TLCOhio

Is this report/analysis from a financial news website posted at 9 am this morning what is driving up these cruise stock values? They had this headline: “Is Carnival Stock a Buy Now?” with these highlights: “Carnival is posting record revenue, but the stock is well short of its recent and all-time highs. Industry fundamentals remain, and Carnival is trading for less than 14 times forward earnings and less than 10 times the following fiscal year's target. Headwinds include rising fuel prices as well as political and economic unrest, but the overall long-term outlook remains bullish. With the leading cruise line stock 35% below its summertime highs, it could be a good time to come aboard.” Here is more: "The good news is that Carnival is a money-making machine these days. It has paid off almost $4 billion of its debt since its leverage peaked earlier this year. There's more debt and a bloated share count to keep repurchasing, but the cruise line stock is confident about its ability to navigate the current waters. In a CNBC interview two weeks ago, CEO Josh Weinstein said he expects Carnival's credit rating to be back to investment grade by 2026." Full story at: https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/11/14/is-carnival-stock-a-buy-now/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island). Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City. Visual/Info Summaries: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

Super appreciate these great visuals, background and follow-up from JP for your spectacular experiences in Botswana. Loved the sunset, lion, elephant, etc., images. Wonderful. In 2016, we had seven days in Botswana in three different camps. Amazing area and history!! Per our Columbus Zoo Director who did over 25 trips to Africa, Botswana is the "Best of the Best". That country has had solid leadership to make tourism done and workwell there. Keep up the great sharing. Love to see much more, even with the challenged Internet. Yes, it does get hot there, especially mid-day. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,231 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 the Boston Globe this past weekend, they had this headline: “Why we golden-agers love our cruises” with these highlights: “So why do golden-agers who are still traveling so often choose and enjoy cruising the seven seas? There once was a time when many of these water-borne fun seekers backpacked through Europe, jumping aboard Eurail Pass trains at the last moment, not knowing how far they would get nor where their heads would rest that night. But those days are clearly over for this group that now appreciates, if not actually needs with a degree of urgency, a bit of pampering while traveling in a stimulating, yet safe, environment." Here is more background offered: "Cruise ships fill the bill for senior travelers in spades. Some seniors even choose to live on ships for extended periods while seeing the world, often saying that it is cheaper to do that than staying at home and enduring another Buffalo- or Chicago-type winter, doing laundry, and only venturing to their church or library. Sometimes the loss of a spouse is the motivation for jumping aboard a ship, especially when children and grandchildren live at a distance or are a bit indifferent to their surviving parent’s new situation.” Interesting insights about seniors and the cruise business. This was part of their concluding summary: "Post-COVID cruises can be had for $100 a day per person or less. There certainly are a lot of other ways that a senior could spend hard-earned money, of course. But given the chance to hop on a ship at these bargain prices, why wouldn’t they?" Don't know that Silversea has any offering at the $100 a day level, but there are bargains to be had and many interesting itineraries available. Full story at: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/11/09/lifestyle/why-we-golden-agers-love-our-cruises/ 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 32,477 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

From the Wall Street Journal this mid-morning, below is their chart showing Royal Caribbean's stock jumping up, UP, over the $100 a share level. Also, this am, the shares for Carnival and Norwegian have risen more than 8%. WOW!! What is happening and why? Any insights and/or good guesses? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia. This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc: Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

Appreciate these fast, excellent follow-ups/confirmations from A Tucson Guy, Dolcevita Diva and Lois. Very helpful to know as we prepare for our Feb. 2024 Silver Moon sailing. Be interested if the HD or others on this current sailing have a sense that this Chef's Table is an offering that might in the future be added to ships such as the Silver Moon, etc. At this pricing level, it would supposedly be a "money maker". But, I don't know strong is the demand for this type of pricy offering. Nor, what it takes in staffing, etc., to make it be successful. Keep it coming with ALL of the nice visuals, great background, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For Lois and other experienced Silversea veterans, am I understanding correctly that for now the Chef's Table is only offered as an extra-cost, evening dining "experience" on the new Nova? Not on the Silver Moon, etc.? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

At noon today, Royal Caribbean is up 3% while at the same time, the other two main cruise companies are going down into negative territory. Hard to figure out what drives such a sharp contrast for stock value movements. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “The Clearest Sign Yet That Commercial Real Estate Is in Trouble" with this sub-headline: "Lenders are issuing a record number of foreclosure notices related to risky property loans.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Foreclosures are surging in an opaque and risky corner of commercial real-estate finance, offering one of the starkest signs yet that turmoil in the property market is worsening. Lenders this year have issued a record number of foreclosure notices for high-risk property loans, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis. Many of these loans are similar to second mortgages and commonly known as mezzanine loans.” The glut of office space and looming foreclosures might be a sign for a "flashing yellow light" saying watch out for what is ahead financially? Reactions and speculation as to the economic future? Overall the broader stock market has done well, so far, this year. Below is the S&P 500 Index since early January. Looking like a good overall trend? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/the-clearest-sign-yet-that-commercial-real-estate-is-in-trouble-cb8dfafa?mod=hp_lead_pos1 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc. Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas! Now at 20,128 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Appreciate these very helpful follow-ups from Lois, include also as to the SALT Lab cost and capacity "180.00 per person. 18 people max." Loving the various visuals and other details from this trans-Atlantic sailing. Keep it coming!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this great follow-up and the added info as to the various dishes. PRICE?? What does the Chef's Table cost? Do they offer it on most days of the cruise? How many people in each group? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Washington Post earlier this year, they had this headline in an article by famed travel guru Rick Steves: “Don’t skip Europe’s second cities" with this sub-headline: "Unshackled by the obligation to be their country’s role model, second cities are free to just be themselves.” Here are some of hits highlights: “Each European country has its marquee city that attracts the vast majority of travelers. And all too often, that tourist-pleasing destination is a traveler’s one and only stop. I like to visit to the country’s 'second city.' I recommend cutting your visit a day short to make time for these cities. In Portugal, visitors flock to Lisbon. But the second city of Porto — three hours north by train — is smaller and more manageable. Without taking anything away from Lisbon, the city has a delightful food scene and more than its share of diamond-in-the-rough architecture. And, as a plus for wine lovers, it’s known for port.” Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/rick-steves-europe-second-cities/ 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 257,179 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

Super appreciate your posting of these various visuals and follow-up about the Chef's Table. Just to clarify, maybe I missed it earlier, what was the per person cost and the reservation process?? Can you book this dining special just on the ship? Or, in advance? Also, if handy and you have a chance, giving a little labeling for some of the dining items helps us know what they are with the pictures. Keep up the great sharing!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this follow-up by Lois and your checking more. Don't be shy as to the other very experienced Silversea veterans who have recently been on the SS ships. Love to know more as to what and whether or not the Bulgari products are available and offered these days. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great to hear that the food and service has been excellent. Love James Bond, Rat Pack, etc. music and entertainment. Nice reporting and sharing!! When handy, would love more background on the speakers for this T-A. Won't get into or waste any time to worry about the "formal" dress-code debate. I'm more of a "live and let live" viewpoint/philosophy that does not get hung up as to these type of "worries" and "discussions". Most important to me is about the Bulgari products. As we prepare for our Feb. 2024 Silver Moon sailing, are all of the Silversea ships now switched over to these "pumps" and bottles on the walls? I especially love the round, green soap. From Lois on Nova and/or from others recently on other Silversea ships, what is now being offered and available? Are the Bulgari products there? Only a little, if lucky, etc.?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these wise comments and smart follow-up from the super savvy Hank. Yes, those on Wall Street do view Norwegian as the cruise corporation as the most in question and at risk. There are serious challenges and questions with them. Your point of "Our major concern about the company is "O"s inventory of 4 old "R" ships" is very valid and significant. We have done two cruises with Oceania and both were on these R ships. Yes, they are classic, nice ships. Had wonderful, fun intermarries. Our second cruise with them was on one that had been upgraded and polished up. BUT, those small bathrooms, especially in the tiny showers, cannot be fixed with fresh paint and new carpet. From the Wall Street Journal, below are their charts for the past week's trading. Is "ROCKY" a good summary for this past week? Clearly, the fluctuations were most significant with Norwegian. Right? If you look at and compare the 52-week value range for these three stocks, it is interesting and may be telling. Royal Caribbean is now nearly at twice their low point during the past twelve months. By contrast, Norwegian is not that far above their past year low point. Do Wall Street experts know something of financial importance related to Norwegian? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East during an 18-day sailing with Oceania. Now at 22,183 views. Connect for more at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ From the Wall Street Journal late Friday, below are their charts for the three major cruises and their stock performance during these five trading days.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Appreciate these super wonderful visuals from buchhalm and the various other follow-ups. Great sharing and detailed experiences. Keep it coming. Always fascinating to see more and learn added experiences related to the world landmark. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Doing a performance at the Sydney Opera House was nice and gave us more of a sense for why this large facility continues to be so famous and loved. It was a late morning opera by some guy name Mozart. Remember him? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island). Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City. Visual/Info Summaries: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums Here are few more visuals from our enjoying the performance of The Magic Flute in the Joan Sutherland Theatre of the Sydney Opera House complex. Sorry, they did not allow pictures during this opera performance. Wish I could have taken pictures as the cast, costumes, staging and sets were beyond great. Really first-rate, innovative and so very professional!! Plus, done in English, too!! That helps. Second is a view of the theater interior during the intermission: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Next are two views showing the reception area for refreshments during the opera intermission. Notice the nice red carpet, plus the views out to the harbor and seeing the famed bridge. Also, it is good to appreciate the details for how all of this steel and glass were put together in this part of this structure. Not your normal, bland, boring building design.:

Yes, hard to image that this famed location is 50 years old. Quite an amazing history, its construction details, design history, etc. We saw it from several different angles outside, did a tour inside, plus attended an opera program there. Fun learning so much about this world-known symbol and landmark. Below from our 2014 visit to Sydney are a few of my visual highlights, both outside and inside. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,372 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ From our early 2014 visit, here are three of my visuals from different locations at different times, including at night.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here we are in the Joan Sutherland Theatre intermission lobby with its unique glass structuring that overlooking the harbor. Second is another angle from this area to show its unusual construction design/style. Third is the dramatic design inside one of the theaters. Interesting?: Outside of the building, we were able during our tour to see and feel these tiles that were special made in Sweden. These roof tiles are actually made of two different tone on outside of Opera House roof. If these tiles were pure white, it would be too bright and glaring. : Here is our Opera House guide giving us added background in main entrance lobby to one of the two main theaters. Lots of wood on many of the inside surfaces of this structure. High, soaring ceilings here.:

From this financial news website late last week, they had this headline: “1 Stock to Avoid No Matter What” with this sub-headline: "Norwegian Cruise Lines stock is down 41% since July and facing financial headwinds." Here is part of their analysis highlights: “The stock market has been wobbly this year. The S&P 500 index gained 18.5% in the first seven months of 2023 but has dropped back to a year-to-date increase of just 9.6% since then. The cruise line industry strikes me as a sector to avoid in the long run, and Norwegian Cruise Lines is arguably the worst idea in that uncalled-for market. This stock is down by 41% since the end of July, undermined by weak guidance in two earnings reports. First, the cruise sector has been struggling as a whole since the coronavirus crisis kept every ship anchored in 2020. To escape that brutal downturn, they financed their operations with uncomfortable combinations of expensive debt and dilutive stock sales. The best of the best will struggle with these decisions for years to come, especially since annual rates on variable-interest loans have skyrocketed over the last two years." Here are more of their specifics: "Norwegian is absolutely not the best investment in this struggling industry. With less than $700 million in cash balanced against $12.6 billion of long-term debt, the company is buckling under the debt load. That wouldn't be so bad if Norwegian generated cash profits, as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines are doing again after a long period of red ink. But this underperformer burned $356 million of free cash in the third quarter.” Ready to buy Norwegian's challenged stock? This was their bottom-line summary: "I think the cruise industry is full of falling knives that will leave your fingers scarred in the long run if you try to catch them at a low price. And Norwegian Cruise Lines looks more dangerous than its larger and more cash-efficient rivals." Full story at: https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/11/02/1-stock-to-avoid-no-matter-what-and-1-worth-adding/ 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 32,477 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Yes, sadly, lots of questions and uncertainty in the Middle East. Not certain what happens next, how long things are bad and how widely, if and if, things spread. Including affecting Turkey?? From the Reuters newswire this morning, they had this headline: “Travelers put off holiday trips to Middle East as Israel-Hamas war rages” with these highlights: “Travelers are canceling or postponing planned vacations to the Middle East and North Africa due to fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict worsening, and as touring companies have also altered itineraries and canceled flights. Travel operators say the war is affecting demand for travel to nearby nations including Egypt, Jordan and Turkey. 'We are seeing clients cancel cruises like an Egypt Nile river cruise as far out as December 2024 due to concerns with the war,' said Todd Elliott, CEO of Orlando, Florida-based Cruise Vacation Outlet, a travel agency.” From one booking platform cited in this news report, they have "seen a 70% decline in new bookings for countries in the region. Over 40% of trips to Egypt in November and December have already been canceled on the platform. Cancellation rates in Turkey and Cyprus have doubled for November and December." Also cited: " 'While the conflict in Israel is very geographically limited so far, we suspect some cruise bookers are hesitant to book a European visit, even to the western Mediterranean,' said Truist analyst Patrick Scholes." Full story at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/travelers-put-off-holiday-trips-middle-east-israel-hamas-war-rages-2023-11-06/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,183 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Yes, sadly, lots of questions and uncertainty in the Middle East. Not certain what happens next, how long things are bad and how widely, if and if, things spread. From the Reuters newswire this morning, they had this headline: “Travelers put off holiday trips to Middle East as Israel-Hamas war rages” with these highlights: “Travelers are canceling or postponing planned vacations to the Middle East and North Africa due to fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict worsening, and as touring companies have also altered itineraries and canceled flights. Travel operators say the war is affecting demand for travel to nearby nations including Egypt, Jordan and Turkey. 'We are seeing clients cancel cruises like an Egypt Nile river cruise as far out as December 2024 due to concerns with the war,' said Todd Elliott, CEO of Orlando, Florida-based Cruise Vacation Outlet, a travel agency.” From one booking platform cited in this news report, they have "seen a 70% decline in new bookings for countries in the region. Over 40% of trips to Egypt in November and December have already been canceled on the platform. Cancellation rates in Turkey and Cyprus have doubled for November and December." Also cited: " 'While the conflict in Israel is very geographically limited so far, we suspect some cruise bookers are hesitant to book a European visit, even to the western Mediterranean,' said Truist analyst Patrick Scholes." Full story at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/travelers-put-off-holiday-trips-middle-east-israel-hamas-war-rages-2023-11-06/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,183 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Yes, sadly, lots of questions and uncertainty in the Middle East. Not certain what happens next, how long things are bad and how widely, if and if, things spread. From the Reuters newswire this morning, they had this headline: “Travelers put off holiday trips to Middle East as Israel-Hamas war rages” with these highlights: “Travelers are canceling or postponing planned vacations to the Middle East and North Africa due to fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict worsening, and as touring companies have also altered itineraries and canceled flights. Travel operators say the war is affecting demand for travel to nearby nations including Egypt, Jordan and Turkey. 'We are seeing clients cancel cruises like an Egypt Nile river cruise as far out as December 2024 due to concerns with the war,' said Todd Elliott, CEO of Orlando, Florida-based Cruise Vacation Outlet, a travel agency.” From one booking platform cited in this news report, they have "seen a 70% decline in new bookings for countries in the region. Over 40% of trips to Egypt in November and December have already been canceled on the platform. Cancellation rates in Turkey and Cyprus have doubled for November and December." Also cited: " 'While the conflict in Israel is very geographically limited so far, we suspect some cruise bookers are hesitant to book a European visit, even to the western Mediterranean,' said Truist analyst Patrick Scholes." Full story at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/travelers-put-off-holiday-trips-middle-east-israel-hamas-war-rages-2023-11-06/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,372 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Yes, there are key questions as to . . . how widely will things go in the Middle East? Will it affect ships navigating the Suez Canal such as the Silver Moon in late December? Appreciate this follow-up from our Midwest neighbor in Chicago. Good luck for your Jan. 6 sailing from Jordan to Dubai. From the Reuters newswire this morning, they had this headline: “Travelers put off holiday trips to Middle East as Israel-Hamas war rages” with these highlights: “Travelers are canceling or postponing planned vacations to the Middle East and North Africa due to fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict worsening, and as touring companies have also altered itineraries and canceled flights. Travel operators say the war is affecting demand for travel to nearby nations including Egypt, Jordan and Turkey. 'We are seeing clients cancel cruises like an Egypt Nile river cruise as far out as December 2024 due to concerns with the war,' said Todd Elliott, CEO of Orlando, Florida-based Cruise Vacation Outlet, a travel agency.” From one booking platform cited in this news report, they have "seen a 70% decline in new bookings for countries in the region. Over 40% of trips to Egypt in November and December have already been canceled on the platform. Cancellation rates in Turkey and Cyprus have doubled for November and December." Also cited: " 'While the conflict in Israel is very geographically limited so far, we suspect some cruise bookers are hesitant to book a European visit, even to the western Mediterranean,' said Truist analyst Patrick Scholes." Full story at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/travelers-put-off-holiday-trips-middle-east-israel-hamas-war-rages-2023-11-06/ 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 32,477 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

From the BBC three days ago, they had this headline: “Sydney Opera House: The monument that represents Australia” with this sub-headline: "In honour of its 50th anniversary, Sydney-based correspondent Nick Bryant explains how the building came to symbolise Australia, and why its original architect never saw it in person." Here are some of his reporting highlights: “The Sydney Opera House recently commemorated its 50th anniversary. The iconic design is one associated with the Australian city the world over, along with the steel arch bridge, which spans the harbour. Considered a triumph of 20th Century architecture, it very nearly didn't get built in the international search to find a design. This vision of modern beauty, with its famous curves covered in more than a million bright white ceramic tiles, was initially placed in the reject pile. But its journey to realisation says much about Australia today.” Additionally, the author shared: "The country's most instantly recognisable building is a landmark to Australian ambiguity. The most obvious interpretation is that it represents Australia's rising post-war self-confidence. The appointment of Jørn Utzon, a little-known Danish architect without a major project to his name, was a sign of a less insular outlook and a new spirit of national assertiveness. The opera house probably would never have been built had it not been financed by lottery money, reflecting the centrality of gambling in Australian life. " Full story at: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231102-the-sydney-opera-house-the-monument-that-represents-australia 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 246,053 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the BBC three days ago, they had this headline: “Sydney Opera House: The monument that represents Australia” with this sub-headline: "In honour of its 50th anniversary, Sydney-based correspondent Nick Bryant explains how the building came to symbolise Australia, and why its original architect never saw it in person." Here are some of his reporting highlights: “The Sydney Opera House recently commemorated its 50th anniversary. The iconic design is one associated with the Australian city the world over, along with the steel arch bridge, which spans the harbour. Considered a triumph of 20th Century architecture, it very nearly didn't get built in the international search to find a design. This vision of modern beauty, with its famous curves covered in more than a million bright white ceramic tiles, was initially placed in the reject pile. But its journey to realisation says much about Australia today.” Additionally, the author shared: "The country's most instantly recognisable building is a landmark to Australian ambiguity. The most obvious interpretation is that it represents Australia's rising post-war self-confidence. The appointment of Jørn Utzon, a little-known Danish architect without a major project to his name, was a sign of a less insular outlook and a new spirit of national assertiveness. The opera house probably would never have been built had it not been financed by lottery money, reflecting the centrality of gambling in Australian life. " Full story at: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231102-the-sydney-opera-house-the-monument-that-represents-australia 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 246,053 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the BBC three days ago, they had this headline: “Sydney Opera House: The monument that represents Australia” with this sub-headline: "In honour of its 50th anniversary, Sydney-based correspondent Nick Bryant explains how the building came to symbolise Australia, and why its original architect never saw it in person." Here are some of his reporting highlights: “The Sydney Opera House recently commemorated its 50th anniversary. The iconic design is one associated with the Australian city the world over, along with the steel arch bridge, which spans the harbour. Considered a triumph of 20th Century architecture, it very nearly didn't get built in the international search to find a design. This vision of modern beauty, with its famous curves covered in more than a million bright white ceramic tiles, was initially placed in the reject pile. But its journey to realisation says much about Australia today.” Additionally, the author shared: "The country's most instantly recognisable building is a landmark to Australian ambiguity. The most obvious interpretation is that it represents Australia's rising post-war self-confidence. The appointment of Jørn Utzon, a little-known Danish architect without a major project to his name, was a sign of a less insular outlook and a new spirit of national assertiveness. The opera house probably would never have been built had it not been financed by lottery money, reflecting the centrality of gambling in Australian life. " Full story at: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231102-the-sydney-opera-house-the-monument-that-represents-australia THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 59,551 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008