Summers in Europe

What defines Europe? What binds the many European nations with diverse cultures and languages? For one, it's the landscape: the Alps tower many countries, most cities have an "old town" that preserves centuries-old traditions, and many places share water canals. But most importantly, I think, Europe speaks for its neatly laid mixes of discipline and freedom. While you can trust that most things just work -- whether it be efficient trains, trams and buses, or the gardens, the mountains and the supermarkets -- you also start imagining a life of your own, within days of being in the neighborhoods.

I have been to many European countries across its breadth and height -- Germany, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, and the UK -- and yet there are countless others I would like to be in, including parts of countries I have already visited. I get excited each time I have a call to visit a European country, and feel lucky to be in a profession that allows me to pursue even this aspect of my passion.

Whether it be the systematic transport and neatness of Germany, the mesmerizing Alps and welcoming people of Austria, the bustling culture mixing the old and the new of Italy, the river cruises of Isar, Vltava and Nyhavn, or the old-times buildings of Prague -- Europe has something to cherish for everyone, on every trip. The ever-lasting old, and the ever-changing new; walk with me and see what does your mind brew!