh originally from Tamil Nadu now settled in Atlanta bringing back memories of our ships voyage to the U.S.A port of Georgia in the 1990's , a voyage forever etched in my memory Bank for various reasons.Ahoy ! Came across a group of cyclists near Guaita Tower who had cycled from Rimini to Mt Titano peak of San Marino and would cycle back again to base Rimini.It is not everyday that you come across such cyclists and took a photo of the " Velociraptor Rimini Cycling team" akin to a sports media photographer. Next entered the " La Capanna Snack Bar" having a magnificent view of the valley below the mountain.Snack was a " hot dog " with a glass of beer. Indescribable ambiance with a group of peloton cyclists seated next to my table .After my snack made my way downhill and taking a different path came across a pond designed in the form of a well with beautiful Koi fish and a couple in a very amorous mood all alone in this small garden park.Further down entered Basilica di San Marino situated on Piazzale Domus Plebis in the northeastern edge of the city, adjacent to the Chiesa di San Pietro (Church of St. Peter).
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| Europeans pamper their pets with dogs being most visible unlike cats as they can be taken outdoors on a leash.Two dog owners walking their pets along Rimini Beach Promenade. |
Later surveying the vicinity of my hotel walking along the beach side main road came across a Chic Pirate themed luxury restaurant "BOUNTY" complete with a Macaw parrot in a cage inside the restaurant and skeleton exhibits outside the restaurant. Had a photo-shoot with a skeleton as in the long run life is too short and one day we will all end up as skeletons." LIVE YOUR LIFE AS YOU LIVE ONLY ONCE NOT TWICE " .Absolute exotic Rimini and the Italian Adriatic Riviera.The weather was cloudy and cold and this was definitely off season for beach goers unlike the French Riviera.Came across a Pakistani and few Bangladesh citizens who were in the restaurant business in Rimini selling "Kebab's".Dinner was Italian dish " Cassoni Bugar " in chic Sbionta restaurant with a decor of indoor plants situated on the main road Viale Amerigo Vespucci street of Rimini just walking distance from Alibi Hotel." Cassoni" is very similar to a Indian chapathi rolled with stuffing of pork, onion and other ingredients.Excellent for 9.8 Euro's in one of the plushest restaurants.Back at the hotel on a chill cold wet day made myself comfortable in the room busy on the Internet with the T.V playing some Italian programme.All channels were in Italian and watched cycling on T.V as cycling is a craze and common.mode of commuting in all of Europe .I only hope my native city of Mumbai develops a few " cycling lanes" in.one of the World's most traffic congested city's. Got my normal 4 hours sleep.
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| At San Marino with Guaita Tower in the background.The Guaita, also known as the Rocca (Italian:-"La Rocca") is one of three towered peaks overlooking the city of San Marino, the capital of San Marino. The other two towers are Cesta and Montale.The fortress is the oldest of the three towers constructed on Monte Titano(Mount Titano), and the most famous being built in the 11th century and served briefly as a prison. It is depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms and is registered as a World Heritage Site since 2008. |
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| Arriving at San Marino parking lot by Bonelli Bus after a hours drive from Rimini train station. |
Saturday(13/5/2023) A visit to San Marino from Rimini : - At 0630 hrs made my way out of Hotel Alibi and walked in the reverse direction from the sea face along the park as instructed by receptionist Romano with destination being Rimini train station.I was the only person walking along a garden path in the chill cold morning.Came across two joggers and they just ran past me unable to decipher my request for direction to train station.My navigational skills was tested to the maximum and keeping track of Ms Romano's direction took a detour from the garden path onto a concrete road .It was a very long walk along the concrete road and finally to my great relief reached the main road.From the main road it was again a long walk crossing a underpass of the railway track onto the Eastern side of the railway station.
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| Port San Francesco ( Gate of St Francis) is main entry gate to San Marino. |
The Tabbacheria(Tobacco) shop was closed and hence walked further and came across a early morning open air market being assembled on a by' lane road next to " Ciao Bar".Entered Chinese managed " Ciao Bar" which had a few Bangladesh employee's having their early morning breakfast.In Italy bar means a Cafe and not a liquor bar as understood in normal English language.Breakfast was Croissant with cream and the unique Italian black coffee.Modestly priced at 3.5 Euro's and after the snack breakfast made my way towards the " Tabbacheria " shop which was open and managed by two young women.Seem's smoking is not taboo in Italy and "Tabacharia" shop's are not a uncommon sight.Booked a return ticket to San Marino costing 12 Euro's and walked the short distance on the same side of the road to the San Marino bus stop situated in front of Hotel Napolean.There was a small queue of tourists and at 0810 hrs boarded the first Bonelli Bus to San Marino and was surprised to know that tickets could also be purchased from the driver on the bus itself.San Marino is a mountainous third smallest country in Europe and the fifth smallest in the World enclaved by Italy.
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| Founded in 1882 the Casa di Risparmio della Repubblica is a financial institution based in San Marino. |
The Capital also called San Marino is on the slopes of Mt Titano . San Marino founded in 301 AD by Christian refugee St Marinus and his followers fleeing from Romans persecution is considered the oldest Republic in the World having never ever been ruled by a King.San Marino is 20 Km by road from Rimini and the bus passes alongside the landmark Arc D Augusta in Rimini with the initial journey not scenic while passing through the Industrial areas of Rimini and finally into San Marino onto the slope highway of Mt Titano.Just a hours drive from Rimini bus station and at 0915 hrs was at the bus park of San Marino, the Capital of the country and the 88th Country visited during my lifetime.The area of San Marino is 61.2 Sq Km(24 Sq miles) and this tiny country has 9 towns called Castelli(Municipalities) lying along the periphery of Mt Titano and tourists alway's head to the mountain capital San Marino which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.From the bus park its a upward walk on the slopes of Mt Titano for sightseeing San Marino.Took the elevator from the car park to the main road ancient 16 th century entry gate called the " Gate of St Francis " that leads into the walled city of San Marino.There was a traffic policewomen at the road juction stopping cars at regular intervals and directing tourists into the walled city of San Marino.
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| Cava e Loggia dei Balestrieri which is a former abandoned quarry now utilised by crossbowmen.Its initial use was precisely as a quarry for the recovery of materials and for the extraction of the stone necessary for the restoration of the nearby Palazzo Pubblico .From the 1960s onwards, this area was equipped for shooting with the large Italian crossbow , an ancient weapon that is now part of the historical recovery and folklore of the Republic of San Marino. The inauguration of the Cava dei Balestrieri officially took place on 3 September 1971.Crossbowmen have been training in the quarry since 1965 and in 1966 the San Marino Crossbowmen Federation was born , a body that is part of the Italian Crossbowmen Federation founded in 1966 together with the famous formations of Gubbio, San Sepolcro, Massa Marittima and Lucca.Today they are part of a strong tradition that lives on not only in San Marino, but which is also recognized beyond the borders due to the numerous titles and awards obtained. |
Having done my tour research of San Marino found my way easily through direction indicators in Italian language.
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| San Marino cable Car (1959) that runs from lower terminus in Borgo Maggiore to the upper station here in city of San Marino. |
Walking up the slope came to Cassa di Risparmio della Repubblica di San Marino building which is San Marino's oldest banking institution founded in 1882 functioning as a retail and commercial bank for San Marino citizens and as a offshore bank for non resident private clients. In 2023 San Marino with the GDP-PPP of around 78,926 dollars was the tenth richest county in the world.From the Casa Di Risparmio came across the Cava e Loggia dei Balestrieri which is a former abandoned quarry now utilised by crossbowmen artistically carved out from the face of the rock.The quarry was first opened in the 19th century to source the stone required to restore the Palazzio Pubblico.
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| View of Borgo Maggiore one of the 9 communes of San Marino situated at base of Mt Titan accessible by Cable Car. |
The crossbow has always been a steady part of the history of San Marino as it was often the weapon of choice in defending the republic and this Crosbowmen's park that resembles a large empty waterless swimming pool is used for hosting Crossbow events, most notably the "Crossbowmen's Palio" that is a annual event held on 3 September which is also a National holiday in San Marino.During summer months this sunken rock ground is also used to stage entertainment performances and exhibitions .Walking up further came across the "Cable Car (Funivia di San Marino)" which offers a magnificent view of the city on the base of Mt Titano .Established in 1959 the cable car runs from a lower terminus in Borgo Maggiore one of the 9 communes of San Marino to the upper station in the City of San Marino where i was standing all alone before the arrival of the tourist crowd.Next visited the Pallazo Publica which is the town hall of the City of San Marino as well as its official Government Building. This is the building where official State ceremonies take place and is the seat of the Republic's main institutional and administrative bodies.Piazza Della liberto is the main official square of San Marino on which the Pallazo Publica is situated and has the Statua della Liberta(Statue of Liberty) in the centre.
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| Piazza Della Liberto.Pallazo Publica which is the town hall of the City of San Marino as well as its official Government Building. This is the building where official State ceremonies take place and is the seat of the Republic's main institutional and administrative bodies.Piazza Della liberto is the main official square of San Marino on which the Pallazo Publica is situated and has the Statua della Liberta(Statue of Liberty) in the centre. |
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| View of Cesta and Montale watchtower fortresses from Guaita Tower in San Marino. |
The statue symbolizes freedom and freedom is represented as a warrior advancing fiercely with one hand extended forward and one with a flag. On the head of the statue is a crown with three towers representing the fortified city of San Marino, the symbolic meaning is the reinstatement of freedom.From the Pallazo Publica following the direction indicator walked towards Castello Della Guaita .All walking is up the inclined Mt Titano slope and hence physical fitness is of utmost importance especially if aged or suffering from walking disabilities.Almost seven years ago i had severe knee pain while trekking inclined slopes or walking stairs and same miraculously solved after i undertook a change in diet and "SWIM YOGA" therapy in Mumbai.Entry ticket to Guaita Tower along with entry to a museum was priced at 8 Euro.San Marino has 3 towers, Guaita, Cesta and Montale which are the symbol of the Republic of San Marino representing freedom and Independence and are depicted on the National Flag and coat of arms of the Republic of San Marino.
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| Mountain stairway from Guaita fortress to Cesta and Montale Watchtower's. |
Montale tower is permanently inaccessible to visitors and recently Cesta tower had also been closed for renovation and hence in lieu of closure of Cesta Tower tourists were given a option to visit a few selected museums.The Guaita, also known as the Rocca is one of three towered peaks overlooking the city of San Marino and is depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms.It was built in the 11th century and served briefly as a prison. It is registered as a World Heritage Site since 2008.Walked up the stairs of Guaita Tower with the last climb being up a ladder from where the view of the other two tower fortresses situated at a further distance on the mountain is spectacular.
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| A group photo of Velociraptor Rimini Cycling team.Late Iconic Italian cyclist Megastar Marco.Pantani who died under mysterious and tragic circumstances on St Valentines Day in 2004 at Le Rose hotel in Rimini was born in Cesena approximately 50 Kms by road from San Marino.He must have honed his mountain climbing skills during childhood riding from Cesena to San Marino as did this"Velociraptor Rimini Cycling Team".Football and cycling is a passion in Italy. |
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| Beer and hotdog at scenic " La Capanna Snack Bar " in San Marino with a view of the valley below Mt Titano. |
Visited the prison chamber of the tower now partly a museum of armaments.There is also a small chapel " Capella Di Santa Barbara" within Guaita Tower complex next to the prison.After visiting Guaita Tower walked the "WITCHES PATH(Passo delle Streghe)" which is a cobbled narrow pathway towards Cesta Tower also called Fratta or Falesia tower which is situated on the highest peak of Mt Titano and has a "Museum of Ancient Arms" within the tower complex . Sadly Cesta Tower was closed for repairs during my visit .Trekked still further down the mountain slope towards Montale Tower situated at a extreme end of the mountain ,dangerously inaccessible . The tower offers a 360 * angle view of the valley below and hence played a important role in defending the mountain country against invaders.
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| Basilica di San Marino situated on Piazzale Domus is the main church of the City of San Marino.It is dedicated to Saint Marinus, the founder and patron of the Republic.The present church was built in 1836 in place of an earlier one that dated to 7th century and is built in the Neoclassical style, with a porch of eight Corinthian columns. Relics of St. Marino are enshrined in the church |
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| State museum of San Marino in Palazzo Pergami -Belluzi on Piazzetta del Titano,the historic center of San Marino.It displays important archaeological and artistic remains which remind of the legend of Saint Marinus , the history of the Republic and the vicissitudes experienced by its institutions.A painting and sculpture section is also on display including works of art by Guercino, Pompeo Batoni, Elisabetta Sirani, Stefano Galletti. It also contains Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman finds donated to the State. |
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| A variety of tourist shops in San Marino. Cheaper than Italy.. |
Traced my way back back towards Guaita Tower coming across a young Indian origin American Mr Sathesh originally from Tamil Nadu now settled in Atlanta bringing back memories of our ships voyage to the U.S.A port of Georgia in the 1990's , a voyage forever etched in my memory Bank for various reasons.Ahoy ! Came across a group of cyclists near Guaita Tower who had cycled from Rimini to Mt Titano peak of San Marino and would cycle back again to base Rimini.It is not everyday that you come across such cyclists and took a photo of the " Velociraptor Rimini Cycling team" akin to a sports media photographer. Next entered the " La Capanna Snack Bar" having a magnificent view of the valley below the mountain.Snack was a " hot dog " with a glass of beer. Indescribable ambiance with a group of peloton cyclists seated next to my table .After my snack made my way downhill and taking a different path came across a pond designed in the form of a well with beautiful Koi fish and a couple in a very amorous mood all alone in this small garden park.Further down entered Basilica di San Marino situated on Piazzale Domus Plebis in the northeastern edge of the city, adjacent to the Chiesa di San Pietro (Church of St. Peter).
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| Piazza Garibaldi is a laid-back and picturesque square located within San Marino’s city center.Installed above a flowerbed and overlooking the north side of the square is a bust of the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi which was created in 1882 by the the well-known sculptor Stefano Galletti. Behind the monument is the 19th-century Hotel Titano, which stretches to nearby Piazza di Titano.At the front end of the statue is the Philatelic and Numismatic State Society which i had visited being aavid stamp/coin collector during my school and employment years of sea sailing across country's.This Philatelic and numismatic museum displays and sells collectable coins, stamps and phone cards. These include uncirculated items, commemorations of sporting achievements and dedications to worldwide events such as World Kiss Day. |
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| Museo Tortura( Torture Museum) Numerous museums in San Marino. |
It is dedicated to Saint Marinus, the founder and patron of the Republic and was built in 1836 in place of the earlier church that dated back to the 7th century.On Sunday 29 August 1982, the Basilica received a solemn visit from Pope John Paul II who venerated relics of Saint Marinus.There are numerous museums in San Marino most infamous being "Museo Della Tortura (Museum of Torture)" in which most of the torture tools used are original 16th/17th century tools.Passed alongside the "Museo dell Cere(Wax Museum)" and since I had the option of visiting one of the few selected museums walking further came across the " Stamp and Coins museum". Entered this museum situated near Piazza Garibaldi having a bust of the Italian Revolutionary installed by sculptor Stefano Galletti in 1882. There is a beautiful flower bed garden at the base of the monument.Stamp and coin collection was once my hobby and do have a sizeable collection.The museum had a large collection of coin and stamps which included viewing across two floors of the museum.On exiting the "Stamp and Coins" museum noticed the Pergami - Belluzi house which was once a palatial private residence and since 2001 has become the home of the San Marino State museum.
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| Toy train tour of San Marino. |
Entered a store and purchased a turkey sandwich and a large Fanta bottle realizing that Italy was more expensive than San Marino.Window shopped while walking across the narrow cobbled street and tourism is one of the largest income of San Marino.Came across the toy train that takes tourist's on a ride across San Marino.Finally made my way out of the Capital city of San Marino onto the bus park.There was a small seating section near the bus park where excellent music of the 70's - 80's was being played over speakers for the tourists.Enjoyed my snack listening to classics my generation grew up with and nostalgia has no expiry date .The bus arrived at 1415 hrs and for the first time I saw no queue discipline in a First World Country.Everyone rushed for entry into the bus including yours truly and finally made myself comfortable in the bus.A few passengers were left out and would have to wait for another hour for the next bus.Was back at Rimini train station within a hour and retraced my steps back to hotel Alibi.Got confused and on asking direction with a grocery owner got back on the right track and finally home away from home.After some rest on the internet headed out into the city road and dinner was " Aperitivo " at Venusian Caffettaria situated next to Sbionta , the restaurant visited yesterday.Freak weather in Rimini as it gets chill cold in the afternoon let alone evening.Went back to the comfort of my hotel room listening to Italian TV while simultaneously updating my travelogue.
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| Malatesta Temple.The Tempio Malatestiano (Italian: Malatesta Temple) is the unfinished cathedral church of Rimini and officially named for St. Francis, it takes the popular name from Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, who commissioned its reconstruction by the famous Renaissance theorist and architect Leon Battista Alberti around 1450. Due to the strong presence of elements referring to the Malatesta's history, and to Sigismondo Pandolfo himself (in particular, his lover Isotta), the church was considered by some contemporaries to be an exaltation of Paganism. Pope Pius II, Sigismondo's deadliest enemy, declared it as,quote, "Full of pagan gods and profane things".The church was heavily damaged during World War II and later reconstructed using pieces salvaged from the rubble by men from the Allies-affiliated Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives unit. |
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| On a rainy day in Rimini Old town at the ARCO DI AUGUSTO. |
Sunday (14/5/2023)Rimini :- Seems I am destined to face Italy's rains as it was drizzling early morning.The Italian T.V news Channel has a lot of coverage on Pope Francis and the sports and cartoon channels require no.language for understanding with cycling being a prime event in early morning hours.As a insomniac with maximum 4 hrs sleep once also happened to tune in to a soft porn channel past midnight which had women undressing topless to the vocals of popular English musicians including Michael.Jackson.Travel educates !
A total wet morning with a continuous drizzle.After a Italian coffee which is a tiny tot of "Kava(Black Coffee)" costing 1 Euro at the bar of the hotel requested the Bar keeper Mr Nar Ndaiye from Senegal to lend me a umbrella to which he obliged.With the umbrella walked out of the hotel taking the same garden path as yesterday .Walked the straight garden path in the continuous on- off drizzle of rain.Mid- way confirmed my route with a woman walking in my direction who spoke English and checked my bearings on Google map.Thanking her walked the straight route past the underpass under the railway lines and finally a left diversion along a overhead bridge above the road finally reaching another huge garden.
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It was drizzling continuously and for the first time in my travels across Europe was using a umbrella while sightseeing.Came across a pigeon feeder box kept in the park with pigeons hovering for grain in the drizzle.One end of the garden has the ruins of the Roman citadel walls as its boundary wall.Finally sighted the majestic Arco di Augusto( Arch of Augustus)dedicated to the Emperor Augustus by the Roman Senate in 27 BC and is one of the oldest Roman arches which survives to this day although not in its original form having been repaired over the centuries including after World War-II.At 0800 hrs in a mild drizzle I was one of the few tourists at the Arco di Augusto in the drizzling rain and requested a local passing alongside to take a photograph of me with a umbrella against the backdrop of Arco di Augusto.
Heard the chiming of church bells and entered the Chiesa Di Santa Chiara church where the priest was serving holy communion to a small gathering of parishioners.Received Holy Communion and after the mass made my way out of the church.This ancient church was rebuilt in the 19th century in a Neoclassical style and is famous for the painting of Virgin Mary which is hanging over the altar.The main altarpiece is the venerated Madonna (1796) painted by Giuseppe Soleri Brancaleoni. On 11-12 May 1850, the eyes on this painting were seen to move skyward and the miracle was observed by many.The painting is now housed in a frame of gilded wood with angels holding a cornice of valuable stones and metals, donated to the church in August 1850 by Pope Pius IX. This was done after a large commission examined the veracity of the events and the pope would pronounce and define the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.The Church also features frescoes and paintings by local artists A. Viviani and A. Sarzetti.Walking further came across plush " Cafe Dell Avco " and breakfast was the trademark Croissant with Italian coffee.All the plush cafe's and restaurants have wifi and as usual whiled away some time at the Cafe hoping the drizzle would stop permanently.
Finally in the light drizzle made my way out of the Cafe and headed towards Malatesta temple.Met two giggling young Italian women who spoke a bit of English and gave me some guidelines to my tour research tourist sites of Rimini prepared at home in Mumbai.Entered the huge church, Tempio Malatestiano(English Malatesta Chapel) which was meant as the burial chapel for Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, the lord of the city of Rimini , together with his mistress Isotta degli Atti and the Malatesta family. The “Temple” was converted, beginning in 1446, from the Gothic-style Church of San Francesco(St Francis Xavier ) according to the plans of the Early Renaissance Florentine architect Leon Battista Alberti .Malatesta's fortunes declined steeply after his excommunication in 1460 and the structure remained as we see it, with its unexecuted east end, at his death in 1468.
Due to the strong presence of elements referring to the Malatesta's history, and to Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta himself and in particular, his lover Isotta, the church was considered by some contemporaries to be an exaltation of Paganism. Pope Pius II, Sigismondo's deadliest enemy, declared it as "full of pagan gods and profane things" The present church is a reconstruction of the original church that was heavily damaged during World War II, and afterwards reconstructed using pieces salvaged from the rubble by men from the Allies-affiliated Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives unit.From Malatesta Temple walked the short distance to large " Piazza Tre Martiri".Piazza Tre Martiri is the heart of Rimini located at point of intersection between the cardus maximus and the decumanus maximus, in correspondence with the ancient Roman Forum.In the Middle Ages, it has also been called “Piazza delle Erbe” and was used for public events like e horse races, dances, markets, and public shows.
The square has undergone quite a number of name changes over the centuries .It started as the Forum of the city, and was later referred popularly to as Piazza Grande and after the construction of the chapel dedicated to St Anthony it became known as Piazza Sant’Antonio and Piazza Giulio Cesare. The actual name of the square, “Tre Martiri(Three Martyr's Square)” in the present day is in memory of three young Partisans,Mario Cappelli, Luigi Nicolò, Adelio Pagliarani who were executed on this square in 1944 .The chapel dedicated to St Anthony of Padua in Pizza Tre Martiri and a statue of Julius.Ceaser at the corner of the Piazza are prominent structures.From Piazza Tre Martiri square walked a little further and turned left entering Plaza Cavour which has the statue of Pope Paul V, by sculptor Sebastiano Sebastiani in the center of the square since the 17th century. Near the sculpture is the Pine Cone Fountain (Fontana della Pigna), built in Roman times and it was the only source of drinking water for Rimini until 1912.On the Fountain can be seen numerous commemorative plaques with the most famous testimony being the one left by Leonardo da Vinci during his visit to Rimini,quote, "Make a harmony with the different falls of water, as you saw at the source of Rimini, as you saw on August 5, 1502".
The Vechia Pescheria which was used to sell fish and the Pallazo Dell Arango civic building are on opposite sides of the Plaza Cavour facing each other.The Pallazo Dell Arango is considered Rimini's most historic civic building situated in Pallazo Grampa and today is Rimini's Town Hall.Pallazo Dell Podesta is next to Pallazo Dell Arango and was the place where criminals were hung.The large building facing Pope Paul V statue is Teatro Galli, the opera theatre of Rimini.Finally from Plaza Cavour headed towards Castella Sismonda( Sismonda Castle) that was originally built by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, lord of Rimini, beginning on March 20, 1437, but only the central nucleus of this structure remains and has been converted into the Federico Fellini museum.Returning again to main Corso D' Augosto road came across Cinema Fulgor,a theatre dedicated to Fellini and offering films and cultural events.Walking further down the main Corso D' Augosto road reached the iconic Ponte De Tiberio Bridge.The length of the bridge is approximately 70 meters and features five semicircular arches made of white Istrian stone with an average span length of 8 m.Construction work of Tiberio bridge started during Augustus' reign and was finished under his successor Tiberius in 20 AD, hence over 2000 years old and still in use as a pedestrian bridge.The drizzle had not stopped although at times it was just droplets of rain.
Crossing the bridge entered Borgo San Giulano and came across a few houses with excellent graffiti art on their facades.This locality was the ancient fisherman's quarters and made famous by Film Director Fellini.Saw some young girls selling typical Italian pastries at the entrance of the Church San Guiliano Martire as also people entering the church.San Giuliano is a Renaissance-style Roman Catholic church built during 1553–1575 adjacent to a Benedictine order abbey. The present structure was built at the site of a 9th-century church dedicated to Santi Apostoli Pietro e Paolo(St Peter and St Paul). The Benedictines were suppressed in 1797 by Napoleonic forces.The main altarpiece is a master work by Paolo Veronese depicting the Martyrdom of San Giuliano in 1588.
The church also houses the polyptych (1409) by Bittino da Faenza (1357–1427) depicting episodes of this saint's life and Relics of the saint were kept in the church.
Made my entry into the church which had a large congregation and was at the right place at the right time to attend complete Sunday Catholic mass.I was the lone Asian in the congregation of Italians.The mass service was performed in the same procedure as in India with only difference being during preaching the priest would stand in front of the congregation and in a friendly manner preached to the congregation, akin to giving a college lecture.The mass lasted about a hour and after mass made my way to the restaurant's which were empty due to the weather or being a Sunday holiday.This locality of Rimini is famous for its fish products and lunch was fish with French fries at " Borgo Fritto" restaurant which was doing brisk business as a takeaway as well as open air restaurant.Excellent fish and reasonably priced .After lunch made my way back to Hotel Alibi like a local with the drizzle of rain refusing to stop.One benefit of the drizzle was that it had increased the ambient temperature of Rimini and decided to have a dip on the Adriatic Riviera of Rimini Beach.Changed to.my swimming costume and with a umbrella walked across the road onto the beach Promenade and finally the beach which was deserted with me being the lone tourist.
The rain which was a drizzle now increased in volume and after a quick dip in the Adriatic sea made my way back to Hotel Alibi in a heavy downpour reminding me of rains back home in Mumbai.Rimini has a soft sand beach and the beach seemed to be like a level playing field and hence the most popular beach on the Italian Adriatic Riviera.Relaxed in my room and dinner was sapore street food from purchased from " Conad City" supermarket consisting of a little rice and a stick of some barbecue meat followed by a Gelato(Ice cream).Having spent half a lifetime at sea on sailing ships I adjust easily to climatic conditions, staying accommodation and new acquaintances as do a majority of sailors. Its totally off- season for the beach tourists in Rimini and the string of restaurants seem empty except for a few.The restaurant, hotel business is definitely competitive in the French as well as Italian Riviera.
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| A part of Sunday mass in Chiasa Di Santa Chiara church also known as the Santuario Madonna della Misericordia or Sanctuary of the Mater Misericordia .This ancient church was rebuilt in the 19th century in a Neoclassical style and is famous for the painting of Virgin Mary which is hanging over the altar. In 1850 a miracle took place here, when the eyes of Maria Annunziata on the painting moved several times. In the middle of the facade there is a Latin inscription that recalls this wonder. The Church also features frescoes and paintings by local artists A. Viviani and A. Sarzetti. |
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| Internal view of Tempio Malatestiano ( Malatesta Chapel ) |
It was drizzling continuously and for the first time in my travels across Europe was using a umbrella while sightseeing.Came across a pigeon feeder box kept in the park with pigeons hovering for grain in the drizzle.One end of the garden has the ruins of the Roman citadel walls as its boundary wall.Finally sighted the majestic Arco di Augusto( Arch of Augustus)dedicated to the Emperor Augustus by the Roman Senate in 27 BC and is one of the oldest Roman arches which survives to this day although not in its original form having been repaired over the centuries including after World War-II.At 0800 hrs in a mild drizzle I was one of the few tourists at the Arco di Augusto in the drizzling rain and requested a local passing alongside to take a photograph of me with a umbrella against the backdrop of Arco di Augusto.
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| Piazza Tre Martiri on a rainy Sunday morning.This locale was the ancient Roman forum where Julius Caesar stopped after crossing the Rubicon as a statue and a memorial testify the same. It had been a market-place for centuries and later on in the 20th century was called 'Piazza Tre Martiri' in memory of the three young partisans executed here on 16th August 1944. A marble insert indicates the spot.Today it is the main town centre of Rimini with a variety of shops, restaurants and offices. |
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| Statua di Giulio Cesare (Statue of Julius.Ceaser) on Piazza Tre Martiri in Milan. |
Heard the chiming of church bells and entered the Chiesa Di Santa Chiara church where the priest was serving holy communion to a small gathering of parishioners.Received Holy Communion and after the mass made my way out of the church.This ancient church was rebuilt in the 19th century in a Neoclassical style and is famous for the painting of Virgin Mary which is hanging over the altar.The main altarpiece is the venerated Madonna (1796) painted by Giuseppe Soleri Brancaleoni. On 11-12 May 1850, the eyes on this painting were seen to move skyward and the miracle was observed by many.The painting is now housed in a frame of gilded wood with angels holding a cornice of valuable stones and metals, donated to the church in August 1850 by Pope Pius IX. This was done after a large commission examined the veracity of the events and the pope would pronounce and define the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.The Church also features frescoes and paintings by local artists A. Viviani and A. Sarzetti.Walking further came across plush " Cafe Dell Avco " and breakfast was the trademark Croissant with Italian coffee.All the plush cafe's and restaurants have wifi and as usual whiled away some time at the Cafe hoping the drizzle would stop permanently.
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| Piazza Cavour became the centre of the city’s commercial and political life in the early middle ages and remains hugely important in the city’s social, political and commercial life.In the square there is the Pigna fountain, that was constructed in its current form (a fountain here dates back to roman times) by Giovanni da Carrara in 1543. In the centre of the square there is the statue of Pope Paul V, built in 1614 , a reminder that for much of its history Rimini fell directly under the control of the Papacy. |
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| Vechia Pescheria whose entrance is on the left-hand side of Piazza Cavour is one of the most picturesque and characteristic places in Rimini where women sold fish.In modern times this locale has become the hub of life for the city's youth with restaurants, wine bars, canteens and meeting places. It was erected by Rimini architect Giovan Francesco Buonamici in 1747. |
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| First building on left is Palazzo del Podesta and next to it Pallazo del Arango on Piazza Cavour in Old Town Rimini. |
Finally in the light drizzle made my way out of the Cafe and headed towards Malatesta temple.Met two giggling young Italian women who spoke a bit of English and gave me some guidelines to my tour research tourist sites of Rimini prepared at home in Mumbai.Entered the huge church, Tempio Malatestiano(English Malatesta Chapel) which was meant as the burial chapel for Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, the lord of the city of Rimini , together with his mistress Isotta degli Atti and the Malatesta family. The “Temple” was converted, beginning in 1446, from the Gothic-style Church of San Francesco(St Francis Xavier ) according to the plans of the Early Renaissance Florentine architect Leon Battista Alberti .Malatesta's fortunes declined steeply after his excommunication in 1460 and the structure remained as we see it, with its unexecuted east end, at his death in 1468.
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| Sismonda Castle on a rainy Sunday morning.The present castle was built by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, lord of Rimini, beginning on March 20, 1437 and lasted for almost 15 years but only the central nucleus of this structure remains.The castle-palace originally was surrounded by a large moat, with a ravelin at the main entrance, sporting the heraldic symbols of the House of Malatesta.Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta died here in 1468.In 1821 the castle was turned into barracks for the local Carabinieri and five years later the external walls were demolished and the moat filled.Since 2020, a part of Sismonda Castle has been converted to a fantasy museum dedicated to the genius of Rimini's World renowned film director, Federico Fellini, winner of 5 Oscars in foreign language film category. |
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| TIBERIO BRIDGE:-The Bridge of Tiberius (Italian: Ponte di Tiberio) or Bridge of Augustus (Latin: Pons Augustus) is a Roman bridge that features five semicircular arches made of white Istrian stone.Construction work started during Augustus reign and was finished under his successor Tiberius in 20 AD.The bridge was the only crossing of the Marecchia river not destroyed by the retreating German army during the Battle of Rimini in World War-II as it was judged militarily pointless. |
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| Borgo San Guiliano having houses with graffiti on their facades. |
Due to the strong presence of elements referring to the Malatesta's history, and to Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta himself and in particular, his lover Isotta, the church was considered by some contemporaries to be an exaltation of Paganism. Pope Pius II, Sigismondo's deadliest enemy, declared it as "full of pagan gods and profane things" The present church is a reconstruction of the original church that was heavily damaged during World War II, and afterwards reconstructed using pieces salvaged from the rubble by men from the Allies-affiliated Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives unit.From Malatesta Temple walked the short distance to large " Piazza Tre Martiri".Piazza Tre Martiri is the heart of Rimini located at point of intersection between the cardus maximus and the decumanus maximus, in correspondence with the ancient Roman Forum.In the Middle Ages, it has also been called “Piazza delle Erbe” and was used for public events like e horse races, dances, markets, and public shows.
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| Church San Guiliano Martire in Borgo San Guiliano. Attended complete Sunday morning mass at this church. |
The square has undergone quite a number of name changes over the centuries .It started as the Forum of the city, and was later referred popularly to as Piazza Grande and after the construction of the chapel dedicated to St Anthony it became known as Piazza Sant’Antonio and Piazza Giulio Cesare. The actual name of the square, “Tre Martiri(Three Martyr's Square)” in the present day is in memory of three young Partisans,Mario Cappelli, Luigi Nicolò, Adelio Pagliarani who were executed on this square in 1944 .The chapel dedicated to St Anthony of Padua in Pizza Tre Martiri and a statue of Julius.Ceaser at the corner of the Piazza are prominent structures.From Piazza Tre Martiri square walked a little further and turned left entering Plaza Cavour which has the statue of Pope Paul V, by sculptor Sebastiano Sebastiani in the center of the square since the 17th century. Near the sculpture is the Pine Cone Fountain (Fontana della Pigna), built in Roman times and it was the only source of drinking water for Rimini until 1912.On the Fountain can be seen numerous commemorative plaques with the most famous testimony being the one left by Leonardo da Vinci during his visit to Rimini,quote, "Make a harmony with the different falls of water, as you saw at the source of Rimini, as you saw on August 5, 1502".
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| " When in Italy do as the Italians do". Sunday lunch of " Fish/ chips " at " Borgo Fritto ",a local Rimini restaurant in chic Borgo San Guiliano. |
The Vechia Pescheria which was used to sell fish and the Pallazo Dell Arango civic building are on opposite sides of the Plaza Cavour facing each other.The Pallazo Dell Arango is considered Rimini's most historic civic building situated in Pallazo Grampa and today is Rimini's Town Hall.Pallazo Dell Podesta is next to Pallazo Dell Arango and was the place where criminals were hung.The large building facing Pope Paul V statue is Teatro Galli, the opera theatre of Rimini.Finally from Plaza Cavour headed towards Castella Sismonda( Sismonda Castle) that was originally built by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, lord of Rimini, beginning on March 20, 1437, but only the central nucleus of this structure remains and has been converted into the Federico Fellini museum.Returning again to main Corso D' Augosto road came across Cinema Fulgor,a theatre dedicated to Fellini and offering films and cultural events.Walking further down the main Corso D' Augosto road reached the iconic Ponte De Tiberio Bridge.The length of the bridge is approximately 70 meters and features five semicircular arches made of white Istrian stone with an average span length of 8 m.Construction work of Tiberio bridge started during Augustus' reign and was finished under his successor Tiberius in 20 AD, hence over 2000 years old and still in use as a pedestrian bridge.The drizzle had not stopped although at times it was just droplets of rain.
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| A pet parent taking her 3 greyhounds on a rainy Sunday morning for a walk on historic Tiberio bridge. |
Crossing the bridge entered Borgo San Giulano and came across a few houses with excellent graffiti art on their facades.This locality was the ancient fisherman's quarters and made famous by Film Director Fellini.Saw some young girls selling typical Italian pastries at the entrance of the Church San Guiliano Martire as also people entering the church.San Giuliano is a Renaissance-style Roman Catholic church built during 1553–1575 adjacent to a Benedictine order abbey. The present structure was built at the site of a 9th-century church dedicated to Santi Apostoli Pietro e Paolo(St Peter and St Paul). The Benedictines were suppressed in 1797 by Napoleonic forces.The main altarpiece is a master work by Paolo Veronese depicting the Martyrdom of San Giuliano in 1588.
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| Chapel of St Anthony (Italian :Tempietto di Sant'Antonio) is a small, octagonal temple or chapel dedicated to St Anthony of Padua A structure was initially built here in 1518, commissioned by a Pietro Ricciardelli. The chapel was rebuilt in Baroque-style after the earthquake of 1672 and legend say's the structure was constructed to honor a Eucharistic miracle at the site known as "The Miracle of the mule". |
The church also houses the polyptych (1409) by Bittino da Faenza (1357–1427) depicting episodes of this saint's life and Relics of the saint were kept in the church.
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| Inside Chapel of. St Anthony |
Made my entry into the church which had a large congregation and was at the right place at the right time to attend complete Sunday Catholic mass.I was the lone Asian in the congregation of Italians.The mass service was performed in the same procedure as in India with only difference being during preaching the priest would stand in front of the congregation and in a friendly manner preached to the congregation, akin to giving a college lecture.The mass lasted about a hour and after mass made my way to the restaurant's which were empty due to the weather or being a Sunday holiday.This locality of Rimini is famous for its fish products and lunch was fish with French fries at " Borgo Fritto" restaurant which was doing brisk business as a takeaway as well as open air restaurant.Excellent fish and reasonably priced .After lunch made my way back to Hotel Alibi like a local with the drizzle of rain refusing to stop.One benefit of the drizzle was that it had increased the ambient temperature of Rimini and decided to have a dip on the Adriatic Riviera of Rimini Beach.Changed to.my swimming costume and with a umbrella walked across the road onto the beach Promenade and finally the beach which was deserted with me being the lone tourist.
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| "Pigeon Feeder" at park in Rimini. |
The rain which was a drizzle now increased in volume and after a quick dip in the Adriatic sea made my way back to Hotel Alibi in a heavy downpour reminding me of rains back home in Mumbai.Rimini has a soft sand beach and the beach seemed to be like a level playing field and hence the most popular beach on the Italian Adriatic Riviera.Relaxed in my room and dinner was sapore street food from purchased from " Conad City" supermarket consisting of a little rice and a stick of some barbecue meat followed by a Gelato(Ice cream).Having spent half a lifetime at sea on sailing ships I adjust easily to climatic conditions, staying accommodation and new acquaintances as do a majority of sailors. Its totally off- season for the beach tourists in Rimini and the string of restaurants seem empty except for a few.The restaurant, hotel business is definitely competitive in the French as well as Italian Riviera.
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| At Arco Di Agosto that was built in 27 B.C. in honour of Caesar Octavian Augustus and is the oldest surviving Roman arch located at the junction between the Flaminian Way and the Emilian Way. It was constructed using Istrian stone and its barrel-vault measures 8.84 metres, with a depth of 4.10 metres and a height of 10.40 metres. Between the arched lintel and the Corinthian capitals, there are four clipei in which four divinities can be seen 1)Jupiter, father of all the gods and the most important deity for the Romans 2)Neptune, god of all the waters 3) Apollo, son of Jupiter and protector of health 4)Minerva, protector of the city of Rome, of arts and of trades. On both of the arch's façades there are two bull's heads which symbolically attest to the quality of the Roman colony of the city of Rimini. |
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| Breakfast at " Led coffee and drinks " in Rimini with Old Town. |
Monday(15/5/2023) Rimini : - Thankfully today morning was a sunny day unlike yesterday and after my tiny cup of " Italian Coffee" served by bar - keeper Mr Nar Ndaiye made myself cozy in 5- star comfort in my room.Ventured out of the hotel on a bright sunny morning down the now familiar path towards Arco Di Augosto akin to a local except that i was illiterate in Italian language..Today being bright sunny as well as a working day meant a large crowd of locals and tourists.Once entering Arco Di Augosto walked the familiar straight road onto Piazza Tre Martiri and entered the chapel Tempietto di Sant'Antonio dedicated to St Anthony of Padua.The chapel was initially built here in 1518, commissioned by a Pietro Ricciardelli and was rebuilt in Baroque-style after the earthquake of 1672. Legend is that the structure was constructed to honor a Eucharistic miracle at the site known as the Miracle of the Mule.Next from Piazza Tre Martiri took the left turn road and walked towards the other extreme end of the Citadel city centre.
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| Cinema Fulgor on Corso d'Augusto in Rimini Old town." I don't make films to discuss these or support theories. I make films in the same way I live dreams (which are fascinating as long as they remain mysterious and allusive, but risk becoming insipid when explained.)" is a quote by Legendary Italian film director Federico Fellini. "CINEMA FULGOR" is a restored hometown theatre where Fellini watched films as a child and developed his passion for cinema.This theatre was renovated according to original renderings of Oscar-winning set designer and Fellini protégé Dante Ferretti. |
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| In Gambalunga library in Rimini. |
There was a historic stone Arch but no walls.A large church was on the opposite side of the road with a clock tower.Walking back towards Arco Di Augosto Street came across a Italian Cafe " Led coffee and drinks" doing good business and breakfast was Sandwich ham/ cheese with Italian coffee seated outdoors of this cute Cafe.After breakfast made my way to Plaza Cavor which looked different today in comparison to yesterday's rainy morning.Visited Castella Sigmondo and made a part -2 video of a view of the castle on a sunny morning .From the Castello Sigmondo walked back on Corsa d'Augusto road and further down this main citadel road took the right turn road to Gambalunga library.Entered the library Palace building and was told to go to the first floor.This Renaissance style Palace was built between 1610-1614 by Riminese lawyer Alessandro.Gambalunga.Upon his death in 1619, he bequeathed his book collection and 17th-century palace to the city. Additional donations, and the addition of collections from suppressed religious organizations increased its holdings.
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| Gambalunga library or Biblioteca Civica Gambalunga is a public library, founded by the mid-18th century, and located on Via Gambalunga # 27, in Rimini.The Renaissance style palace was built between 1610 and 1614 by the Riminese lawyer, Alessandro Gambalunga and since he had no heirs upon his death in 1619, he bequeathed his book collection and 17th-century palace to the city. . |
Initially the historical library moved to the ground floor around the loggias of the inner courtyard and has now moved to the piano nobile, and sheltered on 17th-century walnut shelves.
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| Giant Schnauzer's and pet Parent on a walk in Rimini Old Town |
On entering the first floor was spellbound seeing the shelves of books and a certain section of the library catered to the 21st century Internet era with students busy on their laptops either reading or researching subjects stored in digital form in this library Temple. Strolled through various sections of the library and on my way out the main library receptionist told me to view the main historical library having rare books and manuscripts kept under lock and key.On entering this privileged storehouse of books was greeted with a sight I will never forget in my lifetime, books stacked like a storage chamber , some centuries old.From Gambalunga library headed further.down the road into Piazza Ferrari .Piazza Ferrari is the place of a important archeological discovery of a Roman Domus.The archeological site " Domus del Chirurgo" is now open for public viewing but closed on Mondays and hence couldn't visit the site.A "SURGEONS HOUSE" of the Roman era was discovered at this archeological site and the surgical instruments retrieved kept in Rimini's civic museum " Museo Della Citta Luigi Tonini" situated inside a 18th century Jesuit College.
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| Piazza Ferrari : -Traditional meeting place, the Gardens in piazza Ferrari are today an important archaeologic site as a consequence of the finding of a Roman Domus next to the tree in the photo.The archeological site " Domus del Chirurgo" is now open for public viewing .A "SURGEONS HOUSE" of the Roman era was discovered at this archeological site and the surgical instruments retrieved kept in Rimini's civic museum " Museo Della Citta Luigi Tonini" situated inside a 18th century Jesuit College which is the building in the lane in this photo. |
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| Corso d'Augusto(Augustus Street) the main road in Rimini Old Town.The street starts at the Arco d’Augusto (“Arch of Augustus“)gate and leads to Piazza Tre Martiri. It is here that the Forum was located in Roman times and it is here that Julius Caesar spoke some famous words after crossing the Rubicon.Just off the beginning of the Corso d’Augusto, one can visit the Tempio Malatestiano and walking further along Corso d’Augusto, one arrives at Piazza Cavour and walking straight down the road leads to Ponte di Tiberio bridge . The district starting at this bridge is called Borgo San Giuliano and is considered Rimini's most authentic neighborhood made famous through Frederico Fellini films. |
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| Narrator at Rimini yacht harbour on Marrechia river canal. |
From Piazza Ferrari walked back to Corso d'Augusto ( Augustus street) which is the main street that runs in the centre of Rimini istoric Old town centre and walked straight over Ponte Tibero Bridge onto Borgo San Guiliano. This fisherfolk locality of Rimini was once the poorest locality of the city infested with crime , prostitutes and other negative aspects of normal society norms.Thanks to Federico Fellini films and a annual festival that Borgo San Guiliano is a big tourist attraction.Yesterday I had heard Sunday mass and later after mass a taste of Borgo San Guilano cuisine which was excellent fish lunch and wouldn't be surprised if locals presumed i was someone's guest and staying in the locality. Ahoy !Today I decided to visit Rimini Port as 23 years of sea sailing is not easy to forget.Ahoy ! It was a long walk past colourful small cottage house's a few with exotic murals on their facade finally reaching the Marrechia river.On reaching the river canal walked straight ahead reaching the yacht parking harbour and a little further ahead the trawler parking harbour. All the beaches of Rimini are divided into South and North at the point where the Marrechia river enters the sea which is the "Marina Centro" and Port entrance/exit of Rimini city .
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| Yacht parking in Rimini harbour on the Marrechia river flowing into the sea. |
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| Rimini port canal was created at the original mouth of the Marecchia river. It counts 158 moorings.Only boats with maximum length of 18 mt are allowed.Depth of the canal is from 2.4 to 4.5 meters.Different activities bound to fishery are on the left-hand-side of the canal ranging from shipyards to machine shops, from the wholesale fish market to marine shops. |
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| Rimini Port Lighthouse |
Those beaches located to the South of the port belong to the Southern beaches, and those on the North side of the port to the Northern beaches.I was walking on the Northern side of the river Channel that led directly to the sea with no intermediate bridge within the harbour channel and hence had to walk back and cross the bridge onto the Southern side of the Port.Walked alongside the channel admiring the yachts and noticing a strange design of a few of the fishing trawlers.National Geographic on T.V revisited in personal life.Travel educates.Walked past Rimini Lighthouse and further ahead to the giant ferris wheel named " Diamond Wheel" situated on the edge of the coast with a " Birds Eye view " of the endless expanse of the Adriatic Beach coast of Rimini and the city.Admired Grand Hotel Rimini a 5 star hotel facing the Adriatic sea that was designed by the South American architect, Paolo Somazzi and inaugurated on July 1, 1908 and considered the symbol of " La Dolce Vita".The hotel was badly damaged during World War II and reconstructed in the 1950's later becoming world-famous through Federico Fellini's films.
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| Entrance/ Exit of Rimini . A Medium-sized Port and the types of vessels regularly calling at RIMINI are Sailing Vessel (37%), Fishing (36%), Pleasure Craft (17%) and Passenger (3%). |
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| " Diamond Wheel " ,landmark Ferris wheel at Rimini harbour. |
As a poor child growing up in Rimini, he often looked through the gates of the hotel in awe, dreaming of a life of luxury like the hotel's guests and these childhood memories inspired some of his most successful films particularly his film "Amarcord ", where it is in the background of some of the film's most memorable scenes.Federico Fellini also died in his favourite suite in this same hotel, collapsing from a heart attack. Walked past Parco Federico Fellini(Park Federico Fellini) along the Viale Vespucci pedestrian only road hugging the Adriatic sea coast beach back to " Hotel Alibi".The tourist crowd gradually seemed to be filling the city and if the same sunshine as today becomes permanent then very soon these empty beaches would be packed with beach tourists as seen on tourist promotional brochures and travelogues.I had accomplished a walking circumnavigation of a half of Rimini city walking from " Hotel Alibi" past the forest garden path into historic Arco de Agosto Old town onto Borgo San Guiliano and finally past Rimini lighthouse into Viale Vespucci pedestrian road along the Adriatic sea coast finally onto the happening Viale Vespucci street locality of my home away from home in Hotel Alibi.
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| Only in Europe and in Rimini will you come across a pet on a cycle ride with the human pet parent. |
Lunch was at " Lella al Mare" restaurant situated on Piazalla John.F. Kennedy, a short walking distance from Hotel Alibi having outdoor seating and packed with tourists.After lunch was back relaxing in my hotel room.Went for a Stroll along the beach Promenade and as usual came across dogs and owners on a Stroll as also joggers.There was a basketball court on the beach promenade and adjacent to it a series of gadgets for natural exercise . Some youngsters were engrossed playing basketball. From the beach Promenade made my way to the main road and came across a church.Made my way back towards the hotel and on the way dropped into " Conad City" supermarket and street food dinner was take-away turkey slice with chips along with beer .On arriving at my hotel room it was excellent hot dinner although it was less for my appetite as daily miles of walking increased my appetite akin to daily 1 Km swimming back home in Mumbai.Thanks to my fitness schedule that "Solo" travel trips are possible .After dinner went out again and dessert was Gelato. " Hotel Alibi" is situated in a beautiful location next to the forrest garden away from the main Viale Amerigo Vespucci sea facing road lined with plush hotel's,restaurants and night clubs, one of the most happening locales in Rimini.Throughout the day until darkness the continuous musical sounds of various birds can be heard in the vicinity of the Mansion hotel akin to instrumental music , soothing to the ears and walking travel fatigue.
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| Raining heavily in Rimini with thunder and lightning.At the palatial " Hotel Alibi" dining hall watching Italian " R101" radio television broadcasting English songs while simultaneously broadcasting news in Italian subtitles. |
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| Last Italian Coffee in chic mansion style " Hotel Alibi ". |
Tuesday(16/5/2023):- Departure Rimini to Zurich :- A wet morning again with continuous drizzle of rain.Breakfast was continental(bread/ sausage/ egg/ toast/ juice/cream butter/ coffee) and not Italian in the plush hotel dining room.The hotel charges 2 Euro / Day extra as " Tourist tax" as do all hostels in Europe.Felt I was residing in.my own plush private mansion and from a private room accomodation it would be back to"Boarding school" hostel accomodation in Zurich.Checked out of the hotel at 1000 hrs and parked my luggage next to the bar.It was raining heavily , a continuous medium downpour and hence just whiled away my time in the lobby in front of the receptionist. Was surprised to see a lot of tourists alighting from the second floor of the palatial mansion hotel which also had a lift.In fact seems the hotel was almost housefull in the tourist off- season.For a change I was experiencing European rain weather in Rimini, the first time such continuous heavy rainfall with thunder and lightning during my travel's across almost entire Europe over the decades beginning with sea voyages.
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| Hotel Alibi employee Mr Nar Ndaiye from Senegal was very helpful. On his Electric cycle. |
Very similar to Mumbai's monsoon weather only difference it doesn't rain heavily. It was also chill cold with heavy wind and thankfully plush "Hotel Alibi" lobby with its warmth was a luxury .Have experienced peak European winter in England and now here in Rimini in Italy was experiencing peak European rain weather.Whiled away my time in the hotel's palatial dining lounge on my phone internet while simultaneously watching Italian telivision music Channel " R101" broadcasting international music mostly in English language and simultaneously broadcasting the news headlines in Italian print at the bottom of the video.Excellent English music videos.Also understood the hotel hospitality industry observing the employees of "Hotel Alibi" engrossed in their respective jobs in maintaining this mansion hotel.Finally at approx 1300 hrs the intensity of the rain reduced and finally checked out of classic "Hotel Alibi".The road leading to the main road was waterlogged as Hotel Alibi is situated at a lower ground level from the main road and my shoes got immersed in water, a first in a European city.Made my way onto Piazzalla Kennedy and onto " 12 Kennedy" Bus stop.After a very long wait boarded ," N0 11 " Bus and alighted at Rimini Train station.
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| In the continuous drizzle somehow reached Piazzale Kennedy on the main road and boarded bus "No 11" to Rimini train station. |
The rain had finally stopped although my socks and shoes were damp due to the water logging near Hotel Alibi.Reconfirmed at the Tabbachio regarding the " N0 9" Bus to Flixbus(Centro Studi) and made my way to familiar "Ciao Bar" for lunch.This restaurant also has slot machines which I didn't notice on my first visit to this restaurant on my way to board the bus to San Marino.Lunch was " Spaghetti al Pomodoro " followed by " Lasagna Alla Bolognese" with a small peg of scotch whisky as the dull cold rainy day demanded.This would be my lunch cum dinner as I would later be travelling all night by Flixbus to Zurich.Excellent preparation by this Chinese restaurant chef and hence does good business beside's added attraction of 5 slot machines of which a few are occupied by gamboling customers.
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| Last Italian lunch in " Ciao Bar" near Rimini train station |
While relishing my drink and small peg of whisky suddenly heard the slot machine coin counter jingle indicating the customer had cracked the slot machine jackpot.Finally at 1500 hrs finished my grand lunch cum dinner of the Rimini Roman holiday travel tour.The bill amounted to 15.5 Euro's my costliest food bill of the tour and my last meal in Italy before departing for Zurich in Switzerland. On my way to the " N0 9" Bus stop situated outside "Burger King" restaurant again reconfirmed the Flixbus pick - up point with the Tabbachio shop.It began raining a bit heavily and entered Burger King restaurant and had a icecream called " King Fusion" costing 3 Euro's served in a cup and excellent.Finally boarded " N0 9" Bus and requested the driver and later a local to inform me regarding the "Centro Studi" Bus terminus of Flixibus.It was the same route as my arrival into Rimini and finally thanks to the local alighted at the right stop.Made my way to the familiar bus stop which had a group of passengers.A white Italian gentleman heading to Milan struck a conversation with me in Italian while i replied in English and sign language.Hilarious but true.Finally we two were alone at the bus stop and somehow we conversed through sign language.
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| Rimini to Zurich via transit in Milan. |
Later a Australian lady tourist came along with another young man and seems the trains were cancelled due to flooding of tracks and hence she was forced to travel by bus.Bus was punctual at 1745 hrs and for the first time travelled on a Flixbus having wifi.At 1945 hrs reached Bologna and seems entire Italy was under a wet spell of freak unseasonal rainfall.While travelling along the Italian countryside noticed vast areas of farmland submerged in water akin to a lake.Reached Milan Lampugnano bus terminus at 1030 hrs on schedule time and came across a thin comic drunk Italian creating his own drama with a beer bottle at the bus station . Was it the aftereffects of the Ac Milan V/S Inter Milan U.E,F.A semifinals being played at the San Siro stadium in Milan ? Milan's Lampugnano bus terminus which was dirty by First World standard's reminded me of some of the "Adda's(Hindi language slang :city youth hangouts )" of my youth back home in Mumbai.Some free entertainment and finally at 1130 hrs boarded the bus to Zurich.Heavy traffic jam on the way as the U.E.F.A cup semi- final between Inter Milan and A/C Milan had just got over with Inter Milan winning 1-0 and qualifying for the finals.
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| A photo shoot at Zurich train station ,the largest train terminus in Switzerland. Very ordinary looking train station with ultra high speed long distance trains.Train travel is definitely expensive than bus travel and at times even more expensive than air travel along certain routes across Europe. I did my entire land travel in Europe by Flixbus.Arrived in Zurich by Flixbus. |
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| On arrival in Zurich welcoming the first tram of the city at 0500 hrs walking alongside Limmat river towards Zurich Old Town. |
Wednesday(17/5/2023) Arrival Zurich :' - Finally at 0330 hrs arrived at familiar "Carparkplatz Sihlquai (Zurich Bus terminus)" and waited for some time at the bus stop as I was the lone walker on the street besides a few cars on the road .Later realizing it was better walking on the lonely footpath then standing alone at the bus terminus began my walk towards the Alstadt locality of Zurich.Came across a shop advertising the sale of Cannabis with a video displaying the cultivation process for legal consumption.On arrival at major landmark "Rudolf Brun Bridge" across the Limmat river named after Rudolf.Brun, leader of Zurich Guild's revolution of 1336 asked direction for " Friendly Hostel" with a local. He gave me the approximate direction to which I proceeded further ahead along the Limmat river finally arriving at Rathausbrucke bridge across the river Limmat.There is the landmark Rathaus police station at the entrance to the bridge from the west bank and finally crossing the bridge arrived by the riverside on the east Bank of the Limmat river in the Alstadt locality next to landmark over 650 years old " Storchen Hotel" which was rebuilt in 1938 and has the statues of nesting Storks on its roof. Relaxed in the chill cold weather , the earliest bird of the morning having seen the first tram of Zurich make its first journey of the day at 0500 hrs . Besides the occasional cyclist seems entire Zurich was asleep.
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| A view of Alfred Escher bronze statue in front of Zurich Central Station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof or Zürich HB) facing Bahnhofstrasse created by Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling in 1889.Albert Escher founded one of Switzerland’s two large banks and three of its largest insurance companies to finance and insure the Gotthard railway line and tunnel. Today, Zurich Hauptbanhof central railway station is the largest in Switzerland with the city's central location in the continent historically making it a railway hub. It currently serves over 2,000 trains per day, making it one of the busiest in the entire world.The station is built near the old town part of Zurich, called the Altstadt, at the confluence of the Limmat and Sihl Rivers. The Sihl passes into a tunnel that runs through the station and Zurich HB(Railway Station) is built on two levels, with ground level and below-ground level train platforms. The two levels are tied together via the ShopVille shopping mall which is akin to a small township within the train station. |
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| Newspaper delivery on a manual cart in Rathausbrucke ,locality of " Friendly Hostel ". Unbelievable sight in one of the World's wealthiest city's. |
After a brief rest next to the pavement of landmark "Hotel Storchen" in the almost freezing cold saw a gentleman walking in my direction and asked him for directions.Mr Rishi.Sadrangi from New York now settled in Zurich guided me with his Google map as it was just a short distance from " Storchen Hotel", the spot where I approached him for directions.Just had a quick exchange of introduction and he was a former Bandra boy now definitely in the stratosphere of his career or business. Its a small World. As the hotel main door was locked with a punch code number typical of entire European hostels finally made my entrance when one of the guests ventured out.Later the young slim hostel caretaker/ receptionist Ms Elena opened her main room door and in non fluent English told me to deposit my luggage in the storage cum electrical switchboard room and to come back later in the morning at 1000 hrs.Ventured into the cold morning and headed towards familiar " Coop Mall" on the way passing alongside the very narrow Muhlesteg pedestrian bridge across the Limmat river which had numerous "Love Locks" on the bridge railings, another common sight in bridges across European rivers.
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| On Renweg street in Zurich The second most exclusive shopping street in Zurich after the Bahnhofstrasse. The steeple of landmark St Peter's church can be seen in the background. |
Entered "Coop Mall" purchasing croissants for breakfast and from " Coop Mall" walked into the railway station and onto Bahnhostrasse , the luxury shopping street of Zurich.Purchased a cake from " Bachmann "on Bahnhofstrasse and made my way back to the hostel from a different route facing the imposing clock tower of St Peter's church.Back to the hostel was shown my dormitory bed " N0 6 " in 8 bed dormitory room on the 4th floor of the building.The tall narrow building had no lift and now besides my normal daily mileage of marathon walking would have to also trek stairs 4 floors daily to my home away from home accomodation in "Friendly Hostel".Life on the road as a " Solo budget traveller" is akin to the most extreme form of adventure sports and as usual adjusted to my new home away from home and after a hot shower bathe headed towards discovering Zurich city.A comedy of " Transit visa error " caused me a colossal financial loss which was bearable but worse was diversion of travel to Zurich at the last spur of the moment at Abu Dhabi airport.Having arrived by flight at Zurich instead of Nice as originally planned helped me familiarize with the city.Walked to the International bus terminus and booked a bus ticket for a group tour to Lichtenstein costing approximately 95 Euro's.
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| View of Münsterbrücke bridge from the East side of Limmat river in the old section of Zurich. The bridge was constructed between 1836 – 1838 and is the second bridge from Lake Zurich.Predigerkirche Church, a Protestant church with its tall steeple is the prominent building on the west side of the Limmat river as seen in this photo while the Grossmunster church is situated adjacent to Predigerkirche Church and not visible in the photo. |
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| Inside Predigerkirche Church in Zurich. Not a single Christian religious icon inside the church. |
Walked back up the Limmat river road and entered Renweg street ,the second most exclusive shopping street in Zurich after the Bahnhofstrasse. Requested a young Asian gentleman to click a photo against the backdrop of St Peter's Church clock face and the numerous Swiss flags placed across buildings on either side of the road, spectacularly beautiful in a orderly fashion as only the Swiss are capable off with their clockwork finesse. So met Mr Abhishek.Garg from Haryana , a I.T professional employed with Microsoft in Bangalore who akin to me loved " Solo Travel" and now on a tour of Europe during his vacation.Entered "Laderach" chocolate shop on Bahnhofstrasse street and was amazed to see a large shop selling nothing but chocolates.Purchased some loose chocolates for my personal consumption and headed to the train station.Visited the plush grocery malls,supermarket stores situated in the station underground passageway accessible by escalators , a mini city by itself. Back to ground level onto the main train station spotted a "Hot Dog takeaway" on the platform and lunch was a jumbo size sausage hot dog.Later changed some Euro's into SF at the money exchange office situated in the train station building.Decided to walk to Lake Zurich and took the route on the West Bank of River Limmat.
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| ShopVille- Zurich main station. A view of one of the shops situated in the underground levels of Zurich Hauptbanhof( Railway Station) |
Entered Predigerkirche Church, a Protestant church and for the first time came across a church that internally had just blank painted walls with not a single Christian religious icon.Predigerkirche is one of the four main churches of the old town of Zürich, besides Fraumünster, Grossmünster and St. Peter. First built in 1231 AD as a Romanesque church the bell in the roof turret dates from 1451 (inscription) and is the oldest church bell in Zurich at its original location.Zurich was once a Protestan stronghold of Christianity but by the beginning of the 21st century only approximately 1/3rd of Zurich's residents are Protestants with the majority being Roman Catholics. From the church walked ahead and crossed the bridge to the Eastern side of the river and kept walking towards Lake Zurich.Came across a lady walking her two Chinese crested dogs, a breed I saw for the first time and she told me they cost her 1250 Euro each.
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| This section of Lake Zurich is southeast of the city of Zürich and flowing downstream forming the Limmat river. Depending on the context, Lake Zurich or Zürichsee can be used to describe the lake as a whole which is divided into Upper Lake Zurich which is upstream from the town of Rapperswil or just that part of the lake downstream of Rapperswil which is Lower Lake Zurich teeming with wild swans and ducks habituated to being fed by tourists.In fact this part of lake Zurich can be nicknamed "Swan Lake". |
Was finally at beautiful Lake Zurich which had numerous ducks and swans.Made my way to the Western end of the lake which had a large number of swans busy being fed by tourists.
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| KNIE CIRCUS.Big top next to Zurich Lake. |
First time I had seen this many wild swans in one single place having toured across most of Europe's picturesque lakes including other Swiss cities.A circus had set up tent on the ground next to the Zurich opera house.The " Knie" circus that had begun performances since Friday 5 May , the day i accidentally arrived in Zurich would be performing until Tuesday 6 June 2023.A daily show was held at 12 noon and ticket prices ranged from 105 Euro for costliest to 19.5 Euro for cheapest and would have attended if conducted in English language as all circuses fascinate me, especially the antics of the clowns." Friendly Hostel" is conveniently located in the Alstadt(Old Town)locality at a walking distance from prime tourist sites of Zurich.From Zurich lake walked back to my home away from home " Friendly Hostel" and had to readjust from living in a palatial single room in a mansion to dormitory style accomodation.
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| " Friendly Hostel " in Rathausbrucke occupies the entire building. |
In " SOLO TRAVEL" unlike package tours travel where everything is prearranged by the tour company it's the journey and not the end destination that keeps the traveller mentally and physically occupied and is also the secret of my "Youth" past official employment age .When i travel " SOLO" feel I am Self - employed as a explorer discovering off-beaten tourist paths and this keeps me mentally sane and physically active.However wealthy a person might be just sitting on a rocking chair doing nothing is definitely not the way to enjoy wealth.I was lucky to make it from Rimini to Zurich by bus as the flooding of the Emilia- Romagna region of Italy which includes Rimini was catastrophic as reported by the press the next day.The Imola( Emilio- Ramagne) Grand Prix was cancelled due to havoc caused by flooding that also resulted in a few loss of lives." Friendly Hostel" was housefull with all beds occupied.
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| At Vaduz in Liechtenstein. Country N0 89 on my list of Country’s visited during my lifetime. Akin to some people collecting vintage automobiles as a hobby similarly visiting different country's and indulging in extreme sports across my home country India and the Globe is my hobby.Travel goes on. |
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| Group tour by bus of Rapperswil, Heidiland and Vaduz from Carparkplatz Sihlquai ( Zurich International bus terminus. |
Thursday(18/5/2023) Zurich :- Early at daybreak went up to the terrace of the hostel building and the view was amazing.Cool but not cold weather with birds chirping and a close view of the largest clock face in Europe, the tower clock of St Peter's church.In hostels,especially Europe, the crowd is totally cosmopolitan with tourists from different Country's.At 0815 hrs made my way towards the railway station.Today was " Ascension Day " ,a Christian religious day and a public holiday in Switzerland. " Coop" mall was closed and entered the railway station supermarket.Breakfast was Coffee with a Croissant sausage.Went to the underground section of the railway station which was a small town by itself having everything from supermarkets, restaurants and shops.Purchased two beers and some peaches .Learnt how to weigh fruits and paste the sticker price on the bag for billing at the counter.Same principle was applied in supermarkets in Victoria in Zimbabwe and its never too late in life to evolve with technology.From the station went to the familiar "Carparkplatz Sihlquai (International bus terminus) and checked in with " Cityrama," tours office . Was handed a sticker that was to be displayed on the shirt and after doing the same made myself comfortable on the bus.
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| Rapperswil Jona is situated at a elevation of 409 m(1342 ft) besides Upper Lake Zurich Riviera and is a municipality in the Wahlkreis (constituency) of See-Gaster in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland.The town's main sights are concentrated in the Altstadt of Rapperswil and can be seen while strolling through the medieval alleys. The main sights of Rapperswil which we package group tourists could access were the rose gardens, Rapperswil Castle and the Monastery.Rapperswil is often referred to as the "town of roses" (Rosenstadt) because of its extensive displays of roses in three designated parks.Approximately 15,000 plants of 600 different kinds may be viewed between June and Octoberbut as it was still partly winter in May no roses were in bloom and hence a barren sight. |
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| Rapperswil is located on the northern shore of Lake Zürich .&Guide Michael led us past the lakeside that had open air restaurants and finally had to walk up a inclined hill from where this photo was clicked giving a view of the harbour.Tourists can arrive and depart by boat from Zurich city. |
My first and only "Package Group tour"of the entire travel odyssey. Our guide Mr Michael, a multi linguist introduced himself and driver Chako speaking in Swiss,German, Spanish and last of all English, the least important language in Zurich.
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| Hotels and outdoor cafe's in Rapperswil. |
Travel educates.Departure was at 1110 hrs and the bus was almost full with tourists of various nationalities and was told that the river flowing near the bus terminus was called the Sihl river which had its source in the Druesberg mountain finally joining the Limmat river at this point near the "Carparkplatz Sihlquai (Zurich Bus terminus)".We passed alongside Zurich museum's of Archaeology and zoology as also University of Zurich situated on the hill and past the most prominent theatre of Zurich .Passed alongside the city's Town hall and finally past Zurich Opera house onto the main coastal road hugging Lake Zurich.The view of Lake Zurich from the coastal road was awesome and the upper Zurich lake is huge .
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| Built of stone the Rapperswil Castle clock tower . |
Passed through numerous tunnels as entire Switzerland is mountainous region.Finally at approximately 1215 hrs arrived at Rapperswil Jona situated at a elevation of 409 m(1342 ft) besides Upper Lake Zurich Riviera and is a municipality in the Wahlkreis (constituency) of See-Gaster in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. As is the norm on all packaged guided tours was given a time limit for sightseeing Rapperswil. Guide Michael led us past the lakeside that had open air restaurants and finally had to walk up a inclined hill to reach the rose garden and deer park situated next to Rapperswil castle and monastery.The medieval Altstadt of the city of Rapperswil is dominated by the castle built in the 13th century perched atop a longish rocky hill on the peninsula called Lindenhof hill. In 1350, it was destroyed by Rudolf Brun, the mayor of Zürich, and was rebuilt in 1352/54 by Albrecht II, Duke of Austria. Deer inhabit lands surrounding the castle but didn't sight any deer.
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| Swiss countryside with a tradition of some building's having Storks nesting on the rooftop.A unique sight with the nests balancing precariously on the tiled roof houses. |
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| Heidi House in Heidiland.Heidi's home is in Maienfeld Switzerland. Address: Valenserstrasse 6, 7310 Bad Ragaz and is the birthplace and place of residence of the fictional character, which takes you back to the time of the world-famous Heidi story written in 1880 by authoress Johanna Spyri who was inspired by the people and ways of life living here for her story of Heidi. |
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| View of the Swiss Highlands and the Alps.Heidiland is a region of Eastern Switzerland having high mountains, clear lakes, diverse nature, and original postcard-worthy villages. A total of 32 communities in an area of 24 square miles comprises Heidiland . |
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| Photo shoot for tourists at Heidiland. |
A small Capuchin's monastery was establised in 1606 at the lakeside Endingerhorn as a Catholic counterpart to the Reformation's centre in the city of Zürich. The monastery buildings belong to the citizens of Rapperswil rather than to the monks who inhabit it, and is still in use. Visited the church. The main churches in town include the Roman Catholic St. John's Church (built in early 13th century), the cemetery chapel (Liebfrauenkapelle) and a small Protestant church.The locational advantage of the place attracted the national Circus Knie who built its headquarters in Rapperswil in 1919 and the circus is now also responsible for the Circus Museum and the Knie's Kinderzoo located in Rapperswil which is particularly aimed at children.
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| Heidiland. |
Roses decorate the coat of arms of the town of Rapperswil-Jon and Rapperswil is often referred to as the "Town of Roses" (Rosenstadt) because of its extensive displays of roses in three designated parks. No less than 15,000 plants of 600 different kinds may be viewed between June and October. As it was May and winter still in progress there were no Roses blooming when we visited Rapperswil.Made acquaintances with a American Chineese from Texas Mr Liang ,involved in the medical profession and akin to me was a loner tourist.Came across a pet parent taking his undocked English bulldog on a walk.He told me this was the Old English Bulldog breed from which the present day short and stocky bull dog evolved very similar to the flat face Persian cat evolving from the Traditional Persian cat which i had bred back home in Mumbai.I had yet to spot a cat during my travels, unbelievable considering cat's are common pets.After visiting the monastery made my way down the hill back to the main lakeside restaurants.
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| The Narrator is in Vaduz in Liechtenstein in front of the majestic 3 bronze horse(Tre Cavalli) scuptor's by Swiss Sculptor Nag.Arnoldi installed in front of Vaduz City hall in 2002. |
Rapperswil has a railway station and came across a Indian family from Mumbai travelling on the same tour bus.
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| Toy train for tourists in Vaduz. |
Rapperswil railway station is a nodal point of the IR Voralpen Express (SOB), the Zürich S-Bahn lines S5, S7, S15 and S40, and the St. Gallen S-Bahn line S6.The train journey from Zurich is approximately 40 minutes but the most picturesque way to travel to Rapperswil is by boat from Bürkliplatz in Zurich and the boat trip takes around 2 hours.Finally we left for our next destination Heidiland , the site and inspiration for the children's fairy tale " Heidi" written in 1881 by Swiss Authoress Johanna Spyri (1827–1901)."Heidi" is translated into 55 languages ,movies and T.V serials depicting a romantic, nature-oriented image of Switzerland of the 19th century that is still widespread today.
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| Vaduz Town Hall is the head office of Vaduz municipality and dates from 1932/33 being extensively renovated in the years 1982 to 1984.Cultural activities take place in front of the city hall |
"Heidi" even in the present era of numerous children literature by upteen authors is considered a all time classic in the children's literature genre.
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| African King sculpture in Vaduz. |
Driving across the Swiss meadows with cattle grazing is the picturesque Switzerland image for most of the World .Bad Ragaz and its neighbouring towns and villages of Eastern Switzerland make up "Heidiland " Finally reached Maienfeld which had a very narrow road difficult for 2 cars to pass alongside let alone a huge bus and kudos to our driver's skill for negotiating this road and parking at the closest spot in Maienfeld to Heidiland .It was a long uphill walk on a very bright and sunny day from the bus drop point in Maienfeld to Heidiland.Finally on reaching Heidiland just took photo's of the original house and did not enter Heidiland as I was long past the age of fairy tale's with my own life from birth roots to the present day , a fairytale , although not for kids but adults.Yes truth is stranger than fiction.Entrance to Heidi House and Heidiland was 10 SF but because of the time limit I avoided the normal curiosity peep into Heidiland which i would have normally done if travelling "Solo".Finally after usual photography walked downhill back to the bus pick up point where a permanant film set of Heidiland was erected for a photo shoot by tourists.
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| Government House of Liechtenstein is the seat of government of Liechtenstein.The House of Liechtenstein, from which the principality takes its name, is the family which reigns by hereditary right over the principality of Liechtenstein. Only dynastic members of the family are eligible to inherit the throne. The dynasty's membership, rights and responsibilities are defined by a law of the family, which is enforced by the reigning prince and may be altered by vote among the family's member's , but which may not be altered by the Government or Parliament of Liechtenstein |
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| Centrum Restaurant in Vaduz. Late lunch was a Hamburger. |
Came across Air hostess Ms Yosi from Panama employed with Etihad airlines and on a day's tour in Zurich before reporting back to duty on the plane.Requested her to take a photo of me at the " Heidi Film Set" and was surprised to know this beautiful Panamian spoke fluent English later realizing that as a air-hostess knowing the International link language of English was a mandatory qualification.On the way to Liechtenstein passed alongside the resort of Bad Ragaaz famous for its natural spring and health spa resorts which had a large golf course and was the home of tennis prodigy Martina.Hingis. Our final stop was my 89th country Liechtenstein.Liechtenstein is bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north and is the sixth smallest country in the World and the fouth smallest in Europe having a area of 160 Sq Km(62 Sq Miles). Having done all my travel research back home in Mumbai,my non paying philanthropic job, if i had not been severely exhuasted by the "Abu Dhabi Transit Visa " fiasco and literate in Swiss German language would have undertaken the simple solo travel to this unique country by train/bus from Zurich.
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| Liechtenstein Landesbank is the National Bank of Liechenstein and since 1993 it has been listed as a company at the Swiss Stock Exchange (LLBN), with the majority of shares (57.5%) owned by the Liechtenstein state. As the state is in a customs and monetary union with Switzerland and has adopted the Swiss franc as official currency, the monetary policy and money supply is the sole responsibility of the Swiss National Bank (SNB). |
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| Liechtenstein parliament building(Landtag of Liechtenstein) lies at the heart of the Peter-Kaiser-Platz square, just a stone's throw from the government building |
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| A view of Vaduz Cathedral, or Cathedral of St. Florin (German: St. Florinskirche in Vaduz or Kathedrale St. Florin),which is a neo-Gothic church and the centre of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vaduz. Originally a parish church, it has held the status of cathedral since 1997.It was built in 1874 by Friedrich von Schmidt on the site of earlier medieval foundations and its patron saint is Florinus of Remüs (Florin), a 9th-century saint of the Vinschgau Valley. |
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| A view of Liechtenstein away from Capital Vaduz. |
Should consider myself lucky to be in this group tour which at times gets cancelled due to lack of tourists and hence after guide Michael led us to the main city street Städtle, began walking the length of the street observing the main city sights of Vaduz as if I had visited the Country previously. Akin to historical facts so also geographical locales can get altered but never change completely especially in one of the World's smallest country's and in a city having a population of just 5,793 in 2023 and hence one of the World's wealthiest country's/Capita population.Yes, believe it or not only 5,793 people are residents of Vaduz city in Liechtenstein.
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| Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is the state museum of modern and contemporary art in Vaduz and the building by the Swiss architects Meinrad Morger, Heinrich Degelo and Christian Kerez was completed in November 2000. The museum collection of international modern and contemporary art is also the national art collection of the Principality of Liechtenstein. |
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| Stadtle in Vaduz or "Small Town".The Städtle in the centre of Vaduz is the pulsating heart in the middle of Liechtenstein,the longest street in a capital city of the World.. The pedestrian zone from the government quarter to Vaduz Town Hall is traffic-free and Six major museums are located in Vaduz. From the historical LandesMuseum to the contemporary art museum, |
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| " Ruhendu Frau ",gigantic bronze sculpture by Columbian artist Fernando.Bortero in Vaduz. |
Christoph Zeller a German billionaire businessman owner of dental products company "Ivoclar Vivadent" is supposedly the only billionaire in Liechtenstein with his personal wealth representing half of Liechtenstein's GDP .Zeller joined Ivoclar Vivadent in 1981, and was CEO from 1990 to 2003, before buying the company from the founder's grandson, Adolf Schneider and becoming the wealthiest resident of Vaduz and Liechtenstein. Another fact is that Liechtenstein has won more Gold medals than any other country/per capita population which is 10 with all the medals being won in Alpine skiing .Long before Meghan Markle shook the British Royal establishment through a Inter-racial marriage there was Angela Brown,the Panamanian born fashion designer, wife of Liechtenstein’s Prince Maximilian who in 2000 became the first person of African descent to marry into a reigning European royal family.
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| Castle Casino in Vaduz was established in 2022 . |
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| "SPECULATION KING" ? In Vaduz tourists get a opportunity to sit on a artificial throne wearing a crown. |
The main tourist office is near the car/bus park and if you want to get your passport stamped then visit the tourist office for a memento passport stamp which is charged.First sighting was of the majestic 3 bronze horse(Tre Cavalli) scuptor's by Swiss Sculptor Nag.Arnoldi installed in front of Vaduz City hall in 2002. Cultural activities take place in front of the city hall .Next passed alongside the " Huber-World of Watches " building offering the best of ultra luxury watches available under the Sun. Ahoy ! Came across "Castle Casino" established in 2022 in Vaduz and on entering was told that the documentation formality had to be done before entrance and due to lack of time avoided glancing a peep into "Castle Casino" of Liechtenstein. A little further came across "Quantum House", a life Insurance company. With one of the World's highest per capita wealth its a matter of thought as to the premiums and types of life insurance offered to the citizens of Liechtenstein in comparison to other European countrys.Travel educates.Kunsmuseum Liechtenstein resembling a "Black Box" was one of the most amazing building's i have seen designed by Swiss architect's Meinrad Morger, Heinrich Degelo and Christian Kerez and completed in November 2000.This building is the State museum of modern and contemporary art in Vaduz.Visited the "Liechtenstein Center" where there is a chair resembling a throne and took a photograph wearing a crown sitting on the throne chair as do all tourists.
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| Landesmuseum in Vaduz in Liechtenstein.The museum building dates back to 1438 and is used to house the princely tavern, custom house and the seat of the government.The museum displays artifacts about the history, culture, nature, and landscape of Liechtenstein in its three buildings and 42 exhibit rooms. |
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| House along the mountainside of Vaduz. |
Strolling across the Städtle came across Liechtenstein parliament building(Landtag of Liechtenstein) which lies at the heart of the Peter-Kaiser-Platz square, just a stone's throw from the government building.Akin to my home country India which celebrates Independenvce Day on August 15 so also Liechtenstein celebrates its National Day on August 15.On "Liechtenstein National Day" which is a national holiday everyone meets in Vaduz.Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein and the President of the Parliament, Albert Frick give speeches in the morning on the lawn next to Vaduz castle on the occassion of the national holiday. This formal act is followed by a reception in the princely rose garden at Vaduz Castle hosted by the princely family and is open to the public free of charge, though acquiring a ticket which can be obtained online is required. At 2pm celebrations and festivities begin in the Vaduz city center with the city center being closed to traffic, allowing numerous booths, street vendors and carousels to set up along the streets.Liechtenstein citizens and visitors from all over celebrate until late that night with fireworks being the national day’s highlight. Visited the imposing and tallest landmark of Vaduz , St Florin Catholic Cathedral(Vaduz Cathedral).Another imposing building is the Government house of Liechtenstein situated next to Liechtenstein Parliament building .This stately building completed in 1905 is the administrative centre for Liechtenstein and was formerly also the Parliament building before the new parliament building was opened in 2008.Loner tourist Liang helped me take a few photographs and similarly I helped him as overall the tourist crowd was negligible .
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| " Quantum House " insurance company in Vaduz. |
Came across the giant sculpture of a naked obese reclining woman " Ruhendu Frau" by Columbian artist Fernando.Bortero.Had seen this same exhibit replica at the " Dubai World Expo 2020" in Dubai at the Columbia pavilion.Unforgettable seen once. A very striking sculpture that shocks and amazes by its enormity in size.Otherwise nude art and artwork , both male and female is common in European Country's.Vaduz street has numerous scuptures and statues and in the same vicinity viewed the facial sculpture of the "African King" balancing on a 3 prod stone stool with tourists posing for photographs seated on the stool.
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| Crossing the upper Rhine river bridge into Switzerland. The Rhine River forms the boundary between Liechtenstein and Switzerland. |
There was a small ground behind the main street on which a few kids were playing and honestly i had to make sure i was not day dreaming of being in one of the World's wealthiest and tiniest country.Didn't have the time to walk up the mountain to view the Vaduz Castle, the official residence of Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein.The Princely Family of Liechtenstein acquired Vaduz Castle in 1712 when it purchased the countship of Vaduz and since 1938, the castle has been the primary residence of Liechtenstein's Princely Family and is not open to the public as the princely family still lives in the castle .Dinner was a large hamburger at Centrum restaurant next to the tourist shop. Requesting a young lady to click my photo for a Vaduz memory struck a conversation with the mother and daughter from Durban in South Africa on a holiday in Europe.
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| Guide cum linguist Mr Michael explaining the tour along the bus route.A grand success. |
Struck a conversation with Miss Shahnaaz.Naby a businesswoman inheriting her parent's petrol pump business.Akin to me she loves travelling and trying to accumulate a count of country's travelled .Finally was back in Zurich at 1845 hrs, me absolutely satisfied for the fairytale of visiting my 89th Country on a travel tour that was almost a non-starter with the fiasco in Abu Dhabi.Life goes on as also travel.Relaxed in my home away from home "Friendly Hostel", the ultimate nomadic traveller and noticed a change in trend among young couples living in common dormitory hostels.Previously i came across young men or women Caucasian couples but never young Asian couples in European hostels which is the cheapest accomodation for budget travellers. In Zurich i observed Asian origin couples in my dormitory for a day, something i never observed on my previous travels across Europe.Dormitories are excellent for bachelors/Spinsters , solo travellers but definitely a adjustment for couples or families as there is no privacy akin to a private hotel room and also abnormal disturbances as resident guests come and go within the dormitory. Times are a changin as travel costs across the globe has spiralled post " Covid 19" travel pandemic ban.Hotel room's cost a fortune in comparison to the average hostel in Scandinavia and Western Europe having the World's highest cost of living.
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| Free Rock concert by a group of buskers on the shore of Lake Zurich with wild ducks and swans dancing on the lake,a la " SWAN LAKE" poetry with human ROCK MUSIC.The buskers earn their money through donations .Ambiance was out of the World. |
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| Fraumünster Evangelical Church with copper topped spire,a crypt museum and Stained glass paintings by Marc Chagall . |
Friday (19/5/2023) Zurich :- In the early morning chill cold after a hot water bathe made my way towards the train station. Breakfast of coffee/ Croissant was at the familiar "Coop "supermarket relished sitting along the embankment of Limmat river .Suddenly decided to taste Zurich's signature breakfast and headed the short distance to Bahnhofstrasse into the prominent " Bachmann" Cafe.With guidance from the service staff purchased a " Birchermuesli" costing 4.5 SF which in taste was akin to sweet yoghurt with fruits and other ingredients, pure vegetarian .Next walked back towards the hostel and a little further ahead from St Peter's Catholic church on the way towards Lke Zurich is the Fraummunster church.
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| St Peter's church having the largest clock face in Europe |
Founded in 853 by King Louis the German, this church with its convent was inhabited by the female members of Europe's aristocracy and the convent enjoyed the patronage of kings with the abbess of the convent having the right to mint coins in Zurich until well into the 13th century.Once enjoying immense power in Zurich the ownership of the church and convent passed to the city of Zurich after the Reformation.Important architectural features include the Romanesque chancel and the high vaulted transept. The nave was last renovated in 1911.The most important artwork treasures of the church are the stained glass windows.The stained glass windows in the north transept are by Augusto Giacometti and the five-part cycle in the chancel and rosette in the southern transept the works of Marc Chagall. The cloister also reveals a series of frescos by Paul Bodmer.There is a entrance fee of 5 SF to enter the church and as I was early it was not open.St Peter's church is just some meters away from Fraummunster church situated on higher ground next to the Lindenhof hill, site of the former Roman castle.
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| The Stadthaus Zurich (town hall) is located on the left banks of the River Limmat, right alongside the Fraumünster church which can be seen in the background of this photo.The neo-Gothic City Hall was built from 1898-1900 on the former site of the St. Felix and Regula («Fraumünster») convent. Temporary exhibitions are held under the archways.. |
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| Frauenbad Stadthausquai(Women's Outdoor Swimming Pool) is a public bath in Zürich forming part of the historical Seeuferanlage promenades that were built between 1881 and 1887. Situated at the Stadthausquai by the Bürkliplatz plaza, the bath was built for, and is still exclusively used by women.The art nouveau open-air bathing facility at Stadthausquai still remains the exclusive domain of female guests to this day. Here women can swim while enjoying a fabulous view of the Grossmünster, the Wasserkirche, and the adjacent Old Town.The water flows from Lake Zurich into the River Limmat and is extremely clean and also provides public drinking water through fountains situated along the river side. The two over 30m (98ft)long pools for both swimmers and non-swimmers enable guests to enjoy a refreshing dip, while a small library provides reading material for a relaxed day by the water |
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| Geiserbrunnen Fountain on Burkliplatz square in Zurich. |
It was built on the site of a temple to Jupiter and years later in 1706, the church was reconstructed and consecrated to be the first ever Protestant church that stands to this day. St. Peter's church boasts the 19th largest permanent working clock face in the world and the largest in Europe which can be sighted from all the viewpoints in Zurich city.The tower's 5 bells date back to 1880.Entrance to the church was open and on entering the church was surprised to not see a single Catholic religious icon inside the church.The Church organ is programmed to play between time lags and this was the first Catholic church that I have visited in my lifetime that didn't have any religious statue or even stained glass icons inside the church.
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| Burkliplatz Friday Morning Market. |
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| Boats parked on the Limmat river in Zurich |
Travel educates and I was rediscovering my own religion, Catholocism.From St Peter's church walked past City House (Stadthaus) of Zurich located on the Stadthausquai in the old town which was closed. The building originally planned only as a temporary solution, was completed in two stages, 1883/1884 and from 1898 to 1900 by Gustav Gull , who had been appointed city master builder in 1895.The Stadthaus is now an important building and architectural monument in Zurich and bears witness to the changing urban awareness of Zurich in the transition from the 19th to the 20th century.On approaching towards Zurich lake near " Bull Tamer" fountain which has the statue of a nude man holding back a bull saw a crowd in a park adjacent to this statue.
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| The Grossmünster is a Romanesque-style Protestant church in Zürich and is one of the four major churches in the city ,the others being the Fraumünster, Predigerkirche, and St. Peterskirche( St Peters church)). Its congregation forms part of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zürich and it was a monastery church, vying for precedence with the Fraumünster across the Limmat throughout the Middle Ages.Construction of the present structure commenced around 1100 and it was inaugurated around 1220. |
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| Inside Grossmünster church in Zurich |
Was at the right place at the right time and got to witness the unique Burkliplatz Friday market of Zurich.The open air park had numerous stalls selling various vegetables, flowers , cheese and pastry products.This market akin to a farmer's market is held only on Fridays and open from 0600- 1100 hrs. Purchased a slice of Swiss cheese and some local Swiss pastries.From the morning market headed towards the circus tent and inquired about the daily show which was held once a day at 1200 hrs.A circus can be seen without understanding the language but definitely a little understanding of Swiss German is essential to understand the clowns conversation aside from the common slapstick comedy. .From the circus it was a short walk to Grossmünster church, a landmark in Zurich with its two large towers.
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| View from the terrace terrace of Grossmünster.The Karlsturm made of stone is 64 meters high and 187 steps lead to the viewing platform at a height of 50 meters. From here is a view of Zurich's old town and Lake Zurich . |
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| Ganymede sculpture (1887) installed on Burkliplatz alongside lake Zurich. |
The Grossmünster (German :-"Great Minster") is a Romanesque-style Protestant church and is one of the four major churches in the city ,the others being the Fraumünster, Predigerkirche, and St. Peterskirche(St Peters Catholic church). Its congregation forms part of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zürich. The core of the present building near the banks of the Limmat was constructed on the site of a Carolingian church, which was, according to legend, originally commissioned by Charlemagne and construction of the present structure commenced around 1100 and was inaugurated around 1220.The Grossmünster was a monastery church, vying for precedence with the Fraumünster situated on the other side of the river Limmat throughout the Middle Ages.Huldrych Zwingli initiated the Swiss-German Reformation in Switzerland from his pastoral office at the Grossmünster, starting in 1520. Zwingli won a series of debates presided over by the magistrate in 1523 which ultimately led local civil authorities to sanction the severance of the church from the papacy and hence this church is one of the most important sites in the history of the reformation and the birthplace of the Swiss-German reformation.
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| " SWAN LAKE ZURICH ":- Never in my life have I seen these many wild ducks and wild swans. This particular swan befriended me and ate from my hand as seen in this photo.It also pecked my hand thinking I had morsels of food.Notice the two small wild ducks watching. |
Entered the church which had stained glass paintings but strangely seemed rather small once inside compared to the architectural splendor of its exterior.
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| Outdoors market at Weinplatz in Zurich. |
On payment of 5SF did the torturous walk up the 187 steps to the viewing gallery of the tower.Once at the top the view of various locales of Zurich was exhilarating.Worth the punishing walk up the stairs akin to the thrill of reaching the summit of a mountain peak.In Zurich there is almost a continuous chiming of church bells every hour.From Grossmunster it was a short walk back to home away from home " Friendly Hostel" situated in prime downtown Zurich city.
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| Zurich lake.Largest number of wild ducks and swans I have ever seen on any lake in the World. |
The sculpture was designed by the artist Hermann Hubacher as the "Abduction to Olympus", unveiled by the City of Zurich in 1952 and owned by its Art Collection. The work shows the shepherd boy Ganymede who is facing the seated eagle (God the Father Zeus) who will be abducted by him to heaven and will serve there as cupbearer and bedmate.Divine Homosexuality indicated through the Ganymede sculpture. Walking along the lakeside wound up near the beautiful garden path leading to the tourist boat ride terminal on Lake Zurich.Came across tourists feeding swans and ducks and one swam came out of the lake and ate bread crumb morsels from my hand , also pecking me for more.This could have happened only in Zurich reminding me of the classic ballet "SWAN LAKE", only difference being that there was not a single Black swan in the entire lake vicinity . Later walking aimlessly around the lake periphery heard the loud sound of music from the Western side of the lake.Crossed over the river Bridge and made my way towards the circus tent and was at the right place at the right time at Lake Zurich to attend a 2 hrs + concert performed by a group of musicians living on audience's charity through their music.The ambiance was out of the World and sometimes in life the best things are free.
The music continued and it was getting chill cold when I called it a day and made my way back to the hostel.I hate the extreme cold and one of the reasons migration to Europe or Canada never ever crossed my mind during my youth hey day's. Didn't expect Zurich to be this cold in May or expect continuous rainfall in Rimini in Italy akin to my home city of Mumbai.Climate change is a fact of life and living effecting every corner of the Globe, wealthy or economically backward country's.
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| Outside University of Zurich .It is the largest university in Switzerland, with its 28,000 enrolled students and was founded in 1833 from the existing colleges of theology, law, medicine which go back to 1525, and a new faculty of philosophy.Currently, the university has seven faculties: Philosophy, Human Medicine, Economic Sciences, Law, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Theology and Veterinary Medicine. The university offers the widest range of subjects and courses of any Swiss higher education institution |
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| When in Zurich taste the city's signature breakfast " Birchermuesli " in " Bachmann " Cafe situated in Bahnhofstrasse. |
Saturday (20/5/2023)Departure Zurich to Luxembourg:- My last day in the financial centre of the Globe, Zurich. Except for the cold weather have loved the city for various reasons.Living all alone in my flat in Mumbai makes staying in hostel accomodation for short durations a exotic change in lifestyle and living.The dormitory accomodation is for both males and females in a majority of hostels I have lived in, including " Friendly Hostel".The big change I have found in European hostel lifestyle is couples staying in hostels and its good.Get the feeling of staying in a big joint family in hostel stay's, once common form of communal living in India .Travel educates.
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| Zurich University Museum of Natural History.The museum considers itself the university's showcase and promotes the understanding of university research and its function within the general population.Entrance is free but a working knowledge of German language is essential to understand most of the exhibits displayed. |
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| Comparing my height to a giraffe at the Natural History Museum of Zurich. |
Decided to visit Zurich University and was directed towards the "Polybahn" also known as the UBS Polybahn which is a funicular railway that links the Central square with the terrace by the main building of ETH Zürich taking passengers up the hill .Charges were 7 SF for a single ticket besides it was confusing to operate the ticket machine being illiterate in German. Decided to do a bit of hill trekking early morning and was surprised at the simplicity of the uphill walk after asking directions with some young students.On arriving at the locale visited the Zurich University Museum of Natural history whose entrance is free and which has 2 floors of exhibits,a ground floor and a basement floor which includes animal models & interactive displays.Having visited the Berlin zoo in 2018 faced the same language problem in Zurich where all the description nameplates of the various specimen's and species was in the Swiss -German language and for posterity remembrance photographed myself with a life-size exhibit of a giraffe.Next visited the Archaelogical museum building situated next to the Zoological museum building which was a former eye clinic of the cantonal hospital and viewed original works of art from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Greece, Rome and Etruria.
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| View of a section of of Zurich from the hallowed grounds of SWISS FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY(ETH Zurich). Founded by the Swiss federal government in 1854, it was modeled on the École polytechnique in Paris, with the stated mission to educate engineers and scientists; the school focuses primarily on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, although its 16 departments span a variety of disciplines and subjects.ETH Zurich has a world-class reputation in academia and industry, particular in science and technology and regularly ranks among the top three to five universities in Europe and one of the top 15 to 20 globally. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, the university ranked eighth in the world and fourth in Europe.Students, faculty, and researchers affiliated with ETH Zurich include 22 Nobel laureates, two Fields Medalists, three Pritzker Prize winners, and one Turing Award recipient, including Albert Einstein and John von Neumann. |
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| Came across countless pedigree dog's during my present travel across European city's but not a single cat.This was the first cat I spotted and that too a stray docile healthy cat. |
I was the lone early morning visitor and the lady receptionist directed me to the basement of the building which has an extensive collection of plaster casts of Greek and Roman statues, the originals of which are located all over the world. The collection was founded over 150 years ago and some of the casts have now obtained their own historical value.Have never seen this many male nude castings in one place, normally accustomed to seeing female nudes in art galleries and sculptures.Next visited the main University of Zurich building as Zurich is also famous as the City where Albert Einstein studied at the polytechnic from 1896 to 1900 which is now called the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) graduating with a Degree in Mathematics and Natural Sciences. From 1909, he was an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Zurich and from 1912 to 1914 he worked as a Professor of Theoretical Physics at ETH Zürich.Einstein lived in six different houses in the Zurich districts of Hottingen and Fluntern and these have been preserved to the present day. Regarding Dr Albert. Einstein, personally as a Pacifist more interested in earning money to live the good life and upgrade my own standard of living than waging war or hate mongering always admired him for his Bohemian hairstyle image as the free living scientist who made scientist's fashion icon's. As a cyclist loved his advice in a letter to his son Eduard dated 5 February 1930 , quote, "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
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| Landmark Hotel Storchen in Zurich Old Town. Notice the Stork sculptures on the roof of the Hotel.St Peter's clock tower is the landmark of Zurich. |
Walked to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) campus(Albert Einstein's Alma Mater) which offers a beautiful view of the city from the hill.On my way down the hill spotted a beautiful docile cat that strangely seemed a stray, either lost from the house or abandoned.This was the first and only cat i spotted during my entire travel on this European tour.On reaching the hostel locale came across a large Saturday morning crowd near my hostel.During my afternoon walk realized it's Saturday night fever in Zurich city with outdoor cafe's housefull ." Canabis" is legal in Zurich and sold over the counter costing 20SF for the grass and 8 to 10 SF for the Cannabis cigar, sold in mild form .As for me Cannabis is not my cup of coffee and relaxed watching the swans and ducks at their usual circus antics.Hilarious nature at play.
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| Animals Right Group protesting against " KNIE CIRCUS " for the use of animals as perfoming artists in the circus. |
A animal's rights group was protesting next to "KNIE CIRCUS" regarding the use of animals for entertainment in the circus.Today circus's all over the Globe have banned the use of wild animals as circus perfomers resulting in the closure of many circuses across the World most notably "The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey(1871 -2017)" of America billed as "The Greatest Show on Earth" which closed down in 2017.The protesters consisted of a group of young men and women dressed as performing animals holding placards and banners performing various skits in German language.Met Mr Alex.Pellegrini whose wife was among one of the protestors and he tried to convince me into investing into "Cryptocurrency" which was his line of business which i politely declined.I presume the "Animal Rights Protestors" were protesting against the horse's performinhg in the circus as otherwise there seemed to be no wild animals performing in "KNIE CIRCUS ".
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| A Protest March on Bahnhofstrasse.While strolling across Bahnhofstrasse came across this protest march occupying the entire street with a police car following the protesters. |
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| Saturday partying in Zurich. |
Beer with signature " Jumbo hotdog" followed by plush Swiss chocolates was my health diet for lunch.I thought Monte Carlo was the World's showcase for premium cars but Zurich seems to be not far behind on a Saturday evening having sighted a rare a McLaren car.Visited the Harry Winston shop on Bahnhofstrasse and was floored by the ambience and security.I was the lone customer with the security dressed in suits just staring while the Oriental sales lady showed me the jewelery.Came across a street protest on Bahnhofstrasse with a group of people marching with flags followed by a police car.Travel educates.Relaxed on the terrace of " Friendly hostel" admiring the clock tower view of St Peter's Cathedral.5- Star ".
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| " Jumbo Hot Dog" at Burkliplatz. |
Hotel Storchen" that charges 735 SF/ night is just across " Friendly Hostel" which proves its location and attraction in Zurich.Except for the bus tour to Heidiland and Liechtenstein I travelled across entire Zurich's prime sightseeing sights on foot from " Friendly Hostel".Later in the evening said goodbye to Hostel Manager Ms Elena one of the most hard working women I have observed as she alone handled the entire show at " Friendly Hostel" from Internet bookings of guests to personally cleaning the hostel and washing the linen.I always saw her busy working and seems her's was a 24/7 job.Was sad to leave " Friendly Hostel " and walked the familiar route to the bus terminus.Dinner was at the McDonalds" at the underground basement of the railway station.Due to the "Abu Dhabi transit Visa " fiasco i had accidentally flown into Zurich in great economic and physical distress rather than my original destination Nice and hence got very attached to the "City of Gnomes".Bus was prompt on time at 2140 hrs a huge double decker with internal toilet.
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| View of Adolphe bridge in Luxembourg.The Adolphe Bridge also called the "New Bridge" has become an unofficial national symbol of Luxembourg representing the country's independence, and has become one of Luxembourg City's main tourist attractions. The bridge was designed by Paul Séjourné, a Frenchman, and Albert Rodange, a Luxembourger, and was built between 1900 and 1903.This event was followed with great interest from abroad, because the bridge had the biggest stone arch in the world at that period of its construction. The big double arch spans more than 85 metres across the Pétrusse valley at a height of 42 metres, and a total length of 153 metres.The bridge was named after Grand Duke Adolphe, who reigned Luxembourg from 1890 until 1905, and was the first monarch to hold the title not in personal union with another.The bridge has four lanes for traffic and two footpaths for pedestrians while the view of the bridge from Ville Haute with the Pétrusse valley below is picture postrcard as seen in this photo. |
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| A walk in Pescatore park in Luxembourg. Country N0 90 in list of countries visited during my lifetime with the journey in progress . |
Sunday(21/5/2023) Arrival Luxembourg:- At 0400 hrs arrived at Luxembourg Bullion bus terminus, the 90th country in my accumulation of Country's visited during my lifetime. A Algerian origin German,a linguist fluent in European languages, a young German lady, the model of the ultra lady backpacker and myself walked from the bus stop to the Luxembourg train station in the dead of the morning literally waking up the city.The German lady was our guide thanks to her deciphering of Google Maps on her internet phone while the young Algerian man now a German citizen complained of the tough working life schedule of Germany although a "First World country" and had plans of migrating to other greener pastures within the European union group of country's.The grass is always green on the other side syndrome is true everywhere and in every walk of life and to gain something in life you always have to make adjustments to losing something you cherished.It was a 2 Km + uphill walk and finally reached Luxembourg train station.From there onwards we three split in separate directions with me after inquiry with a policeman boarded the 0503 train heading in the direction of Rondage with my destination being to Esch/ Alzette railway station.
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| A View of The Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge locally also known as the "Red bridge " because of its red paintwork from the Pfaffenthall Elevator in Prescatore park. The bridge connects the city centre to the European quarter on the Kirchberg Plateau, crossing the Pfaffenthal 74 metres above the River Alzette. It is 355 metres long and carries the N51 across the Alzette, connecting Avenue John F. Kennedy, in Kirchberg, to Boulevard Robert Schuman, in Limpertsberg.The Grand Duchess Charlotte bridge carries motor vehicles, trams, pedestrians and bicycles.Trams operating on the bridge section of the line, amongst others, use onboard batteries for traction power, charged by overhead lines elsewhere on the route. Additionally, the bridge's cycle lane is formally designated as part of Luxembourg's national Cycle Path 2, heading towards Echternach. |
On Saturday 29 February 2020 Luxembourg became the first country in the World to make public transport by train, bus or tram free for everyone and not only its citizens.
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| At Pfaffenthal panoramic elevator in Prescatore park in historical city centre of Ville Haute with a view of Red Bridge and Alzette river valley below.Glass walls to provide this spectacular view. |
On arriving at Esch/ Alzette Station after half an hour of train journey and exiting the station passed alongside a large technicolor building along the station platform with the words " Youth Hostel Esch/ Alzette" printed across the facade of the building.Mistaking it to be a advertisement on the railway building facade walked passed it onto the road and spotted a Asian man walking towards me.Asked him for directions and the man of Indian origin told me a sob story and wanted some money.Gave him a few SF change and the no gooder led me in the wrong direction.Luckily I met another young man who with the help of Google Maps led me to the same technicoloured building built on the railway platform.The security staff of " Youth Hostel Esch /Alzette " refused to even allow me to keep my luggage stating that check-in time was 1300 hrs and for the first time got exposed to the red-tapism and strict business procedures in the World's wealthiest country, Luxembourg.
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| View of Pfaffenthal Panoramic elevator from Pfaffenthal in the Alzette valley of Luxembourg. |
Took the luggage and walked back to the station and after waiting for almost 45 minutes got the train to Luxembourg city.On arriving at Luxembourg city inquired about the luggage depositing counter and deposited my portable trolley suitcase at a charge of 5 Euro.Next visited the public toilet and on payment of approximately 1 Euro relieved myself as well as had a face wash.Nomadic travel in the World's wealthiest country.Next was breakfast at the railway Cafe consisting of a Croissant and coffee.Here are a few uncommon facts about Luxembourg that makes it unique in the World let alone the European Union Luxembourg is a representative democracy headed by a constitutional monarch, Grand Duke Henri, making it the world's only remaining sovereign grand duchy.Xavier Bettel is Luxembourg's gay Prime Minister married to Belgian architect Gauthier Christian Destenayand who is his husband. Worldwide, he is the third openly gay head of government following Iceland's Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir (2009–2013) and Belgium's Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo (2011–2014). As of 2023, he is one of three openly gay world leaders in office, the other being Ana Brnabić, the Prime Minister of Serbia, and Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach of Ireland.
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| Alzette river passing through Pfaffenthal quarter of Central Luxembourg. |
Luxembourg besides being a "Tax Haven" has three official languages,Luxembourgish, German and French.Headed out of the station and inquiring with a local boarded the tram wanting to alight at the Pfaffenthall elevator in Prescatore park.Passed by the Grand Duchess Charlotte bridge( Red Bridge) alighting at Pfaffenthal train station instead of Pfaffenthal elevator and realising my error boarded a bus in the reverse direction at the train station and alighted just one stop after crossing the Red bridge . Asking directions arrived at the Pescatore park situated in Ville Haute the historic heart of Luxemboug and walking across the park arrived at the Pfaffenthal elevator.Amazing view and along with other tourists and a few cyclists went down with the lift onto the city's lower level which is Pfaffenthall Quarter situated in the Alzette valley .The Pfaffenthal elevator, together with the Grund public elevator, and the Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg funicular, form Luxembourg City's three cable transport modes connecting its elevated city with city quarters located in the Alzette and Petrusse river valleys, most importantly for the use of cyclists and pedestrian tourism.
On landing down in Pfaffenthall Quarter came across the Alzette river with ducks on the water, postcard scenic view.
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| Foundation Prescatore Building in Prescatore park a legacy of Jean-Pierre Pescatore ,a Luxembourg merchant and banker who lived in Paris. In 1853 he donated half a million francs to Luxembourg City, in order to build an old people's home which later became Fondation Pescatore, opened in 1892.During World War -II in the "Battle of the Bulge" this Foundation Prescatore was as the main headquarters for American General George.S.Patton. |
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| A view of Cercle Municipal or Cercle Cité having several festival halls which is in southern Luxembourg located at the eastern end of the Place d'Armes, in the historic central Ville Haute quarter of the city.The design competition to build Cercle Municipal was launched in 1902 and won in 1904 by Pierre and Paul Funck, a father and son team. The administration started to move into the neo-baroque building in 1909 but the official inauguration was in 1910.From 1953 to 1969 the European Community for Coal and Steel used it as a venue for meetings and conventions. On the front a unique frieze depicts the scene where Countess Ermesinde hands over the char ter of freedom to the citizens of Luxembourg in the year 1244. A bridge connects the City Palace with the new sociocultural meeting centre "Le Cité". Together they form the culture and conference centre "Cercle Cité". |
Little further ahead was a church and visited the Église Saint-Matthieu(Church of St Mathew) catholic church.
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| Luxembourg City Centre on a Sunday public holiday. |
The site is a strategically important gateway to Luxembourg City, and was thus repeatedly fortified by successive rulers from about the fourteenth to eighteenth centuries.After visiting Église Saint-Matthieu(Church of St Mathew) which was a small church walked the short distance to the Pfaffenthal glass lift which is a out of the World lift ride in comparison to the normal boring daily lift rides in buildings or even partially glasss walled open air skyscraper elevators.Alighting from the lift walked on the upper level in Pescatore park whose most prominent edifice is the Foundation Prescatore building , a legacy of Jean-Pierre Pescatore ,a Luxembourg merchant and banker who lived in Paris. In 1853 he donated half a million francs to Luxembourg City, in order to build an old people's home which later became Fondation Pescatore, opened in 1892.During World War -II in the "Battle of the Bulge" this Foundation Prescatore was as the main headquarters for American General George.S.Patton.
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| The Monument of Remembrance (French: Monument du souvenir), usually known by the nickname of the Gëlle Fra (Luxembourgish for 'Golden Lady'), is a war memorial in Luxembourg City. It is dedicated to the thousands of Luxembourgers who volunteered for service in the armed forces of the Allied Powers during both World Wars and the Korean War.The Gëlle Fra is situated in Constitution Square, in the Ville Haute quarter of central Luxembourg City. |
Patton after his death in a automobile accident after World War II was buried with his men at Luxembourg American Cemetery and is the only four star general buried at an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery, and not in Arlington National Cemetery in U.S.A.
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| View of " BOCK CASEMATES" along Luxembourg Fortress Walls. |
Explored the prime city center and in Constitution Square came across the Gëlle Fra(Golden Lady) which is the nickname given to the Monument of Remembrance, a war memorial created by the Luxembourgish sculptor Claus Cito.This memorial was initially meant to commemorate the fallen Luxembourgish soldiers who volunteered in the French army during World War I. However, due to subsequent events of World War-II it also turned into a memorial against Nazi rule and nowadays commemorates all war victims in general.The monument is a 21-metre-tall granite obelisk with a gilded statue of Nike, goddess of victory on top a landmark monument of Luxembourg city. Near Constitution Square there is a street which is the entrance to Casemates de la Pétrusse.
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| Passerelle ( Luxembourg Viaduct) built across Pétrusse valley . |
These underground military areas were built under, and into, the original Spanish and French fortifications.Many of the casemates were bricked up and closed after the Treaty of London in 1867, though 17 kilometres of tunnels still remained. Over the last 150 years they have been used for various purposes and the casements were first opened to visitors in 1933 and used as a bomb shelter for 35,000 people during World War-II . Recently major upgrades were made to improve the safety of the casements and visitors are allowed for guided tours. Petrusse Casemates tickets are available online or can be purchased directly at the Luxembourg City Tourist Office.
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| Narrator boarding train to Esch/Alzette train station from Luxembourg City. Half hour train journey to " Youth Hostel Esch/Alzette ". |
Inquiring directions for Adolphe Bridge finally arrived at the bridge and walked downhill into the beautiful Parcs de la Petrusse wooded garden having foundation walls of Old Luxembourg city.The beautiful stone double-arch bridge was built around the turn of the 20th century during the reign of Grand Duke Adolphe. It was very long trek in the Pétrusse garden valley alongside the Petrusse river and passed alongside the Passerelle Old bridge built for road traffic across the Pétrusse valley for connecting Avenue de la Gare to Boulevard Franklin Delano Roosevelt.The Passerelle was built between 1859 and 1861 to connect the city centre with Luxembourg's new railway station and hence called the "Old Bridge" while Adolphe Bridge is called the "New Bridge"as it was built much later. Had to again walk up to the top level of the city without the help of the Pfaffenthal elevator and that too with the added weight of my shoulder backpack.Saw posters of the 15th edition of the Luxembourg night marathon which was run at 1900 hrs yesterday,Saturday(20/5/2023).Later reading the news realized that a total of 12,000 runners from 43 countries participated and as usual the Kenyan's dominated .Kenyans Ezekiel Koech and Mercy Tuitoek won the " ING Night Marathon of Luxembourg" while Luxembourg's Jenny Gloden secured a victory in the half-marathon.
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| Notre-Dame Cathedral (Luxembourgish: Kathedral Notre-Dame, French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame, German: Kathedrale unserer lieben Frau) is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Luxembourg City, in southern Luxembourg. It was originally a Jesuit church, and its cornerstone was laid in 1613 and is the only cathedral in Luxembourg.The church is a noteworthy example of late gothic architecture and it also has many Renaissance elements and adornments. |
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| Internal view of Notre-Dame. |
As for me must have been doing marathon walks almost daily since my arrival in Zurich on Friday(5/5/2023) and should have deserved a prize for " Marathon Walking ".Born in Kenya the bloodlines of long distance running/walking remain dormant . Drinking of beer is allowed on the streets in public as in Zurich and hence purchased a beer can instead of water and quenched my thirst.Finally boarded a bus and on alighting at Luxembourg train station collected my trolley bag and boarded the 1203 hrs train to Esch/Alzette train station.Finally officially checked into " Youth Hostel Esch/ Alzzete " and was allotted " Room N0 208" on second floor of the plush hostel.
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| Narrator outside Luxembourg Airport :- In Luxembourg travel is free and hence did some joyride's on buses and trams.Boarded the "No 6 " bus from Luxembourg city center that gave me a tour of 21st century Luxembourg with its plush modern buildings and gardens with the last stop being Luxembourg airport. |
The room had four beds and my room mate was black African American Mr Emanuel, a entrepreneur starting a business in Luxembourg.
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| Normal Residential locality in Luxembourg. |
After bathe quickly dressed up and headed to the railway station for my second round of discovering Luxembourg city as i had just a day of sightseeing in the World's wealthiest country.Boarded the train and on reaching Luxembourg City walked out of the railway station and boarded the tram alighting at " Hamilius" which is the Old city town center.It was now crowded with tourists and the open air cafe's were doing brisk business although all commercial shops were closed being a Sunday holiday.Visited the Notre Damme Cathedral, originally a Jesuit church and is the only cathedral in Luxembourg with its cornerstone laid in 1613.At the end of the 18th century, the church received the miraculous image of the Maria Consolatrix Afflictorum, the patron saint of both the city and the nation .Around 50 years later, the church was consecrated as the Church of Our Lady and in 1870, it was elevated by Pope Pius IX to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame.
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| View of Luxembourg countryside farmhouses while traveling. by train from Luxembourg City to Esch/Alzette. |
The church has crypts housing deceased members of the grand-ducal family and at the cemetery of the cathedral is the National Monument to the Resistance and to the Deportation. The centerpiece of the monument is the famous bronze monument by the 20th century Luxembourgish sculptor Lucien Wercollier called The Political Prisoner. The towers of the church are a landmark of the Old city.Visited Luxembourg City hall which was the site of a Franciscan monastery until the late 18th century.Construction of the neo-classical Hôtel de Ville (Luxembourg City hall) began in 1830 and was completed in 1838. Many of the stones used for city hall construction were salvaged from the monastery’s 13th-century convent and the lions on the front steps entrance on both sideswere added in 1938 and represent the city of Luxembourg.The city hall is the centre of local government, including being used as the private office of the Mayor of Luxembourg City and because of its position in Luxembourg's capital, it regularly hosts foreign dignitaries. The two-storey building is built in neoclassical style.
Walking along the main road chanced upon seeing a procession of bikers.Not many tourists are aware of the origin of the "SCHENGEN VISA" which has its roots in Schengen village of Luxembourg.
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| Outside Luxembourg railway station (Luxembourgish: Gare Lëtzebuerg, French: Gare de Luxembourg, German: Bahnhof Luxemburg) which is the main railway station serving Luxembourg City, in southern Luxembourg. It is operated by Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois, the state-owned railway company.It is the hub of Luxembourg's domestic railway network, serving as a point of call on all of Luxembourg's railway lines. It also functions as the country's international railway hub, with services to all the surrounding countries, Belgium, France, and Germany. Since June 2007, the LGV Est connects the station to the French TGV network.Train travel within Luxembourg is free for everyone. |
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| End of a marathon sightseeing tour of Luxembourg and on the train back to home away from home " Youth Hostel Esch/ Alzette " while sipping a beer . |
Schengen is a small village in the east of Luxembourg with a population of just under 540 and is a 35km drive from Luxembourg City on the banks of the Moselle river, in the border triangle of Luxembourg, Germany and France. It is here that the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Implementation Convention were signed on a river cruise boat in 1985 and 1990.The "SCHENGEN AGREEMENT ", a treaty which abolished many of the EU's internal borders allowing free movement between countries has changed the way we travel in Europe forever.Next time whenever you apply for a "SCHENGEN VISA" for visiting any country in Europe thank this tiny village in Luxembourg that gave its name to the visa as also making travel within most of the European continent a lot less cumbersome.
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| My most expensive meal of the entire European tour at plush " LUST " restaurant situated on the street facing " Youth Hostel Esch/Alzette ". |
Since travel was free would have travelled by bus to Schengen village but worst of all was the language problem of finding the right bus to Schengen village and hence decided instead to do some random sightseeing through local buses/trams starting from the main train station.Boarded 6 Nos bus at Hamilius that took me all the way to the airport passing through gardens and large modern Skyscraper buildings of 21st Century Luxembourg.Alighted at the airport and took a photo at a commemoration board outside Luxembourg airport.Akin to Luxembourg being the World's wealthiest country in 2023 similarly i had spent the maximum money in my entire history of travel on this particular 2023 air travel of Europe.Returned back to the train station by the same bus and boarded bus No 2 which gave me a tour of the plush residential localities of Luxembourg.
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| " Beef steak/Rice/salad/ Beer" at classic " LUST " restaurant. The last time I ate such a large chunk of European beef was in Bahia Blanca in Argentina in 1983 on my first voyage as a " Marine Engineer ". |
Last of all boarded the tram that took me past the train station crossing past the railway lines through the overbridge onto a Industrial section of the city.Free bus, tram and train joy rides in the World's wealthiest and also one of the costliest city's. Thank God for the small mercy's like "FREE TRAVEL" for budget tourists in Luxembourg.Finally called it a day of sightseeing my 90th country and returned back to the hostel like a local.Dinner was at " Lust" restaurant situated on the road opposite " Youth Hostel Esch/ Alzette " having slot machines and a open air street side restaurant. Dinner was the costliest and most lavish food of my travel consisting of beef steak/ rice/ salad costing 20 Euro.Esch/ Alzette a distant suburb of Luxembourg had its own active tourist and local entertainment.Fancy bars,pool tables and since all commercial shops were closed couldn't estimate the street entertainment of Esch/ Alzette.There was also a garden park on a hill above the station accessible by elevator akin to the Pfaffenthal in Old Luxembourg
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| View of Esch/ Alzette train station and " Youth Hostel Esch/ Alzette" ." Youth Hostel Esch/ Alzette" is built on the train platform which is . the technicoloured building at the extreme end of the railway platform having Sun deck chairs on the open space of the building. This photo was clicked from Passerelle Gaalgebierg footbridge that links Gaalgebierg Municipal park (Parq du Gaalgebierg) with Esch/Alzette. First time in my life I stayed in a hotel/ hostel built on a railway platform. |
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| View of " Gaalgebierg Park " in Esch- sur-Alzette in Luxembourg. |
Monday(22/5/2023)Departure Luxembourg to Paris:-Weather changed overnight and it was cool and pleasant.Today morning took the elevator identical to the Pfaffenthal lift to the walking platform overbridge above the railway tracks called " Passerelle Gaalgebierg " and explored the neighborhood of Esch/ Alzette which has a National Park called " Gaalgebierg Municipal Park " on the hill just across the railway tracks with trekking trails.Later returning back to the hostel for breakfast was amazed to see a large giant size canvas painting of Mahatma Gandhi in the dining hall of the hostel.Would be leaving today for another marathon travel back home to Mumbai from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.Memorable stay in Luxembourg.Left the hostel at 0900 hrs and on arriving at the platform was in time to board the train to Luxembourg city akin to daily local Luxembourgers .
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| Gaalgebierg Municipal park in Esch-sur-Alzette of Luxembourg. |
On arriving at the railway station terminus boarded the N0 10 bus and was at P+ R Boullion bus terminal.Was very early and hence returned back to the train station and whiled away my time on free tram and bus rides finally alighting at Place de Paris that had a very prominent outdoor Cafe seating retaurant called "Coffee Fellows". Entered the plush " Coffee Fellows" Cafe and after consuming a pastry as well as using the Internet boarded the tram to Central railway station and from there finally the bus to P+ R Boullion. Alone at the bus terminal quenched my thirst with a beer.Later a elderly white tourist with a heavy backpack arrived and picked up a conversation with 68 year old Mr Co.Walen originally from Holland now a resident of France.
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| On the Passerelle Gaalgebierg bridge over Esch/Alzette railway station that joins Municipal park of Gaalgebierg |
Mountaineering was his solo passion and admired his energy and enthusiasm for adventure at his age.Unlike me he was not a bachelor but just loved solo mountain hiking across the Globe.Later a group of Indian tourists arrived and picked up a conversation with Advocate Mr Geoffrey.Martins of Goa travelling with his wife,son and daughter.They were also on a tour of Europe and heading back to India.Fllixbus "No 180" arrived at 1230 hrs and this was the best Flixbus of my tour having toilet and wifi.Lunch was a typical hamburger at a stop somewhere in France at a " Kentucky Fried" highway outlet.The bus was partly empty and had both seats to myself. Later on arrival at " Gare de Champagne Ardenne TGV " station the bus suddenly got packed to capacity. Felt the abrupt change in weather from very cold mornings and nights in Zurich to warm weather on the drive towards Paris.As usual admired the countryside farming of Europe while passing through France.Reached Bercy Seine bus terminus at 1805 hrs.Thanks to a local English speaking French couple that I got proper instructions to reach CDG airport.Took help of a Indian couple heading to Bercy Seine station and Mr Prashant.Rajouri guided me in using the rail ticketing machine for purchasing the 2.5 Euro ticket from Bercy Seine station to Chatelet les Halles station.
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| Portrait painting of Mahatma Gandhi in the dining hall of " Youth Hostel Esch/Alzette " in Luxembourg. |
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| Skyline of 21st century Luxembourg. |
Total strangers guided me to buying ticketsfrom automatic ticket vending machines to boarding the right train at the right platform.At Chatelet station used the free wifi and got in touch with ex - classmate Mr Anil.Sharma , a resident of Paris and a person who has worn many hats, dabbled in various professions ranging from film star style modeling during our school days in the late 1970's to sports photography, films and now at present as a chef coach in vegetarian cooking in Paris . The hostel management of " Art Beauborg" where I had paid 30 Euro for booking a hostel bed didn't give me proper directions as all hostel's normally do always replying my messages in some Oriental script.
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| At chic " Coffee Fellows " in Place de Paris in Luxembourg on my way to board the bus to Paris |
Paris is confusing for anyone not conversant in French language besides Since I had less time at my disposal and didn't want to waste it finding the address just to refresh myself as I couldn't sleep the night in the hostel due to the early morning flight.After purchasing the almost 12 Euro ticket from the automatic ticket vending machine with a little help from a local boarded the train from Chatelet to Charles de Gaulle Airport( Paris CDG Airport) which was a long journey and first alighted at Terminal 1 & 3 platform . Later again had to catch the next train to go further ahead to the next station,Terminal-2.Thanks to airport wifi that kept me occupied and also a opportunity to have a video conversation after almost forty years with school classmate Mr Anil.Sharma.
Bizzarely this tour also made me a airport tourist spending sleepless nights at different airport's . Paris is atrosciously expensive compared to Nice with toilets charging 1 Euro at the airport.A monetary shock for tourists from lower income country's.Thanks to the flights departure indicator board in English that i got to know my departure terminal was T2B.The next travel adventure would begin from Paris to Mumbai via 3 different flights
.Tuesday(23/5/2023) Departure Paris and arrival in Sicily :- At 0400 hrs did my check-in and after a very thorough security check finally was at T 2B Charles de Gaulle Airport, Gate D52 awaiting to board "Easy Jet Flight No EJU 4569 " to Catania in Sicily.Found it very confusing due to language differences but thanks to the main flight display board in English that I got to understand the sequence of boarding.
On arrival at Catania Airport had to exit from the arrival lounge and make my way to the first floor of the airport for the transit flight to Abu Dhabi with "Whizz Air".I was shocked when the young lady ticketing receptionist of "Whizz Air" told me i couldn't travel to Abu Dhabi as i didn't possess a "Abu Dhabi Transit Visa". Lightning striking twice and still alive !  |
| Arrival by bus at Bercy Seine bus terminus in Paris. From Bus Terminus a long walk past this gymnasium ground to the Metro train station. |
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| Chatelet les Halles train station in Paris. Main train juction in Paris city. Boarded connecting train to CDG AIRPORT. |
.Tuesday(23/5/2023) Departure Paris and arrival in Sicily :- At 0400 hrs did my check-in and after a very thorough security check finally was at T 2B Charles de Gaulle Airport, Gate D52 awaiting to board "Easy Jet Flight No EJU 4569 " to Catania in Sicily.Found it very confusing due to language differences but thanks to the main flight display board in English that I got to understand the sequence of boarding.
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| At 2TB Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. |
I had applied for a on-line transit visa from Rimini and also again from Zurich but didn't receive any confirmation from Abu Dhabi immigration authorities, just a half finished e-mail transcript which i preserved to show as proof at the airport.The lady ticketing receptionist just spoke in Italian and refused to even listen to my case directing me to purchase a new ticket if wanting to fly the same day.Walked to the end of the departure terminal counter and purchased a new ticket with ITA Airways(Italian Airways) costing 453 Euro(Rs 42,000) to Delhi and from Delhi would again have to find a way to travel to Mumbai.Akin to the " Stockholm Syndrome" seems I was getting the thrill of my life playing losing horses and purchasing or selling stocks on a reversal of fortunes of the particular stock.
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| Arrival at Catania( Sicily) Airport in Italy |
Thanks to my speculation aptitude and experiences of wins and losses that I didn't suffer a stroke or go crazy and incoherrent as its not easy for a human to cough up so much hard earned money due to a self scored own goal.It happens in life when the best players in any game have a bad day on the playing field and my bad day was on the air travel journey's of this otherwise classic travel tour.Would be catching the morning flight (Wednesday 24/5/2023) from Catania(Sicily) to Rome and from Rome the connecting flight to Delhi.Catania Airport didn't have "Free WiFi" and was told to go to the McDonalds restaurant situated at the end of the airport departure terminal which did offer free WiFi.
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| In this photo i am holding the freshly purchased air ticket at Catania airport as i was not allowed to board my original "Whizz Air" flight from Catania to Abu Dhabi.Purchased a new ticket with ITA Airways(Italian Airways) costing 453 Euro(Rs 42,000) to New Delh.Anyone wants to buy my film rights for this unbelievable roller coaster ride on Air travel blunders.I HAD BEEN HELD FOR RANSOM TWICE AND PAID A TOTAL OF RS 1,50,0000 EXTRA ON AIR TRAVEL ALL BECAUSE OF A "TRANSIT VISA" BLUNDER. |
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| Local Sicilian Mr Luca.Molini seated along with his wife in the McDonald's restaurant helped me access the internet through his personal wifi. Thanks to Mr Luca.Molini that I contacted my relatives and spread the message on internet.In the photo are Mr & Mrs Luca.Molini of Sicily.As a "SOLO TRAVELLER" at times total stranger's can be helpful. |
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| French Fries and Italian coffee at McDonalds in Catania airport in Sicily . |
Went to the restaurant but the WiFi was weak and thankfully on request a local Sicilian Mr Luca.Molini seated along with his wife in the restaurant helped me access the internet through his personal wifi. Thanks to Mr Luca.Molini that I contacted my house care taker Ms Sabina.Dias and relatives Mr Martin.Furtado and Mr Ajay.Furtado as also spread the message on internet.Anyone wants to buy my film rights for this unbelievable roller coaster ride on Air travel blunders ?I HAD BEEN HELD FOR RANSOM TWICE AND PAID A TOTAL OF RS 1,50,0000 ON AIR TRAVEL .Spent the entire day in McDonald's cafeteria which also had a washroom and besides visiting 4 new countries on this tour was also experiencing the effects of living inside a airport lounge.Looks good on films but a nightmare in real life with sleepless nights in the airport lounge.In the night once McDonalds closed went to the ground floor and sat on one of the seats in front of the " Arrivals Gate" .
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| Catania Airport arrival lounge. Entire night was seated at the arrival lounge on the ground floor of airport building. |
Unlike 2 B Charles de Gaulle airport which was dull , drab, and lonely, this airport in Sicily was full of life with passengers arriving from planes and seems the average Italian is fashion conscious and akin to the French pamper their pet dog's. I was " People watching" sitting on the chair and observed a young Britisher working on the laptop kept on the chair next to me while subsequently speaking in fluent British English to someone over the phone , a multitasking gentleman.Later he switched to fluent Italian and seemed to be a person of importance by his swagger,confidence and mastery over the English/Italian language and laptop. Remember this was SICILY the folklore of Mafiaso characters and Mafia films and was warned of petty crime in Italy.To my astonishment found Catania airport as safe as a monastery and the airport crowd absolutely well behaved and non threatening .The airlines that legally robbed me off Rs 1,40,000 seem to be the actual white collar Mafia of the travel Industry using legal loopholes to make a financial mountain out of a molehill error of passengers innocence and financial misery .
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| A view of Sicily from Catania airport. To add to my " FLYING BAD LUCK " was hoping Mount Etna would not errupt spewing Volcanic ash and hence cancellation of flights. |
I could be the " Case Study" where the second time on departure had proof of applying for 24 hrs immigration with Abu Dhabi immigration authorities which the lady at the boarding counter refused to even read for verification and hence forced to miss the flight and charged the moon for a rescheduling and rebooting of flight .Travel educates and at times truth is stranger than fiction.Dinner was a local Italian common delicacy made of stuffed rice and fried akin to a potato chop. Wednessay(24/5/2023) Departure Catania Airport and the the flight to Delhi : - The last Cafe in the Arrivals lounge closed at midnight and there were passengers though out the early morning, a much lively airport than T 2 B Charles de Gaulle Airport of Paris .A free toilet was in the same lounge and was happy that basic necessity of living in a airport lounge was available.
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| Catania to Rome. Our flight about to land at Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci airport in Rome. |
This was my third consecutive night in a airport in a short span of time and the Tom Hanks film "The Terminal" based on true life story of Iranian exile Mehran Karimi Nasseri who lived for 18 years in Charles de Gaulle Airport but definitely not in T2B terminal might seem entertaining on screen but a horror story in real life.The harsh reality of living in a airport for a few day's let alone 18 years is far from being romantic or adventurous ,but , presumably better than a prison.At 0400 hrs stood in queue to collect my boarding pass absolutely paranoid that the airline authorities would find some other fault in.my travel documents although a systematic disciplined traveller barring this shocking " Abu Dhabi Transit visa" blunder.There were a lot of American tourists heading to Rome and after the normal security check entered the airport departure lounge.Departure of Italian Airways plane " AZ 1736" was prompt at 0700 hrs and the plane was housefull and lucky to get a ticket although I paid a king's ransom for a normal ordinary economy class ticket.Mafia style arm twisting extortion ! Arrived in Rome at the scheduled time and the size of the length and breadth of Rome's airport was mind-boggling.Can get lost in the airport as its that huge and filled with duty free shops, besides, English language was almost non-existent.
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| In Fiumicino Airport in Rome |
Was paranoid about the flight and came across Naved.Akhtar, a electrician returning back to India after employment in Algeria.Discussed the plane boarding gate status as being at the right gate at the right time was important in this huge airport where English language was barely visible except on the flight indicator board. Excellent free wifi in the airport and came across many tourists mostly women from " Kesari tour group" of Mumbai heading back to India after touring Europe.My first private travel to Europe was a group tour with "Thomas Cook Pvt Ltd" in 2010 and from then onwards all "Solo European tours". Met American Gujarati origin businessman Mr Ketan.Patel and his wife travelling to India to attend the last rites of his wife's mother.Got to understand basic Americal lifestyle a little better.Spotted a Grand piano at the departure lounge and took a photo shoot playing the piano a la Elton John tribute. Departure from Rome was punctual and a extremely pleasant air journey with dinner being Italian Spaghetti ,beer/ wine and after ages watched 3 in-flight movies, " Casino Royale"," The Great Gatsby" and half of " American Sniper" when the plane landed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport.
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| Just before departing Fiumicino Airport in Rome came across this Grand piano kept in the departure lounge of the airport and although a piano illiterate did a impersonation tribute piano recital for one of my favourite musician's Sir Elton.John. |
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| Pet shop in Fiumicino Airport of Rome Nostalgic memory of my own pets over the decades. |
Thursday (25/5/3023) Arrival Delhi and departureto Mumbai.:- At 0130 hrs made my way out of Indira Gandhi airport in Delhi and was at the right time at the right place to spot the " 24/7 Delhi Bus" about to take off from the Airport bus stand.Boarded the bus which at this unearthly hour seemed crowded indicating its importance to the common public of Delhi, a city of extremes in wealth depiction akin to Mumbai.The plush residential bungalow localities of New Delhi could be better or on par with the best in first World city's. The bus conductor and a few young local men were extremely helpful and asking for infamous Paharganj locality was told to alight at New Delhi station.Also realized my phone Sim card was dead, totally unresponsive.At New Delhi station myself and another passenger boarded a rickshaw which first took me to " Hind Travels" a local travel agent near Ajmera Gate to book the train ticket to Mumbai.
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| Departure Rome and finally arrival Delhi in India. |
On payment of Rs 4000 booked a ticket on " Rajdhani Express" for departure at 1655 hrs in the evening.Later checked into hotel" Twenty- Twenty International " one of the numerous hotels that dot the congested locality of Paharganj in Delhi.Would be staying until 1200 hrs and hence a discount in the room rate for a independent self contained/ attatched bathe " Room No 202" on 2nd floor of the hotel. On this European tour besides the Abu Dhabi transit visa blunder rest of my travel was excellent and in tune with my planned itinerary. Seems to be the effect of the slippery marble stairs that i slipped twice while climbing the hotel stairs and fortunately akin to a goalkeeper was immediately back on my feet.After 48 hrs of sleepless night did get at least 2 hrs sleep in Hotel " Twenty - Twenty" and strangely Delhi's weather was pleasant and cool.
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| A view of Paharganj locality of Delhi, the "Backpackers" residence in Delhi.From the clean, least populated orderly streets of Europe to Pahargang locality of Delhi in India,the World's second most populated city in the World .Every Continent, country and city in the world has its own uniqueness that makes it interesting. If the entire Globe looked like one big Europe in population, orderliness and cleanliness would tourism exist ? |
Walking along familiar Paharganj main road recharged my Sim card through Mr Saddam.Hussein a " Airtell employee" whom I met by chance at the street side Lassiwala shop while searching for a Internet recharge facility.
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| Airtel employee Mr Saddam.Hussein who got my " Jio Simcard" recharged and functional. |
Another local at the Lassi vendor, a typical Paharganj hustler was forcing me to indulge into some of Paharganj's sin activities.The 2009 " Devdas D" Hindi film, by Anurag.Kashyap, one of the numerous films of the original classic novel " Devdas" written by Bengali writer Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, made by different directors in different Indian languages was filmed with Paharganj as its backdrop. Bizzarely in 2023 his film " Kennedy" was screened at Cannes film festival with me being there a week before the glamour festival.In Solo travel you are never ever alone and along the journey various people from different nationalities, sex's and status in.life and wealth will cross paths with you.Some might con you, some enlighten you,some become your enemies ,some will have sex with you and some might just be simple friends for life with you.The ship of life keeps sailing.Ahoy ! Phone wizard Saddam performed some phone recharge magic after payment of recharge fee's and Eureka my phone was back to being on Indian nerwork status.Later on the same street ahead visited a ATM and got myself some cash.Breakfast was in " Shiv Dhaba" ,next to my hotel in one of the mind boggling gullies of " PAHARGANJ" locality of Delhi with a day and night night difference from least congested, spotlessly clean Europe from where I arrived.
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| Hotel " TWENTY-TWENTY " in Paharganj locality of Delhi. One of the World's most densely Populated locality. |
Travel educates.My hotel in Paharganj , " Twenty- Twenty" which has no connection with T20 cricket seemed busy in the morning and had all modern facilities which seemed to have seen better days when brand new.Paharganj has a hotel after every few meters and hence competition for business intese and the locality rocks in a different unique way .If you visit Delhi and haven't walked through the gullies of Paharganj means you have missed out on a unique locality of the city.Have been here before years ago and topographically the area hasn't changed a bit and in fact seems more crowded and congested as Delhi"s and India's population zooms. My most jinxed air travel experience in.my entire life having touched 90 country's on this travel tour that officially began from my home in Mumbai on Thursday(4/5/2023) and was supposed to end on Wednesday ( 24/5/2023) back home in Mumbai.Looking at my watch, checked out of the hotel and spent some time in the lounge watching the T.V news speaking to the Punjabi owner.
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| My first Indian cuisine of vegetarian aloo ( potatoes )/Paratha, a signature North Indian dish. |
Finally left the hotel and on the main road boarded a shared rickshaw to Ajmera Gate . On alighting inquired about " Hind Travels" and suddenly the dread stuck.me .that i could have been conned off Rs 4000 as the rickshaw driver who introduced.me to this railway ticket seller didn't come to collect me from the hotel at 1200 hrs as agreed yesterday.Besides in the afternoon the entire area was crowded and looked different in comparison to 0200 hrs today morning.Besides i was told there were 2 different ticket selling shops of the same name.Providence came to my rescue and a rickshaw driver told me he knew the shop and took me there after asking directions with another travel agent in the vicinity.On entering the travel agency was shocked to know I had just 25 minutes to board the train as it was 1610 hrs and and all this time i was following European time forgetting to reset my watch to I.S.T in the melee of my mind being engrossed on my phone simcard going dead.
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| Finally in " B2" compartment of Rajdhani Express heading to home,, Mumbai. |
Worse he demanded another Rs 4000 and told a coolie to accompany me to the train. The coolie ran ahead with my trolley bag while I jogged behind him, a long run from the extreme east to the extreme west of New Delhi railway station on the overhead platform footbridge. Finally was seated in B2 compartment of Rajdhani Express from Delhi to Mumbai paying a ransom of Rs 10,000 for the last minute ticket with the coolie himself charging me Rs 1000 for keeping pace with me in jogging from the Ticket booking office at Ajmera Gate to boarding the train just before it left platform N0 1 at New Delhi station.I am of INDIAN KENYAN origin famous for its middle distance runners and at young age of 63 years, along with the COOLIE who was much younger than me made it to the train in time .The Coolie was paid handsomely for his job while I hoped to make it to Mumbai tomorrow morning seated on the train instead of a plane.Made my way to B3 compartment onto seat 1 and as the train took off picked up a conversation with fellow passengers and realized besides paying a " Kings Ransom" for the Rajdhani train ticket was also cheated regarding the bookings with my reservation only upto Kota in Rajasthan and forward journey upto Mumbai on a unreserved berth.The only positive aspect of this train ticket booking was that I was finally heading back to home in Mumbai.
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| End of the roller-coaster ride from Mumbai to Europe and return journey from Europe to Delhi.Now on the train from Delhi to Mumbai |
Picked up a conversation with Co - passenger Mr Dinesh.Gupta ,a free lance insurance agent in the profession of damage assessment in vehicles.He was also a avid traveller as his son and daughter were based abroad.The other passenger's were a young couple and a Muslim family from Kolkata on a tour of Mumbai.Was served a sandwich and tea and later a non- veg dinner relishing the chicken curry after being on a total European diet of non spicy food.At Kotla station had to make way for the next passenger and as usual adjusted to seating outside the train cabin on sack of clothes .The young couple slept together on the lower berth and the gentleman offered me his upper berth for sleeping.Tried to sleep on the upper berth but to my horror found it more chill and colder then Europe in the mornings as the full blast of the A/ C blower fan was forced onto me.One reason why the thought of migrating to extremely Cold First World Country's never occurred to me was because having visited a few during ship voyages just didn't like the extreme cold weather.Besides, monetarily I am not a ambitious man, more of a adventurer and even on travels across India or foreign countries a very frugal spender on personal self besides the expensive luxury of extreme sports and sightseeing .On this trip over half of my travel expenditure was on air and land travel.Finally fed up of the chill cold blower breeze headed back to the train lobby and made myself comfortable on the sack of laundry kept next to the train entrance / Exit near the A/ C switchboard.Another sleepless night but at least would be back home in Mumbai.Noticed that the doors of the Rajdhani Express was modified to automatic closing doors and hence passengers had to be careful stepping out at stations for unlike normal trains once closed electronically the doors won't open and it could be a sad case of missing the train.Later went back to the overcooled A/C sleeper top berth and covering myself with a blanket did get a hours sleep awakening at 0745 hrs .Got dressed into shoes and at 0835 alighted Rajdhani Express at Bombay Central Station.Bòarded a taxi and was home ,end of a non-stop marathon of travel.
NOTE :- THIS IS A TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY WITH HISTORICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL FACTS RESEARCHED FROM THE INTERNET.HENCE NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT. ALL PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS ARE MY OWN AS ALSO PERSONAL OPINIONS.
