From Cobblestone Streets to Snow-Capped Mountains: Badar’s European Adventure with Thrillophilia
When Badar boarded the flight with his wife and their two kids, it felt unusual. For years, family vacations had been dreams buried under work deadlines and school schedules. But this time was different.
“We are really doing it,” his wife said, her excitement mirrored in her wide smile.
“Yes, fifteen days, four countries, and a bus full of strangers,” Badar replied with a mix of expectation and nervousness. The two kids were already arguing over who would spot the Eiffel Tower first.
“Do you think it is taller than Qutub Minar?” his daughter asked in a curious expression.
“Way taller,” his son declared.
Badar smiled and leaned into the moment. For a software engineer who thrived on structure, this journey felt like diving headfirst into chaos. Europe, with its centuries-old charm and promise of discovery, was calling.
Discovering Magic in Paris
Their first stop in the European adventure was Paris, and it did not take long for the city to captivate them. Standing under the glittering Eiffel Tower at night, Badar’s daughter screamed, “It looks like a giant Christmas tree!”
Badar looked at his wife, who had her phone out to capture the magic. “It is more beautiful than I imagined,” she said softly.
Their guide, Michael, added colour to the city with stories of French kings and revolutions. “Every corner here whispers a tale,” he said, leading the group through the Louvre and down the cobbled streets of Montmartre.
But it was not just the sights that thrilled Badar. It was the companionship on the bus rides, where the group of 45 people bonded over songs, shared snacks, and even a game of Antakshari that his daughter kicked off.
Big Moment for Badar’s Son in the Alps
When they arrived in Switzerland the next day, the snow-covered Alps took their breath away. The entire scenery shifted to a dreamscape. Badar’s wife even felt that they were stepping into a postcard as they boarded the cable car to Mount Titlis.
His son, usually the daredevil, hesitated at the suspension bridge swaying high above the valley. “I am not sure about this,” he murmured, clutching his father’s hand.
“You have got this,” Badar encouraged him while kneeling to meet his son’s eyes. “Remember, we came here to try new things. You will regret not doing it.”
His son took a deep breath and stepped onto the bridge. By the time they crossed, he was smiling wide. “I did it!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the mountains.
“That’s my boy,” Badar said while ruffling his hair.
But, what caught his daughter’s attention was the ice caves. “It is like Elsa’s castle!” she declared, spinning in delight. Badar laughed at her joy, realising that seeing the world through his children’s eyes made everything infinitely more magical.
Bonding Over Italian Gelato
Italy welcomed them with vibrant streets and rich aromas of pizza and pasta. In Venice, Badar’s daughter was excited to see the gondolas. “A floating city!” she exclaimed.
However, the highlight for Badar was Florence. Wandering through its ancient streets, he was struck by the craftsmanship of the sculptures and cathedrals.
“Imagine the skill and patience it took to carve something like this,” he said to his wife, pointing to Michelangelo’s David.
“Kind of like raising kids,” she joked, making him laugh.
In Rome, they marvelled at the Colosseum and tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain. “One coin means you will return to Rome,” Michael explained. And, Badar’s son threw three.
“What did you wish for?” Badar asked.
“More gelato,” his son replied while licking his ice cream.
As the kids laughed, Badar felt a wave of gratitude. The chaos of travel, the occasional hiccups - they all faded in the face of these moments.
The Unexpected Connections
Badar realised what truly set the trip apart was not the breathtaking landscapes or iconic landmarks but the people.
Michael, with his encyclopaedic knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, made history come alive. The bus driver’s skill and patience, especially on winding mountain roads, was a marvel. And the fellow travellers - strangers at the start - felt like extended family by the end.
One night, Badar shared a quiet moment with his wife over dinner at a cosy Austrian inn. “Do you notice how everyone is laughing and talking like old friends?” he asked.
“Travel does that,” she replied in a warm voice. “Travel has a way of bringing people together.”
Saying Goodbye to Europe
As the trip wound down and they flew out of Rome, Badar reflected on the past two weeks. He felt that this was a journey of growth and connection.
“You know,” he said to his wife, watching the kids fall asleep on the plane, “we should do this more often.”
She smiled. “Maybe next time, we will let the kids pick the destination.”
“Even if it is just for gelato,” he added, laughing softly.
Europe had left its mark on them - a kaleidoscope of memories, lessons, and a renewed sense of togetherness.
Read more: Thrillophilia Europe Reviews