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
Worms and Waterfalls
By Linda Tancs
A lush oasis awaits those seeking to avoid the fanfare of Bali, Indonesia. Just hop on over via speedboat to Lombok, a quieter escape offering pristine, unspoiled views like the one of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano. In that area you’ll find some of the island’s most popular waterfalls, like Air Terjun Sindang Gila, Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu. Just be cautious of local touts demanding excessive guide fees. Another hotspot is Kuta Beach, a mecca for sunbathers and surfers. Unlike its namesake in Bali, though, it lays claim to an unusual ceremony presided over by the indigenous Sasak people. Each February they celebrate the arrival of marine worms, said to represent the long strands of hair of a mythical princess who ended her life in the sea rather than marry the wrong prince. This little delicacy is often wrapped in banana leaves and roasted.
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The World’s Oldest Lake
By Linda Tancs
Curving through southeastern Siberia for 400 miles, Lake Baikal is the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake. At that length, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s more of a sea, but one fifth of the world’s fresh water is located there. Originating 25 millions years ago and plunging to a maximum depth of over 5,350 feet, you can only imagine the life forms dwelling in this ancient lake. In fact, over half of its species are unique to this watery habitat, such as the freshwater seal and its favorite meal, a translucent fish called golomyanka.
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The Wild Atlantic
By Linda Tancs
Malin Head to Slieve League. Mullaghmore Head to Keem Strand. Killary Harbour to the Cliffs of Moher. Loop Head to Skelligs Viewpoint. Dursey Island to the Old Head of Kinsale. No matter which route you take, you’ll discover Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This is a west coast adventure combining history, culture and untamed nature along the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. At over 1,550 miles, it passes through nine counties, stretching from its northernmost point in Donegal to its southernmost in Cork.
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Africa’s Oldest Park
By Linda Tancs
Founded in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium and originally known as Albert National Park, Virunga became the first national park on the African continent, a refuge today for a quarter of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. Located on the border of Uganda and Rwanda, it’s rich in biodiversity. Covering 3,000 square miles, the park features forests, savannas, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori mountains and two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Climb to the top of Nyiragongo volcano and you’ll be treated with a spectacular view of the world’s largest lava lake. Most tourists fly into Kigali international airport and take a three hour taxi ride to the border crossing at Gisenyi, Rwanda.
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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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