TLCOhio

Yes! YES!! Only four more years to that big and magic . . . 50th. Congrats Mysty and Myster. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Some brief visuals below from Port Arthur, the historic Tasmanian penal colony, etc. Love the perfect blue skies!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From Port Arthur, the historic Tasmanian penal colony seen during our stop in Hobart, here are a series of view of the sights there. First is an overview for a portion of this camp. Second, is a view from some of the old building remains towards to the nearby water area and the location where the prisoners would arrive from England for this “visit”. It took six to nine months to make the journey from England to this distant part of the world. Third is an interior view as some members of our Central Ohio group tour and learn more about daily operations here.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) As we traveled to Port Arthur, this was one of the scenic beach/shore views. Like this weather? Look like an attractive location?: Here is Karen from our Central Ohio group finding a cute Kangaroo for feeding at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. And, surprise!!, this mother has an even more lovable baby in the pouch. This is getting really up close and personal.:

YES!! Tasmania is beautiful and very interesting. Need some proof and evidence? We visited Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Port Arthur, the historic Tasmanian penal colony. As these visuals from 2014 verify, we had great weather. 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/ Here is a full view of an emu at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Next is Susan from our group getting ready to feed an emu, but becoming a little surprised by how aggressive this unique animal got by putting its head under the fence. Finally, a really close-up view of their heads. Susan thought they seemed fairly oily on the tops of their heads. Not all animals are cute and perfect in their looks!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) How can you not love seeing the Koalas up close and personal? Unlike at Kangaroo Island, we did not see this one in the wild, but here we got closer. What a face? So, so super cute!!: Here is a mother Kangaroo with the baby “Joey” in the pouch. We saw two different mothers carrying babies in their pouch.:

Agree with J.P. that Capri can be super wonderful. Charming and interesting. Pompeii is super awesome. Why??? It is so unique and historic. It gives you a keen insight about how people lived and operated during that long-ago era. My most memorable moment was in walking into Pompeii and noticing certain grooves in the stone pavement. I asked our guide what caused those marking in the stone. Our guide replied: "That's from the chariots." WOW! It became very, very visual for where we were walking and what had happened here long, long ago. Visiting the brothel house in Pompeii was also super interesting. Our guide pointed to the seven different visuals on the wall that provided "customers" a choice on what “position” they wished to purchase. They needed to use visuals there as sailors from all of the world visited Pompeii and its port in that era. They didn't speak the local language. Our guide in 1999 noted on one of these seven wall visuals that it was the "Monica Lewinsky position". He noted that people from all over the world touring this site knew what that phrase meant, nodding and smiling, regardless of their language spoken. Interesting little detail and moment for international “sharing”!!! On another trip, we visited Herculaneum. Very good and interesting, also. Less crowded and positioned differently to present this history. Very good pro/con factors for each location. Many great options in this region!!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Here are just three quick samples from traveling along the Amalfi Coast on the scenic, coastal way to Positano. Lots of scenic drama, color and charm!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) From visiting Herculaneum, here are three quick visual samples.: Positano is uniquely built along the slopping mountain side. Here's a view for how this beautiful village "hangs" or stacks up along the water, plus an artist's view as he paints this scenic site.:

Excellent point by Dr. Ron as to the quality, spirit and skill of the guide. That can make or break your port "experience"!! Some guides just repeat the memorized, boring "talking points" from Wikipedia. Others connect with and understand the audience, their interests, etc. Clearly the smaller the group, the better the chances for a skilled guide having a "conversation" in learning your interests, sharing details/background of value to those in the group, etc. Some guides like to "entertain" you and make the "enlightening" details seem more relevant for today's world. And too large of a group wastes lots of valuable time getting off of and back on the motor coach, etc. Below are more details and many visuals connected with two of our favorite Med ports. As noted, I super love Venice's great history, character and architecture. In Dubrovnik, its level of "being busy" can be a "make or break" factor for love versus hate for when visiting in this popular port. On our day in Dubrovnik, we were the only major ship in port that day and the town was not too over-run and crowded. Lovely!!! Plus, our weather was super perfect that day. That's another variable that is hard to predict and control. Plan ahead by checking how many ships will be in port that day. Super busy? Figure out ways to adjust and avoid the mobs. On bad weather days, maybe more indoor activities will be more enjoyable? Need more? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,583 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227 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 103,522 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

WOW!! That's lots of sailing with Silversea. Too bad this adventure is approaching its conclusion. Were these most-recent pictures from Malta? Without labeling, it's hard to keep track. Love to hear your final summary for the ship's food and service quality at the end. Keep up the great sharing. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From National Geographic in 2021, they had this headline: “A city guide to Buenos Aires, Argentina's inventive capital" with this sub-headline: "Famed for its boulevards and ballrooms, the Argentine capital is reinventing itself through restaurant collaborations, a new arts district and a revamped dockland park.” Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “Think Buenos Aires and the European associations are inevitable. Its reputation as the ‘Paris of South America’ has its roots in the late 1800s when the ideal of modernity among well-heeled Porteños (as Buenos Aires’ citizens are known) was modelled on France. From fashion to ornate facades, the capital of the fledgling independent Argentina — and its growing population of European émigrés — fostered a Parisian vogue that reached fever pitch in the early 20th century. But to declare the city’s heyday long past, its glamour faded, its Camelot fallen, or to dwell too heavily on its history — Argentina’s string of coup d’états and dictatorships between 1930 and 1983 — is to misunderstand the dynamism and daring spirit woven into the fabric of modern-day Buenos Aires.” A key tip: "the best way to connect with the city is by foot — ideally with a local guide. Enjoy stately Avenida del Libertador and Avenida Figueroa Alcorta, laden with purple jacaranda blossom. Linger awhile in the buzzy meeting spots of Plaza Mafalda and Barrancas de Belgrano; explore the revamped dockside nature reserve of Puerto Madero; soak up the sun in Parque Las Heras." Full story at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/city-guide-buenos-aires-argentina-inventive-capital 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 247,072 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they will have this headline: “36 Hours Buenos Aires” with these highlights: “Buenos Aires can feel overwhelming. Main thoroughfares like Avenida Santa Fe are noisy and jammed with zooming taxis and groaning buses. The streets can get grimy. But elegance is everywhere and accessible to visitors. Beaux-Arts buildings along Avenida de Mayo recall the grandeur of old Europe. You can find affordable, handcrafted goods at artisan fairs that abound on weekends in neighborhoods like San Telmo, Recoleta and Mataderos. The afterglow of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory remains — a spiritual salve for many still suffering from the country’s yearslong inflation crisis. Visitors will find a city where people press on. It is that perseverance that keeps Buenos Aires vibrant and thrilling.” Many ideas and options for museums and attractions, restaurants and bars, shopping, where to stay and getting around are outlined. Brings back many memories from visiting there in the late 1980's Very interesting and fascinating city. Here is another highlight example from this detailed profile: "The Palermo neighborhood already had three sprawling gardens within walking distance of one another: Jardín Japones, Jardín Botánico and Parque El Rosedal. Add Ecoparque to that list. Once it was the site of a grand, and very sad, city zoo, where iron cages kept lions, tigers and chimpanzees in cruelly small spaces. The zoo closed in 2016, and since then, the new owners have been converting it into a peaceful nature preserve, where peacocks and Patagonian maras — native, fleet-footed rodents — roam free." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/05/18/travel/things-to-do-buenos-aires.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 71,505 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Wonderful "Food Porn" and sunset visuals. Refresh my memory, when does your adventure finish, date and location? What will be your next cruise/trip? Keep up the great sharing. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the London/UK Telegraph yesterday, they had this headline: “Tasmania: Go to the laid-back island for astonishing beaches, stupendous hiking, bizarre creatures and the planet’s cleanest air” with these highlights: “For over a decade Tasmania had become ever more aspirational. Mainlanders (as Tasmanians call all other Australians) lauded the cutting-edge creativity and gastronomy of capital Hobart. Then the pandemic hit. Tasmanian food and wine remains stellar, blessed by the clean waters of the South Atlantic and the world’s purest rainfall, a byproduct of what is officially the world’s cleanest air (having Patagonia and Antarctica as your nearest neighbours upwind has its benefits). But post-pandemic, a new generation of lifestyle downshifters has rejuvenated Tassie’s tired B&Bs and put the soul back into soul-food. In short, they’ve reminded us that a key part of the state’s appeal is its character – easygoing, fun. The other part hasn’t changed for aeons. Tasmania packs a lot of scenery into an area the size of Ireland.” Lots to love for Tasmania!! Enjoyed our visit there in 2014. We had only one day there, but we saw and experienced much. Nice to read this story and bring back great memories. Is this story a good summary and accurate for Tasmania? Feel free to add your tips, insights and suggestions for Tasmania. Also shared in this profile: "Hobart is perfect for pottering. You’re staying at the port where convict-built sandstone warehouses now harbour galleries, crafts outlets and cafes; a lovely spot to browse and people-watch. Its Saturday crafts market (8.30am till 3pm) is a perfect Tasmanian introduction. Follow the waterfront to the Tasmanian Museum and Gallery (tmag.tas.gov.au) for a primer into what makes Tassie tick: history, wildlife, green ethics. Ice-breaker ships in Constitution Dock are a reminder this is a launchpad for Antarctica." Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/tours/ultimate-itineraries/tasmania-perfect-holiday-itinerary/ 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 71,505 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

From the London/UK Telegraph yesterday, they had this headline: “Tasmania: Go to the laid-back island for astonishing beaches, stupendous hiking, bizarre creatures and the planet’s cleanest air” with these highlights: “For over a decade Tasmania had become ever more aspirational. Mainlanders (as Tasmanians call all other Australians) lauded the cutting-edge creativity and gastronomy of capital Hobart. Then the pandemic hit. Tasmanian food and wine remains stellar, blessed by the clean waters of the South Atlantic and the world’s purest rainfall, a byproduct of what is officially the world’s cleanest air (having Patagonia and Antarctica as your nearest neighbours upwind has its benefits). But post-pandemic, a new generation of lifestyle downshifters has rejuvenated Tassie’s tired B&Bs and put the soul back into soul-food. In short, they’ve reminded us that a key part of the state’s appeal is its character – easygoing, fun. The other part hasn’t changed for aeons. Tasmania packs a lot of scenery into an area the size of Ireland.” Lots to love for Tasmania!! Enjoyed our visit there in 2014. We had only one day there, but we saw and experienced much. Nice to read this story and bring back great memories. Is this story a good summary and accurate for Tasmania? Feel free to add your tips, insights and suggestions for Tasmania. Also shared in this profile: "Hobart is perfect for pottering. You’re staying at the port where convict-built sandstone warehouses now harbour galleries, crafts outlets and cafes; a lovely spot to browse and people-watch. Its Saturday crafts market (8.30am till 3pm) is a perfect Tasmanian introduction. Follow the waterfront to the Tasmanian Museum and Gallery (tmag.tas.gov.au) for a primer into what makes Tassie tick: history, wildlife, green ethics. Ice-breaker ships in Constitution Dock are a reminder this is a launchpad for Antarctica." Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/tours/ultimate-itineraries/tasmania-perfect-holiday-itinerary/ 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 243,340 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the London/UK Telegraph yesterday, they had this headline: “Tasmania: Go to the laid-back island for astonishing beaches, stupendous hiking, bizarre creatures and the planet’s cleanest air” with these highlights: “For over a decade Tasmania had become ever more aspirational. Mainlanders (as Tasmanians call all other Australians) lauded the cutting-edge creativity and gastronomy of capital Hobart. Then the pandemic hit. Tasmanian food and wine remains stellar, blessed by the clean waters of the South Atlantic and the world’s purest rainfall, a byproduct of what is officially the world’s cleanest air (having Patagonia and Antarctica as your nearest neighbours upwind has its benefits). But post-pandemic, a new generation of lifestyle downshifters has rejuvenated Tassie’s tired B&Bs and put the soul back into soul-food. In short, they’ve reminded us that a key part of the state’s appeal is its character – easygoing, fun. The other part hasn’t changed for aeons. Tasmania packs a lot of scenery into an area the size of Ireland.” Lots to love for Tasmania!! Enjoyed our visit there in 2014. We had only one day there, but we saw and experienced much. Nice to read this story and bring back great memories. Also shared in this profile: "Hobart is perfect for pottering. You’re staying at the port where convict-built sandstone warehouses now harbour galleries, crafts outlets and cafes; a lovely spot to browse and people-watch. Its Saturday crafts market (8.30am till 3pm) is a perfect Tasmanian introduction. Follow the waterfront to the Tasmanian Museum and Gallery (tmag.tas.gov.au) for a primer into what makes Tassie tick: history, wildlife, green ethics. Ice-breaker ships in Constitution Dock are a reminder this is a launchpad for Antarctica." Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/tours/ultimate-itineraries/tasmania-perfect-holiday-itinerary/ 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 243,340 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Among our many Australia loves and experiences, it also involves what is nearby to Lizard Island, plus more in this interesting, unique and exciting area. Love sharing and bringing back these excellent memories from Australia. Feel free to post here any added experiences, tips, visuals, suggestions, questions, etc. Need to go back to Australia, but first are our India plans for early 2024 in doing private tour options for Agra, New Delhi, etc. Then fly to Mumbai/Bombay Feb. 11, a day there, then starting 18-day Silversea cruise with stops at Mormugao (Goa), New Mangalore and Cochin. Then stops in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., before finishing Feb. 29 in Singapore. Added time in Singapore, then fly to Tokyo for 2.5 days there before flying home through DFW. First time for ALL of these locations. Love to learn any smart tips, suggestions and secrets for these various, exotic locations. 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 246,963 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ This Kuranda Scenic Railway is fun and interesting with many great sights and experiences. When hiking in the Daintree Rainforest, as shown below, you do feel like you are on an Indiana Jones adventure, right?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) When hiking in the Daintree Rainforest, we encountered a number of scenic sights.: The beach areas in this region of Australia are spectacular and generally not too crowded:

Among our many Australia loves and experiences, it also involves what is nearby to Lizard Island, plus more in this interesting, unique and exciting area. Love sharing and bringing back these excellent memories from Australia. Feel free to post here any added experiences, tips, visuals, suggestions, questions, etc. Need to go back to Australia, but first are our India plans for early 2024 in doing private tour options for Agra, New Delhi, etc. Then fly to Mumbai/Bombay Feb. 11, a day there, then starting 18-day Silversea cruise with stops at Mormugao (Goa), New Mangalore and Cochin. Then stops in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., before finishing Feb. 29 in Singapore. Added time in Singapore, then fly to Tokyo for 2.5 days there before flying home through DFW. First time for ALL of these locations. Love to learn any smart tips, suggestions and secrets for these various, exotic locations. 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 246,963 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ This Kuranda Scenic Railway is fun and interesting with many great sights and experiences. When hiking in the Daintree Rainforest, as shown below, you do feel like you are on an Indiana Jones adventure, right?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) When hiking in the Daintree Rainforest, we encountered a number of scenic sights.: The beach areas in this region of Australia are spectacular and generally not too crowded:

Cute creatures!!! Amazing and fun. Appreciate these helpful follow-ups and added comments and questions. To share more from our Australia island loves and experiences, below are some of my visuals from Lizard Island, plus more. Love sharing and bringing back these excellent memories. Post here any added experiences, tips, visuals, suggestions, questions, etc. 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/ In flying out over the Great Barrier Reef on our way to Lizard island, you better appreciate the size and importance of this major natural wonder. Also, it's lots quicker to get there than riding on a crowded, long boat ride.: Here is just one example for the fun of exploring and seeing the unique sights under water in these reef areas.: On Lizard Island, our small group is gathered with our pilot and guide before snorkeling and having our beach lunch. Plus, another underwater sight!: In flying over the Great Barrier Reef, you better appreciate how far out it is and then you see the fast drop-off to the deep Pacific Ocean waters. It is an amazing and unique part of the natural world.:

Appreciate this helpful follow-up and this added link. To share more from our Australia island loves and experiences, below are some of my visuals from Lizard Island, plus more. Love sharing and bringing back those excellent memories. Post here any added experiences, tips, suggestions, questions, etc. 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/ In flying out over the Great Barrier Reef on our way to Lizard island, you better appreciate the size and importance of this major natural wonder. Also, it's lots quicker to get there than riding on a crowded, long boat ride.: Here is just one example for the fun of exploring and seeing the unique sights under water in these reef areas.: On Lizard Island, our small group is gathered with our pilot and guide before snorkeling and having our beach lunch. Plus, another underwater sight!: In flying over the Great Barrier Reef, you better appreciate how far out it is and then you see the fast drop-off to the deep Pacific Ocean waters. It is an amazing and unique part of the natural world.:

Are cruise travelers shifting gears from worrying about Covid and going back to the "Good Old Days" for concern with other viruses? From the Washington Post and MSN News earlier this week, they had this headline: “Stomach viruses are back up on cruise ships, with hundreds falling ill” with these highlights: “As cruise passengers return to the seas in force following a pandemic lull, an unwelcome side effect is also back: outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so far this year there have been 11 outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea that reach the threshold for public notification on cruise ships visiting U.S. ports. The mid-May tally has already exceeded the total number of outbreaks reported in 2019 and tied the yearly number for both 2017 and 2018. Norovirus has been identified as the culprit in four of the 2023 cases; the others are all classified as unknown. In the latest outbreak, aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, 160 passengers and 26 crew have reported being ill. That represents a little more than 8 percent of guests and 3 percent of workers. The ship is on a 14-day Alaska cruise that returns to Vancouver on Sunday.” Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/stomach-viruses-are-back-up-on-cruise-ships-with-hundreds-falling-ill/ar-AA1bjWXT THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit. Now at 33,415 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Appreciate the great chart, question and follow-up from our South Pacific sailing friend. Is the overall stock market really back? For how long?? Or, will things get bumpy in the next few weeks over the debt limit questions? From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines during the most recent five trading days. Generally up significantly since Wednesday morning!! Why and how? 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 71,428 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/ From the Wall Street Journal during the past five trading days, here are their charts for the five major cruise lines.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Since the start of the year, here has been the trend line for Royal Caribbean. Generally upward and positive during the past four and a half months?:

Earlier on this thread, I mentioned about Roger Crowley's book titled "City of Fortune" related to Venice and its incredible history from the period when it "ruled the seas". It took me some time, but earlier this week, I completed reading this 383-page book. Fascinating and enlightening are two quick summary words for this book by a skilled, highly-detailed historian. I always knew Venice had a great background in its rise for power and wealth. His writings explained much more as to exactly how and why. Plus, what happened when it started to change around 1500 as the "tides" shifted as the powerful Turkish Sultans pushed them out of the eastern Med and as Portugal was finding a cheaper/better way to bring back spices from India and the East. Being rich and powerful could not be sustained indefinitely. That's the bottom line in history, right? Much of the early history involves Constantinople, how Venice fought and gained its power and position in that key location as a link/base between Europe and Asia, plus how it allowed more trading involving areas around the Black Sea. In the Middle Ages, Venice started its wealthy path through its control of trade between Europe and the East, began to expand into the Adriatic Sea. Venice became involved in the Crusades from the very beginning that took many tangled twists including how they battled and won in Constantinople. This book goes into great detail about the shifting history in and around this current part of Turkey. In the 12th century, Venice built a large national shipyard that became known as the Venetian Arsenal. With such skill and creativity in building new and powerful fleets, the republic was able to take control over the eastern Mediterranean. Until reading this book, I had forgotten about the battles Venice had with Genoa, another powerful Italian City-State, plus tangling with the Pope and dealing with other Europe nations who wanted to re-take the Holy Lands from Islamic forces. It's a long, long history with many victories and defeats. Plus, I did not realize how slavery worked in those days, plus the brutality of warfare during this period. It was not all a pretty or nice story!! Lots of lives and fortunes were lost from the many wars and accidents in rough seas. Greece plays an important part in this history of Venice. Lots of depth was shared for how it all fitted together, who controlled whom at what time period, etc. To say it is a complicated history is a massive understatement. Also, the author credits Venice for the way it operated, kept records, managed an early, rough form of "Democracy", their use of legal "due process", the ethical standards used during this period, their diplomatic skills, etc. Yes, it was also ALL about money and wealth, too!! Nobody was richer than Venice at its peak. But, the times changed and power shifted. The same is true for Istanbul/Constantinople. Much in this book is focused on Sultan Mehmet II and his rise to power in 1451 at a young age. He proved to be an aggressive, ruthless, effective, creative leader . . . and warrior! He was a key factor in the rise of the Turks and the sliding starting that impacted Venice so much. Lots of unique and amazing history in these areas. 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 256,469 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

Snakes!!! Crocs?? Sounds very risky and with some danger? Great added details, pix's, etc. Keep it coming. But, when you said: "Not every stop needs to be an instagramable moment.", my bias leans the other way. I love those great sites and sights that make for excellent "eye candy". Super loving your food porn. When does your cruise end and what are the next major port/excursion stops upcoming? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate your detailed comments and follow-up for the Silver Muse and Alaska. Glad that overall things, including the weather, worked out so very well. As detailed below in my live/blog with many visuals, we enjoyed the Silver Muse and Alaska in the summer before the Covid shut-down. Look forward to any additional comments and insights, including what you enjoyed in the various ports. Keep it coming!!! Great sharing. On a ship the size of the Muse, the entertainment, casino, etc., will not match what is offered on larger ships. BUT, the Muse has a good range of dining locations/options. Plus, it seems that the staff did a great job in serving your interests. 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 19,195 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Triple WOW!!! Great details, reporting and visuals. Wonderful to hear. It is now dinner time here in the Midwest and you are making me very, very hungry. Can't wait to dine this evening. All looks and sounds excellent. Very good posting and highly responsive. Keep having fun and such joy. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

These added comments bring back to my memory for more of our experiences in and around the Norway North Cape. Quick Summary: Things Change!!! The good news is that for much of the summer, it will be daylight for most of the day and all night, too. As shown below at the famed bird island near the North Cape, we had bright, super sunshine. Looking great and nice!!! Went out on our private boat and things were also very nice. But, then the clouds started to come in and things totally change. Fast. By the time we were heading back to the port area, conditions were so totally fogged in that our captain had to use the electronics to guide us back to the dock. Even in July, things can change in different ways. Driving back to the larger port where our cruise ship was docked, it was also very, very foggy . . . in the middle of the day. 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 246,963 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Here is an example at the small fishing village near the North Cape where things were totally sunny, clear and beautiful. Then we were out at the nearby bird island. Then things turned much more fogged, etc. Hard to predict!!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Yes, agree with Stumblefoot that "Glad to see you finally got out of that jacket and stocking cap in a lovely setting." Nice pix in an excellent setting. Appreciate all of the honesty and details. From doing four cruises on the Silver Cloud, it has its charm and character, but with older ships there are also challenges and design differences for what works best these days. Super looking forward to seeing ALL of the pictures from this adventure. Plus any other interesting background items to share. Silversea is going back to the Saudi stops on the Silver Moon in early 2024. We'll see how things work out at that time. For certain of the issues with some crew members, it is mainly a question for their lack of experience and not having best learned what is expected on Silversea ships and by their luxury customers? Spins summarized it well in expressing: "savored each delicious post that you authored. A treat." 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 21,811 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Agreed!! Nice FUN and postings, details, pictures, videos, etc. Keep it coming. How is the food on this Silversea ship? From Fletcher's Middle East sailing, he was fairly blunt that the food quality was not up to the highest levels. He also seemed to indicate that many of the staff were kind of new and not up at the highest levels. How do you evaluate the SS food and staff for this sailing? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio