#truly beautiful aquarium absolutely fantastic | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

stranger-who-writes-fiction · 3 years

Text

♫ Surfing on a soundwave, Swinging through the stars, Take a left at your intestine, Take your second right past mars!

On the Magic School smelly space bus! ♫

SPOILERS for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #2!

This is a comic where, the longer I sit with a particular issue, the more I’m like, ‘yeah. Yeah. YEAH.’

It’s dense in a way that invites the reader to go through it multiple times, and rewards additional readthroughs.

Also, it helps that the art is FREAKING AMAZING.

Seriously. Evely and Lopes should draw and color everything, forever, always.

(I will honestly be shocked if they don’t get an Eisner nom for this book.)

Anyways, all of this to say: Another issue that I enjoyed. It has one of the most genuinely sweet Supergirl moments I’ve seen in the comics in a good long while.

So, if you’re looking for a quick thumbs up/thumbs down rating, thumbs up!

If you’d like some SPECIFICS, though...

THE STORY

King is an evil genius because we don’t pick up where we left off--rather, we start in the midst of the Space Bus journey.

There is technically a Big Action Scene, but I was honestly surprised by how...casually? the story progressed.

Essentially: Kara and Ruthye are forced to travel by bus because 1.) Krem stole Kara’s rocket and 2.) this corner of the universe doesn’t have the right stars, so Kara’s still recovering from being under a red sun for an extended period of time.

The bus makes occasional stops; they encounter a space dragon; Kara takes some Red Kryptonite and saves the day; they eventually arrive on a planet with a yellow sun.

And again, all of this occurs with a kind of...breezy ease that I was not expecting at all.

I assumed that the space dragon fight would make up the final moments of the issue, after having built up the problem to a point where Kara needed to intervene.

But, noooope. The space dragon happens somewhere in the middle, which helps sell the central idea that this is simply Kara’s life. She’s been there, done that. She’s a badass who takes it all in stride.

But! Important to note! Ruthye still marvels at the sight of Kara taking out the space dragon, as well she should, because:

OH MY GOD. THE aRT.

There’s only so many times I can say, ‘it’s phenomenal, it’s gorgeous, it’s stunning’ before sounding like a broken record.

But it is. It truly is. This is the prettiest monthly book on the stands right now.

(Realizing I’ve been spelling Ruthye wrong this entire time, maybe? IDK. Apologies if I have.)

It’s in the final moments of the book that we learn what transpired after Krem shot Kara and Krypto and fled: Kara managed to get Krypto and Ruthye to a healer, and then passed out for a week.

Ruthye and Kara recovered, buuuuut...

Krypto is still very near death because the arrow was poisoned.

The healer can’t treat him until he has a sample of the poison.

Which Krem has.

(See where this is going?)

So! Kara regains her powers! Ruthye has a super on her side! KRYPTO’S LIFE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!

Gimme. Issue. 3. STAT.

THE CHARACTERS

Very much enjoyed Ruthye in this issue!

There’s a really tricky balancing act you gotta pull off when writing child characters; you don’t want to just write them as tiny adults, but you also don’t want to be obnoxious or cloying in trying to write ‘true-to-age.’

King gives himself a bit of a cheat, by setting her up as a rock farmer from a...what would you call it. An old-fashioned planet? And thus the kind of character who had to ‘grow up fast’ and behaves more maturely than your typical pre-teen might.

BUT! IMPORTANTLY! This is tempered by placing Ruthye in situations where her (understandable) ignorance is challenged/put to the test. Like, yes, she is mature, and well-spoken, and utterly tenacious, but she’s also out of her depth, and still in need of help and guidance.

(Which is how we get to The Best Scene which I’ll get to in just a sec.)

TL;DR - this issue has really sold me on Ruthye as our POV character and I am officially Invested in the relationship between her and Kara.

Speaking of...

It’s KARA-CTERIZATION TIME!

So, okay. There’s some ‘eh’ stuff in this one, but, BUT!

We got the goods again.

And by ‘goods’ I mean this:

Whatever other nitpicks I have (and I do! Have one! Which I’ll get to!) THIS. This right here! This is Supergirl. This is Kara.

And what a beautiful line to introduce this moment:

“And it began--as most things begin when you’re dealing with Supergirl--with a moment of kindness.”

It’s the same gentle concern we saw in the previous issue, where Kara knelt down to address Ruthye eye-to-eye.

Here, Kara’s facial expression, and the way she takes Ruthye’s hands and shows her what to do...

It’s just. SO SWEET.

Ahhhhh it’s so good. :D

So good! In fact! That the above scene offsets my one complaint, which is that Kara came off as harsh, IMO, when addressing the bus passengers, looking for Red K.

Other good stuff from this particular portion of the book: we get Kryptonese (maybe? I think?) And a mention of Kara’s mother being strict about certain things, which is in keeping with the 2000s series version of Alura.

Ruthye also asks if Kara ever tried to avenge the death of her family/culture and she says no; Ruthye says that she heard a lifetime of regret in Kara’s response, which I suppose could be read one of two ways:

1.) That she regrets her choice not to avenge them, or 2.) that she regrets not having the option to avenge them, as there was no one person to punch, no single action that could rectify the destruction of the entire planet.

I personally prefer the second reading.

Which I suppose contradicts the recent-ish “Killers of Krypton” arc, but who knows what is and isn’t canon anymore, honestly. XD

As for the rest of the issue! I found myself thinking of a Grant Morrison interview, actually.

Morrison apparently met a Superman cosplayer at a con and that’s when the character clicked for them: “[The superman cosplayer] was so in the character, but what really got me was the way he was sitting. It was this absolutely relaxed pose with one knee up and the arm bent over, and that’s what broke Superman for me. Suddenly I realized that Superman wouldn’t be a poser, he wouldn’t be a Muscle Beach steroid guy; he’d actually be completely relaxed because nothing could hurt him. He could be so open and friendly to everyone because no one can punch him or hurt him. He can’t get a cold, or be damaged by anything you’re carrying or wearing. For me that was the power of that, whether you want to frame it as magical or not, it actually informed the stories I wanted to write. I felt I understood him in a way I hadn’t until that moment.”

That’s always stuck with me, the idea that Clark would be the most at-ease, chill guy you'd ever talk to.

And THAT, I think, is what we’re seeing here with Kara. That at-ease-ness.

But in a way that is distinct from Clark! In the above quote, it’s clear that Morrison thinks it’s Clark’s powers that are the reason he can be so relaxed and at ease.

But Kara is de-powered here. So why is she so chill?

Because Kara is an alien.

Kara’s in her element, here. She’s used to space travel, she knows the ins-and-outs, she’s not shocked by any of the weird stuff they encounter on their journey.

Love it. LOVE. IT.

I am SO GLAD that King decided to go with Kara being the wizened mentor, as opposed to the naïve kid learning to be tough. It’s a much more interesting angle, IMO.

Also NO MENTION OF RIVALRY BETWEEN KARA AND CLARK. WOO. LET’S KEEP THIS ROLLIN’.

Alright, last, but certainly not least:

THE GOOD BOY! KRYPTO!

When I tell you I stress-read this entire comic first thing in the morning...XD

And I am STILL stressed. And a little sad that Krypto doesn’t get to go on another space adventure but! This is MIGHTY PREFERABLE to what I *thought* was going to happen, which is that Krypto would die from his injuries, and Kara would likewise be out for revenge.

Fortunately, that is not the case!

So like, the stakes?!?! Suddenly sky high. Find that dirtbag Krem and GET THAT POISON BACK TO THE HEALER!!

ART and MISC. STUFF THAT I LOVE

I generally don’t like to post entire pages of a comic, or panels without context, but the...reach? of this blog is extremely limited so. I think we’ll be okay. XD

So, alright! Some moments that I particularly enjoyed!

One of the panels that Mat Lopes shared early on!

I want this lettered version on a mug.

(Also she looks very ’Grace Kelly-ish’ here.)

Love Kara’s facial expression and her line about space travel being more fun when you can fly.

From the same portion of the book--such a neat detail that Kara keeps her cash in her sleeve!

Another set of panels that I think Tom King shared a few months back.

Love Kara’s little smirk, and the, “I’m wearing a big yellow S on my chest, and a very fashionable red skirt.”

It IS fashionable. WE SUPPORT THE SKIRT, IN THIS HOUSE.

Also the slrrrrrrp. XD

It’s good.

Okay, 1.) VERY COOL SCI-FI DESIGN and 2.) that line is great. “Can you feel it, Ruthye? We’re getting closer. The stars are changing.”

Mmmm, them good cosmic Kara vibes.

Kara’s attitude about the Red K here is fun, like, ‘WELP, sometimes you turn into a monster, sometimes you don’t!’ but again, the line is what gets me.

“Did my hair move?”

“I do not believe so.”

Honestly? I could post the whole comic here. Evely’s vision of ‘public transit, but space’ is just so immediately...not ‘real’, necessarily, because there’s such a fantastical element to it all, but it is fully realized. I think I used the phrase ‘lived-in’ and that’s it--this world feels like it has always existed; every grimy nook and cranny, every rando space bus traveler.

And Mat Lopes’ colors!

There are like, five distinct color palettes at work in this issue, and Lopes handles them all masterfully.

I think my favorite is the...I’ll call it ‘ethereal space aquarium’ lighting in the bus as they view the space dragon.

The glow and the shadows and the blues and pinks...

GGGGGGGGAAAHHHHHHHHHH so goooooooood

So, yeah. :D

I am very much enjoying this weird, wild ride with small, precocious Ruthye and wizened, crusty Kara. XD There’s some stuff that I don’t *love* but my goodness, it could be a lot worse!

Let us end on the beautiful title page:

#long post #supergirl: woman of tomorrow #supergirl: woman of tomorrow spoilers #dc comics #kara zor el #comic thoughts #comic opinions

4 notes · View notes

animebw · 5 years

Text

Today was an experience of Japan both fake and honest, exploring both its tacky commercial side and more traditional, authentic side in equal measure. After a mediocre soba breakfast, we visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and say some fantastic painting, sculpture and scroll art. Following that, we walked through the Ameyoko market street, nothing but wall-to-wall street vendors and shops selling all sorts of interesting wares. Lunch was takoyaki and omurice, two very anime foods I’ve been wanting to try for a while, and they did not disappoint. The omurice, in particular, was delicious; the barely-cooked eggs were so succulent and umami. Dessert, then, was a gaudy crepe stuffed full of ice cream, whipped cream and strawberries, and it was indulging to the extreme; just be thankful I didn’t go for the one with a slab of cheesecake in the center. Next up, the Shibuya aquarium to say hi to the penguins and fur seals, and then over to the Sky Tower, a popular tourist spot that took us 350 stories up into the air and beyond. You would not believe how colossal Tokyo looks from all the way up there; you feel like the city might just stretch forever across the horizon.

After than, we finished the day off with a stroll through the Asakusa district, with yet more street vendors and some truly beautiful temples. And dinner was easily the best part of the entire day: Kaiten Zushi, or conveyor belt sushi, in which the chef sends plates down a conveyor belt and you can take whatever interesting things pass you by. It’s the gimmickiest of gimmicks, but it’s also an authentic expression of the communal cuisine that defines Japan. And I swear to you today, I have never had better sushi in my life. Every plate was delicious, every piece made my mouth water, I stuffed myself to the gills, and the otoro. My god, the otoro. This is the first time I’ve had the fattiest part of the tuna, and it was like an orgasm in my mouth. If you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself in a sushi place that sells otoro, order it. Don’t worry about the cost. it is worth it. This trip has been absolutely incredible thus far, man.

1 note · View note

lunarchar · 5 years

Text

It’s 5am and I can’t sleep and I realised I hadn’t really done a personal update in a while so I thought I’d start doing that. I’m pretty sure my last update was in August so it’s been a good few months and they’ve been pretty huge so grab a cup of tea, maybe a few snacks and get ready for something of a whirlwind (or at least that’s how it’s felt to me!).

In my last update I was talking about sitting my exams over Summer and starting my third year come September. This, however, did not happen! I was fairly poorly (this will be explained a bit more later on) and it was clear to see that the best decision for me was to give myself a break and subsequently repeat the year of studies. I didn’t take this decision lightly but now being a whole semester into the repeat year I can say for certain it was the right choice! I’ve got much higher grades, been able to meet more deadlines and I’m getting to know even more incredible people. As I mentioned, I’ve finished my first semester and am just entering the second one. I’m feeling so excited to study and hopefully do even better (that’s always the aim isn’t it?). And as chance would have it, this repeat years means that (if nothing else goes wrong) I’m going to get to graduate with my absolute best friends I’ve met at University – Scarlett, Katie, Jade & Anabel I can not wait to celebrate with you!.

Now to backtrack a little and catch up on some wonderful trips I’ve had over the past 5ish months. Summer not only included Disney and my engagement but lots of other adventures. I, of course, had lots of catch-ups with my friends – coffee dates galore! – and spent a lot of time in bed too resting and taking a good break. Despite being unwell I still managed to go to Brighton Pride and Summer in the City! Pride I spent with Erin, Katie and Katie’s friend Sarah. We watched the parade together and had tickets for the ‘festival’ style after party where we got to see Britney freaking Spears! It was absolutely incredible! Summer in the City was also with Erin and Katie and our friend James (we also got to see other James! – I’m aware this makes little sense if you don’t know who I’m talking about!). Once again SITC was full of joy and if I get the chance I’ll be writing up a short little diary entry to remember it all especially as it’s unlikely I’ll be going this year.

September brought around the new university year and I moved back onto campus which I’ve really enjoyed. September also brought around some sad news. As I’ve mentioned here and there my physical health hasn’t been fantastic. To put it briefly I’ve had joint issues since birth which have worsened along with a variety of other symptoms including gastrointestinal issues, fainting, chronic pain and dislocations. I saw a rheumatologist in September who diagnosed me with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (a disorder under the Ehlers-Danlos umbrella) and Fibromyalgia. Although expected it hasn’t been an easy thing to process especially as I still have myriad of other symptoms to address, hundreds of appointments and referrals to other specialists underway. I struggle to vocalise the real truth of how this is affecting me on my blog or places where my close friends and family (aka anywhere that isn’t twitter or Instagram where I vent regularly) are likely to hear as I know it can be upsetting but I’ve made a promise to myself to be more honest. It impacts my life dramatically but I am slowly learning to live around the illnesses instead of being consumed with them. I couldn’t write a whole lot more but I’ll leave this topic here for now as I know I’ll have more detailed posts in the future.

The first Semester and Christmas have been mostly filled with joy. I’ve continued helping to run the Harry Potter Society at university providing a great place to escape. In December, before term ended for Christmas, we put together a Yule Ball and it was just so wonderful. I’ll be honest and say my contributions weren’t huge as I was unwell so massive thanks to the rest of the committee for being incredible and putting on a fantastic evening. Both Mum and Dad came to visit during term and we spent a wonderful weekend together – walking along the beach and having a dreamy roast dinner with Dad and visiting the aquarium and watching girly movies with mum! I also went to see Matilda the musical with a scheme at University and was massively impressed – it was so much better than I’d anticipated and highly recommend it to anyone.

Christmas came around and I went home to see my family and friends. It was busy and short but so filled with love. I’ve always been a massive Christmas lover so it’s probably my favourite holiday. I was also very kindly treated to being taken to see The Nutcracker ballet with Erin. We had the best time and spent the evening in a hotel in London which was just so special and a truly lovely engagement gift. I can’t believe it but I also got to see Les Misérables again, with both Erin and his family, and it was just as beautiful as the first time, and I wept just as many tears (naturally). After Christmas I returned to university for my exams which were a mixed bag but much better than anticipated. I then spent a week, last week, at Erin’s as we don’t often get to see each other over term time and it was a great break before diving back into studies. And this brings me back around to now, the second day of second semester.

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

I’m sorry this is such a long post and perhaps not that interesting, but I love these type of posts as this blog serves as a personal diary. I’m aiming to keep up to date far more regularly this year and post a lot more content. Fingers Crossed! I hope you’re all well.

From August to Now It’s 5am and I can’t sleep and I realised I hadn’t really done a personal update in a while so I thought I’d start doing that.

1 note · View note

vacationsoup · 6 years

Photo

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/10-awesome-things-to-see-and-do-in-maui-hawaii/

10 Awesome Things to See and Do in Maui, Hawaii

Ever think about taking a trip to paradise? Maui’s got you covered. Being Hawaii’s second largest island, it has no shortage of interesting and exciting things to do.

Itching to see some truly wonderful natural wonders? Maui’s got it. Have a hankering to try water sports or just relax on some remote beach? You can find them there. Good food? Nice hotels? Beautiful hula-clad girls? Yes, yes and yes.

1. The Old Lahaina Luau

Some things are just unavoidably interwoven with a particular place’s identity. In Maui’s cause, perhaps this is never more apparent than with The Old Lahaina Luau, one of the biggest and most popular venues to view the traditional Hawaiian hula dance, fire-eating shows and sampling some delicious native dishes.

2. Haleakala National Park

Home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, millions of visitors come by to see this majestic sleeping giant. Sitting 10,000 feet above sea level, it is a place where you can wonder about the powers and dangers of Mother Earth—without getting too close to red-hot lava, ala Mt. Kilauea.

Seeing the majestic sunrise from the top of Haleakala (pronounced “hah-lay-ah-kah-lah”) is one of the most favourite things to do here, but that also means dragging yourself out of bed at three in the morning, making a two and a half hour drive up to the summit, and bundling up in every piece of clothing you’ve brought, because although it could be one of the most beautiful sights you would see in your lifetime, the temperature there is frigid and the winds are relentless.

3. Snorkelling and Other Ocean Activities

I don’t think anyone’s ever managed to disassociate Hawaii with the ocean, and there is certainly a surfeit of potential places and tours in Maui.

There are also packages available for snorkeling, surfing, whale watching, cruises, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, scuba diving, fishing, surfing, parasailing, kite-boarding, stand up paddling, windsurfing, and jet skiing. You can experience all those thrills in this island.

The white-sand beaches found all around Maui also offer a truly spectacular opportunity to see the secrets of the depths, from vibrantly-colored fish to ghostly shipwrecks such as the wreck of the Carthaginian. Watch out for sharks, though!

On the flip side, if being in the ocean scares you, there are other ways to appreciate it without actually jumping in it. The Ocean Center in Maui is a conservatory and aquarium all in one, home to a fantastic, teeming variety of fish and other marine life for the curious.

4. Helicopter Tours

If you’re the kind of adventurer going for something different, consider going on a helicopter ride and afford yourself some breathtaking views of not just Maui, but of all Hawaii’s islands. Take a ride to the skies and experience the majestic islands in all their glory.

5. Take the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is also another favourite tourist activity in Maui. The journey through this winding and steep road begins at Maui’s northern shore and proceeds along the coastline to the small East Maui town, Hana, a peaceful community bordered by abundant green pastures decorated with white-coloured cattle.

Hana is a beautiful destination, but the road to get to it is also a destination. You would not want to rush this road trip and you would definitely make more than a handful of stops to enjoy and take Instagram-worthy pictures of lush greeneries, remarkable waterfalls, and breathe in the fragrant smell of guavas and ginger that grow along the roadside.

6. Play Golf!

Yes, this small Hawaiian island also boasts of impressive golf courses open to the public. Maui offers a great variety of golf experiences for both novice or amateur and professional players. So whether you just play to relax, or you’re a pro-golfer, you will definitely find Maui’s golf courses remarkable and the view spectacular and breathtaking.

7. Take a Bite of Maui’s Gastronomic Paradise

Who doesn’t like to eat? Everybody loves grub and if you are in Maui, you will have even more reasons to love food! Dining is one of the top things to do here and the experience is one for the books. Though the area is just small, Maui unbelievably offers a vast array of dining choices from affordable mom-and-pop cafes to posh and luxurious celebrity-chef owned restaurants.

The locals would advise you to taste a bit of everything in Maui: Hawaiian-style fast food, fine-dining restaurants, local favourites like Spam musubi, or ethnic foods like Portuguese malasadas that represents the island’s culinary identity.

8. Immerse Yourself in Maui’s Rich Culture

Hawaii’s rich and colourful culture is absolutely unique; and there’s nowhere in the world like it. There’s the famous Hula dance and a lot of festivals, art galleries, museums, and special shows that immerse you in the beautiful Hawaiian culture.

Music is also an immense part of Maui’s cultural heritage. You will hear their music everywhere—in your hotel, in the beaches, parks, and even shopping centers.

9. Shop til’ You Drop

Because the island of Maui offers a vast pool of choices to shop in—from large shopping malls with high-end designer brands to tiny hole-in-the-wall boutiques, chances are you are going to end up buying something during your stay. Maui’s largest Swap Meet happens every Saturday from 7am to 1pm at the UH Maui College campus in Kahului. Here, you will meet both visitors and locals roving through the rows of booths. Arts and crafts, clothing, jewelery, souvenirs, flowers, produce, and everything you could think of from some couple of hundreds of vendors.

10. Sightsee

Aside from Road to Hana and Haleakala, Iao Valley is also a notable natural park for photography and hiking. Upcountry Maui (on the slopes of Haleakala) has quaint little towns, wide grazing grounds, and a picturesque landscape. Other towns like Wailuku, Makawao, Paia, and Lahaina, offer local food and are perfect for day or afternoon strolling.

#Hawaii #Hula #Maui #thingstodo #VacationSoup

1 note · View note

fishtankhelps-blog · 4 years

Text

Picking out Beautiful Fish Tank Decorations for the Aquarium

Picking to truly really have an aquarium of fish that is beautiful at your house is a very favorite pastime for all people nowadays. The most fantastic thing about owning an aquarium would be the fact the fish provide so back again for you once you care to them precisely. They offer companionship in addition to the chance to sit relax while looking in the antics of those populous creatures. The truth is that aquarium fish will be the ideal animals to get people who cause lives overly chaotic to take care of puppies, cats or alternative for example pets. Additionally, as soon as you've got everything installed, that you really do not need to devote plenty of time, dollars or attempt in maintaining them.

Certainly one of those manners of you personally and your fish to relish your aquarium is via the option of tank for your fish decorations you create. All these will be just exactly what put in backdrop that you love watching and to allow your own bass to really truly have pleasure playing, all close to along with. The truth is that decorating your own aquarium is a vital portion of looking after the fish. Instead, they also improve the great thing about your fish dwelling quarters while still also make it a focus of one's residence. In the event you set up them attentively, are always going to have an awareness of calmness, tranquility and stability much whenever the remainder of one's home is really just a mess.

Just before you commence deciding on your “enjoyable" fish tank decorations, then there really certainly are a couple affairs you have to possess from your aquarium to preserve the fish healthy. Such matters as plants and gravel need to become part of these dwelling nevertheless; additionally you require a filter to keep the water fresh and also a system of assessing the warmth of their water. As these are matters that'll, admittedly, even simply use some area within the aquarium, so they have to be present to guarantee you've healthful fish. They almost certainly won’t possess the overall look of decorations nevertheless they truly are guaranteed to continue to keep your fish healthy, joyful and flourishing at a secure and sound underwater atmosphere in their opinion.

Once you've that the “have to haves" set up then you definitely could begin deciding on the enjoyable and reasonably ornaments that'll improve the great thing about your aquarium whilst revealing elements of one's particular persona. It will not matter exactly what way you lean for decorations. You may decide to become quirky or tasteful. It is entirely up for you at the ending what type of air that you wish to create to the fish and many others who might desire to observe the aquarium.

Even the absolute most often encountered decorations that you typically discover in fish aquariums would be such of sea plants and gravel. The cave traces the base of the tank also certainly will be purchased from white, clear, or blue color colors. This provides much towards the art of an aquarium, especially in the event that you select colored sand which suits contrasts well with all the fish you have decided on to maintain. The notions which may be put into place in making use of sea gravel is infinite and you're going to have great time deciding on the dirt in addition to setting your tank up together with it. It has not an unsatisfactory consequence.

Plants can be additionally utilized as aquarium decorations. These are able to be authentic plants plus they are sometimes artificial and plastic kinds. Your fish won’t care will they even will have a taste. The fish may probably only utilize them like a means to perform with Hide and hunt using one different fish in addition to you personally. Once you have installed the plants that are chosen, settle back and see the method by which a fish utilize these for recreational functions. It has really much pleasure to find these having fun their tank mates. You will likely become trapped on this all night at one moment; point.

0 notes

mindtraptotravel · 4 years

Text

Vegas- The One Destination Every Person Should Visit

THE LUXURY CITY - LAS VEGAS

Though somewhat thick about the neon, Vegas is an actual feast for those eyes. The skyline is excellent, together with each one the amazing lighting and shapes that are massive competing for care. Each and every resort is trying to shirt the subsequent person using its very own distinct motif, royal entrances, rollicking casinos, yummy dining establishments, and also notable amusement. It might be mentioned that vegas don't need a bone that is dull within the human entire body.

The advertising angle of this vegas tourism plank went out of the previous nickname " las vegas," into becoming touted like a live-in destination at the 1990's back into Mothers Just having its own brand new tag line, "what goes on here, stays here." Town advertisers desire to draw men and women from throughout the globe for their adult park, full of boundless gaming, food, alcohol, and even amusement. It's charged like a type of magical place that'll appeal to each requirement and meet every dream.

The lodges in las vegas are extremely outstanding to behold. New York, Newyork lodge reconstructs the vibrant streets of Gotham. Even the Paris lodge practical experience also includes a reproduction of the Eiffel Tower. A couple of the finest lodges with casinos in vegas, the Bellagio and the Wynn Las Vegas lodge, have no special motifs besides this of opulence and lavish.

In the Rat Pack of this mid-20 past century into Celine Dion now, Vegas amusement has ever been a substantial attraction. Comedians such as Danny Gans along with carrot-top perform regularly in vegas and so are popular with their usage of extravagant props and sight-gags. Veteran Vegas entertainers, such as Tony Orlando along with Wayne Newton, even now control packed properties night after night time using their well-loved continuation of favorites.

Searching and eating really are just two popular past days in vegas. Caesar's Palace supplies a world-class pub comprising painted blue skies with clouds adorning the ceiling. The Venetian also offers class purchasing which has several designer manufacturers. The majority of another hotel exhibit several fantastic shops in their own lobbies and sponsor more in their own assumptions. When hunger strikes, there's not any lack of food that is fantastic. Vegas is not any longer an area of 3.99 all-you-can-eat-buffets. World-renowned hamburgers Wolfgang Puck (Spago) along with Emeril Lagasse have various amazing eateries in the city and a lot of the notable motels boast additional award-winning dining places.

Clearly, probably the very widely used reason behind seeing las vegas would be to its gaming titles. By the slots machines into the chambers of pubs booked for all people commencing bets above $1, 000, there's a place for every single funding. Game titles such as blackjack, craps, and baccarat attract countless folks per season to use their hands in the tables, then followed by enticing cocktail waitresses giving out complimentary beverages. You'll find a number of success stories, however lots of much more sob stories, even when folks arrive home in their jaunts into Nevada later playing the casinos. Ranked gamblers that see vegas report it is ideal to determine the amount of cash to perform before beginning and stay together with this particular limitation. After all, Las Vegas is an enjoyable destination for both conventions and vacationing, also it's lots to provide people whenever they clinic a few clouds of smoke at the gaming stadium.

6 LUXURY HOTEL OF LAS VEGAS

Searching for hints on just the appropriate destination for a stay on your Nevada vacation? Additionally, there are a lot of fantastic hotels in Vegas, however, these 6 definitely stand out.

1. Wynn lodge

the latest masterpiece by Vegas lodge legend Steve Wynn, the 50-story Wynn Hotel opened in 2004 with 2,716 rooms, an 18-hole course, 1 9 restaurants, and 54 private spa treatment rooms. His namesake lodge displays his remarkable art group, offers incredible shopping right on the website, also has a posh private lobby such as VIPs. And naturally, there's an amazing state of the art casino at its heart.

2. Bellagio

Constructed by Steve Wynn in 1998, the luxurious Bellagio has excellent rooms, awesome company, and also a remarkable water fountain show. Back in December 2004, before the Wynn resort started, the Bellagio added a unique 928-room Spa Tower, boosting absolute capability to 3,933 rooms. The Bellagio is indeed stark that they offer you a 50-minute figure bronzing cure with real dust.

3. THEhotel at Mandalay Bay

This all-suite exceptional hotel within the more expensive Mandalay Bay land has 1,117 rooms that aim for a far more cosmopolitan visitors than it is namesake parent. Each bundle is 725 square feet of luxurious together with three wellness televisions, including one in the mega-swank baths.

4. Four Seasons

The other swank luxurious hotel within the Mandalay Bay complex, the Four Seasons occupies flooring 35-39 and contains speeds substantially higher compared to normal $119-$349 of its parent. 4 Seasons company possess their own elevator and entrance, plus pools, spa restaurants and eating places at an adjacent construction.

5 Ritz Carlton at Lake Las Vegas

The Ritz Carlton hotel is a Half Hour's drive from the Strip, however, it is famous for it is golfing and outside activities. It nestles towards manmade Lake vegas where the water provides a refreshing alternative to summertime. This three-year-old Tuscan-themed resort still keeps a bit of the glitz: Guests may stay to a particular bridge with suites constructed to recreate Florence's legendary Ponte Vecchio (Bridge of Gold).

6. Venetian Resort Hotel Casino

Positioned nearby the Wynn, this 4,027-suite resort a Part of this Sands Hotel group. Rooms are richly appointed as well as the match is superb.

Therefore, there you've got it. Six amazing Vegas motels which won't ever fail to dazzle and therefore are sure to impress the most amusing repeat tourist. Just make certain to book ahead to get the best discounts on area prices and also snag hard-to-get reveal tickets well in advance.

THE LUXURY PLACE FOR LAS VEGAS FOR BRIDE AND GROOM

If you're getting married in Vegas, below are a few absolutely free sights to help make your wedding ceremony trip much more memorable.

1. The Bellagio Fountains to the Strip placed to a show that anyone can watch at no cost. Audio plays and also the jets of warm water dancing into your song. The displays last two to three minutes, depending upon the new music. It really is better during the night time once the fountains are all lit with beautiful lights, even contributing to the magic of their fountains.

Showtimes: Monday-Friday 3pm-8pm each hour, 8pm-12am just about every quarter-hour. Saturday-Sunday: 12pm-8pm every half hour, 8pm-12am each and every 15 minutes.

2. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

You May Come Across the Botanical Gardens past the Bellagio's lobby. Enjoy strolling among the terrific seasonal screen of plants and blossoms. You can take photos.

3. MGM Grand Lion Habitat

In the casino you are able to see dinosaurs daily from 11am-10pm. This is a great experience and you'll find plenty of Lion Habitat souvenirs you may buy at the gift shop.

4. White Tigers in the Mirage

Watch Siegfried & Roy's white tigers into their particularly designed habitat in the Mirage. The public can find these majestic creatures throughout your daytime and day.

On the hour from 7pm-12am each day, you can watch the volcano. It truly is located at the front of this Mirage and looks very impressive contrary to the darkness of the nighttime sky.

6. Aquarium in the Mirage

Situated behind the front desk and also a must-see for aquarium lovers is just a 5 3 foot long volcano that boasts above 1,000 animals from all over the world like Australia, Fiji, and the Caribbean.

7. Daily at 7pm, 8.30pm, 10pm, and 11.30pm, the Sirens of TI stay series is actually a seventeenth-century battle between captivating sirens as well as a group of pirates. Positioned at front of treasure island and incorporating dancing and music, it really is a fun show.

8. M&M's Planet

M&M's Globe is following the door to MGM Grand. You may see a free 3D movie and also have a lot of fun researching the four floors which make up M&M's planet.

9. Circus Acts at Circus Circus

Each half-hour from 11am-12am each day it is possible to observe exciting stay carnival acts in the carnival midway.

10. Ethel M Factory

Just 15 minutes from the Strip, the Ethel M Factory Supplies a totally free self-directed excursion, seeing of the Living Machine and also a stroll through the Botanical Cactus Garden. Watch www.ethelm.com.

The aforementioned information was present at the time of producing. Las Vegas is changing therefore that it might be a very good notion to check that these completely free attractions are still available once you organize your visit to Nevada.

#Travel

0 notes

southrift-galaxy-safaris-blog · 5 years

Text

Top things to do in Cape Town.

There’s something for everyone in Cape Town. Until you’ve been here, it sounds like the ultimate cliché. But spend any length of time in the city, and you’ll realise two things: firstly, there’s never enough time to do everything, and secondly, the cliché really is true. There are hundreds of things to see and do in Cape Town, but if you must choose just 10, start with these.

1. Get an aerial perspective of the city

There’s no better way to put the whole city of Cape Town into perspective than by getting up high. For most, this means queuing up for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Open whenever the weather permits, it will get you to the top of the famous mountain in a matter of minutes, although peak season queues can add an extra hour or two to this. For those who are physically able, a more rewarding approach is to earn your views. You can choose to summit Table Mountain via one of the many hiking trails, or opt for the incredible 360-degree views from the most climbed peak: Lion’s Head.

2. Spend a morning or afternoon on the beach

There are dozens of beaches in and around Cape Town that are worthy of at least one morning or afternoon. The most iconic and glamorous beaches are along the Atlantic Seaboard: the likes of Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno are beautiful, particularly if you’re a fan of sunsets. But those along the False Bay side are equally intriguing, and the slightly warmer waters make it a more realistic option if you’re looking to get wet.

3. Sample the Cape’s wines at a tranquil estate

The Cape’s wines punch well above their weight, and yet are still remarkably affordable. They vineyards are also great to visit even if you’re not a fan of the fermented grape – the old architecture, tranquil surrounds and popular restaurants alone make them worth the trip. There are estates dotted throughout the region, with the closest in the suburb of Constantia. But for a full wine experience, consider heading to the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The drive is a bit longer, but you’ll find some truly breathtaking estates that allow you to sample award-winning wines.

4. Explore some of the Cape’s marine and wild life

If you’re looking for the ultimate big five experience, you might be better off heading to Johannesburg, and then connecting up with the Kruger National Park. Though there are some private reserves within reach of Cape Town that serve up the big five, they tend to be smaller and more exclusive than those up north. That’s not to say the Cape is short on other wildlife: the various nature reserves, such as Cape Point and West Coast National Park, are home to large antelope and unique birdlife. And then there’s the marine life: there’s land-based whale watching from the town of Hermanus, the ever-popular penguins at Boulders Beach and the vibrant Two Oceans Aquarium.

5. Soak up the atmosphere of the inner city

These days, Cape Town’s inner city is an attraction in itself. Day or night, there’s always something to do, whether you’re looking to enjoy a coffee in a quirky establishment, eat a meal at a bustling restaurant, soak up some history by walking the streets or party the night away at a trendy bar or club. With a bit of awareness, the Cape Town inner city is a safe and fascinating place to explore, but if you’re unsure, there are several guided walking tour options that can point out the major attractions.

6. Pick up some souvenirs

If you’re a fan of shopping, Cape Town should have you covered. The formal mall environment of the V&A Waterfront offers all the international items and brands you could wish for, in a harbour-like environment. There’s also a curio market there that will supply you with necessary trinkets to take back home. But if you’re looking for the best prices and range, strike a bargain with one of the stall owners on Greenmarket Square.

7. Dine out at the city’s best restaurants

Cape Town is home to most of the country’s best restaurants. Whether you’re a foodie looking for the ultimate meal, or simply want a lunch or two to remember, the city has it all. If you’re relaxed about your dining, a walk along the vibrant Bree Street, or a meal at pretty much any wine estate, should leave you more than satisfied. Cape Town is home to most of the country’s best restaurants. Whether you’re a determined foodie looking for the ultimate meal, or simply want a lunch or two to remember, the city has it all. If you fall into the first group, check out the top 10 restaurants in the city. If you’re more relaxed about your dining, a walk along the vibrant Bree Street, or a meal at pretty much any wine estate, should leave you more than satisfied.

8. Explore the peninsula

There’s a lot to explore further south of Cape Town, particularly if you have access to your own set of wheels. The towns dotted along the False Bay coastline – Muizenberg, Fishhoek, Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town – are all worth visiting while en route to Cape Point. On the return journey, the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive is a thrilling road to drive. There’s no right or wrong way to appreciate the peninsula, but if you’re in doubt, try a gentle drive to Cape Point on the eastern roads, and a return along the Atlantic seaboard.

9. Have a quiet (or musical) picnic in pristine botanical gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are beautifully tranquil and serene, and well worth a few hours of wandering among the pristine plants. You’re also free to pack a picnic and enjoy it on the vast lush green lawns. If your timing is good, you might also be able to catch a live concert in the natural amphitheatre there – they take place each Sunday afternoon during summer, and advance booking is essential. RELATED POSTS Enjoy a self-drive to Cape Town this Easter holiday. VIEW MORE OFFERS FOR EASTER TRAVELS Top Self Drive Holiday Deals in Kenya If you think you have to travel far to enjoy a nice weekend, you may never get away. Besides, you can enjoy a beautiful weekend right here in Kenya. There are countless wallet-friendly Kenyan self drive getaways that won’t even break your budget. Don’t spend your weekend, doing absolutely nothing at home. Whether you are looking for romantic destinations, pristine beaches, and adventurous outdoor activities, there are plenty wallet-friendly getaways that will satisfy your weekend desires. Malindi & Watamu Self Drive Deals Mombasa South Coast Self Drive Deals Mombasa North Coast Self Drive Deals Masai Mara Self Drive Holiday Packages Lukenya & Machakos Self Drive Meru Holiday Self Drive Deals Mt. Kenya & Aberdare Self Drive Holiday Deals Nyeri Holiday Self Drive Deals Samburu Holiday Self Drive Deals Top Outdoor Activities in Kenya Outdoor activities in Kenya are a great way to experience Kenya, Choosing where to start in Kenya can be overwhelming. The country has many different outdoor activities, ranging from adrenaline-pumping adventures to more meditative outings. Kenya is always a fantastic destination for family bonding. Spending time with the family on weekend is a great opportunity to re-connect and communicate while having fun. Outdoor activities are perfect for those who want to experience a relaxing and refreshing weekend in an amazing place. Do something fun this weekend and spend worthy time with your family. For great weekend bonding, we present to you 6 fun outdoor activities for the family. These outdoor activities are great adventures for you and your family. Hike To Ol Donyo Sabuk & 14 Falls, Thika Chaka Ranch Day Trip – QuadBikes, PaintBalling Ngare Ndare Day Trip Hike (Nanyuki) Kereita Zip Lining & Hiking Day Trip Top Madaraka Express SGR Holiday Deals 2 Nights Malindi & Watamu holiday with SGR 2 Nights Amboseli Holiday With SGR 2 Nights Tsavo Holiday With SGR Sa 2 Nights Voi Holiday With SGR 2 Nights Mombasa North Coast With SGR 2 Nights Mombasa South Coast With SGR Read the full article

#holidaydestinationcapetownEasterholidayTravel

0 notes

travelouts · 6 years

Text

4 Days In San Francisco For First Timers- San Francisco Itinerary

“Put on your strolling shoes and explore one of the greatest towns in the world. From the Gold Rush to the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is wealthy with historic landmarks, Pacific views, awesome meals and colourful people.“

San Francisco is the ideal vacation spot for an extended holiday. Because of its rich cultural and inventive heritage, the museum scene within the city through the Bay is unbeatable. And when it comes to lovely and distinctive architecture, the city has a great deal to provide. But honestly, San Francisco deserves more than successful-and-run visit with a purpose to be preferred in all its beauty and energy, things that made it the most luxurious, and yet the most open, the city of the United States of America.

This popular San Francisco trip is designed to showcase an extensive variety of sightseeing attractions and the big list of to do activities in San Francisco and to attraction to visitors genuinely seeking out that authentic “San Francisco experience.”

What’s Included In This 4 Days In San Francisco Trip?

Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour

California Academy of Sciences

De Young Museum

Legion of Honor

SFMOMA

Aquarium of the Bay

Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing Tour, Madame Tussauds, Aquarium of the Bay

Exploratorium

Escape From the Rock

Madame Tussauds San Francisco

Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise

Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

Remember, these 4 days in San Francisco itinerary is just one of many ways to experience San Francisco.

With Travelouts SAN FRANCISCO flight tickets trip offers you the flexibility to create your very own itinerary, so that you can pick out from dozens of pinnacle sights and create a holiday tailored to your interests. Make sure to book the cheap flight to SFO at best price and enjoy best 4 days in San Francisco.

DAY #1: Big Bus San Francisco & Sightseeing Tour.

Best way to start a vacation in San Francisco is to start with Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour as it is an easy way to get around the city’s Sightseeing. View of Golden Gate Bridge from Baker seashore: perhaps one of the most iconic sights in all of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is an absolute need to see. There are a few desirable spots to view it from, but my personal favorite is Baker beach. Not only do you get an outstanding the front row seat to the bridge, but you can dip your toes into the chilly Pacific.

California Academy of Sciences: made out of 4 distinct regions – a natural history museum, an aquarium, an all-digital planetarium, and a four-table rainforest – there’s no end to the activities at this attraction.

De Young Museum: Head back to Golden Gate Park to visit one of the other finest museums in the city — the de Young Museum.

DAY #2: San Francisco Museum

Start a day with check out from San Francisco Hotel toward must-see San Francisco attraction is an excellent way to start off another day of your vacation. The San Francisco Museum of modern artwork (SFMOMA) has recently passed through a multi-year preservation project that has completely converted this fantastic space. Now it’s time to head up to the Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront neighbourhood for some prime explorations of the most popular locales within the town. Pop into the fascinating Aquarium of the Bay, this is also always a family-preferred attraction. Also placed close to the waterfront is the kid-centric Exploratorium. It’s a highly interactive museum, with tons of opportunities for your kids to touch and play with hundreds of different exhibits. End the day with an actually enjoyable cruise that heads out closer to the infamous Alcatraz Island. Sail under the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge, out to the Bay, and beyond this sinister prison.

DAY #3: Shopping In San Francisco

Being the second last day in San Francisco, that has to be the best day in San Francisco. Madame Tussauds San Francisco for a truly special experience that only Madame Ts can produce. Meet celebrities from music to Hollywood to politics and snap your photo with your favorite. Next, in your itinerary, you’ll need to keep exploring San Francisco by way of water! The Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise is actually the only cruise in the area that sails under both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge (hence its name) and is a totally relaxing activity. Enjoy the nightlife of San Francisco at best hotels/ Resort,also do some street shopping such as stores like Goo discount, Stitch Fix, Yo Amo Los Zapatos, San Francisco Ferry Building and many more.

DAY #4: Last Day In San Francisco

Last Day of San Francisco trip, start a day with Ripley’s visit this is another destination the kids will love. The endlessly fascinating Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Makes for a wonderful and completely enjoyable closing stop of the trip. Packed with the bizarre, the strange, and the first-rate, Ripley’s has been delighting and puzzling visitors for generations.

Pack up and explore 4 days trip to SFO, Book Round trip flight ticket to San Francisco from New York starting just $353.01

#flights to san francisco #flights to sfo #cheap flights to san francisco #tickets to san francisco #book cheap flights to san francisco #sanfrancisco #travel #trip #Cheap Flights #trek

0 notes

topfygad · 4 years

Text

95+ Things to do in Australia

I spend so much of my time pursuing bucket list items outside of Australia that I often forget just how much there is to be said for an Australian bucket list. With a huge variety of climates, landscapes, and cultures to be explored, the hardest part of preparing the following list was limiting it to just 95 things you should do while in Australia.

Australia is a huge country, so tackling all ninety-five of the items below might take a few return journeys! You might want to enlist the aid of an Australia tour specialist.

Like bucket lists? I’ve prepared popular China bucket list, South Korea bucket list, and Japan bucket list posts for your to enjoy!

Editor’s Note: Needing to brush up on your Aussie slang? Don’t forget to check out my exhaustive Guide to Australian Slang.

As one of the more popular and safe countries in world tourism, it’s understandable that Australia has quite a few ‘must see’ items that might seem obvious to any seasoned traveler.

The below can be considered a rough guideline for planning the perfect one or two month trip to Australia.

There are some delicious food challenges, a smattering of sporting events, and some unforgettable experiences along the way.

Image courtesy of Christopher Chan

1. Visit the Sydney Opera House (NSW)

Arguably Australia’s most recognisable piece of architecture, the stunning Sydney Opera House defines the Sydney skyline and symbolizes the largest Australian city in the same way that the Statue of Liberty defines New York City.

Completed in 1973, the distinctive white ‘shells’ of the Opera House house a number of performance venues. It’s not just opera that takes place in the Opera House, but also stand-up comedians, dance, orchestral performances, and touring speakers and performers from all around the world.

The best part? The Opera House can be experienced without having to spend a dime! If all you want to do is snap a few photos of the unique structure, you can do this from land or sea without having to pay for the privilege.

Touring the Sydney Opera House

Of course, there are also a number of guided Opera House tours for those who want a more comprehensive experience. These range in price from an affordable $37 walking tour to thelavish $295 Tastes of the Opera House food tour.

If guided tours aren’t your bag, there’s always the chance to see a show in the Sydney Opera House. I was lucky enough to see the Cirque de Soleil style La Soiree in the Opera House in 2011 and it was unforgettable.

Seeing the Opera House from a Unique Perspective

While it’s certainly possible to simply walk to the steps of the Opera House from Circular Quay Station, I’ve always found it’s most beautiful from alternate perspectives.

The Manly Ferry (mentioned later in this bucket list) affords a fantastic photo opp as you pass by the Opera House.

If you’re feeling a bit braver, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb also affords a spectacular view of the shells from above.

Where: The Sydney Opera House is located a short walk from Circular Quay Station in Sydney’s CBD.

Cost: It’s free to visit the Opera House. Tours start from $37 AUD.

Standing atop with the Sydney Harbour Bridge with friends in 2010.

2. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge (NSW)

Sydney’s other distinctive landmark: the Sydney Harbour Bridge is right up there with the Brooklyn Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and Tower Bridge when it comes to iconic bridges.

A feature of the Sydney skyline since 1932 and remains a major artery in the city’s transit network to this day.

Stretching from North Sydney to the bustling CBD, the Harbour Bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in Australia with good reason. Its distinctive look is matched only by the stunning backdrop that Sydney’s towering skyline provides.

While it’s free to walk from Milson’s Point to The Rocks (or vice versa), the bridge is best experienced by climbing to the very top and looking out over the city.

Climbs are run year-round by Bridgeclimb Sydney, with their sunset or after dark climbs being especially spectacular. Nothing quite beats the feeling of standing above everything and looking out over the glittering city lights and their reflections in Sydney Harbour.

Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge can be walked across from Wynyard or Milson’s Point Station. BridgeClimb’s office is located in The Rocks at 3 Cumberland Street.

Cost: Walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. BridgeClimb experiences start at $183 and top out at $383 for the sunrise or sunset climbs.

Image courtesy of A Beach Cottage

3. Visit Bondi Beach (NSW)

Australia’s most famous beach may be a tad overrated, but it wouldn’t be a trip to Australian shores without getting some sun, sand, and surf on the country’s most famous beach.

A year-round attraction, Bondi Beach is a picturesque stretch of beach often hidden by the massive crowds of local and international tourists clambering for a precious patch of white sand.

If you’ve longed to experience the distinctly Aussie beach day complete with fish and chips, impossibly attractive lifeguards, hipster cafes, and aggressive surf, Bondi Beach is about as quintessential as an Aussie beach experience gets.

While it’s true there are definitely better beaches than Bondi in Sydney (such as Coogee, Manly, Cronulla, Shelly, and Bronte), Bondi remains the most popular and is well worth a visit if only so you can say you’ve been.

Where: Bondi Beach can be reached by train and bus from Town Hall Station in approximately 30 minutes.

Cost: Free! Australian beaches are always free!

Image courtesy of cactusbeetroot

4. Explore the Blue Mountains (NSW)

Sticking with the Sydney theme, it’s off to the neighbouring Blue Mountains to soak in the serenity of the Australian bush.

While the Blue Mountains are just a short train ride from the heart of Sydney, you couldn’t feel more removed from the hectic noise of the city. Standing at one of the lookout points or hiking through the bush, you might as well be a thousand miles from Bondi or The Rocks.

The famous Three Sisters are the most recognisable landmark in the region, but the Blue Mountains is far more than just a photo opportunity.

Dine in the quaint cafes of Leura, Blackheath, or Katoomba, venture into the Blue Mountains National Park to hike amidst the waterfalls and dense scrub, take in the lights at Jenolan Caves, or ride the death-defying rides at Scenic World. The world is your oyster!

Where: The Blue Mountains are two hours from Sydney by bus, train, or car. Major train stations include Katoomba and Wentworth Falls.

Cost: It’s free to visit the Blue Mountains National Park. Attractions such as Scenic World and Jenolan Caves do have their own entrance fees.

5. Overnight at Taronga Zoo (NSW)

Australia’s most famous zoo, Taronga might just be the most picturesque zoo in the world. With a stunning view of Sydney Harbour and its major landmarks, Taronga is an island of calm located just twelve minutes from the city.

Taronga is home to more than 4,000 animals and boasts a huge variety of activities such as ropes courses, up close animal encounters, educational courses, and much more.

For a truly unforgettable experience, however, the option is there to spend a night in the zoo. You’ll not only enjoy having the zoo to yourselves after dark, but also dine on delicious food and fall asleep to the sounds of elephants, lions, and much more. It’s as close to a safari as you’re likely to get in Australia.

Even if you can’t afford the price for the Roar and Snore experience, a visit to the zoo is a great way to see both Australian and international wildlife.

Where: Taronga Zoo is a twelve-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay Station.

Cost: Entry to the zoo starts at $27 for children and $47 for adults. The Roar and Snore overnight experience starts at $195 for children and $295 for adults.

Shelly Beach is my favourite beach in Sydney.

6. Ride the Manly Ferry (NSW)

Sydney Harbour is crisscrossed by a number of ferries, but none offers a more picturesque journey than the Manly Ferry.

Taking people from Circular Quay to Manly, this half-hour ride takes you past the Opera House and past the headlands where the mighty Pacific Ocean meets the Sydney Harbour.

It’s more than just the journey too, as a day in Manly is an experience all of its own!

Grabbing a bite to eat on The Corso, swimming at Manly, Dee Why, or Freshwater Beach, swinging by 4 Pines Brewing Company, visiting the Manly Aquarium, or having a beach BBQ on Shelly Beach, there’s so much to see and do on Sydney’s North Shore.

Where: The Manly Ferry leaves every hour from Circular Quay.

Cost: Tickets on the Manly Ferry are $6.20 one way.

Photo by Danya Rose

7. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sydney (NSW)

Few cities ring in the New Year quite as well as the Harbour City, with Sydney’s annual fireworks display being one of the most spectacular in the world.

Ringing in the New Year in Sydney is one of the biggest parties in Australia and an absolute must if you’re going to be in Australia over the holiday.

The city grinds to a standstill during the party, with tens of thousands of locals and visitors hitting popular vantage points such as Darling Harbour, Barangaroo Reserve, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and many more.

Be sure to check the Sydney New Year’s website for details on which areas are ticketed and which are free, where BYO alcohol is prohibited, and timing for various events and performances on the night.

Where: All over Sydney Harbour.

Cost: Free, although some areas of the city are ticketed.

8. Wander the historic Rocks district (NSW)

As Australia’s oldest city, Sydney has plenty of history if you know where to look. While it’s a bit touristic these days, the historic Rocks district is arguably the best place in the city to learn more about the area’s roots.

An intriguing collection of colonial-era buildings and historic sites, trendy brewpubs and eateries, and glitzy boutiques, The Rocks is one of my favourite parts of Sydney to just wander around.

It’s home to my absolute favourite pub in Sydney (Hart’s Pub) as well as a selection of other fantastic pubs with plenty of history such as Lord Nelson, Hero of Waterloo, and Australian Heritage Hotel.

Taking a Rocks Walking Tour or a spooky Rocks Ghost Tour is a great way to learn more about the area’s history, but even wandering at your own pace and soaking it in is a real treat.

Where: The Rocks is a short walk from multiple Sydney train stations including Wynyard and Circular Quay.

Cost: Free.

Image courtesy of Sacha Fernandez

9. Attend the Royal Easter Show (NSW)

The Australian equivalent to a US State Fair, the Royal Easter Show is one of the biggest ‘agricultural exhibitions’ in Australia. This might sound a bit dry, but an Aussie show is just as much about food, alcohol, and rides as it is about who has the biggest pig and who took the best photo.

More something for families than for young travelers, there’s still a little for all tastes at the Royal Easter Show. We’re talking rides and activities for kids, bars and restaurants for adults, and performances of all varieties for the family.

Can’t make it to Sydney for the Easter weekend? Most towns in Australia have an annual agricultural show that offers up the same experience in miniature! You can find an exhaustive database of shows and dates here.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to buy a show bag!

Where: Sydney Showground in the Sydney Olympic Park.

Cost: Tickets start at $37 for adults and $22 for children.

Image courtesy of Andrew Wilson.

10. Achieve peak hipster in Melbourne (Victoria)

Arguably Australia’s most popular cities when it comes to tourists and expats, ultra trendy Melbourne is more about the vibe than a set list of things to do.

While Sydney boasts obvious landmarks you need to visit, Melbourne is more about taking your time and soaking in Australia’s most cosmopolitan city.

It’s home to Australia’s best coffee and a mouth-watering cuisine scene, as well as world-class shopping, art galleries, and entertainment.

As Australia’s self-proclaimed sporting capital, it’s also one of the best places in Australia to attend one of the national sports such as Super Rugby, the National Rugby League, the A-League, the T20 Big Bash, and the AFL.

Looking for some Melbourne inspiration? Check out this insane Melbourne bucket list.

Where: Melbourne can be reached by plane, bus, train, or car. It’s serviced by a large international airport.

Cost: Free to visit. A tad more to dine, shop, or stay in.

11. Visit the Gold Coast (QLD)

Australia’s most famous beach playground, the white sand and clear waters of Queensland’s Gold Coast are a popular attraction for tourists from around the world.

Catering to international and local tourists in a way no other Australian city does, the Gold Coast can boast having something for all walks of life. From bustling theme parks to glitzy casinos to chilled surfer towns, all tastes are catered to in this southern Queensland haven.

While I won’t go so far as to say the beaches are world-class or that you can’t find a lot of what the Gold Coast offers elsewhere, nowhere else in Australia can lay claim to having all of the ingredients in such close proximity.

For shopping, night-life, and family-friendly entertainment, there are few places in Australia more perfect.

What to do on the Gold Coast

If you’re traveling with kids, theme parks such as Dream World and Movie World are always popular. I’ve even written about my own visit to Dream World. There are also wildlife experiences such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

For big kids, the clubs and pubs of Surfers Paradise are a haven for cashed-up tourists and budget backpackers alike, offering debauchery in spades. There’s also Jupiter’s Casino for those wanting something a bit more glitzy.

Aside from the stunning beaches, there are also a number of nearby national parks in which you can get in touch with Australia’s unique wildlife. These include parks such as Springbrook, Tamborine, and Lamington.

Where: The Gold Coast is a short drive from Brisbane, but can also be reached by its own international airport.

Cost: Free to visit.

Image courtesy of Richard Ling

12. Scuba Dive the Great Barrier Reef (QLD)

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is unquestionably one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, but you’ll need to see it before the Australian government’s pro-mining, anti-environment policy bleaches it to oblivion.

Cynicism aside, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef is a goal worthy of any travel bucket list, let alone an Australian one.

I was lucky enough to learn to scuba dive on the Barrier Reef, but it did spoil me for all future scuba diving. Once you’ve dived the Great Barrier Reef, subpar house reefs in Southeast Asia just won’t cut it!

I Can’t Scuba Dive!

Not scuba-certified?

A little uncomfortable at the idea of being deep underwater with a tank of air strapped to your back?

I understand that scuba diving isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. Thankfully, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef is almost as good as diving on it.

There are plenty of areas where the crystal clear waters are shallow enough to allow you to experience the reef’s vibrant colours on a snorkeling tour. There are even glass-bottom boats available for those who are allergic to the ocean!

Where: The Great Barrier Reef stretches along much of the Queensland coast, but popular dive spots exist in Townsville, Cairns, and Port Douglas.

Cost: Certified dives range in price from $60 – $100 AUD per dive (including equipment). This is on top of any boat fees (often $200+ AUD).

13. Complete a Tim Tam Slam (N/A)

Here’s a nice, easy one you can do without even having to venture all the way to Australian soil.

The Tim Tam is a hugely popular chocolate biscuit (or ‘cookie’, for my American readers) that Aussies have invented a rather inventive way of eating.

See below for the how and why of it all:

So, grab a packet of Tim Tams, put the kettle on for a hot cuppa, and get a little bit sticky eating Australia’s most popular biscuit!

Where: Anywhere!

Cost: A packet of Tim Tams will set you back around $2 AUD in Australia, but considerably more if you’re abroad. They’re $6 a packet here in Vietnam!

Image courtesy of Vincent Brown

14. Try Vegemite on Toast (N/A)

If Tim Tams are one of Australia’s most beloved exports, it’s safe to say that Vegemite is at the opposite of the spectrum.

This salty, yeast-rich spread has a cult following in Australia but is definitely an acquired taste. I didn’t like it at all until I was in my teens, and now I never leave home without a jar or tube of the stuff.

It’s actually unbelievably good for you too!

Many first-time Vegemiters make the mistake of spreading it onto their toast like they would peanut butter or jam (jelly). Rookie error!

Vegemite is best when you put a light spread – a dusting if you will – across your toast. It gives a delightful saltiness to an otherwise mundane bit of bread. Winning!

Where: Anywhere!

Cost: A jar of Vegemite is around $2 AUD in most grocery stores.

Image courtesy of Richard

15. Chill Out in Byron Bay (NSW)

If the Gold Coast is synonymous with partying and Bondi is famous for its hordes of sun-reddened British expats, Byron Bay is Australia’s most well-known hippie get away.

If you’re all about acai bowls, drum circles, hemp clothing, reggae, and dream of a day when weed is legal in Australia, you’re probably going to love Byron Bay.

That isn’t to say that this gorgeous beachside town is a den of sin and iniquity – far from it! I grew up holidaying in nearby Ocean Shores, and Byron Bay remains a popular destination for Aussie families who can stomach the crowds.

What to do in Byron Bay

The obvious attraction in Byron Bay are its beaches. It’s a great place to work on your tan, do a little sea kayaking, or take a surf lesson.

Nearby Nimbin is a popular hippie town famous for its community market, while a number of national parks and stunning landscapes are close by for those who want to do a spot of hiking.

Seeing the sunrise at Byron Bay Lighthouse (Australia’s easternmost point) is also an experience not to be missed, and very nearly warranted a spot all of its own on this list!

For more Byron Bay inspiration, check out this post by 2Aussie Travellers!

Where: Byron Bay can be reached by bus or train, but is also close to both Gold Coast Airport and Ballina Airport for flights. It is a two-hour drive from Brisbane and a scenic nine-hour drive from Sydney.

Cost: Free to visit.

16. Learn to Surf in Torquay (Victoria)

It’s true that you could learn to surf on the Gold Coast, in Byron Bay, in Sydney, and in a dozen other places, but I’ve got to give a little love to Victoria, whose beaches are often overlooked due to the cooler climate.

Located southwest of Melbourne, Torquay and nearby surfing hubs such as Lorne and Bells Beach are hugely popular with surfers on all parts of the skill spectrum. Bells Beach’s famous breaks might be a bit much for a newcomer, but lessons in Torquay are a great way to get into the sport.

There are a number of surf schools to choose from, so do your research and get out there!

Where: Torquay is located roughly ninety minutes from Melbourne.

Cost: Lessons start at around $60 AUD, including equipment hire.

Image courtesy of asheshwor

17. Experience the Barossa Valley (SA)

The days of Australia being perceived as a nation of beer-swilling colonials may never truly die, but Australia’s status as one of the world’s premier wine-growing nations has certainly helped our global stocks.

While there are a number of world-class wine regions scattered across Australia, South Australia’s Barossa Valley is arguably the most well-known.

The perfect place to sample fantastic wines, indulge your inner gourmand, and soak in the beauty of rural Australia, the Barossa Valley is an easy day-trip from Adelaide. This makes it the most accessible of Australia’s prominent wine regions.

You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy wine country. I found this out when I was a wine virgin in wine country. It’s hard not to have fun drinking good wine, eating all of the cheese, and soaking in a bit of sun.

Where: The Barossa Valley is a 45-minute drive from Adelaide, which is served by an international airport. While in Adelaide, I recommend staying at the Grand Chancellor Adelaide.

Cost: Cellar door tastings are free, but it’s polite to buy a little something. Guided tours range from $100 to $200 AUD per person.

Image courtesy of Paul Benjamin

18. Go sailing in The Whitsundays (QLD)

Famed for its white sand and crystal clear waters, Queensland’s Whitsundays Islands are an archipelago centered around Hamilton Island and famous for world-class sailing and picturesque, isolated beaches.

Located midway between Cairns and Brisbane, the Whitsundays are a popular (albeit expensive) stop on many an East Coast road trip. It’s arguably Australia’s most Instagrammed location, and you’ll understand why when you see that impossibly white sand and spend some time swimming in bathwater-warm seas.

Whether you sail its emerald waters, visit famous Airlie or Whitehaven Beach for a soak, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, or just soak in its unspoiled beauty – the Whitsundays is a must for any Aussie itinerary.

Sailing the Whitsundays

A visit to the Whitsundays is a must for any Australian bucket list, but sailing around the Whitsundays is a daydream all of its own.

Ranging in length from romantic sunset cruises to multiple day excursions, heading out onto the water and island-hopping is a pricey but unforgettable way to experience the Whitsundays.

Where: A long drive from either Cairns or Brisbane, so it’s best to fly to either Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island or Proserpine Airport. It’s also possible to get there by train.

Cost: Free to visit, but sailing tours start at around $350 AUD and go up in price based on length of trip and level of luxury.

Image courtesy of Australian Traveller

19. Drive the Great Ocean Road (Victoria)

There are few more iconically Australian things to do than hit the open road and go on an Aussie road trip.

A country the size of Australia has no shortage of memorable road trips, but few are as picturesque as the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Stretching almost 250 breathtaking kilometres, it’s one of the most picturesque drives you’re ever likely to encounter.

Much like South Africa’s Garden Route, it’s every bit as much about the drive as it is about the many stops along the way. From the towering Twelve Apostles to serene bushwalks to quaint country towns to isolated beaches, there’s just so much to see and do along the way.

Where: The Great Ocean Road stretches between Torquay and Allansford in Victoria.

Cost: Free to drive, but you’ll need to factor in car hire, petrol, and any incidentals along the way.

Image courtesy of Lawrence Murray

20. Experience an Uluru Sunrise (NT)

Like something out of primal mythology, the monolith of Uluru (formerly known as Ayer’s Rock) is one of Australia’s most enchanting and isolated landmarks.

Located almost smack-dab in the heart of Australia’s sunbaked desert, the iconic red of Uluru draws people to the red centre of Australia year after year.

Spectacular at any time of day, Uluru is especially beautiful when experienced at sunrise or sunset. The reds, oranges, and purples of the sun combine wonderfully with the natural ochre of Uluru to create something positively otherworldly.

Don’t Climb It

You might be tempted to climb Uluru, but don’t. Only assholes climb Uluru, which is a sacred site to the local Anangu people.

As of 2019, this ‘no climbing’ rule changes from respectful request to outright law.

Where: Uluru can be reached by bus or overland, but the easiest way is to take a flight to Ayers Rock Airport.

Cost: It costs $25 AUD for a three-day pass to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Image courtesy of Rudolf Helmis

21. Visit the Nation’s Capital, Canberra (ACT)

What? Australia’s capital isn’t Sydney or Melbourne!?

You’d be surprised how many people not only don’t know Canberra is the national capital, but that it even exists.

While it’s true that Canberra is more oversized country town than true city, you would be remiss to visit Australia and not at least see where the business of governing is done.

Home to some of Australia’s best galleries and museums, Canberra is a must for those with an interest in Australian culture and history.

What to do in Canberra

The National Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of Australia, and the National Library of Australia are just a few of the more prominent museums and galleries in the capital. When you add in kid-friendly Questacon and the CSIRO Discovery Centre, you’ve got enough culture to make yogurt.

Of course, it’s not all museums.

Parliament House is a pretty impressive bit of architecture, while man-made Lake Burley-Griffin is a popular spot for picnics and water sports.

Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Stromlo Forest Park, the National Botanical Gardens, or the National Arboretum to get their dose of greenery, but Canberra is one of Australia’s greenest and most picturesque cities.

Where: Canberra is serviced by an international airport. It is also reachable by car, train, or bus from both Sydney (3 hours) or Melbourne (eight hours).

Cost: Free to visit, but individual attractions vary.

22. Attend an Australia Day BBQ (N/A)

While it’s true that most Australian holidays end up being about beer, a BBQ, and time off from work – Australia Day is the most quintessential of Australia’s holidays.

Taking place on January 26th each year, the day celebrates Australia’s settlement by Europeans – which has caused plenty of controversy amongst both indigenous Australians and non-European immigrants in recent years.

Politics notwithstanding, the day tends to be a popular excuse to get to the beach or, failing that, have a BBQ and a few too many beers in your backyard.

Don’t have a backyard? Major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne regularly come alive with parties and events in honour of the occasion, and even the smallest of towns is sure to have some kind of event you can attend.

Where: Just about anywhere.

Cost: Free!

23. Feed a kangaroo and hold a koala (N/A)

One that all of my female friends seem most excited about: feeding a kangaroo and giving a hug to an adorable, chlamydia-riddled koala.

The good news? It’s perfectly possible to do both of these during your trip to Australia!

The bad news? It’s open to debate how you should feel about this from a conservation standpoint.

If you’re against zoos and the like, you’re going to have to reconcile that with your desire to snuggle up to a eucalyptus-addled koala, I’m afraid.

Shut up and tell me where to go, Chris!

If you’ve got your heart set on it, you can feed kangaroos at a number of wildlife reserves and zoos around Australia. Some of these are going to be better than others when it comes to quality of life for the animals, so do your research.

Most states forbid you actually holding a koala, but you can still legally do this in South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland. Personally, I experienced this at Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda.

Where: Kangaroos can be fed all around Australia, but you’ll need to go to Queensland, South Australia, or Western Australia to hug a koala.

Cost: Varies from park to park, but koala experiences usually start at around $20 AUD.

24. Sample a bit of pavlova (N/A)

It’s open to debate as to how much of a claim Australia actually has to the invention of pavlova, but damned if we’re going to let New Zealanders and their accursed facts take our beloved dessert away from us!

A heavenly combination of light, fluffy meringue, fresh fruits, and whipped cream – pavlova is a popular dessert at Australian BBQs and parties.

They’re harder to make than you would think, but you can buy the meringue base at most grocery stores and take the majority of the leg-work out of the equation. Otherwise, just ask your Aussie friends if they can whip one together for you or grab some at the nearest trendy cafe.

Where: Virtually everywhere, although it takes time to prepare.

Cost: If you don’t DIY, you can expect to pay around $10 – $20 at a cafe.

25. Eat a kangaroo steak (N/A)

You’ve fed a kangaroo, so it’s only natural that you let a kangaroo feed you!

As uncomfortable as you might feel about the idea at first, kangaroo is an increasingly popular fixture on Australian tables due to the leanness of the meat and the gamey flavour. With kangaroo numbers often so high that culls are necessary, you can enjoy a guilt-free steak, stir fry, or burger!

Combine this with an Australia Day BBQ and you’ve killed two birds roos with one stone!

Where: You’ll need to head out to a restaurant or buy your meat at a butcher, as grocery stores don’t stock kangaroo meat.

Cost: You can expect to pay a bit more than you would pay for beef or chicken.

Image courtesy of Pierre Roudler

26. Attend a State of Origin match (QLD/NSW)

Australians love their sport, but exactly which sport they love is going to vary based on where in Australia you are.

In New South Wales and Queensland, rugby league tends to be the most popular of the sporting codes. While the club competition (the National Rugby League) is well worth a look if you’re into contact sports, even somebody who doesn’t love their sports is likely to get a kick out of State of Origin.

An annual, three-game series featuring the best players from Queensland and New South Wales, the matches are played at an intensity that comes from decades of interstate rivalry.

With sell-out crowds jamming into stadiums in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne – the matches are some of Australia’s most watched television and bring entire towns to a standstill.

Getting to the Game

While you can definitely experience a taste of the passion by watching the game on the big screen at a pub or leagues club, nothing can match the experience of being surrounded by 70,000 screaming madmen and madwomen during a game.

You can check out the State of Origin schedule to see if one of the matches takes place while you’re in town, but be sure to also check out the NRL draw to see if there is a game you can catch during the winter months.

Where: State of Origin games are usually split between Brisbane, Sydney, and a neutral venue such as Melbourne or (in 2019) Perth.

Club games are played in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Townsville, Newcastle, the Gold Coast, and Auckland, New Zealand.

Cost: Tickets start at $87 AUD. Club games are much cheaper, with tickets starting at $15 – $20 AUD.

27. Attend an AFL match (Victoria/SA/WA)

Remember what I said about different sports being popular in different states?

If you’re in Western Australia, South Australia, or Victoria – that sport is likely to be Australian Rules football. Somewhat akin to a fusion between rugby, Gaelic football, and football (soccer), the sport is Australia’s most attended code and practically religion in the southern states.

With clubs scattered across the country, it’s possible to attend a match in every Australian state, but the best experience is likely to be had in sports-mad Melbourne. The Victorian capital has ten teams within spitting distance, meaning rivalries are intense and derby matches can draw crowds in excess of 100,000.

While I’m not an AFL fan myself, a lot of ‘sports neutral’ people such as my fiancee have said they loved the pageantry and atmosphere of a live AFL game. It is definitely a sport best experienced live, rather than on TV.

Getting to a Game

The AFL season runs throughout Australia’s winter months, with games taking place across the country.

You can check the AFL draw to see when there is a game in the area you’re visiting.

Where: Games are played in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Geelong, and occasionally in Darwin and Hobart.

28. Attend a cricket match (N/A)

This is the last sports one (for a while), I swear!

I’ve long believed that experiencing a country’s sporting culture is a great insight into the country as a whole, and that’s especially true of a sports mad country like Australia.

While rugby league, rugby union, and Aussie rules are hugely popular in Australia, no sport holds quite the same level of popularity in Australia as cricket.

Whether it’s the five-day long tests, the one-day matches between international sides, or the hugely popular T-20 Big Bash, cricket is a language unto itself.

Attending a Test Match

One for the diehard cricket fans out there, attending a five-day test match at the MCG, SCG, WACA, or GABBA is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The beer, the sunburn, and the slow pace of the game are something best experienced in person, but probably won’t be for everyone.

Attending a One-Dayer

Cricket in a far more digestible form, a one-day match lasts for (surprise surprise) a single day and is typically a more exciting match as a result. The two nations each face 50 overs (made up of six-ball innings) and aim to get the highest possible score.

It’s basically a slightly faster-paced version of baseball with fewer drugs and more casual racism.

Attending a T20 Match

If you’re a newcomer to cricket, my advise would be to get out to one of the T20 Big Bash matches that take place over the summer. A league comprising teams from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide, and Melbourne – games are fast paced, family friendly, and alive with colour and pageantry.

With games lasting a much more manageable three-hours and with plenty of effort put into appealing to both women and children, it’s far and away Australia’s most family-friendly sporting event.

Where: A schedule for international test matches, one-dayers, and T20 matches featuring Australia can be found here. while fixtures for the popular T20 Big Bash can be found here.

Cost: Varies depending on the game, the opposition, and the venue.

29. Have a beach Christmas (N/A)

Being away from home for Christmas can be difficult, and that’s likely to be especially true if you’re not used to hot days, cold meat, and the fact snowmen, pine trees, and a fully-clothed Santa seem at odds with the 35C+ temperatures.

With that being said, there’s there’s plenty of reasons to love Christmas in Australia, so why not embrace that weirdness by celebrating the big day with a bit of a beach BBQ?

With Australia’s beaches public, it’s ridiculously easy to round up a few fellow expats and head on down to the beach for a few beers and a BBQ.

Just remember that most businesses are closed on Christmas Day, so you’ll want to stock up on Christmas Eve.

Where: Anywhere on the coast. Christmas is in summer!

Cost: Free!

Image courtesy of Phutully

30. Dress the part for Spring Carnival (Victoria)

Horse-racing might not be your thing, but there’s a reason that the annual Melbourne Cup is called “the race that stops a nation”. Places of business turn into ghost towns when the race begins, with offices and schools across the country arranging sweepstakes in celebration.

While it’s possible to experience Melbourne Cup fever anywhere in Australia, it’s best experienced in Victoria. Not only is it a public holiday for those lucky bastards, but you can also make the trek to Flemington Racecourse to experience all of the pomp and circumstance in person.

Attending the Melbourne Cup

The Spring Carnival is more than just a thoroughbred horse race. It’s a festival of food, live music, ornamental hats, and entirely too much booze.

Dressing up and over-indulging seems to be every bit as important as who wins the main attraction, so don your finest suit or frock, pick the best drinks/food package for you, and take as many obnoxious and regrettable selfies as humanly possible.

Where: The Spring Carnival and Melbourne Cup take place in and around Melbourne, with the main race at Flemington Racecourse.

Cost: Packages start from $75 AUD and go all the way up to the thousands for drinks packages.

31. Go Skiing in the Snowy Mountains (NSW)

Skiing and snowboarding are perhaps not the first things that come to mind when you think about Australia, but there’s a reason why Australia participates in the Winter Olympics.

The Australian Snowy Mountains come alive every winter, with skiers from all across Australia and around the world descending on famous Australian ski resorts like Thredbo, Perisher, and Mount Hotham to experience the closest to a true winter Australia gets.

It’s possible to find ski slopes in New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, and Tasmania, although Thredbo and Perisher are the most popular options with the most facilities available.

With ski season running from June through October (dependent on conditions and location), why not sneak a cheeky ski in on your way from Sydney to Melbourne?

Where: There are multiple ski resorts in Australia, but the most popular include Thredbo and Perisher (NSW), Mt. Buller, Mt. Hotham, and Falls Creek (Victoria), and Ben Lomond (Tasmania). In all cases, you can fly to the nearest capital city and drive from there.

Cost: Passes in Tasmania start as low as $70 AUD, while the more prominent locations are closer to $150 AUD.

32. Go Whale Watching (QLD/NSW)

Rounding out the list of the obvious inclusions on an Australian bucket list, whale watching is a thrilling way to get up close and personal with some of the largest living mammals in the world.

With humpback whale migrations taking them along the Australian coast, it’s possible to head out for a day of whale watching from countless cities and towns. In fact, pretty much the only states where whale-watching isn’t feasible are the land-locked ACT and the Northern Territory.

The best spots? Southern Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay as well as Byron Bay and Sydney. I’ve been whale-watching in Sydney on multiple occasions and never come back empty-handed. I’ve also been whale-watching on Moreton Island.

Where: The most popular whale-watching destinations are southern Queensland as well as Byron Bay and Sydney.

Cost: Tours are usually around $100 AUD including lunch.

Are the above too obvious for you?

Head on over to the next page to get a little more off-the-beaten-path on your Australian bucket list.

Want an Aussie in your inbox?

Cheers! Now you’ve just got to confirm your subscription.

Like this:

Like Loading…

from Cheapr Travels http://cheaprtravels.com/95-things-to-do-in-australia-2/ via http://cheaprtravels.com

0 notes

recentanimenews · 4 years

Text

Making Waves With Animation: Children of the Sea Premiere at AIFF 2019

For many years, the gifted Ayumu Watanabe has had a pedigree of anime. From the bizarre and strange Mysterious Girlfriend X, to the melancholic After the Rain, to the endearing and comedic Space Brothers, Watanabe shows that he has a versatility for adapting a variety of stories. In 2019, however, he was faced with his most challenging task yet: adapting Daisuke Igarashi’s Children of the Sea. While GKIDS has licensed the film and is planning to hopefully release it sometime this year, I was lucky enough to get a chance to see the first western premiere in LA for the Animation Is Film Festival (AIFF) back in October.

“I was approached by the producer [Eiko Tanaka] a couple of years after the manga ending, wondering if we could make the series into an anime. I was absolutely stunned,” he said after the AIFF screening. “I never thought about making anything like this into a movie. But the opportunity was priceless and a huge challenge! But I think I was able to do it some justice.”

Challenging is one word I would definitely use to describe Children of the Sea, a film so surreal it demands your full attention on the big screen. Based on a five-volume manga, the movie focuses on a girl named Ruka, who lives near the ocean with her parents. While her father is dedicated to his work at the aquarium, her mother drinks alone in the house, leaving Ruka to be a stubborn and stranded teenager. Frustrated with the stagnancy of her life, one day she ditches school and encounters two very strange boys from the sea: named Umi and Sora, the three soon form a strange friendship that involves a deep connection with creatures from the seas.

For an almost two hour movie, Children of the Sea immerses you so quickly the time flashes by. Ruka is an endearing protagonist, embracing the fiery attitude of a misunderstood teenager and the loneliness of one with an estranged family. She’s very compelling and easy to understand, which is important, considering how much of Children of the Sea can feel strange: this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but the story makes it a point that Ruka is the audience’s focal vision, and that she is our tie to the regular, the mundane, and yet the insatiable curiosity that dwells within each one of us.

In contrast, Umi and Sora feel more like abstract concepts bubbling with a distinct personality. Umi’s happy laughter and bravery remind me of youthful freedom; Sora’s quiet and reserved attitude resembles the cynical and pensive attitude of a lost child. Together, however, all three form a fantastic bond that grips you for a good portion of the story: their playful nature contrasts wildly with the moody and often confused adults that sit in the back of the tale, woefully attempting to parse parts of the plot out for you. It’s these parts that feel the most out of sync with the movie, as I would have personally preferred a purely poetic and “show not tell” approach.

However, when Children of the Sea does hit its marks, they’re incredibly visceral. While much of this is due to the seamless harmony of CG and traditional animation, it’s also aided by none other than the prestigious Joe Hisashi and his soundtrack. Children of the Sea is equal parts visual beauty and pitch-perfect sound direction. Orchestral strings swell with the momentum of the waves, and yet, there’s also a great layer of minimalist piano and flute arrangements for the quiet and intimate moments of the movie. It's clear Hisashi had a very strong vision of accompanying the flow and ebb of his music with the emotional journey of the movie. I particularly enjoyed how dissonant the music could be at times, which added to the surreal nature of many scenes.

While a good two-thirds of the film focuses on Umi, Sora, and Ruka’s journey, the last third swiftly transforms into one of the trippiest and most surreal audiovisual adventures I have ever witnessed on the big screen. What first starts as a coming of age story becomes a grander and far more abstract telling of how the cycle of nature intertwines with the universe and our lives themselves. It’s a very philosophical and metatextual statement that can be easily overwhelming, but I do think the anime at least gives you some headway beforehand so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Here, in these last forty minutes, Igarashi fully unleashes the power of animation: the art direction sparkles as universes collide with drops in the ocean, and colors become a wide spectrum of blues, purples, reds and greens. Negative space swallows the depths of the water, and human bodies twirl and dance, becoming amorphous and intangible shapes of mass.

Every stroke of linework boldens and adds depth to the characters and sea creatures; textured and excellent composite intensifies the focus of light and shadow to truly draw you into a landscape of almost psychedelic imagery. I could personally go on and on about how intense and mesmerizing these last forty minutes are, but no words can truly capture them.

You can catch a glimpse of this magic through the official music video, but even then, Children of the Sea is meant to be felt and seen, rather than parsed and dissected. It’s a film that beseeches us to realize that there is one grand life force that unifies us all and takes a very zen approach to that kind of thinking.

While it’s not necessarily easy to digest, especially if “harmony with nature” is not a mindset you’re too familiar with, Watanabe’s audacity to create an artistic vision of euphoria cannot be denied. It’s perhaps the most beautiful thing I’ll see in a long time, and I can’t wait to see it again. Here’s hoping GKIDS announces official screenings later this year.

Are you excited for Children of the Sea? Have any other Daisuke Igarashi works you'd like to potentially see adapted in the future? Leave a comment below!

____________________________________________________________________________

When not finding ways to doom all her ships, Natasha can often be found on her twitter as @illegenes, or writing more about anime on the blog Isn’t It Electrifying! Feel free to swing by and say hi.

Do you love writing? Do you love anime? If you have an idea for a features story, pitch it to Crunchyroll Features!

By: [email protected]

#Anime #News #Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!

0 notes

wikitopx · 4 years

Link

Alessandria is a city within the Piedmont region on Northern Italy and has a current population of approximately 93,000.

The city lies directly in-between the Bormida and Tanaro Rivers and is equidistant from the three major cities of Milan, Genoa and Turin. Due to its central location between these important economic cities, Alessandria has a well-developed rail network and serves as a major hub for Piedmont. The city was originally founded in the 12th century as a Lombard stronghold and was involved in various conflicts such as an imperial siege in 1174. In later centuries, the city came under the rule of the House of Savoy, and eventually became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Due to its favourable location, Alessandria is a great base if you are looking to explore the Piedmont region. The city boasts a variety of its own sites and attractions and has a myriad of historical buildings, interesting museums, and opportunities for shopping. The Museo del Capello Borsalino is an interesting place for example, and the Cattedrale di San Pietro is a beautiful church with a great history.

1. Cittadella di Alessandria

Undoubtedly the most impressive complex in Alessandria, the Cittadella is a magnificent star fort that has stood since the 18th century.

Located on the western banks of the River Tanaro, the fortification served as a defensive garrison to bolster the town’s position as a strategic defensive stronghold.

You can still see much of the star fort outer wall configuration and defensive towers and it is possible to walk around the grounds of the citadel to admire the architecture.

Furthermore, inside the fort there is a military museum that contains over 1500 uniforms, weapons and other memorabilia from the Italian Army.

When visiting Alessandria this intriguing defensive complex is an absolute must see!

2. Museo del Cappello Borsalino

Located in the old factory in the southern part of the historic old town, the museum occupies the sample room and contains a myriad of displays showcasing some of the companies finest hat creations.

Each hat was made within this very factory and has an accompanying description.

There is also an interesting section that details the production process at the factory and how it produces its famous item of clothing.

3. Cattedrale di San Pietro

The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Marco is the most impressive religious structure in the whole of Alessandria and can be found just a short walk from the Piazza della Liberta.

Constructed in the early 19th century, the front façade of this cathedral looks more like a Roman temple than a church and features a series of ornate columns topped with a triangular pediment and 5 stone statues.

Furthermore, at the rear of the cathedral is a fantastic bell tower that has a myriad of intricate artwork features and a large pointed crown.

The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive and literally every surface is covered with opulent coloured artwork and detailed frescos.

The arches and ceiling in the main aisle for example are covered with blue, gold and light pink designs and the main dome features a series of ornate sculptured statues.

4. Museo delle Divise Militari

You can find this fantastic museum within the grounds of the impressive Cittadella of Alessandria.

In the main complex, the museum is the north eastern building and contains some amazing military memorabilia from the Italian Army.

Containing some 1500 plus items, this museum is extensive and you could spend hours looking at the various weapons, documents, paintings and uniforms.

Each item is displayed perfectly and has been maintained to an impeccable condition; furthermore there is accompanying information providing insight into the history of the item and the time period it was used.

To gain insight into the Italian Armies history, this museum is a must see attraction!

5. Piazza Garibaldi

The Piazza Garibaldi is one of the most popular squares in the centre of Alessandria and features some fine architecture and also holds large markets.

You can find this square in the southern part of Alessandria in close proximity to the train station and next to the Giardini Publici.

On all sides the square is surrounded by arched porticos and a selection of fantastic shops and cafes.

On select days a local market is held here also where you can pick up some fantastic bargains and haggle with the citizens of Alessandria.

6. Giardini Pubblici

Located directly next to the Piazza Garibaldi is the beautiful Public Gardens of Alessandria.

These gardens are the perfect place to walk through and relax in as a break from sight-seeing.

Leading directly onto the main train station, the gardens are in a brilliant position and span quite some distance.

Covered in large beautiful trees and greenery, you are granted shade from the hot Italian weather and can walk along the various paths that snake through the park.

There is also several monuments and statues and several cafes and restaurants on the adjacent Corso Crimea.

7. Ponte Meier

The River Tanaro splits the city of Alessandria and serves as an important waterway in this region of Italy.

This bridge was constructed in the 1990’s by renowned architect Richard Meier and features a dual design with a public road and a separate pedestrian walkway.

A huge arch spans the entire length of the bridge and a series of large beans cross from the road to the walkway.

The architecture and design are truly stunning and this is a fantastic bridge to admire and walk across – consider using this bridge to cross over to the Cittadella.

8. Palazzo Cuttica Di Cassine

This delightful palace is located next to the Cathedral and the Piazza della Liberta and contains the fantastic Civic Museum.

Created in the 18th century, the palace has a Rococo and Classic style with an ornate front façade that features white stone and a plethora of opulent framed windows.

Within the confines of the palace is the Civic Museum – this fantastic exhibition contains a plethora of fantastic displays and artefacts.

Notable items include three archaeological halls that contain interesting finds from the region, a detailed history of Alessandria’s monastery, and even a selection of relics from the Napoleonic era.

The combination of stunning architecture and interesting historical finds make this palace a great place to visit.

9. Arco di Trionfo

Located at the end of the important Via Dante Alighieri in the beautiful Piazza Matteotti, the Arco di Trionfo was constructed in the 18th century and stands as one of Alessandria’s most important monuments.

This triumphal arch was constructed by the order of Giuseppe Caselli in honour of the King of Sardinia, Vittorio Amedeo III. Created from red brick, the main structure of the arch has a beautiful colour and is topped with a large oval pediment that has a long inscription on one side and the coat of arms for the king on the reverse.

Whilst walking through the town, this is a fantastic monument to visit.

10. Take a trip to Genoa

Alessandria is located to the north of Genoa and has fantastic transport links to this important city.

You can reach Genoa via train or bus in less than 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Genoa is a fantastic tourist destination and has a myriad of important historical sites, a huge commercial port and some beautiful public parks.

Throughout history, Genoa has served as an important port in the Mediterranean and buildings such as the Genoa Cathedral and the Palazzo Ducale are a testament to the cities power and wealth.

Aside from the architecture, Genoa also has a fun filled aquarium, the interesting National Gallery and the excellent oriental Art Museum.

A trip to Genoa from Alessandria will provide you with a multitude of opportunities for exploration and adventure!