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
Into the Woods in Westphalia
By Linda Tancs
Arnsberg Forest Nature Park forms one of the largest contiguous wooded areas in Germany. Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, the 186-square-mile expanse offers visitors hours of walks along well-established paths. It’s easy to understand why it’s one of the most popular recreation areas in the region, with attractions like the Bilstein Caves in Warstein, the Beaver Trail in Rüthen and Lake Möhnesee, the largest reservoir in the area and a water sports hub. If it’s the sheer beauty and quiet of nature you seek, then the Sauerland Forest Route’s 149 enchanting miles will surely not disappoint.
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The Symbol of Modern Baku
By Linda Tancs
In Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital city, the Flame Towers ascend above the skyline like flickering flames. Viewable from most parts of the city, they’re particularly engaging at night thanks to the LED shows. Located on a hill overlooking Baku Bay and the old city center, the three flame-shaped skyscrapers are the tallest in the city, housing apartments, a hotel and office blocks.
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A Rise to the Top in Santiago
By Linda Tancs
In Santiago, Chile, you’ll find the highest man-made observation tower in South America and the second tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere (nearly 1,000 feet) at Gran Torre Santiago. The skyscraper’s observation deck, Sky Costanera, opened last summer on the 61st and 62nd floors to amazing views of La Moneda Palace, the National Stadium and the Mapocho River, which divides the capital city in two. The lookouts are open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Over the Welsh Hills
By Linda Tancs
Looking for a pleasant respite from the business of everyday life? You’ll find it at Wirral Peninsula in northwest England. Located between the cities of Chester and Liverpool and bounded by the River Dee on one side and the River Mersey on the other, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Welsh Hills as well as 22 miles of coastline and 50 miles of walking trails (including the Wirral Way). The area boasts a 19th century model village known as Port Sunlight, created by William Hesketh Lever for his soap factory workers. Another gem is North Wirral Coastal Park on the peninsula’s eastern side, home to Leasowe Lighthouse, Britain’s oldest brick lighthouse. This getaway is just 45 minutes from both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports. A local rail network connects Wirral to the national rail network via Liverpool Lime Street station.
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The Unearthed Charm of Croatia’s Capital
By Linda Tancs
Zagreb, Croatia’s capital and largest city, may have been no more than a layover thought on the way to the country’s seductive sandy shores. Well, no more. Located in the northwest of the country, along the Sava River, its cosmopolitan flair evokes the culture of eastern and western Europe. Zagreb’s most important medieval monument is the fortress of Medvedgrad, erected to protect the city from invasions. Climb Lotrščak Tower, another protective structure, for a sweeping 360-degree view of the city. Near the tower is a funicular railway, which connects the Lower and Upper Towns, where most of the restaurants, bars and tourist sights are located.
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Where History and High Society Meet
By Linda Tancs
Once Provence was annexed to France in 1481, Antibes became the outermost stonghold of the kingdom, a place where a young Napoleon Bonaparte settled his family before distinguishing himself during the siege of Toulon. Only such an ambitious general could part from an idyllic setting in the French Riviera. Centuries later it would become the summer resort of choice for the world’s elite in political, social and literary circles. In fact, the area is thought to have inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, Tender is the Night. You can bet that the glitterati stayed at Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc, one of the most legendary and luxurious resorts in the world set at the tip of the Cap d’Antibes peninsula. With no shortage of yachting harbors for the jet set, Port Vauban is the largest marina in Europe.
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Ireland’s Oldest City
By Linda Tancs
Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, tracing its origin to the arrival of the Vikings in the 9th century. Even today, Vadrefjord Vikings, a local re-enactment group, walk about the city in traditional Viking dress. Of course, the city is probably better known as the home of Waterford Crystal, conveniently located on the Mall in the heart of the Viking Triangle. This weekend the city celebrates its annual Waterford Harvest Festival, highlighting the region’s food, heritage and culture. No doubt that includes the local bread roll named blaa, introduced by the Huguenots in the 1600s.
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6,000 Years of Life
By Linda Tancs
You’ll find 6,000 years of life in County Limerick, Ireland. Just 13 miles from Limerick city, in fact, is a prehistoric marvel, Lough Gur (Lake Gur). Surrounding this placid lake is a gem of archeological sites, boasting Ireland’s largest stone circle, Neolithic settlements, megalith tombs, crannogs and castles. The Heritage Centre provides a fascinating interpretation of the area’s riches, including an audio visual show and display panels on the geology, botany, zoology and archaeology of the area combined with local folklore.
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Newcastle’s Hidden Heritage
By Linda Tancs
At first blush, England’s northern city of Newcastle would owe its fame to the beer it sired. After all, its namesake brown ale was first produced at the Tyne Brewery in 1927. But in 2007 production was moved to Tadcaster in North Yorkshire by current owner Heineken, so that part of the city’s heritage is but a side note these days. There’s another part of its heritage that’s alive and well, though—albeit a bit hidden. That’s the Victoria Tunnel. Running beneath the city from the Town Moor down to the Tyne, it was built in 1842 to transport coal to riverside jetties for loading onto ships. In 1939, it was converted into an air-raid shelter to protect hundreds of Newcastle citizens during World War II. Part of the tunnel is open year round to the public for guided tours which must be booked in advance.
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Where a Tree Reigns Supreme
By Linda Tancs
Andhra Pradesh is a district in India with the second lowest rainfall, a fact that seemingly has no impact on at least one tree in the region. At the westernmost end, the province boasts a colossal ancient banyan tree at Anantapur‘s village, Gutibayalu. With branches spreading over five acres, its girth earned it a place in Guinness World Records. To put it in perspective, the tree is larger than an average Wal-Mart. Locally referred to as “Thimmamma Marrimanu,” it sports over 1,000 prop roots.
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