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Post by marielouise on Mar 16, 2015 13:38:32 GMT
Chech I hope there are no blizzards when you are leaving, I saw on the news that you are getting one now.
Before I visited Turkey, I really read up on their history which goes far back in time and I found I got a lot more out of the tour. I really knew nothing about their ancient history.
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Post by chech on Mar 16, 2015 18:16:49 GMT
Yeah...it just blows my mind that I didn't think of this earlier. I feel so prepared and sites that I had no clue about now are exciting to see. So far the forecast for next Tuesday is good...if a storm looks possible, I'd just fly out the day before and spend the night in Toronto. I'm going business class this time (Rouge) so it shouldn't be hard to switch.
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Post by chech on Mar 19, 2015 13:37:27 GMT
Five days to go and my research is almost done. I'm still blown away at how much I can have typed up ahead of time and how much I learned about the sights...it's making it all that more exciting to see these places. This is one thing I have to share now because it is just too cool. It happens a week before and after the equinoxes (and I'll be there 10 days after the equinox!). On the staircase up El Castillo in Chichen Itza, when the sun is setting, a shadow is case across the side of the pyramid and the stepped corner throws up the shadow of a serpent crawling down the staircase wall. At the bottom of the staircase are the heads of serpents! I found video that shows this. It isn't photoshopped though is likely sped up a little. As soon as the video starts, look at the top of the staircase as the shadow falls. It'll blow your mind that this was built over 1000 years ago by a people who had no metal tools...no draft animals and didn't use the wheel for construction purposes...but yet had an incredible understanding of engineering, mathematics and astronomy. Not to mention calendar making... youtu.be/ymRgLITylz0?t=10s
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Post by tiffany on Mar 19, 2015 14:54:44 GMT
Five days to go and my research is almost done. I'm still blown away at how much I can have typed up ahead of time and how much I learned about the sights...it's making it all that more exciting to see these places. This is one thing I have to share now because it is just too cool. It happens a week before and after the equinoxes (and I'll be there 10 days after the equinox!). On the staircase up El Castillo in Chichen Itza, when the sun is setting, a shadow is case across the side of the pyramid and the stepped corner throws up the shadow of a serpent crawling down the staircase wall. At the bottom of the staircase are the heads of serpents! I found video that shows this. It isn't photoshopped though is likely sped up a little. As soon as the video starts, look at the top of the staircase as the shadow falls. It'll blow your mind that this was built over 1000 years ago by a people who had no metal tools...no draft animals and didn't use the wheel for construction purposes...but yet had an incredible understanding of engineering, mathematics and astronomy. Not to mention calendar making... youtu.be/ymRgLITylz0?t=10s They told us about this on our guided tour of Chichen Itza. They said that the place gets really packed when this happens, and it’s hard to move. This would be cool to see, but I don’t know if I’d enjoy being there when it’s that crowded. I’m a little claustrophobic in crowds. Apparently this is the reason that Chichen Itza is now considered one of the “Wonders of the World”.
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Post by chech on Mar 19, 2015 16:47:59 GMT
One site noted that the crowds all get there for the equinox but noted that it's visible the week before and after when there are much fewer people. One of the videos I watched had almost no one nearby....and another had a mass of people. It might be possible to see it from the hotel we'll be staying in (though for me it's 3 days too late). The Mayaland is right next to the pyramid. I bet it's booked for March 21st. LOL The video really gives a good view of it. I had a hard time visualizing it as I was reading then thought to check youtube. It really makes one see how the effect was deliberate with the head of the serpent at the bottom. I'm still in awe...LOL
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Post by renmarkable on Mar 21, 2015 4:07:50 GMT
35 days to go, with at least 100 days worth of work to get done before I go....lol! can't wait to go back to London..
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Post by mary on Mar 24, 2015 23:03:15 GMT
Five days to go and my research is almost done. I'm still blown away at how much I can have typed up ahead of time and how much I learned about the sights...it's making it all that more exciting to see these places. This is one thing I have to share now because it is just too cool. It happens a week before and after the equinoxes (and I'll be there 10 days after the equinox!). On the staircase up El Castillo in Chichen Itza, when the sun is setting, a shadow is case across the side of the pyramid and the stepped corner throws up the shadow of a serpent crawling down the staircase wall. At the bottom of the staircase are the heads of serpents! I found video that shows this. It isn't photoshopped though is likely sped up a little. As soon as the video starts, look at the top of the staircase as the shadow falls. It'll blow your mind that this was built over 1000 years ago by a people who had no metal tools...no draft animals and didn't use the wheel for construction purposes...but yet had an incredible understanding of engineering, mathematics and astronomy. Not to mention calendar making... youtu.be/ymRgLITylz0?t=10s Looking forward to 'following along' with you on your trip!
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wen
Junior Member
Posts: 29
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Post by wen on Mar 27, 2015 9:59:50 GMT
Hope everyone who have left are enjoying their trips and those who are preparing are enjoying the planning We are getting so excited, started counting in days!! 30 to go and we're off
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Post by tiffany on Mar 27, 2015 11:50:28 GMT
Those 30 days will go by fast Wen! I still have 6 months to go before my trip to Greece, but I’m not in too much of a rush because I want to enjoy summer first. If only it would arrive! I feel like winter will never end this year!
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wen
Junior Member
Posts: 29
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Post by wen on Mar 27, 2015 12:02:13 GMT
I'm sure they will Tiffany the 6 months since we paid the deposit has flown Greece sounds so lovely! As for the weather I am the opposite we have had a long hot summer which unusual for this time of year is still going 32c today I think the weather missed the Autumn memo lol I think some European Spring weather will be very welcome
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Post by tiffany on Mar 27, 2015 17:01:33 GMT
It’s -4 in Toronto right now, but it’s supposed to go down to -9 tonight and tomorrow morning. Normal temperature for this time of the year is +6. While I’m not a big fan of humidity (I don’t mind dry heat), I’m so tired of winter, and having to layer, I’d take the +32 weather right now.
I agree that the next 6 months will fly by, and I’ll be on my way to Greece (with a stopover in London) before I know it.
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Post by Tonnet on Mar 27, 2015 23:44:15 GMT
21 days to go!
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Post by Tonnet on Mar 27, 2015 23:47:23 GMT
I couldn't change the font size so opted to finish here!
First cruise is so close now and just awaiting my travel documents. Italy, Turkey and Greece here I come!
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wen
Junior Member
Posts: 29
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Post by wen on Mar 28, 2015 2:39:56 GMT
-9 oh wow that's cold Tiff no wonder your hanging out for summer How warm does it get ? 21 days Tonnet you must be so excited! And as a cruise I love cruises unpack only once and the most amazing food Hope you enjoy I'm washing all the clothes I'm looking at taking today first time I can say I'm happy to spend my day off in the laundry
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Post by renmarkable on Mar 28, 2015 8:22:36 GMT
29 days for me now, getting excited...seeya wen!
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wen
Junior Member
Posts: 29
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Post by wen on Mar 28, 2015 9:00:47 GMT
Yep see you in London
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Post by renmarkable on Mar 28, 2015 20:41:54 GMT
have you seen the long rang forecast for London? it's probably totally different now, but when I checked it was about sixdegrees!!
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Post by Tonnet on Mar 28, 2015 21:38:55 GMT
-9 oh wow that's cold Tiff no wonder your hanging out for summer How warm does it get ? 21 days Tonnet you must be so excited! And as a cruise I love cruises unpack only once and the most amazing food Hope you enjoy I'm washing all the clothes I'm looking at taking today first time I can say I'm happy to spend my day off in the laundry Hi Wen. I should have expressed myself better in that text. It's actually the first cruise for this year and when I arrive home on 6th May I have to get ready for the next one departing on 6th June. Cruising itself is a bit 'ho hum' for me as I have been on so many that I have lost count. The ships are much the same but it is the ports of the voyage that count. In my mind the cargo ships with few passengers are the very best but they would not suit everyone.
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wen
Junior Member
Posts: 29
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Post by wen on Mar 29, 2015 4:55:35 GMT
Ok well you are an old hand then We've done 2 I agree once on the ship they were the same but the stops are what makes the trip and why cruises are a great way to travel Enjoy
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Post by tiffany on Mar 30, 2015 11:47:46 GMT
-9 oh wow that's cold Tiff no wonder your hanging out for summer How warm does it get ? It can get quite hot and humid here in the summer, with temperatures getting into the +30’s. Last summer was cooler than usual, with only a few days over 30 and the rest of the summer was in the low to mid 20’s, which was fine with me as I don’t like humidity. I think I only used my air conditioner three times last summer. When I went to the gym on Saturday morning, it was -11 but felt like -20 with the wind. I’m so tired of this weather! I shouldn’t complain much though as my family lives 8 hours north of me, and they got hit with a snow storm last night and this morning. At least our snow is gone.
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wen
Junior Member
Posts: 29
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Post by wen on Mar 31, 2015 9:43:21 GMT
Wow That's such a big difference in temperatures we get the 30 s in summer but it doesn't drop much below 15 in winter as for aircon ours churns along most days lol I think that's the fun of travel too I guess you get to discover all types of weather ?
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Post by tiffany on Mar 31, 2015 11:44:07 GMT
Yes, our weather can be quite extreme, and we can go from +12 to -12 in a week. If you ever come to Toronto, I suggest you come in the Spring or Fall in order to avoid the extreme heat and extreme cold, unless you want to experience this type of weather.
I guess you don’t get snow where you live if you seldom get weather below +15. I actually don’t mind the snow, as it’s usually not very cold when it is snowing, but I find the extreme cold hard to tolerate. I usually like to travel in the Spring/Fall in order to avoid the heat and cold.
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Post by Tonnet on Mar 31, 2015 23:11:44 GMT
18 days to go!
Suitcase and carry on bag almost complete - well within the usual limits!
Just awaiting the final documents.
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Post by Boop on Apr 1, 2015 2:37:43 GMT
18 days to go!
Suitcase and carry on bag almost complete - well within the usual limits!
Just awaiting the final documents. Three adventures...........coming up! (careful you don't turn into a pirate)
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Post by Tonnet on Apr 2, 2015 23:03:30 GMT
- I don't think I quite fit the profile!
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Post by Tonnet on Apr 2, 2015 23:56:45 GMT
15 days left!
All documentation received!
It will be a bonus this time as we are flying Singapore Airlines and they have an impeccable reputation.
Luggage allowance on this trip is very generous - 30kg. This will be handy as there are three formal nights to cater for in clothing (optional nights) but it is good to be a bit spiffy for once or twice, out of joggers and jeans.
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Post by Boop on Apr 5, 2015 3:29:11 GMT
- I don't think I quite fit the profile! Looks to me like you do mate...........
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Post by Tonnet on Apr 5, 2015 22:34:42 GMT
Oh well....if the sandshoe fits, as they say, wear it!
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Post by MelbourneTraveller on Apr 6, 2015 0:57:45 GMT
Only 18 sleeps until I depart for Trafalgar's Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima, and I can't wait! My TA assures me that the documents will arrive this week.
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Post by chech on Apr 6, 2015 1:25:08 GMT
Be sure to say hello to Mimi or Kimiko for me!
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