Mareblu

Balmoral?

Windsor Castle?

19 minutes ago, Blackduck59 said:

This is my final tribute of love and respect for Granny (my name for Lynn's mom).

How absolutely beautiful, Lyle.  

51 minutes ago, MicCanberra said:

Or Hay's bush oysters? 

Rather difficult to find by the dozen

17 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

Now here is something different for cruisers to do when they're visiting a port they've already been to a few times -  mystery picnics or tours. Not cheap but they sound like fun. 

 

https://www.amazingco.me/us

 

 

Looks like really well organised activities, in Canberra too.  Thanks Julie.

After Hawkesbury River’s Sydney rock oysters

4 hours ago, LittleFish1976 said:

 

He is only interested in having other people do the dreaming. He is just full of hot air. I hope everyone is just having fun with this topic and not taking any of it seriously - he would have no intention whatsoever of building this thing. It's all just publicity for the product which is Palmer himself and probably means he's going to resurrect his failed political party and have another tilt at a seat at the next election. He doesn't want to win a seat but just uses his interference in the election process to try to sway public opinion. Enough said I think from me on this subject.

I totally agree with your observations.

8 hours ago, rmsEtruria said:

Well, if it’s an authentic replica, it won’t make it past a point about 400 miles south of Newfoundland.

We had a memorable Titanic themed evening at our golf club a while back.  Quite authentic and elegant ambience.  Memorable because our Captain wished us a happy and safe voyage.

Maybe The Shire?

2 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I think beef is more traditional then you might think.  Parts of Mexico, including near here, have a long tradition of cowboys (vaqueros).  In fact, they actually have their own style of rodeos (primarily attended by Mexicans) in this area.  Yesterday, we were surprised to see about 30 vaqueros on the beach, in front of our balcony, as they had ridden into town (from a nearby)  exhibition, to show their horses and have some fun.  These guys are very similar to our US cowboys and they make their living herding livestock (including cattle).  

 

In the 18 winters we have lived in Mexico, we have grown to understand that Mexican beef is leaner than what we normally get in the USA, but it can be quite good.  The problem when we talk about "traditional" Mexican cuisine is that what is traditional in Puerto Vallarta (such as fresh fish, tacos al pastor, etc) might not be found in other parts of the country.  The tradition of this country is to take advantage to what is readily available in the region...which varies all over the country.

 

Hank

That sounds credible, just like in Italy.  The cuisine of my husband’s birth region (Friuli) is typical of alpine and pre-alpine European regions, including cooler- water seafood from its Adriatic coast above Venice.  It is completely different to the cuisine native to southern Italy.  Of course, over time, offerings from regions further afield are tried, accepted and absorbed (pastas, classic desserts, etc.).

i’m sure the same would occur in Mexico.

Reminiscent of Cappadocia, Turkey.  Is it?  I just don’t recall much vegetation.

2 hours ago, Carnevale said:

The water taxi desk is not in the secure part of the airport so I can’t understand what the hotel is saying. As has been mentioned, without flight arrival information you cannot pre book a water taxi but you should be able to go to the desk on the arrivals level, book there then do the long walk to the pier.

 

The moving sidewalks to get to the pier have been mentioned but unless things have changed from the last time we were there (this past February), you can’t take the luggage trolleys on them. So be prepared for the walk.

 

We go to Venice a lot and always use the water taxis since, as noted, it’s a wonderful way to arrive in Venice.  In good weather go to the back open area when you get to the city and enjoy the view by standing out there. Yes, they are expensive but, for us, they are very special and worth the cost and we like getting right to the hotel water entrance. The trick is to make sure you book a hotel or apartment that has a water entrance.

 

We have always had taxi drivers who helped with our luggage including the 10 times we have gone to Venice for the carnival and arrived with either 8 or 10 suitcases. Even with that mountain of luggage they have always been very helpful.  But perhaps we have been lucky and next time we might get a driver who doesn’t help. That will seriously impact what is generally a generous tip.

I couldn’t agree more.  “La Serenissima” is my favourite city in the world.  My husband was born 100ks to the north, in beautiful Friuli, in the Julian Alps.  We have been to Venezia countless times.  It’s ethereal.

3 hours ago, QuestionEverything said:

Hi ORV. It is a bus with 20 total, bus size is for 40. Lots of space and daily the seat assignment is rotated.

Globus and Trafalger do not pack buses, they are higher end tours.

 

And for a truly luxurious experience:  Tauck tours.  They offer some superb experiences in the British Isles.

56 minutes ago, ppanyan said:

Can I get a cafe mocha at Baristas?  I don't see that on the menu.  I can't drink coffee without chocolate in it.  (Sorry, coffee purists...)

I’m sure you could.

If a tree falls in the forest…

Just an important correction:  age limits in the UK differ between hire car companies.  My husband will turn 80 during our Cunard circumnavigation of the British Isles in May.  We are sailing in the Med on Oceania prior to flying to Scotland to collect our hire car. We embark Queen Anne after driving and staying in Scotland, England and Wales.  We have already arranged car hire.  We drove through Scotland and England 18 months ago when he was 78.  The age limit for the company we always use (Hertz) is 85.

To really immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of the magnificent British Isles and Ireland, a land tour is a must.  We usually anchor ourselves in one spot for a few days, exploring that area, then move on to the next.  

For a limited tasting sample of the culture of each port visited on a cruise, simply enjoy the experience each day brings.  For total relaxation and sheer pleasure, a sea voyage is a must for us, that’s why we’re bookending our land exploration with cruises.

wishing you an enjoyable adventure, whatever your choice.

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your considered review.  We are sailing with friends on Vista in a few weeks, and really looking forward to trying a new Oceania vessel.  We've enjoyed Marina, Nautica and Sirena (a few times on Nautica) so it will be interesting to compare.  No voyage is perfect, and food and wines are subjective commodities, so we don't embark expecting Utopia.  It's always a great idea to begin from a positive perspective, we find, so we'll see.

Wherever it is, this image is spiritually ethereal.  Congrats if you captured it.

Few people in Australia take Clive seriously.  He somehow quarantines his obviously vast wealth, and pops up every election year with his registered political party, making outrageous and attention-seeking proclamations.  Occasionally, they’re spot on.

His Titanic dream may be a reality or a fantasy.  Time will tell.

39 minutes ago, Mareblu said:

Yes, Lake Burley Griffin.  Bonus point if you can identify the background.

I should have also said it is your turn.  The lake was good enough.  The background is part of the National Arboretum.  Good play on words from Mic.

Yes, Lake Burley Griffin.  Bonus point if you can identify the background.

Mic’s being quite reserved.

It’s fresh water, not coastal, and not quite NSW

10 minutes ago, lyndarra said:

Merimbula Boardwalk?

Inland.

9 minutes ago, lyndarra said:

Batehaven?

No, not Batehaven.