TLCOhio

The Amer/Amber Fort/Palace has so much that is unique and fascinating. No wonder it attracts such large crowds and significant visitor interest. Below is more visual evidence/sampling to reflect the beauty and history there. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon vs. Porto? Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with nearly 30,000 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296 Here are several more visuals to reflect the various artistic and design details that can be experienced at this historic site outside of Jaipur where the ruling families were housed and from which they controlled these territories in this portion of India.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At the higher levels of this sprawling palace complex, they had a "women's gallery" where the females that were a part of the ruling families could observe (at a "safe" distance) the various activities at the levels below. In these times, women from these families were not to be seen and involved. These two visuals below show an Indian resident using this vantage/observation point above the lower levels of this palace. Notice the artistic design to protect their identities from being seen by those below? Then in the second visual, she turns and gives me a nice, friendly smile! Like?: Here is the view from this "women's gallery" down to the lower levels at the Amber/Amer Palace.:

At the Amber/Amer Palace/Fort, the primary courtyard, Jaleb Chowk. is where the ruler's soldiers assembled and paraded. Up higher are various interior buildings for the royals, including one with walls covered in intricate mirror work using glass imported from Belgium. See a visual below featuring my wife in that unique setting. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with over 20,000 views with much info for . . . . Barbados: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179164-barbados-50th-birthday-our-pixs-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-65530134Or, Dominica: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2169714-dominica-love-our-experience-pictures-etc/page/3/#comment-66637276 Here is a view of the large, initial, lower Amer Palace courtyard where soldiers would parade. In the background are the impressive mountains in the distance with fortifications at the top of these high location.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is a visual of the staircase from the Jaleb Chowk courtyard going up to the higher-level areas of the palace.: At the higher palace level, here is one of the highly-decorated palace buildings.: Here are three different visuals of the many and unique interior wall designs and decorations inside of these palace rooms.: From a higher level of the palace, here is a view down to the lake and a garden area at its lowest level.: This is a closer view of the elephants taking visitor up to the main level of this Amer Palace.:

One of the top attractions to visit in the Jaipur area is Amber Fort or Amer Fort located in a small town 6.8 miles from Jaipur. Situated high on a hill, its setting and views are dramatic and very interesting. It is not just sitting there on a flat, boring site. There are large ramparts and a series of gates and cobbled paths. The fort overlooks Maota Lake, the main source of water for the Amer Palace. Some of its buildings have the influence of Mughal architecture. It is constructed of red sandstone and marble, featuring a palace laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. Plus, various walls, towers and defensive position being up above the palace to defend this royal location. More than 1.8 million visitors tour annually and in 2013, Amer Fort, along with five other forts of Rajasthan, were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Per Wikipedia, the Amber Fort was originally built by Raja Man Singh. Jai Singh I expanded it in the early 1600's. Construction started in 1592. Improvements and additions were made by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. Lots of history here!! As added background for the Royal Heritage Haveli where we stayed in Jaipur, it is a converted 18th-century Rajasthani hunting lodge. The family-run hotel has the feel of a personal estate, with croquet on the lawns, spa, dining and drinks on an elevated level overlooking the grounds and buildings. It is decorated in the Indo-Mughal style with bright frescoes, sweeping archways and intricate tile. It was built in the 1700's by His Highness Madho Singh Ji of Jaipur, After 250 years as a Royal retreat, it opened its doors as a boutique hotel. 
Now owned by the Maharaj Jai Singh of Jaipur, it is is run by his niece and her husband. 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 As we approached the Amber or Amer Palace/Fort, here is one of the first views with the lake at the front/lower level. Next is a closer visual for a portion of this sprawling palace/fort, including showing elephants taking visitors up to the higher levels. The final two visuals show these elephants closer. There is serious debate as to the pro/con factors for using elephants in this type of tourism activity. We did not ride the elephants. In addition to the ethical questions for using elephants in this way, I was warned that riding an elephants can be very rough and bumpy. True or not?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is an interesting and unique decorative gate seen near this palace/fort site.: Here is an example for the various decorative goods displayed and solid near this historic site. Second is a local musician seen as we climbed up to the main parts of the palace areas. Lots of "local color" and artistic style!: Here are only two of the many visuals showing various walls, towers and fortification surrounding this Amber Palace near Jaipur. They were serious about protecting the ruling families here in India.:

Now, we move to the "Main Event" as one of the top, best "stars" during our visit to India. It is JAIPUR!! Some of the pre-cruise options from Silversea and other tour firms did not offer a chance to see Jaipur. Or, they did this amazing city and location in too short of a time frame and/or with logistics that were not very appealing. Why is Jaipur so much of a must-see? Many of my visuals will verify its attraction, history and charm, plus below is more background and details. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan where this Royal family still has a huge presence and position that uniquely continued after India gained freedom and independence from British rule in 1947. Jaipur is known as the “Pink City” for its walled, pink-hued cluster of buildings. Jaipur is a microcosm of India’s color and bustle with imaginative architecture. Plus, an intermingling of their historic past and the 21st Century current world. Jaipur has a population of 4.5 million, the tenth largest city in India. Jaipur is also called the "Paris of India". The city is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar. Jaipur was the setting for the film Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel. This movie followed the adventures of a group of senior European ex-pats who retire to Jaipur and in the process discover their true selves. Located 167 miles from New Delhi. Jaipur was founded in 1727 by the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. It was one of the earliest planned cities of modern India. 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 are four quick samples for the architecture and style of Jaipur with its colorful gates and unique building designs. Like the pink gates? Jaipur is "feast" to stimulate the eye and brain. AND, to warm the heart for photographers like me. Lots to soak up and enjoy!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For our two nights in Jaipur, we stayed at the Royal Heritage Haveli. Now privately operated, it was a former hunting lodge of the ruling family on the edge of the then existing town. Below is its pool and a couple samples for its colorful, flowering grounds. Compared to the Oberoi and Taj hotels, this gave us another sampling for the wide variety of upscale and unique hotel options in India.:

Below is more from in and around this interesting village in India as we moved from Agra to Jaipur. 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 21,244 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/ There was a mix of history, crafts and even agriculture in this small village. Like goats? Here are some visuals to summarize a group of them being herded and moved. Plus, an up-close view of a cute goat face only a mother would love.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here are a couple more samples for the various crafts and items for sale in this village with its historic sites.: In traveling along this route, we saw a wide variety of motorcycles, vehicles, etc., that was used to the "max" to carry goods, people, etc.: Nearby to this village, there were a large number of "shops" along the roadways that specialized in carved stone and design pieces to be used architecturally. Interesting sights!!:

To share more from our visit to the village of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan, it has the ruins of an ancient city as previously shown. This charming village is situated along the Jaipur-Agra Highway. We had a chance to meet and interact with several craftspeople, learn about their production means, see various finished items, etc. Hoping this weekend to complete final review of the many, many visuals taken during our "Golden Triangle" exploring and being able to get them posted here. Sorry for my delays and distractions (including to get our April 15 taxes done and filed). Don't be shy with any and all questions, comments, info needs, etc. 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 22,620 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ In Abhaneri, here are two visuals of a craftsman using fire and his techniques to create a wide variety of colorful bracelets. Yes, my wife bought a few to take home as gifts.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) These visuals show how my wife got to see "up close and personal" how weaving is done in villages in India. In the third picture, it shows the woven item we bought and that is now gracing a glass table in our family room. My wife liked how these colors would fit in that room for us at home. Plus, remember our exploring in fascinating India.: Here was a craftsman doing his pottery "magic".: Here is our skilled guide as we visited inside the home of the family who did the weaving crafts. Second is our guide with a friend of hers in this charming India village. Getting a good sampling for life in large cities and small villages was important to learn more about life in India.:

From CNN, the cable news network, and MSN News two days ago, they had this headline: “What to see at the 2024 Venice Biennale” with these highlights: “This week sees the opening of the Venice Biennale, an 8-month-long festival of art and culture staged every other year. A central show, housed in a series of sprawling industrial buildings; 88 national pavilions, most of which are located in the Giardini parkland area of the city; and finally, a series of satellite or “collateral” exhibitions and pop-up events dotted throughout the city. The main event is running from April 20 to November 24 2024. This exhibition showcases the works of over 30 emerging and established international artists (including Cindy Sherman, Louise Bourgeois, Sarah Lucas, Irving Penn) spanning the realms of painting, sculpture, photography, and film." Many artists featured during this Venice program are detailed in this article, including: "One of the most revolutionary and influential artists of the 20th century, Willem de Kooning is the subject of a major exhibition exploring his time in Italy in 1959 and 1969 and the impact it had on his work." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/other/what-to-see-at-the-2024-venice-biennale/ar-AA1ndX4r THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are their charts for the most recent five days of trading. Interestingly, these three stocks moved in different ways and patterns during this past week. Especially for Royal Caribbean, it was a rather "rocky" and negative week. Not as much for the other two major cruise lines. Coming up May 1, Norwegian will be doing its quarterly report for the stock analysts. That might create some stories and headlines. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with around 29,000 views with much info for . . . . Barbados: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179164-barbados-50th-birthday-our-pixs-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-65530134Or, Dominica: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2169714-dominica-love-our-experience-pictures-etc/page/3/#comment-66637276 Here are the WSJ charts for the three major cruise stock during the most recent five days of trading. Is any trend clearly showing?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For added perspective, here is the overall S&P 500 index from the Wall Street Journal for the past one month period of trading. Looks like a fairly negative slide during this period, especially most recently. Right?:

Great to know you are in Manaus and sailing along the Amazon. Look forward to your keen insights, nice visuals, excellent sharing, etc. Keep it rolling!! Look forward to learning more and enjoying great entertainment. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 74,904 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Nice to know, now, that their survey can and should be done on a mobile device. At the end of our late February Mumbai to Singapore Silver Moon cruise, I did "it" on the suite TV screen. Terrible, shallow and painful experience!! So much that I wanted to share to help Silversea's management fix and fine-tune their operations. Plus, salute some outstanding staff members. Wanted to give them some more, better options to complete our feed-back and help insure Silversea remains a "luxury" product. If, management wants to hear it and learn?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Agree 100% with Spins that this "interactive app" is terrible. Very hard on a silly TV screen to express substantive details compared to a more conventional print version. In late February 2024 in Singapore at the end of our cruise from Mumbai on the Silver Moon, I wanted to be highly detailed and very specifics. That was "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE" with this shallow, simplistic technology. Maybe the "bean-counters" in Miami and Monaco think they are so super smart and savvy with this type of technology. They can push buttons and get some data, but they are totally missing the opportunity to learn more, fix and fine-tune as needed, let customers know they are being heard, etc. Silversea management is changing, maybe, but do they really want to listen to customers who expect consistency with a promised "luxury" product at a premium price???? As noted on my live/blog, the Silver Moon is wonderful and the staff on the ship performed, overall, very well. But, a number of management decisions from the higher levels needs better focus and serious improvement. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

YES, in Manaus, their fish market is great and fascinating. Need to grab a couple items from there. Here is one of my visuals from being there in 2015 while on the Silver Cloud. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 74,904 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

While some are guessing and speculation, many, including me, have posted based on recent and actual Silversea sailing and observing in-person as to our actually experiences. As noted, most on the ship for us ranged good to excellent. BUT, other aspects show signs of management goof-ups and miscommunications from the higher administrative/finance sides of Silversea. I call it "bean-counter" errors. The stock, as detailed on another thread, for Royal Caribbean has been better than has happened with Celebrity and Norwegian. But, RCL is far from its peak three plus years ago. Still billions of debt to be recovered and much more in future new-ship costs to be financially covered, etc. Agree, much is TBD!!! 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 249,855 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

YES, Tokyo Station is an excellent location and handy for many options. Below is a picture from just a month ago when we were in front of this location with its nice, interesting architecture and many nearby hotels and potentials. 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

Appreciate these above great comments and follow-up from our Bermuda friend. Well summarized!! YES, there are various pro/con, plus/minus factors involved. During our 18-days, Mumbai to Singapore experiences with Silversea and on the Silver Moon, many aspects were very good to excellent. But, there were aspects in the three-days in Mumbai where what was promised/claimed by Silversea fell significantly short. Way off and not good. Sorry to be so blunt. If you need specifics, I can provide them. Plus, some goofs in connection with the SS-provided tours during our cruise. The challenges are more with the "bean-counters" in Miami and Monaco. Those finance-types are out of touch with promised and expected "customer service" priorities. Their short-sightedness dictates policies that tarnish the brand. Overall, as someone following closely the finances of the three major cruise companies, Royal Caribbean has done better as viewed by the stock market compared to Carnival and Norwegian. BUT, RCL and the others are still far, far away from their past value peaks. And, most of the big billions of debt are still hanging over their heads. Plus, billions of dollars in new ship orders, etc. And, when does the next recession hit to affect future bookings? I understand the need to "pinch pennies", but how do they balance that with maintaining a high, superior level of service/quality. Not easy to make everyone happy?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

From the Wall Street Journal later on this Friday afternoon, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines. Overall, it was not a good week for either the cruise lines or the overall S&P 500. See the charts below. Also below is a look at Royal Caribbean during the most recent one month of trading. Not exactly a positive upswing after rising to 52-weeks high earlier in this month? Predictions for the cruise stock and/or the overall market during the rest of this month? Or, for later 2024? 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 64,323 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 Here are the WSJ charts for the three major cruise stock during the most recent five days of trading. Two of the five days for Royal Caribbean involved sharp, negative drops. Is this all about the overall market slide? Or, something else?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For the most recent one-month period, here is the RCL chart from the Wall Street Journal. Up the mountain and then, down, down?: Here is the WSJ chart for the past week with the wider S&P 500 group of stock values.:

Great above guess and speculation!! The "transition" from her husband as CEO to Barbara was fascinating and raising interesting questions. Now this?? Inquiring minds want to know more as to the "Rest of the Story"!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

WOW!! Big, surprising news. How much does the new CEO for Silversea understand and appreciate about "customer service" with and for a luxury brand. With a customer base of people with high expectations? Will he stand up to the "bean counters" at Royal Caribbean who want to cut corners, save pennies and not understand a different, more sophisticated audience than for the larger, mass brands? AND, what is the "rest of the story". The change was IMMEDIATE!! Barbara quickly gone in one day. The new guy from outside Silversea there instantly! No smooth transition period. Lots of unknowns and questions. Fair or unfair?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Next, we visited Chand Baori, a step well in the village of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Extending approximately 100 feet into the ground, it is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. Its construction is dated back to the 8th-9th century. It has 3500 steps cascading 13 stories deep into a large tank at the bottom and has been constructed in an upside-down pyramid-style. Chand Baori is considered one of the oldest surviving step wells in the country. Also, an upper palace building was added to the site, viewed from the tabulated arches used by the Chauhan rulers. Part of that structure is shown in the first picture below. 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 33,037 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580 Here is a sampling from Chand Baori, a step well in the charming village of Abhaneri. Many interesting carved items are located at this historic site.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

In traveling from Agra to Jaipur, we stopped for lunch at a dining location associated with the Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat. It was constructed in 1890 by the Gaekwad family, a prominent Maratha family, who ruled the Baroda State. Large interesting buildings there. They receive many tour groups there with a large buffet. Decent food, OK, but nothing that special. Below are some visual samples from this stop. Per Wikipedia, this is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built until that time, and four times the size of Buckingham Palace. At the time of construction, it boasted the most modern amenities such as elevators and the interior is reminiscent of a large European country house. When India got its independence in 1947, many of the old regional rulers with money/property lost out. BUT, for some, they had enough skill/power/position to hang on and adjust to gain revenue from tourism and other businesses. 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 34,813 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 At the dining location associated with Lakshmi Vilas Palace, here are some visual samples. This includes one of its exterior, the music/dancing folks outside as we entered, an interior visual and one from the gardens outside.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is a short video sampling of the music and setting at this newer, but historic India location.: DSC_3529.mov Here are a couple more "cattle" visuals. Yes, at limited times, you see them used for transportation. Or, just "hanging out" and/or roaming.:

Here in Central Ohio, we had the 100% total eclipse and it was TOTALLY AMAZING!! When things went dark for nearly four minutes, not only did we get the ability to see the Moon/Sun combo with our safety glasses off and be feeling things cool down. BUT, the biggest surprise was to experience a 360 degree "sunset" in all directions around us. North. South. West. East. There were light clouds around and that made this all-directions "sunset" look and experience seem much more unique and "unreal". In 2017, we had the partial eclipse. That was nice and good. BUT, the full 100% is so very much better. Egypt in 2027?? Maybe we could make that one. Sounds interesting. Glad we do not have to wait till around 2095 when the next full eclipse comes through Central Ohio. How many of us will be around in 2095?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

On the way to Jaipur, we toured Jodha Bai Mahal, the largest palace in Fatehpur Sikri commissioned by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569 for his favored queen. This Mahal is the largest complex of the zenana (palace for women belonging to the royal household). It features a fusion of Hindu and Persian architecture made with red sandstone. Akbar moved his capital from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri in honor of the prayers of Sheikh Salim Chisti. Those blessings were sought and Akbar believed that this led to the long-sought birth of a male heir for his empire's future. As added background, Akbar (1542-1605) was the third Mughal emperor, reigning from 1556 to 1605. Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun, under a regent who helped the young emperor expand and consolidate Mughal lands and control over a wider portion of the Indian subcontinent. And Akbar, like other Mughal rulers, were great builders who left many structures and treasures for future generations to explore and experience. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 53,728 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227 At Jodha Bai Maha in Fatehpur Sikri, here is a sampling of the many, various structures and design details at this palace with a large area used by the various women connected to this royal family. Look interesting and spectacular? Great, amazing crafting?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) This is an example from one of the interior garden areas at this royal palace.: These sandstone structures do not always hold up over hundreds of years to the weather and winds. Here was part of the craftsmen on-site preparing replacement pieces. Second is an interior view for one of the structures, showing my wife and our guide examining its details.: In this area, here is the flag of India, plus one of the nearby, historic gates/walls.:

Appreciate these great comments and follow-up from our experienced travel friend. Keep it coming with any and all posts, questions, shared experiences in this areas, etc. Sorry for my distractions and delays to be finishing up the visuals and details from our exploring of India's famed and amazing "Golden Triangle" prior to Mumbai and boarding the Silver Moon. Below are some visuals of the Red Fort near Agra and the travels from the Taj Mahal to colorful Jaipur. One key sight was the Agra Red Fort where Mughal emperor Humayun was crowned. It was later renovated by the Mughal emperor Akbar from 1565 and the present-day structure was completed in 1573. It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi, per Wikipedia. In 1983, the Agra fort was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance during the Mughal Dynasty. It is about 1.6 miles northwest of more famous Taj Mahal. This fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. It is built of red sandstone, helping to give this fortress its name and as used in many other locations in these parts of India. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 55,636 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193 Here are a couple of visual samples for the scale and design details of Agra's Red Fort. Big and impressive?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In departing Agra, below is a visual of the many monkeys climbing up on the fence at a military location at the edge of this historic city. Second is example as to how motorcycles are creatively used to transport even large items such as natural gas containers.: Along this routing exiting Agra there are colorful street markets, many locals using their bicycles for transportation and also a random, protected cow along a roadway.:

Appreciate this great question and follow-up. Sorry for my delay in responding. Which Cape? Cape of Good Hope? As I recall, we flew down the dramatic coastal areas, saw near/around False Bay, then over part of Wine Country to the east, etc. Do not think we went far enough by helicopter south to go over the actual Cape of Good Hope. We had visited the Cape of Good Hope with our ground/land touring when we also saw the fun and interesting Boulder Beach with their free-roaming colony of African penguins. Does this help? Need more? Here is another visual that I captured of this scenic coast south of Cape Town that had not previously been posted. Look interesting and exciting? 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 249,855 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3

Great comments and follow-ups above. Super glad you are planning for added time in Istanbul prior to starting your cruise. Lots to see, love and do in historic and charming Istanbul. From the Lonely Planet website late last month, they had this headline: “7 of the best neighborhoods in Istanbul” with these highlights by writer Jennifer Hattam: “With its huge size and centuries of history, it would be impossible to see all of Istanbul in one trip – or perhaps even in one lifetime. Still, its central neighborhoods are relatively compact, and each has its own distinct character. First-time visitors and those on a tight schedule will likely want to book a hotel in Sultanahmet, smack in the middle of Istanbul’s star attractions, while time spent in other districts gives insights into different aspects of local life in a city that contains multitudes.” Many options and potentials are outlined in this profile. After you get back later this year, follow-up here and let us know what you loved most about Istanbul, etc. Keep up the great researching and planning. Smart being prepared for this amazing city and culture. Full story at: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-neighborhoods-in-istanbul?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_9486400&utm_usr=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/