Randell's Travel Blog

We arrived at Iguacu Falls and had a quick lunch before we explored the views of the falls from the Brazil side of the river.  This is the view of the head waters as seen from the restaurant, Puerto Canoas,  inside the park.  The food was good, and the service was quick.

Bobby and Randell on the way up Huaynapicchu, so we can look down on to the ancient city at Machu Picchu.  Huaynapicchu means “young mountain”, while Machu Picchu means “old mountain”.  It was a tough climb, but the reward was clouds and mist that cleared and we had a great view down to Machu Picchu.

San Marco Square with a view of St Mark’s Basilica, and the Campanile tower.

The Doge’s Palace is a Gothic palace, and  was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice.

The Bridge of Sighs is a bridge in Venice Italy. The enclosed bridge is made of white limestoneand has windows with stone bars.  The bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prisons building to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.  The name “Bridge of Sighs” is attributed to Lord Byran.

San Marco, or Saint Marks square in Venice Italy is a busy tourist destination.  The pigeons obviously know this as well, and seem to be able to always find someone willing to give them a handout.

Koper’s name traces back to the Roman town of Caprea. In 1278, the town was the town was renamed Capo d’Istria when it voluntarily joined Venice. Most of Koper’s Italian inhabitants fled after WW2 when the town was assigned to the Free Territory of Trieste and later annexed by Yugoslavia. The old town is almost entirely intact, and draws the tourists who venture into Koper.

Koper’s main sight of interest is the Venetian-era old city, which is in much worse shape than that of Piran, its neighbor. Repairs and restoration are slowly under way.  The center of the old city is Tito Square, with Praetorian Palace, Koper’s main symbol.  Dating back to the 15th century the restored building now houses the tourist office.  You can climb the Campanile bell tower for 2 euros for great views of the city.

View Tito Square and the bell tower.

Sounds and Sights of Koper, Slovenia

Koper “Beach”

During Marina Day aboard the Seabourn Spirit, we took a quick tender visit to Sali, Croatia to see the quaint seashore town.

One of the exciting experiences on a Seabourn cruise is Marina Day.  On this cruise, the Seabourn Spirit anchored in Triluke Bay, near Sali, Croatia, where the waters are azure blue and relatively calm.  Many of the younger children enjoyed the cage-like swimming pool while the adults participated in banana boat rides and water skiing. There were paddle boats and kayaks for the those who wanted to get out on the clear blue water and enjoy the wonderful warm weather.

Take a look at Bobby on Water skis.

Additional Water ski videos.

The fun at the marina continues, look at the paddle boats and the banana boat adventures.

We sailed away from Kotor, headed back out to the Adriatic.  We passed the town of Perast where the local church rang the bells in their bell tower to send us on our way.  On the island in Perast, Montenegro, you will find the church, Fascinada, Our Lady Of Skrpjel.  The length of the transit from Kotor to the Adriatic is around 15 nautical miles.

We sail away from Kotor Montenegro past Perast:

Perast Montenegro:

This is a view of the church Our Lady Of Skrpjel on the island:

Kotor Montenegro is a coastal city in the Mediterranean.   It is located in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The population is around 14,000 people.  Kotor is surrounded by an impressive city wall.  The wall was built by the Venetians and their influence reamains visable in the architecture of the city.  Kotor is at the southern end of the Bay of Kotor.  The bay is referenced as the southern most fjourd in Europe, but it is actually a submerged rive canyon.  Kotor is part of the World Heritage Site, called the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor.

Enjoy our videos of the fortress high above the Bay of Kotor.

Picture the long climb of 1500 steps to the top of the fortress:

Wonderful views from the summit:

Half way up or half way down is the Church of Our Lady of Health:

The island of Hvar is one of the Croatian Dalmatian islands. It has been famous for centuries because of its important strategic and nautical position, the culture and natural monuments and scenery
Thanks to the mild Climate, the warm winters and pleasant summers Hvar receives many guests, who are attracted by nature, rich tradition and arhitecture, and nightlife.

Join Randell and Bobby and enjoy a view of the island from atop the Fortress.

Take a look at the Fortress above Hvar, Croatia:

Hvar Crotia Fortress, and some general information:

A Panorama view of Hvar from the Fortress:

Look at the Prison in the Fortress in Hvar, Croatia:

Located in central Dalmatia region, in the county of Zadarska, Zadar is one of the Adriatic’s most historically interesting towns with a wealth of sightseeing and exciting nightlife. Travelling to Zadar is like going back in time. This walled peninsula-town contains Roman ruins from its days as a Roman colony, the Byzantine-style St Donat church and 16th-century walls built by the Venetians after they finally subjugated the rebellious city.  Zadar has undergone a recent revival with Cafes and bars filled with tourist, many museums and churches have been restored.

Enjoy some of the sites with Randell and Bobby.

Saint Donat:

Roman Ruins:

Ancient Walls: