Miles and Moments: Aashi Verma’s Journey Across Europe with Thrillophilia
It started with a promise I made to my mom.
My mother had spent most of her life caring for our family. She had always put our dreams ahead of hers. I often heard her say, “Maybe one day I will go to see Paris. It must be magical, na?” That “one day” always seemed to far.
But one day, when I was looking through old photographs, I came across a faded postcard of the Eiffel Tower that Mom once kept in a book. That was it! I knew it was time.
In June 2024, we packed our bags and passports and boarded a flight to Europe. It was just the two of us, chasing a dream through 14 days, 7 countries, and countless memories.
First Glimpse of Paris
Paris welcomed us with golden light and cool air. After a long flight, we had our first Indian dinner in the centre of the city. Mom sipped her masala chai and said, “I never thought I would be having this in Paris.”
Then, we rested for the day at our hotel. In the morning, we went to the Eiffel Tower and saw its tall and majestic iron frame. Mom’s eyes widened. “So many photos I have seen of this place… but seeing it in person was a different experience entirely.”
We also wandered through the Louvre, took pictures outside its glass pyramid, and ended the day with a Seine River Cruise. As we moved along the gentle waters, bridges passed overhead, and Paris lit up around us. Mom leaned against the railing and soaked in the peacefulness. When I asked her what she was thinking, she just whispered, “I feel young again.”
Day 3 was a choice between Disneyland and relaxing in the city. We chose rest and retail therapy instead. So, we walked through cobbled lanes, tried hot chocolate at cafes, and bought little trinkets. “You know,” she laughed while trying on a beret, “that suits me!”
Chocolates, Canals & Cathedrals
From Paris, we went to Brussels, where we explored Grand Place, admired the playful Manneken Pis, and visited St. Michael's Church. We did not spend long in the city, but the chocolates we picked up were incredible.
By the afternoon, we reached Amsterdam, where there were canals all around. We took a canal cruise in the evening and passed the illuminated historic buildings.
On Day 5, we chose to visit Zaanse Schans & Marken. There, the windmills spun gently against the blue sky, and we got a peek into traditional clog-making and cheese-making. Mom tried every cheese sample and declared each one better than the last.
The Beauty of Switzerland
We explored Germany and Switzerland in the next few days. In Cologne, we visited the massive Cologne Cathedral and saw its Gothic spires scraping the sky.
However, Switzerland was magical. In the Black Forest, the air carried the scent of pine and peace. The sound of the cascading water at the Rhine Falls was also mesmerising. But we were not prepared for the snowy adventure on Mount Titlis.
The Rotair cable car spun slowly as we rose through clouds. At the top, we could see snow everywhere. Mom laughed as I pulled her onto the Cliff Walk, as her feet were crunching on fresh snow. “I never thought I would be walking on snow at this age,” she said, with her cheeks red from the cold and joy.
In Lucerne, we visited the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument and then took a peaceful cruise on Lake Lucerne. The reflections of mountains on the still water looked beautiful.
We had an option to visit Jungfraujoch, but we chose to spend time in Interlaken. There, we sat by the lake, enjoyed a warm pastry, and simply existed. Sometimes, the most magical part of a journey is when you stop to breathe.
From Austria to Italy
Before crossing into Austria, we paused in Vaduz for a charming tram ride through the capital of Liechtenstein. Later, at the Swarovski Crystal World, the crystals glowed in every colour. But the real gem that day was Innsbruck’s Old Town, with its pastel buildings and the golden gleam of the Golden Roof.
From there, we made our way to Venice. In the evening, we took the Vaporetto to Venice Island and wandered through alleys and the Bridge of Sighs that opened up to St. Mark’s Square. The optional Gondola ride was also worth it. Our gondolier sang softly in Italian, and I saw that my Mom was enjoying the song with her eyes closed.
The next morning, we travelled to Pisa. Seeing the Leaning Tower made us giggle like kids. Mom held it up with her hands (at least in the photo), and we laughed for minutes after. In Florence, we paused at Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of the city. The red rooftops, the gentle hills, and the fading sun offered a memorable sight.
Our last stop of the trip was Rome. And what a grand finale it was!
We explored the Vatican City, wandered through the Sistine Chapel, and admired Michelangelo’s frescoes. The guide took us through the Vatican Museum and narrated stories of history and art. Then, we stepped out into St. Peter’s Square.
While driving through the ancient roads of Rome and passing the Colosseum and Roman Forum, I realised how rare and precious this trip had been.
The End
On our last day, we packed slowly. The hotels had often been far from the city centre. The days had been long and sometimes rushed. But when I asked Mom how she felt, she said, “I feel like I lived a second youth with you.”
We both knew we had travelled across countries, memories, and moments we never thought we would share.
And as we waited at the airport for our flight back, Mom looked at me and said, “Let us plan another trip soon. Maybe Spain?”
I smiled. “Promise.”
Read More:
Thrillophilia Europe Reviews