From Sunlit Lisbon to Midnight Sun in Helsinki: Our European Tour

Planning for our European tour took nearly a year. This trip was a dream come true for my wife, and we were fortunate to have our friends Siva and Thaya from the UK join us. Thaya's organizational skills were invaluable as she meticulously planned our journey across seven countries: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Finland, and Estonia, all within a span of three weeks.

Our adventure began with a 14-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur to London, a journey my wife had been apprehensive about. We spent the first two days in London recovering from jetlag and preparing for the tour. We also had the pleasure of catching up with Siva and his family.

To keep our travel budget-friendly, we opted for budget airlines like EasyJet, WizzAir, ITA Airways, Ryanair, and Finnair, which allowed only hand luggage with a strict weight limit. Packing lightly was a challenge, especially with two ladies in tow, but it added an interesting twist to our travel experience.

Lisbon, Portugal:

Our first stop was Lisbon, a city brimming with tourists and adorned with Gothic architecture, ancient churches, and statues. Despite the warm weather, a cool breeze made our exploration comfortable. Navigating our Airbnb booking proved tricky, but a kind local named Jose came to our rescue. Not only did he help us with our accommodation, but he also showed us around Lisbon and treated us to dinner at an upscale restaurant. An unexpected highlight was meeting the President of Portugal at the restaurant, facilitated by our new friend Jose. This chance encounter and our conversation with the President left a lasting impression on us.

Barcelona, Spain:

From Lisbon, we flew to Barcelona. This vibrant city offered a blend of modern attractions and historic churches, and we couldn't miss visiting the iconic FC Barcelona stadium. The local Spanish cuisine and the bustling atmosphere of the tourist areas added to our enjoyment.

Rome and Vatican City:

Our next destination was Rome. Arriving late at night, we used Uber to reach our centrally located accommodation. The following day was dedicated to Vatican City, which was swarming with tourists. A tense moment in the metro, where someone attempted to pickpocket me, was a stark reminder of the city's high pickpocketing rates. Thankfully, I thwarted the attempt due to my vigilance.

Switzerland:

An early morning flight took us to Switzerland, renowned for its chocolates. We visited the famous Lindt Chocolate Factory and the stunning Rhein Falls. A delightful dinner at Dr. Piravina’s house, Thaya’s relative, capped off our day. The next day, we explored the city and its surrounding mountains, marveling at the beauty and high cost of living in a country that doesn't use the Euro, being outside the European Union.

Berlin, Germany:

Berlin was next on our itinerary. The city’s rich history, particularly its World War landmarks and the story of German reunification, provided a sobering walk through the past. We visited the Berlin Wall and other significant historical sites, reflecting on the city's traumatic yet resilient history.

Helsinki, Finland:

From Germany, we flew to Helsinki, a Scandinavian city with a pace reminiscent of Russia, due to its geographic proximity. Despite the hot and humid weather, we enjoyed exploring the city and indulging in local delicacies like salmon and reindeer meat at a lively Sunday Market. We also tried various modes of transport, including boats, trams, and buses.

Tallinn, Estonia:

A day cruise took us to Tallinn, Estonia. This charming Baltic city, filled with tourists and lively music, offered a unique blend of historical intrigue and modern vibrancy. We strolled through its picturesque streets, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the extended daylight until 10 PM.

Returning to Helsinki after our day in Estonia, we had a late dinner and reminisced about our nearly completed tour. The following day, we flew back to London. Before heading home to Malaysia, we spent a couple of days in Leicester with my college friend, Dr.Prem and Rupa. Our time in Leicester included a visit to the scenic Foxton Locks and some shopping at the bustling town square.

As we boarded our flight back to Malaysia, the memories of our whirlwind tour through Europe played in my mind. It felt surreal how quickly time had passed, and soon we were back to our daily routines, enriched by the experiences and friendships we made during our memorable journey.