My first day in Europe..

It wasn't the best of starts when waiting at the Emirates check-in desk for a couple of hours to sort out a luggage issue.. and when finally I have to shell out 18K bucks for extra-luggage, adding to it the exhaustion of speaking for an hour to several representatives from the operator all sucked out the last bit of energy that I really wanted to crash into my seat to get a nap.. To keep you informed about the time its 3 am, Jan 2nd 2010 !!

Finally took off from Anna international airport 45 mins late heading to a possible delay for my transit at Dubai.. Dubai airport to me is a overpriced cherry over a dry pancake of arabian desert !! But never mind petro-dollars at work.. After getting half stripped at the security check at Dubai, we were packed up in bus taken for a distance that would easily be a couple of miles.. Finally to my relief, my flight to Birmingham (My first step in europe) was half empty and I had the luxury to use all the 3 seats near me to have a nap..

After 7 hrs of flight over the middle east, south and north eastern europe I finally woke up from a "DND" sleep.. Peeped out of the window and the first strange sight was long cast shadows at 12 noon !! It was quite strange for someone who has lived all his life close to equator.. First tuning of mind to local frequency...

It was a pleasant sunny day in a "not so busy" airport.. By the way its a pleasant and sunny day 'cos the temperature is 3 C at Shuttlesworth Intl., airport in Birmingham :) Coming out of the terminal after a long flight is a great feeling with fresh cold air filling your lungs.. There was this friendly bus driver who helped me cram my luggage into the luggage bins.. As expected there will be a "Desi" (Indian) in every corner of the world you can imagine and my bus wasn't an exception..

Long flight, freezing temperatures and cold winds in Birmingham took a toll on me.. Being exhausted and at the verge of my strength reached Cardiff.. Luckily had my friend to receive me at the bus station.. Had an invitation to watch ice-skating show on day 1 but my body wasn't up for it and was longing to get some sleep..

Went out for dinner to a nearby burger joint (The main staple food when I'm out of India).. I'm still tuning my mind for the different place.. But this place seemed to be a bit more lively than what I expected out of a simple european city.. May be 'cos of the life that college atmosphere creates.. Plenty of places for a night out and people hanging around even in the cold are the best possible relief 1000s of miles away from home..

Finally crashing on to bed I had this one feeling disturbing me " I never saw so many amazing picturesque buildings that always attracted me towards Europe !!" - probably the effect of Indian Cinema.. :)