Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for england
The Windsor Tattoo
By Linda Tancs
Now in its fourth year, the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo takes place today through 15 May on the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Featuring traditional military tattoo and a tournament, the event takes on an international flair this year with the addition of 250 personnel from the French Army, Navy, Air Force and Gendarmerie. Why don’t you march on over.
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All the Queen’s Horses
By Linda Tancs
The largest outdoor equestrian Show in the U.K. is the Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle, taking place now through 15 May. Over 65 years’ strong, the event features over 3000 horses and ponies taking part in more than 250 jumping, showing, and carriage driving classes. Have you bought your ticket yet? Finally, a reason to horse around.
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Cuckoo About Cuckoo
By Linda Tancs
In Tabley, Cheshire, two dedicated horologists keep one of the most important collection of cuckoo clocks in the world. Cuckooland boasts a wide variety of genuine Black Forest cuckoo clocks, including a shop for purchase. You can be the proud owner of such treasures as a nursery cuckoo clock, a collector clock, a limited edition, a cuckoo & quail clock, a musical cuckoo, or a 1 or 8 day cuckoo clock. 300 years of history await you.
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Beerseum Delights Visitors
By Linda Tancs
At one time Burton on Trent sported 33 breweries; one might say there was a tonic for whatever ales you (yes, pun intended). A short walk from the rail station, the recently opened National Brewery Centre explores the evolution of brewing techniques from ancient times to today. Hundreds of exhibits and rare artefacts display beer brewing techniques, and character performers serving samples of real ales in the Edwardian Bar or shoveling malt bring Burton’s glory days back to life. Adding to the ambience is a collection of vehicles from horse-drawn drays to delivery wagons and special promotional vehicles, such as a 1920s Daimler bottle car that was built to deliver promotional materials to pubs. The Shire horses are on winter holiday until 1 April, but there’s plenty else to evoke the days of old. Buy an annual ticket for unlimited visits.
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The Fourth Test in Melbourne
By Linda Tancs
Playwright George Bernard Shaw once remarked that baseball has the great advantage over cricket of being sooner ended. No doubt it can’t end soon enough for the Aussies, currently entrenched in a two-month battle with the English known as The Ashes. The annual cricket match between England and Australia is playing out the fourth of five Tests in Melbourne this year until 30 December. The next and final Test is scheduled for 3 to 7 January in Sydney. Will the championship urn return Down Under?
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New Nutcracker Debuts in London
By Linda Tancs
The English National Ballet celebrates 60 years of artistry this year. And what better way to mark the occasion than to produce a new version of the holiday classic Nutcracker, appearing seasonally for all those 60 years. This year’s tenth new production will appear at the London Coliseum for the first time from 10 – 30 December. At a family friendly matinee, up to two children go free with one full-paying adult. Children under five are admitted to these performances without charge. Clara and her Nutcracker await you.
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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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Films Debut in London
By Linda Tancs
Through 28 October new films are showing in London at the British Film Institute’s 54th Film Festival. Galas and special screenings include Hollywood heavyweights like Natalie Portman in Black Swan and Annette Benning and Julianne Moore in The Kids Are Alright as well as the debut of West is West, the sequel to East is East, a story about a mixed race family returning to their roots in Pakistan. Would-be filmmakers would have been inspired by the chat with Black Swan’s Darren Aronofsky–if you had a ticket, that is. How about a meet and greet with music video director Mark Romanek, auteur of such works as Michael and Janet Jackson’s “Scream” and Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ “Don’t Stop.” Influenced by visionary directors such as Scorsese, Cassavetes and Kubrick, Romanek’s transition to feature filmmaking was celebrated in the festival’s Opening Night Film, Never Let Me Go. Tickets are available at screening venues 30 minutes prior to first screening. Otherwise, stop by the ticket office at Southbank, call or go online.
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London Food Fest
By Linda Tancs
London’s Restaurant Festival is in full force until 18 October. Malaysian and Mexican foods are the featured fare this year. Notable events include Street Kitchen, a mobile pop-up restaurant serving up gourmet food across the city. Speaking of pop-ups, one capsule of the London Eye is a 10-seat “pop-up” restaurant presided over by one of London’s most celebrated chefs. It’s sold out, but you can still enjoy 800 or so restaurants that will be featured on Festival Menus. Bring your appetite.
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