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

From the Travel Section of London/UK's Telegraph earlier this month, they have this headline: “Kotor cruise port guide”with these highlights: “Sailing into Kotor, at the end of a fjord-like series of bays, is always an event. But the little medieval town at the end is no anti-climax. This walled jewel in Montenegro, likened to a mini Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia, is filled with characterful old stone buildings and camera-ready cobbled lanes.”

Also shared from this article: "Kotor’s cruise pier is just a stone’s throw from the city walls, though it can only take one mid-sized ship; others anchor in the bay and use their tenders."

Nice stories bringing back wonderful memories from this scenic and unique region of Europe.

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/port-guides/kotor-cruise-port-guide/

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 228,524 views.

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

From two media sources, here are a couple of items of interest about wonderful and charming Venice.

First from Architectural Digest two days ago, they had this headline: “Venice Travel Secret Worth Knowing”with these highlights: “Where to find the most picture-perfect aperitivo in this Italian destination may surprise you. Venice—it goes without saying—is glorious, with its maritime mystique and architectural treasures. But Venice is also touristy. I defy anyone to make their way across the Rialto without thinking less-than-loving thoughts about their fellow man. These crowds could make murderers out of monks. And so it was that I recently found myself in desperate need of drink. I set off in search of a local speciality, the Bellini—a refreshing mixture of peach juice and prosecco invented by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1948.”

From the London/UK Daily Mail earlier this month, they had this headline: “Venice, city of love” with these highlights: “Known as the city of love, its mix of Italian Renaissance art, distinctive Byzantine-influenced architecture and interconnected canals make it a truly enchanting place to explore. Set across from the magnificent Santa Maria Della Salute – one of Venice’s grandest Roman Catholic churches – sits the historic building that houses The Gritti Palace; a 15th century palazzo hotel. After a scenic gondola ride along the Grand Canal, past the Rialto Bridge and buzz of tourists, we had arrived... and what a welcome.”

Brings back nice memories!! Right?

Full stories at:

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/venice-bellini

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-5959265/Travel-Venice-City-Love.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Finished June 2017 sailing on the Silver Spirit from Portugal to France along the scenic Atlantic Coast, plus great pre- and post-cruise experiences. Now at 22,447 views. Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at:

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

Terry

So glad to see this thread still going, we enjoyed the Solstice back in 2012 after a cancellation from the previous year. Like you I love Venice and all it has to offer, especially beyond the regular tourist locales.

We particularly enjoy the walk to St Marks from the cruise terminal, the back streets and the sights are amazing

My tip to visitors, is to walk down the waterfront after St Marks Square until you come to the park, you might even se a sight like this on the way

And then head inland and walk trough the backstreets where the locals live

And finally on the way out, a thunder storm gave some interesting lighting

Venice, it’s very special

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Terry So glad to see this thread still going, we enjoyed the Solstice back in 2012 after a cancellation from the previous year. Like you I love Venice and all it has to offer, especially beyond the regular tourist locales. We particularly enjoy the walk to St Marks from the cruise terminal, the back streets and the sights are amazing. Venice, it’s very special.

Appreciate, Michael, this nice follow-up and the sharing of these visuals. Wonderful!! And these pictures bring back great memories from our time in historic and charming Venice.

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 208,855 views for this posting.

From the Travel Section of London/UK's Sunday Times tomorrow morning, they had this headline: “Secret Venice: escape the crowds”with these highlights: “Skip the overpriced gondolas and avoid the St Mark’s trudge — there’s a better way to see the Italian city.”

Here are more highlights: "If you want to enjoy this extraordinarily beguiling but insanely overcrowded city in the summer months, when the hordes trudge lemming-like between St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge and rapacious restaurateurs charge €500 for a fish lunch, there’s a simple solution: stick to its hidden places, from off-the-beaten track bars and little-known islands to secret bolt holes."

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/travel/secret-venice-escape-the-crowds-7790l6p07

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 228,840 views.

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

From Travel and Leisure magazine two days ago, they had this headline: “Venice Banning Kayaks, Canoes, Other Boats From Grand Canal”with these highlights: “Locals and tourists in Venice will have to look for some other means of getting around the city now that a new regulation will ban certain types of boats from the Grand Canal. As of August 1, authorities are now prohibiting recreational boats such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and others from being used in the canal, The Local reported. People who live or own businesses in the historic district, however, are exempt from the complete ban and will still be able to use their boats during restricted times. Following the death of a German tourist in 2013, regulations on the Grand Canal have slowly become stricter, beginning with fewer ferries on the waterway.”

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/venice-bans-kayaks-canoes

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting, dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

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

Now at 40,761 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

From the London/UK Telegraph yesterday, they had this headline: “Has tourism killed Venice?” with these highlights: “Venice is ruined. At least you'd be forgiven for thinking that if you have been following the news in recent months. Barely a week goes by without another overtourism story emerging from the Lagoon. Earlier this year the city mayor Luigi Brugnaro proposed a cap on day-trippers. Over Easter, controversial crowd-control gates were installed. Just a few weeks ago there was outrage when a cafe charged €38 for two coffees and water.”

This major newspaper did a "travel documentary" where in this video they try to find out and explore if Venice has "been loved to death." This ten-minutes-plus video has lots of great visuals and details about historic and charming Venice. There is also in this story a number of interesting perspectives from different people there about Venice, its challenges, the future, etc. There is also a link to one of their stories that offers "The five best alternatives to overcrowded Venice".

Had friends in Venice with their family within the past two weeks and they confirmed that, YES!!, Venice was super busy and very crowded. No surprise!! But, they also loved this special and unique place in the world.

Full story at:

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

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean adventure that started in Barbados, here is the link for that live/blog. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.):

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

Now at 58,761 views for these postings.

From the New York Times Travel Section last weekend, they had this headline: “Returning to Montenegro” with these highlights: “When planning a family trip to Montenegro, I found myself telling friends who knew next to nothing about the Balkan country: 'Imagine yourself in Venice, sail down the Adriatic coast, look east and stop before you reach Albania.' For starters, there is dramatic natural beauty, including the imposing mountains that wall the coast and inspired 15th-century Venetians to name it Monte Negro, or Black Mountain. More invested in tourism — which accounts for over 20 percent of the economy — than war, Montenegro attracted two million visitors last year, more than three times its population, according to the national tourism office.”

Many pictures and other details are offered in this profile bringing back wonderful memories. Also shared by their writer was: "Most visitors come for the sea, a crowd-eluding alternative that historically has been popular with Russians and Ukrainians seeking warm weather. Compared with its neighbor across the Adriatic, it’s “a more affordable Italy,” said Joanna Millick, a director of sales and private journeys. Ancient towns, from Herceg Novi on the edge of the Bay of Kotor to walled Ulcinj near the Albanian border, dot the 70-mile coastal drive. Construction is rampant, suggesting more, if not mass, tourism isn’t too distant."

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/22/travel/montenegro.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=11&pgtype=sectionfront

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.! Just completed a Jan. 21-Feb. 20, 2018, first adventure through Southeast Asia with stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before traveling all over Vietnam and Cambodia. This includes seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 33,334 views. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! See more at:

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

Below are some of the visuals featured in this New York Times profile. First shows a view of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Second is an example within this walled city of Kotor that was long under Venetian reign. Third is the Cathedral of St. Tryphon in Kotor, one of two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro. Fourth is inside the church on the Our Lady of the Rocks islet, just off the coast of Perast in the Bay of Kotor. Like these pictures??:

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This is 8 years old.

This is 8 years old.

And??

This thread may be old, but it gets heaps of views. It is a great resource for anyone visiting this area. I, for one, am always on the lookout for TLC Ohios words of wisdom and brilliant photos. Keep it coming!

And?? This thread may be old, but it gets heaps of views. It is a great resource for anyone visiting this area. I, for one, am always on the lookout for TLC Ohios words of wisdom and brilliant photos. Keep it coming!

YES, I plead "Guilty as Charged"!! This thread is actually seven years old. BUT, in most of these very historic locations, not much has changed and/or been added in many cases for hundreds of years. Appreciate these kind comments and this follow-up from 59impala. Since people seem interested in these various background info items and the visuals, I have continued to share, answer any questions, etc. In my view, that is what Cruise Critic is all about. Keep it coming!! Now less than two and a half months until we depart for Athens and doing a 20-day sailing with Oceania to Dubai in making our first visits to the Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan/Petra, Middle East, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Finished June 2017 sailing on the Silver Spirit from Portugal to France along the scenic Atlantic Coast, plus great pre- and post-cruise experiences. Now at 24,342 views. Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at:

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

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Independent three days ago, they had this headline: “Venice Tourists Could Be Fined €500 for Sitting Down” with these highlights: “Visitors to Venice could be fined up to €500 (£440) for sitting in undesignated spots, after the mayor suggested a new ban as part of wider efforts to crack down on undesirable tourist behaviour. The idea, hatched by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, will be voted on by the city council in October. If the proposal is successful, tourists could be told to move on and fined from €50 to €500 for sitting somewhere they shouldn’t. It’s just the latest in a long list of measures designed to deal with the city’s overwhelming popularity as a tourist destination.”

Many other items are outlined in this article, including this update/overview now for Venice: "Visitors are instructed not to swim in canals, make picnic stops out of public areas, pause too long on bridges, drop litter, ride or wheel bikes, stand or lie on benches, busk or make art without a permit, attach 'love locks' to monuments and bridges, climb on trees, buildings and monuments, get changed in public, feed birds or sightsee topless or in swimwear. Making too much noise, whether at night or during siesta time (1-3pm), is also forbidden."

Full story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/venice-sitting-ban-fine-tourists-overtourism-sit-mayor-luigi-brugnaro-a8547086.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Finished June 2017 sailing on the Silver Spirit from Portugal to France along the scenic Atlantic Coast, plus great pre- and post-cruise experiences. Now at 25,300 views. Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at:

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

Thans Terry. It almost feels like they would rather tourists didn’t come at all.

Thans Terry. It almost feels like they would rather tourists didn’t come at all.

Agree it's a challenged situation. I can see and understand the good "arguments" for both sides of this debate. Another person summarized their situation well: "They are loving Venice to death." No easy answer or perfect solution.

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Standard over this past weekend, they had this headline:“Why you need to visit Montenegro, the jewel of the Adriatic”with these highlights: “Prices are still relatively cheap compared to other destinations in the eurozone. You can pick up a cone of gelato for a mere 70 cents in Budva or Kotor, for example, and dine like a king for under £15. Montenegro’s quaint old towns are a lure for any romantic or history buff. Party spot Budva dates from 2,500 BC; you can walk the medieval city walls and not pass a single tourist on some days. Sunset in Kotor is best enjoyed with a view of its bay from the Castle of San Giovanni, a 1,600-step hike up from the old town.”

This story brings back nice memories, including for being in Kotor, Budva, etc. For unbeatable seafood, they suggest: "Squid ink black risotto is a must-try dish, as well as fresh fish wrapped and cooked with seasonal vegetables. Head to Ribarsko Selo, on a rocky outcrop just past Zanjice Beach, for organic vegetables sourced straight from the onsite garden and whole fish caught fresh each day, or opt for no-frills dining at Galerija in Kotor."

Full story at:

https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/what-to-do-eat-see-in-montenegro-a3942506.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting, dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

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

Now at 42,626 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

Here was one of the many visuals connected with this newspaper profile. It is Prcanj in Kotor Bay, Montenegro.:

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From the London/UK Telegraph today, they had this headline: “Venice considers alcohol ban to combat tourism” with these highlights: “Venice is mulling a ban on carrying alcohol in the streets in its latest bid to combat the impact of excessive tourism and disruptive behaviour that is infuriating residents. The city is considering fines for anyone found to be carrying alcohol after 7 pm - even if it is sealed in shopping bags. The move is designed to target drunk tourists who party throughout the night in squares or public places in the popular Lagoon City without a 'justifiable reason'.”

Full story:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/26/venice-considers-alcohol-ban-combat-tourism/

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 212,888 views for this posting.

From the London/UK Independent this past week, they have had several headlines, including: “Venice visitor tax is 'useless and damaging' - tourism minister”  and for this column "Why Tourist Taxes Will Never Solve the Problem of Overtourism".   Here are some of the first story highlights: “A tourist tax that Venice is to introduce in May has been criticised by Italy's tourism minister as "useless and damaging".  Plans to charge tourists €3 were announced by Luigi Brugnaro, the mayor of the city. The fee will rise to €8 during high season and €10 during the busiest times.”

This second article/column outlines support and reasons for these and more tourism taxes: "Destinations around the world are raising more tourist taxes than a medieval king preparing for war, and predictably, it’s causing controversy. I’m of the opinion that taxes are more than justified.  The tourism industry has consistently failed to acknowledge that it has a responsibility to destinations and their residents, as well as travellers.  The tourism industry has historically been regarded as essentially benign, but there is a growing realisation that this is rarely the case, that tourism is in fact freeloading – making money from places, communities, and the environment – without contributing to sustaining them.  Raising taxes is a natural consequence for an industry that hasn’t paid its way. I think it’s entirely legitimate and I think we’re only going to see more of it."

It is an interesting debate and series of questions for Venice and other popular, but fragile locations in the world.  From the third article are more details as to how this Venice tax will work: "Tourists entering Italy's popular lagoon city of Venice for a single-day trip may have to begin paying an entry fee starting in May.  The price would be 3 euros (S$4.63), said Mayor Luigi Brugnaro on Monday (Feb 4).  In the coming year the fee would increase to 6 euros and can be raised to as much as 10 euros on heavy tourism days.  Visitors staying in hostels are exempt from the payment. Hotel guests already have to pay a local tax for the stay."

Full stories at:

https://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/venice-visitor-tax-is-useless-and-damaging-tourism-minister-37787147.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/tourist-taxes-edinburgh-venice-amsterdam-overtourism-responsible-travel-a8769561.html

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/venice-could-demand-tourist-entry-fee-starting-in-may

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 62,894 views:

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

As a follow-up to my earlier posts, below is a story coming tomorrow in the Travel Section of the London/UK Sunday Times with this headline: “A weekend in . . . Menton, France”  and this sub-head: "Loved by artists and writers, this charming town on the French Riviera offers gorgeous views of the Med".

Here are some of the profile highlights: “As well as the lure of fabulous weather, February also marks the start of Menton’s annual Fête du Citron, a fortnight-long extravaganza when this modest seaside town transforms into the most fragrant place on the Côte d’Azur. Fruit-bedecked floats parade past its painted Belle Époque villas, lemon-themed sculptures enliven its gardens and artisan traders tout everything from lemon ravioli to citrus-laced tapenade. This year is Menton’s 86th festival, and yet its lemon story goes way back. Fantasists will tell you that an Eden-exiled Eve chucked a lemon pip on to Baie de Garavan. Historians prefer facts, citing the 15th century as the beginning of Menton’s fruit cultivation.”

Nice town for escaping the tourist masses and enjoying fun walking around.

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/travel/a-weekend-in-menton-france-bskpmlg3n

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 44,399 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 London Sunday Times profile, here are a couple of the nice visual used to illustrate their story.  Brings back nice memories!!.:

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From the New York Times Travel Section coming this weekend, they had this headline: “When in Venice, Eat Like a Venetian”  with this subhead: "When they want a bite, locals head to their favorite bacaro for cicchetti, the Italian version of tapas. Here are seven of the best places to find them."

Here are some of the story highlights: “Each year, 20 million tourists visit Venice. The vast majority will pay too much for indifferent food eaten mostly in the company of other tourists.   But there’s one way to eat great Venetian food that’s thrilling, filling and authentic. You’ll find it at a place where you’re almost certain to rub and bend elbows with locals.”  YES, eating with "locals" is always fun, exciting and enlightening!!

As an example for one of the seven options suggested, Osteria al Squero, here are a few background details: "Squero refers to a boatyard where gondolas are built or repaired. This appropriately named osteria faces the Squero San Trovaso — one of the last such working boatyards in Venice.  Al Squero draws an animated crowd of art students from the nearby Academia Museum and tourists from around the planet. Wine bottles line the walls and cicchetti sparkle in the showcase.  Of course, they serve the ubiquitous baccalà mantecata (salt cod simmered in milk and whipped with oil to a snowy mousse) and sarde in saór (sweet and sour sardines). But you’ll also find such decidedly untraditional cicchetti as tissue-thin slices of lardo perfumed with honey, rosemary and pink peppercorns, and crostini heaped with roasted pumpkin, porcini and ricotta. There are meatless polpette for vegetarians, and in a nod to the ecological concerns of young Venetians, the cicchetti come on biodegradable plates."

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/travel/venice-cicchetti-small-plates.html

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 44,103 views.

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

Here is one of the visuals featured in this interesting Venice food profile.  It shows Alessandra De Respinis, the owner of Cantine del Vino già Schiavi in Venice.  She tells her customers, “You eat, drink and pay standing up.”:

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Below are a few "eye-candy" samples from our latest live/blog.  It is titled “the Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  We had a 20-day sailing from Athens to Dubai.  Great fun and major cultural  sites and sights that were amazing.   

Check it at:

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

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

From the New York Times Travel Section in late November, they had this headline: “36 Hours in Rome”  with this sub-headline of "With a bit of planning, the Eternal City can be at its most bewitching".  While travel in November and December between Greece and Dubai, I had missed the opportunity to share this profile with many great options to consider for historic and charming Rome.

Here are some of the highlights from this story: “For all its imperial and papal pomp and circumstance, Rome at heart is a beautiful child — raucous, dreamy, secretive, a touch spoiled, by turns exasperating and enchanting. The child is on its best behavior during “le feste” — the winter holidays. High season crowds thin, and dazzling light displays and slanting sunbeams compensate for the short days. Today’s Rome is a paradoxical place: even as many historic neighborhoods fall to mass-touristic homogeneity, outlying districts are becoming more vibrant and varied. For an authentic Roman holiday, get out of the centro storico and sample the pizza stalls of the Testaccio market and the funky wares at the nearby Porta Portese Sunday flea market, the nightclubs of San Lorenzo and Tiburtina, and neighborhood gelaterie like Neve di Latte and La Mucca Bianca. Tranquillity has never been Rome’s strong suit.”

Here is an example for one of their suggested locations: "The multibranched Museo Nazionale Romano is still the city’s best kept secret for world class ancient art and architecture. The two branches flanking the Termini Station — the Palazzo Massimo and the Baths of Diocletian — complement each other perfectly. The Massimo’s collection of classical bronzes, mosaics and wall paintings reveal the breadth and finesse of Roman artistry, while the baths complex, once the empire’s largest, surrounds you with soaring masonry ruins, whispering fountains, and an immense cloister attributed to Michelangelo."

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/22/travel/what-to-do-in-rome-36-hours.html

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 81,282 views.

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

From this NY Times profile, here is a visual from the multibranched Museo Nazionale Romano that the writer considers as the city’s best kept secret for world class ancient art and architecture.:

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Here is Refuel with a coffee and pastry at Monteforte on Via del Pellegrino.:

From Forbes magazine in mid March, they had this headline: “17 Great Tips for Visiting Venice”  with these highlights: “As one of the world’s most visited cities with 20 million tourists arriving each year (often seeming as if they are all there when you are), Venice is a destination that can be as overwhelming as it is magical. To help deal with the ever-increasing crowds, the city is even imposing an entrance fee for day-trippers starting this May, but it’s hard to imagine La Serenissima’s byways will be empty any time soon.  Venice is too alluring too skip, but what’s a traveler to do?”

From a key Italy travel expert, these various tips and ideas are outlined.  Many of the tips deal with hotel options and uses there.  Many of the suggest best for those arriving by cruise ship include: "Keep in mind there is more to Venice than the Grand Canal. 'If someone visited Times Square in New York City and reported that it was crowded, is it fair to say it is crowded all over Manhattan? The same with Venice. For a varied representation of the city, be sure to visit some of its other sections, such as Giudecca, or Castello, where there is less foot traffic.'   How to avoid tourist-packed restaurants?  'Go to Venissa on Mazzorbo; Locanda Cipriani on Torcello; Gatto Nero on Burano; or Harrys Dolci on Giudecca.'  While there really is no off-season in Venice (or one of any length), the best good-weather time to travel is 'from early September to early October. It’s still warm enough to dine al fresco, and weather permitting, you may be able enjoy lunch in the piazza into mid-October.' "

Full story at:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherinesabino/2019/03/13/17-savvy-tips-for-visiting-venice-now/#7d29eea695dd

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 219,551 views.

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

Here are just three of the visuals of Venice used to illustrate this series of tips in Forbes magazine.  Looking colorful and interesting?:

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From the London/UK Telegraph a little over a week ago, they had this headline: “48 hours in . . . Dubrovnik, an insider guide to the magnificent walled city”  with these highlights: “Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities, overlooking the calm blue Adriatic. Once the capital of the mighty sea-faring Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808), it's now Croatia’s most upmarket destination. Historically, this diminutive republic was sophisticated, refined and cultured. Today, the pedestrian-only Old Town – packed with aristocratic palazzi and elegant Baroque churches, contained within sturdy medieval fortifications – draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, including glamorous names such as Beyoncé, Roman Abramovich, Sir Roger Moore and Naomi Campbell. Beyond the walls, attractions include wine bars, classy seafood restaurants and five-star hotels.”

A large number of details and options are included in this helpful and interesting profile.  This sub-head is: "Medieval and Baroque splendour on the Adriatic."  Here are some added tips and ideas: "Any first-time visit to Dubrovnik should begin by walking a full circuit (just over a mile) of the magnificent 13th-century City Walls. It'll take well over an hour, and you can expect ever-changing perspectives over the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town and out to sea. To dodge the crowds, check how many cruise ships will be in Dubrovnik on any particular day on the Dubrovnik Port Authority, and then pick what looks like the quietest date.  Afterwards, stroll along the limestone-paved Stradun (aka Placa), the main pedestrian thoroughfare through the Old Town, running from Pile Gate in the west to Ploče Gate in the east. Originally a sea channel, it was filled in during the 12th century, and is now lined with souvenir shops and pricey cafés."

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/croatia/dubrovnik/articles/dubrovnik-travel-guide/

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 44,757 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

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

Here are just two of the colorful pictures used to illustrate this article in the UK Telegraph.:

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From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Sistine Chapel: Rare Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Its Masterpieces Are Maintained” with these highlights from their WSJ Magazine: “ Every winter, night after night for a month, a small group of Vatican staff—curators, conservators, technicians, assistants, workers—wait for the last visitor to leave (at 6 p.m.) and then over the next four hours methodically set about their tasks. The chapel’s floor is an inlay of marble and colored stone, and hard to damage, but virtually every other surface is covered in delicate frescoes. Wielding diagnostic instruments, the specialists check the walls and the ceiling. They look for problem areas—evidence of moisture and contaminants. They assess the condition of the plaster and the paint. They appraise the performance of the air-control and lighting systems.”

Here are some other key background highlights from this profile: "Michelangelo Buonarroti painted the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel over a period of four years, from 1508 to 1512—spurred on by an ambitious and impatient Pope Julius II. He began work on the Last Judgment, which rises behind the altar, all the way to the ceiling, more than two decades later. The frescoes on the walls are the work of Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and others. Michelangelo could be a difficult man—melancholy, withdrawn, volatile. Today, a term to describe him might be 'high maintenance.' The Sistine Chapel too is high maintenance.  The job now is 'preventive conservation'—maintaining the Sistine Chapel the way it is with as little direct intervention as possible. That means keeping the temperature stable, the air pure and the levels of humidity and carbon dioxide under tight control. It means using lights that can illuminate without causing damage. The technical systems now in place are sophisticated."

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-sistine-chapel-a-rare-behind-the-scenes-look-at-how-its-masterpieces-are-maintained-11553603330

While the Wall Street Journal has a pay-wall, fortunately, I am a subscriber.  If you want to read more, many libraries have either the WSJ print version and/or web access. Overall, this article offer many key items for this world-class site.  Not just the Sistine Chapel, but the Vatican Museum that is also unique and totally fascinating. This Chapel and Museum welcomes nearly seven million visitors per year. 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 219,607 views.

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

From the Wall Street Journal Magazine today, here is one of their key graphics and the headline for this profile related to the Vatican's famed Sistine Chapel.:

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Here is the cover for the WSJ Magazine today with a great visual from the Sistine Chapel, plus below another visual used to illustrate this article.:

While when doing our 2011 Med sailing, we did not visit Marseille, we hope to visit there in the future.  For those doing future planning, this below background info might be of interest.

From the New York Times Travel Section to be published this coming weekend, they have this headline: “36 Hours in Marseille”  with this sub-head: "The French port city is shedding much of its once-gritty reputation and emerging as a place where ambitious cultural and culinary offerings take center stage." 

Here are more story highlights: “No city divides the French like Marseille. For every admirer cooing about the sun-warmed sea, craggy coastlines, fish-rich bouillabaisse and the Mediterranean melting pot (thanks to 20th-century immigration from Greece, Spain, Italy, Corsica, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria), someone else is grousing about corruption, dirty streets and eroding Frenchness. And where the port city’s champions see a swaggering no-nonsense metropolis free of bourgeois pretensions, others see a lack of refinement.  Everyone agrees, however, that Marseille is a city in metamorphosis. Major urban-renewal projects have upgraded the waterfront into a sprawl of state-of-the-art cultural venues, shopping centers and skyscrapers from five-star architects.”

Many different options and potentials, plus pictures, an interactive map, etc., are featured in this detailed profile.

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/11/travel/36-hours-in-marseille.html

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

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

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

Here is one of the many visual featured with this profile.  It is of Marseille’s sprawling harbor, Le Vieux Port, their picturesque heart of the city.:

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