Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

[TLCOhio]

From Conde Nast Traveler magazine, they had this headline: “17 Best Hotels in Venice" with this sub-headline: "In the city where it pays to know what you want when you book.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “In this labyrinthine warren of a city, it pays to be clear about what you want when booking a room: tourist-addled Venice’s classic hotels cluster around St. Mark’s square, along the Grand Canal to the west, and on the riva degli Schiavoni to the east. Elsewhere in the city you’ll find everything from backpacker hostels and intimate B&Bs, to design-forward four-stars and owner-rentals galore. A ‘canal view’ will cost extra, but could mean anything from a spectacular Grand Canal vista to an awkward squint down into mosquito-infested backwater. An inwards-facing room can be far quieter than one that looks out onto a busy thoroughfare—as long as ‘inwards’ means over a courtyard or garden, and not onto a dead wall, that is.”

 

A nice range of inviting pictures are featured for many of the higher-end, etc., hotels in Venice.  Many options are featured.  If I would win the Mega Powerball Super Lottery, here would be a quick pick for me: "Gritti Palace.  In a city with such a concentration of luxe hotels, none do it quite like this Grand Canal classic. Though the 15th-century palazzo—now a member of the Luxury Collection—has been open to guests since 1895, a 15-month, $200 million revamp in 2013 ensured that it’s no creaky museum piece."

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-in-venice?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_AM_071023&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 51,808 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[princeton123211]

39 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 If I would win the Mega Powerball Super Lottery, here would be a quick pick for me: "Gritti Palace.  In a city with such a concentration of luxe hotels, none do it quite like this Grand Canal classic. Though the 15th-century palazzo—now a member of the Luxury Collection—has been open to guests since 1895, a 15-month, $200 million revamp in 2013 ensured that it’s no creaky museum piece."

No lottery win needed-- you can book it between 85,000-100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a night. You can receive 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points as a gift for signing up for one of their credit cards. The Gritti Palace is a great example of one of their hotels that provides an outstanding value for points. 

[TLCOhio]

On 7/10/2023 at 12:30 PM, princeton123211 said:

No lottery win needed-- you can book it between 85,000-100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a night. You can receive 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points as a gift for signing up for one of their credit cards. The Gritti Palace is a great example of one of their hotels that provides an outstanding value for points. 

 

Great above suggestion from our neighbor in Pennsylvania.  Yes, there are ways to make it happen at luxury hotels in Venice.  BUT, it would be nice and helpful to win the big lottery jackpot.  

 

From the AP/Associated Press this morning, they had this headline: “Tourists, mostly american, packing European hot spots” with these highlights: “Tourists are waiting more than two hours to visit the Acropolis in Athens. Taxi lines at Rome's main train station are running just as long. And so many visitors are gathering around St. Mark's Square in Venice that crowds get backed up crossing bridges — even on weekdays.   After three years of pandemic limitations, tourism is expected to exceed 2019 records in some of Europe's most popular destinations this summer, from Barcelona and Rome, Athens and Venice to the scenic islands of Santorini in Greece, Capri in Italy and Mallorca in Spain.   While European tourists edged the industry toward recovery last year, the upswing this summer is led largely by Americans, boosted by a strong dollar and in some cases pandemic savings. Many arrive motivated by 'revenge tourism' — so eager to explore again that they're undaunted by higher airfares and hotel costs.”

 

Full story at:

https://omaha.com/eedition/sunrise/articles/tourists-mostly-american-packing-european-hot-spots/article_28afbef7-e247-5651-904d-9543beb3812f.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio 

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,798 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[TLCOhio]

From MSN News earlier this month, they had this headline: “10 Of The Best Day Trips You Shouldn't Miss From Venice, Italy” with these highlights: “Venice is so charming, and no matter how many days one dedicates to exploring it, it's hard to get enough of it. It's no wonder hundreds of thousands of tourists make trips to the city to experience its unique architecture, learn about its long, fascinating history, and taste the beauty of its canals.  One mistake that travelers make when they visit the City of Canals is spending a few days and leaving for other popular destinations in the country. This is why they are missing out on the incredible opportunity of exploring some of the most impressive day trips, which are homes to some of the best travel hidden gems in Italy.”

 

This profile makes detailed suggestions for nearby locations such as: Murano (20-minute ferry ride away, best recognized for its glassmaking art), Burano (beautiful village and home to plenty of brightly colored houses) and Bologna (fascinating medieval history and home to one of the oldest universities in the world).  Also mentioned and detailed: Verona, Lake Garda and Florence.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/10-of-the-best-day-trips-you-shouldnt-miss-from-venice-italy/ar-AA1dklXo

 

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 33,606 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

Is the "Ban Bandwagon" spreading in Europe??  

 

From the Washington Post yesterday, they had this headline: “Amsterdam votes to ban cruise ships" with this sub-headline: "A political party cited pollution and crowding as reasons for relocating a cruise terminal away from the city.”

 

Here are some of the reporting highlights: “Amsterdam has already warned rowdy tourists to stay away and cracked down on smoking weed in the streets of its famed Red Light District. Now, city leaders are targeting what they see as another scourge: giant cruise ships, which dock at a terminal near the center of the Dutch capital.  Political party D66 Amsterdam said Thursday its proposal to relocate the terminal, effectively blocking cruise ships from the city, had been adopted by a large majority of the city council. An announcement said the proposal is meant to address concerns around air pollution emitted by ships and the crush of tourists during port visits.  Anouk Panman, a spokesperson for deputy mayor Hester van Buren, confirmed in an email Friday the city council had adopted the motion. 'The municipality of Amsterdam is going to investigate how this proposal can be implemented,' she wrote.”

 

Overall, here is some added background: "In 2021, Italy’s government said large cruise ships would no longer be allowed to sail directly into Venice. Dubrovnik, in Croatia, took steps several years ago to limit the number of cruise passengers visiting at once.  The Cruise Lines International Association said the port and passenger terminal had already pledged to invest millions in infrastructure and shore-based electricity for future use.  The trade group said about 1 percent of Amsterdam’s visitors arrive by cruise ship every year and noted that cruise tourism contributes about 105 million euros to the city every year."

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/07/21/amsterdam-cruise-ship-ban/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,154 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph two days ago, they had this headline: “How Venice fell out of love with its tourists" with this sub-headline:  "Fed-up Venice locals, outnumbered ten to one by tourists, reveal the reality of living and working in such a popular holiday destination.”

 

Here are some of their reporting by 30-year Italy resident Anne Hanley: “Venice is synonymous with over-tourism. In 2019, before Covid struck, the annual number of visitors to this extraordinary huddle of islands – home to just 50,000 residents – exceeded three and a half million. This year is on track to surpass that. It’s difficult to imagine a place less suited to a mass onslaught. Narrow streets, intractable topography, infinite transit complications due to thoroughfares being full of water: for residents, finding their ‘highways’ choked with visitors – whether hopelessly lost or doggedly following GPS directions – makes simple everyday activities such as going to work or picking up groceries for dinner a herculean task.”

 

A Venetian entrepreneur Emanuele Dal Carlo noted:  "Visitors are often surprised to find that there are residents in Venice.”  There is much covered as to how many visitors are just seeking to "check a box" for visiting Venice and not always appreciating what they are seeing, failing to respect others when taking their selfies, crowding out others trying to enjoy the his there, etc., etc.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/veneto/venice/over-tourism-venice-italy-meet-the-fed-up-locals/

 

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 21,957 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Guardian last weekend, here is another and different view of Venice, why people love it, the experiences there, etc.  

 

They had this headline: “I took my mum to Venice – it was instantly special" with this sub-headline:  "We both like to be busy and are good at holidaying together as long as no one else comes with us.”

 

From writer Miranda Sawyer, here are some of her highlights: “We both like to be busy but not hectic. Bit of culture, bit of window shopping.  The people-watching was too good, especially in Ristorante Gran Viale, a large local place filled with all ages, from a young couple with a tiny newborn to a boisterous group in their 70s.  Venice is tiring, especially for an eighty-something, but there are small areas of respite: the neat rectangle of the Giardini Reali, just round the corner from San Marco; the tiny but perfectly formed Olivetti Showroom on San Marco itself.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jul/29/miranda-sawyer-i-took-my-mum-to-venice-it-was-instantly-special

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 19,560 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[Host Bonjour]

On 7/10/2023 at 11:49 AM, TLCOhio said:

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-in-venice?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_AM_071023&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

October 13, 2022 piece by Condé Nast Traveler by Anne Hanley. 

 

(duplicate post removed) 

[TLCOhio]

From this Asian newspaper two days ago, they had this headline: “5 most romantic cities around the world” with these highlights for Venice being in this top, fun category: “There's something undeniably romantic about boat rides, and there is no better city than Venice to offer such an enchanting experience. Simply drifting along the stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture aboard a gondola, the picturesque waterways of this city effortlessly foster an ambiance of romance.  Captivating is the sight of the colourful sun setting over the Grand Canal or the Rialto Bridge.”

 

Here is more from this reporting by Abdullah Al Zobayer: "To get a more immersive cultural journey, setting your sights on a February visit is advisable to partake in the renowned Carnival of Venice, and amid your explorations, should your quest for the perfect souvenirs commence, please do remember to seek out the iconic Venetian masks, an embodiment of the city's unique artistic heritage."

 

Full story at:

https://www.thedailystar.net/life-living/travel/news/5-most-romantic-cities-around-the-world-3403511

 

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal three days ago, they had this headline: “Cities to Cruise Ships: You’re Bringing Too Many Tourists Here" with this sub-headline:  "Ports in the U.S. and Europe are starting to set limits on visitors and ships to reduce crowding,”

 

While some cruise companies do not have the big, BIG cruise ships, these issues and questions are serious ones for all cruise lines.  Will cruise passengers be as excited to sail, again and as much, when, like in Venice, where you must dock so far away from the "action"?

 

Here are some of the reporting highlights by WSJ staff writer Allison Pohle: “Cruise passengers can be an area’s top economic driver, and it's top source of aggravation.  They descend in the morning and leave in the evening, filling shops, downtown city streets and local tax coffers. Some places complain all cruise visitors do is take pictures and reserve their biggest spending for onboard the ship.  In U.S. port cities including Juneau, Alaska, and Bar Harbor, Maine, local governments are focusing on how to manage these travelers and the enormous ships they travel on.  Residents in such cities as Amsterdam and Barcelona are protesting the effects of cruise pollution and proposing bans on big ships. The debate is also happening in places including Hawaii and Venice, where residents complain about an overreliance on tourism.”

 

This highly-detailed story features much about Alaska, Maine and Europe situations from the local viewpoints and future questions.  Here is more from this report: "Cruise itineraries are set years in advance through coordination with local governments and ports. That means travelers aren’t likely to see drastic changes to trips they have already booked this fall and next year."

 

The industry is trying to focus on with destination cities about "sustainable tourism" for whatever that that term might exactly mean and be viewed.  That's a whole different topic and debate!!  Right or wrong?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/cruise-tourism-limits-port-cities-556b133d?mod=lifestyle_lead_pos4

 

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 248,537 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal this weekend, they had this headline: “Overrun by Tourists, Venice Plans Entry Fee for Day Trippers" with this sub-headline:  "The Italian city and other popular destinations are taking measures to cope with a crush of visitors.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights by Jennifer Calfas: “Venice, the Italian city built on more than 100 islands, draws millions of visitors each year with its picture-perfect canals, impressive architecture and priceless artworks. Soon, some of those travelers will have to pay an entry fee as the city looks to combat something else it is known for: overtourism.  City officials are pushing forward a plan to charge day trippers 5 euros, or about $5.40, on designated days in 2024.”

 

Here's more: "The Venice day-tripper fee will start on busier days in the spring and summer, according to the city. The fee will only apply to people over the age of 14 visiting Venice on day trips. It won’t apply to tourists staying overnight and residents of the city and region, among other exceptions.  The city council is expected to vote on the policy’s final approval next week and set a calendar for designated days over the next few weeks."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/overrun-by-tourists-venice-plans-entry-fee-for-day-trippers-3997e63a?mod=travel_news_article_pos1

 

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 245,333 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[Hlitner]

Terry, I am starting to think that the WSJ gets some of its article ideas from CC :).  We have been talking about this for several years.  They are late to the funeral.  "Over Tourism" is a big problem in many places around the world (including in the USA).  The irony is that, in most cases, the locals and "town fathers" supported many of the projects that caused over tourism....until they didn't.  Just consider a place like Charleston, where there was plenty of support to construct the pier facility that is located downtown, and a perfect location for cruise ships.  Now, they support all kinds of limitations on the use of that expensive pier.  It is the same in Key West where the locals are overwhelmingly opposed to cruise ships docking at their two, well located, Mallory Square piers.

 

Venice spent a fortune constructing a large cruise port (Maritimia) and then doubled down by supporting the construction of the very efficient People Mover (which connects the port to Venice).  Now, that huge cruise facility lies mostly unused and will likely suffer from decay...over the next few years...when locals will probably start whining about their abandoned cruise port.  

 

Oops.  Shouldn't post this here since somebody at the WSJ will read it and come up with another "original idea" for a story.

 

Hank

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Sunday Times by Louise Roddon this weekend, they had this headline: “Venice’s most exciting — and historic — new hotel" with this sub-headline:  "The Nolinski Venezia has transformed the city’s old stock exchange into a plush but unpretentious hideaway on its swishest shopping street. It’s even family friendly.”

 

Here are some of the highlights for this newly-opened hotel: “We’re talking the city’s former stock exchange, or borsa, built in 1929 (ironically the year of the Wall Street Crash) on what has become its swishest shopping street, Calle Larga XXII Marzo. And trust Venice to adorn its commercial centre with a whimsical frontage. A riot of maritime carvings, from grimacing sea monsters and cockleshells to squiggly tentacles nods to a fortune built from water, but it’s not your usual dour office façade.  A pleasing mix of original marble, marmorino plaster, cloudy sconces and warped speckled mirrors with colour-saturated art deco and mid-century style furnishings.  Nolinski already feels beautifully established. Unpretentious, too, without Venice’s usual five-star gilt-and-brocade tropes. More metropolitan than the Gritti, better located and cheaper than the Cipriani.”

 

Sound interesting?  Of course, Venice has its wonderful charm and character.  Sounds like another reason to go back to Venice, walk around and explore??

 

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ive-found-venices-most-exciting-and-historic-new-hotel-6t6wvzr8m

 

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 58,929 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Guardian earlier this week, they had this headline: “How I stuck my oar in – and saw a Venice I’ve never seen before" with this sub-headline on a story by Catherine Frances Bennett:  "Venetians are reviving a centuries-old rowing tradition to promote a sustainable way of getting around, and to show visitors the city at its most authentic.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “One of the clues to how Venice was built is the stone it’s built on: the white, pocked stone capping the fondamente that line the city’s canals is pietra d’Istria – a type of limestone that was quarried in what is now Croatia. So how did it get to the other side of the Adriatic sea, to form the foundations of Venice? By boat, of course.  'The city was built with traditional boats and for traditional boats. You have to see the city from the water to understand it,' says Emiliano Simon, one of the founders of Venetian rowing and boating association Venice on Board.”

 

More interesting background about Venice's history from this story includes: "The art of rowing and the use of these boats has almost died out since the second world war.  Interest faded as motorboats became cheaper and more popular."

 

Full story at:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/oct/11/venice-italy-rowing-boats-lessons-for-tourists

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,026 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

[TLCOhio]

From the Washington Post this weekend, they had this headline: “5 big travel lessons and one ‘mistake’ from 50 years of Lonely Planet" with this sub-headline:  "Co-founder Tony Wheeler shares his best advice from half a century of publishing guidebooks.”

 

From this interview/profile by Andrea Sachs, here are some of the highlights relating to Venice and what is nearby: “Wheeler’s solution to overtourism is actually a Lonely Planet tenet. He recommends always going 'two streets over' from the main drag for sightseeing as well as shopping, dining and lodging.  'Everyone is in St. Mark’s Square,' he said of Venice. 'There are other parts of the city you can go to and find churches that are not crowded with tourists.'   Another option: Skip the popular destination for a lesser-visited city, such as Ravenna, which he described as the opposite of Venice. 'It almost felt like it was undertouristed,' he said.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/lonely-planet-wheeler-backpack-guidebook/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 53,135 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[TLCOhio]

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine five days ago, they had this headline: “It’s Official—Venice Will Start Charging Day-Trippers in 2024" with this sub-headline:  "Here's what travelers should know about the new fee—including how to avoid it.”

 

Here are more of their reporting highlights by Jessica Puckett: “If a Venetian gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs is on your travel list for 2024, you might need to fill out some extra paperwork—and pay some extra money. In an effort to shore up against the ravages of overtourism, Venice will start charging certain tourists an entry fee to access the marvels of the delicate floating city.  As part of the plan for next year, the city recently released its fee schedule for 2024 detailing the days peak-hour visitors can expect to be levied the new tax (which will only apply to tourists who are not spending the night). Day-trippers over the age of 14 will have to pay 5 euros (about $5.45) to gain entry, but Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro says the primary purpose of the levy is not to bring in extra money. 'Our attempt is to make a more livable city,' Brugnaro said of the policy at a news conference earlier this month.  According to the schedule, there are 29 days on which day-trippers will be charged to enter Venice in 2024. Most of them fall on weekends during the high season from April to July, with some weekdays included during April and May."

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/venice-day-trip-visitor-fee?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_AM_12052023&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 51,846 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph two days ago, they had this headline: “The 50 winners and losers of travel in 2023” with these highlights for Venice in a negative manner: “It was announced, after years of delays, that tourists visiting Venice would have to pay a €5 (£4.30) entrance fee during busy periods from next spring. The catch? The money won’t go into helping preserve the city or funding infrastructure services, but will instead simply cover the costs of managing the entry fee.”

 

Sad to learn?  

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travel-truths/winners-losers-travel-holidays/

 

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 34,255 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph this past week, they had this headline: “Why Venice is Europe's ultimate winter city break" with this sub-headline: "A £4.30 daily tax on all tourists for 30 days between April and July 2024 makes the Italian spot more affordable at this time of year.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights by Abigail Blasi: “Approaching Venice a week before Christmas, we were enveloped in light: silver-blue meeting pearly sky. Lacelike palaces and domes, a mirage, began to sharpen. Venice is at its loveliest in winter. There’s a new reason to visit Venice outside peak times. In 2024, the city is trialling a daily tax of £4.30 (€5), with a complicated system of timings from April to July. All visitors must register, with many exclusions. Venice’s councillor for tourism, Simone Venturini, emphasises that the aim is to reduce 'hit-and-run' visits, saying, 'Venice is, and will always remain, an open city.' ”

 

My first visit to Venice was in December 1970.  Yes, with no tourist crowds and just the residents there, it is a different and wonderful experience.  Good, interesting story.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/venice-europes-best-winter-city-break/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,650 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[TLCOhio]

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/

[bennybear]

The biennale is amazing and so worth visit,  there are  pavilions from different countries in the Biennale gardens as well as spread through out Venice.  There are huge warehouses filled with art in Arsenale.  Some private villas are open with exhibits.  It will take several days to see most of it.  
A few photos from a few years ago.  

 

Edited April 20 by bennybear

[Host Bonjour]

On 4/20/2024 at 7:15 PM, bennybear said:

It will take several days to see most of it.  

 

Did you go to Venice just for the Biennale? Or fly in early before sailing? What an experience it must have been!! I've seen some incredible exhibits on Instagram (www.instagram.com/jr) including a custom designed Venice Simplon rail car by the artist JR.

 

I suppose there were some old cars that were able to be refurbished. Pretty cool but then as your images show, so many interesting things on view every time there's a show. 

 

Must be some amazing glass work. I just finished watching the Blown Away series and there was a Murano expert there to judge and several makers used advanced venetian techniques. Gorgeous. 

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Oh and happy today is the first day of Venice day trip fee, to be "gently" enforced I read, and cost more to implement than it will collect, in classic Italian bureaucratic style. Still....have to preserve Venice. 🙂 

[bennybear]

@Host Bonjour thanks for kind words.  We've visited Venice a number of times,  separately and before, during and after cruises.  Last time was our second visit to the Biennale and we spent a week after our visit to Puglia.   Our son is an artist so he spends literally days there.  We were surprised by the depth and breadth of the art, in church’s,  villas, throughout Venice.   
 

The Villa D’oro was open with a special glass exhibition that was astounding.   We love the Murano glass,  had to even buy a chandelier one year! 
 

a few more photos 

[Host Bonjour]

4 hours ago, bennybear said:

Last time was our second visit to the Biennale and we spent a week after our visit to Puglia.

 

Twice to the Biennale, ok that's soooo exciting (and as insiders!) cool! Equally exciting: a visit to Puglia, so, what a combination. 🎇

4 hours ago, bennybear said:

We were surprised by the depth and breadth of the art, in church’s,  villas, throughout Venice.   

 

This is what struck me as I'm viewing the selection of images you shared. I'm not sure what I expected but the exhibits were so wonderfully varied in their style, scale, processes and types...but I guess that's why Venice is THE Biennale capital B. Isn't really a better setting for captivating art than a stunning city, is there? 😍

 

4 hours ago, bennybear said:

Our son is an artist so he spends literally days there.

 

What type of art does he make? It looks like you're drawn to sculpture and large scale installations, so if I had to guess...but I also do see you included some amazing glass work. My goodness the piece by the campanile, now having seen how it's created I can't imagine. And the bookcase? I will inflict a little punishment on myself I didn't make enough time to take the boat to Murano. (It could still happen if I can ever renew my Irish passport 🤣)

 

I can't imagine leaving without some sort of major piece of Murano and a lighting fixture would probably be the most practical because it gets used. A vase or other item would be set aside but this...it's kind of like the ones in the Bellagio...maybe it was just me but when I walked into that place I saw two things: flowers and the lighting but lights first up above, Murano...then beautiful flowers. 

 

Thanks again for sharing additional images, absolutely loved seeing them. 🎨🇮🇹

 

 

[bennybear]

Aw, practically blushing.  He is an amazing painter, and sculptor but has had recognition for installation type art, in the MOMA, the wit de Witt in Rotterdam, Berlin, San Francisco and a few other places.  As DH says the kind you can’t sell.  He’s gone a different direction now, but is also involved in theatre and film.  He even was accredited in Cannes.  Ok,  I’ll stop now!  LOL! 
 

The Biennale is amazing as is the glass in Murano.   Those ravens wings were also glass,  hard to reimagine it on that scale.   We had our chandelier made by one of the only female glass blowers in Murano.  DH thought we were just going to look.  🤷‍♀️ The one we had made and shipped.  All the fruit is hand blown with real gold or silver for colour in the glass.  At the time it was pricey but not insane.
 

ooh, do renew the Irish passport!  I

Edited yesterday at 01:41 AM by bennybear