angel1

My son came to see fodors.com while searching for eating options for vegetarians. We learned that we are actually Vegans and not vegetarians. It was interesting exchange of thoughts which certainly helped us in a way. But let me tell you honestly, we survived on breakfast containing bread, butter, jams, cheese, fruits and fruit juices. We ate lot of chocolates and sweet bakery products plentily available in Cafes. My son and daughter, age 19 and 23 were full of energy and ready to explore maps of every city, I was exhausted at the end of trip, not because of not eating well, but walking a lot in Cairo, Giza and Luxor at the end of the trip. After return I had to take lot of rest and multivitamins to come to a normal routine. Now for the fodorites, who want to know our adventure, here is our tour report.

angel1

We checked all preparations, papers, cash, Euro travel card and credit cards. Packed our 3 cabin bags and a small duffle bag with eatable like Chiwda,Laddu etc, which prepared for the just-over Diwali festival. On 8th evening, after dinner in a restaurant near bus station, my husband waived off his hands as we boarded to bus to Goa. A sleeper coach to Goa was booked. We had booked train tickets also a month in advance, but were still in waitlist so had to cancel it. We reached Goa 9 am on 9th Nov. We wanted to go to hotel, but a taxi driver offered us full day goa trip including visit to Shantadurga and Mangesh temples. He also offered a small visit to a hotel just to change clothes and freshen up. It worked out nice. After visiting churches, temples and beaches in Goa, we had a lunch in vegetarian restaurant and then reached Airport about 7 pm. Condor flight left Goa at 1955. After 2 hours break in Bahrain, our flight reached Frankfurt about 6am on 10th Nov. We had booked a train ticket from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen station to Koeln via main train station of Frankfurt. We kept our luggage at Frankfurt train station. 6 Euros for one big cabinet. We had breakfast in restaurant on the train station, and then came out of train station. It was very cold about 8 degrees and windy. We bought a day ticket for 3 for Central region of the city and went to central frankfurt where shops were getting ready for christmas. Spent some time near the church and just wandered, enjoyed the music on the streets. My son watched different kinds of car models and took photos. Evening we came back to station and catched the train to Koeln. Reached around 7.30 pm. We were to be picked up by our friend in Koeln, but I don't know why, I could not see him, neither his telephone was reachable. Our alternate plan was to stay in youth hostel in Koeln Deutz. We just took S-bahn and reached the hostel. Our room was 4 bed dormitory but very spacious and clean. We loved the hospitality of the staff, and also the breakfast next day. 11.11 was the day of announcement of Carneval, so after breakfast, we headed to Neumarkt and Heumarkt. Whole afternoon was spent there, had whatever we could buy and drink, after visit to Koelner Dom, we booked Eurolines bus for the next day to Brussels. On 12th Nov. our bus started at 5.30 am to Brussels and reach about 9 am. At the main station in Brussels, we bought a day ticket and Map. First we went to main square and then wandered in the central brussels, visited chocolate shops, Manneken Pis statue and had lunch in an Indian restaurant. Then went to autominium and mini-Europe. My children loved to see mini-europe. It was raining so we just came to main station and spent an hour before departure back to Koeln. A group of dancers was practicing on the open space in the train station which was a good time-pass for us. Our bus reached at 11.30 in the night. Our hostel wasn't too far from Koeln Bahnhof. So we just went to our room and prepared for the next day.

angel1

13th November was Saturday. We bought a Schoeneswochenede Ticket for 37 Euros in which we 3 travelled to Berlin. We had to change the trains 4 times during the journey. The purpose of this long travel was to the scenery and the land of Germany, west to east. We had lunch with the food which we carried and bought whatever we could buy at the bakeries on train stations. We reached Berlin at 8 pm and then headed to the hostel near Alexanderplatz. It had more international ambience but our room was big and clean. My son was busy downloading photographs and videos from cameras in to our laptop. Early morning we reached Alexanderplatz, bought a Gruppentagesticket for U-bahn. It made our travel within Berlin quite easy. First we went to Potsdamer Platz, went up to see Panorama Punkt. Then we went to Brandenburger gate, reichstag, spend some time by the river, and then walked down Strasse des 17te Juni. We wanted to see the biggest floh-markt but were disappointed to see no one there. But we decided to try some other place. We went to Mauerpark, found few nice things to take home. We had a list of places which we covered one by one. We just travelled on strassenban and buses to see Berlin at night. We found an Indian restaurant and could satisfy our taste-buds to some extent. In the night we packed our luggage in 3 cabin bags only as we were to board easyjet flight next morning to Barcelona.

angel1

We took a train to Berlin Schoenefeld airport and our easijet flight was on time. We reached Barcelona airport at around 11 am, then took a train shuttle to city. It costed us 18 euros per person and the ticket was valid for the entire day on all other means of transport within the city. So we took metro to the station near to our hotel. Our hotel was in a lane adjoining La Rambla. In front of our hotel was an Indian restaurant. We got ready, had lunch and then went to Sagreda Familia. Saw the museum and then came to a metro station on Rambla, walked down on Rambla to the sea where statue of Columbus points towards America. Spent some time near the sea. Went to McD'nalds in the mall on the sea. Walked down the streets and admired everything we saw and liked. We wanted to see Barcelona at night, so we jumped in a bus touring in the city. Spent about 2 hours on the bus, came back to La Rambla de Mar, had food in McDonald's, visited supermarket on Rambla and bought other things to eat. Our hotel was very nice clean and had a definite spanish character. We were tired, but eager to explore the city. By this time, my daughter had become expert in map reaching. Next day, first we went to Columbus point again, spent some time planning our day, bought a day-ticket again and went to see kassel. We took rope-way up there. My children did not find it very impressive because they had seen last year the 3.5 Km long ropeway to Genting Highland in Malaysia. The visit to Cassel was nice as the weather was nice and day was sunny througout. Then we went to see many other places including churches and park guell. We came back, took our luggage, went to Estacio to catch train to the Airport, boarded the easyjet flight to CDG Paris.

angel1

It was 16th Nov. evening. We reached CDG airport at 11.30 pm. Walked a long way to catch RER to city but we were told that the last train has gone and we will have to take CDGval. We took CDGval to catch airprt bus to RER station. It was almost full and started immediately. By the time we reached RER station it was midnight. It was about 5 degrees and windy. I did not dare to see whether any train is available or not. A last taxi (private) at that place was probably was waiting for passenger like us. He took us to the hotel and charged 50 Euros.

angel1

Hotel Tourisme is a nice little hotel about 10 minutes walk from the Eiffel tower. On 17th Nov. morning, we got up late, got ready, walked down the street, had breakfast, bought few things for eating on the way, and headed to Eiffel tower. We had bought online ticket which we came to know that it was only upto the second floor. We had to buy another one costing 5 Euros each to the top floor. It was afternoon and we then travelled to Louvre museum. We wanted to spend time till evening there. We visited Monalisa and other famous creations, took photos, came out and walked down till Arc de Triumph. Spent some time on Champs Elysees. Then took train again to Eiffel tower to watch its sparkling. Took a boat ride on the Sein. Then boarded a bus for a small round in the city. Here we missed our dinner, but went to hotel and had whatever we had in the stock.

angel1

We packed our luggage again in 3 cabin bags and kept at the reception at the hotel. Had breakfast and started to explore the map of Paris. Saw plenty of churches including Notre Dame. Had lunch and wandered till the evening. Bought few lotions and perfumes. In Paris we bought day ticket for Metros. In the evening we collected our luggage and headed to Orly airport. We reached Orly airport in the night about 10 pm. We had bought our food and drinks for the night. We spent our night at Orly airport in the lounge next to the Chapel on the second floor. We checked in for our easyjet flight to Venice was at 5.40 am. We reached Venice at 7 am. We took bus to Piazzale Roma, bought a 24 hours valid ticket for waterbus. Went to CaDOro and then walked down to find our hostel in small narrow lane. The hotel was good, our room was spacious and clean,with TV and nice paintings on the wall. The roofing style made me remember my childhood days and was very relaxed. The water in the canals was smelling as I was expecting. Twelve years back when I was in Venice and it smelt a lot, probably because that was summer and the water was green. Also the level of water was up as they were expecting Acqua Alta which will flood the streets and the hotel person warned us we will have to buy boots. I didn't want to do that for such a small period of stay in Venice. I enquired elsewhere and was relieved to know that it will be on Sunday morning, when we were about to leave venice. We had two full days in Venice. After keeping our luggage and having pizza in the nearby restaurant, we went to St.Marks square, visited all the places we wanted to, also went to Murano island to see glass factory. Bought lot of souvenirs, t-shirts, cosmetics and presents. From Italy onward we had no weight restriction for onward return flights, so bought one big backpack where we can buy and keep things. We wandered in the narrow lanes of Venice and got lost many times. That is the beuty of Venice. It was an Experience finding ways in the Venice. We had sumptuous meals with Pizzas and Pastas. Next day we went to Burano and admired the coloured buildings, bought some embroidered things and other souvenirs. Our ticket had expired but ventured in traveling with expired tickets and it worked. This day in venice was very exciting and relaxed and we had lot of fun. We arrived in the hotel late night and next morning left around 8 am, so as to avoid our shoes getting wet. We walked down to Santa Lucia train station. With our luggage we had to cross five bridges, but in the morning it was fun and the weather was nice. As we reached train station, we saw that the water level was already touching the ground in front of the station. We had bought tickets earlier evening only. We took a train to Mestre station and then boarded train to Florence. We got down at Florence around 11.30 am. It was raining. We kept luggage at the station locker and walked down to Main square. Spent about 1 hour there and then we came back to station and boarded a train to Pisa. We reached Pisa about 3.30 in the afternoon. We immediately got a bus to Pisa Leaning tower. We spent only one hour there. I was there for the second time. My children were also not very impressed and did not want to climb up. So we came back to station. As my children got back our luggage, I bought ticket to Roma. It was 18 Euros per person. The travel was about 3 hours. We reached Rome Termini station in the late evening, and walked down to the hostel. By the time we checked in, it was about 11.30 in the night. The room was shabby. First we were given place in 8 bed dormitory and we were surprised as we were promised to give a separate 4 bed dormitory entirely for 3 of us. I immediately cancelled the next 2 days booking. But since we had to pay for one night and it was already 12 midnight, we shifted to 6 bed dormitory where there already 3 other persons. A couple and a backpacker. As my children went to sleep, I was discussing a plan for the next day with the backpacker. He was from Mexico and met us again on couple of places in Rome. We came down the in the morning and walked down the street to find a good hotel. Luckily the negotiations worked and we got an excellent room with good rates in a 4 star hotel. The lady owner was personally entertaining all the guests with her dedicated hospitality. We were happy to talk to someone friendly for the first time. Later we came to know that she knows well about Indian way of living. We checked in with our luggage. The room was on the 2nd floor but the lady and her niece helped us with the luggage. Then we just picked up 2-3 maps on which she marked the way to explore Rome. We did exactly the way she advised. We went to colosseum, roman forum, neighbouring ruins, paletine hill, and many other places like pantheon,campo de fiori, lot of churges, government buildings etc. We walked throughout the day. It was night by the time we reached Trevi Fountain. Then we came back our hotel and was happy to see the welcoming smile of the owner lady. Next day we had a heavy breakfast and then went to buy a day ticket for bus travel. We first went to Vatican St.Peter's basilica, a museum inside, then to Vatican Museum. My daughter wanted to take photos but couldn't. We were in sistine chapel and then went to see creations of Raphael and Michaelangelo. Then we went to transvere street. Had Pizza and Pasta and bought nice cheap things at the market on the street. We came back home in the night after my daughter ensured that we haven't left anything untouched.

angel1

On 24th Nov. we had flight from Rome to Cairo at 13.45. We got up late, had breakfast, packed our things in 3 check-in luggage and 3 cabin bags. Actually we converted our earlier 3 cabin bags into check-in by putting all heavy things and the things we may not unpack in Egypt. One duffle bag, one backpack was with us as cabin bag where we packed the things required handily. We had done lot shopping in Italy including 4 purses and 4 kilo of chocolates. Me and my daughter used 2 purses to keep the things handy with us. So as far luggage was no more a worry as we had 30 kg checkin plus cabin luggage allowance with Egypt air. We arrived in Cairo at 6 pm. We were not happy with the service of the airline. We had booked vegmeals but the crew apologised for that not been loaded on the plane. It was chaos within the crew. But we were in our enjoying mood. After arrival at the airport, the tourist counter was manned but kept quiet as somebody tried to offer us taxi to downtown. We knew it could be 60 pounds but he wanted 150. Lastly he agreed for 100 and we were taken to the hostel in downtown. The traffic was horrible and it took good one hour to reach. Our room was so-so but the host was excellent. As our luggage was retiring in the room, I discussed with him about places to see in Cairo. I had no fixed plans. I had just a brief plan that I will see Giza pyramids the first day and will travel by train to Alexandria the next day. Third day for seeing islamic cairo and Khan-el-Khalili market. But as I mentioned my wish to Luxor, he gave us two plans, one with night train to luxor and back, or air travel to and fro luxor. Finally we worked a good plan. First day in Sakkara and Giza pyramids. Air-conditioned van with driver and english speaking guide, fully at our disposal, lunch included. The second day - early morning flight to luxor, visit to luxor temple, valley of kings and queens and other 2-3 places, airport transfer, air-conditioned van with guide and pick up at every place, lunch included and some time at the hotel to relax. This worked out well. We enjoyed climbing pyramids to some level, taking photos with Sphinx. We were bothered by lot of men dressed in traditional dresses and wanted us take picture with them for money. For us it is not new and managed them quite well. Next day we had no time to take bath in the morning, as the flight was at 4.30 am. We reached luxor with Egyptair domestic flight early morning. People who were to take care of us did their job perfectly plus a boat trip on Nile was given complimentary. Vegetarian lunch organised was okay. The guide in luxor was not able to understand us and his story telling was not getting into our heads. So I told the organizer and he promptly changed the guide. The lady who took us around till evening was very nice and we promised each other to be in touch. Late night our flight from luxor arrived in Cairo and we were promptly picked up by our driver with a proper board in his hand etc. We had to leave the hostel next day but our flight from Cairo to Mumbai was at 10 pm. So we kept the luggage with the hostel. We went to see Egyptian Museum which was 10 minutes walk from the hostel. Spent some time there and then went to citadel where we were supposed to picked up by my friend's sister. As she got some late, the policemen helped us with their telephone and then it was okay. She took us to her house. I also met my another friend who was my class-mate in Germany 12 years ago. It was nice surprise. We kept on talking and asking about our families. She cooked a typical palestinian rice for us and served with yogurt. We felt at home talking to her two daughters. We took photos and then she dropped us back to the hostel. We saw the Khan-el-khalili market from the outside but dropped the plan to get in as it looked like the one we saw in Luxor, and we had no plans to buy anything. We had already bought Maramia and roasted watermelon seeds and dates. So we said bye and picked up our luggage for the airport. While getting out I did not forget to take the photographs of the entrance of the Indian Embassy.The driver took us to the airport in half an hours time. I was jealous knowing the price of gas for the vehicles. No wonder their roads are packed with vehicles. It was enjoyable but tiresome program in Egypt. We reached Mumbai airport 9 am. I had booked through email a pickup service of Sandi's. Their driver picked up us and we were at home sweet home by 12.3o noon. My husband had come the night before and was waiting for us. We had called him from Mumbai airport about arrival. I was almost flat for two days, while my children were again looking at the big world map hanging on the wall of my son's bedroom.

Judy

Thank you for writing this trip report, angel1. You must have been exhausted after a trip like this!

Cathinjoetown

I am exhausted just reading your report! You accomplished so much in a very short time and am so glad all went well. I would have been "flat" for a week after getting back.

StCirq

I'm...speechless.

J62

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. Thanks for reporting back.

Cimbrone

To each his own, I guess.

annhig

angel, I'm exhausted just reading it. sort of "stream of conciousness" or travel alla James Joyce.

please, if/when you post something like this again, you consider using some paragraphs? it would make it a lot easier to read -though i suspect,if you will forgive me saying this, you write like you travel!

Ackislander

Bless you! I am lost in admiration of your persistance and your cheerful courage. Your children are very fortunate you have you as a mother!

cheryllj

"We learned that we are actually Vegans and not vegetarians."

FYI -- If you eat cheese, you are not a vegan. Vegans do not eat cheese, milk, yogurt or anything else dairy. You had it right the first time, you're a vegetarian.

grapes

-Ok, I have to bite on this one. "butter, cheese, chocolate, and bakery sweets." Reminds me of a vegetarian friend from India while at University. Every time she finished eating her meat lovers pizza, "Oh No! Did that have beef in it?"

just27

Amazing stamina. I feel like such an under-achiever, staying in just two cities for a whole week each. It sounds like you had fun, so good for you!

kerouac

I just now got to read this incredible report. I have always felt that it is better to do a whirlwind trip than no trip at all, but this sort of trip should perhaps be renamed a "tornado" trip. ;-)

I hope that some of the people who are always worried about arriving late at night in various cities have read this, as well as the ones who believe that all you can do is rest on the first day of arrival in any city that you go to.

angel1

Eventhough with perfect planning and zeal, I always learn new things in travelling. Just for readers of fodors, I wish to share it. When we were catching CDGval shuttle, it was beeping before closing the doors, but as I was used to Germany's trains, where they won't shut till you are boarding, we tried to venture getting in. I could board but my children just couldn't and remained on the platform. I just asked them to wait. I went to next stop, took return shuttle next minute and came back, then we travelled together. So then onwards, I always kept hotel address and tel. no.with both of them and also some euros, in case.

Also at different airports we had different experiences with security. We had bought a cuttlery set consisting of small 5 spoons and 5 small forks (which you use to eat cake)in our cabin luggage. It went through without any problem in 2 easyjet flights. But at Paris airport, they opened the bag and removed the forks. I argued with the lady security officer and that's why they kept a security guy to constantly watch over us till the flight left. It did not affect our mood because we were laughing to the so rare common sense used by security personnel. Another example, the metal detector beeped on my hand and she asked me to show what it is. I showed my gold bangle. She saw it, but then asked me to remove it and put in the tray for scanning. I couldn't understand why it was necessary to scan a small and obvious object like bangle.