R is going to be away on an unexpected business trip to New Zealand at the end of next this month with colleagues, and having been given to understand in no uncertain terms that my accompanying him would be a distraction, I suddenly find myself with two weeks of free time and no real plans. The compulsive planner in me is in a tizzy about what to do with myself during his absence. Or rather, where to go?
Remember that unlike most of you, we don’t enjoy favoured status among visitors and cannot travel without visas to most countries, the application process for which can be convoluted and painful. The handful that do grant us papers on arrival are the ones I have no desire to visit in summer.
While I mull over my options, and hunt for deals here are streetscapes from a destination – at the opposite end of the spectrum from Calcutta – that I am so familiar with, and that I am sorely tempted to return to!
Until next time….happy travels, no matter where life takes you.
The Urge To Wander 
Lovely Paris…
Happy April, my dear Madhu and happy wanderings, wherever they take you! 🙂 xx
Thank you. And to you to Marina! 🙂
Great post Madhu as always. I can see why you would be tempted to go back. Take care. -Max-
Thanks Max. Everything on a Paris map seems so familiar, that it feels like the easiest option!
Beautiful and amazing!
Thanks IT. Pleasure to see you here 🙂
oooh, April in Paris is nice … we will be there in May … wherever you go you will have a wonderful time Madhu, and bring back a host of glorious pics to share with your online friends … please 🙂 (I have a dress I bought in Paris, just like those young women are wearing, but I wear tights with mine!)
Ah, It would have been so lovely to be able to meet up with you in Paris Christine! But I don’t think I will be going there after all. I need to decide in a few days though, or I will be sitting at home pining for my dear spouse 🙂
Come to Italy!
I just might Debra! 🙂
Let me know if you are coming to my little part of Italy.
I certainly shall, thanks Debra 🙂
Lovely pictures. 🙂 I’d love to go there again sometime. I was only 4 last time.
I hope you do David. I love that city, although I know a lot of people that don’t care for it all 🙂
It’s always a good idea to go to Paris! 🙂
It is!!! Happy to meet you Rana 🙂
Good luck with your travel hunt! …. and thanks for the snapshots of Paris.
Have a wonderful time and don’t forget to take pen and paper with you! God bless your wanderings 🙂
Just got back from Paris about a week ago. Can’t wait till I go back again…. Always magnifique 🙂
Have a great time! Paris in Spring is lovely ~
Safe travels, Madhu
Love the photos. I learnt French as second language and since then I have been yearning to visit Paris even though I do not remember much of what I learnt then…
April in Paris? What could be better – how long would it take to get your Visa? 🙂
You can’t go wrong with Paris!
I’d be in a tizzy too if two free weeks popped up. Have fun wherever you go…just do go somewhere!
Great post! Amazing shot! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
http://psychosomaticallyinlove.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/weekly-photo-challenge-street-life/
http://psychosomaticallyinlove.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/weekly-photo-challenge-street-life-marrakech-morocco/
Ah, Paris, Madhu! This truly is my most favorite destination of those I have visited. I am restudying French with the goal of being able to communicate at some level when (note I don’t say if) I return there. The sooner the better! Thanks, as always, for your images. These conjured up wonderful memories of times spent in the City of Lights. Bon voyage!
Helas Paris, mon amour!!! Just as I remember it…. 🙂 kiss claudine
Exciting! I can hear your brain whirring from here 🙂
😀 Hadn’t realised it was that audible Jo!! Wish I was familiar enough with Portugal. When do you go next?
Nothing booked till after the Polish wedding on 1st May, sadly. You couldn’t go far wrong with Lisbon and Sintra though 🙂
Beautiful pics of Paris. How lovely to have to make such a decision. I look forward to your pics, wherever you may decide to go. 🙂
Spring in Paris is always special! great images
Very similar to Brussels where my daughter lived for a few years. There is a special feeling about Europe isn’t there?
Ohhhh, I wish I could come along with you Madhu! Great pics, love the corner cafe.
I can totally relate to what you feel about having to apply for visa in advance to visit most places in the world. It can be an exhausting process to arrange all documents needed to visit certain countries. However that should never hamper us from exploring the world – you have proved it by visiting places as far as Argentina! Good luck with your hunt!
I’m with the Audrey Hepburn school of thought – ‘Paris is always a good idea…’
Beautiful entry. The photo of the baby is awesome, captured in the middle of their day:)
This is a city that I definitely know that I’ll visit some day (unless I should suddenly die of course).
🙂 Best not to dwell on that possibility!
No matter where your wanderings take you, I am certain with a single post you will leave us yearning to head in that direction. Happy travels to you Madhu. 🙂
Ahhh… decisions, decisions! Lovely pics as usual Madhu. Coincidentally I was just ruing about visa requirements on twitter today. We can be only so spontaneous 😦 BTW, if Paris doesn’t lure you back… consider Bhutan?
Paris…just a magical place. The streets full of fun surprises. Last picture of the cafe brought a lot of great memories and daily shots of expresso. Have a wonderful day!
hi !! Did I mention earlier that i always look forward to see your new posts.. been following it so religiously now and thoroughly enjoying your writing …Just wish there was a LIKE button (like FB ) that i could keep pressing 🙂 🙂
Just wanted to let you know that i do know of a visa agent who can expediate the process ..lemme know if you need his contact …Paris would be enchanting …was there in April 2years ago ..perfect time to go ..I think Rach will get the warm summer …but then ..its still a city u fall in love with over and over again …TC
So kind of you Ruchika. I am flattered, truly!!!
Have already applied for an Italian Schengen…..for a week in Venice! (Paris is a no-brainer, but I might need to return for my sister’s 50th next year, so felt one more time might be overkill.)
Papers still held up in Bombay apparently for want of a few more clarifications (can’t imagine what, considering we were in Paris just last July!) My traveling solo must be the issue….they are probably worried I might elope with a sexy gondolier! )
Shall let you know if I need help. Thanks a ton :-).
Come to the UK and stay with me and my family! I’d love to talk India with you 🙂
Ahh, thank you for the offer Ken! Would have loved to do that and meet your lovely family. Not sure I can handle the cold though. Am looking at someplace further South. Fingers crossed that the consulates will be as welcoming as my online friends 🙂
Yes I don’t blame you Madhu! The offer stands any time you like however (it does get warmer here eventually 😉 ) – enjoy wherever you end up going 🙂
I think Ken is right. Pull out your thermals and discover somewhere new. You’ve already seen Paris; try out Britain. If you’re worried about the cold, go to Devon, Cornwall, or Dorset and check out the fabulous coastlines.
I often look at the differences in visa requirements and am glad that we get so many breaks! Here’s hoping you think of some amazing journey to let us peek at. I’m sure you will!
Madhu, where ever you decide to go, it will be beautiful anyways. Enjoy, enjoy, what ever is offered to you.
Your photos make me yearn for a return trip to Paris. It’s hard to believe that we were there less than a year ago. Beautiful city.
Beautiful photos!
I have always been fascinated by Paris, read a lot about it, but never had the chance to go there. Some day…
Good luck with your suitable-destination-hunting! 🙂
I have been settled in one place for a bit and your blog is giving me itchy feet again!
It’s hard not to daydream about April in Paris. These scenes took me back. Hope you found someplace wonderful to explore. I would have been very jealous if my husband went off to New Zealand without me. I probably would have stowed away in his bag. 🙂
We lived in Paris for several years, our 2 “old kids” were born there, so to us “la ville-lumière” is and will always be in our hearts… ❤ Paris sera toujours Paris! P.S. our son lives and works in Paris… 🙂
Who doesn’t want to go back there? April in Paris, I can hear you humming now —
I’m beating myself up for missing some of the posts. I am sorely tempted to go back too. Madhu, I love how you picture Paris. Merci!