Easter Trip 2010

Day 1
The easter trip was 2010 was planned over the december trip to India, a few days after Bhuvan's wedding. The initator was of course an email promising cheap flight tickets. Although I did miss the cheapest ones because I was a whisker too late in booking them, the final trip price did turn out to be reasonable, considering we had made plans to visit 3 cities (in 2 countries). The first leg of the trip has brought us to Berlin. The day started early in Bergen where we woke up around 0630-0700. Did the required chores (breakfast, etc., prachi had a fast so she did not eat) and left for the airport around 0825. Dropped Prachi and the kids near the terminal and then drove to the satellite parking. It took a bit of time to find the parking due to the easter holidays but found one in the end and jogged back to the terminal. We checked in (and got scolded a bit for being 3 kg overweight in the only suitcase we checked) and then made our way to the security check. That went smoothly and soon it was boarding time and into the plane. In the end we ended up landing about half hour early. Waited for the baggage and then got out to find the train. Missed one by 5 minutes but then took the one at 1255 towards the city. We got off at Freidrickstrasse and then decided to walk to the hotel. It was somewhat long, may be 2 km or so (we should have taken the train). We walked along Freidrickstrasse and saw all the big shops, thinking again what a village Bergen was. We also went through checkpoint charlie, the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Germany and West Germany during the Cold War. Prarthna snapped a photo with a soldier carrying an American flag (this is now a museum) and we finally got to the hotel (and saw the train station just next to it). The hotel is quite OK, and it is the last (or the first) in a row of 4 hotels. We rested a bit and then caught the train to Brandeburg gate, which is the symbol of Berlin (it is a historical gate to enter Berlin formally during Prussian times) and it represented the gate between West and East berlin and it was this gate that Reagan stood before when he made his famous statement "Open the gate, Mr. Gorbachev". We walked through the gate from East to West Berlin with no one to stop us and then walked a bit in a large garden, Tiergarten before moving towards the German Parliament. There was a large queue to get in but we got lucky when one of the staff pointed us towards the "handicapped" entrance due to the fact that we had Prapti in the stroller. There was no queue here and after a quick security check, we were on our way to the large glass dome. Here the whole of Berlin was in front of us and it was really a nice view. Saw the river, the new station, the TV tower at Alexanderplatz that is the tallest building in the EU at just about 370 m (no high buildings in Europe, really). The amazing part was it was beautifully designed and everything was free, even the audio guide. They really want you to know the history of German democracy, it seems. We got down and then walked back towards Brandenburg gate and then on to a large boulevard towards Alexanderplatz. We found Freidrichstrasse again and then tried to find a restaurant. We finally ate at a small Indian restaurant that was OK (Called Buddha, we had got sandwiches from Bergen for lunch). Then took a pic at a golden domed synagogue and then it was back to the hotel on the train. We did find a grocery store near the hotel that is amazingly cheap!! Did some shopping there and came back to the room. Hung out a bit here and then it is time to go to bed.....another day awaits tomorrow!!


Day 2
Today was the only full day in Berlin. Got up reasonably early (the sleep last night was not so good, and prachi was also not feeling so well but she got better during the night)....ate the breakfast in the room itself and then we were off (after a quick stop at the grocery store to refill the supplies)The first stop on day 2 was Neiderkirschnerstrasse. Although the road started with 2 pretty buildings (one a museum and the other a government building), we soon saw what we came looking for: a well-preserved, unadorned portion of the Berlin wall. There were some holes in it where the people had come through but it was really creepy to see it with your own eyes: a memoir separating east from west, communist from capitalist, Russia from America. This place was not so far from Checkpoint Charlie. We then turned left on to Wilhelmstrasse and saw the old headquarters of the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force under Hitler (this is now the finance ministry of Germany, a really imposing building). Around the city of Berlin, you could find several “bears” decorated in different ways. Prarthna got a picture with a couple of them, one of which was really apt for her. It said “One world” and symbolized globalism of which Prarthna is a prime example: Born in USA of Indian parents and growing up in Norway. We then turned left and saw a memorial sign at the place where Hitler’s bunker stood on a small street just parallel to Wilhelmstrasse. Once we were through with all the recent history for the time being, we moved on to Gendarmenmarkt. It is a beautiful square with two large “cathedrals”, the Deutsch and the Franzdom and the concert house. Spent some time hanging out there and admiring the architecture. It was really beautiful indeed. Berlin has very nice buildings overall, and everything is very clean and well-organized. The public transport system is also amazing with an incredible network of surface and underground trains, buses and trams. Still you find a lot of taxis around as well. It is hard to believe that it has only been an “integrated” city for 20 years. After Gendarmenmarkt, we went back towards Freidrichstrasse and did some shopping in the H&M (some gifts and some for Prarthna and Prapti). Then it was time to find Wilhelmstrasse again and eat some lunch at an Asian veg. Restaurant, Samadhi. Prachi had made this nice list of all veggie restaurants in town and this one came very well recommended. It did not disappoint and the food was very nice indeed. We had a Veitnamese soup and two tofu dishes. We then made a brief stop at the Holocaust Memorial near Brandenburg gate and then caught the train to Alexanderplatz. We got off and spent some time near the TV tower that I mentioned in the previous day. We then crossed the Spree river and saw the Berlin cathedral before settling for a bit in the very nice garden in front of it. This is also the Museum island and there are 3-4 museums here that look very pretty from the outside (we did not go in). There is also a Prussian palace in the background. After the kids spent some energy there, we doubled back towards Alexanderplatz, bought an icecream, spent some time in the nice flea market and then went in a shop (C&A). After this, we cut across town towards West Berlin to see the Kaiser-Wilhelm church at the edge of the Tiergarten near the zoo. This was damaged during the war and you can still see the scars. This was very pretty. We then walked along the Kurfurstendamm that has been modelled along the lines of the more famous Champs Elysee in Paris. The buildings and the shops were very nice and it was a broad boulevard with a large island in the middle. Then we made our way towards the place we had chosen for dinner, an Indian restaurant that is completely vegetarian (the first one I had seen in Europe). The food was excellent again and I had something that I had never had before: Kathal (jackfruit) sizzler! Perfect! Then we took the underground and got off at Postdamer Platz that has some new high-rise buildings, all constructed after the Berlin wall was demolished and Berlin was one again (this was behind the iron curtain before). In the end, we went back to the hotel and got ready for the early start tomorrow. Good bye Berlin. Venice awaits!

Day 3
The alarm went off at 0600 and it was time to get up. I and Prachi got ready before waking up the kids and getting them ready. We left the hotel around 0710 and managed to catch the 0737 train from Freidrichstrasse (it involved catching another train from the hotel to Freidrichstrasse but it all went quite smoothly). Got to the airport and checked-in. We then approached the security check where a woman checking the handbags thought that one of ours was too big and needed to be checked in. We rearranged a bit and then it was OK. Got past security, ate a bit and waited for the boarding. It all went smoothly and we landed in Venice on time. Luggage came reasonably quickly and we were able to catch the 1220 bus to the city. We got off around 1245 and had our first introduction to Venice. The first stop was however the hotel (which is quite close to Piazzale Roma where the buses drop you) but we quickly saw that it is very difficult to move in Venice with luggage and a stroller. We reached the hotel and the building had definitely seen better days. The paint was peeling and it just presented a bad sight. I was like where have we come (this is the state of many buildings in Venice, they look quite old and worn out). However, our suite was very nice from the inside with 2 rooms and all modern facilities. We then went out for lunch and ate lunch sitting right by a Venetian canal. Very charming indeed. Hundreds of boats passing by ranging from private boats to taxis to deliveries to postal service: Everything happening over water in Venice. After lunch, we bought 24 hour passes to another unique Venetian entity: Water buses or Vaporetti in Italian. These are buses packed with people running through the multitude of canals transporting people doing daily chores like grocery shopping and of course the hordes of tourists who visit Venice. We took the #1 vaporetti and got off at San Marco square that is the heart of Venice. We did not have much time but we managed to get up to the terrace of the Basilica of San Marco. The church was really impressive indeed, one of the best ones we have seen. The view outside on the square was also great and it was buzzing with people. The architecture outside was spectacular and it is difficult to describe it. We got down and spent some time in the square before moving back towards the water and walking along the grand canal that we had followed. There were some pretty souvenir stands all over the place selling the beautiful Venetian masks. We were walking along when it suddenly started pouring. We took shelter under the water bus stops. When the rain ebbed, we took the #42 water bus that took another route back to Piazzale Roma and onward to Fondamente Nove. There was not much touristy to see there but it gave a feel of the daily life in Venice with small canals taking the function of roads and people doing everything over water, sending kids to school and doing their groceries, unique indeed! We walked around a bit and then caught the waterbus back to piazzale roma. We then did some grocery shopping (snacks and something to munch and drink while sightseeing), ate dinner at a trattoria (We had avoided all Italian fare in Berlin because we knew that is what we are going to get here). The food was of course good (as it was in Milan and Florence). We had our fill and came back to the hotel to call it a night. It was of course a very unique and special experience today in Venice and lets see what tomorrow brings. Tomorrow is special for another reason being Prapti’s 2nd birthday! May God bless her richly this coming year and let her blossom and achieve what she is meant to!

Day 4
We all slept well this morning since we were all tired from the early start yesterday (an even earlier start awaits us tomorrow…). The first order of action was of course to sing happy birthday for Prapti. Then we got ready and went for breakfast that was a simple affair. We came back, took showers and then cut a cake for Prapti (that we purchased yesterday). Then we went out and found the water bus (took #2 this time that took us another way towards Piazza San Marco). We reached Piazza San Marco in brilliant sunshine and stood in line to enter the Doge Palace. Took about 20 minutes to get in but when we did, it was totally worth it. The palace was indeed magnificent but nothing compared to the sight of the rooms upstairs, especially the ones that were used to conduct the business of the Venetian republic. The Doge was the head of the state of the Venetian republic that was an independent “country” that lasted more than 1000 years. The ceilings were pure gold and the paintings were beyond comparison. The whole effect was spectacular and mind-blowing and it was totally worth seeing. It also included the largest canvas painting in the world (about 25 metres long) called The Paradise that was installed in one of the largest rooms in Europe measuring of the order of 1000 m2! We spent about 2-3 hours in the palace before going out into the Piazza San Marco. The piazza also contains a tower (Campanile San Marco) that provides great views of Venice but we decided not to go up here. Instead we made our way ambling slowly through the small alleys surrounding Piazza San Marco in the direction of Rialto. The alleys and small lanes were amazing containing countless designer and beautiful shops. We ended up shopping a Venetian mask and some glass vases. We then reached the Rialto area that contains a beautiful bridge over the grand canal. Again, you could see the life revolving around the water but the Grand canal is definitely a more touristy area. We grabbed an icecream and than caught the water bus for one last time towards San Toce. Even if we saw all this yesterday, it was still amazing to see how the water buses work. They approach a stop, a quick anchor is placed, several people climb out and the others climb in and the bus/boat is on its way. The whole operation takes a minute. We got off at San Toce and walked through some areas that are not so touristy but where it was still possible to see some gems, beautiful churches and art schools. We then came back to the hotel since it had started to rain again (is afternoon rain common in Venice?) and ate some sandwiches and generally hung out. I then went out to find out about the best way to reach the train station that is on Italian mainland (Venice being an “island”) to catch the train to Rome. In the end, we decided to take the bus to the Mestre train station. I also picked up some more groceries. We left again around 6:30 to get some dinner. We saw a take out pizza restaurant and thought that may be we could take something from there and eat in the hotel itself. We took a small walk and then ordered. While it was being prepared, we went and bought tickets for the bus. The pizza was decent enough and we ate it in comfort of the room. After this was dancing time on Prarthna’s current favorite, desi girl. Prarthna is beginning to dance decently now and she recognizes several songs. Prapti however is full of mischief and she does get uncontrollable at times. In this hotel room, there are two staircases (this was actually an independent small flat and there was a staircase right as you entered with 2 rooms and a bathroom). Prapti is all over the place, and Prarthna also teaches her something and she doubles the mischief. She seems to have a lot of fun! One thing we did not do in Venice was to ride on the gondolas in the canals (I remembered seeing a replica when we visited Genting near KualaLumpur). This would have been a more “intimate” experience but I am not sure how good it would have been with the kids….we save it for another time and I do believe that all the waterbus rides were compensation enough. It is now time to go bed and prepare for the day tomorrow! Rome awaits. It should be crowded there being the Good Friday holiday with the throngs heading towards Vatican. We will join them (but we will be travelling back on Easter Sunday).

Day 5
Had a very early start as we had to catch a train to Rome. Left the hotel a little after 0630 and caught the bus to the train station in Mestre. The ride was uneventful and we made it to the train station in good time. The train arrived 10-15 minutes before the departure time and we were able to find our seats without any problems. The train ride was fine and we saw a bit of the countryside. Soon we were back on familiar tracks as the train hit Bologna and took a turn towards Florence (we took the train also from Milan to Florence in March). After Florence, we hurtled towards Rome at 200+ km/hr. The terrain was quite pretty (rolling hills with lots of vineyards). We arrived in Rome about 10 minutes late and were able to quickly find our B&B (it was quite close to the train station). After settling in the nicely furnished room, we relaxed a bit and then found the Metro station (after briefly considering to take the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus). We took the metro station to Colloseum, which had to be the first stop. It was really amazing to finally see it in reality (it was unfortunately not possible to go in at that time). So we just walked around and then made our way north towards Piazza Venezia admiring the ancient Rome sites on our left. Honestly, I felt very lost at that time since it seemed there was so much to see and do that it was just overwhelming. However, we soon got our bearings. We reached Piazza Venezia and saw the beautiful monument of Vittorio Emanuele and the Palazzo Venezia in front. It was here that Mussolini used to take salute with the soldiers parading. Now it contains the time of the unknown soldier. After spending some time here, we took a left turn and then a right on our way towards the Pantheon, the best preserved ancient Roman building. It used to be a temple and is now a church. There were hordes of people in the square in front (I must say that I have never seen a concentration of so many people in any city we have been in, whereever we went it was absolutely packed, the train stations reminded of the train stations in Mumbai and sometimes we had similar experiences getting out of the train). The Pantheon was also closed for the time being and therefore we made our way to Piazza Novona. A very beautiful square with lots of nice buildings. We got in one of the churches that was small but rather pretty (there are thousands of churches in Rome and we just did not try to get into many). The plazas in Rome are wonderful and very happening places with lots going on. There are several performers doing various things like singing, dancing, etc. and lots of people selling stuff. Rome also has a lot of open air markets that are rather cheap (on the last day we managed to buy some nice things). We then made our way back to the Pantheon and did get in. It was very nice but not so impressive. Did pick up some softserve from McDonalds after that and made our way towards the Trevi fountain. This was superb (until now I was feeling that Venice was much better). The fountain was huge and so magnificent with lots of wonderful figures. You really have to see it. We then turned north and reached the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish steps). Another wonderful and very crowded square but of course for today the fountain Trevi was the best (even if Colloseum was the most satisfying). It was then time for dinner and we ate at the same place where we had lunch (near our hotel). Then it was time for bed after some time on the computer.

Day 6
The day started much later and we woke up only around 0845 (and that too woken up by the kids). We got ready and then went for breakfast that was a simple affair again. After breakfast we got out around 11 and then made our way to the Reppublica Metro stop after taking a quick peek at the Piazza Reppublica. Took the metro to Ottaviano and walked towards Vatican and St. Peter's basilica. St. Peter's square is just amazing, again full of people and so grand that it can take your breath away. Everything is so magnificent and the church is just spectacular. There was a huge queue to get in and we stood in it initially before we gave in to one of several approaches by some people promising the tour to not only the basilica but also Vatican museums including Sistine chapel (which we had decided to give a miss) within 2-3 hours and without any lines. We found the guide who explained some history about the square and also explained that Pope is also head of state of Vatican (a small matter that we were in another country that was #26 for me). He then took us to their office to get signed in. It was a huge group they had managed to collect (abouyt 40-50). We could not pay by creditcard even if it had been promised and I had to run around to find the ATM and when I came back the tour had left without us. This was the start of 1 horrible hour that has made me determined never to try these guided tours again. We were promised that the next tour would leave in 20 minutes. However, there was no sign of anything happening and it was clear that things were not as they seemed. They were really waiting to collect a large group before leaving (and Prachi actually told later that they probably had no more headsets). In any case, to cut the story short, we got our money back in the end and made our way back to St. Peter's square. The line to get in to the Basilica was now much shorter and we were inside within 30-40 minutes (although we had to do it 1 by 1 as Prapti was sleeping and it was not allowed to take the stroller inside). The wait was certainly worth it as this was definitely the most amazing church. First of all, it was incredibly large and everything was just so special. It is difficult to describe it in words. Really worth seeing!! We each spent about 30 minutes inside although it was possible to spend much more. We then got out and got some quick lunch and made our way towards the Castle St. Angelo, an old roman castle on this side of the Tiber. Also saw the beautiful bridge nearby. We then did some "open air" shopping and finally crossed the Tiber at the Cavour bridge (after seeing another magnificient building st Piazza del Tribunali). The church at the other end of Cavour bridge was also beautiful but we turned north and reached another large and nice square, Piazza del Popolo. Again full of people and lots going on. We shopped some soap bubble guns for the kids (and I must say that Prachi used her haggling skills to full effect today first buying two purses for 39 euros where one was quoted for 45 and then two soap guns for 5 euros when the guy wanted 6 for 1. Well done indeed). We spent some time at the wonderful place before ambling down Via del Corso back towards Piazza Venezia (we actually wanted to find a restaurant we wanted to eat at but in the end it was closed). However, the street was beautiful, a pedestrian zone with lots of nice shops including a beautiful Disney store. We got into some of them. After we discovered that the restaurant was closed, we got into the first one that looked OK, ate the dinner and caught the bus back to the train station near the hotel. We then tried to find the best way to go to the airport, decided to use the train the next morning and came back. Prepared for the journey home tomorrow and then off to bed.

Day 7
The last day was also a reasonably early start as we had a train leaving at 0822 (we should really have tried to take the next one but that is another story). We left the B&B at 0800 packing some breakfast and left for the station. Made the station in good time and got the tickets but the platform from which the train left was so far away. This is something I do not understand. We had to walk at least 500 m, half running the last part before we got on the train. Since we were just in time, we just got in the first coach that was totally packed and we had to stand the entire trip. The train experience was not so great (why were there so many stairs when they know that everyone will have luggage?) but we got to the airport in time. Walked to the check in area where there was a reasonably long queue. We did not have to pay for the extra suitcase (we had only prepaid for 1 suitcase but now had two) that was certainly positive. The security control was smooth and the flight left on time. We got back to Bergen without any problems. I again got the car and we drove home.

Generally, the whole trip was excellent. Everything was smooth and we managed to see lots of beautiful sites. India awaits in less than a week!