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

[TLCOhio]

From the CNN, the cable news network three days ago, they had this headline: “What to do at the Sydney Opera House”  with these highlights: “Since its inauguration on October 20, 1973, the iconic Sydney Opera House has been the centerpiece of the Sydney Harbour, drawing some 8.2 million visitors every year.  But there's much more to Australia's top tourist attraction than just a show-stopping facade.  From its complicated construction to popular bars and restaurants, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of surprises.”

 

Reading this profile offers many details about the design and construction of this "star" of Sydney.  This includes: "Rather than the boxy buildings that were common at the time, (architect) Utzon's winning concept featured sinuous curves and a unique silhouette -- a series of vaulted structures that resemble billowing white sails or stacked shells.  Beautiful as it was, the design proved to be extremely difficult to execute -- nothing like this had ever been done before.  Instead of the estimated four-year timeline and A$7 million (US$5 million) price tag, the project took 14 years and a whopping A$102 million to complete."

 

Fun story and interesting background that brings many wonderful memories from touring Sydney's Opera House, seeing an opera/music program there, exploring its exterior areas, etc.  If visiting Sydney and interested in their Opera House, this article offers great insights and options, including for food, sunset views, etc.

 

Here are a few more interesting items included in this story: "Despite its name, the building hosts more than 2,000 shows a year and only about 15% of them are opera.  There are six indoor performance venues (plus one more outdoors), more than 1,000 rooms and six restaurants.  There are more than 1 million Swedish roof tiles covering the structure -- and they actually change color as the day goes on, mirroring the sky."

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/sydney-opera-house-guide/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 42,917 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

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

 

From this CNN profile on the Sydney Opera House, below is a sampling of some visuals used to illustrate the uniqueness of this structure, its history when being built, a close-up of the tiles on its roof, one interior theater view, etc.  Love this architectural and cultural masterpiece!!:

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[TLCOhio]

From the CNN, the cable news network yesterday, they had this headline: “Places to visit in November: 5 marvelous options”  with these highlights about Melbourne as one of the suggested location to visit: “Australia's late spring is typically a shoulder season and a perfect time to visit. Pleasant weather coupled with the Melbourne Cup makes this a much busier time of the year in Victoria's capital than the rest of Australia. Book lodging early so that you can witness the city of 4.5 million celebrate 'the race that stops a nation.'  The Cup will be held on November 6 in 2018 at Flemington Racecourse and is one of the most famous horse races in the world. Some 100,000 people are expected to attend, and another 700 million will watch it televised.”

 

Reading this profile offers many details for options in and around Melbourne.  This includes: "Get out on the Great Ocean Road. It spans 249 miles from Torquay to Allansford and includes such iconic sites as Twelve Apostles and Port Fairy. There are several one and multiday tours that can be booked out of Melbourne."

 

Fun story and interesting background, ideas related to Melbourne.  Other than passing through its airport on the way to Kangaroo Island, we did not get to spend any time here in 2014.  Yes, this this a good reason to go back to Australia!!??

 

Here are a few more interesting items included in this story: "Melbourne was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008 and is considered the cultural capital of Australia. Here are a few cultural places and events you might want to check out:
-- National Gallery of Victoria: The gallery has more than 8,000 Australian paintings and drawings as well as an impressive international collection of art. Founded in 1861, it's the nation's oldest museum. 
-- State Library Victoria: Book lovers should go wild for this historical, stunning building, which in addition to books has art displays, lectures, historical exhibits and more."

 

Full story and more visuals at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/places-to-visit-november/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 60,795 views:

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

 

 

From this CNN story, below are two interesting pictures.  First, is the twilight skyline of Melbourne and then a sampling of the waves crashing into the base of limestone structures known as the Twelve Apostles that are west of Melbourne.:

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[TLCOhio]

We just completed our Jerusalem/Holy Lands, Egypt/Valley of the Kings,Petra/Jordan, Oman, Dubai/Abu Dhabi, etc., exploring.  To see the trip live/blog for this history and religious “adventure”, check out these postings linked below.  We started in Athens, Greece on Nov. 14, then traveled various locations connected with three of the world's major religions.  Many fun and interesting visuals on this live/blog!!  Below are just a few, quick visual samples.    Check it out and let me know any questions or comments.  Just over 6000 views so far on this live/blog. 

 

Connect to our latest exploring at: 

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

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

In Greece, we started with a day at Delphi, where the Oracle was consulted about important decisions from throughout the ancient classical world.:

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From Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection. here is one interior view.  Second is a procession along the historic Via Dolorosa.  Third is my connecting at the Western/Wailing Wall in the most holy site for the Jewish faith.:

 

 

 

In Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, we explored the tombs of Egypt rulers from 3300 years ago plus Karnak's night glories, statutes and columns.:

 

 

In front of Petra’s Treasury in Jordan, we found this cute camel as a "co-star".  Feeling the spirit of Indian Jones here!:

 

We finished with the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the sandy beaches of Dubai having its unique modern architecture in the background.:

 

[TLCOhio]

From CNN in late January, they had this headline: “Best places to visit in Australia: What's too good to miss” with these highlights: “If you could magically conjure up a place that's ideal for travel adventures, it would be hard to imagine anything better than what the world already has: Australia.  This continent/country offers spectacular outdoor scenery, animals unlike anywhere else in the world and urban centers that compete with the top cities of Europe, North America and Asia on livability rankings.  Admittedly, as destinations go, it's not that close for most of us. But it's so worth the flight to get there.”

 

Excellent above summary for the trade-offs with the challenge of the distance/time getting to this continent . . . VERSUS . . . the huge reward once you arrive there.  Below are three visuals from this CNN profile of locations we super enjoyed during our visit five years ago. 

 

On Sydney, they note: "Australia's largest city is heralded as one of the world's greatest metropolises for a reason.  The capital of New South Wales plays host to the photogenic Sydney Harbour (the world's largest natural harbor), the one-of-a-kind Sydney Opera House, a lively entertainment scene and some of the best restaurants in the world.  And then there are the beaches"

 

Also from the London/UK Telegraph in late January, they had this headline: “30 amazing ways to explore Australia”  with this highlight on Tasmania: “The island state’s relative isolation – it lingers 150 miles (240km) south of the mainland, across the Bass Strait – means it presents a different version of Australia; quieter, greener and less sun-baked.”  Many different options and potentials are outlined in this profile. 

 

Full stories at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/australia-best-places-to-visit/index.html

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/oceania/australia/articles/amazing-ways-to-explore-australia/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 43,088 views.

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

 

Here are three CNN images used with their profile reflecting locations that we enjoyed.  Second is one of the top highlights from Kangaroo Island.  Third is from the Great Barrier Reef.  This story and visuals bring back great memories!!:

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[TLCOhio]

From the London/UKTelegraph in late January, they also had this headline: “Who was Captain Matthew Flinders, how did he shape Australia”  with these highlights: “Lauded Down Under, but largely forgotten in his native England, Flinders was a prominent navigator and cartographer, famous for completing the first ever circumnavigation of Australia – a country he also helped name.”.

 

We are familiar with his name due to the main park on Kangaroo Island named in his honor.  This profile gives this added background as to how he was initial involving "transporting the newly-appointed governor of New South Wales to Australia.  He (Flinders) shone on this journey and was subsequently entrusted to lead the first ever circumnavigation of Australia, a mission that he successfully completed, earning him a reputation as one of England’s most prominent seafarers.  Flinders helped map Australia, declared it a continent and was also influential in assigning it a name (it had previously been known as New Holland).  Today many places take his name. There’s Flinders Island, off the north coast of Tasmania; Flinders Street, a busy thoroughfare in Melbourne that is home to one of the most eye-catching railway stations in the world; the Flinders Ranges, home to South Australia’s loftiest peaks; and Flinders Bay, a popular surfing spot in New South Wales."

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/oceania/australia/articles/who-was-captain-matthew-flinders-and-how-did-he-help-shape-austr/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 44,239 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

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

[TLCOhio]

From the  London/UK Independent in November, they had this headline: “Where to Eat, Drink, Shop and Stay in Sydney”  with these highlights: “Elegantly wrapped around its spectacular harbour and posing against the backdrop of over 100 secluded beaches, Sydney is undoubtedly Australia’s most photogenic city. With buzzing markets, scenic coastal walks and world-class museums, it’s no wonder that newlyweds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to jet off to New South Wales’ sunny capital.”

 

Here are a few of many tips and highlights offered in this profile: "While climbing Sydney’s most famous icon is deservedly popular, views from the Harbour Bridge abound for next to nil as well. The South Pylon Lookout offers a pictorial history plus a spectacular viewing platform 83m above sea level. Tickets $15 (£9). Open daily 10am-5pm.  Beginning life as Sydney’s original convict settlement, The Rocks retains a historic charm in its cobbled laneways, original sandstone buildings and artisan markets. Drop into The Rocks Discovery Museum (free entry) or join the daily I’m Free walking tour. Stroll along the waterfront and watch street performers entertain throngs of guests under the shadow of the Harbour Bridge.  Weekend brunch isn’t just a meal in Sydney – like surfing, it’s a lifestyle. Stop by Bondi Icebergs Club Bistro for seasonally inspired Australian dishes served on a stylish terrace overlooking the Insta-famous ocean pool and Bondi beach. "

 

Look of good ideas and suggestions that bring back wonderful memories from exploring Sydney five years ago are included in this article. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/48-hours-in/sydney-city-guide-what-to-do-australia-best-restaurants-hotels-bars-a8622316.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 27,433 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

 

From this profile, here is one of the visuals used to illustrate the charm and beauty of Sydney.:

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[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph today, they had this headline: “Discover Australia's answer to the Galapágos” with these highlights: “A little larger than Mallorca, this tranquil island lies 12.4 miles (20km) off the South Australia coast and is often billed as the 'Galapágos of Australia' on account of its distinctly evolved and abundant wildlife that includes kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, penguins and sea lions. The most scenic way to get here is by driving south from Adelaide to Cape Jervis then taking a short ferry ride across the Backstairs Passage.  You can also fly into Kingscote Airport from where local hoteliers and tour operators will arrange transfers.  Once here, it becomes apparent that this an isolated island that lives to its own rhythms. Settlements are small and rural with shops poorly stocked, yet if you hunt around, Kangaroo Island’s foodie side soon comes to light. The island is renowned for its honey, produced by Ligurian bees that were brought here in the 1880s.”

 

Here are a couple of other items from this profile:  "While the island’s human population is around 4,400, there are some 60,000 resident kangaroos.  Koalas snooze in the gum trees and Rosenberg’s goannas (lizards that can grow to 3ft) patrol the footpaths, while down on the south coast a thousand-strong colony of Australian sea lions – one of the rarest species in the world – has been protected since the Fifties."

 

Yes, we loved being on that beach and spending time with these Australian sea lions!!

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/oceania/australia/articles/take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side-on-kangaroo-island/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 81,415 views.

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

 

From this profile on Kangaroo Island in the UK Telegraph, here are just three visuals that bring back great memories from visiting and exploring this unique part of Australia.  As shown in the third picture, loved being at the rock formation in Flinders Chase National Park.:

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[TLCOhio]

Do we need to have some balance and "equal time" for the glories of New Zealand?  Yes!!  From the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia this past week, they had this headline: “Seven things we love about our Kiwi neighbour”  with these highlights: “New Zealand is a tranquil sliver of a country perched out in the Pacific Ocean, 1000 kilometres from its nearest neighbours and a long way from almost everywhere else on Earth. It's safe and friendly, a bit old-fashioned in an agreeable Hobbit-y way, but with rather forward-looking attitudes.It's a comfortable, sedate place with a surprising penchant for wild adrenaline sports; a place of civilised small cities and snug tourist lodges set amid irrepressibly rumpled landscapes, snowy mountains and wave-lashed coastlines.  This is a nation of welcoming, polite, self-deprecating, homey, humorous, chatty, quirky people.”

 

That's a fun summary!  True, too!!  This profile highlights seven major pluses/assets, including their people, mountains, cities, lodges, adrenaline, tastes and nature.  

 

Many interesting items are included in this profile.  Here is one example: "Said to have more bars, restaurants and cafes per capita than New York, the nation's capital Wellington is home to celebrity chefs including Martin Bosley, Rex Morgan and Monique Fiso, whose Maori fine diner is booked out months in advance. With the Wairarapa wine region to the north and Marlborough to the south, wine lists offer New Zealand's best."

 

Here is another key story highlight: "Only Auckland has the heft to pitch as a truly global city, but Auckland's soul will always lie on its fringes. Its setting is an isthmus present, with two natural harbours, black sand beaches, a studding of volcanic cones, and a series of islands with strong, distinct vibes. Lava-strewn Rangitoto, wildlife haven Tiritiri Matangi and winery-packed Waiheke all serve different masters"

 

Full story at:

http://www.traveller.com.au/new-zealand-travel-guide-seven-things-we-love-about-our-kiwi-neighbour-h1copm

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 63,433 views:

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

 

Here is one of the many visuals featured in this profile.  It is from Queenstown, billed, correctly, as New Zealand's adrenaline capital.  We loved Queenstown during our visit there!:

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[TLCOhio]

Speaking of New Zealand and that area needing proper attention, we have been doing more research.  Given our desire to escape the harsh Midwest winters, we might have found that good option.  It would be on the Oceania Regatta.  We enjoyed Oceania and similar ship last fall doing our Athens to Dubai sailing to sample the Middle East. 

 

Our specific cruise choice?  Have a veranda stateroom booked for departing Auckland, New Zealand, on Feb. 17, 2020.  We would depart from Columbus on Feb. 8 and arrive Feb. 10 in NZ's largest city. Our cruise be an 18-day adventure going to Bay of Islands, NZ, do two sea-days in South Pacific, going to both Noumea and Maré Island locations in New Caledonia, then Port Vila/Vanuatu, another sea-day before arriving for two days in Fiji at Lautoka and Suva, another sea day as we cross the International Date Line, then two different days for Apia/Samoa and Pago Pago, American Samoa, two days in the South Pacific before arriving for two days in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, then a day at nearby Raiatea.  We finish and disembark at Papeete, Tahiti.  Sound good and interesting? 

 

Any others having had experiences to share from being in these various locations in the South Pacific and New Zealand??  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 234,939 views. 

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

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times Travel Section this coming weekend, they will have this headline: “36 Hours in Melbourne”  with this sub-head: "How to spend a weekend in this coffee-sipping, culture-loving, boundary-pushing city in southern Australia."

 

Here are more of their story highlights: “Pity Melbourne: After seven years of topping the Economist Intelligence Unit’s most livable city rankings, it was finally displaced last year by another coffee-loving city, Vienna. Despite being nudged down a notch to No. 2, Melburnians aren’t too worried. Though the city is currently grappling with issues related to being such a popular place to live — rapid growth, high property prices, congested roads — the city in the southeastern part of Australia continues to be the country’s capital for all things cultural. There are more festivals than can fit on a calendar; a thriving, boundary-pushing restaurant scene; and a commitment to the arts that will only deepen with the National Gallery of Victoria’s plans to build the largest contemporary art gallery in Australia by 2025. Melbourne may have lost its crown, but it still has its spacious Victorian-era parks, flat whites and famously sunny way of life.”

 

Plus, this profile has many specific details, suggestions and ideas for places to visit, food, drinking and cultural options, etc., etc.  Here is another little sample from this detailed profile: "Built in 1878, the opulent, bayfront Hotel Esplanade was the epicenter of society life in St. Kilda’s early days. The philanthropist Alfred Felton, a major benefactor of the National Gallery of Victoria, lived here for over a decade until his death in 1904, and throughout the 20th century, the hotel was a premier music venue, hosting everything from jazz and big band performances to disco nights."

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/02/travel/what-to-do-in-melbourne.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 26,593 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

 

Below are three of the visuals to represent "life" in Melbourne as used by the New York Times to illustrate this interesting profile.:

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[TLCOhio]

 

From the CNN cable news network yesterday, they had this headline: “19 best places to travel for the summer of 2019”  with these highlights focused on Tasmania: “If you want to avoid hot, crowded destinations, take advantage of Australia's winter and head to Tasmania, a scenic island just south of Melbourne.  Road tripping is one of the best ways to experience it, and while the route, known as the Lap of Tasmania, isn't new, it now has a dedicated online presence. The new Lap of Tasmania resources now make it easier than ever to plan a leisurely road trip.  The entire route is just over 900 miles and takes about a week to complete; even better, it's designed to incorporate 12 of the best points of interest. While the capital of Hobart is the most well-known destination, the trip introduces road trippers to Tamar Valley's wine region; Tasmanian devils on the Tasman Peninsula; and the East Coast's famed beaches. Among them is Bay of Fires, famed for its orange-tinged rocks, and Binalong Bay, a pristine curve of white sand that's worth visiting even if it's too chilly to take a dip.”

 

YES, we super loved our time in visiting Tasmania.  Very interesting, historic and charming city.   

 

Full story with these many, different travel ideas/options at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/summer-travel-places-2019/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 235,207 views. 

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

 

Here is one visual featured by this CNN profile to highlight that road tripping is one of the best ways to experience this Australian island.  While the route, known as the Lap of Tasmania, is not new, it now has a dedicated online presence. :

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[TLCOhio]

From the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia earlier this week, they had this headline: “New Zealand's Twin Coast Discovery Route” with these highlights: “The Twin Coast Discovery Route through the Northland region is just one of many driving itineraries in New Zealand's North Island gaining traction with Australian visitors.  And with good reason: this is the ideal road-tripping destination, with few traffic snarls, no 'wrong-side-of-the-road' issues, short distances to cover, scenic variety and incredible lodgings. There's also the lure of the short international flight across the pond, affordability and familiarity – making it an easy, fuss-free option for a short break.”

 

Here is another aspect to consider from this profile: "In a classic case of sibling rivalry, New Zealand's serene North Island is often overlooked in favour of its more dramatic, luminous counterpart in the south; and while it might not have the star power of the snow-capped mountains made famous by Lord of the Rings, the North is an equally alluring destination, but with a more gentle approach to its scenic wonders."

 

Full story at:

http://www.traveller.com.au/the-road-trip-new-zealands-twin-coast-discovery-route-h1f6lw

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 26,883 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

 

Here are three different visuals to illustrate this profile and shows the beauty and options in and around the Bay of Islands at the top of New Zealand's North Island.:

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[macaroni]

TLCOhio....after arriving in Papeete go to Moorea and spend 2 or 3 nights in what was once the Sheraton...don’t remember what it is now..and stay in an overwater bungalow...fantastic snorkeling right from your deck...rent a car and drive around the island.

[TLCOhio]

On 6/15/2019 at 10:09 AM, macaroni said:

TLCOhio....after arriving in Papeete go to Moorea and spend 2 or 3 nights in what was once the Sheraton...don’t remember what it is now..and stay in an overwater bungalow...fantastic snorkeling right from your deck...rent a car and drive around the island.

 

Appreciate these excellent tips and ideas.  Not sure on this trip we will be able to make it to More.  It should great.  We will have two days for Bora Bora, plus one day at Raiatea.  Unfortunately, there is only so much time and budget for this first trip to these South Pacific.  Many of those overwater bungalows are rather pricy.   Maybe on the next trip, we will get to Moorea??!!  Keep it coming with this nice sharing.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 45,954 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

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

[TLCOhio]

Getting ready in mid-February 2020 to do an Oceania Regatta sailing from Auckland to Tahiti.  Planning for a week before this 18-day cruise to do some exploring in and around New Zealand's North Island by rental car.  During our first Australia-NZ adventure in 2014, we had wonderful cruise ship stops in Wellington, Napier/Cape Kidnappers, Tauranga/Rotorua and Bay of Islands.  After finishing that cruise, we had a couple of excellent days in Auckland, including going to scenic/fun Waiheke Island.  For early 2020, we are looking to fly into Auckland, get our car on Feb. 11 and head south.  Many options consider??!!  What's best, new, interesting, scenic, etc., etc.?  We want to head south in the direction of Wellington, maybe sample a little wine action, etc.  Then, drop the car and fly back to Auckland for the boarding of our cruise ship on Feb. 17.  Insights and ideas?

 

From NBC television, they have a weekend travel series titled: “THE VOYAGER WITH JOSH GARCIA” with many interesting visuals, highlights and details.  Their early May video segment covered and related to Auckland.  It was titled "Awesome Auckland".  Josh tours Auckland, the "City of Sails," climbing to the top of Harbour Bridge; visits a local farm that's famous for its sheep; takes a lesson in sailboat racing onboard New Zealand's most famous racing yacht.  This series is very well produced and brings back many nice memories.  Reactions? 

 

Full Auckland video profile at:

https://www.nbc.com/the-voyager-with-josh-garcia/video/awesome-auckland/3947906

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 221,706 views.

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

 

Here are just four sample screen shots from this NBC-TV, 20-minute video that focuses on profiling Auckland and nearby New Zealand options. Fun, exciting reporting.:

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[barneyboy]

Thanks Terry. We are cruising on Celebrity Solstice on February 17 2020 from Auckland to Melbourne. We are spending the week prior in Auckland so welcome all information. Our first trip to New Zealand. 

[Beanb41]

Over 5 years on and still going strong

[TLCOhio]

On 6/24/2019 at 4:54 AM, barneyboy said:

Thanks Terry. We are cruising on Celebrity Solstice on February 17 2020 from Auckland to Melbourne. We are spending the week prior in Auckland so welcome all information. Our first trip to New Zealand. 

 

Appreciate these great follow-ups!   YES, for barneyboy, from wonderful Scotland, it is smart and good that you will have a week prior for exploring in and around Auckland prior to boarding the Celebrity Solstice in sailing to Australia.  Will you have added time to explore in that amazing country with so many excellent options?  On this live/blog if you check on page 23, post #571, you will see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings, etc., etc.  This will make it easier to find many details on Auckland and for nearby super-stars. .

 

Am getting ready now for departing in mid-July to be seeing, for our first time, Jasper/Banff, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, then sailing up to Alaska, doing a post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  After getting back from this "adventure", then I will turn the page and start to focus 100% in preparing for this exploring of NZ's North Island, plus planning for these various islands in the South Pacific. 

 

Keep it coming!!  Appreciate the kind comment from Beanb41 about "Over 5 years on and still going strong."  Don't be shy with any questions and/or sharing of your past experiences in New Zealand and Australia. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 47,518 views.

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

[barneyboy]

Hi Terry yes we are staying for a week in Brisbane prior to flying to Auckland, and then a week in Melbourne after the cruise. We thought we might as well escape as much of the Scottish winter as possible. We have previously been to Sydney, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast but Melbourne is new to us.

Looking forward to hearing about your Alaska trip as that is also on my list. My husband has some reservations though due to the weather.  

[TLCOhio]

On 6/26/2019 at 7:25 AM, barneyboy said:

Hi Terry yes we are staying for a week in Brisbane prior to flying to Auckland, and then a week in Melbourne after the cruise. We thought we might as well escape as much of the Scottish winter as possible. We have previously been to Sydney, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast but Melbourne is new to us.

Looking forward to hearing about your Alaska trip as that is also on my list. My husband has some reservations though due to the weather.  

 

Appreciate these added travel location details and follow-up. At some future time, you need to also consider doing Kangaroo Island and/or the Great Barrier Reef.  Yes, we are excited about Alaska and western Canada.  By going in late July, we are hoping for the best weather odds.  Will post a live/blog on the Silversea board around July 27.  

 

From the Washington Post yesterday, they had this headline: “Americans will need a travel document to enter New Zealand, starting Oct. 1”with these highlights: “Previously, Americans visiting New Zealand could simply show up, passport in hand, and enter the country. However, starting this fall — or spring, for Southern Hemisphere dwellers — the island nation will require some extra minutes of pre-departure planning.Though the United States is one of 60 visa-waiver countries, Americans and other nationals from this group will need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for travel starting Oct. 1.”  

 

For many of us doing the South Pacific, we will start out or end our trip in Auckland.  Hence, this information might be "need-to-know news."  This story also details: "The form will become available in July on the New Zealand Immigration’s website and mobile phone app. The cost: 9 New Zealand dollars (about $6) for the app submission and 12 New Zealand dollars (about $8) for the online form. Visitors must also pay the new International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which is earmarked for tourism infrastructure and environmental protection. The fee costs 35 New Zealand dollars, or $23."

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/americans-will-need-a-travel-document-to-enter-new-zealand-starting-oct-1/2019/06/26/a4f23482-977a-11e9-8d0a-5edd7e2025b1_story.html?utm_term=.5ac9156964c0

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 46,046 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

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

[TLCOhio]

From the CNN cable news network this morning, they had this headline: “Why Hobart is Australia's new capital of cool” with these highlights: “A heart-shaped island state just south of mainland Australia, Tasmania is home to farm-fresh produce, world-class art and jaw-dropping landscapes.  Tassies are sometimes called 'Taswegians,' both for the fact that many residents claim Nordic heritage and for their relative remoteness (in the geographic sense, not the social one).  But its biggest city, Hobart -- Australia's smallest capital -- is in the shadows no longer.”

 

Many interesting options, pictures, details, etc., are included in this profile.  Lots to eat and drink there!!  Here are a few more highlights: "Hobart may be a challenge to travel to, but don't worry -- once you're there, you won't want to leave.  If you're looking for a postcard of Hobart, odds are good that you'll find one featuring Salamanca Market. Open on Saturdays, it's the most-visited tourist spot in all of Tasmania.  Whether you're after a snack, a souvenir or a sweet new outfit this open-air space is the place to go hunting for it -- vendors change constantly but include locally made and grown products from ginger beer to glassware."

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/hobart-australia-things-to-do/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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

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

 

 

From this CNN profile on Hobart, below are a couple of the many visuals used to illustrate this story.  The second picture shows Salamanca Market, the bustling Saturday outdoor market that is Hobart's most iconic attraction.:

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

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Guardian two days ago, they had this headline: “Bellbirds, books and baroque architecture: visiting New Zealand’s oldest city Dunedin” with this sub-headline: "The South Island destination has gothic buildings and golden beaches, with plenty of wildlife, delicious food and live music." 

 

Here are some added story highlights: “Settled by the Scots and known as 'the Edinburgh of the south', Dunedin has long had a reputation in New Zealand as the country’s avant garde student haven, a gritty post-industrial city now home to artists, musicians, academics and more than a handful of eccentrics. Odd is acceptable in Dunedin – applauded, even.  The small city of 120,000 sprawls around the pristine Otago peninsula, which hosts significant threatened populations of sea lions, penguins, seals and rare birds, including the world’s only mainland albatross colony.”

 

We enjoyed our sampling of Dunedin, including their famed train station.  This profile outlines many options to consider for visiting this area.

 

Full story at:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/jul/05/new-zealand-oldest-city-dunedin-bellbirds-books-baroque-architecture

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 247,797 views.

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

 

From this story are many pictures, including this one for Larnach Castle on the ridge of the Otago peninsula near Dunedin.:

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

[gfkcruiser]

Australia and New Zealand are on my wish list.  However the long plane ride may put a crimp in any plans to visit there.

Always love your photos.

 

Gail

[TLCOhio]

22 hours ago, gfkcruiser said:

Australia and New Zealand are on my wish list.  However the long plane ride may put a crimp in any plans to visit there.  Always love your photos.  Gail

 

Appreciate, Gail, your very kind comments and follow-up.  YES, it is a long, LONG distance from the Midwest to Australia and New Zealand.  BUT, most important, it is very much worth ALL of that effort and travel.  Two of our longest trips have been "down under", plus doing early last year to Hong Kong and Southwest Asia.  It was 15+ hours from Chicago to Hong Kong.  Fortunately, we had business class seats thanks to a bunch of Frequent Flyer miles with American Airlines.

 

In going to Australia, we helped break up the long distance by doing a stop-over in Hawaii.  That was super wonderful having such stop-overs there in going both ways.  Keep thinking about these areas and their amazing sights and experiences.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 236,347 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

Have been traveling.  Where?  During our recent travels, we encountered many different, wonderful people from BOTH Australia and New Zealand.  It's always fun with those from "down under".  

 

Just completed yesterday, for our first time, flying into Calgary, seeing Jasper/Banff National Parks, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, then sailing up to Alaska, doing a post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  As mention earlier, next on our priority list is a first-time trip for exploring in early 2020 various South Pacific islands, including Fiji, Samoa, Bora Bora, etc.   Would commence this 18-day cruise in mid February from Auckland.  We plan to get there a week ahead in order to explore more of New Zealand's North Island and be escaping from the Midwest winter cold.  In 2014, we did Wellington, Napier/Cape Kidnappers, Tauranga/Rotorua and Auckland/Waiheke Island, etc.  Will welcome all good suggestion for other exciting opportunities and fun locations in NZ's North Island.  More good photo opportunities??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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

www.boards.cruisecdritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

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

“Live Terry/Ohio Muse Alaska”