Kassel Trip

Kassel Wilhemsohe is a small town know for its Castle Park built by king Wilhemsohe.
This park is know to few travelers but an amazing place to visit. From Dusseldorf its a 4 hour Journey by RE. With a weekend ticket of 30 euro upto five persons can travel

Myself and my wife we both started at 6:00am in the morning on 9th Nov 2008, because of some delay in the train we reached 45 min late around 11:00 am. From the main station there is a tram to the Castle park every 25 min.

We reached the park at 11:16 and started walking. Next to the stop where we got down for the park there is an information center where you can get a map of the park. After a 10 min walk from the starting point of the park we saw a huge building on the hill this is the Kassel Palace. Now its a museum and you will be able to enter into it only by taking a guided tour in German. So we had to opt out.

We just took some snaps in front of the palace and started walking to the old fort inside the park the fort is an amazing place as we went in the winter all the leaves in the fort garden were shattered and I felt I am back in ages while walking in the path which is covered by the trees on both the sides after walking through them you can see the fort.

After visiting the fort back to it there was a bus stop where you can take a bus to different parts of the park. We got into the bus after having some food what we packed from home and got down two stops from there. There is a path which leads to the status of Hercules that on top big tower which is in turn constructed on top of the hill.

After a 15 min walk we reached at the foot of the hill. At the foot f the hill there is a large pool and at one corner you can see the statue of Nereus (Sea God). To reach to the top of the hill you have stairs all the way till top and in between the steps on both side water flows step down. After reaching the top you see a large arena where again there is a small pool where you see two status on either sides from which the water sprinkle. After reaching the top you can see the breath taking views of Kassel City and the park. The views of park from this place are amazing during autumn full of colors. We were not able to go onto the top of the building where the Hercules statue was placed as the renovation work was going on. Then after spending some time we started walking down. At 4:30 pm we started back to Dusseldorf and reached home at 10:00 pm night.

Please check the snaps from My Picasa Web albums.

From Kassel Wilhemsohe

From Kassel Wilhemsohe

Stuttgart Trip

Stuttgart is located in southern Germany know for Mercedes Benz. Birth place for the bullet trains and Mercedes Benz.

We planned to myself, my wife and other colleagues here had planned a two day trip to Wurzburg and Hohenzollern Castle. we planned only stay in Stuttgart as it was mid way between Wurzburg and Hechingen the small town near the castle.

Day One:
We started on Saturday 18 October 2008, we had booked tickets to Wurzburg and ICE (f trains) it a 3 hour journey from Dusseldorf. we started at 6:06 am early morning and reached at 9:05 am. After we got down the Wurzburg station we came out and entered a tram to reach The Residenz as we got the info from net. But to double check we asked the tram driver whether the tram goes to the place he told that its walkable, hence we got down and started walking the place was around 1.5 km from the station. We went to the Residenz and took a tour for 4 Euro per person. We went around the Palace and after that we went to the park that is in the backyard. Took couple of snaps and then went to the Fortress Marienberg we got Bus no 9 around 12:30 pm in front of the Residenz which took us directly to the fort(Last stop). The fort is very big one and one of must to see places in Wurzburg. After some spending time emptied our boxes and then started walking down towards the Old Alter Bruck. Then we saw the dom and took a tram again to the Main station. At evening 4:00 pm we started back to Stuttgart as our hotel accommodation was booked in Stuttgart. We stayed in Hotel Golden Leaf. After reaching Stuttgart we took a group ticket for local travel. got into S6 to Zuffenhausen. The hotel is around ten minutes walk from the station but as we were confused we had to struggle a bit to reach the hotel.

After reaching hotel couple of us came to take something to eat we also bought a small cake to Celebrate my birthday. Night we celebrated my Birthday and then we slept.

Day Two;
We had plans of starting at 8:22 am but postponed it to 10:16 am connection there are only two connections from Stuttgart to reach the Hohenzollern Castle. we got into the RE and something funny happened with us we had to change the compartment of the train at Tübingen but we were playing cards inside the same compartment till the DB guy came and told that we need to change. But by the time it was too late and we had to catch the next connection to Hechingen. But our bus to castle is missed so we called a taxi and went in the taxi and we paid 12 Euro. The taxi or bus goes only till the parking area of the castle and one has to take a shuttle from there by paying Euro 1,70. The entrance to Hohenzollern castle entrance fee is 4 Euro and if you want to take a guided tour then 4 Euro more. we had a nice time at castle enjoyed the breath taking views and started walking down to parking lot to catch our bus back to Hechingen station at 3:55 pm. We reached Stuttgart at 5:45 pm since we had enough time to our train back to Dusseldorf we decided to go to Schlossplatz Live cam which is a 10 min walk from Hauptbahnhof. We spent near the palace square till 7:45 pm and came back to the Station our trin stated at 8:22 pm and we reached Dusseldorf at 12:38 am.

Snaps from the Trip:

Residenz

From Wurtburg(18-Oct-2008)

Fortress Marienberg

From Wurtburg(18-Oct-2008)

View from the Fort Alter Bruck

From Wurtburg(18-Oct-2008)

Hohenzollern Castle

From Burg Hohenzollern(19-Oct-2008)

Schlossplatz

From Burg Hohenzollern(19-Oct-2008)

A trip to Paris

This is about my trip to Paris with my wife Bhargavi.

Paris is capital of France the World's top destination.

We planned a three day trip to Paris on a long weekend from Germany. We started on 2nd Oct 2008 night by the Eurolines bus which is the cheapest way to reach Paris. Our bus was suppose to arrive at 21:45 but fortunately at least it came at 23:30. Paris is a 6 hour Journey from Dusseldorf, Germany. We reached Paris Galleni early morning at 5:45 and started to our hotel. Our hotel Ariane Montparnasse was located near Alesia metro station we had to change two metro trains to reach the hotel. We reached the hotel after a couple of inquires. The receptionist was friendly and readily provided a room. We refreshed and left out for visit.

Day One:
Being second time to Paris I knew a where to start. First we took a Paris Viste a three day ticket and started to Arc de Triomphe which is located in the middle of champs elysees a well know street in Paris. We reached at 9:40 am and after spending a couple of minutes at the monument we started towards the Louvre Museum know for the famous painting of Monalisa. We walked along the street champs elysees, an Air force open exhibition was held along the stree all the aircrafts and Bombers used by Air force were organized along the street. We just stopped near the Grand Palace and Petit palace and took couple of photos and started again. On the way opposite to Louvre Museum you have a big garden before which you will come across a largest square "Place de la Concorde". One side of the square you see a narrow street leading to a chruch and other side you see a large building The Assembly National and also towards the sides you can see two large beautiful fountains. After the square we walked along the garden and reached the Louvre Museum around 12:00 pm. We took the tickets from the wending machine instead of standing in queue and then proceeded towards the Monalisa Painting first. Till evening 5:00 pm we spent in the Museum and then after that go into bus and went to Notredame which is one of the famous churches in Paris the church is built in Gothic style. If you are not ready to take a tour there is nothing much to see. The tour is for additional charge of 7.5 euro and need to take stairs to reach the top. We just walked inside and came out then we started to Eiffel Tower. We reached Eiffel tower at 7:00 pm or so and then took a boat tour 11 euro per person. This is one which no one should miss and I would suggest taking the tour during night. It was amazing and lovely. After the trip went to a Indian hotel near Montparnasse and went to hotel.

Day Two:
Second day got up at 8:00 am got ready and we started out at 10:30 am after having breakfast at the hotel. We directly went to Basilique Sacré-Coeur we had taken a trip in the small round trip in train like bus which will take you along the streets of Montmartre hill. It was a pleasant and nice trip for about half an hour and then we spent some time seeing the entire Paris from the top of the hill fantastic views. Then we had out meal again in small indian hotel the Taj Mahal which is few meters from the place after you come down the steps in fromt of Sacré-Coeur. Then we started our way to Invalides Palace here you can see The Tomb of King Nepolean II and the army museum. Then from here we walked all the way to The Eiffel Tower. We were near the Eiffel at around 6:00 pm and was able to get to the top at around 6:50 pm after waiting in the long queue. Still we were lucky enough we had a good light to see the Paris in daylight. We spent on top of the Eiffel till 11:40 pm closing time :-) after all Paris visit becomes worth when you spend more time on Eiffel. The night views are amazing and you will never know how much time has passed away. Taking the memorable moments with us we came down the Eiffel and went back to hotel.

Day Three:
After getting ready we checked out from the hotel after having breakfast and headed towards Luxembourg gardens it was drizzling but managed to go around the garden. After that we went to the the Pantheon which is a huge cathedral. It build in Roman style and one of the must to visit monuments in Paris. After that we had lunch and started back to Galleni at 3:15 pm was our departure to Dusseldorf. But here things started turning red. We missed the connections and was not able to reach the place in time. Even thought we reached at 2:50 pm or so we were not able to get in to the bus as we need to collect the boarding pass and there was a long queue. So we had to rebook a new ticket for the next day. I first thought of catching a train and so started immediately to Gare du Nord but unfortunately I did not get a reservation in the train too then near the station I booked the Hotel it was just above the train station Gare du Est which was 10 min walk from the Gare du Nord station. Went to hotel left my wife the to rest and I went back to Galleni to book the bus tickets for the next day. came back to hotel took rest. End of the day. Lesson to learn never go late even to catch a Bus :-). Buses does not always start late as happened in Dusseldorf.

Day Four:
Since we had time till 10:00 pm night the bus time is at 11:00. We planned to go to Disneyland Paris. Early morning we got up got ready and checked out from the hotel and started towards Disneyland. We had to catch our RER at Metro station called Nation so first we tool the tickets 12,80 Euro onward and return for each person from wending machine and then started to Disneyland. We reached Disneyland at 9:20 Am since the park opens at 10:00 am we had time. So had breakfast and deposited our luggage in safes then started to Park we took One day pass for Two Parks(Disney Park and Disney Studios) for 59 Euro per person. First we went in to the Disney Park, Disney park is divided into five parts Main Street U.S.A, Frontier Land, Adventure Land, Discovery Land and Fantasy Land. Mainland has small rides and shopping complexes. We took the Train ride from Main Street U.S.A the starting point and got down at Fantasy Land. For more info on rides shows and others visit here. First we got into the Star tours a virtual ride where you sit in the seat and the in front will be big screen where you are shown a movie kind but your seats move shake and all to give you the feel of being in the tour. After that we entered Space Mountain Mission II which is like a roller coaster ride with 360 degree loops in the complete dark room with laser lights. After this we had to take a break as my wife started feeling giddy after the ride. we well to the Main street and then saw the Disney Show at 12:00 pm, finally after a small battle my wife got ready again for rocking. Then we went Pirates of Carrabien and then romed around in Discovery land then at 3:30 pm started to Disney Studio as the Stunt show was at 4:00 pm. we had a meal in the studio before going to the stunt show at 4:30 pm we came out and the show was Spectacular never miss when you have a visit. After the show I went to the Roller coaster alone :-( . After coming out we went to Studio Tram tour and there ends our trip to Studio we came back to park again. We went to the Small Little world the most important one I feel in the Park Its just a small boat ride where you see plenty of dolls mind blowing they sing, dance and you can see even the lip and eyes movement while they sing and dance. After the small little world we went to the adventure land and then took a Paddle Steamers it gives you a feeling of riding in a big boat through the amazon jungle.

It was time to pack but still gave a try to get into the Big Thunder Mountain and was successfully able to get into the last ride for the day. After that we came out and sent some time in taking snaps near the Sleeping Beauty Castle. It looks amazing when its lighted. Even though the Park officially closes at 7:00 pm people are allowed to stay inside we were there till 8:00 pm and then started back to Galleni we reached Galleni at 8:55 pm had dinner and went and stood in the queue right in time at 10:00 pm for collecting boarding pass. Back to home in Dusseldorf at 5:40 am next day.

Here ends the Paris trip.

Some snaps from the trip please click links down to access the albums:
Arc de Triomphe, Grand Place

From Paris trip

Petit Palace, Invalides

From Paris trip

Concorde Square Left fountain and right Assembly National

From Paris trip

Louvre Museum Entrance and Monalisa

From Paris trip

Notredame outside and inside

From Paris trip

During Boat Tour

From Paris trip

The Sacré-Coeur and The Invalides

From Paris trip

The Eiffel Tower

From Paris Trip 2

Trip to Wuppertal

Wuppertal is know for the hanging train (Schwebebahn). Check the following links for more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuppertal
http://schwebebahn.com/home.asp?lang=en

On Saturday 20-Sep-2008, we planned a trip to Wuppertal from Dusseldorf where we live. its a 22 min journey in RE(Regional Express). We started at 9:00 am in the morning packing our lunch boxes. we reached the main station at around 10:20 am we had took a train via Solingen (be aware that when you check in bahn.de the site shows trip via Solingen). after reaching there we had pommes (potato fries) in McDonald's a very little breakfast for an Indian. Then headed towards the Schwebebahn station and took a short trip in the train. We got down at a Landgericht station without any intention came out of the station. There we saw some old styled building which were good took some snaps and again back to the station towards the main station.

At main station we visited the Tourist information center, when I asked the lady there can you tell me some sightseeing places she just showed the hanging train. But base on the knowledge I had (googling) we started opposite side of the main station, next to main station was Administrative building good to see kind. Then we walked by seeing map which we took from Information center towards the Concert Hall (Stadthalle) this was a big building looking like assembly hall. We took couple of snaps and walked towards the Ohilgs station.

Then we visited the Alters Market which was a arena of stopping malls. we walked in the streets and reached Barmen Rathaus, there there was some music show going on halted there for few moments and did some shopping. Then we started back to Adler brucke go down in the station and went to Historisches Zentrum a museum hosting all the old railway engines. But it was closed we sat in the garden in front of the museum and had food. After I lunch I took some nice snaps of the flowers in the garden. Then we started back to dusseldorf around 3:45 pm and reached Dusseldorf at 4:1o pm.

Snaps from Wuppertal:

Griesheim a place to trek

Griesheim is a nice place where there is a small forest and a lots of plains. On 28-Sep-2008, we planned to go the place. We stay in near Derendorf, Dusseldorf and Griesheim is a short ride from the place where we live. We started at 1:30 pm in the afternoon and reached there around 2:15 pm in S-Bahn from Derendorf to Haupbahnhof (S1 or S7 or S6) and then took S8 from HBF (Hauptbahnhof) after we came out of the Bahn station we walked straight and then took a right where four roads crossing, then we took the first left and first right and again walked straight till the end of the street where at one the forest can be see.

We entered the forest and since being a sunny day it way quite good we walked along the path in the wood and reached farm land, after walking along the path we reached a small house a farm house where a kind of lassi and cakes were sold we took a short break and had the lassi which tasted like curd along with berry fruit. we also tried the cake along with cream and i liked the cakes very much.

After a short break we started back and again trekked through the wood and reached a place where there was a church. The church was beautiful even though not a old one. Besides the church was a large area with a fountain at the center. In the middle of the fountain there was a pillar with faces of some people and years carved on the pillar. Apart from that the work culture and living hood of people was carved in figuration.

After spending time there we started back home.

Ganesh pooja in Essen, Germany

It was 6-sep-2008 the day after I reached Düsseldorf, Germany on Bussiness Visa. Today I got up early at 6:00, got ready and started with my friends Bharath and Devaraj to Essen which is around 40 min journey from Dusseldorf. We first started to Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof (Central Railway station) from Derendorf where we stayed and then go into RE (Regional Express) at 8:59 am.

We reached Essen Hauptbahnhof at around 9:40 am and go into bus 155 towards Achternberg Str.
and got down at Eiserne Hand. From there the temple was a five minute walk.

We saw a orange flag on one house and we felt that that might be the temple. But somewhat I was disappointed by seeing the temple from outside as it resembled a house. But the disappointment did not last long after we entered the temple ground floor had a Shoe keeping room and a kitchen. We removed our shoe and walked in a guy there directed us to first floor, once I reached first floor I was surprised to see a lot of Idols of Krishna, Rama, Durga matha and other gods made with White marble and fully decorated with ornaments . To my further surprise the temple event had classical musical instruments like tabla and Piono.

The pooja started at 10:30 am whereas it was expected to start at 10:00 am. After the pooja we participated in Bhajan where Indians sung lot of devotional songs. After the Bhajan we had a prasad and lunch arranged by the some Indians there.

We started back to Dusseldorf at 1:20 pm after we reached Essen Hbf, we went for a walk around Hauptbahnhof, did some shopping and started back.

We reached back to our apartment in Derendorf at 3:20 pm, after going to Punjab shop to get some groceries.