Undercover American on Viator.com

Undercover American
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Undercover AmericanAustralie
Originally from The United States but now I live in Australia. Recently visited Vietnam and just finished a trip to the US as a TOURIST. Next trip: back to the US! Latest trip was Hawaii Check out my blogs here: travelblog.viator dot com and search for Melinda

Aug142012
Tour/Activity

                                Sydney BridgeClimb                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney, Australia
My Rating
 
My Review
Absolutely awesome.  We had a great time.  This was such a highlight for us.  Our guide was very helpful.  He pointed out landmarks in Sydney and made sure we knew exactly what was going on.  Definitely recommend this one for anybody visiting Sydney.  
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Feb082012
Tour/Activity

                                Honolulu History and Culture Segway Tour                                
                                                                                        
                        Oahu, Hawaii
My Rating
 
My Review
I just read a great book on Hawaiian history and this was a novel way to see where it all happened.  The non-history buffs in the family enjoyed it too because the Segway made it fun. 

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Feb082012
Tour/Activity

                                Sunset on the Beach Segway Tour                                
                                                                                        
                        Oahu, Hawaii
My Rating
 
My Review
What a buzz. Felt like a mini - celebrity zooming by all the people on Waikiki Beach.  People asking where we got the Segways and how they can do it too. What fun! 

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Jan052012
Tour/Activity

                                Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise                                
                                                                                        
                        Maui, Hawaii
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Oct132011
Tour/Activity

                                Madame Tussauds Las Vegas                                
                                                                                        
                        Las Vegas, Nevada
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Sep232011
Tour/Activity

                                Blue Mountains Nature and Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney, Australia
My Rating
 
My Review
This day tour packs a lot in and our bus driver/guide steered us through everything.  He was a real pro who patiently explained everything to everybody as many times as they needed to hear it.  The Blue Mountains are a piece of the Australian wilderness that is definitely worth experiencing first hand.
Note from Viator 
This review was written by Melinda, who wrote a  complete summary of the Blue Mountains Wildlife tour on the Viator Travel Blog.
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May042011
Tour/Activity

                                Art and High Tea at the Art Gallery of New South Wales                                
                            
                        Sydney, Australia
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Dec062010
Travel Recommendation

                                Take a trip to Balmain                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Recommendation Tip
You can take one of the Sydney Ferries to Balmain to check out an area of Sydney with lots of interesting old terrace houses.  Check out the restaurants and cafes and do a bit of shopping
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Dec062010
Travel Recommendation

                                How to get from the sydney airport to the main city centre                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Rating
 
My Review
Yes, the train is an excellent option for getting from Sydney airport to the main city centre but I can go one better.  There is actually a city bus that will pick you up from the terminal and take you into Sydney.  It doesn't cost any more than any other trip in a bus in Sydney so it's much cheaper than the train.  It is a bit harder to find and you'll want to do some research to see when they come but if you want to save some money and don't mind a bit of hassle it's another great option.
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Dec062010
Travel Recommendation

                                Best place for fresh produce!                                
                                                                                        
                        Seattle
My Rating
 
My Review
Great for tourists & locals alike
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Dec062010
Attraction

                                Taronga Zoo                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Rating
 
My Review
Not only does this zoo's proximity to the city make it easy to get to, it also provides the giraffes with a great view.  We took the ferry to get there which was easy and enjoyable. The zoo of course was a great hit with the kids. Everyone loved the elephants, penguins, meerkats and giraffes. Zoos are classic entertainment - an oldie but goodie.  And this one is in a great location.
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Oct242010
Tour/Activity

                                Tillicum Village Cultural Experience                                
                                                                                        
                        Seattle, Washington
My Rating
 
My Review
Well organized and enjoyable tour.  The food was excellent and the whole experience was professional.  Nice combination of a short cruise, an optional walk around the island, an entertaining show and a very good meal.  
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Oct222010
Travel Recommendation

                                How to cross the road in Vietnam                                
                                                                                        
                        Vietnam
My Recommendation Tip
In most places, walking across the road is not an adventure.  It is in Vietnam.  I actually met some tourists who would only cross the road in a taxi.  Not only is that limiting but it can get expensive.  So, take a deep breath and try it.  Here are some hints.  1) there will never be a break in the traffic, just get over that and move on.  2) Avoid the big things (eg cars and trucks) and don't worry about the motorcycles - as hard as it is when there seem to be hundreds moving straight for you, let them avoid you.  3) Move slowly - fight the instinct to run.  If you are moving slowly the motorcycles can avoid you and they will   4)  You don't always have to travel in a pack, it's easier for all the traffic to go around a small target.   GOOD LUCK
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Oct222010
Attraction

                                Great Barrier Reef                                
                                                                                        
                        Cairns & the Tropical North
My Rating
 
My Review
The Great Barrier Reef is one of my all time favourite places in the world.  There's nothing better than floating around on the surface of the ocean watching the fish go about their daily routines.  Spotting a sea turtle was a highlight of my trip.  That and hanging around with a massive - and very friendly - fish.  
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Oct222010
Attraction

                                Hanoi Old Quarter                                
                                                                                        
                        Hanoi
My Rating
 
My Review
Faded French colonial buildings are the background for the buzz of modern Hanoi. Wander these streets and you will see the juxtaposition of old and new, communism and capitalism, rich and poor.  Sidewalks are filled with action, people eating, children playing and everywhere there is something for sale. Buy pineapples sold from a bicycle, turtles in plastic bowls, cheap t-shirts and brightly colored toys in small shops. This one is best experienced through the soles of your feet.     
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Oct222010
Attraction

                                Rottnest Island                                
                                                                                        
                        Perth
My Rating
 
My Review
Rottnest is an easy going island not far from Perth. We just went for the day, went for a bus trip around the island, rented a bike and hung out on the beach. It's a casual place, very relaxed and friendly. Definitely recommend it for families. 
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Oct222010
Attraction

                                Kuranda                                
                                                                                        
                        Cairns & the Tropical North
My Rating
 
My Review
My mother and I took the sky rail to Kuranda and the train back.  We enjoyed both modes of transportation. Great views from above and in the rain forest. While we were in Kuranda we had a nice lunch and browsed the shops.  All in all an easy going, interesting day.
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Oct222010
Attraction

                                Getty Center Museum                                
                                                                                        
                        Los Angeles
My Rating
 
My Review
The rest of the family resisted this one, because it is an ART museum but I dragged them along.  They loved it. Yes, it is an art museum, but there are also beautiful gardens, a great cafeteria and a museum store with an interesting selection of books and gifts.  And, in spite of themselves they even enjoyed the art.  And I didn't say "I told you so."
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Oct212010
Attraction

                                Disneyland                                
                                                                                        
                        Anaheim & Buena Park
My Rating
 
My Review
When I first visited Europe as an exchange student I found myself constantly saying "this is like Disneyland" to which my friend eventually replied "no, actually, DISNEYLAND is like THIS".  In my defense, I think that part of the magic of Walt Disney's creation is that it gives you a taste of the world. And, if you are lucky, a desire to explore it. It doesn't matter where I travel, there is usually something that harkens back to something at Disneyland.  There are the obvious castles and Jungle Cruises in the real world. But even on my trip to Vietnam, trying to navigate the airport, I had a flashback to Star Tours waiting to board a transport to Endor and not understanding a word of Ewok. Needless to say, I am a big fan of the Magic Kingdom.  
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Oct212010
Travel Recommendation

                                Visit Sea Cliff Bridge the - Other Bridge - South of Sydney                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Recommendation Tip
An hour or so south of Sydney, the new Sea Cliff Bridge is a great option for a day trip from Sydney.  The bridge replaces a road which was often closed due to rock falls and (worse) subsidence underneath.  It has been replaced by a lovely bridge which stretches out over the water.  Park the car at either end and go for a walk or bike ride over the bridge for some fabulous ocean views.  While you are in the area, check out the great beaches at Austinmer and Thirroul.  
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Oct182010
Attraction

                                Sydney Tower Restaurant                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Rating
 
My Review
Tourist activity combined with a lovely dinner.  Great for locals as well as for out of towners.  We enjoyed seeing Sydney from a new angle.  

Construction happening below while we were there but it wasn't a problem.  We figured out where to go and it doesn't make a difference once you are up in the Tower.  
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Oct182010
Tour/Activity

                                San Francisco Waterfront Segway Tour                                
                                                                                        
                        San Francisco, California
My Rating
 
My Review
I'm telling everyone to try a Segway now.  We had a great time.  It was a fun way to see the city, you can cover more ground than you can on foot but it's not as remote as a car or bus.  This is a really good option for people who don't have a lot of time in San Francisco.  We wished we had more time to try the advanced one.  
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Oct182010
Attraction

                                Winchester Mystery House                                
                                                                                        
                        San Francisco
My Rating
 
My Review
Intriguing place.  Worth checking out if you are in the San Francisco area.  It's a one-of-a-kind place to visit.  There's nothing else like it.  
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Oct172010
Travel Recommendation

                                Watch the Hang Gliders off Bald Hill                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Recommendation Tip
Even if you are not the type of person who wants to jump off a sheer cliff over the ocean, you might want to consider watching other people do it.  Bald Hill is about an hour South of Sydney.  There are spectacular views over the ocean and you can usually watch people hang glide off the cliff.  
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Oct172010
Travel Recommendation

                                If you are visiting Monkey Mia, check out Shell Beach while you are there                                
                                                                                        
                        Western Australia
My Recommendation Tip
Not far from Monkey Mia, Shell Beach is an intriguing place to visit.  Instead of sand, the ground is covered with shells. It's not easy on your feet but it's fascinating.  The shells are meters deep.  From a distance it looks like a regular beach but once you get up close you can see how different it really is.  
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Oct162010
Attraction

                                Monkey Mia                                
                                                                                        
                        Perth
My Rating
 
My Review
There's nothing better than hanging out with dolphins. At one stage they swam around me while I was swimming in the ocean.  Wow!  This is an extraordinary place to visit.  In addition to the famous dolphins, I also enjoyed seeing a range of sea creatures including dugongs and rays, lots of fish and - yes - even some sharks.  The water was unbelievably warm.  Great spot for a water lover.  
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Oct162010
Attraction

                                Sydney Harbour Bridge                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Rating
 
My Review
You can't go to Sydney without seeing the Harbour Bridge.  Well, I suppose you could but it would be difficult.  This icon is front and center in Sydney Harbour.  It's a lovely way to get from North Sydney to Circular Quay.  I think the best way to see the bridge is from one of the Sydney ferries.  Of course another great option is to walk across the bridge.  
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Oct162010
Attraction

                                Golden Gate Bridge                                
                                                                                        
                        San Francisco
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Oct142010
Travel Recommendation

                                Get some clothes made in Hoi An                                
                                                                                        
                        Vietnam
My Recommendation Tip
Getting some clothes made by a tailor while you are in Vietnam can almost count as a 'cultural experience'.  I've never had clothes made for me before (well except by my mother and I'm not necessarily recommending that).  So it was a new experience for me.  There are tailors all over Vietnam who can make clothes for you but the tailors of Hoi An have the best reputation.  You have to make sure you are spending enough time in the area for your clothes to be made and altered to fit.  I actually took a skirt with me to Vietnam and asked them to make one exactly like it. I'm very happy with the result.
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Oct142010
Attraction

                                Cairns Skyrail                                
                                                                                        
                        Cairns & the Tropical North
My Rating
 
My Review
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to. Going to Queensland, I was really just thinking about the Great Barrier Reef but the sky rail gave me a glimpse of a rainforest I really didn't know about. Had a great time. 
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Oct142010
Attraction

                                Ang Thong National Marine Park                                
                                                                                        
                        Koh Samui
My Rating
 
My Review
Absolutely stunning area of the world.  Definitely recommend a visit.
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Oct132010
Attraction

                                Halong Bay                                
                                                                                        
                        Hanoi
My Rating
 
My Review
Halong Bay feels like a set for a movie on another planet.  You can go just for the day but I recommend that you stay over at least one night.  I was intrigued by the people who live on the water all the time.  How odd to grow up in a community that has no land.  Just think what it is like for babies to learn how to walk on a boat.  If you go on a tour take the opportunity to get off the junk and explore the land as well as the water.  Don't miss the tours of caves and karsts.  This is an extraordinary place, definitely worth a visit.
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Oct132010
Travel Recommendation

                                If you like the QVB, try the Strand Arcade                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Recommendation Tip
The Strand Arcade is sort of like the Queen Victoria Building's half sister.  (No, not Feodora, it's a building).  Like the better known QVB, the Strand Arcade is a beautifully restored shopping centre with lovely boutique stores to browse in and interesting places to eat.  
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Oct122010
Tour/Activity

                                Vietnamese Cooking Class at Hanoi's Cooking Centre                                
                                                                                        
                        Hanoi, Vietnam
My Rating
 
My Review
This isn’t one of those tours where you sit in an air-conditioned bus with a tour guide pointing out things on a loudspeaker. Get prepared to actually experience this one: walking, eating, drinking, talking, listening, smelling, preparing, cooking, chopping. The great thing about this tour is you get to eat what you produce. So all in all it’s a very satisfying way to get a taste of life in Hanoi. As I walked back to my hotel it was as if the flavors of Vietnam were still with me.
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Oct122010
Tour/Activity

                                Private Tour: Hanoi City Full-Day Tour including Cyclo Ride                                
                                                                                        
                        Hanoi, Vietnam
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Oct122010
Travel Recommendation

                                Monterey and Carmel and the 17 miles between them                                
                                                                                        
                        California
My Recommendation Tip
Drive between Monterey and Carmel on the scenic 17 mile drive and you will have to pay a toll but it's a spot worth paying a bit for.  After all, the people who live there pay a lot more for these views.  

Not only does it cost to drive on the road but apparently they have even trademarked the image of one of the trees!  Nevertheless, we loved looking at the houses and the beautiful ocean views and it only cost $9.50.  You can stop at each of the marked vantage points or just drive straight through.  

In Pacific Grove we had lunch at a fabulous beachside diner and finished up with a cup of tea in the lovely Carmel.  
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Oct122010
Attraction

                                Puget Sound                                
                                                                                        
                        Seattle
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Oct122010
Tour/Activity

                                Seattle Duck Tour                                
                                                                                        
                        Seattle, Washington
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Oct122010
Tour/Activity

                                Winchester Mystery House Tour                                
                                                                                        
                        San Francisco, California
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Oct092010
Attraction

                                Queen Victoria Building (QVB)                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Rating
 
My Review
The Queen Victoria Building is legendary in Sydney.  Even if you are not a shopper, you should visit this building.  The QVB is beautifully restored with a beautiful sandstone facade and gorgeous stained glass windows.  If you are a shopper you will love it even more.  You'll recognize some well known brands as well as some uniquely Australian options.  For a special treat, visit the Tea Rooms on the top floor.  You can have an elegant high tea.  There are also lots of more casual eating options.  
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Oct092010
Attraction

                                Sydney Monorail                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
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Oct082010
Attraction

                                Sydney Harbour                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
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Oct072010
Travel Recommendation

                                Best Thai Restaurant in Sydney                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney
My Rating
 
My Review
No arguments there.  Hands down this is a great place to eat, one of the best in Sydney.  It's not fancy but the food is to die for.  

Tip - if the dish says it is spicy they aren't kidding.  
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Oct062010
Attraction

                                Pike Place Market                                
                                                                                        
                        Seattle
My Rating
 
My Review
Pike Place Market is a classic Seattle destination that should be on your list if you are visiting Seattle.  At the Pike Place Market you can soak up the 'feel' of Seattle.  The Market is a combination of funky stores and old fashioned fruit stalls.  It's on the water so you can get a good perspective of Seattle.  There are lots of eating options from fancy restaurants to fun food stalls for things like nuts and ice creams.  
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Oct062010
Attraction

                                Mekong River Delta                                
                                                                                        
                        Ho Chi Minh City
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Oct032010
Attraction

                                Space Needle                                
                                                                                        
                        Seattle
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Oct022010
Attraction

                                Cradle Mountain                                
                                                                                        
                        Launceston
My Rating
 
My Review
Cradle Mountain was on my "must do in my lifetime" list and having visited I have to say it merits a spot on that list. 
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Sep302010
Attraction

                                Market Street                                
                                                                                        
                        San Francisco
My Rating
 
My Review
Walking down Market Street I saw a good cross section of San Francisco.  Everything to the really touristy areas to the kind of gritty ones.  You know you are in San Francisco if you're heading down this street.
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Jun092010
Tour/Activity

                                Mekong Delta Discovery Small Group Adventure Tour from Ho Chi Minh City                                
                                                                                        
                        Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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May042010
Tour/Activity

                                Private Tour: Perfume Pagoda Day Trip from Hanoi                                
                                                                                        
                        Hanoi, Vietnam
My Rating
 
My Review
This was definitely not a typical 'air-conditioned bus' type tour, it was a full-on experience that I will never forget.  I was surprised by how remote this tour felt when it was just a day trip from Hanoi. I definitely recommend it for anybody who wants a bit of an adventure and something that is off the beaten track.  Just be aware that it's not easy to climb the mountain.  
Note from Viator 
This review is from Melinda Harrington, who wrote about her Perfume Pagoda tour experience over on the Viator blog.
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Jan122010
Tour/Activity

                                Sydney Tower 360 Bar and Dining                                
                                                                                        
                        Sydney, Australia
My Rating
 
My Review
Sydney is definitely the star in this attraction. This is a stress-free way to get a new perspective on Sydney. We loved the unusual angle of the Sydney Opera House, funny little pods peeking out from between the buildings. The restaurant is classy, but not stuffy. Waits between courses are a bit longer than a typical restaurant but no doubt this is to give you ample time to enjoy the view until the last bite of creme brulee. The dress code is "Smart Casual" but you won't feel out of place if you take the opportunity (excuse) to wear (buy) a new dress. Nor will it be a problem if you (like I) can't convince your partner to wear a tie.
Note from Viator 
This review is from Viator staffer Melinda H. You can read her full review of the Sydney Tower 360 Bar and Restaurant over on the Viator Travel Blog.
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