The Globe Caravan

I am so fond of Kolkata that whenever the alphabet K strikes my mind, that I cannot think of any other proper noun but Kolkata. It is called as the Indian city of joy. Now what do you equate your joy with? It depends. Most of the times, for me, its food.          Gastronomic gluttons can consider Kolkata as their place of pilgrimage. From ‘baked rosogolla’ to ‘ shor bhaja’, ‘mishti doi’ to ‘Nolen gur er shondesh’, ‘Joy nagar er mua’ to ‘ Jol bhora shondesh ’, ‘ Bhapa illish ’ to ‘ Daab chingri ’, ‘ Bhetki r paaturi ’ to ‘ Pabdaar jhaal’. Every delicacy is tongue titillating.       Kolkata being the capital of India during the British occupied period has an European feel, architectural construction in some of its old buildings. There are very many places to see in Kolkata – The Indian Museum, The Victoria memorial, Vidyasagar Setu, The Howrah Bridge, Princep Ghat, Rabindra Setu, Science City, Belur Math, ...

French old towns and local markets, blue sea and the green mountains, gardens and fountains, harbours and yachts, plush resorts and villas, gourmet delights and the best wines, a romp on the sea beach or a long drive – all these conjures up to what can best describe “The French Riviera”. Set across the Mediterranean coastline, the French Riviera or the Cote d Azur includes many small towns and cities like Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, Saint- Tropez, Eze, Villefranche – sur- Mer, Saint Paul de Vence, Saint Jean Cap- Ferrat, Grasse, etc. The micro country of Monaco is also a part of the coastline. The drive from Nice to places like Antibes, Cannes and Gordon was a scenic cum romantic affair. As the car meandered through the Riviera road, I could not stop gushing of this enchanting seascape. The view from Antibes hill top, where the car paused for a short while offers a wide angle view of the gorgeous town. It is also the reason why most celebrities decide to sojourn and nestl...

T he Paris nostalgia is at its peak, specially when I am talking about Montmarte. The happening district located in the 18 th arrondisement in a hilly area is teeming with tourists for many reasons. The Sacre- Couer Basilica – a Byzantine cum Romansque designed structure is indeed beautiful. From its campus, one can have sweeping panoramic views of Paris. October being the wine festival time, holds a special excuse for Montmarte being overcrowded. Artists lining up on street sides, urge people to get themselves canvassed either in caricature or portrait form, musicians and DJs rocking in euphoria, the quintessential Parisians brasserie offering best of wines, create an elated atmosphere. France and food have always been synonymous. One can go binge eating from wide range of boulangeries, pattiseries, restaurants, cafes, bistros and dining plazas, a tourist is spoilt with too culinary choices from the best of wine and champagnes, torte and cakes, cheese and crepes, quiche ...

You must be confused with the title… While the former Nice is an adjective, the latter is the largest city in the Coastal border of France. My two day brush with this ravishing escapade, started with one of the most attractive tourist spot called as Promenade des Anglais. It is a seven kilometer sea facing “U” shaped stretch divided into a pedestrian zone and a main road. The pedestrian zone is very popular with strollers, joggers, cyclists, nature lovers, photoholics and beach gamers. The “I Love Nice” iconic sign on the elevated part of the Promenade with the   Nice cityscape is the highlight of the stretch. A walk from the Promenade   leads to the Old Port called Vieux and also to the light house. The allure of the place is heightened at dusk when the Promenade is lit up and the reflection of light falls on the sea.                 Small streets from the Promenade leads to the old...