The Exploration of Empires- Swaswati’s Italy Trip Review
If there was ever a chance to build Rome in a day, would you do it?
I wouldn’t.
There lies a subtle significance of choices while speaking of making empires. It needs time and patience. If you hurry, the walls might fall. And to be honest, patience always pays off- just look at Rome now. Standing tall as one of the most sought-after destinations to visit in the world.
Likewise, I was patient about touring Europe with my beloved. It has been my lifelong dream to explore Europe and all its major places with him. So this year, I finally got the right chance and the right time to finally lay the foundation stones of my empire – our empire. We went on our honeymoon trip to Europe.
Our major focus was on Italy, although France and Switzerland were also included in our chosen Europe tour package from Thrillophilia. We included their service of visa assistance and decided to book the flights from our end.
The entire team of Thrillophilia helped us a lot regarding our appointments, documents, and processes, sending us constant reminders via Emails and WhatsApp texts. I must admit, their help throughout the trip has been very beneficial for a smooth journey.
The city of seven hills
The eternal city of Rome stands as an example of historical wonder, witnessing the fall and rise of several kingdoms and civilizations.
Its cityscapes still resonate with the intense energy that once reverberated within the city walls, casting a spell of magic in its surroundings. And interestingly, the famous Vatican City lies in the centre of Rome.
It is an empire of Christianity, small, yet so very prominent and influential. Being the smallest country in the world, it has earned a great name in tourism. And why not, the Vatican Palace perhaps has one of the best collections of historical and artistic masterpieces in its museum. Its walls speak volumes on the grandeur of the region. Also, we found the rules of the Vatican and its facts to be a bit strange, but we chose to see the city as it was.
We visited this enchanting place on our second day of the trip. The transfer was comfortable, the entire batch of travellers was fitted in a coach, and we all set off together. The guide who accompanied us was so knowledgeable that we got to know so many things about each corner of the place that would otherwise remain hidden from our eyes.
Touring the place, we made a few friends from the group. One of them joined us from Vietnam, there was one couple from Washington, and there were three other people from China. It was blissful interacting with so many people from all around the world, that too in an entirely different country.
This trip was an eye-opener for us. Me and my husband, we both were talking about it that very night.
“It is so strange. These boundaries, these barriers, all these mean nothing. Ultimately we all are human beings with different perspectives and outlooks. Every country faces these differences even within themselves. Then what is the need for borders?”
“Power”.
“Makes no difference”
“They don't. But this sense of being in power, of being in control perhaps has seeped into the human mind so much that our entire functioning has become dependent on it”
“Can we help the situation in any way?”
“We can at least try not to treat or see others differently. We can treat them like fellow humans.”
We knew we had a hectic day ahead, so we retired to the bed in hope of bright sunshine the next morning.
Firenze- the Italian for Florence
The dramatic scenes of Florence justify it being the birthplace of the European Renaissance.
The grand architecture, the ornamental designs and the impressive structures that dot the cityscape of Florence make the destination just too beautiful. On top of that, the place is the storehouse of the major artworks of geniuses like Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Being a very rich destination in terms of cultural heritage and history, we spent a mesmerising time exploring the place.
Its position in the Italian region of Tuscany made us all the more curious. We wanted to see how the cultural amalgamation was working out, and we found it to be peaceful. We knew then, that our last night’s conversation about boundaryless territories might just work if the world turned a bit towards utopia rather than dystopia.
The Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio stole our breath away. All the wall hangings, the embellished entrances, the spectacular sculptures and murals, it was all too good to be true.
The floating city
Also known as the city of canals (and water, masks, and bridges), was the most beautiful and romantic part of the journey. The Renaissance architecture and buildings, the brilliant network of waterways, canals and bridges that keep the entire city connected, and the aesthetically pleasing city lights, all enhanced our experience so much. We loved strolling around the markets shopping for silk garments and spices.
The land of Venice was not just about beauty, a thing we learnt on the trip from the guide. It has played a very crucial part in the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, making its wartime history something to catch up on.
But the floating market experience in Venice was so wonderful, followed by a cruise ride around the entire city, that we felt like staying for a few more days here. But that was not possible….
So, we made our way to Switzerland.
Dashing for the next trip
The rest of the journey was unexpectedly well-planned. Switzerland felt like a dreamland, where we had so many moments of romance and love that we decided to visit the place again in a few years. And Paris – just fantastic. It was indeed the City of Love.
The Alps, the Seine River cruise, and the amazing Eiffel Tower, it all seemed very dreamy and heart-warming, as if we were living a dream, or rather, a cinema.
All these destinations made us fall more in love with each other, and with travelling. The group of friends that we made on the trip grew closer to each other. And by the last night of our journey, we had all exchanged numbers and promised to be in touch.
The whole journey affirmed my faith in what my husband and I had discussed about humanity and borders, something that I still hold close to my heart and mind. It was a powerful conversation we had.
And lastly, thanks to Thrillophilia for being there, for all the support and services, and for making our honeymoon an ultimate success.
Read More: Thrillophilia Italy Reviews