You can’t go wrong with patience in Venice,because that’s all you need - lots and lots of it.Everywhere I can see I can see water.Yes I have been to locations with splendid sea but not on locations that survives on vaporetto(water bus) 24 * 7 on the seemingly endless lagoon with islands.Getting used to the view that we seldom see everyday lost in the narrow alleyways(calli),squares(campi) and quarters(sestieri) of Venice,it is surprise reloaded and one of the most intriguing cities I have ever been to.This time  with no plans I had decided to let Venice be as casual as it can be for the three days I was there.



 Even when the sun used to come late and go early I came back content.In late October last year,it was mild cold and the sun would set by 4:30pm or max by 5:30pm.I wondered how the city was formed around water and how history shaped into such efficient water ways.Venice was also the first city I faced racism in Europe although the beauty of the place overpowered the negative aspects of it though not everyone faces it.We'll talk about it as we go further.

Previous Posts on Italy
Backpacking Rome:Hostel,Colloseum and Pizza
Backpacking Rome:Trevi Fountain and Piazza Del Popolo

 Rome To Venice:My Train Journey 


 As I told you when I backpacked Rome apart from a few essentials like stay and transfer tickets nothing was pre-decided - not even 'which places to go'.Stay and tickets because I could get great deals online prior.What I didn’t check prior was where I was going to stay(the reviews said the location is near and was but still) another island.That realization came when I boarded the train (Tickets Rs 1000) at Roma Termini to Ve.Mestre.You can buy your tickets at RailEurope.

I should’ve at least looked at the map which a family of four from Singapore in an adjacent seat on the train did it for me.They warned me that both Venice and Paris are going to be expensive.They warned me of pick pocketing. And they chatted with me the whole 5 hours which without them otherwise would have had been boring.

Strangers ain't always threatening.Sometimes they are who you need the most.

 I remember at one of the intermediate stations I was hungry and I had nothing to eat in my backpack.The stoppage was for a few minutes and I was little apprehensive of getting down from train and trying my luck at the station.However,the confidence the gentleman of the family gave me was unbeatable.He said his wife to go in.And we both ran towards the food box from where I inserted my coins in and sandwich came out and ran just in time before the train started running. The letters written on the box were Italian and we played a little 'what could be game inside' then and there.Sadly what we thought as plain old cheese sandwich(as the name resembled Cheese) was stale bacon sandwich with cheese.Enjoyed the experience but hard luck on food. Couldn’t chew a bit as the smell and taste both were bad even after the bacon removed.

Lesson Learnt:Carry light snack in your backpack or Know That In some countries Cheese Sandwich means Cheese Bacon Sandwich.

 There after,as we chatted,he opened his map and pointed his finger towards it 'You are in an island,look here - LIDO(spelt loud) - an island 12km long ’.And that's not the main island.There are 19 scheduled vaporetto lines that service locales within Venice and nearby islands : Murano and Lido.

Lesson Learnt:In Venice carry a map.Nowhere else I did.But in Venice walking or taking a veporetto becomes easier when you carry one.

Map Route of Venice

Their whole family was concerned on how will I manage alone and started helping me on how easy or difficult it's gonna be.They said they were staying at Mestre(last station) which had cheaper accommodation options but I would have to take a train to Santa Lucia.Another train? Well,I knew then and there Venice is going to be an adventure again.Not that I was stressed but I didn’t know if self-skipping the whole research part was a good thing but I chose to go with the flow.

Lesson Learnt:Even if you don't research,things most likely will go well.

 As they along with everyone else got down at Mestre,they bid me goodbye while I stood at the ticket counter to get my second class ticket on the station at Platform 1.I checked the departure times for Venezia S.L(Venezia Santa Lucia),got my ticket and validated my ticket on the platform.Do validate because if you don’t they can fine you when you board the train.The journey was for 10 minutes.

Lesson Learnt:Do Validate Your Ticket at the platform automated validation machine.There is no one standing to tell you so but they do sometimes check your tickets in the train.

Validate your ticket for Vaporetto and Buses too.

 The journey was beautiful.There weren’t many people on the train.The train took us through a lovely change from the land to the lagoon.When I got down at Santa Lucia,I got myself a 24 hour pass(1 day) on all modes of transport including water bus/vaporetto.The ACTV boat landings are about 50 meters from the station exit. I think I took the Line 1 from Gate E.It took about 1 hour of a ride.



For those willing to be nearest to the touristy landmarks,stay at St. Mark's(San Marco) although the prices are sky rocket high at St. Mark's as one of the tourist from India told me.Or like me or the family I met at train,Stay at Lido or Mestre or the islands.But remember you still would have to come to St.Mark's for the important land marks.That way you could be staying cheaper and better places of stay.





My hotel(Ca Del Moro) at Lido was great(2 nights 3 days costed me around 3391 Rs).It was quarters style and they had indoor tennis courts,sports center,an indoor cafe etc.When I reached Lido,I took a local bus to my hotel.The only glitch is since Lido is not as touristic,it gets deserted at mid night though not for a moment I felt unsafe just a very few souls walking by.The best part was that the buses and the vaporettos were timely.



The uncle at train had also told me Lido had a beach.I was excited but not sure if I could get time to see it all..

Visit Italia.It for Official Tourism Details

 Well with this lets begin our journey to St. Marks and Rialto :)

/* Thanks to Skyscanner and Blogadda that made me win 1 lakh in a contest and hence I could stay and travel a month in Europe */ 

Imagine when togetherness of family relationships is defined by abandoning technology in a place like America.When we waved ‘hi’ to a farmer ploughing with his 4 horses in Hillsboro,he waved back a hi’.A moment later he was gone.May be he was confused on the attention he got - as it was his regular day but for us,ploughing with horses was new.I wondered how keeping horses was more cost-efficient than the cows but they live in an era that we as an outsider might never understand.I wish I could stop him and ask how things work.They abide by community rules that keep them humble and prevent boastfulness and are reluctant to adopt modern technology.They believe in simplicity.

 As we moved ahead,we saw traditional Amish buggies used as transport by families.Amish(Pennsylvania Dutch) Community in America is different - they have belief systems that unites family than separates them.They use no electricity.They believe that they would rather sit around a fireplace together than use a heater because a fireplace unites a family.They believe in using no cars and most often are seen in Bicycles or Buggies.They use gas bulbs than electric bulbs.Homemade brooms than regular brooms. They believe in the most basic form of living.Wikipedia says that Amish do not usually educate their children past 8th grade and believes that basic knowledge is what is needed to sustain ahead in life.

For all previous posts on America click here:US with Me
To know more about us,visit their official website:Discover America


And hence many a place in America have these Amish stores that sells stuff they themselves handmade or stone grind.That makes their stores full of varieties of pickles and jams you can get back.Many of those stores also sell vintage crafts work or handmade crafts you can get back. They have bakeries that sell fresh made cakes and deserts.They have fruits and vegetables locally grown.


 The Amish Dress code represents vanity and vintage.Women wear long dresses accompanied with caps or bonnets.According to Amish,the women must have her hair covered.Men wear hats too.As I entered one of the store,I saw one of the Amish women dressed in a pretty long dress.As I had assumed prior, she was hesitant to get her pictures clicked which I happily agreed to.


 Hillsboro happened when we(me and Crystal) did a short road trip from Cincinnati(Ohio) to Arc of Appalacia(Ohio) for the hikes.There are many places in US where Amish community resides.For example in Wisconsin,they have Amish Communities too.To know more:Click here




.Apart from the Amish Community that thrive on basics,the local farmer community sets up their own market along the way with their produce.A road trip is never complete without witnessing the countryside.The countryside of US is as diverse as ours.So when I saw the first truck with the hay,I was like that's nothing new.Pumpkins is hugely celebrated during the fall and we could see Pumpkins almost in every small shop that we stopped.The road trip took us to soybean fields that were golden and to farmers market that was random.


                              The one at the shop was merely 12,but had a heavy responsible voice.
                                     She told us,her field is further down from the shop.  
                         



                                                    Crystal happy for the Soybean fields.

Every time I try to improve my hand at my DSLR,I often end up being an amateur.With the cameras in our phones getting better and with the desire to travel light every time,we often end up taking more pictures from our phones than our DSLR’s.I wouldn’t say what I write below is in any way a substitute to full blown DSLR lens,but nonetheless very useful to clip on with Digital Cameras,PC’s and SmartPhones(The lenses included in this set can be used with a wide range of cell phones and mobile devices including iPhone 6, 6+, 5, 5C, 5S, 4, 3; Samsung Galaxy S6, S5, S4, S3; iPad Air 2, Air, 4, 3, 2; and many more) and adds onto your photography.Let’s today review Camkix Deluxe 5 in 1 Camera Lens Kit.Watch my video for a more detailed review on how it works on phone and PC:




 The Lens Kit of Camkix keeps each of these small lenses in place.These lenses are so tiny that keeping them separate would mean losing them every time. The kit comes with a hook that can be attached to your belt or your camera bag belt.That means you don’t have to carry them separately,if you wish to.

 The Kit comes with 5 lenses namely - Telephoto,Macro,CPL,Fisheye and Wide Angle Lens.Compared to the full blown DSLR lenses,these are very affordable and easy to use.Each of them has its own purpose.

 Let’s begin with my favorite.My Favorite is Macro.


Macro lens enables you to get super close to the object and pick up details.That also creates a blur surrounding the object not in focus and captures beautiful images.The above picture is of Orange Marigold(Genda) flower.


 A Fish Eye Lens captures rounded wide angle images.


 Telephoto Lens captures images with 2x optical magnification ,so an object which is far would be near in your capture which is very useful in capturing a bit of a wildlife and other stuff.Since the zoom is 2x it will capture pictures a bit far but not extreme far.

 Wide Angle Lens helps capture wider scenes for example cityscapes,group shots and more.



 A CPL Lens reduces glare and captures more vibrant colors.That comes handy when It's very sunny (rather shiny) and you want it to be a little toned down.

Advantages of Using Camkix Deluxe 5 in 1 Lens Kit are:

1)It helps to create different kind of pictures with your phone or your digital camera

2)You can view larger family members on Skype with wide lens.

3)Camkix lenses are sturdy,the built is well made unlike the last one(unbranded) which I bought which fell apart.

4)Very lightweight and easy to carry

Disadvantages of Using Camkix Deluxe 5 in 1 Lens Kit are: 

1)The Macro lens is not a replacement for a portrait( 50 mm) lens.You really need to get super close to the object to create the effect.

2)Telephoto Lens is ok when using the back camera as you are able to focus.But in front cameras,the pictures are not as clear when zoomed.

 For more examples and detail on travel product reviews and to request a product from our blog click here: ZippyTrippy

When we arrived at the Greyhound Station of ‘Biggest Small Town in US called Cincinnati’ from Milwaukee little did I know there’s more to the town that catches the checklist as suggested online.It happens for every small town - things we do not know often becomes things we should.The fact that the roadway named US 52 is a drive that takes to the farthest end of West Virgnia all the way to Texas makes me think how great the road trip would be if ever I do it from here.‘Take it easy’ is how the town can be described where in the evenings folks go fishing in the little Miami River.Your own car is very much needed in this town even though distances between two points ain’t that great but bus service is sparse and erratic.We will talk about US and its transport systems in the coming blogposts including Buses,Bus Services,Planes and Railways.Be assured some of the stories are gonna be hilarious but some worth keeping in mind.It isn’t as bad as many said it is.

Bengals In US?

 The ferocious Bengal Tiger that bewildered not only the land of Ganges but the Zoo of Cincinnati US kept in captivity in 1937 gave the entire team a name -the name of former and current professional football American team ‘Bengals’.It is the Royal Bengal Tiger that is the mascot and the outfit of the team represents orange and black stripes.There was a ‘Cincinnati Bengal franchise’ long before the present day ‘Bengals’.The former lasted for five seasons till the second world war.Post the war,they wanted to give the current squad the past connection to the previous one and hence the current team was named Bengal too.The name ‘Bengals’ however is not unusual in the US as many of the universities are inspired by the ferociousness of the tiger.

 The East side of the town and the west side of the town of Cincinnati are two different entities.The west side is the industrial township where the roads are built around the industries hence to many east siders,the driving in west side is crazy.And to many west siders,driving in east side is.Jokes apart,Cincinnati is famous for origin of many famous brands including Macy’s and Procter and Gamble,the area largely known for industries.

Union Terminal:Above the floods and Goodbyes of World War II Soldiers




 As every tourist does,we began our tour to the Union Terminal barely going inside,because by the time we reached the museums were closed but the stories still alive. Many many years back Cincinnati had 5 small railway stations,largely disorganized for the common man.When the Ohio river flooded,the city was partly submerged including all the 5 stations leading to the halt of the trains as well as the tracks.An idea was generated - which was to make a united station way up higher than the flood level.During the severe flood of 1937 when the water rose to 80 feet,the Union Terminal looked like an island in between the water.To rectify this,the tracks too were raised so that they never get flooded.

The Union Terminal had facilities such as Lounges and Bath tubs and Barbers for the waiting passengers. It was a vintage comfort that many did avail that time.




 German born artist Winold Reiss prepared paintings which were then turned into 23 glorious glass tile mosaic panels.Later after the World War II some of the mosaics where moved to Airport.Some of them still exist in the Union Station.The center of the Union Station is painted and the mosaics represent the transition of the present day Americans. The station became famous during the World War II when many soldiers would take the train and the greetings would follow.For some,that was the last goodbye they ever said to their families.After that,as the transport systems gradually moved to Airplanes,less and less folks frequented the Union Station.Today it has the present day Train Station running Amtrak trains in US and a museum worth visiting to.That’s what I heard.

OmniMax Theatre:As above so below



 In fact,even if the museums were closed,we enjoyed the Omni Max Theatre inside the terminal.Omni Threatre is unlike any other theatre you may have seen.Imagine the five-story domed screen like a planeterium.And you are seating beneath in steps,making you watch as if you are living the sequence.We watched the movie on Whales and that made us feel we were inside in the ocean.Because as above and so below is what you feel.Many have claimed of nausea.If you are sitting in the middle,there are higher chances of the same.Back seaters can still enjoy without having to feel the world falling over them.And if you are in Terminal do not forget to taste the rosewood ice-cream.The decor of the room is desined with the ceramic tiles of the old age ceramic art pottery in the city and the ice creams are to die for especially the chocolate gelato which has chunks of huge big chocolates melting in your mouth.The fountain in front of the terminal is impressive too.




Janamashtmi:Celebration in Cincinnati


 So when,there was Janmashtmi(which celebrates Lord Krishna’s birthday) in India ,How can US be spared?It was surprising to see Indians in large in Cincinnati so many that the festival felt like we were celebrating in India. I have never seen 16 deities of different sections of India put together as statues under single roof of the temple which in the past wasn’t easy to set up.That means there was no God from North or God from South,in fact what was there was God from North and God from South and God from East and God from West together.The way all the festivals are celebrated as a community will enchant you.The huge gathering followed by Mantras and Prasad made us happy on how vividly the culture is followed in this part of the world.The Rath Yatra too was organized.What I also liked was the solar panels owned by various people that helps light up the temple.





 Moving on,lets talk about Fountains and the Downtown.What may seem like a sleepy city at first wakes up when the sun sets.So the pubs are full,the music is live and around the fountain are the events.The famous bronze and granite fountain symbolizes the blessings of water.It reminded me of the fountains in Europe.Streams of water flow from the hands of the Genius of water known as The lady,below which large human figures represents water’s practical uses,and on the base,the child represents pleasures of water.


Swinging Seats at Riverfront


The lady and human figurines

The Longest Suspension Bridge of 1866 


 As we walked ahead a witty message got my eye of a distressed poor fellow that said “I won’t lie.I want Beer’.We walked towards Akash India to have Indian food.The food was great.Walking down,we walked past this magnificent Blue Bridge over the river which had swing still chairs on the riverfront.As we looked far ahead,we saw many bridges on the river.The bridge in 1866, when the first pedestrians were finally allowed to cross, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.Built by Roebling between Cincinnati and Covington was the bridge built by the same man who later built Brooklyn Bridge in New York.There were initial reservations about the design in Cincinnati mostly by Ferry companies.This one is quite a must see.

 As we started walking towards the bridge,one of the cop said,we are closing all the bridges for the fireworks.Well,then lets watch the famous great American Riverfest in the next blogpost.

Nalanda-Rajgir - Dona The Journey

Rajgir Bihar : The Journey of Single-Seatedness



It was Mom who kept on reminding me how Rajgir was a scary experience for her long back.Not everyone loves the idea of crossing mountains on an open chair not everyone can dare to do that either.But it was long back.With the progress in ages and rise in tourism all over,the chairs are fitted with hold able bar in front so the risk of tripping is almost nil.As scary as it looks like,It isn't so.It started with a breeze of air on our face vertically going up in an open chair.



We hold onto the bar in front for a little while until we felt relaxed.The trip was long and in between the chair car stopped on the most vertical point.We laughed off.We sang. And then we reached the other side.We wanted to click our pictures with the mountain view and the rope way but a weird instruction on the board "Photography is not permitted"made us not to do so.Why on earth is photography not permitted in many places in India?There is sometimes no logic behind,but its just not permitted. So on the other side is a little hike of a few steps making its way to Shanti Stupa.







I sometimes feel many of these Stupas resemble each other be it the one in Leh or the one in Darjeeling.

 The only thing you should be careful here are the langurs,which are violent and non - friendly. Coming up next: Waking up to a beautiful village and making our way to the khets and trying to plow the field on the bullocks.After which we take you the very famous Bodhgaya. Who said Bihar has nothing to see?