Quote:
Originally Posted by TaureanBull Some nice teasing pics. Here is my first volley of questions, some of them silly:-
1. Where do you get the Schengen visa? Is there something known as Euro embassy or from any Embassy of the member country?
2. Please cover the language problems, if any, faced by you.
3. Cover the food aspect too. How about the food? How did you manage it? How friendly is it to veg people?
OT : Can anyone recommend (incl you) the countries to be visited in 14 days period (UK and France must) with reasonable comfort (I mean not in a hurry)? I am planning for June end next year. |
Do not worry - I will flood this thread with Pics!! Just keep watching!!
1. VFS Global:
VFS Global
Any one country VISA of the Schengen group of countries, will do (either the country you will be landing first
or the country you will be staying for the maximum days). You can travel anywhere in Europe. You have to get the VISA stamped in India, before leaving.
2. France: Hardly anybody speak English. Had a tough time - Even while making people understand
vegetarian sandwiches!!
Germany: One can manage with English.
Austria: Manageable - Similar to Germany.
England: Off course - Yes!!
3. Subway is the only saving grace in France! If you are a vegetarian, and if you want to eat out - You had it!! Germany and Austria are better.
Food outside is very expensive. And also, it will be without salt and spice! It is un bearable after a couple of days! My wife and my daughter are pure vegetarians. We preferred to cook and carry food with us. Otherwise surviving for a month is impossible! More about it later.
4. Nothing is OT - You can ask me anything.
It depends on what you want to cover. If you like Urban marvel - I would suggest - One week in London and One week in Paris - 2 greatest cities in the world - Excellent! - You will love it. Your fifteen days self catering accomodation cost you about 2500 USD. Plus city transport passes will be another 500 USD. You can freak out!
On the other hand, if you like country side, Stay in Kent (England) for a week and One week in Germany or Austria.
Another photo of Eurail:
Sun used to raise by 6 am. The day light used to continue until 9 pm in the night!! Long day!! Temperature was varying between 4 degree and 10 degree centigrade.
We used to get up by 6 am, have breakfast, pack lunch and leave by 8 am. We would come back by 8 pm - cook and eat dinner!! and go to bed by 10 pm!! We used to be tired after walking for atleast 5 Kms a day! Good night sleep! Twice in a week, we used to eat outside. Sunday's used to be our laundry day. Off course, Washing machine, drying machine and iron box - used to be available for our use, free of cost / 2 Euros.
We had carried rice, wheat, ragi, spices ... etc with us. We would buy milk, curds, vegetables, fruits, eggs, bread, sugar, salt, butter .... etc - once in every week, which would be enough for the whole week. A week's grocery would cost us not more than 100 USD.
For me, a holiday is a change. It does not mean relaxation. I believe in doing something different for atleast 3 weeks in a year. This will recharge batteries and give our body and mind, new found energy. At the end of the holiday, we will be charged up and raring to go!!