06. My Visit to Great Britain

Aug 29 to Sep 5, 1988 (9 days in England)

GREAT BRITAIN: The largest island in Europe in northwest of the continent and separated from the mainland by the English Channel-- constitutional monarchy comprising England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. London, Birmingham and Glasgow are major cities.

We landed at Weymouth Port in England and again riding on camper for the rest of our journey. In Weymouth we visited the Royal Hall where George III stayed, now converted into a Hotel. On the way visited Salisbury--Ameburg Stonehenge, the place where old inhabitants worshipped the Sun God.

STRATFORD: Shakespeare's birth place:- Stratford-upon-Avon:- Town in Warwickshires central England, famous for its association with William Shakespeare who was born and died there. A tourist center and the site of Shakespeare's annual festival.

Shakespeare,William (1564-1616) the greatest English dramatist and poet. He, the son of trades-man, was bor and dies in Stratford-upon-Avon. He had established a reputation in London both as anactor and a playwright. All ages have admired his command of language. We witnessed the drame "Tempest" writen by him the the Royal Shakespeare's theatre in Stratford. Night halt in Bed & Breakfast Home in the neighbouring village. In the morning we started to visit his birth place- John Harvard's home the founder of the Harvard University in Boston, USA -- The River  Avon -- Katherine's home (Shakespeare's sister) -- Hathaway's (his wife) home. Anne Hathaway was born at Shothery near Stratford and married Shekespeare in 1582. She bore him three children, a daughter Sisanna and the twins Hamnet and Judith. The farm house where they lived is preserved as a museum. We went around the museum and the gardens.

On the way to London, visited Oxford City in South Central England. The county town of Oxfordshire, it is between Thames River (known locally as the Isis) and its tributary, the Chewed. Its University (1249) is one of the World's most important places of learning; its historic buildings dominate the city center. Oxford is full of universities. Went around Queen's College, Trinity College where Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru studied, Biological College and University College. Arrived London  on 31st Aug 1988.

LONDON: the Capital of United Kingdom and one of the largest cities of the world covering 1580 square Kilometers (612 Square Miles) north and south of Thames River. the city of London is surrounded by Greater London which consists of 32 boroughs. One of these, the City of Westminster contains the House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, government ministries and Buckingham Palace. London is one of the world's most important banking and insurance centers and Britain's largest port. It is also a major industrial area, its products ranging from machinery, chemicals and motor vehicles to motion pictures, clothing and luxury goods.

Driven through the London Bridge (the very first recorded bridge to span the Thames River. The first London Bridge of  stone that replaced a wooden one was completed in 1209 and was lined with houses and chapel) reached Tower of London, the fortress or prison. The London Bridge is the subject of the famous nursery rhyme,
"London Bridge is falling down
Falling down, falling down
London Bridge is falling down
My fair lady."

We joined the tour. The guide explained the history of the Tower of London, Bloody Tower, Sackles, Middle Tower, Bauyer Tower and prisons.  He showed the places where the prisoners including the kings were beheaded and hanged. In the end he took us to the place where the jeweleries and the weapons of the king and queen were kept for safe custody behind the glass walls. We saw the royal Kohinoor Diamond from India decorated at the center of the crown. The dazzle of the diamond seemed to pierce our eyes. We are told that the jewels and ornaments are taken to the palace at the time of functions and ceremonies.

Visited St. Paul's Cathedral where Prince Charles married Princess Diana. Saw the House of the Parliament on the Thames from outside (not open to public),  and the Big Ben Clock. At night we viewed the production of the critically acclaimed musical "The Phantom of Opera" in Her Majesty's Theatre. Next day we saw the change-of-guards ceremony took place in front of the Buckingham Palace. We saw Palace Buildings from outside as it was restricted for public at that time.

Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British Sovereign, situated at the western end of St. James park between Bridgewalk and the Mall.

Visited Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park an ancient park in central London occupying 146 Hectares (360 acres). It became a royal deer park under Henry VIII. Charles I opened it to the public in 1635. Visited Marble Arch and Piccadilly Square -famous thoroughfare in western London, running west from Piccadilly Circus to Hyde Park corner. It forms the boundary of the Mayfair district. Drank coffee in Hard Rock Cafe. Dinner at Santhosh Indian Restaurant owned by a Keralite. Night halt in Adelphi Hotel, London.

September 1, 1988, Kapali left London to San Francisco and Lynn, Shanti & Sheila sailed over the English Channel from Dover to Calais, France, to return to the Camper at Amsterdam. After handing over the camper, they flew to Amsterdam to San Francisco.

On 2nd September, I was left alone now. I departed London via Metro train to Manchester to meet my friend Kalyanam and his family (boarding the train at Euston to Manchester- a two and a half hour journey) and stayed there for 3 days. Mr. Kalyanam took me to visit Manchester downtown village craft house and the highest peak in England. One night we had our dinner in Bangladeshi restaurant- a very hot spicy food. Returned from Manchester to Euston and from Euston to Heathrow Airport.

September 5, 1988, Boarded the British Airways in Business Class and arrived San Francisco and reached home safely.

This completed my Europe Tour - 42 days - From July 26, 1988 to September 5, 1988 with Kapali, Lynn, Shanti and Shiela.

CAME -- SAW -- CONQUERED.


Next comes my visit to Singapore, Bahamas, Africa ... !!!

05. My Visit to France

August 21 to August 28, 1988 (8 days in France)

FRANCE: Republic on the western seaboard of Europe. It is the country's oldest state. The country enjoys all three European Climates: Maritime, Continental and the Mediterranean. Its richest resource is the soil. France is the world's second largest producer of wines after Italy. It is also heavily industrialized and tourism is a major industry.

Entered France through Monaco. Visited Monte Carlo Casino and played Poker. Visited City of Nice. Nice capital of departmental of Alps Maritime, France on the Mediterranean Sea.  It is a famous tourist resort and important as a commercial port and industrial city. In Nice, we visited Metropolis gallery -- Jeux American Casino in Hotel de Paris. Night halt in Le Cap Estel Hotel in Eze  Village at the top of the mountain. Left the hotel and arrived at Cap Ferrat and passed through Cannes and visited Yacht harbor.


Arrived Vienne (Venice)--beautiful city-- Visited Macon Church, Burgundy Wine Store, Abbey DeCluny, Auscere Church, and the Queen's Castle having several fountains and enormous statues, where Mary, wife of Louis XIV lived.  It is still amazing to view the beautiful and marvellous garden paintings on the walls of the Castle.


PARIS:- Capital of France. On the Seine River in the north of the country. It is the adminstrative, cultural and commercial center of France. Capital since 987, it has witnessed many revolutions, including the French Revolution of 1789. Its architecture included the churches of Notre Dame and Scree Coeur, the Eiffel Tower and the art galleries of Louvre, the Jen-de-Paume and the Pompidou center. In Paris wherever you turn you can find colorful fountains and statues.  Visited the League of Nations Buildings --the sewage system-- (Eiffel Tower, an iron tower on the left bank of the Seine in Paris, now standing 300 metres--984 feet--high designed by the French Engineer and Architect Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (1823-1923) and originally erected for the Paris Exhibition of 1889). Went to the top of the tower. There are no words to express the panaromic view from the top. Visited University of Paris & Luxemburg Park. We were lucky to witness the outdoor cinema filming going on in the park. Visited the Senate Bulding (from outside only); Flower and Flea Markets; Federal Courts; Pompibeu Museuml and Paris-Aride-Trompee Museum.


VERSAILLS:- visited Versaills City in north central France on the southwestern outskirts of Paris. It was village until Louis XIV built his palace and transferred his court in 1682. Louis XIV is also known as the "Sun King" (1638-1715) is the greatest of the Bourbon monarches. After the death of Cardinal Mazarin in 1616, Louis asserted his authority insisting on the divine right of Kings.

Visited Louis' brilliant court which he presided and his majestic Palace and the Queen's Palace. The thrones, crowns, weapons, beds, furnitures including the walls all are gold plated and engraved with precious stones,.  Visited Armory Museum where weapons used in World War I (1914 - 1918) and Workd War II (1939-1945) are exhibited, National Assembly Concord Memorial, Museum-de-Louvere-Neapolian Palace where he lived is now converted into a museum. Neapolian burial place and his tomb. Again in Paris visited Lafeyette Departmental Stores, one of the biggest stores in the world, built at the junction of 3 main cross streets connecting the 3 streets by bridges on upper levels. Visited Opera House Industrial Museum, exhibits from olden, modern and future times are displayed there. Visited Sacree Coeur Church at the top mountain--oldest one in the World-- and Caricature Market.

Leaving Paris for St Micheil de Mont Island  connected by a dike to the mainland. There we visited the Church and then proceeded to Cherburg harbor where we boarded the ship with our camper to ferry to Great Britain from France.

04. My Visit to Italy

Aug 14 - Aug 20, 1988 - 7 days in Italy

Italy is a republic in Southern Europe. The Republic was declared in 1946 after the country's defeat in World War II. Rich in cultural heritage and with many holiday resorts, much of the country is heavily dependent on tourism. The capital of the country is Europe.

We entered Italy through Venice (Venecia) a port of Northern Italy. The capital of Venetia of the Venezia Province, it lies in narrow canals a lagoon on 118 alluvial islands mostly separated by narrow canals crossed by some 400 bridgels. A road and rail causeway links it with the mainland.

Founded in the 15th century AD, Venice built an earthly maritime empire. It is world famous for its art and architecture including the Byzantine Cathedral of St. Mark. Tourism, glass an textiles are main industries.

I visited Venice. Since no cars were allowed into the city, it was necessary for us to park our camper outside the city limit.

Visited Augustus Caesar's Palace -- 16th century paintings -- Viewed Michaelangelo's immortal painting The Last Supper, Senate House, Miners House, Great Council Chamber (a great hall without any pillars under a big domw. Prison-- Ravine-- Rimini Beach -- Ricconic Beach-- hired a gondola for romantic rides in the channels and spent one hour in the gondola.

Traveled from Venice to Ancona on winding mountain roads--one side the Adriatic Sea and the other steep mountain ranges-- a grand view to look at the sea from the mountain tops. Visited the Gardinal Gardens full of beautiful fountains and colorful plants and shrubs and sweet smelling flowers and then proceeded to Sisten Chapel-- full of monuments and statues.

ROME:- Capital of Italy and of the Latium region known as the Eternal City. On the Tiber River it was built by the Romulus brothers on the Palatine Hill (753 BC). Once the cente of Roman Empire, it had many ancient remains including the Forum and Colosseum. Gradually it came under papal control until it was annexed by Italy in 1870. During the Renaissance it was flourishing art center and it is rich in buildings and works of art of the period. Rome became Italy's capital in 1871. It is also cultual tourist and manufacturing center.

Visited Old Roman's Senate-- Forum (the public square and market place of an ancient Roman City that was the assembly place for judicial and other public activity) and Pantheon Dome (Temple of Gods and Goddesses). Visited Sistene Chapel in Vatican city full of monuments and statues.

Vatican City: An independent state, the smallest in the world, lying within Rome in central Italy. The state is ruled by the Pope and administered by a lay governor and a council appointed by him. It is the supreme government of the Roman Catholic Church. Tourism and sale of its postage stamp provides the state's income. St. Peter's Basilica lies within the Vatican City, sometimes known as the Holy See.

(POPE: The bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Churches on earth, considered by Catholics to be, by apostolic succession from St. Peter, the vicar of Christ on earth.)

Public Audience: When Pope is in Vatican, he gives public audiences on all Wednesdays. We were lucky enough to participate in the audience. More than 10,000 people assembled in a great hall, waiting in anticipation to hear the words of the divine man. There was a long line which took 3 hours to reach the hall. The Pope addressed the assembly and blessed the audience at the end of the speech. He then received the people who had prior appointments to the podium and blessed them personally. The audience was held from 10 Am to 12 noon.

After being blessed by the Pope we visited the Trivi Fountain. People surrounded the fountain and threw coins into it hoping their wishes will come true. From there we went  to Spanish Steps, called the Lovers' Steps attracted hundreds of peoples with newly married couples throughout day and night. The night scenery was more attractive with musics, songs and dances.

Colosseum - An amphitheater in Rome built by Vespasian and Titus (AD 75- 80) Theater of Death where 2000 gladiators might fight on a single Roman Holidau. It is a four-storied complex of arches and arcades 48 meters big with 80 arches around the exterior. Individual boxes were provided for emperor and chief city officials. The seating capacity is 45,000 people. The elliptical arena is measuring 280 feet by 175 feet. It was constructed with a soundness which has endured for almost two millenia and is a striking monument to the skills of Roman engineers. Overall the Colosseum is 189 meters long and 156 meters wide. Mortal combat between  men or men and beasts was the dramatic form most often staged in the Colosseum. The last neast hunt was held in the Colosseum in 523 AD. Also visited the dilapidated palaces, ruined buildings, decayed statues, broken roads and pavements etc.

Left Rome for Florence. On the way we visited the Catacombes (underground old caves) where Christians took shelter from the attacks of the Romans. Hundreds of Christians were massacred by them. Our guide was an Indian from Calcutta by name Joseph. He took special interest in us and had a nice conversation with us after the tour. Our next visit was the Caste of Angelo on the way.

FLORENCE: Italian name Firenze. City in the Tuscany region of north central Italy on the Armo River, at the foo of Apeninnes. It was one of the most powerful and artistically brilliant city-states of the Italian Renaissance when it was under the rule of the Medici family. Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Dante and Donatello were all active in the city. Visited Uffizi galleries and the Cathedral, saw beautiful paintings, carvings and statues and walking through the downtown streets. Florence Corporation keeps the city very clean and neat though thousands of many kinds of visitors roaming the streets of the city everyday.

Leaving for PISA. We halted at the Sea Shore Resort Hotel, Pisa spending 3 hours of surfing, swimming, sun-bath, playing on the marina and taking rest under the shadows of the umbrellas.

Tower of Pisa, Leaning Tower of the Cathedral Pisa in Tuscany, Italy. The tower was built in 1174 AD and the chamber at the top was completed at about 1350 AD. During the construction which had a foundation too shallow to support, it leaned toward the south. Its deviation was accidental rather than intentional. It is about nearly 179 feet high. It deviates nearly 17 feet from the vertical. We climbed to the top of the tower and observed the view of the city.

03. My visit to Switzerland and Austria

Aug 9 - Aug 11, 1988 - Visit to Switzerland

Switzerland is a land-locked country in western Europe. It is a world center of finance and tourism. Its main exports are watches, clocks, jewelry, instruments and textiles. It has become the base of many international organizations like Red Cross and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its nickname is Playgound of the World.

Capital BERN: situated in the Aar River in the west central part of the country. The city joined the Swiss Confederation (1353) and became its capital in 1848. Bern is also the name of the canton that surrounds the city.

We entered Switzerland through Basel. It is the capital of the Basel Canton (Swiss State). It lies in the Rhine River at the meeting point  of France, Germany and Swiss Borders. It is called the cornerstone of these countries. It is also a major business and industrial center.

Reached the Lucerne Lake camp site. Lake Lucerne is a resort lake in central Switzerland. Lake Lucerne is one of Europe's foremost vacation playgrounds . Situated in central Switzerland, this pristine lake is revered for its scenic beauty.  The majestic Alps serve as a backdrop for the lake which offersa vast array of exciting activities for visitors to partake in. The City Lucerne, on the banks of Lake Lucerne is the capital of Canton Lucerne and one of the leading resorts. I spent 2 hours in swimming and boating in the lake.

Climbing the Alps Mountain: The Alps is a major mountain system consisting of a great arc of fold mountains, which runs for 8000 KiloMeters (5000 miles) through France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Yugoslavia. The highest peak, Mount Blanc in France rises to 4800 meters (15,771 feet). We climbed the Mount Pilatus Peak in Swiss. Went up the hill via cable car and descended down via Mountain Train. Enjoyed the scenic beauty of the mountain slopes and surroundings from the top of the Mountain Pilatus. Really Switzerland is the playground of the world. Next day we went on a cruise on the lake and took complete rest in the tents in the lake campgrounds enjoying the cool breeze and mountain sceneries

Next day we visited Zurich - the capital of Zurich Canton, northern Switzerland, on the Limmat River on the north shore of Lake Zurich. It is the cultural center of German speaking Switzerland and is best known of its banking and financial facilities. Our camp was on the Zurich Lake campground. Visited St. Margeten Church - Baden Weiler Clock Museum. Because of the painstaking attention to detail and precision Swiss timepieces earned their place as the best in the World.


August 12, 1988 - Austria

Landlocked Alpine republic in Central Europe. We passed through the longest tunnel 5 miles from Switzerland to Austria. Visited the Bellingen where we took massage in a parlor. A half-naked lady massaged me for one hour all over my body. She skillfully twisted my body this way and that way and took knuckles all over the joints. It was a great relief to me for the travel pains so far done. We also visited a Roman Bath where men and women in nude taking baths in the same pool. But both sexes could not be seen by each other. The pool is carefully planned and efficiently constructed in a horse-shoe shape separating the two ghats.

Aug 12 & 13, 1988 (Again in Germany)

Munich Capital of Bavaria, West Germany. It is the cultural, industrial and commercial focus of southern Germany and major tourist center. Its products include machinery, chemicals, instruments and beer. Founded on the Isar River (1158). Hitler founded the National Socialist (Nazi) movement in Munich in 1919. The city was destroyed and burnt in the World War II and again got rebuilt. It now stands as one of the most industrialized centers of the World.

I visited the Town Square where a Mother Mary Statue (like the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA) is erected with her right hand raising over her head as a symbol of blessing the people with prosperity and peace. The large column at the center of the square is known as the column of St. Mary. It was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish invasion. The statue is topped by a gilded statue of Virgin Mary which was sculpted earlier, in 1590 by Hubert Gerhard. At each corner of the column's pedestal is a statue of a putti, created by Ferdinand Murmann. The four putti's symbolize the city's overcoming of war, pestilence, hunger and heresy.

The city was the site of the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. Next visit to Olympic Village and BMW Factory. We weren't given permission to go inside the factory. We visited the site of the Concentration Camp in Dachau (Concentration Camp - an internment camp where prisoners, primarily innocent Jewish citizens, enemy aliens and political prisoners were confined and subject to brutal treatment and unspeakable horrors by the Nazi Germans)