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

[wally_bushy]

Appreciate those who have dropped by and visited this thread. Yesterday, this live/blog went over 150,000 views. Glad to know there is so much interest in both Australia and New Zealand. They get the credit for being so wonderful, amazing and scenic. Plus, both countries having nice, fun people there.

 

Don't be shy in asking any questions, sharing your background and experiences there, etc.

 

Currently, one Australian Dollar costs just 75 cents. When we were there 18 months ago, that currency cost was about 88-90 cents. Two or three years ago, the cost for an Aussie dollar was up to about $1.05. Today one New Zealand Dollar costs about 70 cents.

 

Clearly based on these rates, it offers another very good reason to be visiting these two wonderful nations.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

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

Now at 17,719 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

 

 

Per http://www.xe.com, below are the five- and ten-year trend charts of the value of the Aussie Dollar versus the U.S. Dollar. Interesting shifts and opportunities?:

 

 

 

 

And then there are the poor Aussies hurting by this currency movement:(

However we did have a good time while the AUD was at parity with the USD:)

[TLCOhio]

And then there are the poor Aussies hurting by this currency movement:( However we did have a good time while the AUD was at parity with the USD:)

 

Good, added points from wally_bushy. Currency changes always has pro/con factors, including as to how it impacts your money value and buying power.

 

From the News Corp Australia network and newspapers earlier this past week, they have this headline: "Safety and security is Australian tourism’s main strength in an uncertain world" with these highlights: "Australia’s image as a safe haven in an increasingly violent world is doing more for tourism than world-class attractions like the Great Barrier Reef. Research undertaken by Tourism Australia has found Australia is ranked number one worldwide as a destination associated with safety and security. Safety and security was also rated the most important factor in selecting a destination by 54 per cent of people in key overseas markets, ahead of value for money and natural beauty"

 

Lots of good points and examples are given in this story. Here was an important point made: "In the last year appalling acts of terrorism in Europe have taken a major toll on the tourism industry, with countries like Turkey seeing visitor numbers reduced by a third."

 

Full story at:

http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/safety-and-security-is-australian-tourisms-main-strength-in-an-uncertain-world/news-story/897b93792b281b07c42cec024fa55c10

 

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 40,775 views for these postings.

[TLCOhio]

Congratulations to Sydney and Australia for the announcement this past week on the improvements planned for their famed Opera House. When in Australia in early 2014, we really enjoyed touring and learning so much about the design and construction of this very different and unique structure.

 

From the London/UK Telegraph, they have this headline: "Sydney Opera House announces major renovations to fix its 'hideous' acoustics' " with these highlights: "It is famously a building which looks far better than it sounds. The Sydney Opera House has announced plans to fix its acoustics as part of the biggest renovations since its completion in 1973. Announcing a £120 million renovation, they said the waterside sail-shaped venue was 'the symbol of modern Australia' but was in need of renewal. The building, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, is regarded as one of the world’s great architectural feats - but the high regard tends to quickly dissipate among those who attend a performance at its Concert Hall. The Concert Hall will be shut from August 2019 to January 2021. Despite its Unesco world-heritage listing and its 8 million-odd annual visitors, the Opera House has long been controversial, particularly because of its departure from Utzon’s original plans. The flat quality of the acoustics in the Concert Hall – which have been likened to watching a 1980s-era television – has long angered both patrons and artists."

 

We attended a performance in the smaller Joan Sutherland Theater of a Mozart opera, The Magical Flute. We did not notice any problems from where we were seated, but maybe we were either lucky and/or not that great of music/sound experts. The story also noted: "The renovations are set to include installation of a ceiling with reflectors to try to improve distribution of the sound. The stage will be lowered and automated curtains will improve the venue’s adaptability." Maybe this is a good reason to re-visit Sydney in 2022 or 2023.

 

Full stories at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/11/sydney-opera-house-announces-major-renovations-to-fix-its-hideou/

http://archpaper.com/2016/08/sydney-opera-house-upgrade/#gallery-0-slide-6

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 152,200 views for this posting.

 

 

Here is a view for how the interior of the Concert Hall will look after the upgrades within this large space. Also shown below are some other improvements for certain exterior event and entertainment space at this facility. Plus, a nice web visual of the Sydney Opera House at night with part of the Harbour Bridge shown in the background.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MicCanberra]

Great to see you are planning another visit, we look forward to seeing you and many of your countrymen and women visiting us and our beautiful country..:D

[TLCOhio]

Great to see you are planning another visit, we look forward to seeing you and many of your countrymen and women visiting us and our beautiful country..:D

 

Yes, a return trip "down under" is on the long-range to-do list. BUT, sorry, no immediate plan for such an adventure in the near future. For early 2018, it is in the works and certain reservations have been made for Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Angkor Wat, Laos and Bangkok. Also, Lisbon/Portugal is being targeted, plus lots of trips to visit the grandsons (youngest just turned four and the other will be age six in early October) in scenic and historic Charlottesville, Virginia. Still working and not having unlimited financial resources does make getting back to Australia sooner more challenging. Any rich folks willing to adopt me and fund unlimited travel? Hint! Hint!!

 

Do not want to forget scenic and wonderful New Zealand. From the Robb Report earlier this week, they have this headline: "Ultimate New Zealand Adventure" with these highlights: "New Zealand will forever be known as the home of hobbits, elves, and the rest of J. R. R. Tolkien’s characters, since Hollywood producer and director Peter Jackson filmed much of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies in the Land of the Long White Cloud. In the 54 years of James Bond films, none have been set or filmed in New Zealand, but that didn’t stop Robb Report VIPs from living like Ian Fleming’s famous secret agent."

 

This story focused on and had details for locations we visited and super enjoyed in and around both Queenstown and Napier. For the later, much of this story focuses on the Farm at Cape Kidnappers. This is where we had a luxury private lunch and tour that was super spectacular and is detailed earlier on my live/blog. This report highlights from there: "A boutique resort set on 6,000 acres of rolling pastures with 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Exploring the rugged and hard-to-access Hawke’s Bay coastline." Yes, we enjoyed so much there at Cape Kidnappers. Wonderful, very special part of the world.

 

Full story at:

http://robbreport.com/luxury-travel/ultimate-new-zealand-adventure

 

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 215,892 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]

Congratulations to Melbourne!! From the London/UK Telegraph yesterday, they have this headline: "crowned the best to live in for the sixth year in a row" with these highlights: "Melbourne has been awarded the title of "world’s most liveable city" for the sixth year in a row. The Australian city pipped Vienna to the top spot by the narrowest of margins in the annual study by the Economist. Its rankings take into account stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure, and the top five remained unchanged from last year, with three Canadian cities, Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, taking third, fourth and fifth, respectively. Only 0.3 points separated the top four cities."

 

Melbourne got a rating of 97.5. Close behind at sixth, seventh and eighth positions were: Adelaide, Australia (96.6), Perth, Australia (95.9) and Auckland, New Zealand (95.7). Vancouver was the last city to rank first before Melbourne’s run at the top.

 

The worst? Here was their "top four" for the lowest of the least livable cities: Damascus, Syria (overall score: 30.2), Tripoli, Libya (35.9), Lagos, Nigeria (36) and Dhaka, Bangladesh (38.7)

 

Their web-available report does not give more details for other cities in the ranks from 11-50. They do note a certain part of their rankings involve safety. They note: "The continuing weakening of global stability scores has been made uncomfortably apparent by a number of high-pro le incidents that have not shown any signs of slowing in recent years. Violent acts of terrorism have been reported in many countries, including Turkey, Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, France, Belgium and the US."

 

Full story at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/revealed-the-worlds-most-liveable-cities/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

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

Now at 18,689 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

[TLCOhio]

Congratulations, Sydney!! From ESPN yesterday, they had this headline: "college football season is kicking off in Australia" with these highlights: "California and Hawaii will kick off the 2016 season in Australia, 17 hours ahead of America's West Coast -- and 20 hours ahead of Hawaiian time. The Sydney College Football Cup will be the first college football game played in Australia since 1987, when BYU defeated Colorado State in Melbourne. The country's goal is to attract an NFL game to Sydney in the future. Cal and Hawaii -- two of the geographically closest teams to Australia -- found ways to fit the game into their schedule a week ahead of college football's official Kickoff Week."

 

Per ESPN this morning, California won 51-31 over Hawaii on Saturday in Sydney's Olympic Stadium. This morning's ESPN story noted: "The teams provided plenty of early entertainment for unfamiliar fans, part of a crowd of 61,247 in the 83,500-seat stadium, scoring two touchdowns each by midway through the opening quarter."

 

From the Sydney Morning Herald, their story noted: "The resounding success of the first Sydney Cup college football game has raised hopes that an NFL fixture will be next to hit Sydney's shores. A bumper crowd of 61,247 flocked to ANZ Stadium. But the big question was if this was a prelude to bigger American sporting events in Australia. University of Hawaii's athletic director David Matlin said the NFL was watching the event closely and believes a competitive fixture is on the cards for Sydney. He said: 'I think it's a possibility. I think you have the facilities and the sports enthusiasts, so it's a real good place for sporting events.' Matlin was effusive over the way the Sydney crowd embraced the foreign sport. Describing the event as 'an incredible cultural experience for our student athletes and a lot of fun,' he would like to see the game become an annual fixture, especially due to Hawaii's relatively close proximity to Sydney."

 

Maybe another reason for those from the USA to visit Australia??

 

Full stories at:

http://www.espn.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/102698/kickoff-week-comes-early-australian-rules-college-football

http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap?gameId=400869090

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/us-sports/nfl-game-next-on-the-horizon-after-huge-crowd-at-college-football-sydney-cup-20160827-gr2kli.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 41,824 views for these postings.

[TLCOhio]

From ESPN, they had some added coverage and interesting visuals from their postings for this NCAA college football game in Sydney. Below you can see and enjoy more!!

 

Here is one ESPN story this morning with this headline: "Puppets, no beer and a (very loud) cannon" with these highlights: "Like so many college football game days, the sights and sounds around this contest were just as memorable. Licensing laws in Sydney limit a true authentic tailgate experience in the ANZ Stadium complex, however the promoters of the event made up for it with a free tailgate party at a nearby venue called 'The Brewery.' The Australian spectators dusted off and pulled out their favorite football jerseys. The Sydney crowd absolutely loved the cannon, which was fired after every Cal touchdown. The most popular thing during the game was these two-foot long hot dogs. The abnormally large hot dog was in such high demand people queued close to an hour to get their hands on one. Aussies love their food. All in all it was a fantastic experience for the people of Australia with many fans leaving the stadium with smiles on their faces and praying to the football gods that football will be back on their shores, sooner rather than later."

 

Full story at:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17400233/scene-california-golden-bears-hawaii-rainbow-warriors-game-sydney-australia

 

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 216,085 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

 

 

For the start of the ESPN video summary of the Cal-Hawaii game, they had this super nice air visual angle of downtown Sydney. Look good? Then, here are fans walking to the stadium. Third is one of those popular two-foot-long hot dogs. WOW!! Those are BIG! Finally, a visual of the football action with the opening kick-off and showing how the field was marked for this game. Fun!!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cyclone134]

Looks like a great trip report. Looking forward to booking this,one

[Spock25]

love the photos

[TLCOhio]

Looks like a great trip report. Looking forward to booking this,one

 

Spock25: love the photos

 

Appreciate these nice comments and follow-ups from Chez' date=' Diane and Andrew. The [b']credit for the great visuals goes to Australia and New Zealand[/b]. BOTH are unique and special locations with wonderful people and great, scenic sites. Look forward to getting back there in the future to see more spectacular places in both countries.

 

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 202,407 views.

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

[TessieTravels]

Terry, I also wanted to let you know how much I appreciate and enjoyed reading your review and viewing those wonderful photos. Along with all the contributing other CC members, a big thank you! This will be our first trip "over seas" from the states and we decided on Australia/New Zealand and the evening Sydney Harbour Bridge walk you mentioned (and the photo) sold me on the idea of doing the same. Thank you so much and safe travels!

Edited August 28, 2016 by TessieTravels

[TLCOhio]

Terry, I also wanted to let you know how much I appreciate and enjoyed reading your review and viewing those wonderful photos. Along with all the contributing other CC members, a big thank you! This will be our first trip "over seas" from the states and we decided on Australia/New Zealand and the evening Sydney Harbour Bridge walk you mentioned (and the photo) sold me on the idea of doing the same. Thank you so much and safe travels!

 

Welcome to these Cruise Critic boards and your excellent efforts to start exciting international travel. We have done twenty two different countries in Europe, plus many other interesting locations in other parts of the world. Glad you are planning for doing the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk. It was great to enjoy the spectacular views from UP, UP there, plus to learn first-hand on the construction details for this structure.

 

Don't be shy!! Let us know any added question and/or info needs. Happy to share more, answer additional questions.

 

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 62,372 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

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

[TessieTravels]

TLCOhio, thank you so much for taking the time to respond & that's A LOT of countries! I'm writing your CC name down for future brain picking! [emoji851] I am interested in the bungee jumping, I remember you saying there was in Queenstown, but did you notice it anywhere else while in NZ?

Edited August 29, 2016 by TessieTravels

[I'm from Oz]

TLCOhio, thank you so much for taking the time to respond & that's A LOT of countries! I'm writing your CC name down for future brain picking! [emoji851] I am interested in the bungee jumping, I remember you saying there was in Queenstown, but did you notice it anywhere else while in NZ?

 

Best bungy jumping in NZ is centred around Queenstown. However, I know you can bungy jump off the Auckland Harbour Bridge as well as abseil down the tower in Auckland. If I recall there is one in Rotorua (I think) NZ is the home of bungy! Just Google it.

[TessieTravels]

Thank you I'm from Oz! Don't know why I didn't think of googling it...sometimes the most obvious is the most forgotten (at least by me). [emoji15]

[TLCOhio]

TLCOhio, thank you so much for taking the time to respond & that's A LOT of countries! I'm writing your CC name down for future brain picking! [emoji851] I am interested in the bungee jumping, I remember you saying there was in Queenstown, but did you notice it anywhere else while in NZ?

 

Appreciate this nice follow-up and excellent question on bungee jumping. Yes, we've been to many countries, but we started young and still have many dozens more locations on our priority, to-do list. Let us know any added options you are considering.

 

Valerie and Ian shared some excellent information: "Best bungy jumping in NZ is centred around Queenstown. However, I know you can bungy jump off the Auckland Harbour Bridge as well as abseil down the tower in Auckland. If I recall there is one in Rotorua (I think) NZ is the home of bungy! Just Google it."

 

Consider your various NZ options for adventure locations, but it might be hard to top the combination of history and location for this place near Queenstown.

 

Next question?? Happy to share more.

 

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 41,926 views for these postings.

 

 

Here is another view that I have not previously posted to give a better idea on the size and nature of this river gorge near Queenstown into which people jump from this famed bridge. This is THE location whole this "sport" was invented and started.:

 

 

 

Here is how the Auckland Harbour Bridge looks in the context of the rest of the nice city. It's a large bridge, but it does not have quite the "style" and/or setting associated with the famed Sydney bridge in their dramatic harbor.:

 

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times this morning, they have this headline: "The Season of the Skulls" with some of these highlights: "Uluru was, 25 years ago, still referred to mostly by its English colonial name, Ayers Rock. It’s breathtaking, the way the massive rock rises out of the flat, red landscape. Uluru holds spiritual significance for the Anangu people, who own the land once again."

 

This American writer, who now teaches at Princeton, gives background from her family exploring in these areas of Australia when her father was doing post-doctorate work in geochemistry at the Australian National University. Their family did much during that period to explore this vast and interesting country.

 

From the London/UK Telegraph today, they have this headline: "Tourists warned not to climb Uluru after 11-hour rescue mission to save hikers" with these highlights: "Tourists have been warned about climbing Uluru after three male hikers had to be rescued from the Australian landmark. The 23-year-olds from Australia are thought to have got stuck in a crevice after going to inspect a waterfall. Rescuers finally reached the men by helicopter, ending an 11-hour mission to save them. There have been 36 recorded deaths at Uluru and the authorities are under increasing pressure to ban people climbing the iconic landmark; not just for their own safety but because the rock is sacred to Aboriginal people. The Australian government handed Uluru back to its rightful owners in 1985, but the rock was then signed back to the government under a 99-year lease as a national park."

 

During our first trip to Australia, we did not make it to Ayers Rock/Uluru. There were limits on our time/budget availabilities, plus we were also warned by those experiences in these areas that during January/February conditions there can be very hot and/or "buggy". Nice to read all of this added background on this scenic and historic area. Hope to make it back and to have a priority for visiting this dramatic area of Australia.

 

Any others have good insights and experiences to share from being in and around Ayers Rock/Uluru?? Tips and suggestions??

 

Full stories at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/travel/australia-kangaroo-season-of-the-skulls.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/oceania/australia/articles/tourists-warned-about-climbing-uluru-after-11-hour-rescue-mission/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

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

Now at 19,692 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

[TLCOhio]

From the Architectural Digest magazine three days ago, they have this headline: "8 High-Design Restaurants in Sydney" with these highlights: "Long famous for its natural surroundings, cosmopolitan edge, and icons like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney has recently developed a reputation as a foodie haven. Australian and international chefs are making the most of the region’s bounty, using esoteric local ingredients and a farm-to-table approach to dining—and they’re not afraid to push the envelope. The same goes for design, with restaurants running the gamut from classic style to hip and edgy. Places like Bennelong—located in the sails of the Sydney Opera House—set the stage for a memorable meal, while others, like Henry Deane, offer up refined design to go with gorgeous views of the harbor. Automata, a hip new spot, proves that the formerly gritty Chippendale neighborhood is becoming more upscale, while the Boathouse at Shelley Beach exemplifies casual coastal style. These eight restaurants—both newcomers and Sydney stalwarts—highlight the best design currently on display in this city down under."

 

In addition to Bennelong, Henry Deane, Automata and the Boathouse at Shelley Beach being highlighted, they also cite Bills Bondi, Mr. Wong, Est. and Acme. Any who have dined at these locations and/or who have reactions that if these locations merit this attention?

 

Full story at:

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/sydney-restaurants

 

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 217,867 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]

Here is more on Sydney from the Architectural Digest magazine earlier this week. This high-end magazine has this headline: "Sydney’s 9 Most Stylish Hotels".

 

Here are a few of their story highlights: "Sydney may have been established as a convict settlement, but these days it’s Australia’s largest and most glamorous metropolis. With an alluring combination of laid-back beaches, a glittering coastline, historic clout, and plenty of contemporary development, the capital of New South Wales is a must-see destination. Travelers planning a trip to Sydney have no shortage of stylish accommodations, ranging from quirky boutique hotels like QT Sydney to five-star properties like the Langham. Want to stay in the city’s business and shopping district? Book a room at the sleek Establishment Hotel in the CBD. Prefer to explore Sydney’s up-and-coming inner neighborhoods like Chippendale? The industrial-chic Old Clare Hotel is right for you. If you love to surf, stay at the QT Bondi, the newest hotel in mellow Bondi Beach. "

 

Among the nine "chic" hotels in Sydney that this magazine cited, they also gave details and pictures for staying at: Hotel Palisade, Park Hyatt Sydney, Pier One Sydney Harbour and Ovolo Woolloomooloo.

 

Reactions, comments from those who have had experiences at any of these Sydney hotel locations?

 

Full story at:

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/sydney-hotels

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 33,007 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times Travel Section this week, they have this headline: "20 places to travel in your 20s" with these opening/set-up highlights: "There’s no better way to change your perception of the world — and maybe yourself — than travel. You’ll experience different cultures, meet new friends and make lifelong memories. But traveling poses challenges: financial constraints, limited time off. So think of this selection as a checklist and starter kit to world travel."

 

One top suggestion was for: "New Zealand. It’s a long (and expensive) flight from the United States, but one with great rewards. Reasonably priced bus tours are easy ways to get around the islands, which offer the stunning, diverse beauty made famous in the “Lord of the Rings” movies"

 

It's been a long time since I have been in my 20's, but I started out in December 1970 doing a month-long Eurorail adventure with a college roommate for doing a large number of Europe countries that helped launch my interests for exploring and learning at an early age.

 

Full story at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/21/travel/places-to-travel-in-your-20s.html?_r=0

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 158,385 views for this posting.

[Marine7]

Your photo's are just stunning! Very well done! Beautiful!

What type of camera and lens were used?

Great Review!

[TLCOhio]

Your photo's are just stunning! Very well done! Beautiful! What type of camera and lens were used? Great Review!

 

Appreciate these kind comments and nice follow-up from our "neighbor" to the southwest in Texas. Not sure if I had posted earlier on this thread, but here goes in response to your camera/lens question.

 

For my camera, I upgraded to a Nikon D7100 with an 18-140mm VR lens before our 2014 Australia-NZ adventure. It is a good camera, but not at the top-pro, highest-cost levels. But, just like with an artist or cook, it is not always the quality of the paint brushes . . . or . . . pots and pans making the difference!! It is 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 $300-400 for that type of a camera with a good and versatile 18-55mm lens. And after a “water-incident” at Victoria Falls in February 2016, that D7100 got damaged and I have upgraded to a little new, slightly more advanced Nikon D7200.

 

Lenses are also important. Mostly I shoot with that Nikon 18-140mm mid-range zoom lens that came with this Nikon D7100 camera. Also, I have a Nikon 55-300mm VR lenses for longer shots and a 10-20mm Sigma wide angle that is great for churches and building interiors, etc. In 2013, I got a Nikkor 35mm f1.8 for lower light and other such needs/specialities, including food and evening shows. This Nikon cameras also has 1080HD video capability that works well. 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 is easier with digital to do, learning/improving 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 or can see easily on the Internet.

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.

 

Happy to share more on cameras, photography, travel, etc. Keep up the good questions!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 32,400 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

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

[Marine7]

Terry, Thank you!

I have a Nikon D7100 as well. Hope my photos come out as good as yours.

Happy Cruising!

[TLCOhio]

Terry, Thank you! I have a Nikon D7100 as well. Hope my photos come out as good as yours. Happy Cruising!

 

Do you get the option to bungee jump? was there anything to do at night after you got back to the hotel?

 

Great to hear that Marine7 from Texas has a Nikon D7100. Clearly an excellent camera since I have owned one and my Australia-NZ pictures are a results. Good luck in getting wonderful results. Just follow some of my tips and only show folks the "good ones".

 

Appreciate this good question above from Robusta20 on another board. Am sharing that response here to help any seeking such Queenstown background info. There was one person from our ship tour that wanted to and did do the bungee jump. So, YES, I could have done this "leap", but NO, I did not. My wife would not have been very happy with me attempting such a jump!

 

At our hotel there, after we got back from the dinner, sheep demonstration and the scenic lake boat trip, there was not much to do at this location. BUT, it had been a long day and we were going to be busy earlier the next morning and all that day. No need, at least for us, to be up late and partying. The hotel used by these overnight groups will vary. Some are closer to the main city. Some a little farther away. Clearly no limit if you wanted to be out late in the night, but overall Queenstown, when we were there, did not seem to be that much of a late-night party scene. My sense is that Queenstown is more of the day-time, outdoor-intensive activity type of location.

 

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 45,067 views for these postings.