Solstice Live/First-Timer Reports/Pix’s: Italy/Croatian June 7-19

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Modern Side of Ancient Venice: A Traveler’s Guide”  with this sub-head: "For those who think they’ve ‘done’ Venice, think again. As the Venice Biennale—the world’s biggest art fair—kicks off this weekend, we highlight the city’s newer, must-see attractions."

 

Here are some key story highlights: “Starting this weekend, Italy’s most magnetic tourist town plays host to the Venice Biennale, the vast international art show that runs through November. Unsuspecting vacationers expecting to binge primarily on Renaissance painters and gothic palaces are in for a surprise.  They may, for example, find themselves at an artificial beach, serenaded by opera singers crooning about sunburns (an art installation/performance piece from this year’s Lithuanian representatives). Or, they may stumble across faux pine trees with speakers transmitting the names of extinct birds and defunct countries, compliments of New Zealand artist Dane Mitchell. As it has in years past, the art festival galvanizes this ancient city, sparking several recent projects with a distinctly modern edge.”

 

It is a different "art scene" coming up in traditional Venice.  Additionally, here are a few other options to consider in visiting Venice: "After a two-year renovation, the 9th-century Church of San Lorenzo has been reborn as Ocean Space, a cultural center focused on marine preservation.  Opened last spring, the lively Sudest 1401 is a cafe and bar housed in the Italian headquarters of the V-A-C Foundation, a cultural exhibition space in the 19th-century Palazzo delle Zattere."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-modern-side-of-ancient-venice-a-travelers-guide-11557510181

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 45,435 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

Here is one of the visuals featured as a part of this article.  It is of Le Stanze del Vetro, a modern glass museum.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph in mid May, they had this headline: “From waterside terraces and romantic restaurants to private jetties – the best Venice hotels with canal views”  with these highlights: “There’s no other city in the world that boasts quite such an impressive main drag as Venice and its Grand Canal. You’ll travel down it in your vaporetto or water taxi, you’ll observe the bustling boats from magnificent bridges. But there’s nothing quite like having a front-row seat at the Grand Canal spectacle from your hotel – or, even better, from your hotel room. Five-star grandes dames cluster along the waterway, but there are less exhorbitant accommodation options there too. Just make sure you’re very clear indeed that you want that view when you book.”

 

Eleven different hotel options are outlined and illustrated.  Interesting range of choices and potentials.  Much to consider when going to Venice, including about costs, location, etc. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/veneto/venice/articles/best-venice-hotels-with-canal-views/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 245,969 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

Below is one of the pictures used to illustrate this article.  This is of the Gritti Palace that occupies one of the most scenic spots on the Grand Canal.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

From CNN, the cable news network this morning, they had this headline: “Venice becomes the front line in the battle against overtourism” with these highlights: “Venice received more than 36 million international tourists in 2017, a near 10% rise on the previous year. While travelers fuel the city's economy, they're also the primary contributors to Venice's biggest problem: overcrowding.  From April to October, an estimated 32,000 cruise ship passengers disembark here daily, according to the Port Authority. In August, an additional 465,100 day-trippers make their way to the city, adding to the chaos of an additional 2.2 million tourists who will stay overnight, according to recent National Tourism Agency figures.”

 

Here are a couple of other items from this story: "Many Venetians believe that everyone should have a chance to experience the beauty of their city, but say that a constant swell of tourists is ruining the experience for everyone.  Short visits put a strain on the city's overstretched infrastructure, and cheap Airbnb rentals have driven up the cost of accommodation and living conditions for locals, some of whom have decided to leave altogether."

 

Based on these statistics during the busiest April to October period, the cruise visitors are only about 6% of the visitors compared to the day-trippers.  A counter-balancing detail is presented in this story about how the cruise ships are responsible for creating 6,000 jobs in the Venice area.   Which is worse?  Or, better?  

 

What is next?  Here is what is stated in this article: "In September, a new measure requiring day-trippers to pay an entrance fee into the city of up to $11 (€10) will come into effect. Tourists overnighting in Venice will be exempt as a city tax is already included in the hotel rate. Residents, some 30,000 commuters, students and children under six will also not be required to pay."

 

This long article also shares other Europe developments: "In Belgium, Bruges is cutting advertising for day trips and reducing the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at Zeebrugge port. Amsterdam's soaring visitor numbers reached 18 million in 2018, prompting the Netherlands tourism board to halt advertising campaigns, stating that its focus is now on 'destination management' rather than 'destination promotion.' "

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-tourism-overcrowding-intl/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 47,254 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

Here are a couple of the visuals used to illustrate this CNN article.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the Washington Post yesterday, they had this headline: “A local’s guide to Rome” with these highlights: “Rome is beautiful chaos and contradictions, and this should absolutely be expected from a city whose thousands of years of history and personalities have formed its pulsating present. You first get a hint of its noncommittal nature while driving into the city from the airport, passing fields with roaming sheep. The highway flows into an austere neighborhood designed in the 1930s, where every building was intended to be a monument. And then the chaos begins: Congested neighborhoods snake up the Tiber River leading to the centro storico (historic center), where Baroque palaces and churches fight with ancient monuments for a little elbow room."

 

Many options and potentials are outlined in this detailed profile.  Here are a few more highlights:  "There is no patience, and there shouldn’t be. This is Rome, where anything goes. The energy can be overwhelming. Keep walking around; eventually, you’ll realize that Rome is not quite as big as you thought — geographically and socially. Everyone knows everyone. If you visit the same places and piazzas a few times, you’ll find that they know you, too.”

 

Here are "3 things locals think you should know":  "1. Nobody nurses their morning caffe. Drink it fast, and then go.  2. The word “piacere” (or “pleased” to meet you, pronounced pee-ah-CHAIR-ray) and a smile go a long way.  3. Once you sit down at a restaurant (and unless told otherwise), the table is yours for the rest of the evening. Basta."

 

Here is one of this writer's "Top Tips":  "Villa Farnesina is probably the best-kept art secret in Rome. The two-level stand-alone villa was originally a vacation home for one of the pope’s financiers who had the foresight to invest in architect Baldassarre Peruzzi and his friend, the up-and-coming artist Raffaele Sanzio, a.k.a. Raphael. The entire ground-floor fresco cycles are painted by Raphael, while the first-level frescoes are by Renaissance greats Il Sodoma and Sebastiano del Piombo."

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/italy/rome-local-guide/?utm_term=.2f90c8429e7a

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

 

Here are just two of the many visuals used to illustrate this profile of Rome.  Many food and beverage options to consider in Rome!!:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

[TLCOhio]

From NBC television, they have a weekend travel series titled: “THE VOYAGER WITH JOSH GARCIA” with many interesting visuals, highlights and details.  This mid May segment covered and related to amazing Kotor.  This series is very well produced and brings back many nice memories.  He details many aspects for cooking and culture in Kotor, plus their water polo expertise.  Much to see and enjoy in preparing for a visit to Kotor or to re-live nice memories from being there.   

 

Full story at:

https://www.nbc.com/the-voyager-with-josh-garcia/video/bay-of-dreams/3699037

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 236,157 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Here is the opening visual for this television profile on Kotor, plus a couple of other interesting pictures from this video.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

[TLCOhio]

From the South China Morning Post today, they had this headline: “Seven Silk Road destinations, from China to Italy: towns that grew rich on trade” with these sub-heads: "Settlements along the route linking Europe and Asia thrived by providing accommodation and services for countless traders. Formally established during the Han dynasty, it was a 19th-century German geographer who coined the term Silk Road"

 

Venice and Marco Polo played a key role in this story and the trading operations. Here are more story highlights: “Trade enriched Venice beyond measure, helping shape the Adriatic entrepot into the floating marvel we see today.  Besides the well-documented flow of goods heading west, consignments of cotton, ivory, animal furs, grapevines and other goods passed through the strategically sited port on their way east.  Ironically, for a city built on trade and taxes, the biggest problem Venice faces today is visitors who don’t contribute enough to the local economy. Two thousand years ago, tariffs and tolls helped Venice develop and prosper. Now they’re needed to prevent its demise.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3016088/seven-silk-road-destinations-china-italy-towns-grew

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 46,077 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[TLCOhio]

From the CNBC cable news source earlier this week, they had this headline: “best countries for tourists to visit in 2019” with Italy being one of the top, best locations cited by the World Economic Forum.  

 

Here are some of the story highlights: “”Italy’s ranking in the 2019 report was unchanged, with tourists flocking to its famous cultural sites like Rome and Florence.  The report’s authors noted that authorities in Venice have plans to redirect cruise ships away from the city’s central islands following public discontent.  'It is vital that policy-makers pay attention to these trends,' they said. 'Failure to adequately address issues related to rising tourism numbers has the potential to negatively impact future competitiveness, making nations victims of their own success.' ”

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/04/these-are-the-best-countries-for-tourists-to-visit-in-2019-wef-says.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Just completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details from our first visits to these scenic areas!!  That live/blog is at: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

Or, you could simply do a quick Google search with these terms: 

Live Terry/Ohio Muse Alaska

 

 

Here is one of the pictures featured by CNBC in this news article to highlight Venice and Italy.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Daily Mail this morning, they had this headline: “50 best islands in the world” with this background sub-head: "Over 5,000 people took part in a poll to compile a ranking of the 50 best islands from around the world". 

 

Italy's Capri gained high honors with this story highlight: “The Italian island of Capri, just off the coast of Naples, takes 14th place in the ranking. The island has been a resort since Roman times. Big 7 Travel says: 'The cliffs along with the bustling port, friendly locals and some stunning food make this a paradise escape'. '”   Congrats to Capri!!  We enjoyed our day visiting Capri in 1999.  It's a very scenic and historic location with so much charm and character.  During a cruise stop in Naples, it is a good option to consider. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-7507787/The-50-best-islands-world-2019-revealed-Iceland-Washington-State-Scotland.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, you can see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 16,132 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph today, they had this headline: “48 hours in . . . Venice, an insider guide to the City of Water” with these highlights: “There are days when visitors to this exquisite jewel box of a city outnumber locals two-to-one, and when getting from the station to St Mark's square is a battle. But despite this, Venice never loses its capacity to enchant: stepping out of the station to be greeted by a glittering canal with the dome of San Simeon Piccolo beyond remains heart-stopping, whether you're doing it for the first time or the 100th.”

 

This in-depth profile by their expert offers a wide range of tips, ideas and suggestions for places to eat, drink, sleep, etc.  Plus, many top and interesting sights and experiences for this amazing city.  And, a wide range of pictures, links to other resources, etc.  Here is another story highlight to consider: "If the Tintorettos and Bellinis don't do for you, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Dorsoduro 704, fondamenta Venier dei Leoni; 00 39 041 240 5411) offers a more modern roster of works by mostly European artists from Picasso to Matisse, assembled by the eccentric American heiress in the mid-20th century. The gallery's pretty, artsy café is a sophisticated spot for a tea or coffee break."

 

Here's another good insight to consider: "The wondrous, mosaic-studded interior of Venice's mother church, St Mark's Basilica (Piazza San Marco, 328; 00 39 041 270 8311) doesn't open to visitors until 9.45am, but anyone is welcome to attend morning mass. Take your pick between the 7am, 8am and 9am slots. The advantage of the last, apart from the lie-in, is that it's a sung Lauds mass, and there's nothing like plainsong to bring out the magic of St Mark's. Afterwards, visit the Museum of St Mark's which affords spectacular views over the piazza; entry is €5 (£4.60)."

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/veneto/venice/articles/venice-travel-guide/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 226,990 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[TLCOhio]

From Marie Claire magazine earlier this month, they had this headline: “Game of Thrones getaway: 48 hours in Dubrovnik” with this summary portion with this subhead highlight: "medieval walled city, award-winning wine, amazing Italian food and Game of Thrones settings -- Dubrovnik is pure magic".

 

Here are some of their profile highlights: “A sea port looking out over the Adriatic, the region is part Mediterranean, but also part of the Balkans, and Catholic – yet surrounded by Islamic and Orthodox neighbours. Its rich history and tiny size make Dubrovnik the ideal weekend getaway. For foodies, it’s got the added draw of a fascinating cuisine that melds Italian with other influences, and a growing reputation on the international wine scene as producer of some award-winning varieties.  The main area to explore is the UNESCO-protected medieval walled Old City, with its gothic fortresses and vine-filled alleyways, lined with shops and restaurants. For the most spectacular sea views, do the walk around the fortified walls.”

 

Many more details, picture, options, etc., are included in this article that brought back nice memories from visiting this charming and historic city.

 

Full story at:

https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/travel/48-hours-in-dubrovnik-677996

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Recently completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details from our first visits to these scenic areas!!  That live/blog is at: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

 From the Travel Section of the Washington Post in early October, they had this headline: “Dubrovnik hordes make Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor appealing” with these highlights: “The Bay of Kotor offers walled towns and natural beauty. The mountain-ringed, winding bay extends inland from the Adriatic and is often mistaken for a fjord. It is actually a flooded river valley made up of four connected bays with 67 miles of shoreline. The road around the bay is dotted with medieval villages, family-friendly beaches and swimming platforms. Venetian-influenced Perast boasts baroque architecture, as well as a scenic waterfront facing two tiny islets: St. George, where a 12th-century monastery stands, and man-made Our Lady of the Rocks.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/dubrovniks-dothraki-like-hordes-make-montenegros-bay-of-kotor-appealing/2019/10/09/731b0a38-e55e-11e9-a331-2df12d56a80b_story.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 47,986 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337