Australia First Part

mercoledì 13 aprile 2011 22:02 Pubblicato da Mauro
Finally it was time to leave for the trip to Australia. As we come together to 'Venice airport, looking out the window we see that is all white with snow, and we think that in a day, the cold will be just a bad memory (alas for only 42 days). After doing all the procedures for boarding the plane and greeted relatives who have accompanied us all 'airport, we head to our gate for departure. At 15.30 on 19-12-10, we start with Australia destination, Dubai is the first step to stand still here one day and see a bit 'the city, for the first time we visit an Arab country for the truth to us very curious. The journey from Dubai to Venice takes about five hours and thirty minutes. We land at 'Dubai airport at about 0:10, the city view from the' plane is a flash of light with all the skyscrapers light and there is really a beautiful view. After you have performed the procedures customs and retrieved your luggage go to the appointment with the person (or people) 's Hotel that there must be picked up. Once you find the people (the 'hotel has its own stand at' airport) warmly welcome us and give us something to drink before leaving. We leave the 'airport and once loaded the luggage we head towards the' Hotel Movenpick, which is only 15 minutes by car. We come to the 'one in the morning and after having recorded all' Hotel Room climb to rest a bit '. The next morning after making a hearty breakfast at the reception of a person 'Hotel asks us what we want to see, we decided to go to market' s Gold (called the Gold Souk) located in the old town.The journey from 'the hotel' s market in gold taxi (which are very cheap and convenient to get around the city) which costs $ 10 and this takes us. It leaves us right next to the market and gives us directions to get there, because we cross two small streets and we are immersed in a myriad of shops with gold in all its forms: necklaces, rings with precious stones, bracelets, watches and even a whole storegold belts and remain completely stunned by the beauty of these artifacts. We have not had the courage to ask the price we think it's "stuff nabobs" and with a great sigh step further. Walking through the streets of the city surrounded by the bustle of merchants, there are also many shops selling spices scents that give us and we realize that we are a country in Eastern Europe. After seeing the market for 'gold we head towards the river Dubai Creek which crosses the city, this is also a seaport.Walking along the river we stop to watch the traditional craft of the place they call "Dhow" that the elder, a sail boat, used mostly for freight. There are also water taxis that carry passengers across the River. In this part of the old town you can see the other side of town, one with many modern skyscrapers and is still expanding.
 Tired of walking along the river, take a taxi and we do go with the "Burj Khalifa" with its 828 meters is the tallest skyscraper in the world and it is our goal to. In place in Dubai is located in the Burj Khalifa there are other skyscrapers around, there is a very nice pond with games of 'water and lights at night, creating a beautiful effect, with a bridge that leads to a typical Arab village called Souk Al Bahar. Do not miss a large shopping center with shops of every kind (jewelry, sports shops, the Gallery La Fayette, etc..) And inside there is also an ice rink. After a refreshing break with a coffee and cake we set off to our appointment. Having little time available, we have our tickets to go up the tower via the Internet, this has been beneficial both for the cost of tickets * for the little time we waited to board the "roof of the world." Ticket if bought over the Internet costs 100 DMR (value € 20 or so per person) but if you want to enter when costs 400 DMR (value € 80 or so per person). At 16 part our tour, we do enter the 'lift and climb the 124 planes at a speed stratospheric (18 meters per second), we arrive at the plan unfolds before a breathtaking view. Dubai is under there, the view stretches from the desert to the sea there is a bit sin 'of mist, perhaps due to desert sand, but of course we can not but be excited about being in a place that is as original and famous. The obligation is to take pictures in quantity, we make around 360 degrees and it's time to get down. Expect the sun go walking along the pond and making the latest photos, so we decide to take a taxi that takes us back to the hotel. Once you get to 'go up in our hotel room to store our souvenirs and then we decide to dine at' hotel. After dinner we decided to do two step out of the 'hotel, to breathe a little' fresh air, in our last night in Dubai before going to bed. On the morning following the day of departure then got up at 7:00, breakfast, and then hurry to the check-out and the shuttle 's Hotel brings us to' airport. The shuttle service to and from the 'airport we had already booked from Italy' because our fear was getting lost because it was the first time we went to a country Eastern Europe and also for the late hour of our arrival (at 0:10) and so we arrived early at the hotel. However, it is a very useful service especially for those with luggage. Movenpick Hotel has a very good value for money, the room was spacious and clean, the bathroom was luxurious with marble of green and black, very polite and friendly staff always ready to meet our demands. We were excited and we feel we can recommend it to those who want a ride (to get there in "only 6 hours away). Once you get all 'airport after check-in and baggage on board, go to the gate for our flight. At 10.20 am we start with the target Australia (Melbourne airport and then to Adelaide). The flight from Dubai to Melbourne takes 13 hours and 25 minutes and 10 hours difference. The trip was quiet and we saw a beautiful view of the Persian Gulf until the sun went down. We tried to get some sleep 'but it is very difficult to sleep on the plane because it is seated and the place is short. In flight at night when we first began to see the city lights we thought we are in Australia and now it is almost . For through it all, from Perth to Melborne, the plane it takes 3 hours, you think how big the 'Australia! We land in Melbourne at 06:35 and after doing the customs clearance of baggage and did it again to check in there Adelaide to embark. During the flight from Melbourne to Adelaide that takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, we see the first Australian landscapes, finally landed in Adelaide at 11.00............


Photo                                        Italian version

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Australia Second Part

22:02 Pubblicato da Mauro
After a couple of days off to recuperate after the trip and the time zone that does not make us sleep well, look at the date on the calendar and we see that it is already Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Eve and we seem to August used to spend Christmas here in the cold it seems a strange thing. Here is Santa Claus in the garden with many flowers and is fun to see the Christmas lights instead of the pines and eucalyptus trees. We spend Christmas Day with relatives that prepare us a nice mixed grill, a counterpart in Italy and Australia is the great feast and the wine flows freely
 On the Monday after St. Stefano go to visit the Adelaide Zoo. Let 's all day to admire the animals. There are about 1,800 animals including two giant pandas, Adelaide Zoo is the 'only in Australia to host the giant pandas. Inside you can watch animal acts and when it is fed. The next day we wake up and I have a surprise: a fever that makes me stay in bed for two days. On 30 December we are going to find a cousin who is 40 minutes by car (this is used to calculate the path to do in minutes rather than miles). Before arriving at the destination we stop for lunch and shopping at Handorf, a village in the German style so much that we seem to be in Bavaria. This country is full of restaurants and pubs as well as craft shops. In the afternoon we arrive by the cousin, who lives in a charming place, the house called "Far Horizons" is over the hill with a beautiful view. In about 10 hectares of land, there are many horses and even a pond.
We are fortunate to attend the first training of a mare by a real cowboy who makes her first walk with weights on your back to make her get used to the weight of man, then caresses and feeds finally when he feels that the mare is ready for a salt bin and rides. Here, the horse is tamed and has been a great thrill for us, spectators in absolute silence, which seemed to be in the movie "The Horse Whisperer." Until, expect to go to dinner, we make two steps for enjoying the scenery and take some pictures. In the evening we dine outdoors while we are fortunate to watch the sunset, the sky was orange, one thing that I had never seen before. After dinner we went to watch the stars, the sky so clear you could see the Southern Cross (constellation with the star of the Southern important for boaters), Orion and you could see the Milky Way with billions of stars, for whom love Astronomy is unique in the southern sky, clear and without the city lights that make it difficult but we are here watching the stars. Last year the party with the relatives and friends, the strange thing is that the stroke of midnight does not fire any shot d 'artifice to avoid the danger of fire. The next day (January 1) go to Glenelg, which is a beautiful seaside town about half an hour from Adelaide. We walk on the white sand and talcum powder so fine that it seems, play a bit 'with the waves of the sea, we would like to swim but the water is a bit' chilly and windy so we decided also to see the city center that is very nice. In the evening we have dinner in a restaurant typical of the 'Australian outback, on the menu I see there's a plate of fried alligator decided to try it and tell me before you eat it you'd better eat me with laughter! When I start eating I remain amazed by the taste of meat that is a cross between chicken and fish, tender and tasty and I would recommend it. On Sundays we go to Adelaide to visit the botanical garden that has many types of plants and flowers from other continents. The following day instead is devoted to preparations for the trip to Melbourne, and then having nothing in the program, go to the Dry Creek River that is near where we live. As we walk along the trail we saw many Rainbow Lorikeet parrots, cockatoos Rosella, and others such as kookaburras flying free.  

Photo                              Italian version

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From Adelaide to Melbourne by Car

22:01 Pubblicato da Mauro
Finally the day came to leave for Melbourne. This trip took us to see the unique places in the world. We will have the chance to try the Australian on the road with its unique landscapes! The first day of travel is from Adelaide to Naracoorte, 343 km from Adelaide Just outside is beginning to see how huge and beautiful is Australia, our view of the horizon is lost forever. In the section that goes up to that Keith is the first stop you only see sheep, cows, and farms here and there, between a country el 'more you travel many miles without seeing a house. The countries that we pass, are composed of a few houses a supermarket and petrol station for the collection of large grain silos. Keith, we stop in a small restaurant and then taste the local food, we order what is called pasty and pastry pies are stuffed with vegetables and meat are very good and cheap. In the room where we eat is a small museum with ancient objects of everyday use. After a quick lunch, we head to the "1894 Old Settlers Cottage" built by William Davis, this cottage is the oldest surviving house and built in local stone called "limestone" and is also in its original condition. The owner is the National Trust, founded in Australia in charge of preserving the original buildings of the period of the early pioneers. Inside are the original furnishings and all the objects that were used at the time. In the garden there are the original plants of 117 years ago that still bear fruit, especially a tree with blackberry and we tasted were very good, a pear, as well as many kinds of flowers and herbs. Back into the vehicle and so fast to Naracoorte where we stop for the night. During this stretch we pass the villages of Willalloka, Padthaway, Keppoch, surrounded by fields of wheat and some vineyards. We arrive at Naracoorte, located in tourist region called the Limestone Coast and is located in the southeastern state of South Australia. The site, in 1994 was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are 26 caves in the district. We go now to see if we can see the caves, but the last tour (16.30) unfortunately is complete and we are very sorry because the pictures we saw on the internet seemed fine, so with regret we have to fall back on the museum. Inside recreated with robotic models, the megafauna of 200,000 years ago that let you see how they were the ancestors of kangaroos, koalas and other Australian marsupials animals. After the museum we see, as an alternative to other caves, the Wet Cave with a series of rooms decorated with impressive calcite formations, some are white some are green due to the different minerals of which they are composed. You can see huge holes in the dome of the cave, prehistoric animals in the holes they fell into the cave, and remain trapped with no way out, so there were many fossils of animals. This tour is quite nice is not like the other tour that is more famous, but we must be content and perhaps to other caves will be for next time. After leaving the tour we go in search of the motel where we have a place to stay. Once found, we deposit your bags and go downtown in search of a restaurant for dinner. Here as the area is agricultural and is also the area where they raise animals for meat, we decided to eat meat, this is a good flavor and tender, When back to the motel we all come together in a room to do some ' binge with appetizers and wine before going to sleep, tomorrow will be a busy day. The next morning at 9.00 we start with other 364 km to Port Campbell where we spend the second night. The landscape to Mount Gambier is dotted with many wineries in this region, called the Coonawarra, is produced most of the wine of this state.



Once in Mount Gambier we pause and we look at the Blue Lake. Here is a mystery why the color of this lake which is located inside a volcanic crater. The volcano appears to have become extinct some say 28,000 years ago who said 4,300 years ago, had it right the second time, may be the most recent volcanic eruption in the Australian continent. From December to March, the lake is a vibrant cobalt blue, while from April to November it becomes a cold gray steel. Some studies say that the cause of color change is due to heating during the summer months the lake surface, the reverse mechanism in the winter months. However, we remained impressed with the color of the lake which we think is unique. We climb into the car and the road to the next stop, Nelson Ocean Beach, which is a beautiful overlooking the ocean and is within a natural park. Nelson between Ocean Beach and Portland we stopped to see the beautiful cliffs, the bay and the lighthouse. Broken down and given the time (12.45), we decide to stop in Portland to eat and visit the city which was founded in 1834 and has grown rapidly due to fishing, farming and agriculture.
  About 200 buildings in Portland have been classified by the National Trust and many of which were built in bluestone. From here we aim to Port Fairy has been described as one of the most beautiful seaside villages in Australia. Shortly after we take the legendary Port Fairy Great Ocean Road, which is about 243 km long along the south-east of Australia and is one of the world's most scenic roads. The road was built by soldiers between 1919 and 1932, dedicated to the victims of the First World War and is the largest war memorial in the world. It 's an important tourist attraction and runs alongside the coast and at every turn, offers unique views of the world. We stopped in a place where you have a view on a beautiful cliff called Bay of Islands (Kirrae Whurrong in Aboriginal language) gives us the magnificent colors and soon arrive at Port Campbell. Before going to the motel we immediately see one of the most famous photographs of "The Twelve Apostles".
 The feeling you get after a little walking and you start to see them you can not explain, you really realize how beautiful nature and is not a cliché, stay in the contemplation of those rocks that rise to majestic 65 meters and beautiful! The formations, which are made of limestone, are no longer 12 because the wind and sea erosion has dropped some, but this does not affect the beauty of the place. The next morning we expect the last part of the road from Port Campbell to Melbourne and 349 km are other. First stop are the cliffs that surround Port Cambell and its marina. Let's start and after 20 minutes it stops again Twelwe the Apostles, to buy some souvenirs, but we are empty-handed because the small shop at the entrance sells only waterproof, and so we look at the Twelve Apostles, illuminated by the sunlight in the morning and this is also a magnificent spectacle. Today is a day of many stops as the road offers magnificent landscapes. We will stop at Castle Cove, which offers stunning views of the ocean and we do band photographs, there seem to be machine guns, we are lucky to even see a peregrine falcon dive goes down to capture prey. For lunch we stop at Apollo Bay, here we take a tour of the shops to buy some souvenirs and then we go to eat. Before getting into the car we go two steps to the beach. From Apollo Bay the road runs along the coast and is a succession of curves and reverse curves with magnificent views, coves, beaches where you see lots of people sunbathing and a number of surfers riding the waves of the ocean. We stop at Cape Patton and Big Hill, two of the many places to take pictures and enjoy the view. Fairhaven Beach is located near a house, "The Pole House" sits on a concrete pier and reached by a wooden walkway, as seen from the street over there you should have a wonderful view of the 'area around. At Torquay the Great Ocean Road ends and we head to Portarlington. A Portarlington Port Phillip Bay can be seen in the distance across the bay to the skyscraper in Melbourne. Once back in the car waiting for us the 'last stretch of road that takes us in close proximity to Melbourne to stay. On arrival, we are a bit 'tired but happy with the trip: we did 1055 km in 3 days, but these days we have seen so many beautiful things and we realized how big Australia. The next day we take the train to visit the center of Melbourne. Arriving in Central Station (Flinders Street) go to visit Federation Square is the place of 'meeting of many cultures, in fact, Melbourne is a vibrant multicultural city with people of different cultures. Federation Square is also a place of bars, restaurants and clothing stores and various tours depart from there: By bus and boat in motion. Then take a bus that takes us to Rodlaver Arena which hosts the Australian Open, we look at the stage of Australian cricket with football is the national sport, like football on us. He then decides to go see the "Cook's Cottage" located in the Fitzroy Gardens. You may wonder why the house of Captain Cook is located in Melbourne and not in England? They explained that the British wanted to sell individual stones which had become home to obtain money, but in 1933 a prominent Australian Sir Russell Grimwade heard of it with a generous offer and bought the house and had him transported to Australia for celebrate the centenary of European settlement of Melbourne in 1934. The little house is composed of an entrance, where above the door are carved the letters "JGC", probably represent the initials of his father also called James Cook and his wife Grace and a date, 1755 is probably the year of ending the cottage.
 Then there is the small kitchen with a fireplace that was fed with coal and peat for heating, cooking el 'hot water. Upstairs is the master bedroom with mattresses stuffed with straw and feathers' goose. We go out into the garden and see the bronze statue of Captain Cook's natural height, is believed to have been one meter tall and 91 inches and holds in his hands the charts and the telescope useful tools to his job of navigator. The garden was also the garden with many species of medicinal plants.After the visit to Cook's house, take a tram that takes us back near the train station, then we decide to take a boat to take a cruise on the River Yarra River which runs through the city to the port. From the boat you have a beautiful view of the city with its skyscrapers.
 During the ride in a boat have to be careful with some bridges that have a low arch, so if you are standing outside and six filmed the opposite direction to take photos, you hit and there is a sailor who comes out and warns you in English "stay down" you have to down! (And who does not know the 'English....? is a dead man..... !!!). Once off the boat that we take the train back home and we are very tired. The next morning we go shopping in big shopping center and in the evening we go to eat in the neighborhood known as "Little Italy". Before coming to the neighborhood, past a strange monument, a piece of the roof of a library that comes out from the sidewalk, very original. Once at the top seems to be in Italy with all of local names in Italian. After dinner there were plans to go to the casino to watch the fireworks, but it started to rain so we decided to take a taxi for us back home. Our visit to Melbourne is over and the next morning take us to the airport in 1 hour flight we return to Adelaide. For our fellow adventurers instead, the return is in the car and then takes 10 hours to get to Adelaide, are the internal road is the shortest (about 750 km). The next day we decided to rest to recover some strength before you start to see other things ...................


Photo                                           Italian version


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Adelaide and surroundings & Fleurieu Peninsula

22:00 Pubblicato da Mauro
After tour from Adelaide to Melbourne with great success today, after a rest day, we decided to visit the center of Adelaide, and then after breakfast we start to explore the city. Once in town, we go to visit Victoria Square where the center of the square is a beautiful fountain. Then we head Gourger Street where the largest market in Adelaide and is called the indoor Central Market. Inside you will find everything from grocery to clothing to souvenirs, there are also foods that come from all over the world (including Italy). After visiting the Central Market as the most famous walk in Adelaide, King William Street with many fine shops, restaurants and buildings in Victorian Beehive Corner is a building named for her beehive. Another beautiful building is the Town Hall, Adelaide Town Hall with a beautiful coat of arms on the turret. At one point King William Street crosses the pedestrian street called Rundle Mall. This street is a real "godsend" for shoppers is chock-full of all kinds of shops and shopping centers. If you venture inside one of these stores were warned that, so the shop is great, also the exit to another street and then you could lose your sense of direction. Along the avenue there are also some beautiful monuments. During the walk we see many street artists perform with their shows to earn some money. Then we head into another beautiful street called North Terrace, this road is full of historic buildings on one side and the other side is full of skyscrapers, is a really nice contrast. Crossing in front of Old Parliament House and Parliament House. It is then the Government House (the home of Prime Minister of South Australia), the National War Memorial, the Migration Museum (museum dedicated to the many Italian immigrants who sought his fortune in Australia after the war), then there is the State Library, Library was 'Art Gallery of South Australia. This is the way of universities, there is the ' Adelaide University' University of South Australia. Then we head towards the Torrens River through the city. Near the river is the Adelaide Festival Centre and a beautiful park called Elder Park. On January 14 we go to visit the National Motor Museum which is located in Birdwood (Adelaide Hills, the hills around Adelaide), a town 30 km from Adelaide. The museum shows the evolution of cars and motorcycles from their appearance on. Among the various brands of cars are Alfa Romeo and Lancia ..There is also a section devoted to the means of travel in the 'Australian outback.These machines, which are off-road vehicles, have in front of the meter-high arch that serve as a defense against accidents with kangaroos are very common and dangerous, because when you hit a kangaroo, he break the crystal and the strong legs that can kill a man. Inside there is also the machine with which they filmed Mad Max with Mel Gibson in the 80's. All 'carved on a rock outside a car as munument. In another hall have also built a garage in 50's style. Leaving the museum we go for a beer at the West End Beer which has a van on a pole as a sign of the pub. On Sunday we decided to go downtown to Adelaide without being accompanied by our family and we take the bus. Once in Rundle Mall begin to look at the windows looking for souvenirs to take home and then we decide to go see the Museum of Aboriginal Art called Tandanya, this museum is a wonderful collection of paintings made by Aboriginal artists, the works are of real maps indicating their hunting grounds, place in which they live and their lives. Their art is called by their "Dream Time", and are things that are handed down from father to son. Aboriginal Art and culture I think is the most ancient art in the world, they live in their territories for thousands of years and the white man has exterminated them for their land, as it was for American Indians. Now many Aborigines live confined to their reserves for me as absurd that Australia is full of their property. Concluded the visit to the museum take the bus that takes us back home. Now that unfortunately missing a few days at the end of our wonderful trip, the day after we leave to visit on the Barossa Valley famous for wine and was the first valley to cultivate the vines in Adelaide. This valley is about an hour's drive from Adelaide. Down the road we see a lot of wineries. We stopped for lunch at Tanunda, which is at the center of the valley. Let's go eat at the restaurant "The Good Life", within the room there are two maps on the wall, one with the 'Italy and the rest of the world. On the maps there are, at the various countries, red flags and ask the waiter what the meaning of those flags hanging on the maps. The waiter replied that the tourists who want to leave your memories of the place where they come from, just write your name and country and then hang the flag at the point where it is their country. We decide to do it too with lots of photos. Leaving the restaurant with a full belly, we begin to go to visit the most important wineyards the valley. The first wineyards we visit is the "Grant Burge" which was founded in 1855.



In addition to selling wine, a tasting room to sample the wines before you buy and you can take a guided tour to see the maintenance and processing of wine. We climb into the car and moved to the second wineyard that is near and there is the "Rock Ford."After tasting some wines and photos with glass in hand, we leave for another wineyard the "Jacob's Creek.". In addition to this there is even a wine tasting bar, after drinking so much wine, we take a coffee on the outside there is a beautiful garden that overlooks the forest with many types of plants. The "Jacob's Creek" is the official sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open held in Melbourne. Got into the car it's off to the last stop of the day wineyard "Seppltsfield" founded in 1851. Inside the estate, the sides of the road, there are plenty of palm trees. You may wonder what made the palm trees on an estate wine? The owner of wineyard, when there was the great depression of the last century, not to leave home workers decided to let them plant the palm trees. In so doing, the workers kept their jobs and continue to receive the money to support their families. Around the wineyard there is also a picnic area, if you want you can even stay overnight and there is also a guided tour. In the estate there is also the family mausoleum built on top of a hill, just remember the good work done by Mr. Seppltsfield and from here you have wonderful views over the Barossa Valley. We share and we return to town, happy day in the beautiful Barossa Valley with the loot of a dozen bottles of good wine. The following day, at night, we look at the sunset and the city of Adelaide, Mount Lofty, which is 710 meters high. At about 19.30 pm we arrive, well in advance as the sun went down almost at 9 am, at the top of the mountain and we remain fascinated by the beautiful landscape of the city and the view extends to the sea. We observe the sun setting over the sea a new thing for us because we do not have the good fortune to watch the sun set over the sea but in the midst of the houses. Slowly the city lights begin to flash on and give us a good show. Before returning to the fold (house) we stopped in a pub for a drink and to warm up a bit 'because on top of the Mount Lofty was a little' cold, there were about 13 degrees and took a strong wind, fortunately we were well covered with a sweater and jacket.The next morning we set off for Middleton, which is about 100 km from Adelaide.Middleton on the Fleurieu Peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas of South Australia. The house where accommodation is located near the ocean and a stunning view. Once we arrived and unloaded their luggage immediately at the beach for swimming. The day passes peaceful sunbathing and swimming. The next morning I get up early to watch the sun rise from the ocean. After breakfast we go back to the beach to swim, we have great fun with the waves that slam against very strong enough to make us fall, in fact there are many surfers with their boards to take delight in the waves and ride them up to shore. Then we make a game of bocce on the beach. In the afternoon we return a bit 'before because we have to go see the little penguins in the evening, and falling from the ocean after spending all day to find food, start to their nests for the night. When you reach the beautiful village of Victor Harbour, we set out to go to Granite Island, where we booked for dinner, before going to do the tour to see penguins. Granite Island is accessible by a bridge, passable on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. As we walk on the bridge we saw many fish including a race and a cloud of anchovies. Arriving at the restaurant while we wait, I'm going to take some pictures, climb the rocks of the island from where you have a wonderful view.While waiting for the dinner we also have the chance to see dolphins playing in the third port and a seal, waiting for the departure of the tour we see the full moon that rises from the sea, leaving a golden reflection on the water. The water goes through the port setting of the sun, from light blue to pink, to our amazement. After dinner at 21, part of our tour to see penguins. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour with a guide that explains all about penguins and at one point, seeing a beautiful scene, a few yards from us we see a female penguin take his two little puppies, very cute! We also see two possums in their nests on the rocks. This tour was very informative and we learned a lot of life Little Penguins of Granite Island. The next morning we get up and the weather is bad and windy and we decided to leave early. We stop at a beach not far from Middleton to collect shells by the sea storm has thrown on the beach. We stopped in Port Elliot and then called The Bluff Head Rosetta which are two beautiful places with breathtaking views. At Victor Harbour we stopped for a snack and do some shopping and then take the road that brings us back to Adelaide. The next day we decide to rest a bit '. The next day we go to see a zoo that houses animals that live in Australia. The zoo is located in the vicinity of Adelaide and is called Cleland Wildlife Park. We picnic in the picnic area near the park and then we go to visit him.Inside there are all animals originating in Australia, including dingoes, kangaroos, emus, wombats, echidnas, cassowary, many types of birds and soft Koala in this zoo can be stroked, so we make some beautiful pictures. The next day we start to pack for our departure imminent. In the evening we are invited to the farewell party with all our parents. We are a bit 'sad because we leave the morrow to visit Sydney, but we have great fun with our family that we are a warm and festive time for dessert, I have a big surprise, come up with a huge cake with burning candles and with the writing in Italian Happy Birthday Mauro! and I sing "Happy Birthday" all together. Well yes I celebrated my birthday in the heat for me in January of odd because usually celebrate with a wool sweater on him. It 'was a great surprise (thanks my wife), I really liked.......

Italian version

      Photo: Fleurieu Peninsula - South Australia                        
                 Adelaide and surroundings
 

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Sydney and Return

21:59 Pubblicato da Mauro
The next morning we come together at the airport and greeted relatives alas, in a valley of tears, we board. At 09.30 am we get up in flight to Sydney and Adelaide to see the last time, there will remain 3 days (2 nights). During the flight to Sydney that brings us we enjoy the view below us with vast open spaces where you can see many uninhabited areas. The flight from Adelaide to Sydney is 1 hour and 55 minutes + 30 minutes of time zone. From the plane before landing, you have a magnificent view of the city and its bay. We land in Sydney at 11:55 on 26 January. On 26 January is Australia Day which is a national holiday to commemorate the first landing place in Terra Australis. Australia was first discovered by the Dutch East India Company in 1638 and was given the name New Holland. Then it was discovered in the eastern part in 1771 by Captain James Cook. Once we retrieved the suitcases two floors below where the airport take the train that takes you to Sydney Central Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Once at the station and we head out to where you will find our hotel about 15 minutes walk from the station. Without the check-in hotel and deposited the suitcases in the room, we leave to go downtown. Take the bus that brings us close to the Sydney Aquarium, along the way we see that the Australians are very patriotic and in this day of national holiday, have fun to wear anything with the colors of their flag. I got off the bus we head to the aquarium but before we snack because we had come a bit 'of hunger. Look and watch and now at this late hour, we decided to visit the aquarium in the aftermath, as in the evening, at about 20.30, there is a fireworks show that we do not want to miss, to celebrate the 'Australia Day and then seek a suitable place for the best viewing of the show. The area of ​​Sydney where we get to watch the show is the Darling Harbour and it was overflowing with people. At about 20:30 the show begins with sailing boats that run around some buoys and their sails the lights change from red to green to blue and purple. Shortly after starting the fireworks that were set off by buoys in the water and from the tops of the skyscrapers around there. The fires were a wonder that here in Italy we dream! and have earned great applause for it throughout the program. Once we finished the show the way back to the hotel to rest in the aftermath that we
                                                                                                 are  facing a very challenging day
The next morning we take the panoramic City Sightseeing bus stops in Sydney's most popular places in Sydney and is suitable to introduce visitors to the city, is very economical and useful to those who have little time available. Our first stop is the Sydney Aquarium, which is close to Darling Harbour district, this aquarium is the largest in Australia. The path in the 'aquarium shows marine environments with their fish. They are the most species of fish living in Australia. There are also three large transparent tubes protected under glass or walking through the tunnel you can admire the fish swim overhead. In the first tank containing fish typical Australian, magnificent race, the clown fish and others. The second pool is occupied by various breeds of sharks, walking under us a little 'scared with all those sharks, and especially the great white shark swimming around you. For us it was the first time we saw the sharks so close you can touch and it was a wonderful experience. There were giant grouper, turtles, manta rays, which pretty much with their large fins that appear to be wings, seems to caress you. In the third tank instead is the habitat of the reef with all its colorful fish that inhabit it. There are even penguins have their own private pool and outdoor pools where you can see up close. For a complete tour of the aquarium, it took 2 hours. Once out before taking the bus we stopped to eat near there. And after seeing what we could eat so many fish .....? Of course, "fish and chips. Back in the bus to explore the city and the next stop is The Rocks. The district of The Rocks is the oldest and most "in" in Sydney, here are the houses with stones in face view and are beautiful. From here you have a beautiful view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and of course the famous bay. From here we decide to walk to the Opera House, which was not far away. Once at the Opera House began taking pictures here and there to immortalize a true icon of Sydney and is a unique place in the world. The Sydney Opera House was built in the twentieth century, and was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973. From what the name implies is basically the Sydney Opera House and is a popular destination for tourists who love the work but also for its strange architecture. It 'was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon. The shells in spherical section that make up the roof, can remember the sails of boats that were going on a cruise in the seas of Australia. The concert hall is the large pipe organ with 10,500 pipes. It was installed in 1979 and in 2007 it joined the World Heritage Site. After that we take our panoramic bus that brings us close to our hotel and that's it for today because we are a bit 'tired. The next morning is the last day (what a pity!) Of our trip to Australia, we prepare our bags and go down in the hotel lobby to put luggage in the room and book a shuttle bus at 17.30 there will be a taken to accompany us to the airport, after which we go out and go back to the bus view. Until the last few hours that remain, try to see as much as possible. Let's make the usual round so we can review again the city. We stopped at the Sydney Tower in Sydney to see the city. From the tower you have a wonderful view of the city and its bay. Up there you can also see how big the city of Sydney. Once we came downstairs we decided to take a 'other means of transportation: the tram to the monorail (the monorail), raised that goes around the center and in the midst of skyscrapers. In some ways around this one has the impression of going to crash into skyscrapers, but it passes very close and very funny, almost like being on a roller coaster!. Once off the tram we take the bus that takes us back to the hotel. At 17:30 comes the shuttle bus that picks up and brings us to the airport for our flight back to Italy. While waiting for our departure we climb on the roof terrace and see the city of Sydney in the distance for the last time. At 21:45 we get up in the air above the ground in Australia with 14:50 hour flight to Dubai, the only thing you do, so to speak, is that we fly the new Airbus A380 that can carry up to 800 people. Once in Dubai, after waiting 4 hours, take the flight that takes us to Venice. At 14.30 we landed in Venice. We say that such a trip takes just 45 days are at least 60 days to enjoy Australia (indeed it would be better to move there !!!!). Why air travel is less cumbersome would be necessary to make a stopover of a couple of days both outward and return. If you had to choose between return in my opinion would be better to return. When you leave for your trip you feel that the time for arriavare flights, instead of return time seems to pass ever. In our eyes will be in addition to relatives, the blue sky, beautiful landscapes where gaze goes to infinity, the friendly people and want to return again ................... ..........
Photo                                                        Italian version

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TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND - FIRST PART

martedì 12 aprile 2011 17:39 Pubblicato da Mauro
August 2009, finally a trip that has long wanted to do, come true. After visiting the region of Carinthia, Vienna, Salzburg, the Salzkammergut (Austria), Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Freiburg (Germany), Strasbourg, Paris (France), the Rhine Falls, Lucerne (Switzerland), Dublin (Ireland) , Adelaide (Australia), we decided to go in Scotland, one of our dream. We booked the flight through the Internet from Venice to Glasgow (via Amsterdam). We left Venice at 06.30 and arrived in Glasgow at 10.30. When we arrived in Glasgow welcomes us the classic Anglo-Saxon climate: cloudy and threatening rain. From 'airport take the bus line that stops close to the main hotel. The time to make the chech-in and unpacking, we look out and already started to rain.However we decide to go out to familiarize yourself with the city, we go to
center and go straight to the Tourist Info Centre, located in George Square. At the visitor center we spend a little time, inform us on what to see and do above all that Tour. The lady at the reception is very kind and inform us about the various tour: the tour is making Oban & West Highlands & Loch Castle with the cost of £ 31 and lasted 9 hours, the tour is Loch Lomond, The Trossachs & Stirling Castle with the cost of £ 30 and lasted 9 hours, there is a tour that makes Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky cost £ 30 and lasted about nine hours and then there's the tour Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands cost £ 36 and lasts about 12 hours, I kept it for last because, after much discussion, we decide to do this tour, for what we want to see us, it's definitely the best. Book tour for the day 25/08/2009. Meanwhile, for today there roam by the most "in" of Glasgow called Buchanan Street which is full of shops, especially the Argyle Arcade Gallery, where 'input over the doorway is a
Peacock so brilliant and gorgeous and very beautiful. Then we go into a pub, we get a good cappuccino steaming that warms us a little bit because we were full of cold, was 15 ° instead of in Venice in that period there were 35 degrees, quite a difference! In fact the evening we were both with back pain and colds. The next morning we take the tickets for the City Sightseeing.
The tourist bus Hop on - Hop off (valid for 2 days and costs £ 10) is like that of Dublin, it's all about the city and you can get on and off when and where you want it, we decide
 split the tour in Glasgow two days. We choose to play the part of the tour leading up to the Glasgow University. The departure from George Square and after 2 stops along the River Clyde River Clyde Auditorium that you get to the "Armadillo", here we decide to go down. The 'Armadillo is the giant Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, this huge center on the northern bank of the River Clyde is called Armadillo because of its segmented silver lining. And 'when rock and pop concerts. It seems to me that even looks like a giant croissant. Crossing the River Clyde in the Bells Footbridge you arrive at Glasgow Science Centre which is a futuristic center with a cinema screen with up to 24 meters, there is an incredible tower that the wind shifts 360 degrees. Then there is the Science Mall, in its 4 floors are there stand many interactive and fun for children but for adults too. Do not miss the planetarium the Scottish Power Space Theatre. " We continue the tour and shortly after getting off at the University of Glasgow, the city's universities, which is located above the Kelvingrove Park on a hill where you
see a beautiful view. The Glasgow University is a complex of buildings in Victorian style and is very beautiful to see. E 'was founded in 1451 and is the fourth oldest university in the world and one of the 100 best in the world. Hosted Albert Einstein to read his theory of relativity. We take the 'bus and stop at the Museum of Transport which is located opposite the Kelvingrove Museum, a beautiful Edwardian building in red brick and dating back to the' year 1902, houses a collection of paintings by Rembrandt, Constable and Monet. The transport museum is full of historic vehicles of all ages and all attracted to shiny, there are many steam locomotives including the Royal Train 123 that pulling the Royal Train and tram horses up to the first enlisted Johonson cars. There are also fire-trucks, buses, bikes, including the first pedal, ship models and other memorabilia associated with the transport. There is also the reconstruction of a street in Glasgow in 1929 with lots of shops, cinemas and the metro station, there are also taxis 's age at the roadside, which is cobbled and perspective, makes the most of the' idea of ​​actually being there in that moment of 1929. Leaving the transport museum in the pouring rain, will race to take the 'bus which takes us back to George Square and the fact that it was time for dinner, we stopped at the Restaurant and Pizzeria "Life" which is run by Italians and where you eat fine. The day after we leave the 'hotel and head to the streets in George Square to take the' bus to go around the city. The first stage is the "Glasgow Cathedral, dating from the thirteenth and fifteenth century and is a beautiful 'example of medieval art.The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mungo, and his tomb is located in the crypt. Do not miss the ceiling with carved stone friezes of the Blackadder Aisle. Near the cathedral is the St. Mungo Museum of Religious and Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow's dated 1471. The next stop is the Merchant City, a small commercial area that houses the exclusive Merchant Gift Shop, as well as numerous bars and restaurants. It goes by bus to get to the Barras. Here is the flea market was born in the 20s of last century in the poorest part of town, invented by 'Margaret Molver intrapredente peddler who built a home for street vendors, who previously sold the goods using simple carts. In the stands you can find everything from antiques, to fortune tellers, to agricultural products. Over the weekend this place is very crowded.Then we set off and arrive at Glasgow Green which is nearby. This public park is the most ancient in Scotland and was donated to the people in 1450. The park is the People's Palace is a building of red sandstone in 1898 with its garden of 'winter.Traced back on the bus in the city center before returning to our hotel. The next morning we welcome the classic Anglo-Saxon day, rain all day. We decide to take advantage of this day to go shopping, and we go to the St. Enoch Shopping Centre, the largest glass building of the 'whole of Europe. After leaving the mall we go to The Lighthouse where the museum 's architecture and a' lift takes you up to the lookout over the city of Glasgow. Before we go back to the hotel to the railway station in Glasgow which is very nice.

Italian version

       PHOTO                                                                                                            Second Part
    
           Link: Bus Tours Glasgow
                    Bus Tours Edinburgh
PHOTO
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TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND - SECOND PART

17:38 Pubblicato da Mauro

Get up and had breakfast after we were walking towards the train station (Glasgow Queen Street Rail), the day is beautiful and we take the train to Edinburgh (50 minutes journey). The train running across the Scottish countryside in the eyes stand out just two details, lots of sheep and lots of greenery as well as countries in the Scottish style. Once in Edinburgh, and leave the station take a bus tour of the 4 lines of: What are close by. We start to see the city and the first stop we decide to do is to 'Edinburgh Castle. Once off we go to 'entrance to the castle and seeing how many people there waiting to make the ticket we decide to change the program. Go back on the bus and decide to see the city doing the rounds without ever stooping. Once you arrive at the terminus of the tour most of the tourists come down, then we will go upstairs to take advantage of the bus, because you have a better view of the city.Starts again with the tour, armed with camera and start taking pictures here and there. The bus runs through the streets narrow and uphill. Pass the Grassmarket, where there is a pub called "The Last Drop", which was where the prisoners drank the 'last drop of whiskey before going to
scaffold. Another monument of note is the "Greyfriars Bobby" is located at the top of Candlemaker Row. It 'a symbol of Edinburgh and is the bronze statue of a Skye Terrier, this dog belonged to a farmer who dined regularly in Greyfriars Place. After the death of his master, the loyal Bobby for 14 years went to sleep on his grave, but always came back for dinner always in the pie-shop. The bus passes in front of John Knox House, the oldest house in Edinburgh (1490) overlooking the Royal Mile. The bus also passes in front of the Scottish Parliament (a modern building) and opposite is the mountain called Arthur's Seat or the throne of Arthur, whose legend tells that King Arthur was crowned here. There is located near the Calton Hill, where tourists, going on foot, they can see the panorama of the city. The journey continues to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This castle towers round is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland, so it can happen that during the vacancy of the Queen has not visited the castle. After resuming the bus we arrived at the end of our first day in Edinburgh, we take the train back to Glasgow tomorrow because we expect the tour of the tour: the Highlands. Finally came the day of the tour to the Scottish Highlands.Departure is at 8:20 am from George Square, the weather forecast says cloudy and threatening rain and patches of blue sky in the afternoon. The first stop is at Loch Lomond, this lake is the largest in Scotland and the wonderful landscapes. After the lake, the road begins to climb and enter the realm of the Highlands where silence reigns. The dominant color is green fields, sometimes you see the typical houses in the Highlands, lakes, lots of sheep and cows with long horns, and the long coat to cover his eyes. Then we arrive in 'rugged valley to the pass of Glencoe, here' is a stop of 10 minutes to take pictures (the place is fascinating and beautiful). Climb in the minibus to arrive, after about half an hour to Fort William where he makes a break of 1 hour to eat something. Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands and is located near the highest mountain Ben Nevis, Britain, 1343 meters high. The area is well known here because 'of the famous films were shot (Rob Roy, Highlander, Braveheart). We share with the minibus, the next stop is Loch Ness. Once at the lake we stop to see what remains of 'Urquhart Castle. Loch Ness is famous for the legend that says that there is a monster that lives there called "Nessie". L 'driver asks who wants to make the 30-minute cruise on the lake and we decide to do it (the price of the cruise is not included). The boat takes us close to the 'Urquhart Castle and then turn around and go back, to' there's a bar inside the boat and sonar to scan the bottom of the search for Nessie. After returning to earth we go to the visitor center for shopping where we expect the 'driver. We share and we spend the next city without stopping and Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. But first there is the Caledonian Canal, a canal that connects the east coast of Scotland with the west. The Caledonian Canal was designed by James Watt in 1767. The plan was to cross the 'whole of Scotland from coast to coast, connecting the lakes of the Great Glen. 'S start with the work share' from Fort William in 1803 and during the 19 years of building four aqueducts were built, a dam on Loch Lochy and the diversion of rivers and Oich Lochy. During the twentieth century, the canal risked being closed for lack of funds, but in 1996 the government is providing £ 20 million to finish the channel. The 'last stop before returning to Glasgow and Pitlochry, during the journey, the road is a succession of hills, the purple color of many plants of heather and grand views. This town is a popular holiday destination since the nineteenth century and is very nice to see. When we arrived in Glasgow (about 19:45 hours) before returning to the hotel we stopped to eat at the usual place. The next morning when we wake up as usual it's raining outside, (to say the weather forecast at 12). So we decide to calmly prepare to leave and go back by train to Edinburgh to see the castle that is the symbol of the city. When we arrived in Edinburgh around 12 noon the sun begins to sprout. Outside the station, take a tourist bus, but this time, we take even the entrance ticket for the castle, so we avoid queuing at the ticket office. Arriving at the castle, take a 'audio guide in Italian, which helps to know the main points of the castle. Just go through the gate of entry, we are fortunate to witness the firing of a cannon shot of the One o'Clock Gun, a cannon of 25 pounds of World War II, firing (blanks of course) precisely to 'one in the afternoon. This custom has been in place since 1861 and you'll wonder, why fire a cannon shot to the 'one instead of twelve noon? Because doing so saves bullets. The castle has a tiered structure, and one of them home to the St. Margaret's Chapel, which is the simplest and most ancient structure of the twelfth century and was dedicated by King David I to the mother which later became St Margaret of Scotland. The chapel is very small and has a single nave very simple and pretty. All 'outside the chapel is an enormous cannon called Mons Meg, given to James II in 1457 by the Duke of Burgundy. Has a range of 4 km and fired cannon balls of stone that weighed 150 pounds, so that the 'enormous weight in 1681 to blow up for his own cane. Still climbing there are several buildings including the 'hospital and the Scottish National War Museum where there are several relics, uniforms, insignia and numerous weapons. There is also near the National War Memorial, this building is the most modern of Castle Rock. Designed by Sir Lorimer in 1923-28 to honor the 150,000 Scots soldiers who died during the First World War. All 'entry, imposing, there is a lion and a unicorn made of stone, all' inner walls are coated in dark stone and each of the 12 Scottish regiments is commemorated in the Hall of Honour. In an open room in the middle of 'building check the top of the' hill on which stands the castle, a volcanic rock dating back 70 million years ago, carved in the form of altar. Then enter the Crown Room (Room of the Crown) who is on the first floor of the Royal Palace and at the end of a path set up, you get to the real treasures (so valuable that there is even a policeman on guard). The Honour of Scotland including the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword. The crown, dating from 1540, is made of gold and stones of the Scottish Cairngorms. There is also the Stone of Destiny (Stone of Destiny), which was the stone upon which Scottish kings are crowned. Near the Royal Palace there is the 'Half Moon Battery is a battery of cannons aimed to defend the castle, shaped like a half moon. Obviously it is the castle perched on its pedestal of volcanic rock is in a commanding position above the town, offers magnificent views to the sea (the Firth of Forth). Once out of the castle we decided to see the shops along the Royal Mile, here we also perform a lot of street performers. After that we take the bus that takes us to the station. Here we decide to visit the park which is located near the station where there is the Scott Monument, which is a Gothic pinnacle of sandstone and 61 meters high from the top, there is a magnica view of the city. Then we rest a bit on a bench and we enjoy for the last time (for now) the city. Take the train journey back to Glasgow, and once you are in our back room 'hotel, alas we begin to prepare the case. On the morning before taking the bus to go all 'let's airport around the shops of Buchanan Street. The trip was exciting despite the rain has affected us a little


 PHOTO                                                                                                              First Part                       

                                                                        Italian version

           Bus Tours Edinburgh                   


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LUCERNA 2008

17:30 Pubblicato da Mauro

AUGUST 2008
Hello everyone, i will tell you about the cruise in Greece and Croatia, which i have done together with my sister. We Have lots of Venice with the mega cruise ship MSC Music. This ship is almost 300 meters long and 32 wide, has in all16 decks and can carry up to 3013 passengers: practically a country traveling and not to lose you always have the map behind. The first evening, sailing toward Bari, they saw the lights of villages of the coast of Istria very beautiful! The morning we awake and just after breakfast latest with the aid of tugs at the port of Bari. There would be excursions ( city center, Alberobello, S. Giovanni Rotondo, etc. ) But we decide to remain on the ship also to relax a bit in the swimming pools and jacuzzi and sunbathing. Spend the day and in the evening it's already time to start afresh. Surfing at night, you have the feeling of not doing road, but considerest not the morning when you wake up that things have changed: we are in Greece! And practically Katakolon. Today we descend because there is the archaeological site of Olimpia from see. To go to Olimpia there are 2 ways: do the tour organized by MSC ( duration: about 4 hours with the cost of 48 € per head ) or go on our own account. We have taken a taxi with approximately 10 € per head has led us to Olimpia, we waited while us when we were doing the website and then we has taken to the ship. The site of Olimpia and very beautiful for those who love the archeology and is the seat of the first olympic games, held in the year 776 bc every 4 years in honor of Zeus. There are the ruins of brazier in which the priestesses lights flickering the sacred fire of Olimpia, the ' racecourse, the gymnasium and temple of Heraion was dedicated to greek goddess. The Philippeion erected in the 4th century A. C. in honor of Philip II king of Macedonia. Returning to Katakolon our taxi driver points out to us that a large fire devastated a whole hill, on the other hand in Greece, the climate is very dry and very hot ( in July there were 40 degrees ). It is now embarking, we expect about 12 hours of navigation, next half Santorini. In the morning we awake and climbs on the upper deck for breakfast, we remain without words in the magnificent view of the volcanic island. The colors of the reefs are incredible from black to red, from brown to orange to gray, above the cliff the typical villages of Santorini with the white houses and roofs blue. Also in Santorini there are various excursions; there is the possibility to climb the cliff with the cable car, on foot or riding a mule, but the path is very narrow and the mules you cut off the road and throng thee toward the wall. In addition, there are also their "clean bisognini possible" in which it is very easy to fall, you know that smell after'. We have chosen to do the hike proposed by MSC that has a cost of € 50 and lasts about 4 hours. We to take by ship anchored in the harbor and with the tender lead us to the small harbor of Athinios where there is the bus that awaits us. We and our guide begins to speak of the island which is an active volcano and the caldera, surrounds the sea in front of the island, where it is anchored our ship. Climbing the cliff very steep and winding the landscape is really beautiful and evocative. Shortly after we arrive to the enchanting village of Oia we descend by bus and walk to reach the main street of Oia is all paved in marble. Walking, we do a lot of photos because the panorama is truly unique, the street there are many nice little shops that sell typical products of Santorini: olives, chili and souvenirs of local crafts. During the journey there are many trees of bougainvillea flowers color fuchsia and white. At the end of the road, you arrive at the place with the most beautiful panorama of Oia where you can admire the well-known sunset the Aegean sea. Let us return to the bus that brings us to the vineria "Vin Santo", also the magnificent panorama and make us taste 3 types of wine: white, black, pink, with an alcohol content of 14 °. Then we divide up the time of Thira the largest city of the island, visit the beautiful Orthodox Cathedral of Candlemas, Lord, built in 1827 and rebuilt in 1956 after the earthquake. Rich in frescoes with golden colors and icons of end painting. It is now time to return to the ship but before we do a little shopping in the craft workshops and stalls. A good cup of coffee in a bar and then we put in a row (we waited for 1 hour) to take the cableway that brings us to the old port, the tender takes us back to the ship. The visit of Santorini and enchanting sin that there is little time to see it, so we want to minimum 3 days, good excuse to return! With still Santorini in the eyes in the evening we arrive in Mykonos and who wants to can go for a visit. After dinner we went down

PHOTO                                    Italian version
  Link: Luzern.com                  Monte Rigi
lamp, lucerna2008, Mount Rigi, Switzerland
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CRUISE IN GREECE AND CROATIA 2008

17:28 Pubblicato da Mauro
JULY 2008
Hello everyone, i will tell you about the cruise in Greece and Croatia, which i have done together with my sister. We Have lots of Venice with the mega cruise ship MSC Music. This ship is almost 300 meters long and 32 wide, has in all16 decks and can carry up to 3013 passengers: practically a country traveling and not to lose you always have the map behind. The first evening, sailing toward Bari, they saw the lights of villages of the coast of Istria very beautiful! The morning we awake and just after breakfast latest with the aid of tugs at the port of Bari. There would be excursions ( city center, Alberobello, S. Giovanni Rotondo, etc. ) But we decide to remain on the ship also to relax a bit in the swimming pools and jacuzzi and sunbathing. Spend the day and in the evening it's already time to start afresh. Surfing at night, you have the feeling of not doing road, but considerest not the morning when you wake up that things have changed: we are in Greece! And practically Katakolon. Today we descend because there is the archaeological site of Olimpia from see. To go to Olimpia there are 2 ways: do the tour organized by MSC ( duration: about 4 hours with the cost of 48 € per head ) or go on our own account. We have taken a taxi with approximately 10 € per head has led us to Olimpia, we waited while us when we were doing the website and then we has taken to the ship. The site of Olimpia and very beautiful for those who love the archeology and is the seat of the first olympic games, held in the year 776 bc every 4 years in honor of Zeus. There are the ruins of brazier in which the priestesses lights flickering the sacred fire of Olimpia, the ' racecourse, the gymnasium and temple of Heraion was dedicated to greek goddess. The Philippeion erected in the 4th century A. C. in honor of Philip II king of Macedonia. Returning to Katakolon our taxi driver points out to us that a large fire devastated a whole hill, on the other hand in Greece, the climate is very dry and very hot ( in July there were 40 degrees ). It is now embarking, we expect about 12 hours of navigation, next half Santorini. In the morning we awake and climbs on the upper deck for breakfast, we remain without words in the magnificent view of the volcanic island. The colors of the reefs are incredible from black to red, from brown to orange to gray, above the cliff the typical villages of Santorini with the white houses and roofs blue. Also in Santorini there are various excursions; there is the possibility to climb the cliff with the cable car, on foot or riding a mule, but the path is very narrow and the mules you cut off the road and throng thee toward the wall. In addition, there are also their "clean bisognini possible" in which it is very easy to fall, you know that smell after'. We have chosen to do the hike proposed by MSC that has a cost of € 50 and lasts about 4 hours. We to take by ship anchored in the harbor and with the tender lead us to the small harbor of Athinios where there is the bus that awaits us. We and our guide begins to speak of the island which is an active volcano and the caldera, surrounds the sea in front of the island, where it is anchored our ship. Climbing the cliff very steep and winding the landscape is really beautiful and evocative. Shortly after we arrive to the enchanting village of Oia we descend by bus and walk to reach the main street of Oia is all paved in marble. Walking, we do a lot of photos because the panorama is truly unique, the street there are many nice little shops that sell typical products of Santorini: olives, chili and souvenirs of local crafts. During the journey there are many trees of bougainvillea flowers color fuchsia and white. At the end of the road, you arrive at the place with the most beautiful panorama of Oia where you can admire the well-known sunset the Aegean sea. Let us return to the bus that brings us to the vineria "Vin Santo", also the magnificent panorama and make us taste 3 types of wine: white, black, pink, with an alcohol content of 14 °. Then we divide up the time of Thira the largest city of the island, visit the beautiful Orthodox Cathedral of Candlemas, Lord, built in 1827 and rebuilt in 1956 after the earthquake. Rich in frescoes with golden colors and icons of end painting. It is now time to return to the ship but before we do a little shopping in the craft workshops and stalls. A good cup of coffee in a bar and then we put in a row (we waited for 1 hour) to take the cableway that brings us to the old port, the tender takes us back to the ship. The visit of Santorini and enchanting sin that there is little time to see it, so we want to minimum 3 days, good excuse to return! With still Santorini in the eyes in the evening we arrive in Mykonos and who wants to can go for a visit. After dinner we went down


PHOTO                                       Italian version
Athens, Corfu, croatia, cruise, cruiseingreeceandcroatia, Dubrovnik, Greece, Olympia, Piraeus, Santorini, http:// diaridiviaggidimauroemara.blogspot.com /
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DUBLIN 2007

17:27 Pubblicato da Mauro
APRIL 2007

April 2007 a very interesting journey, to those who like the anglo-saxon countries and the visit of the city of Dublin. We stay at the Hotel Jurys Inn Custom House for 5 days at the end April 2007. The Hotel is located near the center of the city and is very comfortable. The first thing that strikes in Dublin and the excellent public service of bus and tram that covers the entire city. For those who stay in the city, and that is how, we has to get organized travel alone, it is appropriate to take the tourist bus Hop on - Hop off (for those who do not know the english is the one with the audio guide in italian language) which stops the most beautiful places of the city and leaves you choose which places see in tranquillity: you can get off at a stop, look at what is there to see and then wait for the next bus to catch, make another stop later. The service is available from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm with a frequency that varies according to the hourly bands and ranging from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. The ticket and daily. The ticket office is located in O'Connell Street, the departure, however in Cathal Brugha Street which is near them. The city is very busy both during the day and in the evening for the numerous pubs that are there and in the period spring summer hours of sun are more (end April was dark at 9.30 p.m. ). A place that deserves to be seen and the O'Connell Street road with numerous monuments and shopping. The Trinity College deserves a visit, founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, the internal hosts the Old Library where are kept 200,000 texts between which the Book of Kells, and between all the illuminated manuscripts, which is the more elaborate decoration. It contains the four Gospels in Latin and reasons to interweaving with human figures and animals. Built by the monks of Iona in 806 a.d. , some of the colors used were imported from the Middle East and it is certainly one of the most beautiful manuscripts in the world. Then there are some marble busts and the oldest Gaelic Harp of Ireland. Near Trinity College is St. Stephen's Green garden with its lake where the Dubliners relax during the lunch break. Other half and Dublin Castle, once a symbol of british government structure anglo-norman of the 13th century, deserve a visit its luxurious interiors. Near Dublin Castle there is the Christ Church Cathedral the cathedral of the anglican church of Ireland and inside under the floor, is a crypt with numerous historical exhibits. Outside the cathedral are the original foundations of the first construction. A little further on is the cathedral of ST. Patrick so called for its patron saint, and the largest church in Ireland and is located near a sacred well where St. Patrick baptized converts around the year 450 a.d. From the sacred and profane, deserves a special visit Temple Bar with its picturesque Pubs, nightclubs and Dublin's most fashionable shopping districts. Here they perform many street artists and the area at peak hours and very crowded. Ah! Oh here you can enjoy a typical dish of the area: Fish and Chips. Just a stone's throw from this area is the bridge that crosses the river Liffey, most photographed by tourists the "Penny Bridge". This bridge was opened in 1816 and so named because we wanted to cross half a penny. Dublin= Guinness according to you for beer lovers, not perhaps deserves a visit this place? In the ticket of entry and included a pint of beer to drink, the tour does see the various procedures to make the beer and after, a lift brings us up to the top floor where you will find the bar that offers you a pint of beer dark beer at the time and see a beautiful panorama of the city. The bus takes you up to the farthest point: Phoenix Park where who has the time can enjoy the largest park in Europe, inside it is one of the oldest zoo in the world and has hosted the lion of MGM. Returning toward the city another break interesting is that one of the distillery "Old Jameson's Distillery". On the other hand, For those who want to do something different, there are daily tours that take you to see the surrounding area of Dublin. We have opted for the North Coast and Malahide Castle, a tour that takes about 3 hours, has led us to see the castle Malahide (visit included in the ticket price) and then led us up to Howth Head and Baily Lighthouse with beautiful views of the Irish sea to make then return to town. It was a beautiful and interesting trip in Emerald Isle.


PHOTO                                           Italian version


Link: Discoverireland                                                      Bus Dublinsightseeing



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AUSTRALIA 2006

17:15 Pubblicato da Mauro
February 2006 Hello everyone i speak to you of my journey to Australia. Australia is an island continent so great as to contain 25 times Italy, and from the other side of the earth compared to us and we want to 2 days to reach it, however, the journey, despite the fact that it is long, deserves to be done. We arrived in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, we are fortunate because we stay from uncles emigrated to Australia 50 years ago. After 2 days to dispose of the long journey, we have started to visit the city that is beautiful. Surrounded by gardens you arrive in the city center: Victoria Square and the near Town Hall are in victorian style and very beautiful. The center of the city and wet from the River Torrens that form a small lake, in Elder Park there is the Rotunda which is similar to a gazebo but very decorated and refined. In the garden there is the Festival Center and the Central Business District.
We admired the panorama of the city from 28TH floor of one of the few skyscrapers of the city. We have done shopping in most renowned street of Adelaide: Rundle Mall where there are shops, street artists and the well-known artifact of Marguerite Dericourt "The Four Piglets in Bronze". They deserve a visit the Museum of the Emigrant where explain how it was hard the life of the first Emigrants and the Museum of Art and Aboriginal culture. During the 30 days of stay we visited Mc Laren Vale place of wineries, a zoo where we gave to eat Kangaroos caressed the Koala, and seen Wombat, Echidne, Emus, Dingo etc. .. We arrived at Victor Harbor about 80 km south of Adelaide beautiful town and the sunset after a nice dinner of fish we have crossed the bridge that leads to Granite Island to see the Penguins who arrive in this small island to spend the night. Exciting adventure!!!!!! Another beautiful trip that we have done and Kangaroo Island: we start the morning from Adelaide by car up to Cape Jervis, where there is the ferry to the island of kangaroos, the third largest island in Australia. After an hour to Penneshaw where you can take the bus that brings us to see Seal Bay Conservation Park. A park ranger accompanies us, Jun along a path very panoramic, up to the beach where there is a colony of about 700 Sea Lions who are hosting us with their typical verses. I am very funny with their stilted movement, make us a beautiful ballet and chasing the waves. Other sleep. Returned to the bus, we travel toward the interior of the island to go to a wildlife reserve where we are preparing for lunch. After eating we do a walk and island that we sight several Koala on eucalyptus trees intent to eat, there are also Kangaroos and Wallaby that accept our breadsticks and crackers. We rely on a journey to reach Flinders Chase that is a eucalyptus forest and come out onto near Cape de Couedic to Remarkable Rocks, a group of rocks from incredible color red, sheer to the sea. The rocks are the result of erosion of the atmospheric agents in thousands of years, a beautiful place to remember. Not far from Remarkable Rocks Jun for a path, you will arrive to Admirals Arch, a place very photographed and spectacular. Let us return to Penneshaw where the ferry takes us back to the island continent. Another day another trip through the Adelaide Hills, the hills that surround Adelaide, you arrive at Mount Lofty high 727 meters from where we can admire the splendid panorama of the city until the sea. We descend to the Mount Lofty and arrive in a small town called Hahndorf, founded in 1839 by captain Hahndorf and in traditional style with germanic half-timbered houses and with many flowers in terraces and windows. We do a little shopping in shops very nice and the many finally. After shopping we will stop to eat in a typical restaurant in bavarian style, with sausages and sauerkraut and the unfailing bavarian beer. Another chapter worthy of note are the wineries: the South Australia produces around 50% of all wine produced in Australia.
In particular we visited the wineyards Clare Valley: Cellar Door, very beautiful and with the excellent wine. After so much traveling and always proper to do a little rest in beaches almost deserted, in particular Semaphore a short distance away from Adelaide. Another beautiful beach and town and Glenelg, where you can arrive directly from Adelaide with the picturesque old tram. It was very difficult to return to Italy after having seen the countless beauties of Australia!!!!!


PHOTO                                         Italian version
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