by Ron Largent | Feb 17, 2018 | Akaroa and Christchurch, Australia and the Rain, Dunedin, Hobart, Holland America Cruise, Holland America Cruise Lines, International Travel, Kuranda Classic Train in Cairns Australia, Manley Island in Australia, Melbourne, Milford Sound, Napier, New Zealand, Port Arthur, Sydney Australia, Sydney Opera House, Tasmania, The Fjords, The Rocks in Sydney, Travel, Wellington
the Marine Parade is the beautiful walk right along the bay in Napier. Walk from the Information Center in both directions one takes you to the museum and the other take you down through the gardens to The Little Mermaid of Napier.
Today we will be talking about Napier. We will talk a bit about the history of the area the city as it was leading up to the 1933 is quick a little about the earthquake itself then the rebuilding of the city the art deco revolution and then a bit about how it is today we will then talk about some local attractions and ways that you can most enjoy the city during your visit and we will then talk about some of the truest areas for shopping and souvenirs as well as some areas to just walk and enjoy the views and the location.I see my role as an information communicator In that travelers passengers people on the ship are interested in having a good time on their cruise line the patient my job is to help them enjoy their vacation more.Therefore I want to approach the job as one who and inform passengers about the port that they are about to enter and what they can do there what is interesting about the report and the city and the area around the port. I can do this by talking briefly about the history and background of the port city such as the background on not Pierre before the earthquake then a little about the earthquake then what has happened since the massive earthquake. Then I would transition to the port today mentioned something about the Commerce and the economy that is evident in the port and then move on to what to see and do in the port city. I would then cover the main tourist attractions such as the museums the train ride and Picton NZ in the cable car in Wellington the Cathedral and Wellington and the museums.Then I could wrap up with shopping areas and then the shuttle back to the ship and any other practical matters about the day.So it seems like I would put the presentation into three or four segments and announce this at the beginning the background and history the main attraction the shopping and truest areas and then the practical application getting on and off etc.
We had a great half day in Napier as we were there for the art deco weekend. This is an annual classic car and 1930’s weekend. They expect 40,000 over the weekend. Car folks come from all over to show the cars. Napier is a remarkable place with an exciting port and an unusual beautiful downtown area with almost all rebuilt since the massive earthquake in 1933.There are many places to visit including the completely rebuilt downtown areas but also the walk along the water is beautiful and with the trees and flowers right on the water it’s a very impressive area.The art deco Museum has is well worth it and has a short 20 minute presentation on what happened before and after the earthquake and what turned it into the place it is today.And across the street from the art deco museum is there history is him that has a downstairs exhibit featuring the earthquake with a 20 minute revolving film about stories from survivors. Both museums are well worth it and you can do both in about an hour.That shuttle takes you right to the Information Center and from there a lot of information about the four or five main streets with lots of shops and restaurants and bars.The aquarium is very well done and has some excellent exhibits but is about a 20 minute walk from the Information Center but again well worth it if you like aquariums. If you have limited time in the port city then it’s best to leave early as the shops will open about 9….As you leave the information Center you can walk up to Clive Square which is at the edge of the art deco area and then come back by the Cathedral which was completely destroyed and totally rebuilt very impressive with the wood and stucco and a nice of the earthquake and the organ is spectacular. In summary Napier is very much well worth the time very impressive and rather amazing world wide to think that the city was totally destroyed and it’s been completely rebuilt. The earthquake museum really illustrate what the city went through and how they recovered in such a short time very well done.I think it is important to mention that if you do not want to have some fun why are you here that you are on vacation to have a good time emphasize that at every presentation.
So my job is to help you enjoy your vacation have some fun learn something about the area and just have a worthwhile time on your vacation. The purpose of my talk is to give you information that would help you enjoy your vacation more As we arrived in Napier this ship comes into the harbor and turns around and then is backed into the harbor pulled buy a tug and I have it on video free see the Navy chip in for watching us and as he watches we see the buses said to come along with Bertie and his old English sports car. It looks like and mg but we will find out for sure as he will greet us as we get off the ship
The amazing thing about this Harbor is that is very small and very close to the downtown area and the huge lumber activity as well as a huge story adjacent to where the ship is…
Today was a most interesting day in Wellington we have just pulled away from the doc and it was very interesting to see the tugboat help get us out of the doc area with these wins as strong as they are
Today we started by taking the shuttle into the center of town and then walked to the New Zealand museum for the Galilipo show exhibit. It was outstanding. From there we walked back the little car and R rode the cable car to the top walked around at the top then road the cable car back down and walked to the building or the clock was b**** is an old bank building completely redone.We then walk down to the Beehive and the Parliament and the State Library then to the old Cathedral which was remarkable and then was all done in wood and was very very beautiful. We then walked by the railroad station stopped and had a McDonalds coffee and sweet then back to the shuttle.The thing about today that was worth remembering for the strong winds in downtown Wellington.
Wellington is a gorgeous remarkable modern sitting with this huge Harbor Bay area and very impressive with a lot to say and really too much for just one day
by Ron Largent | Feb 15, 2018 | Akaroa and Christchurch, Australia, Australia and the Rain, Dunedin, Melbourne, Napier, New Zealand, Rain Forest in Cairns Australia, Sydney Australia, Sydney Opera House, Tasmania, The Rocks in Sydney, Travel, Uncategorized, Wellington
Picton was a very sleepy pretty pretty little port town. A huge lumber port which we saw from the ship as it was adjacent to the dock. We decided on a quiet day so rode the shuttle the 10 minutes to downtown then walked around for a couple of hours. Cute shops with lots of souvenirs. A beautiful harbor this is a very beautiful and desirable area.
A number of excursions are available but we chose for a slower day. Got back at 2 then were to pick up Laura at 4 pm. Carrie and boys went to air display in Blenheim.
I also see right along port Mainstream transport and then Mainfreight Freight and then Toll so I need to check and see what these represent as they look like three main transportation centers. I may want to also talk about train travel as in Wellington I am looking at trains coming and going..It could be that train travel is more common on the North Island than this and due to the train with the big mountain range on the south Island.Should also get some details on imports and exports as the boards are very very busy and again in Wellington I see a large lumber court area right down along the water ..I need to get some details on rugby and the stadiums and the number of greens and the attendance for example and Wellington there is Westpac stadium how many does it seat how many games a year and those kind of details for the rugby fans. May also do it for cricket
Speaking Prep…….
Good morning this morning we will be talking about Wellington and is healing which is the capital of the country of New Zealand it is located at the southern end of the North Island and as we have mentioned New Zealand is made up of two large islands one called the North Island and one called the South Island; Wellington is the largest city in the southern part of the North Island. As shown on the photo for the past 4 days we have been visiting cities in the South Island the largest being Christchurch which was the victim of the 2011 earthquake and now we will concentrate for the next 4 days on the North Island which has the capital city of Wellington and of course the largest city in the country Auckland or “Oakland” depending on who you are talking to.. Wellington is a large city of a Million people and is the seat of the government and is a huge economic center with three large Port areas…. one of which we are. In and as you approach Wellington this is what you will see in the dark area and please noticed that the homes on the hill side facing to the eastern see are very dramatic very large and very expensive as you can imagine having the seaside and the Bay view. Wellington has a rich cultural background founded in1830…..This format might work very well.
Now let’s talk a bit about the history of Wellington it was founded in 1830 primarily by the British with saw this has an excellent Trading Post for timber cattle shape and related products.It grew rapidly over the years due to the critical location of the huge Bay and port facilities to a city that now has a million people in the immediate area.Upon arrival at the port you will be able to take a shuttle who to the center of Wellington which is about a 10 minute ride.Or can put them there will be a shuttle that will take you from the shipped directly into the small town village port city of Picton which will be opposite the old steam train that offers a 1 hour trip into the countryside to Blenheim or you can take the shuttle into the village where there are many shops.
As a point of interest when I am talking about a small town like Picton I may want to talk about the district such as Marlboro so that they can get the audience can get a better feeling for the local economy why people live here what they do what makes the community vibrant etc..I think I should emphasize that I use a lot of photos with the points over concept so that not only will they see the photo and hear me speak the points but will also see the points over the slide or the photo. And make the point that the slides are fast moving to give a impressions that there is a lot to see and do in the port
In talking with Jan last night he mentioned some things that I could do in contacting HAL.They will be asking what I do how I do it and why I do it he made the point they will approve the content no politics no religion etc.I think I should write a 50 word summary that concentrate on maybe the top 5 things to do in the community. Or something to the fact that I talked briefly about the history the culture the social or economic factor and then conclude with what to do or what you can do while in Wellington.Maybe make it into for parts of 10 minutes each such as introduction to Wellington and cover the history Then go into and the culture in society that we know today such as the lumber industry in Pitman and the impact that it has on the community and the local economy.Then go into what you can see and do in Christchurch and the time factors. For example In Picton the steam train ride to Blenheim leaves from the railway station which is opposite the information drop off point and please had 12 noon and returns by 5 p.m. For those that do not want to do an excursion the little town of Picton has many shops and cafes and you can take a leisurely stroll around town as well as a walk around the pretty Bay..I need to make the point that I have been in every city that is on the Mediterranean the northern Europe And the Australian cruise ship cities and countries over the past 5 years..I might want to approach the lecture this this is where you will be arriving or tomorrow we will be arriving in Wellington in the early morning and this is the port that we will be talking in and show pictures photos.I need to make the point that these are informative lectures and that there will be a red notebook available with more detail on Wellington and consider also a notepad or Note sheets that can be used during the lecture for their own note taking.I should make the point that these are informational lectures to supplement material that they can get from the excursions desk or on excursion tours offered by the ship that this is supplement take information to help them understand more about the ports that they are visiting. For the HAL application they will need to see what I will speak on and experience. No politics prejudice etc. How I do it timing etc photos etc.
by Ron Largent | Feb 12, 2018 | Australia, Australia and the Rain, Burnie, Cairns, Hobart, Holland America Cruise Lines, International Travel, Kuranda Classic Train in Cairns Australia, Manley Island in Australia, Melbourne, Milford Sound, New Zealand, Port Arthur, Rain Forest in Cairns Australia, Sydney Australia, Sydney Opera House, Tasmania, The Rocks in Sydney, Travel, Uncategorized
After a day at sea we are approaching Milford sound at 7 a.m. in the morning it is raining first impression is that Rihanna back and has appears of Norway with rapidly rising huge mountains and narrow waterways which would mean the same characteristic as the Fjords in Norway with very deep channels for the shipdto go up. We were also told last night that be yours in South America as you go towards and article are also very majestic like pigs the difference at this point with these years in Milford sound and Norway is no snow on the top of these at least that I can see now
by Ron Largent | Feb 9, 2018 | Australia, Australia and the Rain, Melbourne, Milford Sound, New Zealand, Rain Forest in Cairns Australia, Tasmania, The Rocks in Sydney, Uncategorized
And the two day crossing from Hobart into New Zealand we had waves that rock the boat the first night second night was fine but depending on the weather this can be a fairly up two days or smooth as last due to the current at this end of Australia it can bury significantly and the captain kept making good reports on where we were with wind explain the dropping a weather boys explain how the crew sheep ships keep in touch with each other regarding weather very well done to inform one of the status of the ocean but so far these two days for the roughest see days we had otherwise very mild
by Ron Largent | Feb 7, 2018 | Akaroa and Christchurch, Burnie, Cairns, Christchurch, Cruise Line Deals, Dunedin, Dunedin, Fjords, Hobart, Holland America Cruise, Holland America Cruise Lines, International Travel, Kuranda Classic Train in Cairns Australia, Manley Island in Australia, Melbourne, Milford Sound, Napier, New Zealand, Port Arthur, Sydney Australia, Sydney Opera House, Tallin, Tasmania, The Fjords, The Rocks in Sydney, Travel, Travel the World, Uncategorized, Wellington
Port Arthur is a most historical town just to the north of Hobart, the
capital of Tasmania. As we approached the bay of Port Arthur it became very
obvious that this area was incredibly heavy wooded….which started to
verify that 90% of Tasmania is wooded…..
- The Bay is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and was
discovered in the early 1800’s for its timber…and in 1930 became a timber
outpost for Australia , 2. Needing workers, the Australian government in
cooperation with the local business people in the lumber business, decided
to bring convicts to the area as laborers…and in 1833 created a
Penitentiary for convicts that then became the labor force. It grew from
there for the next 40 years….thus the current ruins and remains of the
original town as well as the small current town, Carnarveron,Tasmania, Australia.
- The Ship docked in the bay and we got on the Ship Tenders to go ashore…and
this entire procedure was orderly and well done…with about a 12-15 minute
ride in to the dock. From the dock it is easy to go to the Visitors Center
and from there take a leisurely 2 or 3 hour walk around all of the buildings
which have been renovated and modernized as much as possible, still making
it a kind of museum…
- The detailed history of Port Arthur is well documented, and info on the
prison, the prisoners, and their work and activity is well presented. Very
well done.
- Included in the Ship package was the 25 minute boat tours around the
Bay…where you can see where the Boys prison was, as well as the Island of
the Dead, which was their cemetery.
- This is a great one day stop…..just enough time to see this beautiful
area.
- In summary, so far Tasmania has been a must see spot if you enjoy natural
beauty with mountains, beaches, wooded areas, and little towns right down
to the waters edge….one of those best kept secrets.
- Another factor about Tasmania is that it is one of the southern most
points before you get to Antarctica. I am told the part of Antarctica that is
easiest to reach is from South America….but if you look at the world map
you can see that Tasmania is almost as far south. One of the slogans in
Burney was “welcome to the edge of the World”…..and seems to be true. But,
also one of the most beautiful that we have seen in that you have the
feeling of the tropical areas along with the mountains and the trees…
We are in Hobart now….which is about a 2 hour ship journey south from Port
Arthur. Gorgeous wooded mountains coming right down to the city of Hobart,
which has 200,000 people….and as I write I am looking out on acres of
labeled logs ready to go on ships for export. Probably 500 containers here
either filled or empty but extremely well organized and all seem to be in
order. We will spend 2 days here…should be interesting.
All for now,
by Ron Largent | Feb 5, 2018 | Australia, Australia and the Rain, Melbourne, Port Arthur, Tasmania, Travel, Uncategorized
As we leave Melbourne…I thought I would make some comments regarding our day there.
- We were briefed the night before on the various excursions offered….and then we were told a bit about arrival. Etc. All of us were a bit confused as to the Shuttle taking us to the center of town….whether it was free…whether we would then connect to another bus, or whatever.
- A brief map was shown, but not clearly explained….so all we really knew was that we were going to be docking…and if we wanted to go to the center of town, a shuttle bus would be available. Poorly explained.
- We docked at 8 AM on the Melbourne day…..and there were a number of shuttle buses waiting for those the got off at that time. We were later getting off…but as we exited the ship we went into the terminal building, and there in the middle was a large Information (I) desk and area, and a number of red shirted folks were there to answer questions.
- We were then told that to get into the center of town we would have to buy a $15 pass…that would allow us to ride the shuttle into town….and then enable us to travel on the public transportation around the downtown area.
- We bought the pass and boarded the shuttle…and it was about a 20 minute drive to the center of town….where we were once again met by red shirted workers that helped all, answered questions, etc….they gave us maps, etc….and told us about some nearby attractions, etc….including walking across the river to Flinders Station and Federation Square, which is the center of downtown. This is about a 10 minute walk,…..across the river with all of the beautiful buildings in the area along the river…very beautiful. While we were in Federtion Square, we went into the Cathedral, which is right at the Square, where they were having a Deacon Ordination service to a full hous.
- From there we took a City Central tram heading towards the Melbourne Museum…..this was a crowded ride on the Central City tram…jammed into a car with about 50 Asians….and then getting off to walk about 30 minutes to the Museum. Through some beautiful gardens…..we got to the modern Museum…went in and ate…then met the girl from Redding, who’s mother was Liz, the sax player in the big band, etc…small world.
- We then walked about to the Melbourne Library, which is a huge historical library similar to our Library of Congress…very impressive….
- Then caught another tram back to the central point where we would get the shuttle back…..but decided to get on another tram to go to the Botanical Gardens and the War Memorial…..too much in one day….we made it there, but the kids and all were tired so decided to go back to the bus pick up point….which we did…waited for 10 minutes then the 20 minute ride back to the ship by 4 PM…a tiring and long day.
As a CLS…..in my Melbourne presentation, use maps and lots of photos …and make it very clear as to the Shuttle…the trams in town…the main things to see…and the overall size of Melbourne . It is a city of 4 million….not a small town at all….and very busy and congested, although one of the more beautiful cities due to the parks and trees and flowers….very attractive city, but not one that you can see in a day or two. The point should be made that in one day, all one can see are the main areas and main attractions. And the excursions, such as a Panorama Melbourne would be a good idea if you want to see a lot. For a couple, probably the hop on hop off might be the right way to go….
I should emphasize that one day in Melbourne should tell you whether you want to come back or not…..and I think 3 days would be a minimum…depending on how it is scheduled, etc….The museum is well done and well worth 2 or 3 or more hours….it reminded me of the Smithsonian….very modern and very well done. Impressive. We were told the big market is worth going to…..and certainly the Flinders Station area is worth time. It seems like, as in most big cities, there are certain areas where tourists gather, such as Federation Square…and the River at this point is beautiful. The city landscaping is beautiful and the many thousands of palm trees add to the majesty of this beautiful city.
In a presentation…the Top 10 would be good…but be sure and make simple and clear the arrival and the shuttle and the bus ticket…..where it takes you to, and where you can go from there. Use photo maps to show the areas, etc…..otherwise folks will not maximize their time. And allow time to get back to the Ship, as at the end of the afternoon…traffic can become a hassle….
