TLCOhio

Appreciate ALL of these great comments and follow-ups regarding Lois' Caribbean trip. Wonderful sharing in many ways!! On the question of Silversea shifting to things being "all-inclusive" including excursions, Lois' experience raises a legitimate and an important question, IMO. If Lois only did one ship excursion during her cruise, for at Dominica, then did she get her "money's worth" in value since those ship tour were basically added into the overall price tag?? Personally, I would rather pay the lower price and not have the so-called "free" excursions included. Right or wrong? As for Dominica, it is one of super favorites. It is not a typical, over-developed Caribbean island, too crowded with cruise ships and failing to offer any feel for the people and the island character/charm there. Need proof for Dominica? Below are just three visuals from there. 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 70,772 views: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696 Dominica's "natural charm" is wonderful. So green with heavy forests, flowing waters, etc. Below is from our rubber-tube float we did in a very scenic, wooded area of the island. Second are two visuals from the "festival" that we were lucky enough to observe during our day there. Lots of old, historic buildings in the main downtown, etc. Love Dominica, the music, people, etc.!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Great to learn, Lois, that you will be soon heading to Istanbul and other great locations. Do carefully review ALL of the Silversea tour options and seek to maximize your efforts while in this historic city. Istanbul is not just a "one-trick-pony" like in some Caribbean islands. The options and opportunities are so, so many in Istanbul. Amazing architecture, history, culture and character. Appreciate Lois' kind comments on my pictures. It's fun to share!! Below is more about one option to see there in Istanbul. It's the Dolmabahce Palace. Not the highest, top priority in Istanbul if you only have a part of one day there to tour. But, it is interesting to see how with this structure they picked up more of the European-style in building this one palace for the Sultan. 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 99,785 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226 In 1856, Sultan Abdul Mecid I moved his court to the newly-built Dolmabahce Palace, the first European-style palace in the city. Located on the European side of the Bosporus, it served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922. Fourteen tons of gold in the form of gold leaf were used to gild the ceilings. It is the largest palace in Turkey. The world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier is in the center hall of the palace. A gift from Queen Victoria, it has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tons. Dolmabahce has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world and one of the great staircases has bannisters of Baccarat crystal. Second is the changing of the guard.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Is your home bathroom decorated in this manner? The Sultan had a carved Alabaster bath with this example for one luxury area in the palace.: Below is a portion of the large entertainment room at this palace. Fairly lavish with super tall ceilings? Second is a small portion of the outdoor gardens and art work, etc. Could you be comfortable here?:

From our northeastern Ohio friend visiting Manaus right now, below is a picture she sent as they were visiting the Manaus Opera House yesterday. Looks good!! Also appears that there is plastic up in part of the lower seating area as I assume some "re-doing" is happening to maintain this historic structure. Should have more information and background later when they return as to her impressions and experiences for the Amazon River and Manaus. 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 245,784 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Good luck to our New England neighbor with your upcoming Lima to Rio adventure on the Moon. Sounds exciting and interesting, especially on the Silver Moon. Great, challenging questions given your recent Covid situation. Yes, it is not easy know the best "rules" to follow as everything is always changing and evolving. Keep us posted as to how it all plays with Silversea, etc. In those countries of South America, there are some uncertainty with conditions there. Hope it all works out. Hope you share more as you travel as to what you see, do and enjoy. Yes, was busy last week with some work-related items. Was back and busy posting a number of items over this past weekend. Still trying to figure out our travel options for later this winter and into the Spring and Summer. 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 21,541 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Don't, Lois, be too negative. But, you are being "realistic" as the Chiefs are very good in playing at home with their super-charged crowd of active fans. My wife's brother lives nearby to Kansas City, west of that city. We therefore have more than average interest in following Kansas City, especially with their great quarterback and recent NFL successes. On your cruise, with stops at St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Kitts, Antigua, Dominica and St Barts, did you do much in these ports? Any special excursion highlights? Have been to Dominica and San Juan, but not to these other ports. Which islands got the most "buzz" from others on your cruise as to their best highlights? 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 245,784 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Here is part three for the visual highlights and options to consider for Istanbul. More later. As mentioned, if you are there for only one cruise-day stop, you will get frustrated as there is so much to explore and consider in Istanbul. Research and plan ahead!! Hopefully, you might have a private guide who can customize for your highest personal interests in this large, historic and diverse city. 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 240,387 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139 For visiting inside Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, be prepared and check their website: www.grandbazaaristanbul.org. It is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewelry and the like. The bazaar has been an important trading centre since 1461 and its labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens (domed buildings), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in 1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is a custom item being made for our daughter-in-law being made at the Grand Bazaar from pink stones.: On the right is my wife as we were in a shop having a ring customized for her. Were we happy?: At the Topkapi Palace, it was the official and primary residence in Istanbul of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their 624-year reign. It was the setting for state occasions and royal entertainments. Below is just one of the many building within this large complex. Plus, one of my visuals showing the Topkapi Dagger set with three large Colombian emeralds. Look impressive?:

Below is part two from Istanbul and its many scenic sights/experiences. If you have some Istanbul visuals and/or fun background, please share here. Don't be shy! Am especially interested to hear from those who have recently been to Istanbul. Given Covid and other "issues" in Turkey, Istanbul is now re-opening and gaining more cruise ship visits. 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 245,784 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923 Hagia Sophia, the former patriarchal basilica, later Mosque, then a museum and now back as a Mosque in Istanbul. It is a mix of both Christian and Islamic visuals on the inside. From its dedication in 360 until 1453, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople, except between 1204 and 1261, when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire. The building was a mosque from 1453 until 1931, when it was secularized. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. There is great artistic value in its decorated interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee!" In the final picture at the bottom, my wife and our guide were talking and sharing information about this historic site.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Ready for some Istanbul "eye candy"? There is so much to see and enjoy there. We were fortunate to have two full days with a private guide in Istanbul as we finished our sailing from Athens, exploring the Greek Islands and the Turkish Coast. This was our first cruise and we super loved the experience. 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 255,727 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474 Here was our first view of Istanbul in June 2006 from our just-docking cruise ship as we smelled the sweet blend of this historic Turkish city. YES, you could really sense how very “special” is this unique city with so much culture, charm and interest! Istanbul has such a wide variety of history, culture, architecture, people, food, charm, etc. It’s the total experience here that is so amazing.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Istanbul’s famed Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It was built from 1609 to 1616. It is still used as a mosque and is one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attraction. The design is the culmination of two centuries of both Ottoman mosque and Byzantine church development. It incorporates some Byzantine elements of the neighboring Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture. It is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period. The architect aimed for overwhelming size, majesty and splendour. It has six minarets along with eight smaller domes and one main large dome.: Remember the 1963 James Bond "To Russia with Love" film? Here are the underground cisterns of Istanbul shown during a portion of this classic movie.:

Super appreciate these great comments, insights and follow-up from the savvy cruisemom42. Excellent, key questions and helpful link/background. Before our visit in 2006 to Haghia Sophia, I was aware as to how In 1935, the first Turkish President,, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, turned the building into a museum as a way to balance out the "debate" over how to use this former Greek Orthodox Christian and Islamic religious facility. Tangled, unique history there. And in other ways for Turkey under its current leadership. Now, it is back to being a Mosque. Will share some of my visuals soon from Istanbul. Such great architecture and history there. 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 49,756 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

There were some exciting, thriller games on Sunday in the NFL, including the Cincinnati Bengals beating Baltimore. That was exciting down to the last seconds. Potential good game tonight Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay to face Tom Brady, etc. Then, next week, many more big games, including Cincy visiting Buffalo with all of the hype from their recent unfinished game with the health challenge for the one Bills player. The upcoming Jacksonville AFC Divisional Playoff will be Saturday at Kansas City, 4:30 pm on NBC-TV. Fasten your seat belts, it will be fun!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Cruises and money?? From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “Love that cheap cruise price? Don’t forget the boatload of fees" with this sub-headline: "Taxes, port fees, tips, drinks and activities can quickly add up.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Colleen McDaniel remembers being on her first cruise more than 20 years ago when someone offered her a drink of the day. 'I was like, great,' she remembered, and didn’t think about it when they asked for her room card. Only later did McDaniel, now editor in chief of Cruise Critic, realize that she had been charged for the drink. Cruise executives love to tout the value of a cruise: Pay one price and your lodging, food, entertainment and visits to multiple ports are included. But there are a host of added fees — some optional and some mandatory — that can come as a big surprise to new cruise travelers.” The good news with Silversea and certain higher-priced cruise lines is that there is less of these extra charges for drinks, etc. But as all of the cruise lines are looking to pay back the billions and billions of dollars borrowed during the Coved shut-down, be on the look out for these somewhat, maybe, hidden extras. This story notes: "Several cruise lines in recent months have announced they are increasing automatic gratuities, hiking prices for WiFi or charging more for room service delivery. A cruise is not just about the ship, of course — but going out and about on port visits can cost extra." For excursions with Silversea, our past experience has been that many of the tours through them have not been marked up as much compared to what other lines such as Oceania does. Any recent experiences as to how Silversea handles these tour fees? It seems now that a group of "basic" excursions are included in the price, but added fees are charged for some of the "better" ones. Right or wrong? How is the pricing for the "Selected Shore Excursions"? Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/01/15/cruise-drink-package-port-fees/ 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 31,720 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Super appreciate the great follow-ups from cruisemom42. As always, you bring important and helpful background and insights. Excellent added sharing by the Green Family. Yes, timing can be debatable and bit of a "roll of the dice". Then as noted below, the weather can be a factor, too, for Venice to maximize the experience. From the London/UK Telegraph yesterday, they had this headline: “If you’re visiting Venice in summer, you’re doing it all wrong" with this sub-headline: "Make the most of the Floating City’s innermost corners when the winter weather closes in.” Here are some of their reporting by Nick Trend highlights: “When the sun shines, it’s glorious. The alleyways, quaysides and canals are quiet; the locals are relaxed. The low slanting light glitters like diamonds on the surface of the water and reflects on to cracked marble and weathered brick, infusing dilapidation with beauty. On a good day, winter is the most wonderful time to explore the world’s most beautiful city. But when the rain comes, or the fog descends, or the icy tramontane wind whips down from the Dolomites, the damp and bitter cold of a Venetian winter eats into your bones. The views are gone; beauty sleeps. Cheer up. In Venice, bad weather simply presents an opportunity. What makes this such an extraordinary city is not just those near miraculous views of stone-encrusted palaces and churches shimmering like mirages on the water, but what’s inside them. And the fascinating thing about indoor Venice is just how much the decorative aesthetics of the opulent ballrooms and painted salons, the glittering mosaics and airy frescoes, have changed over time.” One key point? Don't forget the interiors: "Confidence infused the Venetians in the 16th century – it saw itself as a cultural rival to Rome and Florence, aggrandising its palazzos and championing artists such as Titian and Tintoretto." Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/veneto/venice/visiting-venice-summer-wrong/ 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 255,727 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Appreciate these very kind follow-ups. Would you like to see a little "eye-candy" from our visit to Manaus? Below are just a few of my visuals. Can share more if of interest, including our "Indiana Jones" exploring in the rainforest about 60 miles north of Manaus. Have a friend who is now sailing up the Amazon River on a Viking ship. She will be there shortly and maybe I can share some of her more recent impressions and experiences there in Manaus after she arrives back in Ohio. 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 240,387 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139 The Opera House in Manaus is very unique and historic. Very much worth visiting. Below gives a small sampling for its style, character and design.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) The multi-level boats along the Manaus waterfront are interesting and somewhat unique. I like the Brazil flag!: The Manaus markets, streets, etc., are busy with people, activity and varied sights.:

Good news!! From the Washington Post this morning, they had this updated story and headline of: “Asia is reopening to travelers" with this sub-headline: "Japan, Hong Kong and China are the latest destinations to ease restrictions for tourists.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “While many of Americans’ favorite international tourism destinations across Europe and the Caribbean reopened in fits and starts, Asia largely trailed behind, remaining largely closed to leisure travelers until 2022. Popular spots like Japan and Indonesia have reopened and smoothed out complicated entry requirements. Countries including Thailand and Singapore have exceeded their targets for international arrivals in 2022 and are now setting even higher goals for the new year.” Of most interest to many, including us, is about China's long-delayed re-opening. This reporting update noted: "As of Jan. 8, the country has dropped its severe mandatory quarantine on arrival and only requires travelers to show a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure. But this phase of reopening is not intended for foreign tourism, but rather to allow Chinese nationals (and foreign nationals with valid residence permits and visas) the freedom to travel abroad again." This should be helpful for many cruise lines, including Silversea. Anyone have upcoming plans for these areas of Asia? Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/asia-travel-restrictions-americans-thailand-bali/ 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 31,720 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Continued great sharing by Davey from India. Keep it coming!! Nice pix's from JP and continued great funnies. Now 35F here in Central Ohio. Sorry to hear of the cold weather in Florida. Here below is a cute fox yesterday that we saw twice out our family room patio door. Was moving fast, but I managed to catch this visual with my iPhone. Not best quality pix, but I had to move fast and my better Nikon SLR was not handy. The fox seemed good, healthy, moving well. Nice and sunny yesterday and today. But, fairly cold yesterday. Fun!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Here below is a cute fox yesterday that we saw twice out our family room patio door. Was moving fast, but I managed to catch this visual with my iPhone. Not best quality pix, but I had to move fast and my better Nikon SLR was not handy. The fox seemed good, healthy, moving well. Nice and sunny yesterday and today. But, cold. Fun!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

In that same New York Times Travel Section this weekend headlined as: “52 Places to Go in 2023", they also spotlighted Kangaroo Island. This is one of the top locations that this annual NY Times reporting puts in the world spotlight. Here are some of their highlights: “A haven for koalas and other wild creatures, healing after devastating wildfires. A short trip from Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, the nearly 1,700-square-mile Kangaroo Island is known for incredible wildlife, breathtaking ocean views and its status as an ecological haven — like a zoo without fences. Three years ago, devastating fires consumed the island, wiping out wildlife and destroying a famous luxury hotel, the Southern Ocean Lodge. Efforts to rebuild are continuing, and the island is more compelling than ever to visit. At the Kangaroo Island Koala and Wildlife Rescue Centre, you can book a private tour to see the animal hospital facilities, or bottle-feed a joey (a baby kangaroo). At the long-established Seal Bay Conservation Park, you can watch one of Australia’s largest colonies of sea lions frolic on the beach. And in 2023 the Southern Ocean Lodge will reopen, grander and better than before.” Super loved Kangaroo Island from our 2014 visit there. Awesome is my quick summary as detailed earlier on this live/blog with many pictures. There is super cute video as a part of their story featuring two wonderful koalas Would love to learn and see more as to how this islands these days looks and seems after the wildfire damages. Glad to hear they are re-building and trying to recover. Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.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 70,772 views: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

YES, watched the amazing ending of the Jags game with their wild, unexpected comeback. One headline called it an "epic comeback"!! Great challenges if Jacksonville must go to Kansas City to play the well-established, super-solid Chiefs. Three big NFL games today and one more on Monday night. Fun!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they have this headline: “52 Places to Go in 2023" with this sub-headline: "Travel’s rebound has revealed the depth of our drive to explore the world. Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? ” Manaus is one their top world locations that this annual NY Times reporting puts in the spotlight. Here are some of their highlights: “In Manaus, where you can sip steamy gourds of tacacá from a stand in front of the Teatro Amazonas or wander past plastic bottles of tucupi, the juice squeezed from grated cassava, in Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market, Amazonian ingredients are a fact of life. At the Indigenous-owned Biatüwi, a restaurant that pays homage to ancestral recipes and cooking techniques, drinks are made from fermented purple yams, and chiles are used to purify river fish in piquant stews like quinhampira. Then there’s the chef Felipe Schaedler, who has helped threatened Yanomami communities commercialize their native mushrooms and runs two restaurants of his own: Banzeiro and Moquém do Banzeiro.” We enjoyed Manaus when visiting there in early 2015 on a cruise up and down the Amazon as detailed below on my live/blog. Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.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 70,748 views: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they have this headline: “52 Places to Go in 2023" with this sub-headline: "Travel’s rebound has revealed the depth of our drive to explore the world. Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? ” Istanbul is one their top world locations that this annual NY Times reporting puts in the spotlight. Here are some of their highlights: “This October, the Turkish Republic celebrates its 100th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, Istanbul’s local government has invested millions in giving historic structures new life. Among them: Feshane, a factory that manufactured the iconic Turkish hats and one of Istanbul’s first steel buildings, will become one of its largest art centers; west of the old city, a comprehensive restoration of the stone-and-brick Mevlanakapi city walls with their 22 towers dating back to the fifth century, will transform them into a four-and-a-half-mile walking path; and the Botter Apartment, one of Istanbul’s earliest Art Nouveau buildings. There’s more. Art museums are planned for the former Yedikule gasworks and the Halic Shipyard, one of the world’s oldest still in operation. And most notably, the newly built Istanbul Modern museum, designed by the architect Renzo Piano, will open its doors along the Bosporus in Karakoy, showcasing the works of notable Turkish artists such as Fahrelnissa Zeid and Erol Akyavas.” Super enjoyed Istanbul in June 2006 during a cruise trip that finished there. Had two full days there with a private guide to help us explore and learn so much. Recently, travel there has been more limited due to Covid and other factors. Should Istanbul be on my future list to go back and see what has changed, etc.? Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.html 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 21,508 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they have this headline: “52 Places to Go in 2023" with this sub-headline: "Travel’s rebound has revealed the depth of our drive to explore the world. Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? ” Cuba is one their top world locations that this annual NY Times reporting puts in the spotlight. Here are some of their highlights: “An island of music and white-sand beaches ripe for rediscovery as the United States eases travel restrictions. With its sea-sprayed, pastel facades, white-sand beaches and tobacco-rich valleys, Cuba sits tantalizingly close to the United States, though it often feels out of reach. But a confluence of factors just made travel to the island nation a bit easier. In November, American Airlines resumed flights beyond Havana, adding departures to the beach town Varadero and the interior city Santa Clara, a regional capital steeped in revolutionary history. More flights from other carriers are set to begin in the coming months. Cuba’s people are as generous with their stories — of history, family, even politics and protest — as they are with their music, an omnipresent, joyful soundtrack thrumming through the island’s cities and towns.” Super enjoyed Cuba in March 2001 during a one-week trip there. Might later post some visual highlights from exploring historic and charming Cuba. Should it be on my future list to go back and see what has changed, etc.? Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.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 70,748 views: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they have this headline: “52 Places to Go in 2023" with this sub-headline: "Travel’s rebound has revealed the depth of our drive to explore the world. Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? ” Namib Desert is one their top world locations that this annual NY Times reporting puts in the spotlight. Here are some of their highlights: “Along the desolate coast of Namibia, 1,000-foot-tall sand dunes descend into the sea. During low tide, intrepid adventurers can drive along the beach, past towering yellow dunes on one side and the South Atlantic’s churning waters on the other. This is the Namib, the world’s oldest desert. After almost three years of Covid-19 restrictions, it’s hard to imagine a place where you can feel more free. 'Namib' means 'vast place' in Khoekhoegowab, a language spoken in many parts of Namibia. In the Namib-Naukluft National Park, travelers can go back in time at the Deadvlei, where 600-year-old trees stand eerily lifeless, preserved by the dry air; challenge themselves to climb the 100-story Big Daddy Dune; observe desert-adapted wildlife like oryx and springbok; and even see mysterious fairy circles.” We super enjoyed Cape Town, South Africa, etc., as detailed below in my live/blog, when visiting there in early 2016. But, due to limited time and budget, did not make it to Namib Desert. Should it be on our future to-do list? Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,475 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they have this headline: “52 Places to Go in 2023" with this sub-headline: "Travel’s rebound has revealed the depth of our drive to explore the world. Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? ” Tromso is one their top world locations that this annual NY Times reporting puts in the spotlight. Here are some of their highlights: “After years of low solar activity, projections are looking up for travelers hoping to experience the aurora borealis, or northern lights. As the sun’s volatility increases, with more coronal mass ejections and solar flares, so, too, will the frequency and intensity of the aurora. Experts predict solar activity to peak in 2025. One of the best places to see the northern lights, Tromso, Norway, is more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and is relatively accessible, as far as reliable viewing locations go. Most important, the town’s surrounding landscape, near the sea but with mountains nearby, offers enough distinct weather zones to make it likely that there will be clear skies most nights — a must for seeing the lights when they do appear..” We enjoyed Tromso when visiting there in July 2010 on a cruise to the top of Europe as detailed below on my live/blog. But in summer, no northern lights, right? Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.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 245,707 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they have this headline: “52 Places to Go in 2023" with this sub-headline: "Travel’s rebound has revealed the depth of our drive to explore the world. Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? ” Auckland is one the top locations that this annual NY Times reporting puts in the world spotlight. Here are some of their highlights: “Auckland is usually considered the entry point for the rest of New Zealand’s natural attractions, but travelers just passing through can miss that it’s also the culinary capital (sorry, Wellington). Restaurants that have been germinating while the country’s borders were closed are now ready to be sampled by all. Just 10 minutes on foot from the newly renovated downtown, for instance, takes you to Hugo’s Bistro, with unfussy French-inspired food that takes advantage of New Zealand’s fertility: Saffron, wasabi and truffles, among other delicacies, are grown in the country. The city’s famous multiculturalism also plays a part: Omni, which opened in 2020 and whose head chef worked at Hong Kong’s Yardbird, makes high-end yakitori, and Little French Pastry’s founders, originally from France, serve up mille-feuille rivaling Paris’s best.” Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/travel/52-places-travel-2023.html 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 99,626 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

From the London/UK Independent last month, they had this headline: “10 best European city breaks” with these highlights for Bruges: “This tourist favourite is so pretty it’s almost a charicature of the 'perfect' chocolate box-worthy European city. The medieval centre is all canals, bridges, cobbled streets, ornate facades and 14th-century buildings. Cosy up in an estaminet (the Flanders term for pub) to sip on Belgian beer; stroll the Markt square and admire the famed 13th-century Belfry; peruse early Flemish art at the Groeninge Museum; and, of course, get your fill of beige foods - fries and waffles are both Belgian specialities.” Sound great? Loved our visit there in 2007 when doing an overnight rail from Paris. Yes, we enjoyed the beer, fries, chocolates, etc. Any others having very good recent visits to Bruges? Full story at: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/best-european-city-breaks-hotels-europe-b2231511.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 245,707 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923