Assignment 3 Report

REPORT

1. The challenges and tribulations of being a group assignment

 

Similar challenges and tribulations existed for this video assignment of which we had for the blog assignment.

 

Our main issue once again was finding a suitable time for everyone to assist in the planning and creation of the video. With each member of the team living in different regions and each having a busy schedule. This was a key challenge. So, in order to minimize the effect of this, we used the time spent together productively. This mainly included the practical lessons allocated to this assignment. We also utilized social networking as a form of communication. This ensured we could remain in contact easily.

 

For this assignment, in particular, we had an issue with allocation of roles. Some members of the group had never used video or music editing tools, so it made it hard to decide who would be responsible for each part. In the end, we decided that, although we did not all have experience in video editing, we would not learn from the assignment if we did not go outside of our comfort zone. Hence, everyone playing a role in the editing, report and filming. Those who knew how to use these tools, acted as very valuable aids in the process.

 

Our last challenge came simply because we are all separate individuals we all had our own ideas on the theme, videos and creation of our video. A number of ideas came up. In some cases, this can cause tension within a group, however each member of our group respected each other’s ideas and collaborated as a team.

 

 

2. The process of creating the video

 

The first step in our process of creating the video was to brainstorm. In doing this, we came up with ideas of how we were going to create our video- themes, video clips, music and text. We used videos shown in class, and other videos on YouTube as a guide of the format and to get some ideas. Our end decision was to create a promotional video for our blog, one that promoted visiting the blog as well as promoting the places we had visited.

 

After this, we started to organize the order of how we would create the video. Two team members then were allocated to make a video each. One of our team member’s sound engineers in their spare time, so they created some personalized music to back the video. In the video, we recorded two clips- one in which we give a review about our blog and one in which we give our top ten tips for travelling. We thought this would make the video more interesting. People who have travelled could relate and those who had not travelled would hopefully want to travel after seeing our video.

 

After all of the materials (text, videos, music) was collected we began to create our video. We use Windows Movie Maker to create our final product, as we agreed that it would be the easiest for us all to learn. We added text to make it easier for the viewers to understand which locations we were using. Additionally, we used some transition techniques to add effect and make the video run smoother.

 

3. How does the video relate to your blog?

 

As our blog topic in assignment 2 was “Tourism: from Sydney to the globe”, we created our video relating to travel. We believe our blog had a happy, positive feel, and we wanted our to video to have the same effect. We wanted to visually show our experiences of travel to our peers, in hope that they would want to experience the same.

At the start of the video, the images used directly relate to our blog, so that if people were interested in one of the locations, they could visit our blog and find a detailed description of our experience.

 

Most importantly, near the end of the video, we utilized our logo from our blog. Our video is not only just related to our topic of tourism but at the same time directly promotes our blog, encouraging viewers of the video to visit “From Sydney to the Globe.”

Tourism blog video

Here is an awesome video about our amazing Isys 100 tourism blog!

Amazing Turkey

1- Sultanahmet Mosque

Sultanahmet Mosque is most popular tourist sites in Istanbul. Many people are known the place as Blue Mosque. The mosque is so impresses for many tourists around the world.  It is still working mosque, if you need to visit you have not to wear shorts and no bare shoulders. It opens 9.00 AM – 9.00 PM in May-October and 9.00 AM – 7.00 AM in November – April. For the entrance is
free. you can get there by tram its the best ways. You can get out at Sultanahmet station.

 

image ref: http://topwalls.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Blue-Mosque-Istanbul-Turkey.jpg

 

 

 

2- Bodrum Castle/Castle of St Peter

 

Bodrum Castle or Castle of St Peter is located in Bodrum, southern Aegean coast of Turkey. The castle is quite pretty and the views are spectacular. It also is the most of famous landmark in the city as well. Currently, the castle is operates as a museum. This museum is focus on Underwater Archaeology. There are many intercity bus companies which operate bus services to Bodrum from major cities of Turkey such as Istanbul.

 

 

image ref: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/image-library/land/500/b/bodrum-castle.jpg

 

 

3- Hagia Sophia

 

Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya, is had been used for mosque, but now it already change to be museum since 1935. For the highlights, you should not be missed the excellent mosaics and gallery. For entrance fee is 20 TL (credit card accepted). It opens Tuesday – Sunday 9.00 AM – 6 PM. How to get in: It located in Sultanahmet Square; you can go there by tram and get out at Sultanahmet station. 

 

 

image ref: http://www.teslasociety.com/pictures/Roman%20Empire%20Images/RomanEmpire2.jpg 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

places you must visite in Lebanon

1- Temples of Baalbek

       
Baalbek is a town in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon situated east of the Litani River. Known as Heliopolis during the period of Roman rule, it was one of the largest sanctuaries in the empire and contains some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Lebanon.
Baalbek is about 85 km northeast of Beirut and about 75 km north of Damascus.

 

image ref: http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/lebanon/images/roman-structures-at-02-500.jpg

 

 

2- Jeita Grotto

 

 

Jeita Grotto is a system of two separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves spanning an overall length of nearly 9 kilometres. The caves are situated in the Nahr al-Kalb valley within the locality of Jeita, 18 kilometres north of Beirut. Though inhabited in prehistoric times, the lower cave was not rediscovered until 1836. It can only be visited by boat since it channels an underground river that provides fresh drinking water to more than a million Lebanese.

 

In 1958, Lebanese speleologists discovered the upper galleries 60 metres above the lower cave which have been accommodated with an access tunnel and a series of walkways to enable tourists safe access without disturbing the natural landscape. The upper galleries house the world's largest known stalactite. The galleries are composed of a series of chambers the largest of which peaks at a height of 120 metres.

Aside from being a Lebanese national symbol and a top tourist destination, the Jeita grotto is one of the top 14 Finalists in the New7Wonders of Nature.

 

image ref: http://world.new7wonders.com/content/uploads/2011/03/jeita-grotto-2.jpg

 

 

3- Beit eddine-

 

Beit eddine Palace is a 19th century palace in Beiteddine, Lebanon. It hosts the annual Beiteddine Festival and the Beiteddine Palace Museum. The palace was built by emir Bashir Shihab II in the period between 1788 and 1818. It was the emir's residence until 1840.  The General Directorate of Antiquities restored the palace after it was declared a historic monument in 1934.

 

image ref: http://www.lebanontaxitours.com/photos/LETS-EXPLORE-LEBANON/2130186-Courtyard--Beiteddine-Palace-Lebanon-0.jpg

 

 

image ref: http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/36/d4/34/inside-beiteddine-2.jpg

 

These are just a few of the amazing places in lebanon you an visite on your next trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boiling Bali

Bali

Image ref: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~slacey/bali.htm

Selamat pagi!

I travelled to Bali (Indonesia) and stayed on the famous Legian Beach. When there, I stayed at the five star Legian beach hotel. The hotel itself was in a fantastic location- right on the beach, easy walk to Kuta and close access to all the massage shops. The buffet breakfast and dinner at that hotel was amazing! And the staff were so friendly!

Image ref: http://www.balinesehotel.com/legian-beach-hotel/

My favorite activity there was the scuba diving and turtle island experience. Being a scaredy-cat when it comes to fish, it took a lot for me to get into the water, however I had such a great experience, and I am so glad I did it! A favorite of my families was the monkey temple in Uluwata. Me, scared again of the monkeys! However I was amazed to see hundreds of monkeys in their natural habitat, so free and relaxed. It was also a great introduction to the Balinese- Buddhism culture as they had many temples in the surrounding areas.

However I do give you a word of warning, don’t drink the water from the tap. Bottled water comes so cheap in the shops, that you would be silly to risk spending the rest of your trip in bed! Also remember the gastro- stop for the Bali belly!

A highlight of my trip was the Macdonald’s home delivery, after a big night out in Kuta’s famous bars and clubs, nothing better then having it delivered to your door stop.

Image Ref: http://www.facebook.com/McDonaldsBali

Bali is definitely a fantastic place to travel for a cheap, fun holiday!

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour bridge is an amazing cultural icon that clefts sydney in two (north and south). It is accesible by walking, taking a car or a train over, and clearly visible from most places in within 2km of the CBD or more. It was opened in 1932 and has since gained notoriety as a "must see" tourist attraction of sydney.

The southern pylon is a great tourist attraction since the early to late 1940s, with a Cafe, Camera Obsucra, aboriginal art museum etc.The other major tourist attraction is the Sydney Harbor Bridge climb, in which you can climb over the bridge with a group of other tourists  This is a great tourist attraction and I completed the bridge climb in 2010, which is why I highly recommend it to anybody visiting Sydney  The view of the water, harbor and the CBD is magical.

Many other events are held with the harbour bridge, the biggest one being the yearly New Years Eve fireworks. While you are unable to bridge climb or use the walkways during the event, you are able to drive a car over or watch it from a distance. The NYE fireworks on the bridge are famous for being one of the first major cities to have the NYE fireworks (due to the relevance to GMT timing) and hence we through one of the larger parties!

Chicago

Hey guys, Pat again.
I know what you're thinking, but don't skim over this post like my previous ones: I have some travel related things to discuss today (for once.)

I'm going to fill you all in on my experience in the Windy City. Chicago.

The Accommodation

 Source: (http://www.venere.com/img/hotel/1/9/1/8/328191/21619_39_b.jpg)

When there in 2010, I was there on a school trip, and so shared a 2 bedroom apartment at the Affinia Chicago (now the MileNorth) with 2 other guys. In previous cities, this meant one would sleep on the floor each night.
However, the beds there were not to be passed up, the Affinia Group priding themselves on having the most comfortable beds in the country, let me just leave a picture here:

Source: (http://www.worldwidehotelsonline.co.uk/hotels_images/USAffiniaChicago61.jpg)

No one put their hand up to sleep on the floor, so we took turns sharing beds. This was not as uncomfortable as you'd imagine two +6foot guys in a double bed would be - the beds were so fantastic and so comfortable, I still remember them to this day, amazing is the only word to describe the beds.

As I rarely interacted with staff there, I can't say to much about the service, but when I forgot my school blazer and school shirts in the cupboard in the room (I should point out I was just pulling into the airport with the group and we were 45 minutes away from the hotel with a flight in 1.5 hours); they quickly searched the room, grabbed the items, put them in a cab, and sent the cab to the airport drop off zone where I was told to wait (yes I'm forgetful.). Of course I had to pay the cab, but the fact the hotel organised that meant I didn't have to pay $300+ for air freight fees.


The Cuisine
Back to amazing things and less about my idiocy, the food in Chicago is amazing, and I'd like to focus on two of the most amazing experiences I had in Chicago.
Firstly, Gino's East; right next-door to the Affinia, and a piece of sacred ground in Chicago, it even has its own Wikipedia Page.

I'll let the soothing voice of Adam Richman do the rest. (And yes we wrote on the walls, the roof actually, in the same function room Adam sits in to eat his pizza, and the staff didn't like us standing on chairs and each others' shoulders to do so.)

Next up, Sweetwater Tavern & Grille, home to the greatest burger to ever touch my tongue. The excerpt from the website is 100% accurate:

"One of the finest Michigan Avenue restaurants, Sweetwater Tavern and Grille offers full views of the city in a warm and cozy atmosphere ... With a diverse selection of menu items to choose from and over 80 craft beers, Sweetwater is the perfect destination..."

Now I'm going to leave this burger description here:
SUNNYSIDE UP – cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, caramelized onions, fried egg, steak sauce.
And just think that this burger is roughly the size of a human head, made with reaaallly fresh ingredients (down to the burger buns) and served with the most perfectly fried chips, and you have the greatest burger I have ever tried, and I have been to some reputable burger joints in my 18 years. A must-try for anyone in Chicago.



There is so much more to talk about in the Windy City, but I have picked just some of the things which will come in handy to those who are going to stay there, this post's intention was not to convince you to go there, however, that being said, it is my favourite city in the world outside of Sydney, and I recommend it to all.

I'm hungry, so I'll wrap it up here. (Sidenote: I could go a wrap right now).

Pat signing off, thanks guys and gals.

Opera house

The Sydney Opera House is both a cutrual icon and an arts center located smack bang in the middle of sydney harbour, new south wales. Ironically enough, it was designed by a danish architect Jørn Utzon and finally opened in 1973. The Opera house is very close to other cultural icons of sydney such as the Sydney Harbour bride and the CBD.

The Opera House hosts a multitude of different shows, performances and other theatre and musical acts regularly, the majority of which require paid seating to enter. To walk around the outside of the Opera house is completely free (except on special events where noted) Also, there is a small restaurant on the side of the steps leading up to the Opera house. It is also very close the Circular Quay, where you can take a ferry to manly or a train to many other cultural icons in Sydney.

The Opera House offers a great view of the Sydney Harbor bridge, especially during the New Years Eve fireworks. The Botanical Gardens nearby offer a great family escape and/or a great vantage point during the NYE fireworks. All in All, the Opera House has a jam packed schedule of amazing Sydney culture year round and is a must-go to for Sydney tourists!

DUBAI

Dubai became popular for its excellent tourist amenities. Just 5 hours from Europe and 3 hours from most parts of the Middle East, the Near East, and the subcontinent of India, Dubai makes a great short break for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and sporting events. It is a city of superlatives: for the fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is the destination.

one of the best hotels to stay in while at Dubai is the winner 2013 Traveller's choice; Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. Located on a pristine stretch of beach, overlooking the clear blue water of the Arabian Gulf, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect choice for business or pleasure.

 

image ref: http://www.ihavenotbeenthere.com/files/lq/Le-Royal-Meridien-Beach-Resort-Spa_1258063919.jpg?20111102151600

 

There are many activities that couples and families could do while in dubai however my favouriate activities are; Souk Madinat Jumeirah and The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

 

Souk Madinat Jumeirah located near Jumeirah Beach area, the Souk Madinat Jumeriah is an entertainment complex that includes a traditional Arabian souk (market) with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. Take a magical and relaxing Abra tour and meander waterways and wide open seascapes.

 

 

image ref: http://content.emirates.com/english/images/Madinat_Souq_tcm233-478849.jpg



 

 

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve-- Select operators have been given permission to conduct thrilling journeys deep into the heart of the DDCR, driving through spectacular dunes and dramatic desert terrain. Here, you can explore the unique desert surroundings in a four-wheel-drive or on foot with the help of a safari guide, enjoy a number of traditional Arab pursuits under the instruction of trained experts. Amongst the most popular are falconry, camel treks, horse riding and archery- or experience the modern day thrill of sand-skiing. At sunset, you can experience a traditional dune dinner in a comfortable Bedouin encampment and dine on grilled meats, fresh salads, Arabic sweets and selected beverages. You may also wish to enjoy the aromatic shisha, or have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, while being entertained by a belly dancer accompanied by Arabian music.

 

 



 

image ref: http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/24716/24716-11/681x454.jpg

 

 

 

 

From Australia to the other side of the world IRAQ.

Our next stop is Baghdad, Iraq.

In have visited the country 4 times all being in december and ending in febuary. the first 3 times i stayed with family an friends. However in 2011 i stayed at Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel, one of iraqi's finest hotels located in the heart of baghdad, Firdos square.  The hotel had  excellent services and was a pleasure to stay in. on average the cost per night is $145 with breakfast.

image ref: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotels-g294001-Baghdad_Baghdad_Province-Hotels.html

During the first day i went on a tour with my fiance starting with Mutanabbi Street located near the old quarter of Baghdad; at Al Rasheed street. It is the historic center of Baghdad bookselling, a street filled with bookstores and outdoor book stalls. It was named after the 10th century classical Iraqi poet Al Mutanabi. This street is well established for bookselling and has often been referred to as the heart and soul of the Baghdad literacy and intellectual community. The books i found at this street were so old and so special to iraqi communties. they told us that some of the books are not found in anyother place in the world but only in Mutanabbie Street.

image ref: http://aawsat.com/2011/04/05/images/daily1.615739.jpg

After visiting the Mutanabbie Street we headed to AL Shaah Bandar cafe, one of the oldest cafes in baghdad. it is famous for its traditional iraqi tea, cold drinks and the old style Argila "hubbly bubbly". the people that i found at the cafe were mostly iraqi Intellectuals. those people where amazing, they try their best to help visitors and explain important sities in baghdad. being at the cafe gave us a rest but also time to understand more about the different locations near by and people's traditions in the area.

image ref: http://www.uobaghdad.edu.iq/uploads/Baghdad-landmarks/Baghdad%20landmarks2/%D9%85%D9%82%D9%87%D9%89%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B1%20%D9%81%D9%8A%20%D8%B4%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B9%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%8A.jpg

image ref: http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/22158771.jpg

After having our break we headed to Baghdad Traditions and Culture Museum which was suggest by one of the iraqi Intellectuals at the cafe. The museum has different sections about different types of iraqi traditions for example in one area there was dolls dressed in tradition cloths women wear when going to a wedding and one doll was dressed in the traditional bridal cloths. The museum is a must go to by every visitor coming to baghdad as it clearly explains the old traditions.

 image ref:http://www.ro7ma.net/up/uploads/12948580993.jpg

  image ref: http://gdb.rferl.org/837DAD66-0BE4-4E4C-9693-F49616CF54A1_w640_r1_s.jpg

We ended the day my having our lunch at Al Samad  resturant in baghdad, Al Mansour city. This resturant has the best quality Iraqi food with great prices. Main meals range from $25-40. The food we ate was great and still left memories of the traditional food Iraqi families have.

image ref: http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c48.0.403.403/p403x403/399298_320664458046919_2117512839_n.jpg

I hope you guys enjoyed reading about a tour in baghdad and now maybe include baghdad as a destination for your next holiday.