Backpacking Trip Through Europe - A Rendezvous with History
My 12-Day 12-City Trip Through Christian Europe, Muslim Spain, and the Rest of Colonizing World!
By: Athar Osama
I’ve been planning this for quite a while now, probably for as long as I remember. Backpacking is not something that comes naturally to us - Pakistanis. We’re just too cautious to do something as daring as travel through 12 cities in 12 days (and more). This year, when we moved to London for an year-long sojourn, I had a trip through Europe at the back of my mind. After a long wait through the summer, the time has come to materialize a long cherished dream.
As the time grew near and I told my friends and family about it, many were cautious in their approval, others were more open. My friend Adnan Shahid suggested that I do a blog on facebook or elsewhere to share my experiences. Write a daily journal of my labors and travels, post pictures of places I visit, report the unusual, and give tips to those planning to undertake similar journeys. I kind of like the idea. Perhaps others would chime in and share their experiences in these cities as well.
Useful tips, advice, things to watch or watch out for, ideas for saving money or saving time, inspiration, or simply witty one-liners are all very welcome. Remember, I only have 8am-4pm in each of the 12 cities I visit. I don’t know how that is going to work out logistically but I’ll do the best I can see (and bring you) the best of Europe in the time that I have.
Today, I leave London on the first stop of my 12-day-12-city trip. My itineary, should Mr. Murphy stay away, is as follows:
December 27, 2007 - Geneva
December 28, 2007 - Lausanne
December 29, 2007 - Milan
December 30, 2007 - Venice
December 31, 2007 - Florence
January 1, 2008 - Rome-Vatican
January 2, 2008 - Barcelona
January 3, 2008 - Granada & Cordoba
January 4, 2008 - Seville
January 5, 2008 - Madrid
January 6, 2008 - Lisbon
January 7, 2008 - Outskirts of Lisbon
January 8, 2008 - Arrive back in London
Or atleast thats the plan! Now, based on my earlier experiences in Europe (specifically France) I do know that things go wrong. Sometimes terribly wrong here (I will write about it later) and so we’ll see what happens.
If you’re around in any of these countries on one of those dates, write to me at Athar.Osama@gmail.com and maybe we can touch base and meet up.
I will try to faithfully report on my journeys. This is something that I’ve never done before and probably will never do again. I will write my first post later tonight on this page and do so by midnight GMT / 5 am PST every day (subject to internet). A new day, a new city, and a new adventure.
Join me in this adventure of my lifetime, share yours, and let this inspire all of us as well…
The Facebook Event that is open for everyone to join and post comments, pictures, even videos of their own travels is at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=6733754861
Also blogging with more pictures and additional commentary on this website at: http://www.AtharOsama.com
Wish me luck, I need lots of it!
Athar
admin @ December 26, 2007