TLCOhio

Appreciate these great follow-ups from cruisemom42 and latebloomer56. YES, much to see and do in Istanbul. Glad you have the Spice Market on your priority potential list. Below are some added visuals to prove the wonders of Istanbul. From Microsoft's news-related service yesterday, they had this headline: “15 Best Things to Do in Istanbul” with these highlights: “Istanbul is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, seemingly on everyone's bucket list. With all Istanbul has to offer, it's no wonder it made American Express Travel's 2023 Trending Destinations List based on travel bookings by American Express cardholders for 2023.” This profile cites among those top suggested options, in order, for: Blue Mosque, Turkish Cuisine, Hagia Sofia, Museum of Innocence, Sultanahmet Square, Feriköy Flea Market and Topkapi Palace. They also mentioned these options of a cruise on the Bosphorus, climb the Galata Tower and board the Local Commuter Ferry. We did the local commuter ferry to sail up and experience the Bosphorus. Interesting and great fun. For the Grand Bazaar, this media summary detailed it as: "one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops and 35,000 workers, making a visit easily one of the best things to do in Istanbul, and a true bucket list travel experience! The bazaar dates back to 1461. There are shops selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to carpets, jewelry, spices, and antiques. Even if you don't plan on buying anything, visiting the Grand Bazaar to experience its unique atmosphere is worth it. Meet the locals, bargain with shopkeepers, and sample some delicious street food while you're there." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/15-best-things-to-do-in-istanbul-turkey/ar-AA17X60i 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 50,560 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 From our visit to the Istanbul Spice Market, below are a couple of additional visuals to prove the color and interesting sights at this location.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In a neighborhood shopping area, here is an example of the many colorful items being offered. No shortage of things to purchase in Istanbul!!: Here is the Taksim Republic Monument to honor the foundation of Turkish Republic in 1923. The monument is located in the Taksim Square. It highlights the role of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to create their Republic as their first President 1923-1938.: In our sailing along the Bosphorus, here is an example for one of the luxury homes located along this busy waterway.:

From the Orlando Sentinel two days ago, they had this headline: “Port Canaveral enjoys title for world’s busiest cruise port” with these highlights: “The cruise ship war between Central and South Florida has a new victor with the latest passenger counts totaled for 2022. Port Canaveral became the world’s busiest cruise port for the first time with 4,072,396 multi-day passengers for the year, besting the normal No. 1 PortMiami, which only saw 3,988,094 passengers. Port Everglades came in third with 1,621,216, according to numbers released in the annual Florida Ports Council report release this week." Am surprised that this mid-Florida port has topped Miami. Not sure why. Is my perception correct that Silversea mostly uses just Fort Lauderdale?? What is driving this passenger/ship shifts? Will Silversea consider doing sailing from Port Canaveral or other Florida ports? This article also noted: "Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray on Friday. 'All of the ports are doing well right now in cruising. It’s great to have the industry back. It’s an economic driver for the state of Florida. We work collectively to help each other out but there’s sometimes a little fun in the rivalry back and forth.' Port Canaveral is having its busiest time in history home porting 13 ships this winter sailing season including four of the newest ships in the industry with Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, the world’ largest cruise ship, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest class of ship Norwegian Prima, Disney’s new class of ship Disney Wish and Carnival’s Mardi Gras." Full story at: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/florida-cruise-guide/os-tr-cru-port-canaveral-number-1-cruise-port-20230225-l2irdj7govgebfyz2ek73ofnr4-story.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 71,033 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Can we save these cute birds from JP's frying pan?? Don't think I will be dining on duck tonight. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate from latebloomer56 the great comment and follow-up of "These boards are great." Excellent question for using euros in Turkey. YES, it is possible that some places will accept euros for purchases in Turkey. BUT, the more important question is . . . at what exchange rate?? Like getting local currency at some airport booths/places, they will get you such needed exchange. The rates and charges/fees, however, could be much more costly. Always trade-offs for costs versus convenience. For us, we have found that credit cards and/or bank ATM's give us the better "deal". Much depends as to how much, if any, local currency do you really need. Lots of variables and factors to consider!! Researching and planning ahead is always helpful. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,658 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

JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s CEO Jamie Dimon is considered one of the top business and financial leaders. His bank is the largest private employer in Central Ohio with major parts of their operations based here. Dimon was in Columbus this past week and from our local Columbus Dispatch newspaper this morning, they had these highlights and background for his views on the overall economy: “Last year while in Columbus, Dimon expressed concerned about storm clouds ahead for the economy from higher interest rates, inflation, rising costs for commodities, wage pressures and the Ukraine-Russia war. 'I still say we have a strong economy today,; he said. 'We’re facing some serious stuff in the future. Look, we’re going to be wishful thinkers and hope that it all sorts itself out nicely. I wouldn’t be so sure.' ” The newspaper's interview summary continued: "The war in Ukraine is of particular concern, he said. 'This is one of the most serious geopolitical events in our lifetime, since World War II,' he said. 'There have been other wars, but not that involved major economic nations with each other, a free and democratic nation like Ukraine and also affects the global economy deeply in terms of oil, gas, food, fertilizer, migration.' Dimon warns that monthly economic numbers on areas such as employment and inflation are giving a distorted view of the state of the economy." Dimon continued to summarize about consumers having lots of money, are spending it now, have jobs, employment opportunities being plentiful and wages going up, plus home prices rising and business being very good. Dimon, however, is seriously concerned about the economic picture being "eroded by inflation." This powerful CEO is very worried as to where the economic and consumer confidence will be by later this year. Is Dimon right or wrong with his analysis? Full story at: https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/economy/2023/02/26/jpmorgan-chase-ceo-dimon-says-bank-mostly-expanding-even-with-cuts/69935603007/ 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 21,608 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

That Athens hotel, both for its personal service and great location gets high, well-deserved marks. We have stayed there twice, plus over time, they have consistently gain high rankings. Good luck for your upcoming adventure. Don't be shy in letting us know any and all questions. 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 50,560 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

It is super sunny in Central Ohio. Will be a high of 56F today. Yesterday was very nice and sunny, too. Need some proof and evidence? Below illustrates the results yesterday when we went to our nearby, large city park with a some water areas. Saw some busy birds. See as to how they looked, helped by the bright sun making them look more colorful and highly interesting. Like? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Here is a small sampling for the ducks, geese, etc., from yesterday at our nearby park on a very sunny, bright afternoon. Lots of geese from Canada that can be pesky!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Have heard from people who have done Ponant that it worked well with their food being especially excellent in the French/classy tasty style. It is super sunny in Central Ohio. Will be a high of 56F today. Yesterday was very nice and sunny, too. Need some proof and evidence? Below illustrates the results yesterday when we went to our nearby, large city park with a some water areas. Saw some busy birds. See as to how they looked, helped by the bright sun making them look more colorful and highly interesting. Like? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Here is a small sampling for the ducks, geese, etc., from yesterday at our nearby park on a very sunny, bright afternoon. Lots of geese from Canada that can be pesky!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

YES!! Very smart and wise to do such overnights on major cruise journeys where the overnight stop are significant. In 2018, as detailed below on my life/blog, we spent the night in Jerusalem. Worked super well and saved logistical time, plus allowing more needed flexibility to explore in and around amazing Jerusalem. On that same cruise, we also did an overnight off of the ship in Luxor. The cruise lines just needed to be notified and aware of your plans for being off of the ship. With Silversea on the Silver Cloud, we did an overnight off of the ship to spend more time at two South Africa National Parks. Also, it was amazing and allowed us to see and do so much more. This includes exciting night and early am/sunrise experiences. A few will say that you are missing the meals, etc., you paid for on the ship. True, but for us and many, being able to explore such great ports and exciting locations works out so much better. Be adventuresome and creative!! 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 21,608 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

As a possible explanation for why the three major cruise stocks slid downward last week, this below summary might explain and provide the needed background and future financial potential trends. From the Wall Street Journal late Friday, they had this headline: “Stocks Fall Friday to Close Worst Week of 2023" with this sub-headline: "Recent data has undermined the idea the Fed could cut rates later this year.” Here is some of their reporting highlights: “U.S. stocks pulled back Friday, notching their worst weekly performance of the year, as hot economic data have rekindled worries about restrictive Federal Reserve policy. The S&P 500 fell 42.28 points, or 1.1%, to 3970.04. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 195.46 points, or 1.7%, to 11394.94. The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 336.99 points, or 1%, at 32816.92. The three indexes all dropped more than 2% in the holiday-shortened week, each logging their biggest weekly declines of 2023. The losses are the latest in a turbulent stretch for the market. The major indexes climbed to start 2023, with many investors betting that moderating inflation could lead the Fed to cut interest rates later this year, but the outlook has muddied in recent weeks.” It all gets down to questions as . . . recession or not, deep or shallow, long or shot? Are those the right questions and doubts affecting the market? And, potentially affecting consumer confidence that impact future cruise ship bookings? Right questions? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/global-stocks-markets-dow-update-02-24-2023-22044596?mod=hp_lead_pos1 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 31,790 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Appreciate these great memories and follow-ups for the SS Norway. Our first cruise was not until 2006 (with Seabourn) and we have not done the Norway, nor any of those earlier ships. We have done two cruises with NCL's Oceania brand (2018 Athens to Dubai and early 2020 Auckland to Tahiti). Worked reasonably well for us, but fortunately these two Oceania R-class ships were not large like some of the other Norwegian parent brand's biggies. From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon are their charts for the three major cruise companies during this past week. Overall, it was not a positive week for these stocks. Why for the big drop, downward slide today? Any good guesses with the recent more negative trends? 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 33,138 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 From the Wall Street Journal, below are the stock charts for the major cruise companies during the past week. Some roller-coaster moves? Big drop today/Friday?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) During the past twelve months, below shows the varied Royal Caribbean movements. Not all bad, nor completely positive?:

For Sue Ellen and any others planning a Rome visit, the Wall Street Journal has this travel profile coming this weekend. They have this headline: “No Place Like Rome: Unlock the City’s Old-World Romance at These Historic Hotels" with this set-headline: "Italy’s splendid capital holds lessons in history and hospitality for locals and visitors alike. Drop into one of these storied properties for a weekend stay—or just an aperitif with a view.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Sigmund Freud used Rome as a metaphor for memory: specifically, the way the many layers of the past exist simultaneously and come to the fore when viewed from different angles. Among the most illuminating ways travelers can explore the Eternal City’s kaleidoscopic history is through its illustrious hotels. Each palatial structure is part of the modern city’s fabric but also embodies a specific moment in time. And thanks to the welcoming Roman manner, even non-guests can stop in for a coffee or aperitif while taking in the old-world ambience. A brief sojourn to these grand getaways provides a peek into Rome’s history and allows visitors to sample cultural riches along the way.” Among the hotels suggested in this profile were: At Fountain of the Naiads: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi By the Pantheon: Antico Albergo del Sole Within view of the Spanish Steps: Hotel d’Inghilterra Near Piazza del Popolo: Hotel de Russie Near Termini train station: Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo In one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods, Trastevere: Unahotels Trastevere Roma They also cite this suggested option to consider: "Historic Wonder: The magic of Rome resides around every corner: Wander into San Luigi dei Francesi, the church near the Piazza Navona, and find a trio of Caravaggios depicting the life of St. Matthew in one chapel." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/rome-hotels-guide-old-world-romance-historic-hotels-a2370776?mod=life_work_lead_story 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 246,202 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ For this profile, here is the visual used with a view of Piazza del Popolo as seen from the Pincio in the late afternoon.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

When sailing out of or into Barcelona, you might consider your options for visiting Madrid and/or in its nearby areas. What to do in Madrid? It is an easy quick flight from Barcelona to Madrid. From the New York Times Travel Section earlier this month, they had this headline: “36 Hours Madrid” with these highlights: “Madrid has little to prove as a premier art destination. Its central 'golden triangle of art' (anchored by the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums) makes for a dazzling art lovers’ pilgrimage, and the city is bolstered by cutting-edge cultural foundations like Espacio Solo and Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary. In 2023, Madrid is commemorating the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death and the 100th anniversary of Joaquín Sorolla’s with a series of exhibitions dedicated to each artist. One thing that hasn’t changed is the city’s warm embrace of anyone wanting to join the fun. Since so few Madrileños are actually from Madrid, everyone is welcome.” Here is another highlight featured in this profile: "Hemmed in for decades by four busy boulevards, Madrid’s Plaza de España was a spot locals typically tried to avoid. A 70-million-euro redesign, completed in November 2021, has transformed the plaza by diverting traffic away or into underground tunnels. New tree-shaded promenades and playgrounds have become a magnet for locals and visitors, and pedestrian paths now link the plaza to landmarks like the nearby Royal Palace, the Parque del Oeste and the Madrid Río, a vast park built along the Manzanares River." Many options for dining, bars, culture, entertainment, etc., are detailed in this profile, plus a wide variety of pictures, etc. Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/16/travel/things-to-do-madrid.html 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 256,051 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ Here is the graphic used to illustrate this in-depth profile by the NY Times for Madrid.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

Appreciate from Colleen this follow-up. You mentioned Istanbul and that brings up a book that I just started reading by history author Roger Crowley. Am doing now Crowley book titled "City of Fortune" about Venice's rise to become a super important trading and maritime power. Venice's history was closely tied to and intertwined with Constantinople and trading to the East. Trading and sea power?? That connects with another book called "Conquerors" by New York Times bestselling author Roger Crowley. For those planning to visit for the first time or those seeking to dig deep on their history, this "Conquerors" book share details for the emergence of Portugal. This small, poor nation rose up to experience a century of maritime supremacy thanks to the daring and navigational skill of its explorers. This was an advantage no other country could match at the time. I checked and obtained both of these history books from our local Central Ohio library. Portugal’s discovery of a sea route to India, campaign of imperial conquest over Muslim rulers, and domination of the spice trade would forever disrupt the Mediterranean and build the first global economy. According to reviews, this book reveals the splendor and the personalities of the enterprising and fanatical house of Aviz. Figures such as King Manuel “the Fortunate,” João II “the Perfect Prince,” marauding governor Afonso de Albuquerque and explorer Vasco da Gama merged their private ambitions and the public aims of the empire. Also central to the story of Portugal’s ascent was its drive to eradicate Islamic culture and establish a Christian empire in the Indian Ocean. Portuguese explorers went after Indian port cities in their attempts to monopolize trade. The discovery of a route to India around the horn of Africa was not only a brilliant breakthrough in navigation but heralded a complete upset of the world order. As they say, "the rest is history"!! Look forward to reading this book after completing his Venice book. These empires involving trading dominance are both connected and fascinating. Any other books to suggest about Portugal for better understandings of these unique and dramatic histories affecting both Lisbon and Porto? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 101,204 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226 Here is the cover of an interesting book detailing how Portugal created its global trading empire that fueled its power and wealth.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

From Yahoo News and this stock analyst earlier this week, they had this headline: “Will Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) Report Negative Earnings Next Week?” with these highlights: “Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended December 2022. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price. The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 28. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower. For Norwegian Cruise Line, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -3.93%.” Coming next week will be more details on the Norwegian finances and for analysis to ask detailed questions of the cruise company's top executives. Full story at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/norwegian-cruise-line-nclh-report-150003618.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,400 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

As of this morning late, all three cruise stocks are down more than 3%. That is a much deeper slide than what is happening with the overall stock market. More later today when NY Stock Exchange closes. From the Reuters newswire this morning, they had this headline: “U.S. travel companies experience high demand but economic worries cloud outlook” with these highlights: “Fears of recession and the impact of inflation on consumer budgets could curb a rebound in travel demand reported by U.S. travel companies in the fourth quarter, although bookings are holding up so far this year, analysts said. Several big names in the travel and leisure industry, including Airbnb Inc, Hilton Worldwide Holdings and Royal Caribbean Cruises are reporting faster rates of bookings in 2023 than in 2019 prior to the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. travel spending in December 2022 totaled $97 billion, 3% above 2019 levels and 7% above 2021 levels, according to the U.S. Travel Association.” Here is more from their story: "The demand contrasts with declining home improvement sales and other discretionary purchases that have hurt furniture stores and retailers like Home Depot." Full story at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-travel-companies-experience-high-145506309.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 50,359 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

To prove that many locations and things around London have not changed too much, below are a few of my photos from our first visit to London and England in 1977. As I re-call that was during the Queen's 25th Anniversary Celebration. Time flies by fast!! Will post later a few more newer visuals to help folks consider the wide variety of many options there in London and nearby. Yes, the full story is at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/12/22/travel/things-to-do-london.html 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 256,051 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ The British do their bands, uniforms, etc., super well!! Here was a part of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Prior to today's newer London double-deck buses, here is how this form of transit looked back in 1977. This picture was taken at Trafalgar Square in front of the National Gallery that houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. Love visiting this popular art collection. This high column in the middle bears a statue of Admiral Nelson commemorating his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.: Here is the Tower Bridge, built between 1886 and 1894, that crosses the Thames River near the Tower of London.: Hampton Court Palace is a little out of the way from central London, but it is well worth a visit for its size, many historic buildings and rooms, plus its large gardens and grounds. Located 12 miles southwest and upstream of central London on the Thames River. The building of the palace began in 1514 for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, but is most known for its connections and use by King Henry VIII.:

From Travel+Leisure magazine yesterday, they had this headline by Alison Fox: “Venice's Beloved Canals Are Drying Up" with this sub-headline: "The city's smaller canals have been affected by Venice's current drought.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Visitors heading to Venice may not see as many of the city's picturesque canals, or potentially enjoy a gondola ride, as the waterways have dried up due to a high-pressure weather system sitting over Italy. The dry weather has led to a stretch of ebb tides — or a receding current — that has left several of the city’s smaller canals dry and unable to support boat traffic, AP reported. That, in turn, has meant tourists can’t explore many of the beautiful secondary waterways by gondola as the canals often serve as Venice’s streets in the car-less city. The weather problems are multifaceted, blamed on a combination of lack of rain, a high pressure system, a full moon, and sea currents, Reuters reported.” Hopefully, this is only a temporary situation for a city that faces, at times, flooding. This story also noted: "Venice also plans to implement a fee for day trippers, but the start has been postponed and it was not immediately clear when it would go into effect." Full story at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/venice-italy-drought-canals-7112387 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 31,790 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Having had a few events with kidney stones, YES, great point and added reason for me to avoid that Kale stuff. Great medical wisdom/warning. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry for my goof on the link. Appreciate your getting the correct one posted. Very helpful. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the New York Times Travel Section in December, they had this headline: “36 Hours London” with these highlights: “To the casual observer, London may present itself as a capital wedded to traditional and, at times, perplexing institutions, particularly over the past year, from the rotating cast of prime ministers to the choreographed schedule of mourning following Queen Elizabeth II’s death. In actuality, London is a complex knot of old and new. It is also an almost insurmountable task to try conquering the city in one weekend. This itinerary — which traverses an 1800s wine bar loved by a new generation, a night out in South London’s Caribbean heart, centuries of British art under one roof and riverside strolls — is here to help you unlock some of the city’s sprawling, youthful and diverse nature.” This lengthy profile has a wide range of ideas and options for restaurants and bars, attractions, shopping and markets, getting around, where to stay, etc. Many interesting visuals are also included. Have visited London and/or the area in 1977, 1997, 1998, 2006 and 2010. Might share later some of my visuals from our love of London, its history, character, style, people, food, architecture, etc. In this summary report, here is an example of one "hidden gem" they shared: "Bloomsbury is the heart of literary London — it was once home to Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens, whose former home on Doughty Street is open to visitors — and there is no better place in the city to go book shopping. Visit Gay’s The Word, a small but mighty bookshop founded in 1979. Other highlights in the area are the secondhand bookshops Skoob Books and Judd Books. A 15-minute walk away is the bookshop for the London Review of Books. It has a beloved cafe where you can pore over your spoils with coffee and cake." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/09/travel/things-to-do-barcelona.html 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 246,202 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Here is the NY Times graphic for this detailed profile about London.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

From the New York Times Travel Section in November, they had this headline: “36 Hours Barcelona” with these highlights: “In the 30 years since the Olympics turned Barcelona into a tourist magnet, the pull of the city’s architecture and food culture has only grown stronger. So much so, that the Catalan capital has become a key battleground in Europe’s fight against overtourism. Not all initiatives to lessen the crowds have triumphed: A moratorium on hotel construction survived only a couple of years. But in other areas, the balance has shifted in favor of locals: tighter restrictions regulate Airbnb rentals and the size of groups allowed to visit the Boqueria market. The restored Sant Antoni market is again bustling with fishmongers and butchers. Most strikingly, Barcelona’s 'superblock' initiative has turned chunks of the city into car-free, pedestrian playgrounds.” This lengthy profile has a wide range of ideas and options for restaurants and bars, attractions, shopping and markets, getting around, where to stay, etc. Many interesting visuals are also included. Have visited Barcelona in 1998 and 2011. Might share later some of my visuals from our love of Barcelona, its history, character, style, people, food, architecture, etc. In this summary report, here is an example of one "hidden gem" they shared: "With its undulating exterior, Casa Milà — better known as La Pedrera — is one of the city’s most iconic structures. Located in the Eixample district, it also offers a crash course in the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s astonishing design, from the botanically inspired elements he adored to the ingenious physics at play in his work." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/09/travel/things-to-do-barcelona.html 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 256,051 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ Here is the NY Times graphic for this detailed profile about Barcelona.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

Appreciate this quick follow-up from Sue Ellen right here in Columbus, Ohio. Small world??!! Happy to share more and answer any and all questions. As a warning, Rome has such a wide range of great options that you need to research and prepare accordingly. Am I understanding correctly that your time for Rome will be limited to a net of only two days or maybe a little less in "net" time? Is St. Peter's Basilica high on your priority-so-see list? Also, the Vatican Museum? Tell us more!! Happy to hook up directly if that works for your interests and provide more background. What else are your interest for seeing and exploring in Rome? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 101,204 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226 From my 1970 slides, below are two examples of the spectacular exterior of and around St. Peter’s. First is the front with one of the spectacular fountains in the foreground. Has it changed much in 60+ years? Second is a “high shot” from the top of the dome. St. Peter's Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people. It was “built to impress” and it does! Construction of the present Basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began in 1506 and was completed in 1626. The dome of St. Peter's rises 448 feet from the floor of the basilica to the top of the external cross. It is the tallest dome in the world. Michelangelo redesigned the dome in 1547, taking design ideas from Florence’s famed church. St. Peter's Square is vast, 1,115 feet long by 787 feet wide. As you tell, my visuals are from back in history when cars were allowed to park in the massive square. Not allowed these days.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) The ruins of the Roman Forum offer a glimpse for what was the social and political center of Imperial Rome. There is a large collection of remains from temples to Roman gods, public baths, imperial arches, basilicas, the Roman senate, where Caesar’s funeral happened, etc.: Piazza Navona is an elliptically-shaped area on the site of an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium. Now, it is one of modern Rome's premier gathering points with its famous Baroque fountain, Fountain of the Four Rivers (1651), by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It has a notable baroque church, Sant'Agnese in Agone, plus many dining places and areas to walk around, soaking up the great sights and amazing history.: Trevi Fountain might be Rome’s most celebrated fountain and one of world’s most famous. It took about 30 years to build (from 1732 to 1762) and depicts Neptune, the god of the sea. Visitors toss coins into the water in hopes to guarantee a return to Rome. It is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and at a terminal point for one of Rome's ancient aqueducts. It was designed by Nicola Salvi, with influences from Bernini. This fountain famously appears in the films Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, etc. The second picture shows its large front, but the first shows how this fountain sits much below street level and is surrounded by a close mix of large buildings. It is 85’ wide by 66’ high. In person, this tight physical site has a very different "feel" than what you might expect.:

From the New York Times Travel Section in December, they had this headline: “36 Hours Rome” with these highlights: “Rome, usually a city on the verge of an urban breakdown, suddenly seems on the cusp of getting it together. A refreshing breeze of possibility, not just this summer’s burning garbage, is blowing through the city. The city is hoping to host World Expo 2030, a potentially transformative prize that could improve infrastructure and reimagine Rome’s rugged eastern neighborhoods — though even now they percolate with energy. Whether it be sumptuous palaces or new restaurants eager to break free of the carbonara yoke, Rome seems eager to stop resting on its wilted laurels.” This lengthy profile has a wide range of ideas and options for restaurants and bars, attractions, shopping and markets, getting around, where to stay, etc. Many interesting visuals are also included. Have visited Rome in 1970, 1999 and 2011. Might share later some of my visuals from our love of Rome, its history, character, style, people, architecture, etc. In this summary report, here is an example of one "hidden gem" they shared: "Rome is a city of secrets. Behind beat-up facades are sprawling gardens and sparkling palaces. Palazzo Colonna may be the most well-managed and jaw-dropping of them all. Rooms drip with art, and the private apartments of Princess Isabelle are packed with treasures. Polyglot staff members will tell you about the room Michelangelo hung out in; the bored princess who took the (visitable) secret passageway when she escaped dressed as a man; the rare ancient marbles; and the 18th-century insomnia clock." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/12/01/travel/things-to-do-rome.html 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 256,051 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ Here is the NY Times graphic for this detailed profile about Rome.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

From the New York Times Travel Section coming this week, they have this headline: “36 Hour Miami” with these highlights: “The pandemic’s onset roused people to flock to Miami for the beaches, low taxes, limited public health restrictions and its year-round summery weather. That resettling brought a business boom to South Florida, which included a flurry of restaurant openings and new public art displays. But some locals attribute rising rents to this new migration, and describe sudden changes to the cultural fabric as a 'New Yorkification' of Miami. This guide is designed to give you the best of both new and old Miami, with a focus on its Latin American and Caribbean cultures. Here you’ll find a salsa club in Little Havana, interactive art in Allapattah, a rooftop bar with striking views of downtown, and a remarkable meshing of Cuban and American cuisine that defines how this city eats.” This lengthy profile offers a wide range of options in the Miami area for restaurants and bars, shopping and galleries, where to stay, etc. Plus, many colorful and interesting pictures!! Here is an example for one of their suggestions: "South Beach, Miami’s most popular destination, can feel tacky and chaotic. A better place to swim in the warm, turquoise ocean and sunbathe on wide swaths of sand is at Surfside Beach. There are miles of bike and running paths along the town’s beaches. Parking is much easier here, too." Earlier last year after nearly two weeks in the Florida Keys, we had two days in the Miami area, including visiting Little Havana. Here is what this profile shares for this popular location: "The Little Havana neighborhood has been the heart of the Cuban exile community since the 1960s. Its demographics have changed, but the area is still the hub for Cuban culture, food and political protests." Might share later some of my Little Havana visuals and experiences. Feel free to post here your suggestions and secrets for enjoying and experiencing the wide variety of options in and around Miami. Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/23/travel/things-to-do-miami.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 71,033 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/