So now after deciding that I was to take a tour of Europe, the next step was to select the locations of travel. Now, with a slight bias, Dortmund was a definite spot to visit. The one city I had been yearning to visit for the last eight years, the pilgrimage I had promised to take to the holy Westfalenstadion based in the industrial heartland of Northwestern Germany! There was no way I would step onto European soil and not visit Dortmund. But what about the rest? How many countries to visit? Where do I start my journey and where does it end? While my initial plans were chalked to travel through Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, Amsterdam, and Sweden, I soon realized that I would not get enough time to spend in India which meant my mother would beat the living hell out of me with a broom. Alright alright, she wouldn’t do that, but you get the idea.
So after much thinking and looking at possible flight plans into Europe from USA and out of Europe to India, the travel plan was ready! My first destination was going to be Paris followed by a short stop in Dortmund, few days in Amsterdam, and culminating in Stockholm. From Stockholm I was to take a flight to India while New Jersey was my location for departure from the USA. That made me realize that I could do a quick pitstop in New York, the Big Apple and the cradle of American civilization according to western media. This was the cheapest way for me to travel and ensure I would not have to go after the irritating transit visas. It’s difficult to travel as a citizen of a third world country!
Now it was November by now and I knew I was going to travel in summer 2019 which though far as of now meant that I had to get my visa proceedings completed soon. Now after discussing this plan with Shrish, he wanted to join me after his Australia trip but that didn’t go through and well, he’s an idiot. The one thing which was a big question now was to save enough money for the trip and that’s when I stopped going to pubs which actually did help me curb my spending and increase the savings. It was my first trip and lack of money stopping me from enjoying the trip was one thing I was not ready to accept. The groceries were managed more effectively, going out was off the window, and the incredible gift of tax returns combined with a scholarship proved more than useful.
Fast forward, the visa procedure was a pain on account of the heavy documentation and lack of visa center appointments. This was one of the reasons for me to select Sweden as one of the destinations as the Swedish VFS center was generous enough to give me an early enough date. I had to show tickets into and out of Europe, proof of funding, proof of hotel accommodation, and my affiliation to my university as a student eager to continue his studies. All of this for an eight-day trip! Meanwhile people from western nations and a few select Asian countries can travel visa free for 90 days! 90! VISA FREE! After the visa appointment and an excruciating two week waiting time, the visa finally arrived! Pumping my fists into the air and playing Illahi on full volume, I was primed and ready! Cue Dil Dhadakne Do from Zindagi Na Milegi Doobara! This is it, I am going to Europe!
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