Oh, wanderer, where are you going?
Oh, gypsy, take me with you,
I am not afraid of the roaring sea,
Nor the hot melting sun,
The snow-studded mountains,
The world is my home.
My beautiful home.

Travel helps make the unfamiliar familiar. It is said to be an effective remedy for adjusting one’s life, stresses are relieved, and a feeling of refreshment comes along. So let’s travel and travel again. Our first part of the trip took us through the United Kingdom, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Germany. We made our way to Switzerland from Germany, and our journey continued to more exciting towns and cities.

Switzerland

It is a mountainous central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages, and the high peak of the alps. The land is also known for its ski resort and hiking trails. Switzerland is famous for its mesmerising alpine scenery, branded watches, and deliciously milky chocolates. A melting pot of many cultures, it is also known for its fascinating cities and scenic train rides that showcase the best of the country’s natural vistas.

Famous chocolate brands like Toblerone and Lindt are worldwide household names. Alpine milk from the high altitude is its special ingredient. Swiss cheese is another renowned food product. Every kind of swiss cheese boasts its unique flavour. Swiss fondue is the most popular national dish. Swiss watches are the benchmark in terms of quality and make excellent gifts. Another popular item is the swiss army knife featuring plenty of utility tools in addition to the primary blade.

Engelberg is an alpine town in central Switzerland. The highest mountain, Titlis, a revolving rotary Golconda, leads to the summit. On the way, the sight of the flock of cows and sheep grazing and the sound of the bell on their neck was a fantastic experience. Titlis cliff walks to the suspension bridge, and the glacial park Trubsee offered a heavenly experience, ice walk, playing with ice forgetting age, health conditions, and the extremes of temperature. In the base, there were restaurants and shopping malls. Everywhere there was a strict rule to be in line. The queue systematically followed. They are famous for timeliness. For the swiss, being on time isn’t simply a gesture of courtesy. It is said it is a way of life. It is famous for being one of the safest countries in the world.

Albert Einstein and Roger Federer are world-famous alumni of Switzerland. We all knew that the origin of the Red Cross was also Switzerland. It’s truly a beautiful place in more ways than one, also living there seems quite expensive.

Austria

Officially the republic of Austria is a landlocked country in central Europe, situated in the Eastern alps, a federation of nine States. Its capital Vienna is the largest city and state by population. It is famous for Art & Opera. The infamous Marie Antoinette, then Emperor of Rome from Austria’s youngest daughter, Archduchess of Austria, married King Louis XVI, hailed from this part of the world.

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the North end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. Lichtenstein, a German-speaking 25km Principality between Austria and Switzerland, is known for its medieval castles, alpine landscapes, and villages linked by a network of trails. No crime, no military, and people wouldn’t lock the doors of their houses. Dentistry is the main business of the people. Interestingly, Aug.15 is independence day. On that day prince invited everyone to his castle for lunch.

Innsbruck

The capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, a city in the Alps, has long been a distinction in winter sports. Innsbruck is also known for its imperial and modern architecture. From Innsbruck to Hungerburg, we traveled by funicular drive cable car to 2750 ft. It was famous for snaps, a locally made fruit brandy. The classic movie sound music was shot in this country.

We visited the Goldenes Dachl in the Old Town. Believed to be the city’s most famous landmark, it was a delight seeing the structure constructed in 1500 still standing with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza is now an open museum. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.

Venice

The wealthiest city in Europe, a group of more than 100 islands, is sinking to the backwaters. When we crossed a bridge, we entered one island to the other. We enjoyed boat riding to see the scenic beauty of Venice. The streets were densely crowded. If we were a little bit careless, our belongings were to be someone else. The jail where the legendary Shylock got imprisoned is a monument now. Venice was famous for its pizzas and glass wares. We visited a glass factory. The artists there demonstrated how beautiful Ferrari motifs were made with a molten goblet.

Padua

Even a slight wind can change the course of the tide; that’s why God intervened in everything. Saints are human beings who God directs to serve the people. St.Antony, a Portugal, abandoned everything to help the poor people. St.Antony’s tomb was kept in the famous basilica of St. Antony’s church. The visit to the church was soothing to the mind and body.

Proceeded to the Tuscany region on either side of the road, apples, peaches, Vineyards, and sunflower farms were seen. Stone pine trees and conical pine trees added beauty to the region. The place was famous for cattle breeding and leather goods. Shopping was worth buying original leather goods at a cheaper rate.

Rain was a deficit in Italy. For the past two years, there has been no rain. But we didn’t feel any drought-like situation. On the contrary, the sight of Vineyards and apple farms added cooling to the eye. Breakfast was very nominal in Italy. Italians took little time to cook but took hours to enjoy food. The pasta was the main dish. They prefer a three-course menu including chicken and sweets.

Florence

Leonardo Da Vinci’s buildings were all in terra cotta style in the city of Michelangelo. On the way, we saw the magnificent the sculpture of David. What an incredible sight! Colosseum, the Amphi theatre was an incredible sight too.

The Vatican

With a population of just 850, the Vatican is the smallest country where the Pope, the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church, resides. Unfortunately, our visit was scheduled for Tuesday, so we missed the opportunity to get blessings from the Pope. Nevertheless, the visit was beyond description. 

Now it was time for us to return home. Fourteen days passed away, like a few hours. On the way back to Milan airport, we visited the leaning Tower of Pisa and splurged on some shopping.

Travelling promotes new memories and makes us learn new things, discover different cultures, and make new friends. History surrounds us everywhere we go. Getting out of our comfort zone doesn’t only reduce stress. It’s also great for physical health and makes us feel more positive about life.

Travel helps make the unfamiliar familiar. It is said to be an effective remedy for adjusting one’s life, stresses are relieved, and a feeling of refreshment comes along. So let’s travel and travel again.

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