9 countries in 20 days
Siddharth Marupeddi talks about accidental discoveries andunforgetful memories.
By : b. tharun kumar
Update: 2015-12-12 23:48 GMT
Siddharth Marupeddi, an entrepreneur from Vijayawada, completed his solo trip to nine countries in 20 days and has now become an inspiring figure among his friends.
“I requested the Finnish embassy for a multiple entry Schengen visa; I, did not have a proper travel plan in Europe otherwise,” says Siddharth, who started his trip from Finland, where he had to attend a meeting.
“Starting from November 7, I visited Finland, Estonia, a place you can reach only through water, Turkey, Latvia, Dubai, Russia, Netherlands, Vatican City and Italy. Stayed in hostels, walked a lot and travelled in public transport. I rode a Vespa in Italy, ferried from Estonia to Russia, bicycled through the streets of Amsterdam and spent over 18 hours at an airport lounge,” he says.
Th entrepreneur is still in wonder that his one-day trip across Russia turned out to be so easy.
“I never thought I could so easily get into Russia,” says Siddharth, who was fortunate to get onboard a ship that required no visa permit. “When I was heading towards Estonia from Finland, there was a special cruise ship ready to leave for St Petersburg and I did not need any visa for 72 hours’ stay in Russia,” Siddharth says.
He admits that this trip helped him to have a positive approach towards life. “I never wasted a night and I still have blisters on my toes. I lost over six kilos but ate the best food. I am a different man now after the trip.”
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