Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for international travel
A Celebration of Scottish History
By Linda Tancs
For over 150 years, Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland has been telling the story of Scotland from prehistoric times to the present day. It also follows the Scots whose ideas, innovations and leadership took them across the world. Likewise, world cultures are represented as is the history of the planet from meteorites to monsters of the deep. The multi-disciplinary venue on Chambers Street continues to grow, with 10 new Science and Technology and Art and Design galleries opening last year and new Ancient Egypt and East Asia galleries planned for 2018.
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Sightseeing With a Twist
By Linda Tancs
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. With a city center virtually situated on the water, traditional sightseeing on foot just won’t do. That’s where the water bus comes in. Coining it “sightseeing with a twist,” the city’s Ocean Bus offers travelers an enviable way to experience the most populous city in the Nordic countries without ever having to leave your seat. The amphibious vehicle tour starts near the Royal Opera House and, once the bus dives into the water, captures both a land and sea perspective of the city’s most notable attractions, like the Royal Palace, Vasa Museum (showcasing an almost intact salvaged ship from the 17th century) and Skansen (Sweden’s first zoo).
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Gateway to Samoa
By Linda Tancs
Upolu is coined the Gateway to Samoa. It’s a volcanic island, formed by a massive basaltic shield volcano rising from the seafloor of the western Pacific Ocean. There you’ll find the country’s capital, Apia, site of a giant swimming hole (To Sua Ocean Trench), consisting of two giant holes joined via an ancient lava tube cave. The swimmable side, with its inviting turquoise water, is accessed by descending a long ladder into the grotto. The site also offers lush gardens, blowholes, sea arches and rock pools to explore.
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Sail Away in Barcelona
By Linda Tancs
Tired of the usual land trekking tours of a major European city? Then come sail away in Barcelona on a three-hour private tour of the coastline with Barcelona Sail. Instructed by your skipper, you can even steer the boat. Sailings are year round and include other offerings like a sunset sail and a daylong sail to Masnou.
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Norway’s Hidden Gem
By Linda Tancs
Located just south of the Arctic Circle, Norway’s Vega archipelago is one of its best-kept secrets off the tourist trail. And you have 6,500 reasons to visit there—one for every island, reef and skerry. This UNESCO site is one of the oldest places of inhabitance in northern Norway, with fishing and hunting settlements dating back 10,000 years. Vega is home to 228 species of birds, including the prized eider ducks. In fact, the tradition of tending eider ducks can be traced to the 9th century when locals sheltered them, an important source for the supply of down. Hiking and kayaking are popular pursuits. History buffs should check out Ylvingen Fortress war memorial as well as the remains of bunkers, tunnels and cannon sites from World War II. And with Syttende Mai right around the corner, what a great time to be in Norway!
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In Harmony With Nature
By Linda Tancs
Over a period of 35 years HRH The Prince of Wales has transformed a mere lawn into an organic paradise at Highgrove, his pastoral estate in Gloucestershire. Open on select dates from April to October each year, the Royal Gardens at Highgrove are harmonious with nature. Representing a combination of sustainability and artistic sensibility, a guided tour of his innovative garden design includes the Wild Flower Meadow, Woodland Garden, Carpet Garden, Walled Garden and Cottage Garden. The grounds at Highgrove have been acknowledged as some of the most inspired and innovative gardens in the United Kingdom. Tours of varying duration are available and must be booked in advance.
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Ely’s Eels
By Linda Tancs
Despite being a noted cathedral town (boasting one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the country), Ely is one of the smallest jurisdictions in England. It derives its name from the Isle of Eels, its designation when Ely was an island surrounded by marshland and eels were in great abundance. The importance of the eel to the local economy is celebrated to this day with the annual Eel Festival. Taking place tomorrow through May 1, the event is highlighted by a parade on Saturday beginning at Cross Green adjacent to the cathedral and incorporating a part of the Eel Trail, a circular route that takes you past all the key parts of this historic city. Of course you’ll want an eel-related souvenir, which is available at the Tourist Information Centre located in the former home of Oliver Cromwell.
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A Celebration of Culture in Indonesia
By Linda Tancs
Known locally as the elephant building for the large statue gracing its entrance, the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta is a celebration of archaeological and ethnological treasures. The archaeology garden has the largest collection of Hindu and Buddhist artifacts in Indonesia, comprising stone sculptures, relics and scriptures. The nation’s ethnography is represented by masks, weapons, instruments, toys, fabrics, tools and miniature houses from every region of the country. Centrally located, it’s accessible by taxi from Plaza Indonesia or Jalan Jaksa or the nearby Monas bus stop. Free tours in English, French, Japanese and Korean are offered by the Indonesian Heritage Society.
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Horseback Archery in Tokyo
By Linda Tancs
It’s hard enough to hit a target standing still, which is why Tokyo’s horseback archery festival is a stunning display of athletic prowess and precision. Held on the third Saturday each April, the Asakusa Yabusame festival takes place in the Taito ward, preceded by a parade from Denpo-in Temple to Sumida Park featuring a demonstration of archery practice. Discover how, indeed, practice makes perfect.
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Cathedral of Light
By Linda Tancs
Only a short flight from mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands are a Mediterranean treasure brimming with not only great beaches but also enough fine food, wines and cultural attractions to satisfy even the most discriminating traveler. Majorca is the largest of the islands. Its capital, Palma, is a popular cruise port only hours away from Barcelona. Palma’s Gothic cathedral (La Seu), boasting one of the tallest naves in the world, is one of the Balearics’ most recognizable symbols. Its nickname, the Cathedral of Light, owes to the shimmering effects of the sun as it enters the Rose Window at the church’s southeast orientation. Overlooking the harbor, it lies in the oldest part of the city and is dedicated to San Sebastian, Palma’s patron saint.
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