Solstice Live: Australia/NZ/Hawaii, Many Pix’s, Jan. 20-Feb. 3

[TLCOhio]

From the NewsCorp newspapers in Australia earlier this month, they have this headline: "Sydney Harbour is Australia’s most family-friendly holiday destination".

 

Here some some of the story highlights: "Lonely Planet has declared Sydney Harbour to be Australia’s most family-friendly destination. The travel bible has released a list of the country’s top ten family holiday spots, headed by the Harbour with Tasmania second, and Darwin and the Top End, third. Queensland managed to land three places on the list including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef but Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth failed to rate a mention. Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Victoria’s High Country, Canberra and Western Australia’s southwest did manage to make the grade. Latest overseas arrivals data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed international visitors continued to flock to New South Wales in May, with figures up 9.2 per cent on the same time last year. Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet said 'Sydney Harbour has a plethora of things for both kids and Mums and Dads to do; everything from picnicking on Cockatoo Island, to visiting the aquarium.' Tasmania was experiencing a huge surge in interest among domestic travellers, realising how much the island state has to offer."

 

It sounds like we were very smart with our choices made for early 2014 to have done the Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroo Island and Sydney, plus our cruise stop doing Tasmania. Pretty good for our first visit to Australia and having only a limited amount of time and money.

 

Full story at:

http://www.couriermail.com.au/travel/holiday-ideas/sydney-harbour-is-australias-most-family-friendly-holiday-destination-says-lonely-planet/story-fnjjv4ya-1227432495280

 

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 25,648 views for these postings.

[TLCOhio]

From the Daily Mail in London from Thursday, July 16, they have this headline: "You won't want to land! New Zealand's Queenstown Airport voted the most STUNNING runway approach in the world for its snowcapped mountains and pristine lakes".

 

Here are a few of the story highlights: "Queenstown Airport in New Zealand has been voted as having the most spectacular approach. The stunning airport trumped 147 runway approaches, including iconic city skylines like London and Las Vegas, and breathtaking remote landscapes in the Caribbean. The annual survey was judged by a panel of international travel experts and travel fans who praised the airport for its unspoilt panoramic scenic views. The New Zealand airport operates as a gateway to some of New Zealand's uniquely beautiful scenery, which lures travellers from all over the world. One voter commented: 'I've flown to many beautiful locations worldwide but NOTHING even comes close to comparing with the thrill and beauty that stuns you as you come in to land at Queenstown.' "

 

Also listed in the top ten in the world is the Cape Town Airport, South Africa. We are planning to arrive there in later January 2016. Looking forward to our first visit to Africa, including highly-rated Cape Town.

 

Full story at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3163794/You-won-t-want-land-New-Zealand-s-Queenstown-Airport-voted-STUNNING-runway-approach-world-snowcapped-mountains-pristine-lakes.html

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 24,213 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

 

From the Daily Mail, here is their visual of the approach to Queenstown Airport in New Zealand that has been voted as the most stunning in the world. Any other airports to suggest that should be on this top ten list?:

 

[TLCOhio]

Until 2:45, this is quite fun. Then those who know anything about flying may find their hearts in their mouths.

 

[YOUTUBE]7mxmFCw-Dig[/YOUTUBE]

 

Check out this above YouTube video supplied by this experienced CC Board regular from London. Great and interesting sights, scenes and scares as this plane does its landing in Queenstown, NZ.

 

Also below is a little on a much shorter and very dramatic airport in the Caribbean that we saw in February while doing the Amazon River and Caribbean over 26-days. We did not fly in or out of here as our ship was tendered. Fortunately!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For Athens, Greece, check out this posting with many ideas, tips and exciting visuals for our visiting there and nearby. There have been over 11,101 views on this posting. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

 

The St. Barts airport is unique! Why? The runway is super short and then it is very sloped, too. Plus, the challenges of coming in over the hill and then the runway ending right at the water's edge. The first visual shows the look of this airport from the opposite side. The second and third pictures reflect one of the small 22-passenger planes getting ready to take off and then lifting off as it nears the end of the runway. Look exciting to fly in and out of here? Its length is just 650 meters or 2,133 feet. The History Channel program "Most Extreme Airports" ranks this airport as the third most dangerous airport in the world. Glad that we came by a larger ship and its tenders. This airport is named for King Gustav III of Sweden, under whom Sweden obtained the island from France in 1784 before it was sold back to France in 1878. Loved very much our time in St. Barts!!:

 

 

 

 

 

[robin111]

At the top of these boards, it says “write a review”, so here goes, in live, blogging style. Below you can see links to our last two cruise blogs. One at nearly 159,000 views from the Med on the Solstice, while the July 2010 Norway coast review is at nearly 132,000 views. It seems that the visuals make a big, interesting difference, sharing the beauty and drama from these wonderful areas. Tell me what you like, any questions, suggestions, etc.

 

Our party and experiences?: We are traveling with five other couples from Central Ohio and one we hooked up with on the Norway cruise from the DC area. That adds to fun and sharing for this 14-day cruise to be with good friends and wonderful, smart people.

 

Our past cruising?: We have done just four cruises. Late June 2006 on 204-passenger Seabourn Spirit, Athens to Istanbul, enjoying the Greek Isles over seven days. Late July 2008 on the 940-passenger Crystal Symphony, Dover to Stockholm, enjoying the Baltics and Russia. July 1-16, 2010, was an adventure on the 296-passenger Silver Cloud from Copenhagen seeing the dramatic Norway coast, above the Arctic Circle, Land of the Midnight Sun, etc. Then, June, 2011 from Barcelona for Italy, the Croatian Coast on this same 2850-passenger Celebrity Solstice. All four lines are different and excellent with great service, fellow passengers, staff, etc. What’s best? The honest answer is . . . “It depends!!!”. Ports, schedules, timing and prices vary much, especially right now with this economy, high airlines costs, challenged dollar values, etc. You need to seek what best fits your exact personal needs, budget and interests. We enjoyed sampling a larger ship and we booked early for this early 2014 Australia-NZ trip to get the locations/rooms we desired.

 

KEY DOWN UNDER PLANNING QUESTION: It is a long, long way (plus costly) to get down to this unique part of the world. You do not just want to fly here, do a cruise and go back home. That's why you'll see that we planned out carefully our options and schedule for pre and post cruise. AND, you cannot do it "ALL" in Australia or New Zealand on your first trip. Big, big areas with lots of diversity and great places to experience. Fortunately, we were able to do most all of our 15 airline flights via American Airline Frequent Flyer miles, and First/Business class. That saved lots and lots of money and helps fly the long hours in better comfort.

 

OVERALL SCHEDULE/PLAN:

 

Before arriving Sydney for our Jan. 20-Feb. 4 cruise, we departed Columbus on Thursday, Jan. 9 and had two nights and 1.5 days in Honolulu to break up these long flight times/distances, plus to be able to visit Hawaii for our first time. Then, we had three full days and four nights in NE Australia’s sub-tropical Cairns area, seeing the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling the coral formations, hiking rainforests, visiting Port Douglas, etc. Then, going to southern Australia to visit Kangaroo Island, 70 miles southwest of Adelaide. More than half of this island has never been cleared of vegetation, and a quarter of it is conserved in National Parks, Conservation Parks, and five Wilderness Protection Areas. Our travel agent calls Kangaroo Island "the way Australia used to be before settlers from outside came”. She was right, but there is so, so much more there to learn about the wilds of Australia, it animals and birds, etc. Then, we are going this morning to Sydney on Sunday, Jan. 19 for 2.5 days before our Celebrity Solstice cruise ship departs from this super scenic harbor.

 

Here are the more complete cruise/port schedule during these fourteen days:

 

Jan. 20-21, 2014, Monday-Tuesday: Sydney, Australia; boarding cruise ship mid-day Monday, then after being docked overnight on this ship sitting next to the billowing white sail roofs of the famed (now forty-years-old) Opera House, we will sail away Tuesday at 6:30 pm. We will also be docked next to Sydney’s landmark, arched Harbour Bridge (famous for New Year’s Eve fireworks). Sydney is the South Pacific’s busiest port and one of the world’s most scenic harbors. Australia’s oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of an initial 760 British convicts.

 

Jan 22, Wednesday: Cruising Tasman Sea south to Tasmania; sea day on Solstice.

 

Jan. 23, Thursday: Hobart, Tasmania, 8 am-6 pm docked. We will have a private tour to visit the Port Arthur penal colony with its historic reminders of its prison days, then to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary with wombats, emus and the famed Tasmanian devil, plus a little time to sample the 90 waterfront buildings with National Trust classification. As Australia’s second oldest city, Hobart has a a population of 214,000, sets in a scenic natural harbor and is at the base of the 3,600-feet-high Mount Wellington. Does an island with a name like Tasmania sound exotic?

 

Jan. 24-25, Friday-Saturday: Cruising Tasman Sea to New Zealand; two sea days on Solstice.

 

Jan. 26, Sunday: Cruising New Zealand’s Fiordlands National Park. We will get off of the Solstice in the morning during our visit in Milford Sound and go on a two-day ship excursion with an overnight stay in Queenstown. This community, with its dramatic setting on a large lake and facing a massive, sawtooth mountain range, is known as the “crazy capital of the world”. Why? This is where bungee jumping was invented 25 years ago. Plus, many other extreme sports started or are practiced here. We will stop and see the stone, suspension bridge crossing a scenic river gorge where it all started. But, no bungee jumping for us!! We will also see an old gold-rush town, a winery and a ranch sheep/dog program. Others on our ship will sail to Doubtful Sound & Dusky Sound. Lots of natural drama and sights here with the fjords, mountains, water views, etc.

 

Jan. 27, Monday: Dunedin, NZ, 9 am-7 pm docked. For those doing the Queenstown excursion, we will re-join the ship in this town that means Edinburgh in Gaelic. This town retains its Scottish roots and has Victorian/Edwardian architecture, a legacy of New Zealand's 1860’s gold rush.

 

Jan. 28, Tuesday: Christchurch/Akaroa, NZ, 8 am-6 pm tendered. Given the slow re-building after the major earthquake damage at Christchurch, we are not visiting this town. We will be taking the TranzAlpine rail trip to Arthur’s Pass National Park in NZ’s Southern Alps. We will then sample a high-speed JetBoat ride on the twisting Waimakiriri River gorge. We will also be sampling a little of this French-styled harbor town of Akaroa where our ship is tendered in its dramatic bay setting that is surrounded by mountains and major hills.

 

Jan. 29, Wednesday: Wellington, NZ, 8 am-6 pm docked. Hugging the hillsides around a horseshoe-shaped bay, Wellington reminds many visitors of San Francisco. It is the NZ capital and is the southern most capital city in the world. There are a number of different museums, dining and exploring options in and near Wellington. Have not finalized our exact plan for this day.

 

Jan. 30, Thursday: Napier, NZ, overlooking Hawke’s Bay, 8 am-6 pm docked. An elegant, art-deco city of 55,000, it has 19 miles to the south, Cape Kidnappers. This jagged promontory is near where Captain Cook anchored in 1769. Late January is the prime time to see here the 20,000 young and mature yellow-headed Australian gannets surf the wind currents. After the beach/cliff bird visit, we will head up above to a working sheep ranch and world-class golfing resort that overlooks this coastal setting for a private lunch of local specialities.

 

Jan. 31, Friday, Cruising NZ eastern coast; sea day on Solstice.

 

Feb 1, Saturday: Tauranga, NZ, 5:30 am-4:30 pm docked. This port is nearby for Rotorua, the geothermal wonderland that is also the heart of native Maori culture. We will visit Te Puia for a Maori concert. We will be focused in Rotorua that has been developed inside a crater. The area has 16 different lakes with dramatic scenery and wonderful photo opportunities.

 

Feb. 2, Sunday: Bay of Islands, NZ, tendered, 7 am-6 pm. About 110 miles north of Auckland, this historic bay/island region has a charm connected with its unspoiled, simple character. Our Central Ohio group will be doing a private sailing adventure on the 60’ racing yacht named the Zindabar. We will travel around and along these scenic coastal areas, stopping once or twice for beach exploring, snorkeling, swimming and having a custom luncheon at sea. Lots of options and flexibility for seeing bird, wildlife, coastal sights, etc.

 

Feb. 3, Monday: Auckland, NZ: arrive 6 am, completing our Solstice cruise trip. With 1.4 million residents, 31 percent of the country's population, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most urban city. It has a diverse population, including large numbers of Asian and Polynesian residents.

 

We will have two days in and around Auckland, including Tuesday visiting via a 40-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island for their stunning coastal vistas, as well as hillside vineyards, sweeping sandy beaches, an outdoor sculpture garden and various quaint shops/art galleries.

 

Home? We depart Wednesday, Feb. 5, from Auckland and fly to Hawaii (at no extra flight cost due to using Frequent Flyer miles). This helps break up the long flight distances going back home. We will have four days on the Big Island there before returning to Columbus on Feb. 10.

 

To come next, earlier pictures/details from Hawaii, NE Australia and the Great Barrier Reef and then amazing Kangaroo Island near Adelaide.

 

Don't be shy!! Feel free to share your comments, insights, questions, etc. I love this "interactive" way of communicating back and forth. Our time sailing and touring will be a little limiting for being able answer all questions quickly, but I will try my best, especially on sea days on the ship. Love to get your feed-back, comments and suggestions based your experiences in these areas.

 

Ready to roll!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 158,547 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

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

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now over 131,830 views.

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

Hi! Going on the solstice November 2- so confused! Too many choices for excursions! Help! Signed up for overnight in queenstown but that's it so far. Thrilled for any advice! Our main interest is in the wildlife and beautiful scenery! We are a couple 59 and 61 - traveling with 7 other couples from NY and Boca.. It's def time to book excursions so again would love to hear how u liked yours and any advice! Thx soooo much!

[TLCOhio]

Hi! Going on the solstice November 2- so confused! Too many choices for excursions! Help! Signed up for overnight in queenstown but that's it so far. Thrilled for any advice! Our main interest is in the wildlife and beautiful scenery! We are a couple 59 and 61 - traveling with 7 other couples from NY and Boca.. It's def time to book excursions so again would love to hear how u liked yours and any advice! Thx soooo much!

 

Glad to get your questions and these details for your interests, size of your group, etc. It looks as if your Nov. 2, 2015, Solstice cruise will make all of the same stops that we did (except Napier). Many good options in these varied ports/locations. Very happy to hear that you are planning to be doing the Queenstown overnight excursion.

 

Wildlife and beautiful scenery are very possible. BUT, wildlife can be somewhat more challenging to find and see. They live in the "WILD" and are not always as visible during certain parts of the daytime periods. Part of the "job" with wildlife is their staying hidden and out of view. Plus, weather can complicate some of these goals/desires.

 

Are all of the couples in your large group sharing the same objectives for excursions and planning to it all together in each port? Have you studied and ranked the ship excursion offerings? Clearly with the size of your group, it is easier to put together and schedule certain private tours that offer more flexibility and better pricing. That is part of what we did in many locations.

 

Have you looked closely at what we did for each of these different ports? My suggestion would be for you post here on this live/blog on the one, two or three top options you are most seriously considering. Then I can react and offered added insights to consider and do.

 

Look forward to hearing more specifics back from you. PLUS, responding to any other questions or needs!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a “Solstice: Visuals, Highlights Shared!” summary from two different adventures on this ship with many pictures and other details on its many options. This includes our recent Australia to New Zealand sailing. Check it out, including these recent updates, at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1803477

Now at 31,931 views for this posting.

[TLCOhio]

When to go to Australia/New Zealand really depends on where you want to go. For example, I wouldn't want to go to Tasmania in July, but that's a prime time to visit the Great Barrier Reef. However, I would say visiting in September/October will give you the best chance for good weather in most of the country.

 

lstrong: another ccer here wanting to visit australia and new zealand. Can you suggest best time of year to visit for both weather and crowds. Thank You' date=' Laurie [/quote']

 

On another board, questions came up about the weather for Australia. For Laurie's good question about the "best time" to visit, much depends on your personal interests and locations to enjoy those experiences. For us in January, things worked well for the Great Barrier Reef/Rainforest, Kangaroo Island, Sydney and Tasmania. Generally, however, that time of year for Ayers Rock might have been too hot and buggy.

 

People forget how super huge and varied is this nation/land. It is as big as the whole mainland of the continental United States. One size or rule does not apply for all of its many varied parts and aspects. And by contrast, our USA has about 320 million people, but Australia has only 23 million to fill up their whole, vast continent. And, 15 million of their Aussie population is concentrated in just five coastal metro areas. Yes, they are a whole continent!! And, also an island!! Wonderful and amazing contrasts!!

 

From: http://www.australia.com/en/facts/weather.html

they note: "Australia experiences temperate weather for most of the year but the climate can vary due to the size of our continent. The northern states typically experience warm weather much of the time, with the southern states experiencing cooler winters. Australia is also one of the driest continents on earth with an average annual rainfall of less than 600 millimetres. Like all countries in the southern hemisphere, Australia's seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring."

 

From: http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/austn-weather-and-the-seasons

they note: "The temperature can range from below zero in the Snowy Mountains in southern Australia to extreme heat in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent. Due to the size of the continent, there is not one single seasonal calendar for the entire continent. Instead there are six climatic zones and this translates as two main seasonal patterns"

 

You can go to

http://www.wunderground.com

and check for the very specific weather history on many of the key towns in the world for their past temperatures in that specific area for a date in the past. Just look lower left in the page for weather history area, put in your exact dates and the year prior. You will then see what last year was like, along with recent highs and lows for that date there. Below is the summary for that history on Sydney in Jan. 2014:

 

Jan. 20, 2014, Monday: Sydney: 2013 weather on this date: high of 75°F, low of 67°F; average high on this date of 80°F, average low of 66°F; average humidity: 72%; recent record high of 91°F (2000), recent record low of 64°F (1997); 2013 precipitation: 0.4, average precipitation on this date: .15; sunrise: 6:03 am; sunset: 8:07 pm. Moon at 89.3%.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 53,237 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[Patrick IL.]

Terry, Thank you so much. I've spent a couple of days following your adventure, thoroughly enjoyed the information and stunning pictures.

[MTCanuk]

Just starting to read your review. What kind of camera are you shooting with? Maybe I just missed that. Headed down under in Feb.

[TLCOhio]

Just starting to read your review. What kind of camera are you shooting with? Maybe I just missed that. Headed down under in Feb.

 

Patrick IL.: Terry' date=' Thank you so much. I've spent a couple of days following your adventure,[b'] thoroughly enjoyed the information and stunning pictures[/b].

 

Appreciate both of these nice comments and follow-ups. Good luck to MTCanuk with your upcoming down under adventure.

 

On my camera, I upgraded to a Nikon D7100 with an 18-140mm VR lens for this Australia-NZ adventure. It is a good camera, but not at the top-pro, high-cost levels. But, just like with an artist or cook, it is not always the quality of the paint brushes or pots and pans that make the difference. It's also the skill, attention to detail and interest of the camera user. I had been using a Nikon D3100 camera that is now down to around $300-500 for that type of a camera with a good and versatile 18-55mm lens.

 

Lenses are also important. Mostly I shoot with the Nikon 18-140mm mid-range zoom lens that came with this Nikon D7100 camera. Also have a Nikon 55-300mm VR lenses for longer shots and a 10-20mm Sigma wide angle that is great for church and building interiors, etc. Recently, I got a Nikkor 35mm f1.8 for lower light and other such needs/specialities, including food and evening shows. This Nikon D7100 camera also has 1080HD video capability that works well with our two grandsons born within 21 and a half months of each other. In most cases, I shoot in the program or auto setting, letting the camera do the work on settings and focus so that I can be more concerned on framing, subject and creative options. These cameras can be “complicated”, but I try to avoid those challenges and distractions. Here are a few of my basic, key photography secrets:

 

1. Shooting lots of pictures. That's easier with digital to do, learning as you are taking pictures. When done and sharing, only show people the "good ones!" and do not bother them with the average, duplicate and/or poor ones. The more you shoot, that improves your "odds" to get more better pictures, varied framings, magic moments, etc.

2. Move closer! Zoom in, fill up the frame, try different, more interesting angles.

3. Involve people and light. Make it interesting. Get that human element/connection when possible. Do NOT be boring!! Get something better than just the normal "post-card" picture that everyone has previously seen.

4. Hold things steady. Gently squeeze. Use door frames, walls to give more "stability" and lessen the blurs in lower-light situations. Night pictures can have a real drama.

5. Editing: Fine-tune your pictures on your lap-top, brighten when needed, level it out, improve the cropping, etc. Narrow down to only your "best of the best" pictures before sharing. I have done that on my MacBook Pro computer using their iPhoto and now Aperture software tools. Fairly quick and easy!! That thoughtful editing really can make a major difference to increase quality and interest.

 

Visuals are very powerful and sometimes what people remember most. That's why this thing called television has done fairly well in our society. I like the Eyewitness and Insight travel books because of their great variety of good visuals. The old saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" incorporates the idea that a complex messages can be conveyed with just a single or a few still images. People are four times more likely to remember what they BOTH see and hear.

 

Don't be shy!! Keep the good questions, comments and info sharing rolling along.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 182,312 views.

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

[dmc511]

Jan. 28, Tuesday: Christchurch/Akaroa, NZ, 8 am-6 pm tendered. Given the slow re-building after the major earthquake damage at Christchurch, we are not visiting this town. We will be taking the TranzAlpine rail trip to Arthur’s Pass National Park in NZ’s Southern Alps. We will then sample a high-speed JetBoat ride on the twisting Waimakiriri River gorge. We will also be sampling a little of this French-styled harbor town of Akaroa where our ship is tendered in its dramatic bay setting that is surrounded by mountains and major hills.

 

[/b]

Hi Terry,

 

You have been very helpful to me in deciding what to do in Wellington. I would love to do this jet boat ride and the train seems fun too. My question is how did you reach these locations?

 

Thank you for your continued support!

[Beanb41]

Hi Terry,

 

You have been very helpful to me in deciding what to do in Wellington. I would love to do this jet boat ride and the train seems fun too. My question is how did you reach these locations?

 

Thank you for your continued support!

 

I hope you aren't getting confused. Akaroa is on the Banks Pennisula on the South Island and is the alternate to Christchurch. Wellington is our Capital City and is in the North Island. The train and jetboat ride are not operating out of Wellington

[TLCOhio]

Hi Terry, You have been very helpful to me in deciding what to do in Wellington. I would love to do this jet boat ride and the train seems fun too. My question is how did you reach these locations? Thank you for your continued support!

 

Beanb41: I hope you aren't getting confused. Akaroa is on the Banks Pennisula on the South Island and is the alternate to Christchurch. Wellington is our Capital City and is in the North Island. The train and jetboat ride are not operating out of Wellington

 

Appreciate the excellent follow-up from Beanb41 for the good question from Dawn. YES' date=' we did the exciting JetBoat and rail option [b']through a ship excursion from the port of Akaroa[/b]. That scenic bay is the current alternative to Christchurch while things are getting re-built in and around there after their tragic earthquakes.

 

As I re-call for the port stop at Tauranga, there are some options and/or potentials to do JetBoats at Rotorua. You might check the Celebrity offerings for that port. Also in that area, we used Grumpy's Transfer's & Tours Ltd. You can reach them at this e-mail of: Grumpy@Grumpys.co.nz.

 

Keep the good questions rolling along. Happy to share more, especially with super help from our friend from Wellington. Lots of options in New Zealand to consider. That's part of the "magic" and fun with that great country and its wonderful people.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 202,961 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

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

[TLCOhio]

From the CNN on Thursday afternoon, they have this headline: "Lonely Planet reveals its 'ultimate' travel destinations". This includes their picks for "the definitive guide to the world's top tourism attractions." Lonely Planet is publishing this fall a large coffee-table book by their team of travel authors and experts to have "mega-sights and hidden gems in a definitive wish list of the 500 best places to visit on earth."

 

The good news for those interested in travel to New Zealand and Australia is that there are four picks among the "World Top Twenty" from these two great countries. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is ranked number two. The Temples of Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia) is ranked number one. For the Great Barrier Reef, Lonely Planet says: "Stretching more than 1,860 miles up the northeastern coast of Australia, it's home to the world's largest network of coral reefs and thousands of species of fish and marine life."

 

Here are the other top picks from this part of the world:

At #12 is Australia's 12 Apostles.

At $17 is NZ's Fjordland National Park.

At #20 is Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art.

 

We were fortunate to see three of the four locations, plus many other wonderful options during our trip.

 

Full story at:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/17/travel/lonely-planet-ultimate-travelist/index.html

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 27,169 views for these postings.

[TLCOhio]

From the Daily Mail in London, they have this headline: "Wish 'roo were here! Australia's incredible Kangaroo Island is home to more than 60,000 marsupials (but only 4,500 humans)".

 

Here are some of the story highlights: "Explorer Matthew Flinders did not beat about the bush when naming the island off the coast of southern Australia where he washed up in 1802. He found a place devoid of humans but bouncing with marsupials yet to learn about guns and sailors' taste for 'roo meat. The sheer size of Kangaroo Island was my first surprise. Maps show KI (as it is known) as a speck in the Southern Ocean, but it's larger than Cornwall, though the population is just 4,500. Roos and their joeys in overwhelming numbers were foraging in scrub or bounding in mobs as far as the eye could see. This is what I had come to see: Aussie wildlife in profusion on the island dubbed the 'Australian Galapagos' because of the way creatures evolved into distinct species after rising sea levels left KI adrift from the mainland 10,000 years ago."

 

With this profile, there were lots of wonderful pictures and other details that brought back nice memories from our two-day visit last year to this unique island a few miles south of Adelaide. Loved KI so very much. It was one of the "best of the best" highlights from our visit to Australia and New Zealand.

 

Here is another key highlight noted in this article that we enjoyed so much: "Then there were the Australian sea lions. The climax of our day's safari was to leave our jeep and walk over the sand dunes to Seal Bay, where rumbustious bulls in their hundreds were blustering about on their flippered feet and butting potential rivals 'cos they herded females into protesting harems."

 

Full story at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-3206885/Wish-roo-Australia-s-incredible-Kangaroo-Island-home-60-000-marsupials-4-500-humans.html

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 184,399 views.

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

[Sydneysider1310]

Was I crazy or stupid? Or, both? On Monday, Jan. 20, at 7:50 pm, I reported for “duty” in doing the BridgeClimb. This is something that I had been considering and “lusting” after for many, many months leading up to our visit to Sydney. I was debating doing a helicopter tour over Sydney’s harbor versus the BridgeWalk. Or maybe both!!?? But with our limited time of only two and a half days in Sydney, I was only going to be able to be one of these great option. Then, there was dodging the weather questions on “scattered showers” for part of this time in Sydney. In picking the Monday night option, it had a couple of pluses. It could “fit” on the schedule with the 11 am Tuesday Opera plans, plus it was a little cheaper at only $198 in Aussie dollars.

 

Overall, I was super, highly impressed by the organization and professionalism of the folks who have put together and run these tours since 1998. The maximum size of each group is 14. Not too large. Our group was 13 brave souls, all much younger and more agile than me. Each group’s leader is very focused on checking if anyone is going to have any problems with heights, being safe, etc. Not a problem or challenge for me in those categories.

 

We change into a specially-designed jumpsuit with lots of “hooks” in order to make sure that every item (hat, earphones to hear your leader, cleaning cloth, glasses, etc.) are connected and tied-down. No cameras, phones, loose items!!! You go through a metal detector to make sure that nobody tries to cheat. Then you go up and down a ladder system to test and get used to climbing with the connected slider/wire that keeps you hooked up during the entire period walking across and up, up on the curved bridge structure. PLUS, getting back down safely.

 

It is a decent walk getting to the point where we started climbing up. Some of the passages are a little narrow. Then there are three decent sets of upward steps, including going throughout the middle of the six lanes of road traffic on this structure. All very safe and fairly easy to do. Just takes a little time and patience.

 

Then you get to the arched section going up, up and UP!! At a couple of points, our group leader stops to do individual pictures documenting our positions and travel to the top of this amazing bridge. She was giving lots of background on the bridge, its construction, the area, Sidney’s history, etc., during our walking up through their headphone/wireless sytem. It was great to see up close how this bridge was designed, done and completed in 1932. It took eight years to build and was done by a UK steel company that had never built a bridge before. But, it has stood the test of time and is clearly a world-class icon in a setting that is so beautiful and interesting.

 

NIGHT AND RAIN: Yes, this trip up was at night. And there was a little mist that got a little heavier at times. BUT, we had rain pants and then a rain jacket that worked very well. These two conditions made things a little different, but it also added a nice “cool” factor to the total experience.

 

Big thrill, excitement? There was a couple (he from Brisbane and she from South Africa) who got engaged during our journey up the big arch. Fun!! Nice ring! They had been dating six month. Great couple. BUT, even that ring had to be “attached” so that there would be no risk for things floating away and/or dropping to below.

 

Overall, YES!!, it was a wonderful and exciting experience. Seeing this structure “up close and personal” helps one to better appreciate its achievement and places on the roll of great places in the world. Won’t forget this one!!

 

MORE BRIDGEWALK DETAILED INFO THAT I POSTED EARLIER on out Roll Call:

On the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, I have done several searches on the Aussie/NZ board of Cruise Critic, plus other digging. One of the best sources was from the TravelAdvisor website comments section from those many, many who have done previously this great adventure. I was able to ask questions of those who had done this climb and they provided some added, very helpful info.

 

Clearly nobody has complained that the price was too low. BUT, overall, most everybody said this experience was super awesome and a true "once in a lifetime" thrill. As I analyze the various comments and gain added insights, it is clear that, YES, I definitely want to do "IT", but that weather and timing will be key factors to consider. I also got some items that might be helpful in sharing from my e-mail last week to their website (admin@bridgeclimb.com). Here is most combined summary on what has been learned so far:

 

1. ADVANCE BOOKINGS: Climbs for January 2014 will be released in late 2013. Generally speaking, they are released for sale approximately three months prior. I will check in early and mid January 2013 to see how the various times are booking up for a few days to a week ahead. Personally, I don't want to lock in too early for a booking/timing and discover that I would have a weather problem at the day/timing of the climb. It does not seem that things get totally booked too far ahead, allowing added flexibility. I will monitor it to confirm that assumption.

 

2. DIFFERENT TOURS: There are three tour options. The Express Climb that is somewhat new and for those short of time. You can do this tour in 2.25 hours. You have more staff and are in a little smaller group. You climb through the inner arch of the bridge, crossing over catwalks and stairs, still making your way to the top summit of the bridge. But some rate this option as a little rushed and missing the thrill of walking up, up the top arch of the bridge. The original 3.5 hours bridge climb gives you uninterrupted views up the outer bridge arch all the way to the summit. This tour is the one most offered at a much wider range of times morning through night. Third, is more of an "internal" tour that takes you to the top, but gives you more details and insights for how this bridge was constructed. You still go to the top, but it focuses on those background aspects in building it. My current plan would be to do the longer, full arch top walking tour.

 

3. TIMING FACTORS/CONSIDERATIONS: There is a more costly, sunrise/dawn potential, but that is only offered once a month, first Saturday of each month. We'll be there mid January 2014, so that potential is out. Given all of the other things to do later in the day and for the evenings, morning might be better on my schedule. But, in the mornings, the lighting angles would not be as good for the positioning of the sun and how it lights faces and background buildings for such photos. Can’t change the sun positioning, so my tentative game-plan will be to aim for that 2-4 pm afternoon timing, checking advance weather options and go for this timing.

 

4. TOUR COSTS: For July 2012-June 2013 pricing: it is, Day, Monday - Friday, $218; Day, Saturday - Sunday, $228; Night, Monday -Sunday, $198; Twilight, Monday - Friday, $278; Twilight, Saturday - Sunday, $288. Twilight might be nice, but I’m not sure it would be worth the added cost.

 

5. PHOTO OPTIONS: You get one picture of the group at the top for "free" (included in the overall price), but if you want more you can get two 6x8" size for $30 or larger group on a USB stick for $100. It's way overpriced, but, if you have a good guide taking the pictures, that larger digital option could work out well. They will take some individual pictures and getting a larger group in this format could work out well to share and keep alive this "great adventure" in my old age.

 

6. OTHER FACTORS/ITEMS: As you are doing this tour, you wear an audio headset so that the guide can give you lots of info and tips on things to see from this spectacular vantage point, background about the bridge's building, etc. This seems very helpful, plus it has some good safety advantages. There are lots of short stops during the climb up, making things easier for those of us who are kind of "middle-aged", plus allowing folks to see more, etc. If asked "who wants to go first", quickly say YES! That puts you closer to the guide and picture taker. The first two people get, by far, the best photos. Lots of advantages to be quick to volunteer.

 

7. ADDITIONAL SECRETS?: Don't drink too much water before you start. There are no bathrooms once you get out onto the bridge. Avoid alcohol!! Every climber will need to pass a breath test (for a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% or less) before being allowed to Climb. Your BridgeClimb ticket also gives you entry into the first pylon. Either visit before or after your climb for more of the history of the building of the bridge, plus some excellent views. Many come just for the BridgeClimb and do not visit the pylon, missing out on this additional experience, key place for high-level photos, etc.

 

YES, much appreciate the wise and good comments from MicCanberra. As someone said on this trip: "A happy wife is a good life!". Will keep trying to work that way.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Here is the Harbour BridgeClimb starting point, reception area, then we went upstairs to the area where you start to get briefed, equipped and trained for this journey to the TOP!!:

 

 

 

 

 

Here are two different views of me on the Sydeny Harbour Bridge with a little night and light rain action. You can see the Opera House, Solstice and Sydney skyline in the background. :

 

 

 

 

Great photos. Really enjoyed your blog and so pleased you enjoyed your stay down here in Aus and also with the Kiwis.

[TLCOhio]

Great photos. Really enjoyed your blog and so pleased you enjoyed your stay down here in Aus and also with the Kiwis.

 

YES, things worked well in BOTH excellent countries. Appreciate your kind comments on the photographs and blog/travel details. Getting ready for the start of the college football season. Will be Monday night in Blacksburg, Va., for the number one ranked Ohio State Buckeyes playing at Virginia Tech in a prime-time, nationally-telecasted game on ESPN. Also working ahead on planning for late Jan. and early Feb. 2016 to be doing South Africa and Botswana.

 

From USA Today in late August, they have this headline: "5 reasons traveling to Australia is cheaper than you think" with these highlighted reasons cited: "1. The exchange rate benefits Americans right now. 2. Some airlines provide perks and freebies. 3. You can make the journey part of the experience, and time your flight to maximize sightseeing."

 

This story is a little of a "puff piece" by and from Qantas, but there are some factors/options to consider and be aware of.

 

Full story at:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sponsor-story/2015/08/27/sponsor-story-qantas-dnsw-five-reasons-travel--australia--cheaper/32427743/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 203,781 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

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

[TLCOhio]

GUT2407: G'day Terry. But a 6 - 9 month cruise after all.

 

Appreciate this above fun comment on another CC Board by GUT2407 from Australia about it taking a six-to-nine-months to cruise from England to Australia. That is in those days if you were a prisoners sentenced to go "down under". I noted that most important would be these two key factors. It was a FREE CRUISE' date=' plus there was no pool on the top deck[/b']. That would mean no worries and/or hassles trying to get a prime lounge chair location. Just joking a little! But, I did a little more research to confirm that it did take than much time to get from England to Australia. Thought I would share those added details below. For my full report on the Tasmania visit, it is on page seven, at and after posting #128. There, you will find more more details and pictures from our visit to Port Arthur, etc.

 

This live/blog has now gone over 120,000 views. Appreciate those who have dropped by, posted, asked questions, made comments, etc. Keep it coming!! Happy to learn more, share added insights, etc.

 

From Wikipedia, titled "Convicts in Australia", here are a few edited-down items that I find historically of interest to me and maybe others. Between 1788 and 1868, approximately 162,000 convicts were transported to the various Australian penal colonies by the British government. The British government began transporting criminals to overseas colonies in the 16th century. When transportation to the American colonies declined with American independence in the 1770's, alternatives was needed to avoid overcrowding of British prisons. In 1770, James Cook charted and claimed possession of the east coast of Australia for Britain. Due to the continent's isolation, it was considered ideal for a penal colony and in 1787 the convict ships set sail. Penal transportation to Australia peaked in the 1830's and dropped off significantly in the following decade.

 

Many of the convicts were transported for petty crimes; others were political prisoners. More serious crimes, such as rape and murder, were not transportable offences. After their prison terms were served most stayed in Australia and joined the other settlers, with some rising to prominence in Australia. Approximately 20% of modern Australians are descended from transported convicts. Once deemed the "convict stain", it is now considered by many Australians to be a cause for celebration to have a convict in one's lineage. According to Robert Hughes in "The Fatal Shore", the population of England and Wales, which had remained steady at six million from 1700 to 1740, began rising considerably after 1740. By the time of the American Revolution, London was overcrowded, filled with the unemployed and flooded with cheap gin. Poverty, social injustice, child labor, harsh and dirty living conditions and long working hours were prevalent. Dickens' novels perhaps best illustrate these bad conditions.

 

The Industrial Revolution also led to an increase in petty crime due to the economic displacement of much of the population, building pressure on the government to find an alternative to confinement in overcrowded gaols. Eight of every ten prisoners were in jail for theft. Since lawmakers still wanted punishments to deter potential criminals, they increasingly applied transportation as a more humane alternative to execution.

 

On August 18, 1786, the decision was made to send a colonization party of convicts, military, and civilian personnel to Botany Bay under the command of Admiral Arthur Phillip who was to be the Governor of the new colony. There were 775 convicts on board six transport ships. Eleven ships in total were sent as the "First Fleet". The fleet departed Portsmouth on May 13, 1787, and arrived at Botany Bay, January 20, 1788. That was eight months for this first, long trip.

 

Fascinating history!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 54,270 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[I'm from Oz]

Hi Terry

 

Have spent a few days reading through your blog - good job. Such wonderful informative content.

 

We are off on Solstice in January and really looking forward to it having sailed on Silhouette last year.

 

You certainly had a great trip Downunder and I have to say what a wonderful advocate you are for visiting our beautiful country.

 

I don't know if it helps clarify our weather at all but I just wanted to comment on your post #506. I often try to explain our weather in terms of latitude. For instance LA and Sydney are on a similar latitude. However, there is a huge amount of Australia which lies closer (north) to the Equator than there is of the USA (south) towards the Equator.

 

The Tropic of Cancer doesn't even pass through the USA, but the equivalent here, the Tropic of Capricorn, passes through Rockhampton in Queensland. It still leaves huge amount of Australia north towards the Equator.

 

So really most of coastal Australia is tropical. Inland it is desert with the associated weather (freezing temps at night but lovely warm days)

 

You have clearly demonstrated how large our island continent is, but it's position geographically is something that many people from the Northern Hemisphere don't take into account.

 

Sure we are exposed to Antarctic winds in the winter in our southern States (Tasmania gets really cold blasts in the winter), but northern coastal areas in June, July and August are a dream destination for those living in the southern states! Our equivalent of your snowbirds travel from Victoria (mostly) to spend three months or so in Queensland to avoid the cold winter in the south. Cold being a relative term by comparison with YOUR cold.

 

It's cold enough in our Snowy Mountains for lots of snow to fall - we have a healthy ski industry and in Tasmania they also have snow on Mt Wellington.

 

Now on to the subject of wildlife in post #505 - I would really like to mention how very true your statement is about the animals being WILD. Indeed they are very unpredictable. However, a hint for anyone who is spending 'land' time in Australia is that kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk. So get up and out early and speak to locals about whether there are any in the area. And if you are in an area where there may be koalas (again speak to locals as they are only present where certain types of eucalypts grow) make sure you look up when out and about.

 

Thanks again for a super read :)

[TLCOhio]

Hi Terry Have spent a few days reading through your blog - good job. Such wonderful informative content. We are off on Solstice in January and really looking forward to it having sailed on Silhouette last year. You certainly had a great trip Downunder and I have to say what a wonderful advocate you are for visiting our beautiful country. I don't know if it helps clarify our weather at all but I just wanted to comment on your post #506. I often try to explain our weather in terms of latitude. For instance LA and Sydney are on a similar latitude. However' date=' there is a huge amount of Australia which lies closer (north) to the Equator than there is of the USA (south) towards the Equator. The Tropic of Cancer doesn't even pass through the USA, but the equivalent here, the Tropic of Capricorn, passes through Rockhampton in Queensland. It still [b']leaves huge amount of Australia north towards the Equator[/b]. So really most of coastal Australia is tropical. Inland it is desert with the associated weather (freezing temps at night but lovely warm days) You have clearly demonstrated how large our island continent is, but it's position geographically is something that many people from the Northern Hemisphere don't take into account. Sure we are exposed to Antarctic winds in the winter in our southern States (Tasmania gets really cold blasts in the winter), but northern coastal areas in June, July and August are a dream destination for those living in the southern states! Our equivalent of your snowbirds travel from Victoria (mostly) to spend three months or so in Queensland to avoid the cold winter in the south. Cold being a relative term by comparison with YOUR cold. It's cold enough in our Snowy Mountains for lots of snow to fall - we have a healthy ski industry and in Tasmania they also have snow on Mt Wellington. Now on to the subject of wildlife in post #505 - I would really like to mention how very true your statement is about the animals being WILD. Indeed they are very unpredictable. However, a hint for anyone who is spending 'land' time in Australia is that kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk. So get up and out early and speak to locals about whether there are any in the area. And if you are in an area where there may be koalas (again speak to locals as they are only present where certain types of eucalypts grow) make sure you look up when out and about. Thanks again for a super read :)

 

Hi, Valerie and Ian! Appreciate your nice follow-ups, comments and info additions about Aussie weather, wildlife, etc. Very interesting and helpful.

 

Your Jan. 5, 2016, Sydney to Auckland cruise on the Solstice will be very good. It's nice to have a 14-day cruise with stops in most of the places we enjoyed so much. Let me know any addition questions you have. Are you considering doing the ship's Queenstown overnight excursion? Have you been to Queenstown previously.

 

Keep the good research and planning rolling along.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 28,972 views for these postings.

[I'm from Oz]

Hi, Valerie and Ian! Appreciate your nice follow-ups, comments and info additions about Aussie weather, wildlife, etc. Very interesting and helpful.

 

Your Jan. 5, 2016, Sydney to Auckland cruise on the Solstice will be very good. It's nice to have a 14-day cruise with stops in most of the places we enjoyed so much. Let me know any addition questions you have. Are you considering doing the ship's Queenstown overnight excursion? Have you been to Queenstown previously.

 

Keep the good research and planning rolling along.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 28,972 views for these postings.

With NZ on our doorstep it is very easy for us to spend time there. We did an 18 day self drive trip covering about 2/3rds of the South Island. So we are very familiar with the trip you did from Milford Sound. We actually had an overnight on Doubtful Sound on a ship which only takes 70pax - definitely a highlight of the trip. We were fortunate to have travelled prior to the earthquake which devastated Christchurch and saw that beautiful city in all its glory.

 

When we did the circumnavigation of Australia cruise in 2012 (which heads across the Tasman as well) a couple from Texas on our table at dinner were considering whether to spend the money doing the cross country trip. I encouraged them to do it and gave them my NZ tour guide book to look at. They did do the trip and were so happy they did. It is very expensive but if it is unlikely you will return to this part of the world then it is worth it.

 

Post cruise in January we are spending an equivalent time driving the North Island and still won't cover the whole of it. We are staying in Napier for a couple of nights (our cruise doesn't stop there) and after seeing your information about Cape Kidnappers, I'm planning to visit. We saw a gannet colony in Namibia on a recent trip to Africa - they are one of my favourite birds.

 

I'm already planning a route to do the remainder of both islands at some time in the future - I'm great at planning, spending my days on future trip ideas as well as current planning :D

 

Keep up the great work you do here on CC. I know so many people appreciate your efforts

[TLCOhio]

With NZ on our doorstep it is very easy for us to spend time there. We did an 18 day self drive trip covering about 2/3rds of the South Island. So we are very familiar with the trip you did from Milford Sound. We actually had an overnight on Doubtful Sound on a ship which only takes 70pax - definitely a highlight of the trip. We were fortunate to have travelled prior to the earthquake which devastated Christchurch and saw that beautiful city in all its glory. Post cruise in January we are spending an equivalent time driving the North Island and still won't cover the whole of it. We are staying in Napier for a couple of nights (our cruise doesn't stop there) and after seeing your information about Cape Kidnappers' date=' I'm planning to visit[/b']. We saw a gannet colony in Namibia on a recent trip to Africa - they are one of my favourite birds. Keep up the great work you do here on CC. I know so many people appreciate your efforts

 

Appreciate this follow-up and added kind comments. It is good that you have done much in New Zealand and are planning for much more there. Yes, those gannets at Napier were amazing and very thrilling to see. Great that you saw Christchurch before its major damage. It seems that it will be a long, long process to get that city re-built.

 

From the Guardian in London/UK last week, they have this economic column headline: "Australian tourism won't compensate for fading mining boom but it's a start".

 

Here are some of the analysis highlights: "Last week OECD revised down projections for China’s growth over the next two years, and the price of our major exports has fallen 30% in the past year. Despite this the governor of the Reserve Bank remains upbeat about Australia’s economy. One of the reasons is the performance of the services sectors – notably the tourism industry. With a falling dollar, Australia has again become a good place to visit – and an expensive place to leave. The slowdown in China exacerbated the fall. Suddenly the chief buyer of our bulk commodities wanted to buy less than we had hoped and this also caused a fall in prices, because again it is standard economics that a fall in demand leads to a fall in prices. The improvement in the tourism sector – and the services sector generally – highlights the difficulties with the changing economy out of the mining boom. The mining industry is roughly 8% of our entire GDP, but employs just 2%; whereas the accommodation and food services industry accounts for about 2.5% of Australia’s GDP but employs 7% of all workers."

 

The ups and downs in the value of the Aussie dollar has been interesting to watch. Fortunately for us, we were there when its value (for us, not residents there) worked in our favor.

 

Full story at:

http://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2015/sep/23/australian-tourism-wont-compensate-for-fading-mining-boom-but-its-a-start

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 186,397 views.

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

[CAC104]

You are so lucky to be able to go on so many wonderful cruises. And, you are so nice to share your adventures!!

[TLCOhio]

You are so lucky to be able to go on so many wonderful cruises. And, you are so nice to share your adventures!!

 

Appreciate so much your kind and generous comments about my various live/blogs. Yes, it is exciting to be having that kind of fun and adventure. PLUS, to be able to share with others and get nice feed-back/comments. Am finalizing right now the late January 2016 start of our first visit to Africa. Depart Jan. 26 on our long airline journey form Columbus to Chicago and then Doha and Cape Town. After five days in that spectacular coastal city, then we will have a ten-day South Africa to Mozambique cruise, plus safari time and visits to Botswana and Victoria Falls. More interesting pictures will be coming early next year. Tune in at that time for much more!!

 

From the New York Times Travel Section today, they have this headline: "The Hidden Bars of Sydney" with these highlights: "If you’re in a cocktail bar in Sydney, Australia, there’s a good chance you’re standing either in a basement or on a second floor, and that you had a hard time finding it, having wended uncertainly down a side street or sketchy stairwell to a door that may or may not have been marked."

 

Here are a few more details as to why this article might be worth checking out if Sydney is on your upcoming to-do list and/or has been a past favorite to see and enjoy. Added story highlights: "The hidden drinking den is something relatively new to Australia’s largest city. Until recently, Melbourne had Sydney beat on the cocktail front. But since a change in liquor licensing laws in 2008 that lessened the cost of opening a bar and led to a so-called small bar boom, Sydney has more than caught up. 'Sydney has completely blasted it out of the water,' said Jason Crawley, an English bartender, consultant and entrepreneur in Australia since 2000, referring to Melbourne. 'Sydney has about twice as many small bars now.' Once you find the bars, you can choose your drinking fantasy, most of which have taken elements of American bar history as their inspiration. ”

 

A number of bar potentials are mentioned and detailed. Sounds like a fun and interesting way to explore dynamic and exciting Sydney!!

 

Full story at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/04/travel/sydney-australia-bars.html?_r=0

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 205,097 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

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

[I'm from Oz]

Well Terry you are in for a real treat.

 

Thought perhaps you may like to view my recent blog of our visit to Africa this year. I have only done the first part - Kenya and Tanzania. Zambia (well Vic Falls) Botswana and Namibia to come.

 

I'm sure you will have an absolutely marvellous time

[TLCOhio]

Well Terry you are in for a real treat. Thought perhaps you may like to view my recent blog of our visit to Africa this year. I have only done the first part - Kenya and Tanzania. Zambia (well Vic Falls) Botswana and Namibia to come. I'm sure you will have an absolutely marvellous time

 

Really enjoyed the link to your blog with so many wonderful and interesting pictures from Africa. YES!! Looking forward to seeing your pictures from Botswana' date=' Victoria Falls, etc. [b']Hint!! Hint!![/b] Any ideas for how soon you will have those up and posted? Let me know on this thread when those are up so that I and others can soak them up.

 

In seeing your Africa pictures, it causes me to think about how to capture some of those images in the best and most interesting manner. With the color of some animals, such as the lions, being that of light brown similar to the grass, how do you make them stand out against that background?? These animals are really great, especially with some of the up-close pictures.

 

Hoping to see more, soon!!

 

Plus, maybe, if there is a way to hook-up off-line to talk more photo "strategies" involving such picture taking in Africa.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 25,016 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

Edited October 6, 2015 by TLCOhio