Traveling
has always been a dream of mine, and thanks to the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme,
I got the incredible opportunity to explore Central Europe—starting from Delhi,
India, all the way to the charming city of Trnava, Slovakia. The journey was
filled with excitement, challenges, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s how
it all unfolded!
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Layover nap
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Before I
could even board a flight, I had to secure my Schengen Visa. The process took 8
days in Delhi, filled with nervous anticipation. Would my application be
approved? Finally, the visa arrived, and I was ready to embark on my European
adventure! My journey started with a flight from Delhi to Abu Dhabi, followed
by a connecting flight to Vienna, Austria. The long-haul flights were tiring,
but the excitement kept me going. The dream of boarding the largest commercial
air plane paid off. It was a Dreamliner with 11 seats in a row. It was the UAE's national airline, Etihad Airways. 'Etihad' in Arabic means unity.
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Zayeed Int. Airport, Abu Dhabi, The UAE
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| Rector's team |
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| Ice Cream: Always |
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Old town square
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| Old tower, Trnava |
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| Nikoleta and her team |
After
landing in Vienna, my next destination was Trnava, Slovakia—just 45 minutes
away
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| Vienna International Airport, Austria |
by taxi. As we drove through the scenic Austrian and Slovak countryside, I
couldn’t help but admire the lush green landscapes—a stark contrast to Delhi’s
bustling streets.Discovering
Trnava: Slovakia’s Hidden Gem
Trnava,
often called "Little Rome" for its many churches, is a picturesque
city with a rich history. Here’s what made my stay special: Walking
through Trnava’s Old Town felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The St. John
the Baptist Cathedral, Town Tower, and cobblestone streets exuded an old-world
charm I had only seen in movies.
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| Nikoleta & her team |
The
Erasmus+ program wasn’t just about travel—it was about learning, networking,
and cultural exchange. Thanks to Nikoleta, my new found friend, who is the
International Relations Director for the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius
in Trnava, Slovakia. I met the Rector,
Vice Rector and other professors and even picked up a few Slovak phrases
("Ahoj!" for hello, "Ďakujem!" for thank you).
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| Cheaper than bottled water |
Slovaks
are incredibly warm and welcoming. I window-shopped many dishes dishes but fell
in love with Kofola (a local soda). Our (there were 2 senior professors with
me) causal snack was mostly ice cream followed by daily dose of beers. Here’s
the catch, beers are cheaper than bottled water. Haha…no wonder our bellies eked-out an inch.
From the
chaotic streets of Delhi to the serene beauty of Trnava, this journey was
nothing short of magical. I returned with memories, friendships, and a newfound
love for Central Europe.
