– Dr. Lalit Mohan Sharma
Principal (Retd.)
A native of Dharamshala enjoys a brief sojourn in Europe even as All India Durga Mall Dal Bahadur Thapa Gold Cup Football Tournament gets underway.
Privileged to be at Paris, Grenoble, Annecy in France and at Milan, Verona and Venice in Italy (Italians call them Milano, Verona and Venezia), it’s delightful to learn of new places as also people, their behaviors, manners and aesthetics of living.
It will be relevant to mention a few points of interest; in Paris, Louvre Museum, Arc of Triumph, Eiffel Tower, Cathedral of Notre Dame (recently was in news for the fire that damaged it, Shakespeare and Company in Latin quarters of several countries used to meet; at Grenoble, museums of natural history, of Revolution and of Art; Saint Basilica in Venice along with Gondola ride and how
instead of roads cars are the lakes and boats to ferry you around. Sculptures at public place in the open, parks for children and others to walk and sit, greenery all around, pastures expanding up and down in a mesmerizing rhythm, creepers up the walls, green plants on roofs and blossoms in balconies, Ancient churches and not so old as well fascinate you everywhere with tales told in sculptures and large frescoes, the imposing architecture, both Italian and Byzantine evoke awe and wonder. Although pretty similar, people and lifestyles in French towns are more gentle on ear, smooth in manner, and less loud than that in Italian areas. Major portion of time being spent in the town of Grenoble, visiting its countryside and neighbouring towns and suburbs, the French manners of life and aesthetics of living get more pronounced in the mind. A calm prevails all around, on the streets and public places, even Sunday markets where anything you need is available and also an opportunity to taste the wines you may like to. People live to use a sitting area outside the restaurants where you can drink and smoke, and all around breathes a quiet hush. Such joy as a nation on holiday!
One noticeable feature in traffic management is the meticulously timed traffic signals, for pedestrians too. When a child enters a self-driven tram, somebody, man or woman shall rise to offer a seat there is none vacant. You can catch quite a few busy with cell phones or reading a book on train/ tram. Man arrived first, then the wheel. So cars, etc stop for pedestrians when there’s no traffic signal for walkers or cyclists. Cycling indeed is a major ride, and each one with a helmet one. Courtesy is touchingly so common and mutual as well at a door or road. Interesting to note, more women seem to be at the wheel driving. Smoking too on more soft lips seen more often.
Grand lac Laffrey is 23 kms south of Grenoble, has three broad lakes, pristine nature dominates the roads and man-made structures. We got a precious opportunity to witness a fire-fighter’s exercise; planes flying from far at a trajectory, diving towards the lake, sucking in tonnes of water in a minute or so and then flying to flush it down into the lake a hundred or so meters away in the lake itself. Another marvel to see at that place was a statue of Napoleon riding in full gear near one lake and also sound-panels beside another lake. You touch a spot, and listen to warbling of birds and at another touch a song with orchestra. For once, Lucid waters begin to look lyrical.
Annecy town, 106 kms Southwest of Grenoble, is known as Venice of the Alps. A little distance short of the Swiss border, Annecy has attractive lakes which feed the Thiou river. Along with the flag of France flutter flags of Switzerland and of the European Union at several places. On the way from Grenoble you are welcomed by vineyyards, going uphill and down the plains, a series of riveting sights. Along the lake are restaurants with open string arrangements giving it all a celebratory air. Greenery and tulip flowers and the rest are breathtaking.