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
Nepal’s First National Park
By Linda Tancs
In south central Nepal in the sub tropical lowlands lies the country’s first protected area, Chitwan National Park. The preserve hosts a diverse collection of mammal and fish species, but it’s particularly renowned for its protection of the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger and the gharial crocodile (one of the largest of all crocodilian species). This time of year the Chitwan district (Sauraha in particular) is gearing up for the annual elephant festival, featuring soccer-playing elephants that double as beauty pageant contestants.
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Ouzo and Olive Oil
By Linda Tancs
Ouzo and olive oil. Those are the two famous exports of the Greek island Lesvos. Third largest in size behind Crete and Evia, the arguably lesser-known enclave near Turkey also boasts a petrified forest, one of the rarest natural monuments in the world. Created 20 million years ago when volcanic materials covered and petrified the coniferous forests dominating the area at that time, the 37-acre preserve spans the Sigri-Eressos-Antissa area. Take a break from the beach and enjoy a walk through the forest of silence.
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Avenue of the Baobabs
By Linda Tancs
One of Madagascar’s most popular tourist destinations, the Avenue of the Baobabs in the Menabe region sports a line-up of stout trees with spartan branches at the uppermost reaches. Resembling an upside-down tree, six of the eight baobab species in the world are native to this country. Visit at sunset for particularly inspiring views.
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Variety is the Spice of Life
By Linda Tancs
Variety is the spice of life in Zanzibar–in more ways than one. On the one hand, it’s known as the spice island thanks to its export of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper. On the other hand, it’s a cultural melting pot owing to the vast array of settlers that it’s seen over the centuries, like Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Phonecians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguse, Omani Arabs, Dutch and British. Tourism is the spice of life for this island paradise in the Indian Ocean as well–from the golden sands of Mangapwani to the haunting reminders of the slave trade in historically prominent Stone Town.
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The High Country in Central Asia
By Linda Tancs
Mongolia is on a high—literally. One of the world’s highest countries, it boasts an average elevation of at least 5,100 feet. That includes the alpine serenity of one of the country’s most popular national parks, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. At 5,200 feet, it’s prized for its rock climbing and hiking opportunities. Watch out for two popular rock formations, Turtle Rock and Old Man Reading a Book. The park benefits from (or suffers from, depending on your point of view) an array of tourist camps, including the ever-popular yurt.
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Remnants of the Stone Age
By Linda Tancs
Just 38 miles south of Azerbaijan’s capital city Baku lie remnants of the Stone Age. Not just any old remnants, mind you, but one of the world’s largest collections of ancient petroglyphs. Over 4000 strong, the carvings in the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve were extensively investigated by the famous Norwegian explorer and adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, who believed that boat renderings in the ancient stones revealed a connection between Norwegians and Azerbaijanis. A mountainous area, Gobustan is also home to the biggest mud volcanoes in the Caucasus.
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All Aboard in St. Kitts
By Linda Tancs
What could be better than a tropical drink-laden narrow gauge train ride through an unspoiled paradise rife with lush vegetation, rainforest canopies, secret beaches, sugar estates and a volcanic cone? That’s what you’ll get when you travel on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, the last railway in the West Indies, built to transport the island’s sugar cane during boom times. Timed to coincide with cruise ship schedules in-season (December through April), a leisurely three-hour tour features 18 miles of rail travel and another 12 miles of historic sightseeing by bus. From sugar train to scenic train, don’t miss the chance to experience island history amid the warm trade winds.
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World’s Smallest Airport
By Linda Tancs
The world’s smallest airport is in Hamburg, Germany, and no, it isn’t Hamburg Airport (situated in Germany’s second largest city). The airport in question is one of the latest installations at Miniatur Wunderland, a sort of Legoland meets Lionel (as in trains) life-in-replica. The marvels of this small world were reported on previously. What will they think of next? The summer crush long gone, this time of year is great for a visit to the city’s biggest tourist attraction. Take the U-Bahn Baumwall or S-Bahn Stadthausbrücke.
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The Thanksgiving Candle
By Linda Tancs
In the Soroca district of Moldova, a monument is built on the rocks over the Nistru River. Named the Candle of Gratitude (or Thanksgiving Candle), it pays tribute to all of those who made heroic efforts to preserve the country’s culture, language and history through the generations. At night the candle’s light can be seen from Otaci in the North and Camenca in the South.
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Aphrodite’s Cultural Route
By Linda Tancs
The ancient island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. To be sure, you’ll find no shortage of sites commemorating her existence, especially along the cultural routes dedicated to her lore. One of the most popular is Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Aphrodite), a series of huge rocks off the southwest coast in the Pafos district from where the goddess is said to have risen amongst the waves. Even today, under the right weather conditions a human-like foam reputedly arises from the waves crashing against the rocks. And what would the tale of Aphrodite be without her lover, Adonis? They fell in love at the Baths of Aphrodite, a grotto towards the tip of the Akamas peninsula where Adonis met her while she bathed. The site lies at the end of a nature trail that offers spectacular views towards Cape Arnaoutis, Polis and Pafos Forest.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 