The Ladakh 'HIGH'

SURREAL EXPERIENCE OF BEING SURROUNDED BY UNREAL COLOURS which are  INVISIBLE TO THE CLOSED MIND!!

Journey within.


Our journey was not planned months in advance - so we got expensive flights.This was in June 2011.  Also due to time restrains we couldn't take the scenic route by road, which is said to be amazing. Nevertheless the landing experience was superb. The pilot must be so much in control landing through mountains , so close -on each side of the plane. Flying Skills. Well that was one thing and watching the GREAT HIMALAYAN RANGE was one. Like I had to separate them in my head and feel what I could feel -- the phobia of height and the grandeur of tall huge beastly strong mountains. Mind boggling experience. So in the fleeting moments you experience quite an exhilarating danger laced with excitement.
Kaboom you land and just like that , you have arrived!

We arrived in Leh and suddenly fatigue hit us. We did take the pills recommended by the doctor which help you in acclimatization - but if you not a person who exercises or takes their jogs regularly you will be wasted the minute you walk even for 10minutes on flat terrain. So be in regular practice of a simple workout to increase your stamina few months before you go to high altitude places. We just roamed around the market in slow motion and me with my mouth open looking at the mountains bewildered. Next day we went sight seeing around Leh .Had awesome food at WORLD CUISINE an open air café. Yummy food and we spent most of our breakfasts and lunches here.

 SHANTI STUPA - It's on a hilltop , made by the Japanese to promote world peace, has a peaceful view of half of Leh town.
 LEH PALACE- Here is where I saw the most magnificient view you can have in Ladakh sitting on a restaurant chair. Amazing place to take your date but don't forget the oxygen cylinders hehe
Then there is the Central Asian Museum,
Hall of Fame -Kargil War Memorial - In Dras which is the gateway to Ladakh - many lives have been laid down to save the land. Because we are countries and we need protection and we have evil human tendancy to not be satisfied by anything unless we have more of it. Salute to the soldiers - I spent time here thinking about the soldiers and their families.
Sankar Gompa, Gomang Stupa ,Tsemo fort - which is visible from anywhere in Leh perched atop a hill in old ruins.
Community Centre -  It encourages the locals to maintain a remarkable balance in their lifestyle. Life conditions are very harsh. due to extreme climatic conditions. It is very educating for tourists to visit the place for an insight in LADAKHI CULTURE.

We left for Nubra Valley the next day - You cross the highest motorable pass Khardungla 18350kms above sea level (no kidding) Beautiful snow covered mountain glaciers, when you travel to Nubra Valley. That amazing feeling when you stop and take snaps to reminicise that moment of truth. again & again Yes I was here and a snap cant really describe the amount of happy high that fills your heart and mind. I met a group of army jawans there - clicked a snap and said "Hi" to them. How they battle these temperatures and how they stay away from their families for months together ,it's noteworthy. There are always unpredictable landslides and we came across one such too. A halt for almost 2 hours . Always be prepared with food and water when you travelling from Leh to any other region in Ladakh. Finally when the construction work halted all the passenger cars were allowed to move ahead. We reached Diskit where suddenly there was so much lush greenery as opposed to the dry snow covered mountains we saw while travelling. sigh! Out of nowhere I saw lunch -buffet -tents- tables -chairs- people. We were hungry and we ate as much as we could. An assorted group of travel companies must have applied here for LUNCH for their passengers. Uncanny place but trust me there was no sign of a restaurant on that way so just feed yourself well till you reach your campsite.
The CAMPSITE was set in such an enchanting location in Diskit. So quaint and only 10 tents really. SMILES. So we went for a walk following the crystal clear stream which was passing by  , following the stream so that we don't get lost- we are so clever & all that. hehe. We also visited the Diskit monastery , the biggest in that region. Calmness just seeps in your nerves or maybe its the body adjusting to the low oxygen levels. It's like you on a constant high.
Some friends visited us that night and  I got to meet this noble person Dr. Norden Otzer who has studied from an esteemed medical college and can get a job anywhere in the world he wants to but has decided to stay and serve the medical needs of the people of his region. One in a million people have this kind of calling. Proud to know him. Since the Ladakhis are scarely funded by the government , he has this astounding campsite of his own - Please check www.nubraorganicretreat.com .
Its a fresh breath of beauty and very close to the sand dunes. The skies in Nubra are so clear you can see all the stars and planets in the galaxy. No noise and air pollution everywhere in Ladakh. Ultimate healing place for lungs and skin and most importantly the mind.
Next morning we went to the Hunder monasteries , a walk uphill leaves you gasping for breath. The colourful prayer flags arrest your attention and give you the spirit to keep going. We got into a conversation with an elderly couple outside the temple while wearing our shoes. They asked us our itinerary and appreciated that I had planned it well and covered the significant points given the number of days. All smiles TADAAAAA I was on top of the world and LITERALLY WAS ON TOP OF THE WORLD. Back to Leh , we went out and discovered a new place to eat, tried Tibetian Kitchen that night. The best Momos and Thupka. I had beer and actually liked it there for some reason I was parched but I guess its the extreme weathers which enable you to gulp down 2 sips at one time. While travelling carry a scarf and hat to cover your head cause the sun reflects from the snow directly on you and its harsh, really harsh. Then there is the cold air - remember the snow? Yeah! Wear some dark shades- its a must to protect your eyes from going BAZINGA!!! On the way back we had Maggi again :) on the highest point !!  Life - Saving Maggi !! 

Next day we started for Pangong Tsa Lake . Passing the 2nd highest motorable road of the world - woohooo - via Chang La pass. You pass through the Shey and Gya village. You need the Inner Line Permit to visit the lake - its shared by China and India 2/3rd of it being in China. There are only 3 campsites with basic provisions - so you really need tough luck or early bookings done by your tour operator. We arrived at the lake and a humoungous stretch of mesmerizing BEDAZZLING BLUE captivates your attention. Also I saw a food wrapper lying there - the only one -ashamed that groups who come to see the lake have no respect whatsoever towards preserving the natural beauty.Why do they even come to such places is only beyond me. We settled into our respective tents. As the sun settled we started freezing -- ass freeze/brain - freeze cold. Brrrr. A tea session and then a simple dinner made from organic vegetables followed. At around 7.30pm the generator was shut and then pin drop silence was experienced. Just YOU & STARRY SKIES. You can down a shot or two of rum/Vodka to keep you from turning into ice. Dozed off after seeing the dancing disco lights in the sky where they are having a party of sorts oblivious of the fact that you exist. Couple of shooting stars :D . The cold just makes you so numb and also since there is a water body it gets even chillier. Next day watching the sunrise  was a treat to the eyes (I saw the pictures only but the sunset was equally entertaining the previous evening) They were so amazing.Nature is the best entertainer and if you believe so then you are going to have the best day of your life till today everyday when your amidst mountains, trees, beaches, lakes, waterfalls, trenches, valleys, volcanoes, oceans, forests, hills  and other things that make up the earth. People who cannot bear extreme cold shouldn't stay at Pangong Tsa--recommend a day visit.

We start back for Leh - find another awesome place to have dinner at La Pizzeria - a vegeterians delight for salads, pastas etc. Next day we start for Lamaruyu. The oldest monasteries.We pass the Indus river through Shyam Valley we pass the Magnetic field and experience an amazing phenomenon of vehicles moving uphill even when the engines are off. The magnetic field has strong enough properties, enough to pull cars uphill and force passing aircrafts to increase their altitude in order to escape magnetic interference. NATURE THE BEST ENTERAINER EVER . There is the legendary Gurudwara Pathhar Sahib a small quaint pretty place of worship. After 3hours we reached Alchi and Ule village. After walking through the quaint winding road white-washed. It felt like Greece you know. Add a sparkling clean environment and defeaning silence. Lovely villages, where you would like to wander listlessly. You can hear the streams of water flowing as you walk and you are forced to not talk to each other in high tones for the fear that you will disturb the serene nature.Didn't get enough time to spend at Alchi Ule maybe next time I will return and spend more time there.
Then we proceeded to river rafting at the Indus river & it is a little scary experience for 1st timers. At least I was a lot apprehensive. But it was fun and when your instructor says front row / back row you just remember the commands and do it. HAHAH which is difficult at times when you are trying to focus through the swirls of rapids. Well they said ,this was one of the easiest river rafting points. With very few twists and turns and pretty safe. So one more activity checked off the to-do list. Returning back our driver showed us his house from far away .When asked about his family he said only his parents live with him and his wife was taken away during the infamous 2010 Ladakh floods. The floods left many lives upturned, disturbed and has taken a huge toll on the infrastructure of Leh. Sigh! Our driver spoke a lot about the city, sports and culture and THE DALAI LAMA and the struggling refugee people of Tibet. He seemed to be coping well with his life so I concluded. Exhausted from that information and the journey that day we turned back headed to our hotel.

Once back to leh we had our last dinner at Bon Appetite. It was the month of June - weather was perfect , there was enough sunshine in the day and Leh had a pleasant weather , bearable cold winds. We sat outside in the tents with warm candle light to give us company. There was an interesting Tibetian movie with English Subtitles playing on the projector which I actually started enjoying watching and reading and looking at the expressions of the actors. It was an unique experience overall. HAHA. That was our last night in Leh and still I was so not done with Ladakh  and Ladakhis. You cant help but fall in love with the place - it has its own mystic calling you cannot ignore. It just stays with you in your heart ALWAYS.
I cannot encapsulate all I saw and experienced in words or pictures but still I managed to put this blog up and here are a few pictures too.

PANGONG TSA-- 50SHADES OF BLUE --- LAKE

 I saw a STOAT  - a weasel like cute creature which I saw inside a small cave like opening and pointed it out to these kids and they ran to find it.

 Some crazy biker guy I saw at Magnetic Hill - MUST HAVE HAD AN AMAZING TRIP

 The Snow Capped BEASTS from the skies

 AN ARRAY OF PRAYER FLAGS at the Highest point on the KANGRA VALLEYS

 ME - painted with 1000 colours having a  conversation over tea at Pangong Tsa Lake

 Our tents and the ROYAL SUNGOD settling for the day

 A small offline meeting of the jawans I saw enroute Pangong Tsa lake

 Scitillating SUNGOD waking us up to another beautiful day.

ARMY JAWANS - at the highest point Khardungla pass -- They were resting & I jumped in for a click PLEASE

 CHILLING like Literally hehe near the river rafting point. MILESTONES !!

 Blurred but you can make out how cute the blue uniform clad girls & boys are-- miss their pink cheeks.

 ME -- FINALLY !! YES MADE MADE IT!YAY YAY !Top of the world babey

 @NUBRA - having lost it again and again --one moment captured

 THAT BACKGROUND AND THOSE PRAYER FLAGS CARRYING THE HEARTFELT WISHES WITH THE WINDS UPTO THE HIGHER POWERS.

 US- River rafting in the INDUS rapids

 The small restaurant near Leh Palace overlooking those views -- Faints after thinking about it.

 SUNLIGHT flooding the tent making it look marvelous @ Nubra                

These are the words I could barely put down on my personal wall before posting pictures and this was in JUNE 2011

LOVED TO tread on the same path as the 3 idiots ka journey!!LADAKH------- its truly the most beautiful O-JAW DROPPING-O-SUM place...heaven in simple words.
Ladakh means the LAND OF PASSES --a place which makes us stop and wonder about the simple life the Ladakhis live n how! the overwhelming calmness n serene surroundings take over the reigns of ones SENSES n all u can do is just LET GO.Just drown yourself n feel one with nature--I also secretly named a HUGE mountain which appealed to me the most as MINE ;)
BIG BIG salute to the Indian Armed Forces----cant even thank them enuff for the priceless time n energy they put in to keep our land SAFE n Secure!Battling not just the enemy but the sub zero temperatures ----TO bear THAT TEMPERATURE I not only wore N number of layers of clothing but popped 3-4pills to avoid getting sick.M so proud of you guys!!!


 A "SOUL STIRRING" trip indeed.

SURREAL EXPERIENCE OF BEING SURROUNDED BY UNREAL COLOURS which are  INVISIBLE TO THE CLOSED MIND!!

LIFE UN-LIMITED

I think everything in life is art, what you do, how you dress, the way you love someone, way you talk, your smile &  your personality. What you believe in and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea, how you decorate your home or party, your grocery list, the food you make, how your writing looks and even the way you feel.
LIFE IS ART !
https://www.facebook.com/neelambari.chavanwarty?ref=tn_tnmn











How you project not the outward but the inward significance of things, how you convince yourself to have just one more cupcake, how you cut vegetables using either a chopping board/ kitchen table or a plate, how you tie your hair up, how you comfort someone with a joke or a serious solution, how you gift someone , how you wrap your gift, how you say thank you and sorry without words, how you convey your love by the way you look at a person, how you drive with your favourite flipflops on, the way you allow someone whos honking like a retard overtake with a smile on your face, how you love listening to stupid songs on high volumes when people around pass you "your weird looks", how you gossip about a person even if he/she has lost all significance in your life even after a decade, when you talk nonsense and it makes perfect sense to some people, how you can open your heart to the world even when nobody really cares, when you keep making some beautiful things and still no one cares, how you handle the limelight , how you answer the questions for the times you failed, when you look at a happy couple and smile at them , how you keep your cool when your family is acting unreasonable around you, when you tease your friends non-chalantly about a haphazard date they once had,  the way you avoid someone's intense stare, how you try to catch someones eye, the way your perfume lingers around even after you have left,when you think you can change the world, how you actually go out and change the world a little everyday, how you crinkle up your nose when you look at me like am nuts, how your dimples appear when you give a carefree smile, the noise your laughter makes, the way you dance on your favourite song, the sideglance you give to check on me,  how you don't treat me like am ordinary, how you treat me like am special, when you try to finish some odd jobs before the microwave beeps, how you carry a piece of my heart around, the way you rub ur nose unknowingly, love how my soul follows you like a shadow, how you invite your neighbours for a cup of tea when you know they are lonely, when you hug a person who is crying, when you can dream a person in colours no one could ever imagine, how you spend the days when your heart breaks, when you put the broken pieces together and make the most magnificient picture of your heart, the way you surrender to someone, the way you look at your favourite bakery's display window, what you wish when you see a shooting star, what you do to stop the tears from overflowing when your best friend is trying to be strong,  how you give in to chocolate addictions, how you hide your chocolate from others, how you understand when I need my space, having more fun with best friends than it makes sense for them to be having, how you have two souls living in one body, saving ur favourite chocolate from an assorted box, how you can watch a dog chasing its tail for hours together and be amused, the faces you make when you find a person driving at the correct speed but slower than you annoying, the way mountains can uplift your whole being, how beaches excite you, way you plan your trips, dressing up your eyes with make-up, going over the top with make-up, ranting about your indecisiveness on whether to use peach/pink blush, how you sign language to a person across the room when someone is sleeping, how you can communicate with friends with just face expressions, sometimes just with rolling of your eyes, the colours you pick up to gift someone, smiles you pass at strangers when you notice something goofy they did unintentionally , how you pick up a person when the world has let them down, how you can make someone feel completely at ease in the first meeting, how very lonely you can make a person feel in the first meeting, when you save ticket stubs to remember a trip or movie, how you make your own set of rules for your life, trying to explain the political scenario to your maid, how you make a mental note of a cute café to be visited, which you pass by, how you play with children, how you laugh when your parents taunt you, how you make-up for those actions for them, how stupid you are and how stupid things excite you, how many days don't make sense to you, how a day completely changes you as a person, how you make someones purpose in life your own place of soul searching, how you flip your hair when it falls in your eyes, how you know how to extract the exact expression from your pets using KEYWORDS, how you remove time from the busiest schedule to watch your favourite soap, how you sing along with advertisements, when you wonder what another person living on the other side of the planet is doing while you are star gazing, how you just hate a person for no reason just cause they once wore a hideous pair of shoes, how you make friends with your vegetable vendor and extort him to give you the best fruits & veggies, how you strike up conversation with a person in the lift based on the brand of butter they picked up..............................................



P.S. - I'll just keep adding more life to the above cause there is no real end here.
I think the best thing for a person is to be their imperfect self , keep the unadulterated rawness intact.

I THINK I FALL IN LOVE A LITTLE BIT WITH ANYONE WHO SHOWS ME THEIR SOUL.
THIS WORLD IS SO GUARDED AND FEARFUL.
I APPRECIATE RAWNESS SO MUCH

It's SO RARE !
 

WE ALL ARE SHARING THE EARTH FOR SOMETIME

www.facebook.com/MSAshop.

 
This ones for everyone --shopper or not - if your reading this you are a human being#pretty safe to assume right#
We are here for a short time--we have so many issues- we are fighting for SOME things which we are not going to be able to take along with us when we die.
Why don't we start giving instead of taking
What say -sounds cool eh?!
What can you contribute to society without spending lot of time and money?
Hmmmmmmmmmmm -I think plants and hence oxygen to breathe for every living being ---yOU CAN keep some water out for birds & animals during hot summers , also try and be nice to MEAN people(IGNORE THEM) so your head doesnt heat up and cause global warming.
To begin with lets plant more "plants" for the love of mother earth - unless you have found another planet do not ignore this. Its not time consuming and its for the betterment of our planet.
Please start imagining the HUGE difference you will make by planting a small seed -JUST START IMAGINING WHAT A HUGE IMPACT YOU WILL BE MAKING ---JUST IMAGINE MY FRIEND :)
Some happy moments captured by and of -Yours Truly ;)
Enjoy!!!!







 

THIS IS ME AND MY SCHOOL BEST BUDDY KAINAZ AND MY PET BEBO

 Please start watering your plants and keep some water out in an earthen bowl for animals and birds

Eight Ways to sleep Better

“I've always envied people who sleep easily. Their brains must be cleaner, the floorboards of the skull well swept, all the little monsters closed up in a steamer trunk at the foot of the bed.”
― David Benioff, City Of Theives
Here are a few things off the WWW to help you have a great sleep.

Find A Good Bed - Make sure your bed is neither too soft nor too hard. The mattress should support your spine in what would be a good standing posture.




Exercise Regularly - Exercise enhances sleep by burning off tension. The ideal exercise time is late afternoon or early evening, when your workout can help you shift gears from daytime pressures to evening pleasures.

Go For Quality, Not Quantity - Six hours of good, solid sleep will make you feel more rested and alert than eight hours of light or disturbed sleep.

Don't go to Bed Stuffed or Starved - A big meal late at night forces your digestive system to work overtime. But, don't go to sleep hungry, an empty, rumbling stomachwill also interfere with a good night's sleep.

Keep Regular Hours - Keep your usual sleep schedule on weekends and holidays as well as workdays. When travel interferes with your routine, return to your normal schedule as soon as you can.

Cut Down on Stimulants - Late Evening caffeine or too much alcohol can make it harder for you to fall asleep diminish deep sleep and increase time awaking.

Set Aside Worry - Deal with what you should have done or have to do before getting bed. If daytime distractions follow you to bed, tell yourself you'll deal with them during the next day's worry time.

Develop A Sleep Ritual - Your sleep ritual may be simple or elaborate. Whatever you choose, be sure to do the same things every evening until they become cues for your body to settle down for the night.

Most important :- Do things which you love during the day so at the end you are gonna be satiated with the hard hours of work you have put in - Jus surround yourself with positive energy and those who uplift your spirit--Sleep helps in keeping diseases under control and gives a healthy glow. Sleep is a remedy for many problems.Remember we cant spend all our life freighting over sleep, so just get it right for 6 to 8hrs then recharge yourself and take over the world with a fresh renewed attitude!!
..........Sleep Well !!

 

I am only Human-somethings beyond !!!

#An actual tip from `Environmental, Health & Safety Handbook''
``Blink your eyelids periodically to lubricate your eyes.
I MEAN STOP STARING AT ME -i know I know how exciting it is to be with me -awestruck huh?
#Women u can do more than your make up & not ask me dumb questions as if u are a scientist & just discovered that H20 also exists in ta air around u & actually take pride in the fact that u know to Swim. lol

#Stupid is that which is -sitting 2 feet apart sometimes on thE same table whispering in each others ears--halo noone told me we are playing "chinese wives whispers" -I feel offended--TIP- if u had to keep whispering uncomfortably in public --why leave ta realms of ur home in ta 1st place-ban urself from outdoor activities dude.
#People who ask u questions like "what do u think I m-an idiot?!" tsk tsk -thanks for saving my time n answering ur own qts!
# Please stop acting as if your are a trophy wife------Oh unless u think u are to b just perched atop a table & polished from time to time-obviously you are as mute as havent seen Trophies speak ever lol.
# Stop prying in my life cause you don't measure up to my standards--for all I know u must be wondering which continent is Australia in---oh I give up "YOU JUST THOUGHT AUSTRALIA is a city in USA" buhahahahaha
#Trust me you can use your expensive phones to JOOGLE as well *google that* ;)
This is for noone in particular unless of course you think you have abided by some of ta above mentioned atrocities.!!!!

Feel guilty & save my time by getting off my wall !

After you wished me HAPPY BIRTHDAY last year

 AAh! One more year seems to have swooped by, faster than you can blink your right eye ;)
It's that time of the year where all contacts on your FB page, drop a line on ur wall wishing
you & some call to make you smile. Then there are close buddies who make it a point to make you feel special.You start preparing for a little after 8 party keeping in mind everyones moving ahead in their career and are deadbeat till the time they return from work.But very few people around you really know what you've been through after they wished you Happy Birthday last year!
 People lose people around who their life was centred. People lose patience, people lose hope & worst of all people lose faith in themselves.

 How much ever you & I strive--- the futures takes control of our today. I had one more year of learning new things from my 2 yr old son and trying to teach him some- hopelessly at times.We brought in the new year with lot of shor sharaba at Ahmedabad!!!

Visited the most beautiful snow caped moutains of the world with its soul-awakening & defeaning silence-LADAKH .I was humbled to see with my own eyes how the soldiers of the Indian army live in harsh negative temperatures, away from their families just to keep you & me safe.

                     
Visited the food capital of the world ITALIA  and had at least 8 Tiramisus which put me in an eternal food coma.

 I wouldn't be fair if I pin only the happy crazy days. There were also some really sad disturbing ones. Felt really depressed when got the news that a bus driver who was upset by the PMT authorities, drove around the Pune city like a maniac on lose, crushing many innocent lives and injuring people. The road he passed, is the exact same road I used to take to drop my son to school, my husband would take occassionally to go to meet his clients, my cousins & relatives take to go about their everyday life. I felt so selfish to thank god that my friends & family were found safe. Again recently my husband met with a bad car crash -hes absolutely fine before you get alarmed!!!! The trax which hit his vehicle coming from the opposite side of the road, ripped off half of the right front portion of his Civic---Thanks to the airbags which acted like god's parachutes- he escaped with minimum bruising ,,,,,,,,,miraculous & glorious luck at work again!!
Been having sleepless nights and wierd dreams thereafter and focusing on just good times has been a bit awkward after this incident.But me being me am going to move on use this opportunity to add some more good memories to my photo albums.
My 1st blog this year ----- needs to b more than this dragggggg-right?!!!! This is so not me- lets soak in the sun and concentrate on good rocklicking times like road trips, oil drips, lazy friends, thought of living in tents ,giving ideas to friends to elope (since I cudn't do it), making plans crazy plans, torn jeans--i desperately need new denims, even I 've had enuff of my favourite pair :P
Watching people drool over your baby's cuteness-unlimited :D and feeling proud to have manufactured that product ! Simply talking to your child in child like fashion gurgling words and coochiee cooing. Hearing my child giggle at my attempts to make him laugh is like receiving the noble award everytime. Yet, you just can't get enough. Fears of becoming like your mother are reinforced and you eventually do become your "mother" to your child :)-. I was quite the rebellious teenager and a handful. As you can see I have resorted to peace & harmony & absolute madness has unfolded thereafter.

"Twice" since my last birthday i've been to Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-(my 2nd home) & had a crazy mad adventure both the times. Come on thats always the case--adventurous being my middle name-Just unavoidabe!!!!!! Do u think I should get it on my passport as well???hmmmmmm!!
Have been to Kerala - God's own country this year -can u imagine so many places!!!
so many places.
I am enjoying shamelessly what life has blessed me in abundance - ------many years to live. I have learnt to accept that everyday will not be as bad as yesterday or even as glorious as day before. I can do one thing with my life ie make each day count even if it means,lazying around that day is top priority on my TO-DO list.
2012 I am going to just make myself happy ,keep myself happy, be happy. Carrying the virus called joy-- i'll sure as hell be infectious!

I am going to live a little more everyday :)                                     Watch more movies

Give my bebo a little more love & capturing more memories thru the lens is my agenda for the near future !!!!!


                                                       REMEMBER

The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it – Henry David Thoreau.
    

P.S. I lOVE ITALIA

Truly the land of Pizzas ,Piazzaz,Pisa ,Gelatos, Pastas,Wine and warm (HI-FASHION) people!!!!
My 1st trip to Italy ITS BEEN ALMOST A MONTH now am back but  let me tell you I still can't get the thought of the piping hot pastas out of my mind. The country which captivates your senses with its historic significance and the preserves n the relics ---all leave you exhausted from the awe you feel at every step. You just keep wanting more. I officially stepped in the following places- Rome, Florence, Pisa, Maranello, Quarto d'Altino, Treviso, Venice, Vatican & Tivvoli.
The best deal is seeing 2 countries in one trip--yes "Vatican" is officially a different country where the Pope's world is enclosed in the high walls. Its the smalllest country in the world.We visited it twice-one was a day tour -other by ourselves at night since I insisted -ahem!

We stayed in B&Bs in Rome & Florence and they were absolutely gorgeous places impeccably clean. I would suggest Bed & Breakfast stays since you are going to be in your room just at night. Find placesin the city centre always.The 1st thing I noticed when I landed in Italy was that all girls were wearing high boots & was happy as I had packed  a pair too. Besides looking stunning the boots serve the purpose of beating the chill brrrrrrr.Bought 3 knit tops, a legging , a shawl & a pair of gloves from Italy.

As soon as we landed we collected our hot wheels from europcar which is conveniently located on the termini walkable distance from the main airport. Drove to Florence and stayed there for the night. Best shopping area is around the station.Not to miss the GALILEO museum here - FEel almost like you a part of history when you are strolling through the museum which houses the crazy &complicated instruments the scientists started exploring space and science with .Huge globes dated A.D. gosh its super dumb to give this a miss. Next day took an open top bus tour & vening went to Pisa clicked loadsa pictures,had amazing & really low priced lipsmacking food sitting just 200mts away in a restaurant overlooking the Leaning Tower.Blisss.

The bus which took us to the tower from the station got stuck in one of the narrow lanes at the turn hahaha. We had to get down a lil ahead of the actual stop.Back to Florence by night.

Next day we started for Maranello-Red town of the Ferrai.Took a tour of the factory & the Ferrari museum.
HIGHLIGHT of THE TRIP-

We drove a ferrari.Ok I didnt!! It was a paid test drive- I got to sit & my hubby drove. The red beast gives you an adrenaline rush like u must hav never felt before.The town was quaint enough with quiet roads and lovely houses with attractive display of colourful flowers on the windows and gardens.

Same evening reached Quarto d'altino-checked in at this gorgeous hotel with even better breakfast.Can't forget the soft, orange jelly centred muffins.We reached around 7pm so decided to explore a town nearby and as advised by the front office helpdesk "again very very courteous & ready to help Italian "went to Treviso.Just 20min drive.

I was absolutely in love with the town, it had cobbled streets, no people on the road but mind you the pubs were OH SO FULL and many handsome old men with their perked up wives were out for dinner. We soaked ourselves in wine and pastas.Every evening the aroma of  food just held me by the arm and pulled me towards it. Mesmerising the taste buds & tantalising the senses-in short drivin me nuts-sexy food.

Visited Venice the next day- was a wet day for that part of Italy but we enjoyed it nevertheless.I forgot to take my overcoat so bought a shawl and gloves from Venice to keep me from freezing in the rains.We visited the main sites and then hopped on & off the ferry wherever we felt like and walked inside some of the tiny streets where you almost brush people if there are 2 passing in opposite directions.Crossed the bridges-come on had to do that ..there are so many.It was too crowded the place-
I didnt find it that romantic n mayb thats the reason. By evening back to base Quarto d'altino & had splendid dinner there.

 

We started for Rome next morning after super awesome breakfast...were plannin on visiting bologna but we had a lazy morning packing and stuff so had to skip as we had to return the car by late afternoon.

We got stuck in a traffic jam on the highway, still don't know the reason but we weren't charged for coming in 2 hrs later than the said time to return the car. So we head to Rome-WATA GORGEOUS PLACE!!
The people have preserved the city ruins so well & made it accessible to the world-no doubt its one of the most visited places on earth!!!The history is ghastly when you listen to the audio guides-I mean I hate history but since it was Rome I was hooked on to the audio guide-it described Julius Ceasar as "not the 1st ruler" but "1st tyrant or dictator" of Rome. They referred to him with unkind words. The history of the Colloseum left the insides of my stomach churning and uncomfortable with the number of fights to death between humans & animals. There were many "Gladiators" and "Julius Ceasars" spread all over the vicinity waiting to pose with tourists.Their get-up was to impress and they get tipped generously.

2days of Rome and 3rd half of the day we visited the VAtican-What a secluded place enclosed by really high walls. They run their own country without interference from Rome.The St.Peters Basilica is the most humoungous at the same time delicately & minutely detailed structure I have ever seen. So much art  & architecture.Spell bounding works of Michealangelo sculptures, Rafael frescos, Trojan horse, Greek statues , Egyptian sphinx, Caravaggio painting--phew its a Classic piece of beauty born from the hardwork of the skilled artists. Hats off to them for creating these works of love-love & passion for the skills they were blessed with.
You can walk a lot & see most of the places in Roma or they are just 10min away by the effecient  metro or bus.
We had were guided by the owner of teh place we stayed in Rome -his name was Emmanuelle. He gave us a map and told us exactly how we should spend our 4days in Rome. The most amazing favour he could do ever ---was to impart the the address of restaurants which are frequented by the Italians & BOY were THEY good OR what!!
slurrppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp-lipsmacking food & Vino.

Most of the nights we were high on house Wine heehee. There's hardly a place in Italy where you an find bad food - you could try defend that.

The last day we chose to travel to Tivolli-city of fountains instead of Capri islands. Thanks to this Swedish lady we got talking to at the b & b reception.She said its a must visit destination and is a treat to the eyes.Emmanuel was quick to bring up the pictures of this place on his desktop & as soon as we laid our eyes on them we decided to put that on out itinerary. Well Capri isalnds & Sicilia would be on our agenda on our leisure trip maybe few years down the line.
Tivolli had the most amazing landscaped garden in front a castle standing tall on a hill. So basically I went a town on a hill-which I secretly was wishing I cud visit while on the way back from Quarto d'altino on the highway---We saw some mind blowing small towns far far away -cast away in the cozy arms of huge huge mountains & thats when I felt wish we could actually walk around in one of those mysteriously tucked away villages. So here we were on the station of Tivolli very very few people on the station except the noisy bunch of students who got off-probably architects or painters in the making-desserted station.

We walked towards the city -actually just followed the people who got off with us heehee. Reached signboards and found directions for  "Villa d'este" the most sort after fountain garden there. Had to walk quite a few steps and had to struggle a walk uphill .THE PLACE-It was "Oh my GAwd" .Beautiful is an understatement. Thank u aunty from Sweden. You are the best.What crazy fountains and what a design -ok check this I dont have words to explain the experience----http://www.villadestetivoli.info/storiae.htm

We visited the Pantheon square twice & one evening just sat there to watch people and hear the guitarist just sitting in the middle of the road & playing his electronic instrument .He was talented & the music carried me n teh rest of the audience away to another magical place .


So m back from Italia but still lost somewhere in the small towns and museums and music notes out of nowhere and most indefinitely in a food coma.Did SHOP a bit though that wasn't on the agenda but hey visiting the country which hosts the unveiling of the latest seasons trends & not shopping -doesn't make sense to the Shopaholic me ;)
Italia has successfuly taken the place Paree held in my heart & am not at all being biased here.
Italian food, history, warm people & hi-fashion -all overtake the French in every sense.