Live/Nautica: Greece, Holy Lands, Egypt, Dubai; Terry/Pix’s

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Independent three days ago, they had this headline: “ATHENS CITY GUIDE” with these profile highlights: “One of the world’s oldest cities, with a recorded lifespan of nearly 3,500 years, Athens is as historically and culturally significant as they come. The home of Plato and Aristotle, it’s not only hailed as the birthplace of democracy but as the cradle of western civilisation and philosophy. But much like its former guardian – Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom – whose name it still bears, this city is, in many ways, the embodiment of heroic endeavour. Its oft-mentioned grittiness is a mark of the turbulence that it’s endured over the years and, rather than admitting defeat, modern-day Athens has recalibrated and reinvented itself as a source of inspiration for its next generation of innovators.”

 

Many options and potentials are outlined in this newspaper story.  Brings back great memories!!  Here are a couple more highlights shared by their writer about Athens: "Tick off the ancient wonders on your bucket list by all means, but you’ll find the real rewards of this city lie in its greatest passions: its people, food and art.  The glorious Acropolis, built in the 5th century BC, is woven into the fabric of Athens; it’s visible on its rocky perch from almost every part of the city. Hit the Parthenon either first thing (8am) or at sunset: you’ll beat the crowds and escape the high heat. Do yourself another huge favour and wear comfortable, grippy shoes for the climb – the last thing you need is to be preoccupied by blisters or to be slipping and sliding on the stones around the temples. "

 

Full story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/48-hours-in/athens-things-to-do-city-guide-greece-acropolis-beach-best-hotels-restaurants-a9295386.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Recently completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details from our first visits to these scenic areas!!  That live/blog is at: 

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

 

Here is the visual used to illustrated this UK newspaper profile/guide for Athens.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

From the Boston Globe Travel Section this past week, they had this headline: “5 over-the-top experiences you must do in Dubai” with these highlights: “Dubai is extra. Everything about Dubai is over-the-top, from its hotels to its dining scene to its activities. And that’s why we love it. Drive like James Bond.  James Bond loves to pose with his Aston Martin. We’ve seen him drive his epic car in “Goldeneye,” “Die Another Day,” and “Casino Royale” — and will once more in the soon to be released “No Time to Die.” When you stay at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, you can drive one of the Aston Martins through Dubai and the desert.  The experience is gratis for those staying at this Waldorf or at the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah.”

 

Here is an option cited for pearl diving.  This profile shared:  "Dubai contains natural pearls and has a rich pearl history (pun intended). The tradition dates back more than 7,000 years, to when Ras Al Khaimah was a major trading post for pearls in the 1100s. In fact, many of the families who live in Dubai today are there because they wanted to live close to their pearl diving jobs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While the UAE pearl industry plummeted after their pearls were replaced by artificial Japanese pearls in the 1900s, you can still take a pearl diving trip steeped in tradition — and you can keep whatever you find."   

 

Also suggested was: "Exploring the desert via camel — a.k.a. a desert safari — is the only way to do it here. It’s the oldest form of transport, and is actually much easier than riding a horse, as they go incredibly slowly and all you have to do is sit and enjoy the ride. A desert safari in Dubai traditionally includes the sunset camel-ride, an Emirati dinner (lots of meats and hummus), belly dancing, henna painting, and a falcon show. It’s essentially a Dubai bucket list checked off in a single evening."

 

Full story at:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/01/23/lifestyle/5-over-the-top-experiences-you-must-do-dubai/

 

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 250,375 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Here is one of the Boston Globe visuals used to illustrate this Dubai feature story.  This photo is by an Associated Press/AP photographer. It shows people enjoying a city skyline view with the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, rising in the middle.  Nice angle for this amazing city.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see this picture larger/better!)