Venetian Fancy Dress Ball

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Masquerade Balls have always been of particular curiosity , With the Venetians excelling with the parties experiencing  once per year, for the adventurous. The Ball is the place to be ...But where we come from we are more modest New Zealand.

The canals weaving in between the water saturated buildings ,is a must see . Experience the gondolas, breath in the aromas of the smorgasbord's of eateries, with restaurant seating just a meter away from waterways. Or gaze at local artist paintings and the many little studios on the way as we did.
 Get lost in the many alleyways as you stroll about looking  for an exit.

Or just sit.
 People watch and soak in the environment. Hoards of action on the waterways bustling in the prestigious boats with their guides. Venice was one of my most memorable experiences ..Loved IT!

France Underground

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UNDERGROUND  FRANCE,

This guy reminds me of my Dad from after Second World War , would play many tunes on the
piano accordion. Maori songs mostly from the Kiwi 47 platoon New Zealand.

Think this guy is constantly looking, Scouting to see who's watching, as you have to pay.

Or are  obliged to pay.

Once our destination was reached it was  Au Revoir..? France Country is a Beautiful Country,
As is New Zealand You must visit Also...

Just Do It?........

Bernina Express Or Tranz Alpine Rail

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Bernina Express Switzerland  ....Or   ...... Tranz Alpine  New Zealand  

I must say i think this is a hard one . The History going with the tracks from Chur to Tureno .
Chur a Swiss  Town that we arrived late in the day. Looking out into a Cobblestone Courtyard on the street,from Our room above a pub.   Next day travelling to a quaint Italian town,which is in a very romantic setting on the other side of the Alps,The quiet uphill sound of the train in First class setting is very comfortable and relatively expensive in the plush leather seats. The views are notoriously great, especially great  for photography.With highly polished pristine environment, exceedingly great
 viewing through the ceiling panels reminds me of the Swiss engineering. We managed to do the trip in the middle of the day stopping at a  restaurant and asking for their fastest meal in Italy as not to miss the trip back which was actually Our only Regret ...too fast...the turn around and could not enjoy the beauty of the town . Taking in the views on the opposite side on the way back. The Alps are impressive.

So what about New Zealand...The Tranz Alpine Route.....Hmmm it is very, competitive and reminds me of the other.. snow capped mountains, exotic architectural structured bridges with that old days feel ,with jagged schist landscapes. Draped  back in time with old signage. Stopping on the way at, the longest train tunnel south of the equator Otira Tunnel,At Arthurs Pass with a quick stop.
A second engine hooks up to help with the degree of decent 1-33 and off it goes to the west coast Greymouth, a coastal community. We had our accommodation booked at lake Brunner the local motel by the pub, watching the all blacks on television with the local community all barracking on for the win that night with beers in hand.
 Next day we walked the swinging bridge track, Many walks associated with such a trip which also reminded me a bit of Switzerland......So really it does not matter . Both countries are expensive and beautiful in their own way.... Just got to get out there and do it...!    (A high point in Life)

Escape The Winter Chills Of NZ

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Tourists Flock the Acropolis ,

Wearing out the slippery stone steps through the centuries , that many tourists have seen.
But never has the interest in travel been so high, or the availability so easy.
With travel companies busier than ever,it makes escaping from the snow and winter chills a few clicks away with computer convenience.

Five years from now.. this picture... this guy........ will only dream of far off destinations.
Arthritis will set in and en flame his joints. His Hip will be knackered and for the next 3 years he will endure more pain, His 3 laps of the Saint Albans NZ park, running most days, will be reduced to 30 steps without a walking stick.
When he could do with a decent surgeon in his family, to sort his dilapidated body out.
Or DHB NZ sorting out these people quicker. We live in a Rock Star Economy...???
NEW ZEALAND...........
Go Figure?.............
You might say this could be a {low point} , moving into the golden years .SOON.
Too young to retire....

So ..............do those overseas Trips ...You will ....Never regret it!!!.