Europe: Vienna to Epinal (Day 11 and 12)

It was my last few days in Europe. I was going to France. My excitement was all about going to Paris. I leave to the airport at about 5A.M from my hotel in Vienna. This was my worst travel plan. I was on the plane or travelling by train the whole day. Running around with my luggage Changing airports in Paris and then train stations in Strasbourg and Nancy. All I wanted to make sure I don’t miss my flight or the train. I couldn’t afford to wait more…I was exhausted.

I finally manage to reach Epinal at 7 in the evening only to find empty streets. All I knew was my Hotel was a 5 minutes’ walk from the train station. Not knowing which direction I walk and with just a few people around I go to almost every person asking for directions only to realize none of them are from Epinal and a few just nodding their heads to whatever I asked. It was irritating, my back ached and I longed for some food and a bed. And more over I wanted to see people, I wanted to see a crowded street. I just start walking not even having the strength to drag my luggage, I found a lady who told me the direction and in the next 5 minutes I was in the hotel. What a relief!!!...French food never tasted better and crawling into bed never felt so good.

The next day I was going to Clerval and Santhose for work. These are two small twin villages in France between the mountains. The people here are so warm and welcoming. I haven’t seen more polite people all my life. The landscape looks like in the posters. Mountains, Crystal clear River flowing down, a bridge full of flowers on its railings connecting the village. As the cool breeze hit my face, every person walking on the street greets me even after knowing I’m a total stranger. This place is a total different world. Totally disconnected from the rest of the world. It’s a happy world there. You see happy faces everywhere. Nothing looked fake, nothing looked strange, and nothing looked bad.  I wanted to stand and stare at all of this and I was happy here. The restaurant looked like your dining room at home with your people sitting around and talking to you. I haven’t seen a happier world. I was left wondering why we don’t live like this. I was left with a smile on my face and I was laughing at their stupid jokes. They took every effort to make me feel happy. I haven’t felt happier being with strangers who dint feel like strangers.

Driving back home I still had smile on my face. A happy day at Work. I was Feeling different. I was happy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Europe: Strakonice,Czech Republic (Day 9 and day 10)

It was my second week in Europe. Time just flies. I was ready early in the morning waiting for my colleague Gabor at the hotel in Vienna. We were going to Strakonice in Czech Republic. It was a long drive on the country side roads between the fields ready to be harvested. The landscape was beautiful reminding me of the fields back in India. We reach Czech by noon, spend a little time at a super market buying some food, eat in the car and then go to work.

It was a short day at work too. We were at the hotel early and plan up to tour the city. Strakonice is quite a small industrial city of Czech Republic, on the banks of the river Otava. It’s also famous for its locally brewed beer which the people there love. It is so scarcely populated. You see a lot of Chinese living there too and of course quite a lot of Chinese restaurants in every corner of the street. We explore the city by walking around.

The down town looked lovely with the pink pitonia flowers all over. We hardly see people in the street; the market place is also a very small area. We spotted a castle on the other side of the river. The river bank has a small park and that seemed like the favorite spot of the people there. It was a perfect place to spend an evening. They were people getting a sun bath, men swimming in the river, kids cycling around, moms walking around with their babies, ladies catching up for a chat and me enjoying all of it JJ…You know it always feels good to see happy people around you, For a moment I stood staring all of it. All you could hear was happy cheerful people, the fresh breeze and the river flowing smoothly .I had my colleague with me, I still felt lonely ,but my thoughts still went back home, I would love to sit in a place like that and spend an evening with loved ones. That place looked all happyJ.

Crossed the river and went into the castle. It’s a beautiful place too. This place has too many pubs around. We were counting pubs there. And I heard people of Czech love drinking beer. The local cuisine is delicious.

The next day was a total work day for me. We drove back to Vienna that evening since I had a flight to France the next day.

Though my stay in Czech was short, Strakonice gave me the nicest feel good memories.

Landscape on the country side roads

pitonia

the river side

Inside the Castle

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Europe: Vienna (Day 8)

My legs still hurt as I wake up in the morning. But I wasn’t going to miss the site seeing because of that. Like the Previous day I started off with my maps to the metro. By now I was quite familiar with the names and metro stations and did not need help to go about.

My first destination was the famous Schönbrunn Palace. This place is every bit of luxury. You really have to envy the people who lived here. It has a well maintained beautiful Garden. Did a lot of Photography here. (Except for the entry tickets at the palaces and museums everything pretty much impressed me in Vienna).

Europe’s best zoo is in Vienna and right besides the Schönbrunn Palace. I kept thinking if I had to enter the zoo or no; finally decided to go in there:-D. It was a good experience. Not very different from the Zoo I visited earlier, but I must say it’s really well maintained.

I then go to the Belvedere Palace which is again beautiful, have lunch at the famous Turkish food joint, visit  Vienna´s Prater with Giant Ferris Wheel, the Uno city and the Donautrum park. I had covered almost every street in Vienna with my two days of sightseeing.

Vienna is every bit amazing and beautiful. Given a chance don’t miss to visit Vienna. If you have a choice ,do visit.

A few pictures from my Vienna tour.



at the museum

 

schonbrunn palace



  

interiors



Europe: Back in Vienna (Day 7)

I have been waiting for this weekend from days. On the D ‘day I felt lonely, wished I could have someone around. None of these feelings was going to help and bring someone to see me. L…I decide to start early for my Vienna tour. I wasn’t going to take a bus tour, I had decided I would do it on my own with a few maps in hand, walking around the streets and taking the metro.

 I had done a little bit of homework on the places to visit in Vienna. So I did have faint idea on a few things. With the previous weekend’s street exploring I had spotted the nearest metro station. A little discussion with the hotel receptionist I got to know where to go and how to use the metro etc.

I started off for my adventure. I took the Metro and reached the center. I was a little early, the streets were almost empty, and with some help I reach the main street. I landed right at the main “Mariahilfer Straße” shopping street in Vienna. Restaurants on one side of the foot path and shopping streets with “SALE” boards on the other side. I love streets like this. How tempting!!! I couldn’t resist shopping; I knew it’s going to be bad for my pocket. Spending in Euro’s is scary; I had to ignore the thoughts if had had to do my bit of shopping. Decided not to worry until I get to pay the credit card bills. Did a bit of shopping, some self photography and I was at the end street near the most famous MuseumQuartier.

Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum is absolutely incredible. The architecture the furniture, the paintings and every bit of this place is awesome. Since it was a Saturday I got to witness the band which plays in the Opera house. The music was awesome too. Walked down the streets to see the parliament house the Stephansdom church, Volksgarten and a few more places in my list and took the metro to the Nasch Market.

Nasch market is a famous open street market in Vienna which sells amazing sea food. As I reached the metro close to Nasch market I asked a few people for direction and landed in the wrong place. This happened quite a lot of times for me in Vienna. I was always given the wrong directions. But a few wrong directions did good to me as well. I landed in places with was worth going and was not in my listJJ and one of it was the Church of St. Charles Borromeo. This place so calm and has a beautiful fountain in front.

  Finally I decide to ask quite a few people and go with the most common direction. After a lot of walking I finally reached the Market. It was worth every bit of walking.

Crowded street with variety of shops and some amazing food. I stopped at a few places only to admire the stuff around. Couldn’t resist myself for long. Grabbed a piece of salmon with some shrimps for lunch and quickly explore the place.

It was past noon and had a bit of shopping to do. So I go back to Mariahilfer Straße shopping street and continued with my unfinished shopping. I couldn’t do much though. But it wasn’t bad either. I could at least manage to pick up a few stuff in my list.

End of the day my legs felt dead. It was too much of walking for me and I so badly wanted to get back to the hotel.

Had a lot of places to visit for the next days as well.

Europe: Slovenia (Day 4 to Day 6)

Drove down from Maribor to Vuzenica for work. The 3 hrs drive went just like that. My Journey felt like I saw in the movies. It was a Drive along the Valley of Drava: the Steep Mountains, the crystal clear river and the country side roads. The nature is breath taking. Beautiful flowers all around and the farming on one side.

Vuzenica is located just at the banks of River Drava. With just very few people living there. It’s a small place indeed .The local food is good too. The people there are very warm and friendly.It couldn’t get better for me in Vuzinica. Of course I did not get to stay there for long. We had our evening planned in a small place called Sezana close to Senozece where we had our work the next day. We drove along the Drava again.

Sezana is a small place again situated in the border of Slovania and Italy. I couldn’t go out as we were really exhausted after the long day but I was promised by my colleagues that we would go to Italy the next evening.

 After work the next day we drive to Sistiana in Itay. It was a half an hour drive and we were at the beach in Sistiana, Italy.

 I was thrilled. This was not in my plan. And I have landed in Italy.Of course its not one of the noted places, but it has one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. We had to drive down to cliff to reach the beach.I love beaches, and this one was beautiful and different. It was a no sand beach with huge rock mountains around. My evening was with amazing Italian food at the beach side with an amazing view. It was super awesomeJJ

The next day was at Buzet and Roc in Croatia. Crossing the border to Croatia was a bid of a mess. Had to be really quick with my work as well as we had last minute change of plans to leave to Vienna the same day.

It was Friday already and I landed at my hotel in Vienna.

The weekend was going to be in Vienna; All by myself.

Beach in sistiana,Italy

Europe Day 2 & 3: Vienna to Maribor,Slovania



At Vienna




View From My Hotel In Vienna




way to Maribor



At Maribor



MAribor



Had an early start at Vienna, with good breakfast and a leisure walk at the hotel park. I was waiting for my Colleague to join me so we could drive to Maribor.

My colleagues Zoltan from Hungary and Arthur from France arrive and we drive down to Maribor. Drive to Maribor was absolutely beautiful. Europe country side was at its best. The green farms and the grazing cows were picture perfect.

Reached Maribor, Finished work as scheduled and moved to our Hotel. We planned to go around the City Center at dinner time. The good Part is it doesn’t get dark, so we had the whole evening all for our self. We hit the old city of Maribor and walked around every possible street. Maribor is a very small place; all you need is half a day to finish looking around the city. It’s beautiful.

I had the next day as well in Maribor to explore. Tried out the local Slovenian cuisine and some Mexican with a European touch. I’m living on loads of Cheese and Cream. Wouldn’t be surprised if I get back home with a few extra kilos .the food here is a treat to my taste buds. The Chocolate Soufflé and the Cherry ice cream is the yummiest of desserts I have ever had. Love it!!...Loving Europe…Can’t wait for more of it..Missing People back home too.



Europe Day 1: Mumbai to Vienna:)

Took off from Mumbai to Paris as scheduled and my Flight was smooth...Landing in Paris was my most amazing landing so far. Paris looks beautiful from above. It looks like a carpet with shades of green with building blocks placed in a row. I’m here in Europe at a perfect time. Weather is awesome; slightly chill, sunny and bright. Everything looked just perfect.

Took a transit to Austria and reached as scheduled. I have never been on a plane for this long and never ever did I feel a jet lag this bad. I was exhausted and starving. Had a good lunch at the Hotel and crashed into bed .Had planned to go on a city tour, but that did not happen as I was in no shape for that.

Spent the evening exploring the neighboring streets, eating street food, at the hotel garden (it is amazing) and for the first time witnessed sunset at 9.P.M…All of this all alone. Frankly I was lonely, no people on the streets and no one with me. I started missing everyone, wished someone was with me.

Hoping for a good week at work and I’m glad I will have people join me at work. Waiting for more of Vienna JJ

Will post a few pictures soon.

Travel Time:)

Its travel time for me. Europe it is, for a good 2 weeks timeJJ. My most awaited trip and it’s surely gonna be the most interesting one. My scheduled is jam packed yes, but I do have some time during weekends to explore places.

I’m so full of mixed feeling. Sometimes I’m so happy thinking of it and get very excited and the next moment I feel a little low thinking I’m gonna be alone. I’m not really in mood for the “Me time” you see. Anyways, that’s not really gonna stop me from all the fun for sure. One thing I can’t stop thinking of is the food; I’m very excited about trying the European cuisineJJ

 Fingers crossed and hoping for the best time of my life. This is new and different and of course a lot of things are gonna be different for me when I’m backJJ Wish me luck againJ

Ovarian Cyst rupture...Another Alarm for Women!!

A bit of havoc happened during my recent visit to Coorg. My cousin gets a stomach cramp and collapses. She is moved into the hospital and doctors recommend her to go in for surgery immediately…She had an ovarian cyst rupture!!...

It took us to surprise. With no prior issues regarding ovaries or menstrual cycle, out of the blue she has a cyst rupture. My cousin was lucky she got the right symptoms on time and she got out of it with the surgery.

But it’s not the same always. Not always a cyst rupture shows symptoms. If a cyst rupture is neglected or not detected on time it leads to cancer. I did a little bit of research on it,and found a few things which should be taken care of by women.

Here it goes:

Ovarian Cysts are fluid-filled sacs which are similar to blisters. Ovarian cysts are common among women during their reproductive years and are growths that form on the two almond sized organs on each side of the uterus. Most types of ovarian cysts are harmless and go away without any treatment otherwise one must be aware of How to Cure Ovarian Cysts Naturally.

Ovarian cysts are very common, particularly in women between the ages of 30 and 60. They may be single or multiple, and can occur in one or both ovaries. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but approximately 15 percent are malignant (cancerous).

The normal function of the ovaries is to produce an egg each month. During the process of ovulation, a cyst-like structure called a follicle is formed inside the ovary. The mature follicle ruptures when an egg is released during ovulation. The corpus leteum forms from the empty follicle and if pregnancy does not occur, the corpus leteum dissolves. Sometimes this process does not conclude appropriately causing the most common type of ovarian cyst -- functional ovarian cysts.

The following are possible risk factors for developing Ovarian Cysts:

1.       History of previous ovarian cysts

2.      Irregular menstrual cycles

3.      Increased upper body fat distribution 

4.      Early menstruation (11 years or younger)

5.      Infertility 

6.      Hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalance 

7.      Tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer

If you have an Ovarian Cyst, Symptoms are: 

·         Menstrual irregularities.

·         Pelvic pain- a constant or intermittent dull ache that may radiate to your lower back and thighs. Pelvic pain shortly before your period begins or just before it ends. Pelvic pain during intercourse

·         Nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness similar to that experienced during pregnancy

·         Fullness or heaviness in abdomen.

·         Pressure on bladder - difficulty emptying your bladder completely.

·         Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain

·         Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting

·         painful sex

·         weight gain.

Ayurvedic cures for Ovarian Cysts: Safe Remedies:

• Natural herbs such as Kachnaar Guggul, Pradrantak Churna and Chandraprabha Vati prove to be effective ayurvedic remedies for ovarian cyst as they not only balance the hormones but also alleviate pain and regulate irregular menstruation.
• Another ayurvedic home remedy for ovarian cyst is red clover that cures hormonal imbalance and maintains the right equilibrium between estrogen and testosterone hormones in women.
• Chaste berry, dandelion and black cohosh are also widely used as ayurvedic cures for ovarian cyst. These herbs are known to normalise irregular menstrual periods and hormonal disorders.
• Bee pollen is a powerhouse of nutrition and therefore is a competent ayurvedic cure for ovarian cyst. It also makes the reproductive system stronger.
• Walnuts, red chestnuts, milk of thistles, wild yam and wild oats are also well-known ayurvedic home remedies for ovarian cyst as they are proven to cure all types of ovarian problems.
• Herbs such as ginseng, fennel and sage help with hormone imbalances and prevent the formation of cysts.
• Fomentation with castor oil is also an effective ayurvedic cure for ovarian cyst.
• Dong quai, a popular Chinese herb helps to balance the hormones in the body, thereby promoting a healthy menstrual cycle and preventing cyst formation.
• Liquorice has the ability to affect the adrenal glands which regulate the production of hormones in the body. Due to its hormone regulating action, liquorice has the power to dissolve ovarian cysts naturally in the body.
• Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, garlic and whole grains help ease the pain and discomfort caused by ovarian cysts. Moreover, refrain from foods containing caffeine, alcohol, eggs, red meat, fats, white sugar and refined foods to prevent the recurrence of this problem.

Inclusion of fibre in the diet along with supplements of vitamins A, C and E is also helpful in dealing with ovarian cyst problems.  

However, a regular visit to a gynecologist probably would save us from lots of problems.