Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for england
Happy Earth Day
By Linda Tancs
Today marks a worldwide celebration of our natural resources. What better way to commemorate the day than to see what’s on in some of Mother Nature’s most glorious natural environments. How about Hawaii? Many Earth Day-related festivities have already started–and ended. However, the Kona Earth Festival is still kickin’ until 21 June. In Thailand, morning chants at Dhammakaya Assembly Hall started off the annual salute to our environment, ending tonight with fireworks at the Grand Meditation Square. Calgary is celebrating with a call to action to Ward 9 to pick up litter for 22 minutes! And the U.K.’s North Norfolk coast, an eco-friendly paradise for backpackers, is hosting an exhibition on environmental technology and initiatives at Deepdale Farm. What’s on in your neighborhood?
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York Celebrates Viking Heritage
By Linda Tancs
York, UK may be most recognized for its medieval Shambles, but its Viking history is just as compelling. Now through 17 February visitors can celebrate all things Viking at the festival at Jorvik Viking Centre. The Centre is built on the very location in York where archeological digs unearthed the ancient city of Jorvik, dating to AD 975. The festival celebrates Viking arts and crafts, storytelling and historical Anglo-Scandinavian events. Visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk for more information.
Liverpool is All Abuzz in 2008
By Linda Tancs
Polish your scouse and head for Liverpool, England’s northwest fab city, as it launches its year as Europe’s Capital of Culture this weekend. Beginning on Friday at 8:08 p.m. on St. George’s Plateau, the People’s Opening will include performances by Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart and Echo and the Bunnymen. Keep abreast of events during the year at www.liverpool08.com.
Luggage Clearing in the UK
By Linda Tancs
As reports continue to show a distressingly high level of lost (and at times, irretrievable) baggage via Heathrow, the obvious query is what happens to all of those misguided, misplaced and mislaid parcels? Does anyone give a hoot? The answer lies in Tooting (south London), where each week an auction firm hosts happy treasure hunters sifting through your unclaimed shoes and knickers. Of course, electronics and other valuables are sold separately. Who knows, maybe you can buy back your own shirts. Catalogs and photos are available at www.greasbys.co.uk.
New Monument Unveiled at Houses of Parliament
By Linda Tancs
Outside the Houses of Parliament is a new monument, one honoring anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. To paraphrase a quote attributed to him, Mandela once declared that when the U.K. is having elections, they don’t ask for observers from Africa. It seems only fitting then that his statue now looms opposite the electoral body.
Charles Dickens Comes to Life in Kent
By Linda Tancs
Charles Dickens alive and well in Chatham? Bah, humbug. But seriously, you can explore the life and times of the great storyteller in his hometown of Chatham, England along with many of his favorite characters at the newly opened Dickens World. Check out www.dickensworld.co.uk.
Enjoy England Awards
By Linda Tancs
Next year’s designated Capital of Culture, Liverpool, gets early honors with the grant of an Enjoy England Award of Excellence this year for outstanding contributions to tourism. Native son Sir Paul McCartney shared in the honor–no surprise there, considering that his post-Beatles activities, like the Liverpool Oratorio, generated significant publicity for his hometown.

