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Cruise passengers share why you never leave your cabin balcony door open

<p>A couple on a cruise ship have learned the hard way why you should never leave the balcony door in your cruise cabin open and unattended for too long. </p> <p>While on a cruise around the US and docked in the port of Orlando in Florida, the couple took to TikTok to share their "horror" experience of when their cabin filled up with birds. </p> <p>In the video, they opened the door to their room and were swarmed by a flock of birds as they captioned the video, "When you go on a cruise and you come back to a bunch of (bird emoji) everywhere."</p> <p>"Felt like we were living in a horror movie scene. I can breathe now because I can (laugh)about it," the passenger added.</p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: currentcolor !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: none; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: currentcolor !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7423175328480136491&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40greedy810%2Fvideo%2F7423175328480136491&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-pu-sign-useast8.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2FoM5JajVJBIUqbExUAiiApxIM8Af9zqBEi0wBCg%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1729123200%26x-signature%3DC%252F8Xte%252FDJymZpHuGaa4Y8zX%252F6AA%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>The video was taken on the Carnival Freedom cruise ship in the USA, with the couple later posting another video of a room steward catching two birds in a cardboard box.</p> <p>Viewers in the comments were a mix of amused and horrified, as one person wrote, "You're not supposed to leave your balcony door open when you're gone."</p> <p>"You have a whole Alfred Hitchcock movie in your room," another commented, comparing the scene with the film,<em> The Birds</em>.</p> <p>Others speculated that the unusual behaviour of the birds could be impacted by the nearby Hurricane Milton. </p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Cruising

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10 things you should never do on a cruise balcony

<p>While many cruise ship passengers may think they can abide by their own rules in the comfort of their cabins, there are still many cruise ship etiquette rules to follow.</p> <p>Even though some passengers may have private balconies in their rooms, that doesn't mean you can act as if no one is watching. It's important to follow these rules while in your rooms and on your balcony to ensure you'll never be forced to cop the consequences of bad behaviour. </p> <p><strong>1. Smoke</strong></p> <p>Smoking on cruise balconies is a real no-no. Not only is the wafting smoke an unpleasant smell, but a half-burning cigarette blown back aboard can potentially be a fire hazard.</p> <p><strong>2. Make too much noise</strong></p> <p>One think that’s often forgotten is the fact that when we’re standing on our cruise ship balconies we’re well within earshot of our neighbours, so keep the volume down.</p> <p><strong>3. Go nude</strong></p> <p>The thing people sun bathing in one their cruise ship balcony in their birthday suit don’t realise is many balconies are tiered, so you may actually be in view of others.</p> <p><strong>4. Stand or climb on railings</strong></p> <p>Now this should be obvious, but you should never stand on the railings or the verandah furniture can significantly increase your risk of being thrown overboard.</p> <p><strong>5. Throw items overboard</strong></p> <p>It might be tempting to toss a message in a beer bottle overseas, but there are strict regulations. Not only is this dangerous, it’s also not environmentally friendly.</p> <p><strong>6. Dry clothes  </strong></p> <p>It can be quite difficult to dry your swimmers when you’re off a cruise, but one strong gust of wind could mean you could go the rest of your cruise without bathers.</p> <p><strong>7. Leave the balcony door open</strong></p> <p>On a hot and humid day, leaving the balcony door ajar might seem like a good idea, but the gusty sea breeze can wreak havoc with any loose items in your cabin.</p> <p><strong>8. Light a candle</strong></p> <p>It might seem like it’s a good way to enhance the mood, but any open flame on a cruise ship is a fire hazard, and lighting a candle is almost always against regulations.</p> <p><strong>9. Leave the balcony light on</strong></p> <p>If your cruise balcony has outdoor lighting, make sure you turn if off when you’re not actually using it, to save electricity and not disturb your neighbours.</p> <p><strong>10. Amorous behaviour</strong></p> <p>Cruises are inherently romantic holidays, but you might need to avoid overt displays of affection. As mentioned above, balconies are not be as private as you think.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Cruising

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Buckingham Palace finally reveals what's behind the iconic balcony

<p>One of the royal family’s most photographed moments is when they walk onto the famed balcony at Buckingham Palace, and now you can see what goes on behind the curtains. </p> <p>Buckingham Palace is opening its East Wing to the public for the first time, after a five year renovation. </p> <p>Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of The King’s Works of Art, told <em>7NEWS</em>: “Everybody knows the facade of Buckingham Palace, with the members of the family on the balcony appearing over the centuries, but I think a lot of people probably think, ‘Gosh what’s behind, what’s through the curtains’.”</p> <p>The East Wing features a corridor that leads to the iconic balcony and is adorned with thousands of artworks and artefacts. </p> <p>During the renovation, more than 3000 pieces of art were taken out, restored, and returned, including the lavish wallpaper, which took about three months to remove and put back on. </p> <p>“It was painstakingly taken off the walls. It took about three months, then cleaned and they put it back up,” Nicola Turner Inman, Curator of Decorative Art at the Royal Collection Trust, told <em>7NEWS</em>.</p> <p>The East Wing will open from next week, and royal fans will finally get to see the main corridor that stretches out across the entire length of the residence. </p> <p>“I’m hoping they are surprised and amazed by the variety of pieces that they see from the royal collection here,” de Guitaut told the outlet. </p> <p>The King's latest portrait will also be a part of the tour. </p> <p>“I think the King is very pleased to see the rooms back looking as resplendent as they do,” de Guitaut said.</p> <p>Tickets for the East Wing are reportedly sold out for this summer, but more tickets will be made available next year, so no royal fan will miss out.</p> <p><em>Images: 7NEWS</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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King's-eye-view: Story behind incredibly rare shot from palace balcony

<p>Getty photographer Chris Jackson has shared insight into what it was like to capture the coronation, and watch the moment King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla walked out onto Buckingham Palace balcony from a unique perspective.</p> <p>Taking to Instagram, Jackson shared a rare image that gave the public a small sense of what Charles and Camilla would see from the balcony.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6FZQwtiE6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6FZQwtiE6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chris Jackson (@chrisjacksongetty)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"An honour to shoot 'behind the scenes' and a never seen before angle from today's historic Coronation, what a day!!!!!! Save a 🥂 for me!", he captioned the post.</p> <p>That wasn’t the only ‘behind-the-scenes' look at the King and Queen’s time on the Palace balcony. Jackson also shared a photo of the pair watching the Royal Navy, Army Air Corps and Royal Air Force doing a flypast.</p> <p>The image shows the aircraft leaving a trail of red, white and blue exhaust as they flew over the proceedings.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6M3BDNoYw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6M3BDNoYw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chris Jackson (@chrisjacksongetty)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"What a view! What a day!" Jackson captioned the post.</p> <p>King Charles and Queen Camilla were captured waving to the crowd from the Palace balcony following his coronation at Westminster Abbey.</p> <p>The pair travelled to the infamous site in a royal carriage for the long-lived tradition.</p> <p>Charles and Camilla were joined on the balcony by their royal pages and members of the British royal family.</p> <p>Prince William and Princess Katie appeared on the balcony with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.</p> <p>There were two noticeable absences from the balcony, although neither were expected to be there as only working royals are given the honour of making an appearance on the balcony.</p> <p>Although Prince Harry did attend the coronation, he left shortly afterwards to travel back to the US for his son Archie’s fourth birthday celebrations.</p> <p>Prince Andrew was also present at the coronation but not on the balcony as Charles looks to “slim down” the monarchy.</p> <p>The day marked the first time the royal family appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p>The late Queen waved to the crowd from the balcony, accompanied by Charles, Camilla, William, Kate and their children during Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.</p> <p>She passed away three months later on September 8, 2022, with Prince Charles immediately anointed as King.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty/Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Halle Berry's priceless response to troll over naked balcony pic

<p>If you’ve got it, flaunt it. And if you’re Halle Berry, do it while sipping wine and basking in the sunshine, rising above a troll or two along the way. </p> <p>And that’s the exact approach the Academy Award winning actress has taken with her latest social media share, to the delight - and amusement - of fans all over. </p> <p>In a picture posted to Halle’s various online accounts, the 56-year-old can be seen standing nude on a balcony with a wine glass in hand, glowing in the light from above. </p> <p>Some strategic limb placement and shadow work keep the snap well within posting guidelines, though that likely wouldn’t have kept the actress from sharing her peaceful moment, with her caption reading “I do what I wanna do.” </p> <p>Comments flooded in for the <em>Catwoman</em> star, and while some were far more appropriate than others, the general consensus was that Halle should absolutely continue to do exactly what she wanted, with the heartfelt support of her fans behind her, and many applauding her bold statement. </p> <p>“Well behaved women never made history,” wrote author and wellness expert Maria Emmerich. </p> <p>“The blueprint,” declared American rapper Saweetie. </p> <p>“YES!!!!” gushed singer Kelly Rowland.</p> <p>“I’m 61. If I looked like her, I would be way worse!” said one fan. “She looks gorgeous.”</p> <p>“I just wanted to see the sunrise but this is 1000% better!” another chimed. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqyh2CYrZq6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqyh2CYrZq6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Halle Berry (@halleberry)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>However, despite the celebration from the majority, there were still those who saw fit to spew their cruelty, with some going so far as to blame Halle’s joy in her body for any hardships in her relationships. Halle silenced them soon enough though, confirming with one fan that it had actually been her own boyfriend - singer Van Hunt - who took the picture. </p> <p>And when someone took issue with Halle daring to bare all in her 50s, the star once again took the high road (to the balcony), drawing attention to the sheer absurdity of the original comment with her unique - and entirely unforgettable - comeback.</p> <p>“Imagine being in your 50s still posting nudes for attention in menopause when you should be chilling with your grandkids,” wrote Halle’s hater, “ageing with dignity is no longer a thing.” </p> <p>And Halle, in a move that gave the ageist comment none of the attention it was craving, merely asked of her followers, “did you guys know the heart of a shrimp is located in its head?” </p> <p>The comment was never going to sit well with the actress, who has been open about her thoughts on ageing in Hollywood - and life in general - in the past, even telling <em>AARP</em> in 2022 that “we’re all going to get older. Our skin is going to shrivel up and we’re going to look different. I see things changing with my face and body, but I’ve never put all my eggs in that basket. I’ve always known that beauty is deeper than the physical body you’re walking around in.”</p> <p>“I refuse to become someone who just tries to hold on to a youthful face and not embrace what’s most important about being beautiful - how you live your life, how you give back to others, how you connect to people, how you strengthen your mind, body, and soul and nourish yourself, how you give in a meaningful way of yourself. The most beautiful people have something radiating inside.</p> <p>“Women are told that when we reach a certain number, we’re no longer valuable. I believe the opposite. Society should look at us as jewels as we get older.</p> <p>“Because the older women get, the more formidable we are.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Landlord rents out balcony for $300 a week

<p dir="ltr">As the housing crisis in Australia continues, one landlord has decided to capitalise on the desperation of renters by leasing a balcony for $300 a week in a bizarre listing. </p> <p dir="ltr">The landlord shared the “room” on Facebook, sharing photos of the enclosed balcony with city views, obscured by tarps and heavy curtains, along with a peculiar list of questions for prospective tenants. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Man Private Room Sydney Cbd. 1 boy only. $300/week,” the ad read. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Quick response 04******** Please kindly send me your information.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The ad then prompts tenants to list what items they will be bringing into the apartment, before the landlord asks applicants to provide their nationality.</p> <p dir="ltr">The balcony room is in Haymarket’s Miramar building in the Sydney CBD, although any views of the city skyline have been obstructed with silver tarpaulin, while the glass sliding doors leading to the actual apartment were concealed by blue curtains.</p> <p dir="ltr">A blue single mattress has been squeezed into one corner of the balcony room, opposite a small desk and TV, with both walls adorned with tropical-themed art.</p> <p dir="ltr">When the landlord was contacted on the phone by news.com.au, they answered several questions before refusing to speak further with a female journalist. </p> <p dir="ltr">He said he had received “a lot of interest” and several calls about the property, though wouldn’t specify how many people had been in touch.</p> <p dir="ltr">A three-bed, two-bath unit in the building sold for $1.15 million in September last year, while the estimated rental income for a two-bed, one-bath unit is $810 per week. </p> <p dir="ltr">Even a parking space in the Miramar can be rented out for $650 a month.</p> <p dir="ltr">The listing comes amid unprecedented pressure on the Sydney rental market, with record-low vacancy rates pushing prices sky-high. </p> <p dir="ltr">The median rent for a house in Sydney reached a record high of $650 per week at the start of the year, while the median rent for a unit was also at a high of $550. </p> <p dir="ltr">Tenants have little choice but to pay up, with the national vacancy rate at just 0.9 per cent.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Real Estate

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Free impromptu concerts break out from Italian rooftops and balconies

<p>From Australia to Europe, the deadly coronavirus outbreak is forcing a number of people around the world to go into self-isolation, leading to not only widespread anxiety, but a little bit of positivity too.</p> <p>In Italy, opera singer Maurizio Marchini took to his balcony to serenade the town with his soulful voice, filling Florence’s empty streets with life once again after he gave a beautiful rendition of Giacomo Puccini’s famous aria “Nessun Dorma”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">During Italy's quarantine, Italian tenor Maurizio Marchini wanted to do something to spread joy amid all the sadness in Florence.<br /><br />So climbed on to his balcony and serenaded the entire town.<br /><br />Wow.<a href="https://t.co/yVgADAU9bt">pic.twitter.com/yVgADAU9bt</a></p> — Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadLila/status/1238671011698151427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Footage of the heartwarming act has been viewed over four million times since it was shared on Twitter on Facebook.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">From my balcony in Turin, Italy. Free concert performed by fellow balcony dwellers. Watch with the sound on to also hear the thunderous applause from all the neighbors. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid_19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid_19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lockdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lockdown</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fc2mCCVuRH">pic.twitter.com/Fc2mCCVuRH</a></p> — D. Schmudde (@dschmudde) <a href="https://twitter.com/dschmudde/status/1238598881719582720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>And he wasn’t the only one filling the streets with cheer, as residents in Turin took to their balconies to play instruments and sing. With one resident describing the moment as a “free concert” and shared a video of it on Twitter.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Scenes like this from Italy fill me with so much joy and hopefulness. Here is a DJ in Palermo playing a set for the whole neighborhood...music does unite! 🎶 <br /><br />Remember to spread love❤️ during these trying times. Stay safe, and very importantly, positive everyone! <a href="https://t.co/Nz5PCLPBPt">pic.twitter.com/Nz5PCLPBPt</a></p> — Andrew Arruda (@AndrewArruda) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewArruda/status/1238869074173505539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>There was also an upbeat performance by a DJ from the city of Palermo, who set up his equipment in his balcony to keep the positive energy flowing. Cheers and whistles could be heard as the unidentified man bellowed into a microphone and waved his hands in the air.</p> <p>On Monday, multiple Italians came together to form a flash mob, as they shined lights out of their windows and balconies while other residents cheered around them.</p>

International Travel

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Lip reader reveals Meghan Markle was "nervous" during Buckingham Palace balcony appearance

<p>On the weekend, Meghan had her first appearance at the annual Trooping the Colour while standing on Buckingham Palace’s iconic balcony with the royal family.</p> <p>Looking elegant in a dusty pink Carolina Herrera dress, the Duchess of Sussex looked the part to mark the Queen’s official birthday parade.</p> <p>However, a lip reader has revealed that despite appearances, Meghan revealed to her husband just how nervous she was, while they were up on the balcony for the event.</p> <p>Standing behind Duchess Catherine on the balcony, Prince Harry and Meghan had a private conversation as the display was unfolding.</p> <p>According to a lip-reading expert, Harry asked Meghan if she was okay, to which she replied “yeah”, reported the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/what-caring-prince-harry-said-12674026" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Mirror Online</strong></em></span></a>.</p> <p>Shortly after, the newlyweds looked at each other and Meghan admitted she was “nervous”, with a smile.</p> <p>Allegedly, Harry responded with a reassuring “yes” and then added: “When you get into it, I’ll tell you more later.”</p> <p>He also added: “Then there's the flypast and then we all look up to the sky."</p> <p>Meghan’s sister-in-law Kate, stood in front of the new Duchess, a decision which is believed to have been made to offer Meghan some inspiration and advice as the event unfolded.</p> <p>Prince Harry and Meghan rode in together for the event in a carriage.</p> <p>Trooping the Colour, the Queen’s birthday parade, is the only guaranteed annual appearance of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.</p> <p> </p>

Body

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Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won’t kiss on the balcony on their wedding day

<p>It’s one of our favourite parts of any royal wedding – the kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Prince Charles and Princess Diana did it, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did it, and even Prince Andrew and Fergie did it.</p> <p>But if you were looking forward to seeing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pucker up, we’ve got some bad news.</p> <p>The couple, who will wed at St. George’s chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May, will forgo the traditional peck on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their big day.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/2018/03/07/14/30/meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-wedding-kiss" target="_blank"><span><strong>9Honey</strong></span></a> royal correspondent Victoria Arbiter, there’s a simple reason – “Windsor Castle doesn’t allow for it.”</p> <p>Why? Because it doesn’t have a balcony!</p> <p>But that doesn’t mean we won’t see any PDA from the soon-to-be-newlyweds. “This couple is so touchy feeling, so incredibly tactile,” Arbiter said. “I’m hoping we might get a couple of kisses on the carriage ride. It’s about a two-mile ride through Windsor, post wedding, so I think we might see a kiss then.”</p> <p><strong>Scroll through the gallery above </strong>to see some of our favourite royal wedding photos from the Buckingham Palace balcony and tell us in the comments below, will you be tuning in to see Prince Harry and Meghan exchange their vows?</p> <p><em>Image credit: Kensington Palace/Instagram.</em></p>

News

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Princess Mary and kids witness horrifying accident from palace balcony

<p><span>Princess Mary and her children were watching a cross-country horse race near Copenhagen when a horrifying accident occurred.</span></p> <p><span>The royals were watching the Hubertus Hunt, an annual event marking the start of Denmark’s hunting season, when a rider came off his horse.</span></p> <p><span>The rider was lying on the ground unable to move before paramedics rushed to his side and took him away in an ambulance.</span></p> <p><span>The accident shocked thousands of spectators who had gathered for the event, including the Danish royal family who were watching from the balcony of Hermitage Palace.</span></p> <p><span>Princess Mary, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella and her twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine were all visibly distressed by the accident.</span></p> <p><span>Prior to the event, Mary had fun with the children as they posed for photos outside the palace.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BbIE6VFAPz2/" target="_blank">På vej til Hubertusjagten i Dyrehaven hilste D.K.H. Prins Vincent og Prinsesse Josephine på to heste fra den kongelige stald. Sammen med Prinsen og Prinsessen var også D.K.H. Kronprinsessen, Prins Christian og Prinsesse Isabella. 📸 H.K.H. Kronprinsessen ©</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS (@detdanskekongehus) on Nov 5, 2017 at 12:00pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p style="text-align: center;"><span> </span></p> <p><span>With the help of 10-year-old Princess Isabella, Mary presented the winner of the cross-country race with the traditional Hubertus Chain.</span></p> <p><span>Crown Prince Frederick was absent from the special event due to an International Olympic Committee meeting in Switzerland. </span></p>

Caring

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Another cruise line to ban balcony smoking

<p>Another cruise line is making a substantial alteration to its smoking policy, bringing it in line with what is fast becoming the cruising industry norm.</p> <p>Seabourn Cruise Lines will no longer permit smoking anywhere inside a Seabourn ship at all times, including the on balconies and the verandah of guest suites.</p> <p>Seabourn sent an email to travel agents this week, who have been instructed to advise clients about the significant changes to the onboard smoking policy.</p> <p>Smoking will still be permitted on the starboard half of the Sky Bar, on the starboard half of The Club and in the often terrace of the Seabourn Square on all ships.</p> <p>The changes are reportedly due to the wishes of passengers.</p> <p><strong>The first cruises affected will be -</strong></p> <ul> <li>Seabourn Quest: 28/11/2016, Buenos Aries – Valparaiso</li> <li>Seabourn Encore: 4/12/2016, Athens – Dubai</li> <li>Seabourn Sojourn: 5 /12/2016, Dubai – Singapore</li> <li>Seabourn Odyssey: 7/12/2016, Lisbon – Ft. Lauderdale</li> </ul> <p>Smoking on cruises is increasingly becoming a hot topic, after an Australian man was <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/man-kicked-off-p-and-o-cruise-after-flicking-cigarette-butt/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>kicked off a cruise ship</strong></span></a> for throwing a cigarette butt off the side.</p> <p>What’s your take? Do you think Seabourn are right to be so restrictive in their smoking policies? Or is this a case of political correctness gone too far?</p> <p>Share your thoughts in the comments. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/08/10-things-you-should-never-do-on-a-cruise-balcony/"><strong>10 things you should never do on a cruise balcony</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/man-kicked-off-p-and-o-cruise-after-flicking-cigarette-butt/"><strong>Man kicked off cruise after flicking cigarette butt off the side</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/international-travel/2016/03/german-tourist-opening-aircraft-door/"><strong>German tourist booted off plane for opening door</strong></a></em></span></p>

Cruising

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Video captures Princess Charlotte’s cute first appearance on Buckingham Palace balcony

<p>It was an incredible weekend of festivities to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s official 90th birthday, with London putting on a spectacular show to celebrate Her Majesty.</p> <p>But one of our favourite moments belonged to two of the Royal Family’s youngest members – Princess Charlotte and Prince George.</p> <p>After watching 1,600 soldiers and 300 horses take part in the spectacular Trooping the Colour Parade, Her Majesty was joined by the other members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past from the air force.</p> <p>This event was made all the more significant by the fact that it’s Princess Charlotte’s first official appearance (of what should be many) on the storied balcony. And we think she looked very much at home among her illustrious relatives.</p> <p>Our favourite moment however might just belong to Prince George however, who had to be gently reminded by Prince William to wave to the crowd.</p> <p>What an adorable pair of royals! We’re sure they gave Her Majesty a day to remember. What’s your favourite memory of the royal family?</p> <p>Share your story in the comments. </p> <p><em>Video credit: Facebook / The Royal Family</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/06/princess-charlotte-thank-you-card/" target="_blank">Princess Charlotte sends out thank you cards to members of the public</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/06/best-moments-from-queens-90th-birthday-celebrations/">15 best moments from Queen's 90th birthday celebrations</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/06/kate-and-william-want-at-least-three-kids-close-in-age/" target="_blank">Kate and William “want at least three kids close in age”</a></strong></em></span></p>

News

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Sydney man catches fish from balcony

<p>A Sydneysider made the best of a bad situation over the weekend, when he caught a fish from the flood-formed lake swelling around his apartment building.</p> <p>Vincent Cotte property sits on Narrabeen Lake in Sydney's north, and when the deluge brought the water right to his door step, he was able to make a catch of the day from the comfort his balcony.</p> <p>The small fish was spared an unlucky fate, when Vincent threw it straight back into the water.</p> <p>One question remains, do you think you need a fishing license to fish from your balcony? Let us know what you think in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/06/nsw-storm-wipeout-as-coastlines-erode-and-residents-evacuate/"><em>NSW storm wipeout as coastlines erode and residents evacuate</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/06/wild-weather-to-hit-australia-east-coast-this-weekend/"><em>Wild weather to hit Australia’s east coast this weekend</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2016/05/warm-wet-conditions-forecast-for-winter/">Warm, wet conditions forecast for winter</a></em></strong></span></p> <div class="share-links"> <div class="addthis_native_toolbox" data-url="/news/news/2016/06/in-pictures-australia-wild-weather/" data-title="In pictures Australia wild weather | OverSixty" data-description="Eastern Australia copped a beating on the weekend, thanks to a powerful East Coast low which made landfall on Saturday."> <div id="atstbx2" class="at-share-tbx-element addthis_default_style addthis_20x20_style addthis-smartlayers addthis-animated at4-show"></div> </div> </div>

News

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How to create a beautiful balcony garden

<p>A neighbour told me my balcony was where plants go to die. No one likes being accused of being a bad plant parent, so I pulled up my socks and haven’t heard any complaints since.</p> <p><strong>1. Born to be alive</strong></p> <p>Pick plants that thrive in your local area and work for your balcony’s microclimate. The best way to do this is snoop on your neighbours’ gardens or ask for advice from your local nursery.</p> <p>Be realistic about the time and effort you’re going to put into maintaining a garden. Sometimes we don’t take care of ourselves, so a finicky plant doesn’t stand a chance.</p> <p>Succulents are always a good idea.  They are amazingly robust and can be propagated easily. They’ve been known to survive a week in your pocket after a midnight heist.</p> <p><strong>2. Maximise space</strong></p> <p>Balconies are generally small, so be clever with the space you have. You can make space with outdoor furniture or use your walls and ceiling for a hanging garden.</p> <p>Outdoor furniture can double as storage for your potting mix and garden equipment. Win win.</p> <p><strong>3. Good equipment</strong></p> <p>Durability is key, as anything you buy will be exposed to the elements. Buying inexpensive items is a good move, as the cost of starting or maintaining a garden can be expensive.</p> <p>Pick outdoor furniture that is easy to clean and can take a beating from Mother Nature.  She is a cruel mistress at times.</p> <p>Buy a watering can that does not drip. Your carpet will thank you for it.</p> <p><strong>4. Colour scheme</strong></p> <p>Your balcony should be an extension of the decorating scheme you have in the rest of your abode. Pick a colour scheme and stick to it.</p> <p><strong>5. Know when to stop</strong></p> <p>Cat people cop a lot of slack and leave their plant-crazy cousins hiding in the shade. Having too much of anything is hoarding in my books, and you don’t want the whole neighbourhood to whisper about your “problem”.</p> <p><em>Written by Cassandra Byrnes. First appeared on</em> <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.com.au</span>.</em></strong></a></p> <p><strong>Related link:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/how-to-beat-weeds/">5 easy ways to beat weeds</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/homemade-remedies-for-the-garden/">Homemade remedies for the garden</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/plants-that-are-hard-to-kill/">8 plants that are near impossible to kill</a></strong></em></span></p>

Home & Garden