We have had such a wonderful times on this trip, its hard to think about settling back down into routine life again. So we are taking time to think about where to next and 'what' next professionally. We will keep you posted.......watch this space!
Thursday 18 July 2013
Sunday 7 July 2013
Noosa.
Saturday 6July 2013
Felt like we had dropped into a scene from Neighbours - beaches were full of bikini clad bathers, surfers galore and families having bbq's. Sun shine, surf,laid back beach towns, fishing, boating, wild life, cafes......paradise in the middle of winter
Felt like we had dropped into a scene from Neighbours - beaches were full of bikini clad bathers, surfers galore and families having bbq's. Sun shine, surf,laid back beach towns, fishing, boating, wild life, cafes......paradise in the middle of winter
Guess where...
4 July 2013
Arrived in Sydney after a long set of flights, Venice to Dohar, Dohar to Perth and then Perth to Sydney. Gorgeous sunny day, town buzzing with all the Lions supporters. Huge walk around Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and down town. Caught the Manley ferry for a cheap harbour cruise with the best city views. 23°, sunny.....winter in Sydney...I like it!
Arrived in Sydney after a long set of flights, Venice to Dohar, Dohar to Perth and then Perth to Sydney. Gorgeous sunny day, town buzzing with all the Lions supporters. Huge walk around Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and down town. Caught the Manley ferry for a cheap harbour cruise with the best city views. 23°, sunny.....winter in Sydney...I like it!
Ravenna
Monday 1 July 2013
Docked at 7am and the port was 7k's out of town so we got the cruise shuttle bus into town. Ravenna is flat, no hills in sight so great for walking and biking and the locals were whizzing about on their bikes with gusto. Ravenna's claim to fame is it's exquisite 5th century Byzantine mosaics....they are protected under world heritage status. I had read a bit about them before going there but really, the hype do sent do them justice...... they are truly stunning.....they take your breath away....the intricate designs and vibrant colours and the perfection.....a-maze-ing!
First stop Bascillica di San Vitale, mosaics of the imperial couple Justinian and Theodora reflected in the mosaic images. Then the Mausoleo di Galla Placida - a woman to be reckoned with - daughter, sister, wife and mother of emperors. It looked really plain outside and then you step in and its like being encased in a highly decorated Faberge egg.....the blue and gold stars on the ceiling are said to have inspired Cole Porter's ' Night and Day'...such a wonderful sight.
Then Battistero degli Aria I, also 5th century, when Theodora reigned the cult of Adrian was the official religion of the court. The dome has the most amazing mosaic of the baptizing of Christ....the water in the mosaics look transparent - stunning.
Then Bascillica di San Apollinaire nuovo, 6th century, built as Theodora's private church, full height mosaics of the procession of virgins down one side and on the other the martrys.....the church inside is sparsely decorated and then you look up and up and its stunning - the art of mosaics at its best.
Then finally Dante's Tomb. The city of Florence which originally exiled Dante wanted his body back but Ravenna said no, now Florence provides the oil for the eternal flame in the tomb....one day hoping for Dante's return to the vacant tomb in Santa Croce Florence.
Great little walking city with cafe culture, art and history....lovely!
Docked at 7am and the port was 7k's out of town so we got the cruise shuttle bus into town. Ravenna is flat, no hills in sight so great for walking and biking and the locals were whizzing about on their bikes with gusto. Ravenna's claim to fame is it's exquisite 5th century Byzantine mosaics....they are protected under world heritage status. I had read a bit about them before going there but really, the hype do sent do them justice...... they are truly stunning.....they take your breath away....the intricate designs and vibrant colours and the perfection.....a-maze-ing!
First stop Bascillica di San Vitale, mosaics of the imperial couple Justinian and Theodora reflected in the mosaic images. Then the Mausoleo di Galla Placida - a woman to be reckoned with - daughter, sister, wife and mother of emperors. It looked really plain outside and then you step in and its like being encased in a highly decorated Faberge egg.....the blue and gold stars on the ceiling are said to have inspired Cole Porter's ' Night and Day'...such a wonderful sight.
Then Battistero degli Aria I, also 5th century, when Theodora reigned the cult of Adrian was the official religion of the court. The dome has the most amazing mosaic of the baptizing of Christ....the water in the mosaics look transparent - stunning.
Then Bascillica di San Apollinaire nuovo, 6th century, built as Theodora's private church, full height mosaics of the procession of virgins down one side and on the other the martrys.....the church inside is sparsely decorated and then you look up and up and its stunning - the art of mosaics at its best.
Then finally Dante's Tomb. The city of Florence which originally exiled Dante wanted his body back but Ravenna said no, now Florence provides the oil for the eternal flame in the tomb....one day hoping for Dante's return to the vacant tomb in Santa Croce Florence.
Great little walking city with cafe culture, art and history....lovely!
Dubrovnik
Sunday 30 June 2013
After leaving Alexandria we had two days at sea. During this time we learned of the demonstrations in Cairo and Alexandria and that a US citizen was killed. It looks like we left Egypt in good time, it dosen't sound like things will be settled there for a long time. Dubrovnik.....what a contrast by comparison - beautiful clear, deep blue waters, clean streets and beautiful historic buildings in the old town. We walked off the ship early so when we entered the old town through the city wall gates, the town was still waking up and it was peaceful and quiet....a big contrast to the noise of Alexandria. Caught the cable car up to the hilltop and had amazing views of the town. We saw Orlando's Column, St Blaise Church and the Rectors Palace....the Italian influence obvious everywhere you look - stunning old buildings. Would be lovely to come back and explore more of the Croatian coast line.
After leaving Alexandria we had two days at sea. During this time we learned of the demonstrations in Cairo and Alexandria and that a US citizen was killed. It looks like we left Egypt in good time, it dosen't sound like things will be settled there for a long time. Dubrovnik.....what a contrast by comparison - beautiful clear, deep blue waters, clean streets and beautiful historic buildings in the old town. We walked off the ship early so when we entered the old town through the city wall gates, the town was still waking up and it was peaceful and quiet....a big contrast to the noise of Alexandria. Caught the cable car up to the hilltop and had amazing views of the town. We saw Orlando's Column, St Blaise Church and the Rectors Palace....the Italian influence obvious everywhere you look - stunning old buildings. Would be lovely to come back and explore more of the Croatian coast line.
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