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

[TLCOhio]

Hi Terry, thanks again for your photos and you have provided great advice for those folk visiting the Asia-Pacific Region, including Australia/NZ. :hearteyes:

 

Appreciate these above nice comments and this kind follow-up. Yes, there is always more to share on this great region of the world.

 

From the weekend Wall Street Journal today, they had a new magazine, Far & Away, that has been published in cooperation with National Geographic. One of the articles this morning had this headline: “The Accidental Hotelier” with a great profile on the New York hedge-fund billionaire Julian Robertson. He has developed luxury resorts in New Zealand, including Cape Kidnappers that we visited and enjoy in 2014.

 

This story highlighted these details for this super spectacular scenic resort. Cape Kidnappers is are also working farm. This profile quoted former NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw after staying at Cape Kidnappers as: “Julian is a citizen of the world and that is best demonstrated by his investment in and affection for New Zealand. Cape Kidnappers, his seaside resort, golf fantasy land, and kiwi habitat is one of those magical places you dream of but never really expect to visit."

 

This story also noted that Robertson’s New Zealand-oriented philanthropic efforts include his contribution of 15 works of art from his private collection valued at up to $150 million to the North Island’s Auckland Art Gallery in 2009. Also reported is this quote from Robertson about Cape Kidnappers: “ 'Pictures do not do the land justice,' Robertson says of the green rolling ripples in the North Island earth that lead to a rugged cliff line that overlooks the Pacific Ocean." Also detailed are: "After an hour flight southeast from Auckland, the drive from the property’s gate up to the lodge takes 15 minutes on a windy road through ravines and gullies flanked by tall pine trees. Don’t miss: From September to May, Cape Kidnappers is home to the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet bird hatching ground.”

 

WOW! Great background for this specular location and he vision of its owner/developer.

 

Full story at:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/far-and-away/the-accidental-hotelier/

 

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. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! See more at:

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

 

From this Wall Street Journal/Naional Geographic magazine, here is one of the many pictures featured. It is from this spectacular Cape Kidnappers resort that we were able to visit and experience in 2014.:

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[TLCOhio]

To follow-up on the previous post about Cape Kidnappers, here are some additional photos of these beautiful Gannets in New Zealand. I checked though my photo files and have some added visuals to share. Like?

 

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. Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at:

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

 

From New Zealand's Cape Kidnappers, here are some more visuals of these beautiful Gannet birds. Notice in the fourth picture, the little bits of the bird feathers from when they "fluff" their coats? Just be fair, I have added a picture of one sheep from this scenic location. Lots of sheep there, too, as it is still a working ranch.:

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[TLCOhio]

Here is a final group of added visuals not previously posted from our visit to Napier and Cape Kidnappers.

 

To update more from my earlier postings, this golf course at Cape Kidnappers has now moved up to a ranking for being the 17th best in the entire world. Pretty good?

See more from this January 11, 2018, article at:

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/world-100-greatest-golf-courses-nicklaus-and-norman-tie-for-most-courses-among-living-architects

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Completed Feb. 28-Mar. 15, 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through the Panama Canal with our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! Those visuals start on the second page, post #26. Now at 20,419 views. See more at:

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

 

Here are some additional visual not posted previously from Cape Kidnappers. First is a look towards the famed "hook" that is a part of this scenic location. Second is a visual of some wooden kiwi birds at the lodge/dining facility of this luxury resort. Third is my wife and me with the unique coast topography in the background.:

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From Napier, here are a couple of examples for their interesting Art Deco building architecture.:

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Los Angeles Times Travel Section late lastmonth, they had this headline: “Pearl Harbor's USS Arizona Memorial is closed indefinitely for repairs” with these highlights: “The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist attractions, has been closed indefinitely for repairs. 'Boat transportation to the USS Arizona Memorial is temporarily suspended, due to a recently detected crack in the supporting structure for the visitor loading ramp,' according to a National Park Service. The National Park Service and U.S. Navy are operating free boat tours of Pearl Harbor that pass close to the sunken battleship, where nearly 1,200 crew members are entombed.”

 

Sad to hear. One of the top, "Best of the Best" highlights during our trip going down to Australia was our stopping in Hawaii. It was our first visit to our 50th State. Pearl Harbor was a very moving experience.

 

Full story at:

http://www.latimes.com/travel/hawaii/la-tr-hawaii-pearl-harbor-uss-arizona-closed-201805-story.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 39,591 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 their story, here was one of the visuals used of Pearl Harbor for where the USS Arizona is now located.:

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[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Daily Mail today, they have this headline: “TripAdvisor reveals the world's most popular experiences for 2018” with these highlights: “The world's top travel experiences have been announced by TripAdvisor. Travellers on the £96 Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, which came in at fourth place worldwide, can absorb the best views of Sydney from the top of the structure.”

 

YES!! Super loved doing this BridgeClimb in Sydney. Great experience. Glad it is getting well-deserved top world recognition. On this tops in the world ranking, they also listed in seventh place this option in Rotorua, New Zealand: "Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance – Rotorua, New Zealand". We also enjoyed seeing Maori dancing, the water features, etc., in Rotorua. Also, unique and special!! Brings back nice memories. We did no see his, bu ranked 14h in he world was: "Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne".

 

Full story at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-5883197/TripAdvisor-reveals-worlds-popular-experiences-2018.html

 

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 57,103 views for these postings.

[Kylie]

From the London/UK Daily Mail today, they have this headline: “TripAdvisor reveals the world's most popular experiences for 2018” with these highlights: “The world's top travel experiences have been announced by TripAdvisor. Travellers on the £96 Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, which came in at fourth place worldwide, can absorb the best views of Sydney from the top of the structure.”

 

 

So disappointed that the Bridge climb is being discontinued. We are going to Sydney on the Solstice in November and it was on our bucket list to do. Hopefully it will continue somehow in the near future.

 

https://www.bridgeclimb.com/press-releases/bridgeclimb-sydney-end-wonderful-era/

[abritinva]

The contract has gone to another supplier ;

 

https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/travel/bridgeclimb-sydney-loses-contract-to-harbour-bridge-in-massive-shakeup/news-story/8c0dab1a9c6b36e1447dcd05a22a2a9f

[Kylie]

The contract has gone to another supplier ;

 

https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/travel/bridgeclimb-sydney-loses-contract-to-harbour-bridge-in-massive-shakeup/news-story/8c0dab1a9c6b36e1447dcd05a22a2a9f

 

 

I hope they are up and running by Nov. 8 when we are there! They aren't ready to talk details yet.

[2morecruises]

Hi Terry!

I was just rolling thru some threads and low and behold I stumbled across your still amazing post.!:cool:

The memories from that trip will never go away along with the back & forth jabs we gave each other when it came to college football along with the monster Roll Call we created. :eek:

 

Remember that wild 2 night ride across the Tasman Sea? Of the many highlights was the Queens Town over niter. I'm sure you agree.

 

We are making a return trip this coming January, on Solstice no less, to try and "fill in the holes". There was just too much to see and do in just one trip.

 

Take care and Good Luck. And remember, do not consume those buckeyes! :D

 

Mike

[TLCOhio]

Hi Terry! I was just rolling thru some threads and low and behold I stumbled across your still amazing post.! The memories from that trip will never go away along with the back & forth jabs we gave each other when it came to college football along with the monster Roll Call we created. Remember that wild 2 night ride across the Tasman Sea? Of the many highlights was the Queens Town over niter. I'm sure you agree. We are making a return trip this coming January, on Solstice no less, to try and "fill in the holes". There was just too much to see and do in just one trip. Take care and Good Luck. And remember, do not consume those buckeyes! :D Mike

 

Appreciate so much Mike's great comments and wonderful follow-up. YES!! It was a great "adventure" and so much fun, excitement, etc. For me, the Tasman Sea was not too bad, but my wife hated that rough part of the trip. Agree, the two-day Queenstown excursion was excellent. Below was going to share a couple of picture not previously posted on this live/blog. But, PhotoBucket is "acting up" right now. Will post later.

 

Below is our latest live/blog from doing our first trip to Southeast Asia. Next? Nov. 16-Dec. 5, 2018, Nautica sailing from Athens to Dubai, 20-day cruise with Oceania, including our first visits to the Holy Lands, Egypt, Middle East, the Galápagos etc. Then, we have Alaska next on the "wish list” for July 2019. Send money??!!

 

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 25,977 views. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! See more at:

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

[TLCOhio]

So disappointed that the Bridge climb is being discontinued. We are going to Sydney on the Solstice in November and it was on our bucket list to do. Hopefully it will continue somehow in the near future.

https://www.bridgeclimb.com/press-releases/bridgeclimb-sydney-end-wonderful-era/

The contract has gone to another supplier.

Appreciate this surprising update and follow-up with this change in connection with Harbor BridgeClimb. From their local ABC broadcaster two weeks ago, they had this headline: “Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb awarded to Hammons Holdings for next 20 years” with these highlights: “Hammons Holdings Pty Ltd, the operator of Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, had won the contract over current operator BridgeClimb Sydney. Hammons Holdings director David Hammon said 'We're really looking at ways to make new climbs on the bridge.' He said that the company plans to use 'new technology' so that people can 'experience the history of the bridge and the story of the bridge in new and exciting ways'.”

 

Good luck for those planning upcoming climbs on this famed and scenic bridge. Keep us posted as to how it all works out for the future.

 

Full story at:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-15/sydney-harbour-bridge-climb-hammons-holdings/9875158

 

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 39,912 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

[TLCOhio]

Appreciate the patience as PhotoBucket was having technical problems yesterday. Below are a couple more visuals from our fun in doing the Queenstown, overnight excursion through Celebrity.

 

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 57,166 views for these postings.

 

From being in the Queenstown area, here are previously unpublished visuals. First, doesn't this picture show Mike and his family at our dinner buffet at the end of the lake near Queenstown? Second, here are some of the 35 million sheep we saw in New Zealand. Saw and learned lots on the NZ sheep during our Queenstown excursion.:

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Edited June 28, 2018 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

From TravelWeekly earlier this week, they had this headline: “New Zealand to introduce tourism tax” with these highlights: “The New Zealand government is finalising plans for the levy which is expected to be up to NZ$35 per person – about £18 – paid on entry to the country. The levy will be collected through visa fees and via a proposed Electronic Travel Authority process. Between NZ$57-NZ$80 million is expected be collected a year annually, which will be split between tourism infrastructure and conservation activity, according to the New Zealand government.”

 

WHY?? It notes there has been a surge in NZ tourism during the past four years and it has strained infrastructure.

Full story at:

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/306444/new-zealand-to-introduce-tourism-tax

 

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 227,406 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

 

Appreciate various, helpful follow-ups on another CC Board. See one above. From the "Broadsheet" publication in Sidney within the past week, they have this headline: “Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge From Both Ends”with these highlights: “More people than ever before will able to conquer Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge climb, with new operators Hammons Holdings announcing climbers will soon be able to access the bridge from both ends. The tour company will take over from BridgeClimb Sydney on October 1. In its bid, Hammons Holdings outlined its vision which includes new routes and improved accessibility. Previously, climbers were only able to access its southern end.”

 

While this change will mean increased access and allow more climbers, I am not sure if there will be equal popularity for the north versus south climbs. From my one climbing experience, the current route seems to offer the better photo opportunities for having the Opera House, main downtown buildings, etc., in the background. Be interested to see how all of these changes work out for the future. Was impressed as to how the original company had its safety and logistics set-up and operating. Fun experience!!

 

Full story at:

https://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/city-file/article/construction-begin-new-sydney-harbour-bridge-climb

 

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 26,373 views. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! See more at:

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Sidney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia this past week, they have this headline: “hottest hotels, resorts of 2018 named” with this opening highlight: “It's time for our team of experienced writers to describe their most memorable stays from the past 12 months.”

 

This included the historic and scenic island where we visited in 2014. Their profile noted: "LIZARD ISLAND RESORT, QUEENSLAND: The only way in is by air from Cairns, but once you're here there's a private beach for every guest at the only resort in a 1000-hectare national park. The escape of choice for visiting celebs, escaping to the Great Barrier Reef's northern-most resort comes with no intrusions. See lizardisland.com.au"

 

As detailed earlier on this live/blog, we flew onto Lizard Island and enjoyed the private beach, doing snorkeling, etc. It was totally wonderful. In fact, it was AMAZING!!

 

Full story at:

http://www.traveller.com.au/the-hottest-hotels-resorts-spas-and-glamping-sites-of-2018-so-far-named-h11u8u

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 234,976 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Sidney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia two days ago, they have this part of their headline: “hottest cruise destinations: most surprising places”with these many different profiles for exciting locations around the world. It includes Kimberley/Western Australia.

 

Among their highlights: “The rugged red Kimberley coastline stretches about 12,000 kilometres and is washed by massive tides that rise and fall up to 12 metres. Small-ship cruises between Broome and Darwin take about 10 days to explore the region's dramatic natural attractions; geologists, marine biologists, ornithologists and other experts are on board to share their knowledge and lead Zodiac trips, bush walks and, if you're on True North, helicopter rides.”

 

Other potential areas suggested were: Russian Far East, Canada's vast Arctic Archipelago, Peruvian Amazon, Indonesia's Spice Islands, Norway/Arctic Circle, South Africa, etc.

 

So many great locations and options. But, need more money and time. Fun dreaming!! And, researching and planning.

 

Full story at:

http://www.traveller.com.au/the-most-surprising-places-you-can-choose-to-cruise-h12jaa

 

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 22,040 views. Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at:

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

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Daily Mail earlier this week, they had this headline: “Lonely Planet reveals the world's 500 best meals”.

 

Like Tasmanian oysters? Kaikoura crayfish? These highlights about food in Australia and New Zealand include it being among: “the top food experiences in the world by the travel experts at Lonely Planet.They come top of a mouth-watering list of the world's best 500 culinary experiences that Lonely Planet has ranked for a new tome titled the Ultimate Eatlist - a foodie bucket-list that takes into account not just the taste, but the atmosphere that dishes are eaten in.”

 

We super loved both the settings in and around these two countries, plus the excellent, tasty foods we enjoyed there. Below are some of the many visuals featured with this story. Brings great memories from visiting there in 2014.

 

Full story at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-6031797/The-500-food-experiences-ranked-Lonely-Planet-tapas-San-Sebastian-No1.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 23,260 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 Australia and New Zealand, below are some of the visuals that Lonely Planet used to illustrate this story. In at seventh place in this book is a sampling of crayfish from the New Zealand coast. The travel experts note that the seafood tastes so good that there is a town named in the Maori tongue after it - Kaikoura, shown in the first picture. Third illustrates that in Australia you can slurp down Tasmanian oysters straight from the ocean. Here is a view over the stunning Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park. Finally is a picture from one of the local oyster farms in Tasmania holding classes showing people how to shuck their oysters safely.:

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[TLCOhio]

From FOX News and CNN earlier this month, one news source had this one headline: “World's biggest catapult opens in New Zealand, launches thrill-seekers almost 500 feet” with these highlights: “A new thrill ride in New Zealand last week promises to deliver a 'gut-wrenching' experience for anyone brave enough to attempt it, and early footage from the first few riders certainly confirms. The Nevis Catapult, which is the newest thrill ride from AJ Hackett Bungy NZ, launches riders nearly 500 feet through a canyon in Nevis Valley, near Queenstown, at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour — all while they swoop across the sky.”

 

One of the founders noted: "Up to 3 Gs of force and acceleration of around 100 kilometers in 1.5 seconds is not your typical experience — and I think people are going to get a pretty big kick out of it.”

 

The CNN headline is titled: "New Zealand's new attraction makes you a human slingshot". Their story also reminds us about this country being "the world's capital of adventure tourism".

 

Anyone ready to try to this new thrill ride? When we visited Queenstown, we were at the original bungy bridge jump side. Could have tried it, but legitimately, my wife strongly and wisely urged me to skip that "opportunity".

 

Full stories at:

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2018/08/14/worlds-biggest-catapult-opens-in-new-zealand-launches-thrill-seekers-almost-500-feet.html

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/new-zealand-human-slingshot/index.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 41,564 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

 

Here is one of the pictures used to illustrate this FOX News story. Look interesting and exciting?:

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Edited August 29, 2018 by TLCOhio

[Beanb41]

I was one of the very early commercial participants in the Nevis bungy jump back in the day. The bungy jump operates from the same platform as the catapult. The catapult is really an extension of the bungy swing and priced accordingly. Just standing in the pod alone without doing either experience can be intimidating enough. I note from news pictures that one now walks to the pod whereas back in the day one got there is what could be termed a large coal skuttle on wheels which free ran from the shore to the pod. Cost is around $NZ250 but is proving to be no barrier. It does offer an alternative to those getting blasé about bungy jumps

[TLCOhio]

I was one of the very early commercial participants in the Nevis bungy jump back in the day. The bungy jump operates from the same platform as the catapult. The catapult is really an extension of the bungy swing and priced accordingly. Just standing in the pod alone without doing either experience can be intimidating enough. I note from news pictures that one now walks to the pod whereas back in the day one got there is what could be termed a large coal skuttle on wheels which free ran from the shore to the pod. Cost is around $NZ250 but is proving to be no barrier. It does offer an alternative to those getting blasé about bungy jumps

 

Appreciate this great added background, history and your helpful follow-up. Will share on another thread. Nice to get this interesting, added information.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Completed Feb. 28-Mar. 15, 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through the Panama Canal with our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! Those visuals start on the second page, post #26. Now at 22,750 views. See more at:

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

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Daily Mail on Aug. 22, they had this headline: “The restaurant you MUST visit: stunning dining venue named BEST in Australia”with these highlights: “Gourmet Traveller magazine has crowned Australia's number one restaurant. Quay in Sydney, which recently underwent a multimillion dollar refurbishment, took home the crown for the fourth time. Celebrity chef Peter Gilmore completely redesigned the restaurant's menu complete with a $275 10 course tasting menu.”

 

Not a cheap place to eat. But is the food that good and/or tasty?? Worth it?

 

Full story at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-6089161/This-establishment-crowned-Australias-number-one.html

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 33,604 views. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! See more at:

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

 

From this London Daily Mail report, below are some of the visuals for this dining place in a great, scenic location.:

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

 

 

[TLCOhio]

From the New Zealand Herald newspaper last month, they have this headline: “Tourism sector already boosted from sagging New Zealand dollar” with these highlights: “The weak New Zealand dollar is boosting tourism with signs already of higher spending from visitors. The kiwi is bobbing around two year lows against the United States dollar and today is around its lowest level against the pound since June, 2016. Against the US dollar the local currency fell as low as 65.02c overnight. The most recent spend data, for the year ended June, showed international visitor spending was up by 9 per cent to $10.9 billion. Since June the kiwi dollar has weakened further.”

 

Good news for those with upcoming visits planned for super scenic New Zealand. Bad news for those from NZ planning their overseas travel.

Full story at:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12123639

 

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 230,859 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph two days ago, they had this headline: “Best destinations for December sun”with these highlights for Auckland: “New Zealand’s biggest city is the king of the country’s North Island – a busy metropolis which stands in contradiction to the idea that the place which framed the film versions of The Lord Of The Rings is little more than rolling hills and bucolic countryside. Visitors can watch rugby icons the All Blacks at Eden Park, try a spot of fine dining amid the chic restaurants of Viaduct Basin – or take the ferry to Waiheke Island for wonderful wineries.”

 

This story also listed Melbourne and Perth on this list of December locations to go for sun. For Melbourne, they said: "Melbourne proves to be a glorious haven of summer at just the time Europe is lost to wind and rain. The city has plenty of attractions, the waterside area of St Kilda among them – but also excels as a launch-pad for a road-trip, whether out into the winelands of the Yarra Valley, or along the winding curves of the Great Ocean Road."

 

On Perth, they noted: "The fabled capital of Western Australia sizzles as Europe shivers. Perth is a wonderful city for relaxed afternoons (or sessions of surfing; this is an active city) on the likes of Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach – or an excellent starting point for journeys further afield."

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/winter-sun-where-to-go-in-december/

 

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 60,616 views for these postings.

[TLCOhio]

Good news!! Sydney was not forgotten. From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph yesterday, they had this headline: “Best destinations for January sun” for their list of their top-15 January locations in the world to go for fun warmth.

 

Here are the highlights for Sydney and why they rated this city so highly: "Australia’s most iconic city needs little introduction as an option for escapes from the European winter. True, the journey to reach the capital of New South Wales is not short, but a day on Bondi Beach – the temperature gauge nestled effortlessly in the upper 20s Celsius – is one of the best possible cures for jet lag. And even if the sands are crowded, those twin icons the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are essential sights."

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/Winter-sun-seeker-where-to-go-in-January/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 241,401 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Los Angeles Times yesterday, they had this headline: “No longer a pit stop and much more than a place to dump prisoners, Tasmania is a kind of cabinet of curiosities”  with these highlights: “For 175 years, explorers and adventurers spent their last night in Hobart, Tasmania, before setting off into the unknown, icy wasters of the Antarctic in search of fame, science and the South Pole.  For 50 years, it was also the notorious last stop for about 75,000 prisoners from the British Empire.  But now people are flocking to the heart-shaped island for very different reasons.  Last year major cruise lines made 95 port calls here, thanks to newly lengthened wharves that can accommodate the largest vessels.”

 

YES!  We super enjoyed our full day in Tasmania in 2014.  Lots of interesting history, nature, wildlife, etc., here.  This profile offers many different ideas, tips, visuals, etc.  One background item I learned from this writer was this "detail": "Errol Flynn, the swashbuckling movie hero and sailing enthusiast, spent his early years in Tasmania. His voracious appetites allegedly inspired Warner Bros.’  'Tasmanian Devil'  cartoon character, and his archives and papers were left to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, which is also close to the harbor."

 

Full story at:

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-tasmania-museum-wine-20181019-story.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 37,392 views.

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