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

[liptastic]

Terry great live reports as always. Enjoy the next part of your holiday. Thanks for posting, Jean. 

[TLCOhio]

5 hours ago, liptastic said:

Terry great live reports as always. Enjoy the next part of your holiday. Thanks for posting, Jean. 

 

Appreciate these above kind comments from Jean.  Just woke up and opened our balcony drapes to see a spectacular sunrise coming up over the mountains of the United Arab Emirates.  Beautiful views!!  In checking the TV screen in our room, it was just a couple hours back that we passed safely through the famed Strait of Hormuz.  Getting closer to Dubai. About 4.5 hours to go till we dock there!!  Now to do breakfast and then start doing that dreading task of "PACKING UP!".  That is always the depressing part during a cruise that we have enjoyed so much.  

 

I did want to give a "shout-out" to the other excellent speaker who has been along for this cruise.  He is Dr. Peter Bobrowsky.  He is a professional archaeologist and geologist experienced working on five continents, including the Middle East.  He has s PhD, is a Smithsonian Journeys Expert and has been a professor at two Canadian Universities.   An author of 350 scientific publications, he was elected as an International Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York and the Geological Society of America. A recipient of numerous international awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal,  Dr. Bobrowsky has had prominent positions for international and Canadian geological associations.  He gave a number of very good presentations.  Have a picture of him and will post later. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

One of the top staffers who served us so well in the Grand Dining Room and at other location is Eka.  She's from Indonesia.  Bali to be specific.  Like so many on this cruise, her positive, professional service has been much appreciated.  Also pictured below is a visual of speaker Hassan Eltaher.  Here he is more casually dressed this time as we were enjoying the afternoon tea in the Horizon Lounge.  Both of the speakers not only did a great job with their presentation, but enjoying chatting and answering questions from passengers while traveling on the ship.:

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[Paulchili]

Terry - we couldn’t agree more about Eka. It is nice to see her smiling face. We have cruised with her multiple times and each time we are happy to see her. It’s one of the pleasures to see staff that we know from the past cruises as we board a new cruise - it is one of the things that makes Oceania special.

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, Paulchili said:

Terry - we couldn’t agree more about Eka. It is nice to see her smiling face. We have cruised with her multiple times and each time we are happy to see her. It’s one of the pleasures to see staff that we know from the past cruises as we board a new cruise - it is one of the things that makes Oceania special.

 

Will pass along to Eka your super kind and true wishes from you smart folks in the San Francisco area.  

 

Below are some "fresh" visuals from last night and this morning.  Not quite done packing, but making very good progress.  Continues to look beautiful outside.  About two hours until we dock in Dubai.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Here is the photo "evidence" as to how spectacular it was this morning when we woke up and saw this sunrise rising over this segment of the UAE coast.:

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Here is our excellent cabin staff.  Gede on the left and Kathleen on the right.  Really wonderful, helpful and super efficient folks.  Gede gets off of the ship tomorrow.  He's excited!  Gede is from Indonesia and Kathleen is from the Philippines.  They worked together super well and made our journey easy and fun.  In background are some pictures of our grandsons, ages eight and six, that we brought along to have posted on the walls of our ship room.:

 

Here is Dr. Peter Bobrowsky, one of our two speakers during this Athens to Dubai sailing.  Dr. Peter will continue on with the Nautica as it heads down to Cape Town.:

 

Here is one quick view from last night's final production show and the staff farewell program.  They did a group, swinging singing of "YMCA" to wrap their conclusion.:

 

[Paulchili]

Thank you Terry. I know she would know us in person as we have sailed together many times but not sure about by names (she has sailed with thousands of passengers).

That said, it’s worth a try - Hi from Marsha & Paul.

Thank you.

[TLCOhio]

23 minutes ago, Paulchili said:

Thank you Terry. I know she would know us in person as we have sailed together many times but not sure about by names (she has sailed with thousands of passengers).

That said, it’s worth a try - Hi from Marsha & Paul.   Thank you.

 

Will hopefully see Eka and pass along your personal greeting from the wonderful SF Bay area.  Below are some additional pictures to share from yesterday.  Not sure that I will have time to post today the full range for all that we saw and did in and around wonderful Oman.  

 

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 243,072 views.

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

 

Here are a couple of visuals from our sail-away yesterday afternoon from Oman.  This white, uniquely-shaped structure is somewhat of an icon for Oman.  Left below is one of the old fortresses built by Portugal during its control here in this area.  Second is a view of the ship pool area and some of the rocky Oman mountain islands in the background.:

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Here were six of the entertainers last night doing part of their performance featuring various "oldies", including from the Motown period, by the Beatles, etc.:

[TLCOhio]

Below is the first group of picture to share a small sampling for what ALL we saw and did in Muscat during our day and private tour here.  Wish we had had more time in Muscat!! 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 232,820 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

In doing the sail-in to Muscat, here was the pilot boat approaching our ship with some of the scenic areas showing in the background.  Great welcoming for this impressive city and its setting.:

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Here is a small sampling for what we saw and experienced in and around their Grand Mosque.  Very impressive with its classy design, refined style, wonderful landscaping and plantings, etc., etc.:

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[TLCOhio]

Sorry for not posting more in the past couple of days, but we have been just a little busy, busy!!  As noted with a few quick summary visuals below, we just departed our Oceania Nautica ship yesterday morning.  In the past two days, we seen and experienced so much amazing in doing our introductory touring with our excellent private guide,  Ute Kostle (www.konzept-arabia.com/en).

 

I will have much more to complete for what we did in Muscat, Oman.  Then, I share the added impressions and details from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  Both cities and the areas are totally amazing with their growth, progress and architecture!!!  Yes, there is history here, but so much NOW is about what has happened here in the past few decades and what they are building for the future.  And, then building more!!

 

AND, we will be able to see and do more from Dubai.  We are staying two additional days here, plus have so many more exciting visuals images to share and summarize the sights and sites here in the UAE.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 15, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 216,316 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

Here was the initial view from our ship as we docked in Dubai.  In the foreground is the former Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise line, now in "retirement" here as a hotel and tourist attraction.  In the skyline, you can see at the middle, right, the tall "needle" called the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building at nearly a half mile in height!!:

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Our first stop off of the ship during that first afternoon in Dubai were the markets . . . gold, spices, textiles, etc.  My wife and Amy loved this initial sampling for Dubai.  Next was a sample for crossing the "creek" in these older areas of this fast-growing city.:

 

 

As we moved towards our hotel, here is just one quick view of the unique architecture and design in the United Arab Emirates.  Second shows an example of the buildings within the Dubai Marina district.  Like the twisted building in the middle with the various boats in this huge, man-made harbor area?:

 

 

YES, in Dubai, we were able to see the Burj Al Arab.  This is the iconic hotel shaped like the sail of a traditional sailing dhow.  And we were there near sunset.  Like seeing this visual samples captured?:

 

From nearby Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital city, here is one quick sample from their spectacular Grand Mosque that challenges mere verbal descriptions.  We spent the full day in Abu Dhabi after departing our cruise ship.  Then, finally in this quick sampling, we have the view as the sun was setting yesterday afternoon as were were departing Abu Dhabi.:

 

[TLCOhio]

We are getting ready for our last full day in Dubai.  We will head to their airport later today and we have a British Airways flight (nearly eight hours in length) on an aging Boeing 747 on the way to London Heathrow.   We depart at 2 am Sunday from Dubai.  Then, a nine-hour flight with American Airlines on a much newer 787 to Chicago O'Hare.  Will be using and going through three of the world's busiest airports.  Not perfect timing, nor do we have the upscale business class seating.  BUT, we should have extended leg room seats, hopefully!!

 

Will post soon to finish up from what all we saw, did and enjoyed while visiting growing and surprisingly very nice Muscat, Oman.  Then, lots to share from everything wonderful that we experienced in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  But, also have to work in some serious pool time to enjoy the warmth and sun here in the Gulf States.  The cold, ice and snow of the Midwest winter is coming on fast and hard for our Central Ohio home.  

 

Last night we got tickets to see La Perle.  It opened at a custom venue in Dubai on August 31, 2017.  It is in Dubai’s Al Habtoor City and the program was created by Franco Dragone, the former director of Cirque du Soleil, who is credited with combining the high art of theater and ballet with the audience draw of circus-style entertainment. The space is a custom 10-story building where the Italian-Belgian artistic director’s latest show uses just a few million litres of water, plus, plus!!   Built in the semi-round, this 1300-seat theater was created by the same Dubai-based firm responsible for the city’s famed twisted skyscraper Cayan Tower.  Below are just a couple of my preview visuals.  More later during the full report on Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

 

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 79,643 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

Here are two quick visuals related to La Perle.  First, is their poster promoting this program and then one of the "action" shots inside this spectacular theater.  Want to see and know more?  Have several added visuals and details to share.:

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Yes, yesterday late afternoon as the sun was getting ready to set, we visited and were at the base of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.  Sorry this picture is so LONG and TALL.  At 2,716.5 feet in height and with more than 160 stories, Burj Khalifa holds the record as the tallest free-standing structure in the world and having the highest number of stories in the world.    Plus, we were exploring as a part of this complex around in the vast and totally massive Dubai Mall.  All is amazing there, plus so super crowded and busy!!  More later.:

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[TLCOhio]

Below picks up on the amazing experiences in Muscat, Oman.  Don't miss this town with its dramatic improvements during the past couple of decades under their current Sultan.   He has been very forward-looking and visionary for his nation.  Plus, having billions in oil money helps the process.  And, he is the absolute ruler, so the critics do not slow him down too much with his leadership that has taken his country into the 21st Century. 

 

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 62,215 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

Here is the view as we approached walking into the spectacular Royal Opera House Oman.  The building design and construction detailing were amazing to see as we were exploring this facility.  It was officially opened on October 12, 2011, with a production of the opera Turandot, conducted by Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo.  The Sultan is a big classical music fan and it shows.  The second picture shows its main lobby and grand staircase.  We could not get fully into the main auditorium as a rehearsal was being conducted inside.  The third picture gives a small sample for the wood and other materials used with this facility inside its main theater.:

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In the lobby, a large number of historic musical instruments are displayed.  Second is the lobby for the VIP visitors to this Opera House.  Third is an example of the teak work and iron lighting used in one of the areas of this complex.  No detail was missed in its design and construction.  It is done with great class and style.:

 

 

 

Finally, as a part of this complex are various dining and shopping options.  This picture below is of the interior for one of the candy/dessert shops from France that is located next door.  Yes, we super enjoyed a tasty treat from here!  Amazing!.:

[TLCOhio]

The various markets in Muscat, Oman, were very good, highly fascinating, etc., etc.  Need photo evidence and proof?  See below!!  So much more to share from Oman's capital and nearby. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 39,783 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

In the Muscat fish market, this is one of the most impressive areas we have seen during our world travels.  There was such a wide variety of fresh seafood being offered here.  Plus, many interesting people here staffing this market.  Sorry, this pictures do not transmit the special "smells" from the fresh fish.:

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Next was for visiting their nearby market area for fresh produce, spices, dates, etc., etc.  Lots to sample and experience here!:

 

 

 

 

Finally, here is a very small sampling for their old market with a wide variety of goods being offered and in some cases, "pushed" in Muscat.  When my wife was looking for tee-shirts for our two grandsons, the price went up and the merchant was being unreasonable.  Our guide was great in showing her temper, pushing the point and getting us the more reasonable pricing after he tried to play games.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Oman's metropolitan area is large, covering approximately 1,400 square miles and including nearly two million people.  It has been known since the early First Century as an important trading port between the west and the east.   Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians, Portugal, the Iberian Union and the Ottoman Empire at various periods during its long history.

 

A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar and up into Pakistan. As a key port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians, those from India, etc. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to a fast-growing economy and a multi-ethnic society.  The rocky Western Al Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape of Muscat. The city lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman and is in the proximity to the strategic Straits of Hormuz.

 

Our private guide, Valentina, set-up by our travel partner, Amy, was excellent in driving us around and giving us insights about such a wide variety of sites and sights in this surprisingly-wonder port stop.  Don't miss ALL that Muscat offers!!   Our guide/driver was originally from the Siberia section of Russia and wanted to escape the cold there.  She also lived and worked for a long time in Dubai before coming to Muscat seven years ago.  She likes having escaped the cold for the sun and warmth of the Gulf States.  She allowed us to sample a wonderful a flavor of Oman!!  Sure glad that we dumped the ship's tour for this key part of Oman.  A group of four with a good guide is much better than being on a large bus with 30-40 people. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 44,407 views.    

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

 

Near the old Souk or market in Muscat was this view of a mosque, plus, second, then a look across the waters to where one of the two large private ships of Sultan was docked.  Plus, you can see our Oceania Nautica in the background.  Third is the view with one more turn to an old fortress area built by Portugal.  Nice scenic harbor area!:

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Next we moved to a closer look at this icon of Muscat and then toward one of the water-front Palaces of the Sultan.  It is shown in the second picture.  Third is a close-up of the Sultan's official seal on the gate (with my image partly showing the reflection).:

 

 

 

We finalized our Muscat visit by exploring more of the nearby coastal sights and then going "upcountry" to obtain a sampling of the wilder, more desert areas. Like the camels we discovered?   Very dramatic mountains in this region.:

 

 

 

Final, some of the happy smiles of our group with expert guide/driver Valentina when being returned to our ship.   Great day in and around Muscat!!:

Edited December 8, 2018 by TLCOhio

[liptastic]

Terry safe travels home and thanks again for an amazing live thread. 

Hoping the upgrade fairy gets you upgraded seats on your return journey home.

Seasons greetings.  Jean.

[maryogreen]

Wonderful posts and beautiful photos, Terry! My husband and I are booked on an almost identical itinerary on Regent next year and have been following your reports with great interest. Thanks so much for taking the time along your journey to share your experiences!

Mary

Travel Blog: https://www.themodernpostcard.com

[Paulchili]

Terry - we’ve even to Muscat three times (or maybe even more) but have never seen the opera house.

It looks spectacular - thanks for the pictures. If we are ever back there again I will try to visit it.

Edited December 8, 2018 by Paulchili

[TLCOhio]

8 hours ago, liptastic said:

Terry safe travels home and thanks again for an amazing live thread. 

Hoping the upgrade fairy gets you upgraded seats on your return journey home.

Seasons greetings.  Jean.

 

Appreciate this nice follow-up from Jean.  Yes, we can always "hope" for an upgrade, but I am not expecting to be so lucky.  At the Dubai airport now.  It's a little older than I expected.  Very, very busy!!  Not as handy with lounges, comfortable seating areas, etc.  We have to wait until three hours prior to our departure time until we can check our bags, move forward to the gates and shopping, etc.  But, we will survive. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[TLCOhio]

2 hours ago, maryogreen said:

Wonderful posts and beautiful photos, Terry! My husband and I are booked on an almost identical itinerary on Regent next year and have been following your reports with great interest. Thanks so much for taking the time along your journey to share your experiences!   Mary

Travel Blog: https://www.themodernpostcard.com

 

Hi, Mary in San Diego!! Liked your kind comments and am happy to share much more and answer any questions as you prepare for the similar itinerary next year with Regent.  Did check out your Travel Blog and it looks nice and interesting.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[TLCOhio]

31 minutes ago, Paulchili said:

Terry - we’ve even to Muscat three times (or maybe even more) but have never seen the opera house.  It looks spectacular - thanks for the pictures. If we are ever back there again I will try to visit it.

 

YES, Paul, the Royal Opera House Oman is even more impressive in person than my pictures can represent and try to illustrate.  Definitely worth some time to visit in the future.  And if lucky with your time, it would be great to attend a performance there.  

 

As we might have discussed earlier, Eka was very pleased when I shared with her the follow-up comments from you and your wife.  Keep up the great sharing by all.  Don't be shy with questions, info needs, comments, etc.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[maryogreen]

20 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Hi, Mary in San Diego!! Liked your kind comments and am happy to share much more and answer any questions as you prepare for the similar itinerary next year with Regent.  Did check out your Travel Blog and it looks nice and interesting.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Thank you, Terry! I will definitely be in touch with questions as we begin planning the trip!

[Paulchili]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

 

As we might have discussed earlier, Eka was very pleased when I shared with her the follow-up comments from you and your wife.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Terry - thank you for taking the time to track down Eka and pass on our greetings.

Have a safe trip home 🙂

[Jayayeff]

9 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate this nice follow-up from Jean.  Yes, we can always "hope" for an upgrade, but I am not expecting to be so lucky.  At the Dubai airport now.  It's a little older than I expected.  Very, very busy!!  Not as handy with lounges, comfortable seating areas, etc.  We have to wait until three hours prior to our departure time until we can check our bags, move forward to the gates and shopping, etc.  But, we will survive. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

That’s because for a British Airways flight you checked into to what was the original terminal building although it has been upgraded and extended over the years.   Terminal 3 is the new part of the airport but it is used predominantly by Emirates.... 

 

I’m pleased you had a great trip, I have enjoyed reading through your trip report and seeing all your photographs...

 

Anne...

Edited December 9, 2018 by Jayayeff

[TLCOhio]

5 hours ago, Jayayeff said:

That’s because for a British Airways flight you checked into to what was the original terminal building although it has been upgraded and extended over the years.   Terminal 3 is the new part of the airport but it is used predominantly by Emirates.... I’m pleased you had a great trip, I have enjoyed reading through your trip report and seeing all your photographs...  Anne...

 

Appreciate this helpful added info and the follow-up from Anne about the Dubai airport.  That explains much!!  Compared to ALL of the new, sparkling and nice that we saw in and around Dubai, that Terminal 1 was OK, but not at the highest level expected.  It worked for us.  We are now at London Heathrow.  Made the arrival at Terminal 5 on the BA flight and we are now in Terminal 3 in front of the Harrods store.  Lots and lots of retails here, as is true at most major airports these days.  Have already picked up four time zones as we do our travels back to Ohio.  Dubai at this time of the year is nine hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone in the USA.  Got a little sleep during our eight hour, but nothing major or that good.   We are sitting in 9AB, extended leg room for the nine hour flight to Chicago O'Hare on an American Airlines Boeing 787.  Like those Dreamliners!! 

 

Many more visuals, especially from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to be sorted, checked, fine-tuned, etc.  

 

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 243,101 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

15 hours ago, maryogreen said:

Thank you, Terry! I will definitely be in touch with questions as we begin planning the trip!

 

Look forward, Mary, to your many and good questions.  Plus, those info needs from others.  Planning is key for most of these ports/cities when sailing in this part of the world.  WHY??  There are so many, many good options to consider that you need to proper research and planning.

 

One of my top tips is check your local library for their available travel books and videos.  Pictured below are some of the books I checked out and reviewed in doing this planning.  In five of the major areas, we had top private guides and that helped so much in making each location a super success.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 232,846 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Below is a sample for some of the library books and videos that I borrowed and checked before doing this latest adventure.  Personally, I like the Eyewitness books as their visuals and maps are very helpful.:

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Need proof that we were at Harrods in London today?  See my photo of their store at Terminal 3 at Heathrow.  As I re-call, the Harrods at Terminal 5 is much bigger with a wider range of merchandise.  My wife also just picked up some items from the Boots store here that she cannot obtain back in Ohio.  Lots of ways to blow your money at airport terminals!!  Fortunately, I like to save money by just taking picture and bring back those nice and less-costly memories.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Our flight from Chicago to Columbus was delayed about 20 minutes, but luggage and us ALL arrived safely last night.  Fell asleep in the big, easy chair at home for three hours while watching NFL football.  Then got six hours of solid sleep in my own trusty bed.  Feeling decent this am.  Still lots of sleep "catch-up" to accomplish!!  Plus, other catching up for work, unpacking, picking up our yellow lab (Rudy), etc., to accomplish in the next few days. 

 

Have reviewed more from the thousands of images captured during this great trip.  Hope in the next day or two to complete posting of the balance fo the best pictures from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  Don't be shy with any questions, comments, info needs, etc.  

 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 15, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 216,474 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

From AccuWeather this morning, here is the current weather and upcoming forecasts for Central Ohio.  Quite a sharp contrast compared to the mostly 70'sF and lower 80'sF that we super enjoyed for the previous days while in Dubai and other Middle East locations.  Fortunately, it looks like we will get some sun for the next few days back home. But, still it will be COLD here!!  Plus, no room service or enjoyment on the ship or at our luxury Dubai hotel.:

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Here is the current AccuWeather radar for the big snow storm hitting part of North Carolina and southern Virginia.  That is near where our son, two grandsons are located in Charlottesville.  Hopefully they will miss this early and bad storm affecting so many at the present time.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Am getting a little closer for the big "catch-up" cycle in returning home.  The sleep cycles are still screwed up and challenged.  Most of the bags are generally unpacked, but more to go.  Plus, there has been various work projects and meetings needing attention during the middle of this week.  AND, it's the holiday season and we will be traveling starting late next week out to Kansas City, Kansas and then down to Virginia over the New Years period.  Busy is kind of good, maybe??!!

 

BUT, progress is being made for reviewing and posting the rest of the great visuals from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  See below from the Dubai Gold Souk, etc.  Much more to come!!

 

Have done a detailed phone briefing with our experienced travel agent as to Oceania and our experiences with the Nautica.  She will be doing a Sydney to Papeete/Tahiti, French Polynesia, sailing starting March 1 on the Regatta. It will be her first sailing with Oceania.  Despite the small balcony rooms, we were very positive on these older, but classic four R-Class ships that Oceania has been operating.  More of those details and specifics will be posted later.  

 

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 79,676 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

After the Nautica arrived at noon in Dubai, my wife and Amy were super happy that our first stops would be in these key and historic market areas. The two visuals below offer just a tiny sample as to how large and amazing are the gold and jewelry offerings in this area.  Understand there are nearly 400 different stores in this Gold Souk.  The best news is that we escaped without any damage to the credit cards!!  Just looking and being overwhelmed can be very good!!.  Given Dubai's history as initially a pearl supplier and market, many of these shops are staffed and owned by people connected originally from India.  Words and pictures cannot adequately reflect how unique is this part of "old" Dubai.:

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

 

 

Next is just one of many visual samplings from the spice market areas in Dubai.  Yes, purchases were made here and we learned more about the wide range of "smell options" offered in these fascinating Middle East markets. Second is another example from the fun sailing in the old boats across what had been a "Creek" in Dubai.  That waterway has been deepened and enlarged, but it is a definite "can't miss" experience!!  This creek divides the city into two main sections, Deira and Bur Dubai. It was along the Bur Dubai creek area that members of the Bani Yas tribe first settled here in the 19th century.:

 

 

After crossing the creek, it was the textile market area.  Lots of variety and options here.  Much time was spent here making the wives very happy in dong that "required" shopping.  Us men sat and waited patiently. There was also an old dining establishment that we visited inside here, seeing one of the old pictures for how this area looked back in the 1930's, etc., before all of the more recent growth and building had happened.  Second is a picture of the "old fort" that is one of the few historic connections still standing in these areas of Dubai.  Our guide explain how these structures from the "olden days" were constructed with local materials, etc.: