Dates – February 5th – 6th 2005
Our expectations in going to Brussels weren't very high. We figured we'd make the quick trip out there from Paris over a weekend for which we really didn't have any other plans. We quickly learned, however, that Brussels is a great little town to have a good time in.
First of all, the food was fantastic. The mussels (picture) were absolutely the best we've ever tasted. They are served in a large pot in which they are steamed in marinated water. We also tried mussels that were steamed in a beer broth - also an excellent dish. Speaking of beer, the variety and flavor of beers in Brussels was wonderful. I stuck to some of the more popular beers in town while Nadya also tried a refreshing raspberry beer.
On the sweeter side, the waffles and chocolate are to die for. There was little waffle stands at pretty much every street corner serving fresh, hot waffles. And then there is the chocolate. I don't think I have to say much other than we brought five boxes home with us. They'd all be finished too if I hadn't promised to save a few for Aliya when she gets to Paris :)
Well, we only spent one night in Brussels, but we got to enjoy the food, see the Grand Place (one of the more beautiful squares in Europe), the Atomium (a giant model of an atom) and even do a bit of clothes shopping. One of the nice surprises of Brussels was that the great food and shopping is also extremely cheap. So if you're looking for a nice lunch to go with some new clothes, this is the place for you.
February 7, 2005
December 28, 2004
Barcelona
Dates – December 24th – 27th 2004
We arrived in Barcelona, Spain on December 24th. It was clear and sunny in Barcelona for most of our trip, but it was much colder than we expected. As you can see in our photos, we were bundled up quite a bit the whole time. We'd definitely like to make another trip out here during the spring or summer months.
We visited some of the famous sites of Barcelona. On the first night, we went out for dinner in the old city center and went to the Picasso museum. The museum was interesting in that it contains the early works of Picasso during his time in Spain. There are also later works, but the Picasso museum in Paris (which we've also visited) has a better selection of Picasso's later works.
The most impressive sight in Barcelona is certainly the Sagrada Familia (by Antonio Gaudi). It is an enormous church that has been under construction for a hundred years. It is in the typical Gaudi style, incorporating natural themes into the architecture itself. In fact, the enormous columns that make up the inside of the church look like trees. The intricacy of the exterior is also amazing. It is far and away the most intricately detailed structure of its size that I've ever seen.
We also took a trip out to Mont Juic, which is a mountain (well, really a very large hill) that overlooks the sea on one side and the city on the other. At the top of the mountain is a castle with a moat and everything. Very nice.
We had a wonderful time in Barcelona. The food was great (Paella, Tapas, Cava, and fish) and the shopping was some of the best in the world (Barcelona has more shops per capita than anywhere else in Europe).
We arrived in Barcelona, Spain on December 24th. It was clear and sunny in Barcelona for most of our trip, but it was much colder than we expected. As you can see in our photos, we were bundled up quite a bit the whole time. We'd definitely like to make another trip out here during the spring or summer months.
We visited some of the famous sites of Barcelona. On the first night, we went out for dinner in the old city center and went to the Picasso museum. The museum was interesting in that it contains the early works of Picasso during his time in Spain. There are also later works, but the Picasso museum in Paris (which we've also visited) has a better selection of Picasso's later works.
The most impressive sight in Barcelona is certainly the Sagrada Familia (by Antonio Gaudi). It is an enormous church that has been under construction for a hundred years. It is in the typical Gaudi style, incorporating natural themes into the architecture itself. In fact, the enormous columns that make up the inside of the church look like trees. The intricacy of the exterior is also amazing. It is far and away the most intricately detailed structure of its size that I've ever seen.
We also took a trip out to Mont Juic, which is a mountain (well, really a very large hill) that overlooks the sea on one side and the city on the other. At the top of the mountain is a castle with a moat and everything. Very nice.
We had a wonderful time in Barcelona. The food was great (Paella, Tapas, Cava, and fish) and the shopping was some of the best in the world (Barcelona has more shops per capita than anywhere else in Europe).
December 30, 2003
London, Rome, Florence and Paris
Rome, Italy
Originally uploaded by SaurabhA.
This was our first trip together to Europe and we had a fantastic time. It was definitely a busy trip since we went to London, Rome, Florence and Paris all in the matter of two weeks, but we had a great time. The biggest event from this trip is the fact that we got engaged in Rome (in Piazza Navona, to be specific). It is also the trip when we fell in love with Italy: the art, the food, the people and the history.
Ironically, it was the trip to Paris that would also provide a defining moment for us. It was the first time that I visited the Business Objects offices in Paris. Little did I know at the time that we would move back to Paris just a short year later (in fact, we arrived back in Paris exactly one year later (almost to the day) .
The photos from the trip are here:
London
Rome
Florence
Paris
Highlights from the trip:
- Getting engaged in Piazza Navona in Rome
- The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica
- Colloseum, Pantheon, Trevi fountain, Via Veneto
- David, Uffizi, Florence
- The food in Rome
- The Louvre
- Tour Eiffel, Musee D'Orsay, Pompideau Center, Sacre Coeur, Latin Quarter
- Rue de la Roquette and Bastille in the evening
- Walking around the Seine and Champs Elysees
- Baguettes, wine and fromage in Paris
September 19, 2003
Calgary, Alberta Canada
Dates - September 2003
Went to Calgary for Shahebina and Karim's wedding. We stayed with Shaheen and Karina and had a great time... really tired at the end though :)
We tried some interesting Indian dancing this weekend and had a blast (go figure). I think we'll try to take Mom and Dad out some time... I think they'll love it.
Went to Calgary for Shahebina and Karim's wedding. We stayed with Shaheen and Karina and had a great time... really tired at the end though :)
We tried some interesting Indian dancing this weekend and had a blast (go figure). I think we'll try to take Mom and Dad out some time... I think they'll love it.
September 17, 2003
Kelowna, BC, Canada
Kelowna Nov 2002 027
Originally uploaded by SaurabhA.
Went to Kelowna with Nadya... we only got to spend one real day because we had to fly off to Calgary for a wedding. We did get to visit some vineyards though -- Mt. Boucherie, Gray Monk, Quail's Gate and Mission Hill -- We got a private tour of Mission Hill.