Hey there, folks! Finally, I’m here with my WCEU-solo trip recap.
Buckle up because I’m about to take you on a whirlwind journey across Europe, where I had the most incredible time volunteering at WordCamp Europe and exploring some of the continent’s most stunning cities.
From the charming streets of Turin to the enchanting canals of Venice, and the majestic mountains of Switzerland to the romantic allure of Paris, every moment was filled with adventure, learning, and new connections.
June 11: The Journey Begins
It all started in Lucknow, my hometown. With my bags packed and heart racing with excitement, I boarded my flight to Delhi and then off to Rome. The journey was smooth, and every moment brought me closer to my dream destination.
As I sat on the plane, I couldn’t help but imagine all the amazing people I would meet and the experiences that awaited me at my first ever WordCamp Europe in Turin!
June 12: Hello, Italy!
Touchdown in Rome! The Eternal City greeted me warmly, and after a short layover, I was on my way to Turin. As I landed in Turin, I was immediately charmed by the city’s vibe. The cobblestone streets, historical buildings, and vibrant atmosphere were so inviting.
One funny thing: it wasn’t even dark at 8 PM! I later discovered the sun sets after 9 PM here. Talk about long summer days!
I spent the evening walking around, soaking in the beauty of Turin and marveling at how alive the city felt even at that hour.
Day 1: Contributors Day
The next day was all about Contributors Day. The venue was fantastic, filled with an energetic and passionate crowd. As I walked through the halls, the excitement was palpable.
I had the chance to meet and bond with fellow Indian community members. We shared experiences and stories, making the whole event even more special. I attended several sessions and was inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone around me. It was a day of learning, sharing, and growing together.
Day 2: First Day of the Conference
Day one of the conference was phenomenal. I attended the Freemius party, where I mingled with founders and developers.
Networking was a blast, and I even tried out a golf cart to zip between sessions – talk about fancy transportation! The sessions were incredibly insightful, covering a range of topics from the latest WordPress developments to innovative marketing strategies. The highlight of the day was definitely the Freemius party, where I got to connect with some of the brightest minds in the community.
It was Inspiring to hear their stories and share our mutual passion for WordPress.
Day 3: Second Day of the Conference
The second day was packed with excitement. I met Michelle Frechette, which was a highlight! We had a wonderful conversation about community building and the future of WordPress.
The evening was spent exploring Turin, riding trams, trains, metros, cycling, and walking around the city. We capped off the night with dinner at an Indian restaurant. It was heartwarming to see so many Indian faces as sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. We took a group photo to capture the moment, and it was amazing to see the strong representation from India.
June 16: Meeting Matt Mullenweg
Meeting Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress, was surreal! We talked about redesigning the BuddyPress and bbPress websites. It was incredible to share my feedback and hear his insights on contributing more effectively.
Later, I met Devin Walker, Michelle, Ajit, and Tarun at the after-party. We had such a great time discussing our shared passion for WordPress and the community. I’m so grateful to Patricia and all the organizers and volunteers who made this event a huge success. With two out of three flagship events under my belt, WordCamp US is my next target!
June 17: Exploring Venice
After Turin, I hopped on a train to Milan and then to Venice.
Venice’s beauty is simply unmatched. Whether by day or night, the city was a dream. The canals, gondolas, and charming architecture made me feel like I was in a fairy tale. Walking through its charming streets, I couldn’t help but wish I wasn’t experiencing this solo.
Every corner of Venice had a story to tell, and I was mesmerized by its timeless charm.
June 19: Adventures in Zurich
Next stop: Zurich! I had an epic day at Mount Titlis, enjoying the rotating cable car and the breathtaking Titlis Cliff Walk. The snowy adventures were exhilarating!
The crisp mountain air and stunning views made me feel alive. I even built a little snowman, something I hadn’t done in years. The whole experience was like a winter wonderland come to life.
June 20: Mount Rigi and Lake Lucerne
The following day was just as amazing. I took a gondola ride up Mount Rigi and then enjoyed a serene ferry ride on Lake Lucerne. The views were stunning! The tranquility of the lake combined with the majesty of the mountains was a sight to behold. As night fell, Zurich’s charm took my breath away.
The city lights reflecting on the lake made it a magical evening. I wandered through the streets, soaking in the vibrant energy of the city and falling in love with Zurich’s night-time allure.
June 21: Bonjour, Paris!
From Zurich, I traveled through Basel and arrived in Paris.
The city of love and lights welcomed me with open arms. I met with Mathieu Viet, the Lead Developer of BuddyPress, at Pizzeria Da Lucia. Our discussion about redesigning BuddyPress and bbPress websites was incredibly inspiring.
We talked about the future of these platforms and how we could make them more user-friendly and engaging.
June 22: Parisian Marvels
Paris didn’t disappoint. I visited a stunning cathedral and wandered through the Musée du Louvre. From the enigmatic Mona Lisa to the majestic Winged Victory of Samothrace, every piece of art was a treasure. It was a day filled with awe and admiration for the city’s rich history and culture.
I spent hours lost in the beauty of the artworks and the stories they told. Later, I strolled along the Seine, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the picturesque views.
June 23: Home Sweet Home
Finally, after an unforgettable journey, I returned to Lucknow. As my plane touched down, I felt a mix of emotions – joy, nostalgia, and gratitude. This trip was a blend of professional growth and personal adventures, leaving me with memories I’ll cherish forever.
I’m incredibly thankful for the experiences, the people I met, and the lessons I learned along the way. This European adventure has truly been one for the books!
Thanks for joining me on this virtual tour of my European escapade! Stay tuned for more adventures and stories.
We specialize in web design & development, search engine optimization and web marketing, eCommerce, multimedia solutions, content writing, graphic and logo design. We build web solutions, which evolve with the changing needs of your business.
