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
Two Heroines
By Linda Tancs
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is no stranger to adverse forces. Although most might best remember the damage wrought by the 2004 tsunami, this southern province has battled against adverse influences for centuries. For instance, during the Battle of Thalang in 1785 the Burmese sought control of this island paradise and might have won it were it not for the marshaling of troops led by two sisters. Driving the Burmese to retreat, the two women became local heroines and were bestowed honorary titles by a grateful King Rama I. The Two Heroines Monument is located on Krasattri Road.
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A Rocky Ride in Nicaragua
By Linda Tancs
Forty-five minutes from León, Nicaragua, stands Cerro Negro (Black Hill), Central America’s youngest volcano. A mere child at nearly 165 years, its crater offers amazing views of volcanic chain Los Maribios, not to mention the sensory overload of heat and sulfur gas owing to its active nature. In recent years, it’s found favor beyond avid hikers and volcanologists: the adventure set have taken to boarding down its rocky, ash wall. Thanks to Nature’s thinly-milled rock, thrill seekers can opt for a modified snowboard ride down a forbidding slope at even more forbidding speed (50 miles per hour or more). Wear long pants, and prepare for a hard landing.
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The 2015 European Capitals of Culture
By Linda Tancs
Welcome to a new year and two new European Union capitals of culture: Mons in Belgium and Pilsen in the Czech Republic. The major exhibitions in Mons feature Van Gogh’s emergence as an artist in the Borinage, the poetic metamorphosis of Paul Verlaine, and the Battle of Lumecon in the main square where St. George slays the dragon. The opening ceremony for Mons 2015 will be held on 24 January. Like Mons, Pilsen will promote great personalities associated with the city, like Jiří Trnka (the Walt Disney of the East), Ladislav Sutnar (a pioneer in information graphics) and the architecture of Adolf Loos. The festivities officially launch in Pilsen on 17 January.
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A Sailor’s Life in London
By Linda Tancs
England’s long history as a port is revealed at the Museum of London in Docklands. In this thriving business hub, there’s little evidence of its 18th century roots–a place where dockers, merchants and sailors mixed with smugglers and thieves as countless vessels unloaded rum, sugar and coffee from the Caribbean. The area’s maritime character comes to life, though, at Sailortown, a permanent exhibit recreating an alehouse, sailors’ lodging house and chandlery, among other things. Just two minutes away from West India Quay, the museum is easily reached by tube via Canary Wharf or West India Quay on the DLR.
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Remains of the Day
By Linda Tancs
Richard III was England’s last king of the House of York and last of the Plantagenet dynasty. His remains were found, quite unceremoniously, beneath a car park in Leicester’s city centre. Excavations of the site revealed an ancient friary church alleged to be the burial spot of the king after he was killed in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Along with the King Richard III visitor centre commemorating the find, Leicester also features the Richard III Walking Trail, tracing his journey from Leicester to Bosworth Field. Nearby the centre is Leicester Cathedral, where the king’s remains will be reburied next year.
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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.
