He assured me that for me it would be a blind trip. He would not give me any clue where I am going and what places I have to visit. Since I was curious to visit European Countries, he told me that he would prepare and plan but would not share with me. Everything would unfold as a surprise at all stages.
One fine morning, he called me that I alongwith my wife had to go to Delhi the very next day. I had no reservations, but he told me that I should be prepared with my luggage to stay for 2-3 days at Delhi and rest will be a surprise for me. The next day when I was ready with my luggage, A taxi picked us up for Delhi.
There we were surprised that stay arrangements have been made for us and next day we had to go for VISA formalities. After going through the VISA procedures, we were taken back to our home.
So journey for our blind date had started on a surprise note.
In between, we were getting surprises for foreign currency in cash and on Axis Centrum Card, a SIM to talk in the Foreign Countries, luggage and other usables to be carried for the Trip etc.
One day he told me that I should be ready with all the luggage etc. and he will call me within a week for next surprise. Each and every day in the next week passed with stress and anxiety on one hand and on the other hand, enjoyment and fun of uncertainty, when to proceed for our actual Blind date.
Finally, the D-day came and I found myself alongwith my wife at the International Airport of my own city boarding the Flight of OMAN AIR to MUSCAT reaching there with the Taxi sent by him and having Tickets for Muscat and Paris only.
After reaching Seeb International (MCT) Muscat Airport, we boarded the Flight for Paris and reached there at Charles De Gaulle International Airport (CDG) Paris.
At the Airport, we found a man carrying a Placard having my name. He left us Hotel MERCURE PARIS SAINT OUEN. Throughout the day, we had enjoyed a lot and our Blind Date has been opening slowly which I was sure is having much more excitement and thrill stored in the coming days.
Day 2: After relaxing overnight, we were ready to explore our day which was blind now. We received a call from the Reception that somebody is waiting for us. He told me to be ready within an hour and he will pick us up for the day tour. I asked him about the day trip but he smiled and said, Sir this isa surprise for you but I am sure you will definitely enjoy the day. He started our day for a panoramic City Tour of Paris and many places viz. THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE, THE CHAMPS ELYSEES, THE PLACE DE LA CONCORDE, THE NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL. Later we were at the Eiffel Tower and seeing the city through the Top of the Tower was fascinating giving a panoramic view of Paris. Then we found ourselves at a cruise on the SIENNE river. These boats are perfectly designed to discover and admire the rich architecture and other landmarks, palaces, and ornate bridges. In the late evening, we were surprised and we were again taken to Illuminating Eiffel Tower and the illumination of the city. Quickly came in our mind “An Evening in Paris”.
Day 3: Our Next day was again a big surprise for us as we were heading towards a place I was not aware of. When the journey stopped, we found ourselves at Disneyland Park to unleash our childhood memories there. We immersed ourself in the never-ending, always fascinating world of movies and television. The visit of Disneyland Theme Parks, an enchanting kingdom filled with fun, fantasy and discovery formed before our eyes, a world of make-believe characters, shows and attractions. We also witnessed Shakespeare Play and Closing Ceremony Parade with all the Disney Characters displaying the Vibrant Colors, Friendliness with pleasant music, dance and smiling faces, which was not known to us but during the day, we could gather the information from the other Tourists there .
Day 4: we were asked to be ready to explore some very interesting place. So we started our journey from Paris to an unknown place for us, traveled through the well known French countryside, passing through breathtaking landscapes, with miles of flatland and vineyards, and the little French towns, noticed the discipline of European Highway driving. We passed the countryside of Switzerland where we saw the loveliness of the alpine region with picturesque Swiss lakes, Swiss Chalets, farms, cows etc. Then we came to know during the journey that we are heading towards Switzerland bu the gentleman did not mention even we asked many times and found ourselves at Hotel Banana City at Winterthur.
Day 5: During the wake up call at the Hotel, we were asked to keep some hot clothes for us as we have to explore very exciting and fun filled day. After a journey of about 2 hours or so, we found ourselves at the Engelberg – Mount Titlis where we were astonished by riding in the Rotary – World’s 1st revolving cable car and visit Ice Grotto. We also shot our photos with the cut out of Shahrukh Khan and Kajol- as depicted in the Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge movie. The ride of Ice Flyer was more challenging as compared to closed Rotair as it was open and winds were hitting our face and body making a big challenge but were pleasurable and memorable and enjoyable.
Day 6: After exploring Switzerland, it was again time for surprise us as we did not know where we are heading towards. We were greeted at the famous SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL MUSEUM. Enjoyed the fascinating experience into the world of crystal and got a chance to see and buy the world famous original crystal ware and crystal jewelry at factory prices.
Day 7: After Austria, we were asked to be ready for some romanticism. After that, we were at one of the most romantic cities in the world – VENICE. We visited the Venice Island by the “Vaporetto” or water bus to see THE ST. MARK’S SQUARE WITH THE BASILICA, DOGE’S PALACE, CAMPANILE AND THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS. This city is the most photographed place in the world and also known as the most romantic city. It is home to the famous lover – Casanova. We fed the pigeons in the massive square. Enjoyed the unforgettable Gondola ride through the smaller canals for a true picture of this lagoon city.
Afterward, we found ourselves at Florence to see the amazing masterpiece of the STAR OF DAVID by the Master Artiste – Michaelangelo.
Day 8 : Now we were asked to be ready to travel and found ourselves at Rome City where we saw 2000 year old COLOSSEUM – an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome known for its gladiator fight and the TREVI FOUNTAIN – where we tossed a coin and made a wish coming back to Rome. We were again surprised to be at the VATICAN CITY where in the museum we saw the masterpieces of art in the Sistine Chapel and ST. PETERS CHURCH.
Next, we found ourselves in the city of PISA where we visited THE LEANING TOWER.
Day 9 : These past few days had been stored big big surprises for us and we wished to have more surprises to come. Then the very next day came a very very big surprise to us when we were told that we had to leave for back home.
We can definitely say that our blind date to the world tour has been very successful and enjoyable, full of fun, masti and new unforeseen challenges, making it an openminded date now. We can say with a confidence that if we wish to experience thrill, new challenges, explore the unexplored, ready to have surprises in our life that lead to self exploration with a chance of exploring the world, we must go for a blind date and then see how blind date is converted into a happy date, of course with your spouse.
#SayYesToTheWorld and get #TheBlindList started today!