Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for December, 2010
George Washington Remembered
By Linda Tancs
In December each year George Washington’s decisive victories against the British during the American Revolution are revisited. In particular, his Continental Army’s famous crossing of the Delaware River from a stronghold in Pennsylvania on Christmas Day in 1776 is recounted in various re-enactments. His plan was to attack the British at the Hessian-held town of Trenton, just across the Delaware River in New Jersey. The prospects were dim, considering the beleaguered condition of the soldiers and the raging weather. But the attack took the opposing forces by surprise, resulting in a victory that marked a turning point in the war. Washington Crossing Historic Park will host a dress rehearsal on 12 December from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. prior to the Christmas Day event at 1 p.m. Across another “pond” even more Washington memorabilia is available in England’s Northamptonshire at Sulgrave Manor, home of the President’s ancestors.
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Chocolate Cravings in London
By Linda Tancs
Chocolatier Milton Hershey observed, “Caramels are only a fad. Chocolate is a permanent thing.” If the number of ongoing chocolate festivals is any indication, then he got it right. After all, how many caramel festivals have you encountered? This weekend London celebrates the sweet stuff at Southbank Centre. And it’s not all about bars, truffles and bonbons. You’ll learn about the many applications of this delectable confection from bean to bonbon, savory foods to cocktails. Admission is free–all the better for your chocolate spree.
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A Crowning Achievement in Świebodzin
By Linda Tancs
Świebodzin in western Poland still contains remnants of the town’s past as a medieval walled settlement, but perhaps its greatest feature is the newly unveiled statue of Christ on the outskirts of town. Capped with a gleaming gold crown, the imposing statue with outstretched arms reportedly rivals Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer. At a stunning 33 meters (one for each of Jesus’s years of life), the locals are hoping to attract pilgrims and the accompanying revenue.
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300 Years of History in Hamburg
By Linda Tancs
St. Pauli is a district of Hamburg, Germany as well known for its colorful inhabitants as for the icons of popular culture that have performed along its famous Reeperbahn–like The Beatles. During its 17th century beginnings, it was a suburb of Hamburg known as Hamburger Berg, populated with workhouses and hospitals. Stories make history, they like to say. Today the past is chronicled at the new St. Pauli Museum on David Street, a stunning collection of over 3 million documents to inform and amuse you. You’ve heard the expression, if these walls could talk. Well, they do.
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Light Show on the Lake in Smithville
By Linda Tancs
The colonial history of New Jersey, one of the 13 original British colonies, began after Henry Hudson sailed through Newark Bay in 1609 and claimed the land for the Dutch. Subsequently surrendered to the British, its early colonial roots are celebrated in the quaint hamlet of Historic Smithville, located off Exit 48 on the Garden State Parkway. Today through 2 January the village of shoppes and cozy eateries hosts its annual sound and light show on Lake Meone, a festive affair where over 100 Christmas trees seemingly float about to seasonal music. Enjoy it each weekend between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
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Holiday Cheer Coming to Whippany Railway
By Linda Tancs
All aboard for the Santa Claus Special at the Whippany Railway grounds in Morris County, New Jersey. Beginning on 5 December, the annual 10-mile, 45-minute train ride features gifts and merriment from Santa and his helpers. Located at Railroad Plaza in Whippany, the railway museum also offers a glimpse into local railroad history on Sundays only from April through October. The grounds include a Central Railroad of New Jersey club car, the Jersey Coast. You’ll also find the Pennsylvania Railroad caboose, the old railroad company being one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the world. Its likeness has even been imitated by the Lionel toy train company; a model has been in production since 1953. Plan to come back for the spring thaw.
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