Come sail with me on a virtual cruise on Majestic Princess to Fiji!

[ellie1145]

5 hours ago, rdsqrl said:

I am so enjoying "our" virtual trip.  Your photos are great as is the writing; I absolutely feel like I'm right there.  Looking forward to savoring the rest of the adventure.

So glad you are still enjoying our virtual trip. 
 

Our next adventure starts today - the Blue Mountains. 

[ellie1145]

5 hours ago, AF-1 said:

ellie1145;  did you see a Starbucks when you stopped at Woolworths?

 

Morning AF-1

 

 

I’m afraid we didn’t, but we did find you a MacDonalds, in George St! 
 

Believe it or not, this is the entrance to a MacDonalds! We’ve saved you a seat....

 

 

This building was once a 2,000 seat cinema and is heritage listed. It was closed in 1977 and the foyer was converted to MacDonalds. The auditorium behind has since been several things, including a skating rink and a Planet Hollywood. It is now a bar. The entrance is fascinating as it is in a Spanish style, and has beautiful stencilled floral motifs on the ceiling and these huge chandeliers. 

 

[AF-1]

wow how cool is that?  I have been to some pretty neat McDonalds including the largest one in the world. it has two floors and a salad bar.  Or it did have salad bar prior to Covid19

[cnd crsr]

Good morning Ellie,

Before we head out to the Blue Mountains, I have to tell you how much I enjoyed our walk through Sydney after the morning tour of the Opera House. I am impressed with  the transportation changes they are making. I thought all Woolworth stores were a thing of the past so seeing one in Sydney brought back childhood memories of seeing them in Canada.

That is quite the unusual McDonalds ... very upscale from the ones I have visited. With that beautiful chandelier, I would think you should get white glove service!

I can hardly wait for our adventure today!

 

Gail

 

[ellie1145]

50 minutes ago, AF-1 said:

wow how cool is that?  I have been to some pretty neat McDonalds including the largest one in the world. it has two floors and a salad bar.  Or it did have salad bar prior to Covid19

 

I thought you’d appreciate that. But I’m afraid that behind that facade it was just the usual McDonalds.

 

There is a pretty interesting one in Rome, it has 2 floors and a patisserie on the ground floor. But I think the Sydney one takes the biscuit for grandeur, even if it’s only in the entrance.

[ellie1145]

6 minutes ago, cnd crsr said:

Good morning Ellie,

Before we head out to the Blue Mountains, I have to tell you how much I enjoyed our walk through Sydney after the morning tour of the Opera House. I am impressed with  the transportation changes they are making. I thought all Woolworth stores were a thing of the past so seeing one in Sydney brought back childhood memories of seeing them in Canada.

That is quite the unusual McDonalds ... very upscale from the ones I have visited. With that beautiful chandelier, I would think you should get white glove service!

I can hardly wait for our adventure today!

 

Gail

 

 

Good morning Gail, lovely to see you ready and waiting for our adventure today.

 

It was really strange to see Woolworths. All the UK stores were closed down in 2009, with a loss of 27,000 jobs. It’s not very posh, a bit grotty really, but the deli was great. 

 

I’m sorry to disappoint you about the white glove service in that McDonalds...  behind that facade it was as uninspiring, busy and messy as most of them. 🤭

 

 

[ellie1145]

Good morning intrepid cruising adventurers!

 

I am sorry I’ve been AWOL this morning, but I woke with a migraine and am only slowly coming out of it. 

 

But here’s our ‘starter for 10.’  

(University Challenge, UK TV)

[AF-1]

7 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

 

I thought you’d appreciate that. But I’m afraid that behind that facade it was just the usual McDonalds.

 

There is a pretty interesting one in Rome, it has 2 floors and a patisserie on the ground floor. But I think the Sydney one takes the biscuit for grandeur, even if it’s only in the entrance.

I have been to the one in Rome;  I think it has an expresso bar plus the bakery or patisserie. 

[AF-1]

Here is a link to the largest in the world.  I stopped here on my way to Disney World.

 

https://www.wheretraveler.com/orlando/worlds-largest-mcdonalds

[ellie1145]

Just now, AF-1 said:

I have been to the one in Rome;  I think it has an expresso bar plus the bakery or patisserie. 

 

Yes, you are right, and gelato too.

 

The buildings is spectacular and they have retained some of the features. 

 

Might see you there one day then? If all this Covid goes away.....

[ellie1145]

1 minute ago, AF-1 said:

Here is a link to the largest in the world.  I stopped here on my way to Disney World.

 

https://www.wheretraveler.com/orlando/worlds-largest-mcdonalds

 

Well, what a coincidence! We’ve driven past this several times when in Orlando. It’s 19,000 sq ft and there is a huge model of Ronald McDonald which stands 30ft tall.

 

[AF-1]

Yup that's the one.  And the Big Mac's taste just like the ones from my local Micky D's

[ellie1145]

The Blue Mountains

Our first glimpse of the beautiful Blue Mountains.

 

Wednesday October 16th

 

The Blue Mountains are thus named because, from a distance, they  look blue. This is because they are clad in huge forests of eucalyptus trees, which give off a fine mist of eucalyptus oil from their leaves in the heat of the sun.  This mist refracts light, and it’s this which makes the haze look blue in the distance.

 

They were first seen by Arthur Phillips, the first governor of New South Wales. He named them the Carmarthen Hills, and at the time they were considered impassable. This was actually of benefit, as it deterred  convicts from trying to escape through the mountains. Indeed, some convicts thought China lay beyond.

 

The first person to cross the mountains was the infamous former convict, John Wilson in 1798, but it was Governor Macquarie who began the construction of a road across the mountains in 1814, using convict labour.

 

The area is rich in coal and shale, with mining beginning in 1865, and we will see evidence of this when we visit.

 

Large parts are now a World Heritage Site, with 7 national parks and a conservation reserve. It is a beautiful mountainous region west of Sydney which has dramatic scenery. There are eucalyptus forests, rainforests, peaks and valleys and waterfalls.

 

Sadly, since our visit the area has been devastated by bushfires. Whilst bushfires have been a regular occurrence, those of 2019-2020 were the most devastating, with up to 80% being burned.

 

We followed the news coverage closely and were shocked and saddened by the great loss of properties, and the flora and fauna of the area. Scenes of animals trying to escape the fires were particularly harrowing and we saw some very brave rescues.

 

Today, you will see for yourselves this beautiful national park. Hope you enjoy your tour.

 

 

 

Edited July 6, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

Part 1

The Blue Mountains

 

Several weeks before we started this trip we decided that we would really like to see the Blue Mountains, and after much research online I found Anderson’s Tours.

 

They had excellent reviews, and we eventually settled on a small guided tour, which, although more expensive, seemed to offer the small, intimate experience we were looking for. I booked the tour online and there was plenty of good information sent to us. We could choose from several different pick up points in the city, and as luck would have it, the InterContinental Hotel was just a stone’s throw from our hotel. 

 

So are you ready for another adventure? Make sure you’ve got comfortable shoes! There’s going to be a lot of walking! See you all outside the InterContinental Hotel!

 

The alarm goes off and we leap out of bed and hastily get ready. We must be at the Intercontinental Hotel a short distance away from our hotel, on Macquarie.

 

We arrive in good time at 6.45 and find a few other people waiting, but they are on a a different tour. It’s really chilly and we are glad we brought lightweight coats and sweaters. We shelter in the basement entrance of the hotel and I pop in and out looking for our bus. A bus arrives but it’s not ours, and we begin to get a little worried, but just as we've given up hope our bus arrives and our wonderful guide, Kat, gets out.

 

She is actually a little early, so if you ever do this trip do make sure to leave plenty of time. 

 

 

 

She is friendly and welcoming and we get onto the bus and settle down in our seats. It’s clean and comfortable and we are able to leave our bags if we want to when we stop.  There is plenty of room as the coach is not full.

 

Another couple are due and we wait for them to arrive, and Kat goes looking for them. Eventually they arrive and we set off.

 

Kat is energetic, full of information and provides a running commentary as she drives.

 

We pick up another contingency outside a hotel in the city and then it’s off to the Blue Mountains, a two hour drive away. It’s a little overcast as we set off, but as we drive along the sun begins to peep out from behind the clouds.

 

Its an interesting drive, on good roads, and our first stop is at Glenbrook Park for a comfort break. There is a lovely children’s play area and I get off the coach to take photos, whilst the rest of the party queue for the loo.

 

 

The clouds have begun to clear and the sun is coming out thank goodness.

 

Then it’s off to Echo Point for our first view of the Blue Mountains. The coach stops and Kat says we have about half an hour.

 

Edited July 6, 2020 by ellie1145

[USCcruisecrazy]

I sure am glad I packed an extra cumfortable pair of shoes.  Lots of walking, but sure having a grand time!!!  🙂

 

Thanks again for taking the time to do this and share so much with all of us!

[dides]

6 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

 

Part 1

The Blue Mountains

 

...... The coach stops and Kat says we have about half an hour.

 

 

Hope you are doing okay since you've been quiet this afternoon - you still suffering from your migraine?

 

Sandra

Edited July 6, 2020 by dides

[ellie1145]

7 minutes ago, dides said:

 

Hope you are doing okay since you've been quiet this afternoon - you still suffering from your migraine?

 

Sandra

 

Hi Sandra. Thank you so much for asking.

 

Yes, it took a long time to clear and I did try to go on the computer but it was too much. 

 

But feeling a lot better now so onward and upward!

[ellie1145]

26 minutes ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

I sure am glad I packed an extra cumfortable pair of shoes.  Lots of walking, but sure having a grand time!!!  🙂

 

Thanks again for taking the time to do this and share so much with all of us!

 

It's lovely to be sharing it with you.

 

I hope to get more uploaded tomorrow as hopefully the migraine will not return.🤞

[ellie1145]

Echo Point

 

 

On our journey To Echo Point we pass through small settlements, with some traditional houses with corrugated iron roofs, and verandas.

 

 

 

I like the name of this shop, Nana’s Teddies, as I’m a nana.

 

 

There’s even an Aldi!

 

Kat tells us that there is a cafe where we can pick up a snack, but we walk down the hill to the viewing area first.

 

 

It’s a fantastic sight, and we see the Three Sisters and the mountain ranges in front of us.

 

 

 

The Blue Mountains live up to their name as we can definitely see a blue haze on the horizon. It’s breathtaking and we stand in the sunshine and take it all in. It’s much bigger than I expected, with spectacular panoramas in front of us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 6, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

The Viewing Platform overlooking the Jamison Valley.

 

The Three Sisters. This unusual rock formation was, according to Aboriginal legend, formed when three beautiful sisters were turned to stone.  They are 906, 918 and 922 metres tall, and are made of sandstone. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Across the valley we can see the Scenic Skyway, which at 270 metres is the highest cable car in Australia.  We will visit it next. 

Just visible across the valley is the Scenic Cableway and the Scenic Railway

 

 

 

Edited July 6, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

 

We just have time to walk back up to the Lookout Cafe and order a breakfast roll and a cup of tea to share. It’s cooked to order and we panic a bit as it takes so long, but at last it’s delivered and we sit outside and eat.

 

 

 

 

 

Inside the cafe.

 

We buy a couple of chocolate bars to sustain us on the journey and then we hop back on the bus for our journey to Scenic World, Katoomba and the first of our trips across the valley.

 

 

Edited July 6, 2020 by ellie1145

[TeaBag]

Hello Ellie

I have just skipped to the last page so I can tell you how much I am enjoying your review and your sense of humor.  Still laughing about the wired bra.  Yep, those guys have no sense of humor at all.  Hair pins do me in.

 

I am just on page 5 and really enjoying Sentosa.  It is in the top 5 most beautiful places we have been.  We have been to Singapore several times as DH used to give seminars there.  And I agree with you that Singapore is totally safe.  I used to trot around there on my own and never felt threatened in any way.

 

We are booked on the Grand for the Mar 23 cruise from Singapore to Rome but I am worried it may not happen.  I love Singapore but it is soooo far away.  I do not like the long flight either, as I'm afraid of DVT.

 

Thank you in advance for what I know I will enjoy as I read further.

[azbirdmom]

Love seeing the Blue Mountains.  We toured there in 2006.  Last October we arrived in Sydney the morning before the cruise so we wandered around the Opera House, along the waterfront at the Botanical Gardens, and purchased our obligatory wine for enjoyment on our balcony during the cruise.  Sydney is a wonderful city and it's great that you gave yourself a couple of days to enjoy it!

[ellie1145]

11 hours ago, TeaBag said:

Hello Ellie

I have just skipped to the last page so I can tell you how much I am enjoying your review and your sense of humor.  Still laughing about the wired bra.  Yep, those guys have no sense of humor at all.  Hair pins do me in.

 

I am just on page 5 and really enjoying Sentosa.  It is in the top 5 most beautiful places we have been.  We have been to Singapore several times as DH used to give seminars there.  And I agree with you that Singapore is totally safe.  I used to trot around there on my own and never felt threatened in any way.

 

We are booked on the Grand for the Mar 23 cruise from Singapore to Rome but I am worried it may not happen.  I love Singapore but it is soooo far away.  I do not like the long flight either, as I'm afraid of DVT.

 

Thank you in advance for what I know I will enjoy as I read further.

 

Hello ‘Teabag.’ So glad to have you along, and pleased to hear you are enjoying this long-winded travelogue....😂

 

We really loved Sentosa, as we hadn’t visited it before on our previous trips, but we would love to go again as there is still so much to see and do. 

 

I do hope that your trip on Grand goes ahead, sounds like a wonderful cruise. Sadly, I think it is still in the lap of the gods. But we live in hopes. 

 

In the meantime, sit back, enjoy the tour and I will guarantee you won’t be getting ANY DVTs on my flights, so you are quite safe

 

It was a bit scary doing my first review, but I seem to have attracted a really wonderful crowd who are keeping me going! Glad you’ve joined us too.

 

 

[ellie1145]

11 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

Love seeing the Blue Mountains.  We toured there in 2006.  Last October we arrived in Sydney the morning before the cruise so we wandered around the Opera House, along the waterfront at the Botanical Gardens, and purchased our obligatory wine for enjoyment on our balcony during the cruise.  Sydney is a wonderful city and it's great that you gave yourself a couple of days to enjoy it!

 

How lovely that you have experience the beauty of the Blue Mountains. I have to say I think we were both lucky to have seen it before the last devastating bush fires. I do hope that it will eventually return to its pristine beauty.