From May first weekend, within seven days, I embarked on a journey to seven European countries - England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium. Here is my travel blog. Since completing my bachelor's degree, I have lived away from my native city and have kept traveling to various places. I traveled and worked in the North, South, East, and West of India when I was young. I saw the differences in culture and languages and learned to live with them. The first country I traveled to from India was Canada. As Canada is an immigration country, I had the opportunity to mingle with people from various countries. From Canada, I started traveling to East Asian countries and, thus, became a world traveler. Having traveled to most Asian countries, the Caribbean Islands, Gulf countries, North America, Central America, and South America, my long dream was to have a long car journey in Europe. However, I have visited France and Germany by flight. Whenever I visit Asia and other countries, I see European travelers alone. But it will be hard to see Americans traveling to other countries. As I live in America, I wanted to share how economically I travel to different countries. Strangely, more than 50% of Americans don't have a passport. Travel is expensive, and getting a vacation from work is very hard. Let's see how we can overcome all these hurdles and make an economical and comfortable journey worldwide. First, we need to have a theme or motto for the travel. Each country has its originality and history. Do you want to learn history and culture or plan sports activities like biking, hiking, or having fun? Decide and act accordingly.
On this Europe road trip, I decided to understand each country's historical icons, culture, and food; hence, the road was the right one to stop wherever we wanted. I also got another friend from Maryland for this trip. We don't have long vacations like Europeans, but I want to cover most countries within a week. I worked on the logistics to make the trip economical and comfortable. While booking the flight ticket, I looked at the cheapest travel destinations to Europe from Washington, D.C. I tried Paris, London, and Brussels. When booking, Washington DC to London was more affordable than other destinations. I chose the Eurostar train from London to Paris as it is the quickest way to travel by land. Sometimes, the flight costs less than 50 dollars, but I want to experience the Eurostar train. Renting a car from Europe is wiser than from the U.K. as Europe is a left-hand drive similar to the USA. Americans and Canadians don't require a visa to the U.K. and Europe, so please check your nationality eligibility. Before starting my travel blog article, I want to clarify what the U.K. and EU are. The U.K., a sovereign nation, comprises four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is located in the British Isles in the Atlantic Ocean and is separated from the European continent by the English Channel. The E.U. countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
On this trip, I landed by flight to London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, a 21st-century city stretching back to Roman times. I booked a Hop-on, hop-off tour bus. It comes with a cruise trip to the Themes River. Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Train go from the Airport to London Central. At its center stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic 'Big Ben' clock tower, and Westminster Abbey, the site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex and the entire city. London is one of the world's most diverse and cosmopolitan cities. However, a country in its own right, England is also part of the United Kingdom alongside Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. London is a modern, innovative, and iconic city steeped in history. It's famous for its historic palaces, magnificent landmarks, world-class museums, iconic attractions and events, and picturesque parks and gardens. London is known for its vibrant culture and cultural icons, such as red buses, West End shows, the Royal Family, literary figures William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, and film icons James Bond and Harry Potter.
After enjoying the entire day and evening in London at night, I traveled to Paris by Eurostar. France was my first E.U. country to enter on this trip, so French immigration officers cleared the immigration at the London Train station. I was born in Puducherry, and we have a good relationship with France. Two hundred eighty years of French rule ended in 1963. Puducherry officially became integral to India after the French Parliament in Paris ratified the Treaty with India. So, many friends and relatives living in France also visited a few on this trip. One of my friends, Appar, picked me up from Gare du Nord Paris railway station. France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These deep and broad influences have made France a world leader in different aspects of culture throughout history, including cuisine, philosophy, music, art, film, fashion, literature, and sport. Paris, the capital of France, has a population of over two million people and is one of Europe's most-visited cities.
The French capital is home to the Eiffel Tower and the world's largest museum, the Louvre. Exquisite palaces line the Seine, which curves gracefully through the city center. The Eiffel Tower, a wrought-iron structure in Paris, is among the world's most famous landmarks. It is also a technological masterpiece in building construction history. It was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel and named in his honor. Of course, no visit to Paris would be complete without a pilgrimage to the top of the Eiffel Tower, where we gazed out over the city's rooftops as the sun set in a blaze of golden hues. From the Louvre's masterpieces to the charming streets of Montmartre, Paris captured our hearts at every turn.
As planned, I rented a car from Paris, and Appar helped me drive a car in Europe. Leaving the urban bustle behind, we journeyed into the serene beauty of Switzerland, where snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes awaited. In Zurich, we explored the charming Old Town, its winding alleyways lined with medieval buildings and cozy cafes. We cruised along the tranquil waters of Lake Geneva, marveling at the majestic Alps looming in the distance. In Lucerne, we crossed the iconic Chapel Bridge and breathed in the crisp mountain air, feeling a sense of peace and wonder. Geneva is a city in Switzerland that lies at the southern tip of expansive Lake Geneva. Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has views of dramatic Mont Blanc. Headquarters of Europe's United Nations and the Red Cross, it's a global hub for diplomacy and banking. French influence is widespread, from the language to gastronomy and bohemian districts like Carouge.
From Geneva, we started driving to Mount Blanc, one of the scenic drives but with high toll charges. Mont Blanc is 'owned' by both France and Italy under a bilateral agreement and is called Monte Bianco in Italy. Mont Blanc's summit is in France, although a subsidiary lower summit is located some 100ft from the highest point and is called Monte Bianco di Courmayeur. This is considered to be Italy's highest point. The sight of the mighty Mont Blanc is breathtaking, and many travelers are keen to see the stunning French mountains during their trips to the Alps. Walkers can complete the famous Tour du Mont Blanc, a classic circuit of the Mont Blanc massif, while more experienced climbers may be keen to reach the summit. We used the Mont Blanc pen in childhood; I never knew it originated here. When I first entered this toll road, I felt it was one of the highest toll charges to drive through; however, when we took the exit, I felt like paying even toll charges. You will be satisfied with nature and scenic.
Our Italian adventure took us to the sun-kissed shores of Pisa, where the iconic Leaning Tower awaited. As I previously visited the Taj Mahal and Tanjore Temples, for some reason, I was not thrilled to see Leaning Tower yet beyond the famous tower, Pisa revealed itself as a charming university town, with lively piazzas, bustling markets, and hidden trattorias waiting to be discovered. A short journey brought us to the spiritual heart of Catholicism, where the awe-inspiring Vatican City beckoned with its wealth of artistic treasures and sacred sites. We stood in awe beneath the magnificent dome of St. Peter's Basilica, admiring Michelangelo's breathtaking Pieta and Bernini's majestic baldachin. We wandered through the hallowed halls of the Vatican Museums, gazing wonderfully at Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio masterpieces. Vatican City's profound history and spirituality made us humbled and inspired. Our journey through Italy continued with a visit to the enchanting town of Collegium, nestled among the rolling hills of Tuscany. We wandered through narrow cobblestone streets, past ancient churches and rustic trattorias. We sampled local wines and olive oils, savoring the region's flavors with each sip and bite. As the sun set over the verdant countryside, we felt a sense of contentment wash over us, grateful for the simple joys of Italian hospitality and pastoral beauty.
Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. Florence's most popular and influential sites include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the 'newest' area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence, Italy. As we wanted to taste the local food, we went to supermarkets in each city and tried many varieties of food. We did not spend much money going to expensive restaurants.
Milan, a metropolis in Italy's northern Lombardy region, is a global capital of fashion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it's a financial hub also known for its high-end restaurants and shops. The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci's mural 'The Last Supper,' testify to centuries of art and culture. Milan is one of Italy's most fashionable cities, home to some of the country's foremost fashion brands. One of the best spots in the city center to find them in one spot happens to be the world's oldest shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It resembles our native people when we ask about the address; they come with us to show the place. We met friendly people in this city.
Como is a city in northern Italy's southern tip of Lake Como. It's known for the Gothic Como Cathedral, a scenic funicular railway, and a waterfront promenade. The Museo Didattico della Seta traces the history of Como's silk industry, while the Tempio Voltiano museum is dedicated to Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. Just north are the lakeside gardens of the palatial Villa Olmo and other stately villas. Located on the Italian-Swiss border, the city of Como in Italy overlooks the southwest end of its lake. It is surrounded by green ridge hills, resulting in unparalleled natural scenery.
We reached the beautiful old town across Italy and back to Zurich, Switzerland. Its winding alleys are lined with medieval buildings and cozy cafes. We spotted the locations of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajal in DDL movie scenes. You can stand above Europe's largest waterfall and enjoy the Rhine Falls. You can see the Rhine Falls basin and the mighty rock in the middle of the falls.
Crossing into Germany, we found ourselves in the mystical depths of the Black Forest, where ancient woodlands and fairytale villages awaited. We hiked along shaded trails, breathing in the earthy scent of pine and listening to the gentle murmur of hidden streams. We stumbled upon quaint timbered cottages and welcoming guesthouses, where we indulged in hearty German fare and toasted to new adventures. The Black Forest's timeless charm captivated us, evoking a sense of wonder from a Brothers Grimm tale.
Our German journey continued in the vibrant city of Cologne, where the twin spires of its majestic cathedral soared into the sky. We explored the city's eclectic neighborhoods, from the trendy boutiques of the Belgian Quarter to Old Town's historic charm. We climbed to the top of Cologne Cathedral, marveling at the panoramic views of the Rhine River and the city below. And as evening fell, we joined locals at bustling beer gardens, raising our glasses in a toast to the vibrant spirit of Cologne. In Germany, BMW, Audi, and Benz dominate the last lane of highways and fly at high speed. I usually wonder why these expensive cars exist, but after traveling on German roads, I changed my mind and understood the need for high-performance, safe vehicles.
Crossing into the Netherlands, we were greeted by the charming canals and colorful tulip fields that define this captivating country. We cycled along tree-lined boulevards in Amsterdam, past elegant townhouses and bustling cafes. We explored world-class museums, from the masterpieces of the Van Gogh Museum to the thought-provoking exhibits of the Anne Frank House. Yet amidst the cultural riches of Amsterdam, the city's laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere left the strongest impression. We lingered in cozy brown cafes, savoring stroopwafels and bitterballen as we watched the world go by, grateful for the chance to experience the magic of this Dutch gem.
From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by Amsterdam's intricate network of canals. Embarking on a leisurely canal cruise, I drifted past centuries-old bridges, picturesque houseboats, and charming canal-side cafes. Each turn revealed a new vista, colorful tulips bobbing in window boxes and graceful swans gliding along the water's surface. South American boat cruise trips will have heavy music and live dances, but it was pretty sailing here. I also took time to explore the city on foot, strolling along the bustling waterfronts of Damrak and Prinsengracht, where historic warehouses had been transformed into trendy shops and restaurants. The Amsterdam Red Light District, also known as 'De Wallen,' is one of Amsterdam, Netherlands' most famous and controversial neighborhoods. Here are some important points about it. The Red Light District has a long history, dating back to the 14th century when sailors frequently visited the area. It became known for its brothels and sex workers, which are still a prominent feature today. The Red Light District attracts millions of visitors annually, making it one of Amsterdam's top tourist attractions. Visitors explore the unique atmosphere, learn about the city's liberal policies, and experience the vibrant nightlife. Despite its controversial nature, the Red Light District is regulated by the government to ensure the safety and well-being of sex workers. Measures include regular health checks, security cameras, and police patrols.
Amsterdam's cultural scene is as rich and diverse as its history. I spent hours wandering through world-class museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, where I marveled at the masterpieces of the Dutch post-impressionist. The Rijksmuseum was another highlight, with its vast collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt's iconic 'Night Watch.' For a taste of contemporary art, I explored the cutting-edge exhibitions at the Stedelijk Museum, where thought-provoking installations challenged my perceptions and inspired new ways of seeing the world.
Our journey drew to a close in the vibrant heart of Brussels, where centuries of history and tradition converged in a lively tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. We marveled at the intricate beauty of the Grand Place, its ornate facades illuminated by the soft glow of twilight. We indulged in decadent Belgian chocolates and waffles, savoring each sweet bite. As we bid farewell to the cobblestone streets and medieval spires of Brussels, we carried with us memories of a journey that had taken us from the iconic landmarks of London to the hidden gems of Europe, leaving us forever changed by the continent's magic.
From the iconic landmarks of London to the hidden gems of Brussels, our European adventure was a journey of discovery, wonder, and unforgettable experiences. Each destination left a unique imprint on our hearts, reminding us of the beauty and diversity that make Europe a captivating continent to explore. As we bid farewell to the cobblestone streets and bustling markets, we carried memories that will last a lifetime, eager to embark on our next adventure and uncover the treasures that await us in distant lands. Until then, Europe will remain forever in our hearts as a place of beauty, adventure, and endless possibility. I was footprinted the places of Napolean, Mussolini, Hitler, and Shakespeare. Although I wish to become influential like Napoleon, Mussolini, and Hitler in this era, it is impossible. I hope Shakespeare wishes me to become a great writer. I have attached the pictures we captured on this trip to the slide deck please watch them.

-Our Overseas Reporter Mourougavelou Vaithianathan