Tagged With "British Virgin Islands"
Comment
Re: Iceland: 'No we're not Disneyland'
Iceland is a great destination, but it has limited tourist facilities. The population of the entire island is about 300,000 and there aren't all that many hotel or B&B choices in smaller places. I think the lack of infrastructure is the main problem. They certainly have the space and ability to handle more tourists, but need to develop services for them outside Reykjavik.
Comment
Re: March 3, 2020: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Booked a wedding anniversary trip to St. Thomas and we had a fabulous romantic time. If you get the chance, take the Red Hook ferry to Cruz Bay at St. John's and explore the Virgin Island National Park. Lots of plantation ruins from back in the day when Denmark ruled the Virgin Islands. We had a wonderful lunch and view from the Caneel Bay Resort, which I understand has not reopened after being pummeled by two hurricanes.
Reply
Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
Thank you Dr. F. - wise words we will keep 1-2 hotels booked ahead and be flexible beyond that. We are really looking forward to this new 'slice' of America, I never realised that the Pilgrim fathers just named every new town after their old home towns - I'm going to be quite confused!! Thanks too Garry that looks lovely! I envy you being there ahead of us!! PS we are now on the verge of booking Cuba too and are horrified at the cost that Virgin Atlantic is trying to screw us for an upgrade...
Comment
Re: Calabria to Sicily: A bridge too far?
I like it when people take on huge tasks and succeed at them. The American Space Program was like that -- expensive, risky, exciting and one of man kind's greatest achievements. This bridge would be a great engineering triump. And I think it would be important to link Sicily more closely to Italy. It would make the island much more accessible and allow freer flow of people. 9 billion Euros is a lot of money, but is probably comparable to the debt the US government runs up in a few days, so...
Comment
Re: South America, part 3 - Nesting Leatherback Sea Turtles
Fascinating! I was just visiting Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia today and discovered that leatherbacks like to spend their summers off the coast feasting on jellyfish. Amazing what long journeys they make to lay their eggs.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan, 21, 2014: Raccoon, Vancouver, British Columbia
And they are smart. When my kids were young, we used to camp every summer in Maine, at a site where raccoons came every night to feast at the cans. One year I decided I'd had enough, and brought chain tethers to keep the lids on. Worked fine, the lids stayed quiet all night. But in the morning, when we left our tents, we found that our two stryofoam coolers (which were not in use) had been shredded, all the implements from the table were on the ground, and the ropes securing our storage tarp...
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan, 21, 2014: Raccoon, Vancouver, British Columbia
Yes, that sounds about in character for them. Cute, but cunning. When there is a global Holocaust someday, it will not be the insects that take over the world. It will be the raccoons! Or at least the raccoons will be the commanders. The insects might be their foot soldiers.
Comment
Re: Where Gumbo Was #14: A Sewer Journey
IslandMan - Good one ! Your island home of Malta is an interesting case in point of modern water and wastewater management. The limestone and clay geology there leads to rapid groundwater runoff during the winter rains. Because of this, precious water is reused after treatment in one of the two above ground sewer plants. Water has always been a very valuable resource on the island. Perhaps you might like to make a report sometime about the natural springs and history of the Maqluba doline in...
Comment
Re: The Maltese Islands – Underrated gems or best kept secret ?
Thanks for your comments TatToo. Summer is the best time for water sports,from May to October. Most operators usually shut down over winter. There isn't much surf to speak of unless there is an exceptionally stormy day, but the northern parts of the island are more suited for windsurfing and paragliding as the winds from the northern Mediterranean tend to have more strength in them
Comment
Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? 21.0
Well, I didn't expect anyone to twig it quite that fast, and it's not just because of a polar route. Although we usually don't think of Hawaii extending north of Kauai, in fact the state includes the entire Hawaiian Ridge/Emperor Seamount chain, running up to the Aleutian trench, just off Alaska's Aleutian islands. Mostly underwater, mostly administered by Federal agencies as a preservation/conservation area. Kure Atoll and Green Island is the northernmost habitable place in Hawaii, and it's...
Comment
Re: Newgrange; Ireland’s ancient Passage Tomb
Walking the "Walls" that enclose the City - maybe 3 miles around - is a local ritual ! At frequent intervals there are Pubs to stop at. The idea being that you stop at each one , have a drink and proceed to the next. Its only the hardened drinkers who complete the circuit. A friend from Anna Maria Island, Florida sent his daughter to stay with us for a while. Same age as my daughter and they got along like a house on fire ! So when we arrived in Chester I told her our day was walking around...
Comment
Re: Ellis Island Finally Open a Year After Superstorm Sandy
This is good news. Makes me want to go to NYC just to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Reply
Re: Spring Honeymoon Help
Congratulations SueZee! We're delighted in your marriage, and you've picked a great country in which to honeymoon. May is not too early to go to Italy, although pack a light jacket just in case. The crowds won't be there yet and you'll save some money when compared to the peak summer season. Where to go is very much a matter of taste. Most definitely you need to go to Venice and I'd say spend at least 5 days here, maybe with a day trip or two (such as to the glass making island of Murano or...
Comment
Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues
Poor Larry Ellison. It's such a hardship owning your own Hawaiian Island.
Comment
Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues
Billionaires are made, not born. Mr. Ellison seems to be making a business move - pressure the FAA to make things difficult for Hawaiian air, upgrade the Island Air service, achieve sole "Ohana" certification for Island Air. Ohana certification is keenly sought for this market. Here is a description. http://www.examiner.com/articl...on-spiffed-up-planes
Comment
Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues
Well, it's worth noting that Hawaiian has still not gotten Ohana off the ground, literally. They're citing FAA's cutbacks due to sequestration and then the shutdown as the reason. Island Air used to be a Hawaiian affiliate, flying Dash-8s and ATR-42s into small airports and feeding passengers into Hawaiian. Ohana was/is their plan to stay in that market with ATR42s. Island is unhappy with its ATRs (both the 42 and the larger 72), but doesn't seem to be able to solve any of its problems. I...
Comment
Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues
Mr. Ellison plays hardball. He comes by his wealth through calculated strategy. It appears that the matter of securing better aircraft for his airline is part of a larger effort to corner the market for premium service to "his" island. Who knows, maybe the island is for sale ? Make him an offer. When you own the island, let me know; I will be glad to come to Lanai and run the canoe livery.
Comment
Re: The Valley Island of Maui: 2) Haleakala National Park
US Immigration is a bit of a hassle, although most Canadians receive about a smooth a ride as possible. In most Canadian airports, you can actually clear immigration within Canada, rather than the USA (infinitely preferable because the lines are so much shorter). Not sure if that's true of Montreal, though. Thank you for your kind words about the Hawaii blogs. Hawaii is a special place. I've always gone and explored it by myself, so in this setting I tend to drift to isolated places that are...
Comment
Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
I didn't know that there were so many Irish in Liverpool. There are certainly many of them in Canada and the USA as well. One wonders how many more Irish live abroad than on their home island.
Reply
Re: Bear encounters of the third kind, Canada
This clip is just toooo funny! Wonder who the adguys were for that?
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 18th, 2014: Chihuahua Man of Marsaxlokk
Island Man, just over a year ago I landed on Malta after my freighter trip from Singapore. I stayed first in Marsaxlokk for several days, at Duncan Accommodations, above the bar of the same name, which it appears Chihuahua Man is looking right at! I loved the town, especially fun on market day. Thanks for the memory.
Comment
Re: Family Friendly Attractions in Malta
Hello Jason and thanks for the interesting and informative post about family Malta. I am resident here myself and I agree with the family attraction side of the island. It's a fun place to visit and I do notice many families enjoying their time together.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
While we are anxiously waiting for Macs report, here is Dismaland's official trailer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2NG-MgHqEk
Comment
Re: Brits on Beach behaving badly? Call (British) cops!
Sounds like the British kids are copying the "Spring Breakers" in Florida. With a hint of "Bikers Week" for the older ones.
Comment
Re: Brits on Beach behaving badly? Call (British) cops!
I think it’s quite a bit like that…away from home, in a place that has tolerated a lot to keep the visitors coming…and is now reaping the whirlwind. Don’t know who did it first or where, but it’s certainly sad to see…especially when people get hurt.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Just been there today for exclusive TG coverage! Completely 'alternative' and totally eye opening! I hope to have photos for TG as soon as my laptop is back from the menders. In the meantime, here is a overview starring my own good lady with Dismaland below (on a rainy English summer's day)...
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
I can't wait for your report Mac! That's one park I really like to see.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Certainly looks like "Something completely different" To admire its absurdity is quite refreshing. Whether it has international - appeal only time will tell. The beauty of English weather is Mac could have driven North to the Costa-del-Mersey. Cut the grass - take the grandkids to the park and a warm glow of sunburn for not wearing my hat. But with a name like Dismaland I suppose warm rain is part of the experience, Love to see more photos too
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
I saw a report on this a few days ago and wondered when the lawsuit would be filed.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
I thought the same thing when I saw the photo Rob include with the post, that of Cinderella's castle with Tinkerbell--type flight over it. Disney is very protective of its intellectual property rights. I expect that suit is already being drafted.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
I think Disney would get bad press by suing and this park is only going to be open a short time, but I guess we will see. In the 1990's , there was a top ten hit by a group called Dada called Dizz Knee Land and I don't think Disney bothered them, but not certain.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
I understand what you're saying Rob, but that castle is as much a part of Disney's image as it's mouse. This is one of the Disney logos (logo is used courtesy of the Walt Disney company)
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Although they might be better advised to let it ride. Not only is the parody nature of it possible armor against a suit (in
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
I suspect even the font used by Disney for the name is registered and proprietary. I also think it's all part of the conceptual piece as imagined by Banksy, no fool, and he's hoping for a suit, the sooner the better. All publicity is good publicity and part, I strongly suspect, of his conceptual overview.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
I think Banksy has read the instructions "retire to a safe distance before igniting fuse" To England where the Courts know the difference between "Satire" and "Plagiarism"
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
"Disney has refused to comment on notorious street artist Banksy's latest work of art - a seaside theme park called 'Dismaland' that skewers the Happiest Place on Earth...The silence from Disney is strange, considering the company's history of fiercely defending it's copyright of Mickey's image. In 2012, the company filed a complaint against the EDM artist Deadmau5, who performs wearing a Mickey-esque face mask." More: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/new...Mouse-like-ears.html
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
One thing I know Disney is thinking of is their British fans. They are some of the most devout Disney fans I've seen. They go to the parks and bring back tons of merchandise and they return. If they filed a suit, I think they'd get a lot bad press in Britain.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
I think devoted Disney fans would welcome a lawsuit. Especially in the UK. Nothing like a good turf war. Think football. Think footpaths.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Think footballers in mouse-masks impeding a footpath...
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Come to think of it, I sure hope Banksy didn't block any footpaths with his endeavor. That could mean more trouble than even Disney could dream up
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Of course the best defence Banksy has is his anonymity. It is the fact that Banksy's true identity has always been a jealously guarded secret, known only to a handful of trusted friends.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Too bad Banksy and Disney couldn't team up in the making of an amusement park. With Disney's money and know how and Banksy's great imagination they could really make something
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
I suspect neither of them are real team players. I think it must be Disney OR Banksy, no meeting in the middle.
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
You guys are certainly mirroring all the thoughts that we had yesterday! I hope that my photos (taken in the drizzle) will come out to show you. The views that struck us immediately were the Dismaland logo above the entry (and on the souvenir T shirts), the Mickey Mouse ears worn by all the staff, the dilapidated, iconically-shaped, crumbling fairy tale castle with it's polluted moat - but perhaps the most dramatic is the centrepiece in the castle with the life-sized princess's pumpkin...
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Just a couple of dismal (!) iPhone photos to add fuel to the discussion...
Comment
Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
The Dismaland website crashed again today as people tried to buy tickets. Since the website crashed over the weekend also, people were speculating that this was part of a extended performance to make the bemusement part experience worse. A spokesperson for Banksy assured the BBC that the website crashed because of high demand. dismaland-website-crashes-again-as-banksy-denies-online-ticketing-error-is-a-hoax-10471010
Comment
Re: Cables mapped: How you're connected to the world
Very interesting. For those particularly interested in the history of the subject, there's a lovely little museum on Valentia Island in SW Ireland dedicated largely to commemorating the first successful transatlantic cable which I visited while staying with a friend there. Near the Skelligs if you need another reason to go. http://www.valentiaisland.ie/e...tia-heritage-centre/
Comment
Re: March 19, 2018: Winter at Caraquet Wharf, New Brunswick
A lot of boats are dry-docked for the winter, but I did see others that were not. The Bay looks more like a field. That's an island out there!
Comment
Re: Canada's 10 Best Kayaking Destinations
Great suggestions! Another excellent place to Kayak is Johnston Strait, on the inside passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Several pods of Orcas live here so your chance of seeing them is excellent!