FROM THE DESK OF PRADEEP KUMBHAT: May 2016

Almuden Cathedral-Adjoining to Royal Palace, Madrid

Europe has always been fascinating to me for its history, beautiful monuments, heritage value, architecture, clean and green environment.

While North Europe was visited earlier, Spain was zeroed in due to its favourable weather condition in the second and third week of April.

First Day start with drizzling of smiles

My co brother Sh MS Mehta and sister in law Ms Taru Mehta happily joined us to enjoy together this wonderful journey for two weeks from 10^th April to 22^nd April 2016. We took help from reputed travel agent Cox and Kings for some important bookings including flight ticketing and Visas.

Our flight was from New Delhi at 4 am on 9^th April, 16. The front desk staff offered us complimentary tickets for Spain trip again for two, if we opted for another flight from Dubai which was scheduled six hours late than our booked flight. Beenu was in hurry to meet didi and refused to accept the offer. And as the fate would have been the flight from Delhi got late and ultimately we had to travel after six hours delay only. But alas! We lost the chance for getting two complimentary tickets. But it is rightly said, every adversity is accompanied by an opportunity. We had quality time in exploring Dubai International Airport which looks more like a huge shopping complex cum Mall than an airport. The Airport is so huge that you have to ride train to travel from one terminal to another terminal but in the same complex.

9.4.2016

We landed in Madrid at about 8 pm and had to board airport train to arrive at arrival lounge of airport. In a fast move we got our foreign exchange and mobile sim bought within no time and drove directly to our Apartment named as Eric Vokel Madrid Suites in down town where Jijaji and didi were already waiting. Fortunately, our SIM came to our rescue and we could establish contact with them, otherwise to open gate of Apartment without knowledge of coding system is a project in itself. In most of the European hotels/Apartments 24 hours reception desks are not available. They provide check in machines at main gate of the building, you enter your code, the gate will open. Once you are in, the main gate, another machine will ask your Passport details,etc. the room keys will automically will dispensed like ATM machine if your details are correct as per booking. It was raining and we quickly took our grub (home made) and had some gossiping session and went to bed by midnight. It was a two room, hall set apartment and jijaji reserved the bigger room for us while choosing the smaller for himself, a gesture only big brother can do.

10.4.2016

Human statute

Madrid Down Town

We bought milk, bread, fruits from a nearby general store previous night (owned by a Pakistani fellow) and had quick breakfast in the apartment. The day was reserved for city tour on hop on and hop off bus. There were so many places to visit and it was difficult to decide, so selected some of the most important places from “google baba”, we got city tourist map and our journey started. The morning was cool and it was drizzling.

1. Palacio Real (Madrid Royal Palace)

Madrid Royal Palace

For first stop was at Royal Palace. The massive size of the Palacio Real is its most imposing feature. Madrid’s Royal Palace boasts more than 2,500 ornately decorated rooms. Built in 1764, the palace served as the royal residence beginning with Carlos III. The last royals to reside there were Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenie in the early 1900s. Although the palace is still used for official ceremonies, 50 of the structure’s elegant rooms are open to the public, including an armoury, pharmacy and the palace’s lavish throne room, or “Salón del Trono,” which features a ceiling painted by the Baroque artist Tiepolo.

After visit to this magnificent palace for about two hours, a coffee was a must and palace itself offers a Café where you can relax and enjoy your cuppa.

2. Plaza Mayor

Human Statute at Plaza Mayor

Pleasure of walking

The most famous of Madrid’s many stately plazas, the Plaza Mayor dates back to 1619, when it lay outside the city’s bounds and was used to host bullfights. A statue of Philip III on horseback stands in the middle of the plaza.

Finalising dish for this afternoon

Now this Plaza has come in midst of city after expansion of the city. You can see lot of hustle and bustle here. The visitors have choices of number of coffee shops and restaurants. They are entertained by polymorphic persons (human statute), a very typical feature of every European town.

The temperature was about 12 degree and we sat in an open restaurant covered by umbrella and supported by gas heaters. A local vegetarian dish Paela (mix vegetables with fritters-pakoda and rice cooked together with special sauces) and our home sweets, and khakras made our lunch very delicious.

We now headed for our next destination and got down at Parado Square, a place buzzing with museum, tree lined roads and gardens, office buildings. The weather changed, we took out our umbrellas, but the wind was very strong and it was difficult to hold umbrellas, still we walked to the Retiro Park while intermingling with local people and asking the routes.

3. The Retiro Park

The Buen Retiro Park is one of the largest parks of the city. The park belonged to the Spanish Monarchy until the late 19th century, when it became a public park.

Retino Park with stylish tree

It is a magnificent park, filled with beautiful sculpture and monuments, a peaceful lake and hosts to a variety of events. The park is entirely surrounded by the present-day city.

A coffee shop near the lake was an icing on cake. You can hear chirping of birds and give tonic to your eyes while watching people enjoying boat rides.

Two most awesome sisters: Meant for each other

The best part of this Park is that trees have been cut and shaped in various forms. Some of the trees have been given the shape of cauliflowers. Naturally, these become very important part for our photography.

It was already 4 pm and our greed never ends for exploring new things. We came back to Prado Museum.

4. The Prado Museum

The entry ticket to this great Museum was 14 Euros per person and was free from 5 to 7 pm . But looking to the never ending queue, we opted for tickets. But later repented, the huge queues melted very fast, a little patience could have saved money.

The Prado Museum is Madrid's top cultural sight, and one of the world's greatest art galleries. The great artistic work of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch are shown here.

Asking way to guard-At Prado

The other major artist of the collection is Goya, whose depiction of nudity in the painting "The Naked Maja" led him to be accused of obscenity. His works make up such a large part of the museum that his statue stands outside the main entrance. You require minimum two hours to see this great museum.

From here again we took bus and reached the commercial hub La Gran Via.

5. La Gran Vía

The Gran Via is Madrid's most famous street, shown many times in films. It also find prominent place in the Spanish literature.

Let me capture this moment

It starts at the Plaza de Alcalá square and leads across the city to the expansive Plaza de España. Along this Great Way, as its name translates, there are hundreds of businesses - shops, stores, hotels, banks, restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres - making this perhaps one of the most important commercial districts in the city.

Gran Via Market

It is always interesting to walk along the street and look to the rooftops of these impressive buildings, since many of them are lavishly decorated and often possess large statues, sometimes precariously perching on the ledge of the roof. For art lovers, the architecture within the shops will be a delight because they have been given real look of brick and mortar and decorating the same with 3D painting.

Laughting together makes the life more enjoyable

Even if you are not shopping a mere walk and enjoying the beauty of the street is a must for every tourist.

Perfect combination for a pose-Taru Mehta

We had already covered a distance of 10 kms walking so returned hotel in the evening to give rest to our body.

11.4.2016

Family-Enjoying together

The next day was reserved for half day bus trip to Toledo, a UNESCO Heritage site.

Castle : Toledo Town flanked by river Tagus

Toledo is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. Known as the “city of the three cultures”, because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together there for centuries, behind its walls Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. The entire town is UNESCO Heritage site.

The maze of streets making up the historic centre of Toledo is only bounded by walls in which many gates were opened. You tend to compare the small lanes with those of streets of Jodhpur city. But alas the difference was that these lanes were very neat and clean while in our city, that part is lacking, though the Jodhpur city area is very important from historical perspective.

A visit to Toledo town is a must for every visitor to Spain. The government has laid out escalators so that everyone can reach to the top of Toledo town and can admire the beauty of its temples, churches, mosques, narrow lanes, houses with flat balconies, small shops and neat and clean surroundings.

Some of the Churches are more famous for their art than as a place for worship. You need to be a good listener, otherwise, sometimes; you get bored while appreciating so many art works. Many Spanish and Hollywood movies are filmed here in this town and Churches.

The outside of this town is flanked by river Tagus. This river takes round of Toledo Castle and look like necklace. The rich and whose who people have their bungalows and residences close to this serene river.

Our bus brought us back to Madrid by 3 pm and dropped at Plaza de Oriente, the place from where our morning journey started.

Plaza de Oriente

Two beaties of nature

Tired-Give me help for rest

Juan Bautista Sachetti, who designed the Palacio Real, had plans to build a large square in front of the palace in the 18th century. In a city that never sleeps where hustle and bustle is an integral part of everyday life, Plaza de Oriente is a haven of peace and tranquillity. The landscaped gardens are enclosed in a kind of semi-circular design. It's a leafy area with plants and trees beside broad walkways, one of which is lined with the statues of Spanish kings from the medieval period. The Plaza is surrounded by large commercial buildings, hotels and restaurants.

While exploring the food, we came across one Turkish Restaurant whose staff members were well versed with Hindi language. Honestly, we had most satisfying lunch consisting of, Pizza, Rice and Falafel. Falafel is a traditionally Arab food. These fried vegetarian fritters are often served along with hummus (til ki chatni), and sauces. The taste was awesome and I became fan of this dish.

Our next destination was Madrid Football Stadium:

Bernabeu Football Stadium:

Located in the business district of Chamartín to the north of the city, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is the home of Real Madrid. There is entry ticket even for seeing the stadium without match. Stadium tour is conducted in a systematic manner. The visit includes a panoramic view of the Stadium from the main stand which comes off the museum, entrance into the Presidential box and changing rooms and entrance to the player’s tunnel, benches and coaching area.

The running movies, pictures, trophies, and costumes of all great players are being displayed here. Stadium can house nearly one lac spectators. The Madrid Real Football club is the richest football club in the world.

Beenu was very excited and dancing on steep vertical galleries of stadium. As expected she fell down and injured herself winning sympathy of one and all. God only saved her otherwise she must have rolled down to ground from a height of 200 feet.

12.4.2016 to 14.4.2016 : Seville

Plaza de Espana

Our next destination was Seville. Our train journey started at 11 am in Eurail, a sleek, beautiful and comfortable train with enough space for luggage at the entrance itself. To see the countryside of Spain in Train is an experience in itself. While you enjoy sipping coffee, cold drinks, or a peg of vodka, train takes you to destination in no time or rather you won’t feel the distance and time. The average speed of the train was 190 km/hour. While we were enjoying the large farms of olive, green mountains, white villages, the train halted to Seville at 12.30 pm and by 1 pm we were in the lobby of hotel Melia Lebreros, Seville, a four star hotel situated diagonally opposite the Railway station.

First time we saw great hustle and bustle in an European hotel and in fact it took us lot of time to check in. Without wasting time, the hot tea and our home made food inventory satisfied our belly to make us ready for meandering in the city. Fortunately we were carrying tea kettle and materials which helped us save our time and money as in the most of the European hotels such facility is not avaiable.

Like every great city in Europe, Seville has its share of must-see attractions, but Seville is famous for its atmosphere. While the city’s lively mix of Gothic, Mudéjar, the Modern architecture is dazzling.

Our first day visit started immediately after lunch was at Basilica of La Macarena. It is a modern church built between 1941 and 1946 by the architect Aurelio Gomez Millan, who built it in a Neo-Baroque style. The atmosphere in holy precincts of Basilica was very soothing and peaceful and it really brought new energy in our soul and mind.

Basalica Macarina, Seville

The evening was pleasant and we were also quite charged. So we started taking a walking tour while navigating narrow streets of Seville. We saw one gentleman taking walk with his dog. And dog responded to nature’s call on road. The gentleman immediately took out plastic bag from his pocket and cleaned the road. Can we think such an act in India?

While admiring the beautiful lanes co existing with self-check in hotels, straight building with iron wrought balconies decorated with flowers, we Almeda de Herculus Square and relaxed ourselves with coffee and biscuits. The café owner was kind enough to tell us the important locations and must do activities in Seville. One of them was visit to Seville Fair or Abril Faria.

Give me food..I will love you

Still on legs, we reached to the place called La Encarnacion Square in Seville’s Old City district. This square is also surrounded by Image Mall, shopping complexes, restaurants, Cafes. The main attraction of this place was the newly completed monument called “Metropol Parasol” described as the largest wooden structure in the world. This structure is home to a marketplace, an antiquarian, a restaurant and an open air plaza.

Dancing with the innocent creatures

A small eatery owned by a Pakistani with Indian Vegetarian food helped us to contribute to our energy. We took our Masala dinner here and immediately rushed to hotel by taxi. But we were not prepared for rest. Something more to come, i.e. Seville Fair.

Our hotel provided complimentary transport to Fair ground and our joy knew no bounds once we reached the ground. Spring in Seville has a special atmosphere, garlanded with the sweet scent of orange blossom and jasmine as the city was celebrating Spring Fair. The Seville Fair traditionally takes place in huge open place at Los Remedios, next to the river. This is a week of dancing, drinking, eating and socialising, with late nights - or all-nighters - the norm. The sheer size of the April Fair's spectacle is extraordinary.

Spring Fair

Jisa desh vaisa Bhesh..Dazzling with Flaminco

There were around 1000 tents (called Casetas) made of canvas belonging to eminent local families, group of friends, business associations, clubs, political parties. Most of the casetas were private and open only to members and their guests. If you have a Sevillano friend with a caseta, you could be lucky enough to receive a much-coveted invite. Alternatively, there were also a few public casetas - the "caseta municipal".

Spring Fair-Flamenco Costumes

Inside the tents the drinks begin to flow, and tapas are served, from around 1:30pm till early next morning. Each caseta is equipped with a bar, kitchen and sound system or live entertainment playing Sevillanas, folk music which compels anybody to dance to its tune. This festival is a week long activity and can be compared with India's Navratras. But Indian don't drink and eat non vegetarin food during Navratras, while Sevillian, enjoy this the most.

With big brother-Always great support

Men were normally wear tight suits and women folks were in their Flamenco dresses in bright colours and accessorised with matching flower hair, comb, jewellery, scarf and fan. In such nostalic atmoshere, outsider is compelled to smile when they see how the local girls manages their cellular phones.

Beenu was full of energy and she made us to take full opportunity of mixing with the local crowd. She would take few steps of dance with the local girls, a few poses for photographs and would compel all of us to follow. The entire Mela ground was full of life. All us including a Jija Sab was compelled to dance to the tunes of rythem of so many beauty queens around.

Metropol Parsol - Wooden structure

Our next day trip was scheduled for Granada.

Visit to Granada (13.4.2016)

A 12 hours bus conducted tour was taken for visiting a very attractive, beautiful historical town called Granada. While, we were enjoying the beautify of the way consisting of White Villages, Olive farms, Beenu was anxious as she unfortunately found company of a local female instead of me and seat exchange was not possible.
Granada is a small town with many monuments and cathedrals. Snow-capped mountain range is very clearly visible from this city. City roads and lamp posts are decorated with flowering plants. We took a walking tour of the city after having a light meal in an open restaurant at Avenue. At 4 pm we boarded bus again for tour to Alhambra.

Alambhra - Mirror view

The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada. It was originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 on the remains of Roman fortifications and then largely ignored until its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-13th century by the Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada, who built its current palace and walls.

It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions, exhibiting the country's most significant and well known Islamic architecture, together with 16th-century and later Christian building and garden interventions. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the inspiration for many songs and stories.

We had interesting tourist guide who would explain each and every part of the Fort in the most humorous way.

Granada Town

White villages on the way to Granada

One interesting part of the architecture of this palace is that at many places, there are water fountain and small ponds. Facing these ponds and fountains are either gates or halls. And the halls have been designed in such a way that a mirror view of the building can be seen from a distance in the water itself.

After visit to this historical palace, we reached our hotel at Seville at around 11 pm.

14.4.2016

Best of Mood-Breakfast at Melio

We had very sumptuous breakfast in the hotel restaurant in the morning and as scheduled started our mini bus journey for city tour to Seville. All places of historical importance and contemporary use were shown and explained. The main places which were covered during this journey were Pigeon Square, Parque de Maria Lusia (a big park along the Guardalquivir River), Plaza de Espana (building constructed in 1914 for Spain fair), Barrio Santa Cruz (Seville streets with small shops), Seville Cathedral, Alcazar of Seville (Palace).

Ready for evening Party

One of the bridges hanging on rods

The most awesome experience was River Cruise of around one hour with guided tour. The Guadalquivir is the second longest river with its entire length in Spain. The enthralling beauty of the entire town can be seen while doing river cruising. The best part of this river is that all the bridges over this river has been done by different architects in their own novel style which is rare at other places of the world.

We had the most delicious Turkish vegetarian food known as Plato Degustacion (vegetable, rice, tikkis) at Avenue close to Alcazar post river cruise. This area is full of life with continental restaurants, cafes, Trams, skaters and walkers, but cars and buses were not allowed to ply within the avenue.

We rode a city bus after walking a few minutes, reached our hotel site, did some shopping from Image Mall and were ready for our train journey to Malaga. The zip of one of our bags was damaged during traveeling and we had no choice but to buy a replacement (repair in Europe is scarce). The general condition of the suit case was very good. Though confused how to dispose of the bag, I dared to offer the same to the Security Officer of the hotel and was pleasantly surprised to see that he accepted the with lot of gratitude.

14.4.2016 to 16.4.2016

Malaga

Marbella Town

We had evening train for Malaga from Seville. By 7 pm we were very much there at Malaga Railway station. And as usual waiting taxi immediately drove us to our Hotel TRH Paraiso at Marbella (one hour journey from Malaga). It is a huge four star hotel nestled in the lap of sprawling golf courses.

Marbella beach

Marbella is a city and resort area on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. The Sierra Blanca Mountains are the backdrop to 27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels and golf courses. West of Marbella town, the "Golden Mile" of prestigious nightclubs and coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina, filled with luxury yachts, and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and bars.

We hired a self driven taxi next day. Jijaji had international driving license and we took opportunity to explore the pure and clean beaches and city view of Estepona town, Marbella and Puretu banus city. There are at least seven Indian restaurants in this area and we enjoyed our meal at “Masala” Restaurant, a joint owned by one Pakistani businessman. We had some "masaladar" talk with the staff, we had all grudges of life because of their poor living conditions and thier guests are normally very wealthy.

Posing at Marbella beach

While navigating the roads of Marbella, we reached to down town area right at the Walled Castle area while driving round and round in narrow lanes as our GPS direction and actual road conditions were not ready to marry. Our main objective was to find out the night life of Spanish public and we found one of the best old areas of 16^th Century in narrow lanes flanked by many big and small food joints. The whole area was illuminated and the locals were enjoying their evening with family and friends. The narrow lanes, straight buildings, balconies, flower decorations, neat and clean roads and smiling public were cynosure of this fantastic location.

Aao: Milkar khele samudra mein

Golf courses in Hotel surroundings

After having dinner at a Spanish Restaurant, we started our adventure again to reach our Hotel, while driving through the Express High Way. It was really tough to understand entry and exit points of highway and therefore, we took at least 45 minutes extra to reach our destination.

Magical momens-Didi - Jija

16.4.2016

The last day was kept for relaxation at hotel itself. Our hotel had atleast 3 swimming pools and one of them was all weather pool. A visit to surrounding bungalows and golf courses was a must for all of us. We have sumptuous breakfast at Hotel Restaurant (enough choices for vegetarian too).

Barcelona:

16.4.2016 to 19.4.2016

Our last destination was Barcelona. It was a 5 hours long train journey from Malaga to cover around 1000 kms but while gossiping, the time passed too quickly. We reached Barcelona at 7 pm and by the time we reached hotel it was already 8.30 pm and we checked in at Hotel Eric Vokel Suites, Industria. As usual, we prepared noodles and along with our deshi “bhata” we relished our dinner. We had leisure time in the evening for relaxation.

Barcelona itself is such a culturally and historically important town that we feel that 3 day visits is not sufficient to cover all important destinations.

Eric Vokel Apartment - Let us prepare breakfast

The next day (17.4.2016) was meant for hop on and hop off city tour. Our ticket was pre booked for city bus. We boarded Red bus as per voucher, but the lady conductor politely refused to entertain as the voucher was of Green and White bus, though the print was of Red bus. But she allowed us to ride upto the office of Green and White bus and helped us for location. But to our surprise, the office staff of this bus too were confused and wanted us to ride only Red Bus. Finally, we boarded the While and Green bus and requested the another lady bus conductor to enquiry from the Agent and she finally obliged and issued us tickets for the whole day trip.

Tibidabo Mountain

Our first city tour started with visit to this spectacular Hilly Amusement Park which is now 100 year old.

One can go either walking or take a tram to upto the ticket window of the Park. Once you are at the gate of Park, you can still go on top of the hills either walking or take a small train called Funicular Train.

Once you are on the top of the Mountain, the adult can enjoy the beautify of whole city of Barcelona and can view the clean beaches or they can pray at Church the 'Temple de Sagrat Cor' For kinds lot of fun games and Amusement Park activities are there to spend the whole day. The rides in the amusement park are as old as Park itself and they are still functional.

We came back to main road after spending good 2 hours and had our lunch in a local Café.

Now rode bus again for our next destination Guell Pavilions.

2. Guell Pavilions
The so-called Pavellons Güell, or Güell Pavilions, is a complex of buildings in the neighbourhood of Pedralbes, Barcelona, by the Catalan Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, built between 1884 and 1887.

The tourist visits this place to admire the architecture of Gaudi. Since we wanted to explore something new. So didn’t spend much time here and rushed to new destination.

3. National Museum Barcelona

The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (English: "National Art Museum of Catalonia"), is situated on Montjuïc hill is especially notable for its outstanding collection of paintings, and for Catalan art and design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

National Musuem Barcelona

Unfortunately, the museum was closed from inside, but even the exterior view was awesome. It is a huge palatial building and one can spend two hours easily while admiring outer view of the building and surrounding.

Mont Juic Surroundings

The area around this great museum consist of big exhibition halls, colourful fountain, huge gates, Amphitheatre and grand commercial buildings.

4. Mountjic Hill

Montjuic hill and Poble Espanyol de Barcelona - the Spanish Village of Barcelona. Montjuic hill has many parks and attractions including an old fort at the very top called Montjuic Castle, which has a rich and dark history and fantastic views of Barcelona. The other big attraction on Montjuic hill is a unique Spanish village called Poble Espanyol which was built in 1929 for the Barcelona 1929 World Fair and Universal Exposition. The Poble Espanyol village is the 4th most visited attraction in Barcelona. It was built in 1929 as an architectural experiment to create a village to showcase Spain's different architectural styles. We admired this place from outside only.

We also took walking tour of Montjic Garden and could view the city view from the top of the hill. The whole city looks like painted by dark pink colour from the top.

We took bus again and while viewing Port Area, Olympic stadia, Olympic residential buildings, city’s commercial districts, we reached at Las Ramblas.

5. Las Ramblas - Barcelona's most famous Street

La Rambla, or "Las Ramblas", as it is sometimes called, is Barcelona's most famous boulevard.

Here you will not only find many interesting shops, restaurants and buildings but also street performances. The central attraction of this place is human statutes. Though they entertain the visitors, but if you see the life of artists who take burden of heavy make up to meet both the ends meet, you really feel sorry for them.

La Rambla is exactly 1.2 kilometres long and nearly everyone who visits Barcelona walks along it. La Rambla was laid out in 1766, following the contours of the medieval city walls that had bounded this part of Barcelona since the 13th century. For impulse buying and street shopping of handicraft, apparel, toys, fancy items, it suits to every budget.

Whether you are a shopper or not, the sheer ambience of this place, attract thousands of visitors. It was around 5 pm and our energy level started rebuking us and therefore, we again took bus for city tour without getting down. It was the most thrilling experience enjoying the best view of the city while perched on the rooftop of the bus. One can also use ear phone to hear running commentary of guide. We got down at Gracia and walked about 2 kms to reach at our Hotel.

6. Flamenco Show:

The evening was reserved for Flamenco Show. The tickets were pre booked. A drink is served as complimentary (of course it was not meant for us!!!). It is great show of Flamenco art performed by 15 artists with varied costumes, music and dance along with effect of light and sound. A brief history of Flamenco dance is shown on video before entering the main auditorium. They also teach you a few steps of Flamenco dance. We had great enjoyment, completely mesmerized with their performance. After Show was over, weather became cold and it was drizzling. But we walked upto our Apartment while exploring the night life of the city.

18.4.2016Today, we were relaxed and quite charged after having morning breakfast. We got out from hotel by 9.30 am and started walking tour to cover left out important places.

1. Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudí (Giant Basilica)

There was huge rush at the ticket counters of this great monument. We could buy tickets for evening entry after waiting for about two hours. But it was really worth.

A Giant Basilica designed by the master architect Antonio Gaudí, this building has been under construction since 1882 and they've still got another few years (depending on funding and resources) to go before it will be finished.

Though the entry fee of the monument is very prohibitive, it finds favour from one and all because of sheer architecture, size, stone work, sculpture, carving, natural light arrangements and above all serene atmosphere. The whole concept of this building is depiction of nature in its various forms. The huge pillars, natural light design, colour scheme and statute of Christ and everything has something to say about Gaudi’s architecture.

The Church has three grand façades: the Nativity façade to the East, the Passion façade to the West, and the Glory façade to the South.

Constructed between 1894 and 1930, the Nativity façade is dedicated to the birth of Jesus, it is decorated with scenes reminiscent of elements of life. Characteristic of Gaudí's naturalistic style, the sculptures are ornately arranged and decorated with scenes and images from nature, each a symbol in their own manner.

The Passion Façade is austere, plain and simple, with ample bare stone, and is carved with harsh straight lines to resemble the bones of a skeleton. Dedicated to the Passion of Christ, the suffering of Jesus during his crucifixion, the façade was intended to portray the sins of man.

Glory Façade Dedicated to the Celestial Glory of Jesus, it represents the road to God: Death, Final Judgment, and Glory, while Hell is left for those who deviate from God's will.

2. Football stadium-Camp Nou

Camp Nou is a world famous International football stadium in Barcelona. It has been the home of FC Barcelona since its completion in 1957. The Barcelona Football Club is the second biggest rich club in the world.

It is the largest stadium in Spain by capacity. It is also the largest stadium in Europe and the second largest association football stadium in the world in terms of capacity. It has hosted numerous international matches at a senior level, including a 1982 FIFA World Cup semi-final match, two UEFA Champions League finals and the football competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Its museum is a must see. It has wall to wall trophies, pictures and statues of the greats. I'm not a football fan but I still enjoyed walking round this museum and taking photographs of the stadium from different angles. Like in Madrid, Stadium Tour is not free and you have to shell out 21 Euros per person for ticket.

3. Shanti-An amazing Indian Restaurant

Selfie time - Hop on and Hop off Bus

It was quite some time that we were now missing Indian Food. Again took help of Trip Adviser and found out the best rated Indian Vegetarian food at a restaurant called “Shanti”. I talked to the owner over phone who happened to be from Jallandhar. We took no time in reaching there by taxi at its location Agustina Saragossa. The dinner was awesome and on inquiry found that they also sell saffron (kesar). Believing its purity, we bought some pouches of saffron too from this restaurant. It was really worth visiting this area during night time because best view of commercial district can be seen during this time because of illuminating lights and beautiful tree lined roads.

19.4.2016

Monster Ride

Two girls - Enjoying Segway

Perfect khiladi

Today was last day of our trip to Spain. We had flight at 10.30 pm so we had whole day to cover the remaining areas. While Jijaji and Didi went for shopping at Rambla, Beenu was very keen to do some adventure activities. We opted for Sea Excursion near Port Olympic. The sea water was very cold therefore most of the under sea water activities were closed, still we opted for a “Chicken Boat” or “Monster” ride. It was very thrilling experience, but my body become ice cold and I had to request the captain the slow down the board ride. We had nice coffee on Port Area and then opted for a ride of Segway. Though we initially opted for 20 minutes, but the ride was so interesting that Beenu increased the duration to 60 minutes. She was simply dancing, singing, crying, jumping and in the process forgot the control the machine and she fell down terribly and injured herself. But she had spirit; she got up and again took full ride of the Segway.

Now we took Metro and reached to hill garden known as Park Guell.

Park Güell by Gaudí

Park Güell is a wonderful large park designed by Antoni Gaudí located on Carmel Hill. You can enter the park free of charge however there is also an area called the "Monumental Area" which you would have to pay to get into. The Park is on steep hill so the local authorities have provided escalators to cover atleast half way.

Enjoying Guadi's work at Park Guell

We spent one hour or so in the Park and walked upto the Metro station for about 2 km. Now we took train for our Hotel at around 7 pm and had a refreshing coffee just opposite our Hotel in a café owned by one Pakistani fellow.

Meanwhile, our taxi was ready for Airport and we took our luggage from hotel and reached to Airport by 8 pm. Our check in was already done through on line system.

Barcelona is a city with full of life. We could only see a limited number of monuments because of time constraint. Hopefully, we shall visit this great town again.

Another interesting experience which we had of living together in rented apartment. You cook, wash, clean and give chance your woman folk to enjoy your hospitality. You can also experiment the new equipment, gazettes which are provided by the hotels. The most important benefit of staying in rented apartment is there always excitement to experiment something new and therefore, the loving relationship betrween couple also finds reshness. You simply relax and enjoy.

Though our walk was pretty long every day, the climate helped us a lot to preserve our energy. Cracking jokes were the order of the day for a heartful laughter.

A very interesting part of Spain and particularly Barcelona was that most of the convenience stores (they call them super market) are owned by either Pakistanis or Bangladeshis. And accordingly, they engage staff also from their native. So you can find at least one shop in every nook and corner. They open at 7 am and close at 11 pm. So one need not worry, if staying in a serviced apartment because you have nearby grocery store to bring anything.

We didn't buy water bottle anywhere as all European hotels provide potable water. For meal, we took either cold drinks or coffee/tea. It was really very refrshing experience to drink coffee/tea at different places. Their rate chart is comparable to that of India's Coffee Cafe day. But above all, the most awesome experience was the morning tea, which we used to prepare ourselves and using the time for day long planning and gossping.

Generally Spanish people are very friendly, helping, smiling and ready to share joy with you. The country is generally very clean, without beggars and very tourist frinedly. We had wonderful experience while staying in their beatiful country.

The climate in the first week of April has been the most soothing in Spain. It is paradise for first timers.

20.4.2016

Dubai

Welcome Tea : Sweet Air in the launge of Brother's house

Emirates flight landed in Dubai on 7 am and Subhash bhaiya’s Merc was waiting for us at the Airport. We were welcomed by Vandana bhabhi as State Guests. While sipping tea, the programmes for next three days were fixed.

Dubai has shown to the world that nothing is impossible. There is nothing in Dubai which could be called heritage. But they have created enough things for generation to cherish.

Emirate Palace-A Severy star hotel

After having a very rich break fast prepared by Vandana bhabi, we went to the Mall of Emirates and made some quick shopping.

Sisters-Playing in Sand dunes

We enjoyed aristocratic lunch and hospitality of Subhash bhaiya in the afternoon and after having much needed sleep of two hours, we went to Meena Bazar and Dubai Mall. Dubai Mall itself is one of the largest Malls of the World where you will find best of luxury brands. Fountain Show at the entry gate of the Mall and in the backdrop of Burj Khalipha takes you to Fairy world. Our dinner was at a Arabian Restaurant in the Mall consisting of Felafel with hummus, Pita Bread, Vegetables)

Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque

The next day we hired taxi and went to see Abhu dhabi and enjoyed the seven star hotel “Emirates Palace”. The Sheikh Zayad Grand Mosque is the centre of attraction in Abhu dhabi. This mosque is symbol of architecture Marvel of Islamic World. Our woman folk wore “Burqas” to enter the Mosque.

We were back to Dubai by lunch time, enjoyed royal lunch prepared by bhabhi and after a few minutes of nap, we were ready for Desert Safari.

Entry in Grand Mosque - only in covered faces

Desert Safari was full of thrilling experience consisting of biking in sand dunes, sand bashing in 4x4 vehicle, camel ride, Tanaura Dance Show, Belly dance and Arabic food. Jijaji and Beenu both were in real adventure mood and went for Motor bike ride in the desert, but exorbitantly high ticket charges kept me and Taru didi away from this. While coming back, we got down from taxi on mid way due to heavy traffic and rode Dubai Metro to reach at Marina Beach. It was awesome experience to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful beach where it was difficult to think that Dubai is conservative Muslim country.

22.4.2016

You decide : Who is more beautiful...

Miracle Garden Dubai

Kuldeep and Dilip: Hearty laugh

Beenu and I went to Sharjah to meet my cousin Dilip Mehta and old friend Kuldeep Mathur. It was really very pleasant experience to meet Kuldeep after 35 years. It was first time that I met Kuldeep with his family. And the experience was exuberating.

But before that our guide and cum taxi driver took us for a guided tour to Dubai city.

We had glimpses of Dubai’s Magical Garden, Commercial and Financial hubs, IT Parks, Marina Beach, streets of aristocrats (where you will find best of luxury cars).

We returned to home by 5 pm, loaded over luggage in the same taxi and went to Gold Souk Market. The ornaments of gold, diamond and other high priced metals were decorated in all show rooms like apparel store in India. There is no fear of theft or loot as the law is very strong. We bought the famous dates of Dubai and posed a few photographs in front of Jewellery shops and drove to Airport for our return journey.

23.4.2017

Brother happily showing his bunglow to sister

Seville Houses with flower decorated balconies

Ready to see Belly Dance in Desert

Nature

With loads of sweet memories of Spain and Dubai we landed in Delhi at 3 am in the morning where our taxi was waiting for onward journey to Chandigarh.