I can never have enough of Europe. Every country, every city has so much to offer. A trip here, pick any city, feeds your soul. I live in a parallel world when I walk through her streets, almost transported cerebrally to the times when the stones were laid on the streets, when the bricks were placed one on top of another to build these massive pieces of beauty.
Amsterdam - I'll be honest. Amsterdam was more a city to cross off my list. Nothing more. I was almost reluctant to give up 2 of my Paris days to this city. I must say, I am pleasantly surprised by everything this beautiful city has to offer, so much so that, I am coming back in summer. To walk the streets some more, to party a lot more, to stare at people walking on the sides of the canal, to walk around Dam Square, to take the trams, to grab the BEST hot chocolate from Coffee City (if you are in Amsterdam, you have to try this, and make it a good one, with whipped cream, yes, please!). If I had the time and money, I would visit every place in Europe in summer and winter. The personality of every city is such a beautiful antithesis in these 2 seasons. The canals are just as surreal, the water, just as magical. A museum lover that I am, I enjoyed the Van Gogh museum very much. The eccentric, raw, not-perfect art is very endearing.
A walk through the red light district and you see this - A massive church towers your head bang in the center of the district - terribly ironical, I think. Note that the city's very safe, walking the streets at 2AM doesn't give me the jitters, everything is right in the face but not vulgar at all. I stare at the women in the brightly lit red doors and at the risk of sounding philosophical, I will say this. They describe Amsterdam perfectly - it is what it is and it's not apologetic about it. That's what I take from this quaint-loud city. A mighty sound take-away, to say the least. To Paris. I am ready to be swept off my feet and be romanced till my head hurts.
Paris - What can I say about Paris that hasn't been said a million times over? The city cannot be seen completely in a lifetime, IMO. If you manage to leave with a happy sigh, you've probably gotten a taste of what will be, a lifelong addiction. I am one of those lucky ones. I must have been out of my mind to not pack my bags and be here sooner, I think, as I stare out of the window of Thalys. The city is dirty, crowded, the people bump into you as they rush into the morning train, no one cares to smile at you - I feel at home. This city has got attitude. Every bit that you've heard is true and then a little more. And I LOVE that! The women (and men) are so chic, and despite the fashion, beauty and layers of makeup, they are real. As real as real can be. I LOVE that. Did some of the usual sights, the Notre Dame, as stunning as in the books. A pleasant surprise, Sacra Coeur presents a beautiful view of Paris, and despite the cloudy day, the walk up was just great. A merry-go-round lies at the base of the massive church, all of two levels of joy. From here, you take about 80 steps to what is a great feat of architecture. You look back and voila! Paris, in all it's glory. I always get quiet in churches. I think it's the awe at the lengths humans go to unite into one belief. The lengths humans go to be followers of a faith. Its eerie, calming and humbling, all in the 15 minutes of sitting down. The walk down is just as pleasant, there's this cute little biscuit store right in the middle of a narrow cobbled street. Ah, the smells and sights! I seem to have a smile that lasts for > 5 secs which is my usual average. The day ends with a stop at Trocadero, and as I walk out of the train station, I look at Sweetie and say "something big's around the corner". The Eiffel is smaller than I've imagined it. It isn't less grand though. The air in the Trocadero square is chilly. They need to have a cafe or something, where people can sit and stare at the Eiffel
in winter. The view from up here is just beyond words. One of those few moments that have me at a loss for words.
The next day starts with crepes, cappuccinos and the best omelette I've ever eaten made with just egg whites. The guy who served us is a French speaking black man, extremely personable; these are the kinds of people I take back with me. Such a beautiful person! An ambitious day ahead. The Arc do Triomphe is the first stop. I almost didn't believe my sister when she said she could spend weeks in Champs Elysse. Now I have 3 words for her - let's.go.together. The walk down Champs Elysse is a fashionista's dream. I need a full 3 days just on this street to not feel cheated. The day ends with Musee de Louvre. I love what they've done with the entrance of the museum - the Carrousel houses all the big brands, with a half eaten apple symbol right next to the entrance - Yes, Mr. Jobs' shop has moved in. Fitting, given everything in there is as artistic as the pieces inside, me thinks. The best decision taken during this trip was to visit the museum at 5:30PM on a Wednesday with 4 hours to spend with art. There was no crowd in the Louvre. I was able to stare at the Mona Lisa without being herded like a cow. By no means do I feel that I am done with the Louvre. I am in search of a museum nerd to go with, the next few times over.
I am just beginning to imagine living in Paris. If I were to move to Europe (read, if I had to), I'm coming here, to add to the population density. I'll be bitter, bitchy and beautiful and I'll LOVE it! Off to the historic city of Brugge for a day. The trip ends with a major geek fest in Brussels and I couldn't be more thrilled about it!
Brugge - More often than not, I find that it's the smaller historic towns that grab my attention more than lighted cities. Brugge was such a delight! Reminded me of San Gimignano. The cobbled streets surrounded by buildings with exposed brick, cafes that make your nose go warm within 5 seconds of getting in, the best hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, tea rooms, tiny little chocolatier stores, semi-frozen lakes with swans and modest churches with smells that remind me of little churches in Italy (it's some specific incense), the town of Brugge is just so cute. My mind decided that it was time to wake up at 4AM, by 5:30AM, it was time to go hunting and gathering, except nothing is open in a small town at that time. A 45 minute walk in -11 degrees is pleasant when you finally have accepted that layers (and more layers) are your friends. The city of Brugge is much more beautiful in the wee hours of the morning, the streets reflect street lights beautifully and not having a camera almost gives you your vacation back. Off to Brussels for a day before it starts raining geeks.
Brussels - Ah, the simplicity of childhood! The museum dedicated to Herge is about an hour's train ride from Brussels and it was such a delight to be there! The museum is dedicated to all of Herge's works and of course celebrates his star, Tintin. I've not been a Tintin fan, but am now ready to change that. A mucho delicioso lunch at the museum's restaurant and it starts snowing. The weather's warmer now, there's snow all over me and I am instantly reminded of Chi-town winters (mental note to go back this year). The vacation's done but another one is just beginning. The FOSDEM conference is nothing short of a treat. 429 talks in 2 days, 5000 hackers, try beating that! I'd come back every year if I could. So much to learn, so little time!
Seems like I am away from home forever now. I miss Simba, I miss my bed, I miss my friends, my morning cuppa chai and yes, I am a geek, I do miss my work. Relaxed, rejuvenated , ready and raring to go. It's been a great week in Europe and as always, I take a piece of it with me, ever willing to come back for more. Until next time...
