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
Upside Down in Thailand
By Linda Tancs
At the Upside Down House in Phuket, Thailand, you really can dance on the ceiling, Lionel Richie style. The directionally challenged home is a popular attraction that, it’s fair to say, will challenge your perspective. If your senses aren’t altered enough by the experience, then be sure to proceed to the garden maze behind the home.
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The Endless Lagoon
By Linda Tancs
It’s no wonder why French Polynesia’s Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in the world, is called an endless lagoon. More than 200 motu dot its coral fringes for a length of 110 miles, encircling a richly hued lagoon coveted by divers. Its size is so vast they say you can fit the entire island of Tahiti inside it. That means the possibilities for marine life are endless. Depending on the season, you may encounter rays, sharks, turtles, dolphins, napoleon fish and barracuda. On land, don’t miss the chance to visit one of French Polynesia’s largest working pearl farms or visit the peaceful villages of Avatoru and Tiputa.
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Pier to Pier
By Linda Tancs
Want to avoid road rush or Tube crunch and see London’s sights from pier to pier? MBNA Thames Clippers operates a fast fleet of catamarans from Putney to Royal Arsenal Woolwich, linking London’s attractions from the riverside. Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The O2 are just a few of the sights along the 19 piers that they serve. With a daily River Roamer or Family River Roamer ticket you get unlimited travel along the banks to soak in the views at your leisure. All aboard!
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A King’s Ransom
By Linda Tancs
Dating to 1081, Germany’s Trifels Castle in the Rhineland boasts a king’s ransom in its history. Located high above the Queich valley on a red sandstone mountain in the Palatinate Forest, this medieval castle is where the British king Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned when he was captured by Leopold V of Austria upon his return from the Third Crusade. Amounting to around $200 million in today’s money, the king was freed after his mother successfully raised the funds.
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Croatia’s Legendary Lakes
By Linda Tancs
Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park in the vicinity of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe. Comprising more than 70,000 acres, it’s also the largest national park in Croatia. Culturally, it’s been inhabited for thousands of years by settlers such as ancient tribes, Romans, Slavs and Turks. The most remarkable feature of this park is its series of lakes arranged in upper and lower clusters, bearing serene hues of azure, green, grey or blue depending on the minerals or organisms in the water at any particular time. For every colorful lake there’s a colorful legend. One popular tale is that the lake system (particularly Prošćansko jezero) was created after a long drought prompted prayers to the Black Queen. Other lakes are associated with stories of hidden treasure, local shepherds, drownings and a resident monk.
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Flower Show Wows at Hampton Court
By Linda Tancs
Featuring more than 100 nurseries and growers, the Floral Marquee at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is big enough to fit an FA football pitch. Now that’s some flower power, marking the 25th anniversary of the floral extravaganza. Themed events to mark the milestone will prevail throughout the show, continuing through July 5. As always, prepare to be wowed by the roses.
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A Grand Procession in Brussels
By Linda Tancs
Today is the first of two annual summer processions in Brussels. Known as the Ommegang (procession), it’s a medieval procession begun in 1549 as a celebration of the entry of Charles V and his court into Brussels, where the monarch resided most of the time and wielded much of his power over a mighty empire. The processional route, replete with hundreds of costumed performers, begins at Parc de Bruxelles and ends at Grand Place. Access to the route is free, but tickets are required for the performance at Grand Place. The Ommegang takes place a second time on 2 July.
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Absolute Desert
By Linda Tancs
The Atacama Desert is a 600-mile strip of land from Peru’s southern border into northern Chile, the driest non-polar desert in the world. So dry, in fact, that some stretches have not seen a drop of rain in over 400 years. But for all its aridity, don’t be fooled into thinking this is just some barren dust bowl; the oasis is teeming with native cultures, soothing hot springs and pluming geysers. That’s particularly true at San Pedro de Atacama, where just a short distance away you’ll also find the largest salt flat in Chile and volcanoes beckoning in the distance. Late June is a perfect time to visit because of the numerous festivals leading up to Saint Peter and Saint Paul Feast Day on 29 June. San Pedro lies at around 7,500 feet above sea level; take precautions against altitude sickness.
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Midsummer’s Eve in Germany
By Linda Tancs
Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main, the German city Mainz is the home of the movable type printing press, invented by native son Johannes Gutenberg. One of the city’s most defining features, it’s no surprise that the print tradition takes on a prominent role during the Midsummer’s Eve Fair. A major festival, the four-day event includes a traditional baptism ritual for apprentice printers and typesetters, along with the expected entertainment and fireworks above the Rhine. This year’s fair takes place from June 19 to June 22.
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A Farewell to Arms in Slovenia
By Linda Tancs
Kobarid is a town located in the Upper Soča Valley in western Slovenia along the border with Italy. Its pastoral character—punctuated with picturesque mountains and peaceful green valleys—belies a stark history as the site of a bloody campaign during World War I. This amiable little town is where the Italian offensive gave way to the Austro-Hungarian army after a series of battles along the Soča Front, a conflict that was documented by Ernest Hemingway in his novel A Farewell to Arms. The town’s monument and church up the hill, overlooking the valley and the Soča River, is where you’ll find the final resting place of over 7,000 Italian soldiers.
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