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
The Bauhaus in Weimar
By Linda Tancs
The design movement known as Bauhaus was founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany. Its mission was to fuse all forms of art, and its philosophy had a profound impact on modern design and architecture. The Bauhaus Museum in Weimar offers a permanent exhibition that pays homage to the works of the Bauhaus masters and showcases their vast influence. Even Steve Jobs was greatly swayed by the Bauhaus movement.
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A Cultural Hue
By Linda Tancs
Located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Perfume River, Huế is the country’s cultural heart, its complex of monuments earning recognition from UNESCO. Once the seat of a feudal dynasty, that status is preserved at the Citadel, a walled forbidden city reserved for emperors, concubines and loyal attendants. The ancient emperors’ tombs are scattered along the river’s banks. Nearby is Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest in Vietnam and a testimonial to the city’s imperial past.
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Scotland Park Celebrates Ten Years
By Linda Tancs
The Scottish Highlands is a captivating region featuring the highest mountain (Ben Nevis) and the deepest lake (Loch Ness). A lesser known distinction may be that it’s also the site of the largest national park in the United Kingdom. Now in its tenth year, Cairngorms National Park offers an abundance of award-winning visitor attractions—like Britain’s only herd of free-ranging reindeer and a wildlife park boasting European bison, red deer, camels, yaks, red pandas, and even polar bears. The castles of Braemar, Blair and Balmoral beckon as well, along with a hodgepodge of adventure parks, distilleries and leisure activities. his dog owner-friendly expanse is easy to reach by road, rail, plane—or even bike via Deeside Way or National Cycle Route 7.
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The Rise of Civilization
By Linda Tancs
In southeastern Turkey near the ancient city of Urfa lies a hilltop with prehistoric ruins dating back 12,000 years. Known as Göbekli Tepe (Potbelly Hill), the site may very well be the world’s first temple, predating England’s Stonehenge by about 6000 years. The T-shaped pillars of stone characterizing the temple site contain abstract symbols along with depictions of foxes, snakes, wild boars, cranes, and wild ducks. Like sister Stonehenge and other ancient sites around the world, it’s another mystical puzzle piece to the rise of humanity.
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World’s Tallest Hotel
By Linda Tancs
Dubai is a record setter in a number of ways: that’s where you’ll find the world’s largest private yacht, the tallest building, the largest shopping mall. And now there’s another one for the record books: the world’s tallest hotel. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the five-star JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (standing at 1,164 feet and 72 floors) offers discerning travelers 14 dining options and luxurious rooms complete with LCD TVs, iPod stations, Wi-Fi and a master room control tablet. Head to the Vault Lounge on the top two floors for panoramic views.
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Positively Mythic
By Linda Tancs
In Malta, 7000 years of history echo through such storied attractions as a medievel dungeon, Megalithic temples, palaces, underground catacombs and remains of Roman villas. That’s a lot of sightseeing, and all the while the azure waters of the Mediterranean beckon. June is best for sun and sea escapes amidst the secluded coves or sandy beaches. Lest you think that the island is just another haven for sun worshippers, the late summer rains give way to verdant pastures rife with wildflowers for nature lovers. Just a few hours’ flying time from most mainland European cities via Air Malta or other carriers, your kingdom awaits.
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South America’s Big Island
By Linda Tancs
Ilha Grande (translated, the “Big Island”) is a tropical paradise in Angra dos Reis, a Brazilian municipality located in the southern part of Rio de Janeiro state. Its largely undeveloped and rugged landscape attracts Brazilians across the nation seeking a quiet haven. Considered by some to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Lopes Mendes Beach shares its sparkling waters with surfers and monkeys alike. The largest village, Vila do Abraão, is an intimate cove with striking views of its mountainous peaks from the cozy port. The ferries and launches from Angra all dock there. That’s about all the transportation you’ll encounter; the island is free of motorized vehicles.
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Life in the Fast Lane
By Linda Tancs
Located in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts the oldest continuous parliament in the world. Although resplendent with beaches, glens, hills and dales, it’s not for the love of nature alone that visitors flock to this British Crown dependency. At this time of year, it’s all about life in the fast lane. Through 7 June The TT vrooms through the island. One of the most prestigious motorcycle races in the world, you’ll have enviable views from the grandstand in Douglas, the capital city.
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Leipzig Celebrates Wagner
By Linda Tancs
German composer Richard Wagner was born on this day 200 years ago, and the folks in Leipzig are celebrating their famous son’s milestone birthday. This year’s Wagner Festival runs through 26 May. Today’s events include a ceremony at the Opera to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth, attended by fans and dignitaries alike. Another highlight will surely be a production of his classic composition, Die Götterdämmerung, in the Paulinum building at the University of Leipzig. Throughout the festival the Museum of City History will be presenting a wide-ranging exhibition on his life, relationships and works. And stop by the maestro’s birthplace for the Tune A Day at 3:30 p.m. daily, where young musicians will perform a theme from one of his many masterpieces.
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Heidelberg Illuminates
By Linda Tancs
The fireworks at Heidelberg Castle in southwest Germany are an ancient affair. Now 400-years-old, the pyrotechnics began as a celebration of the royal marriage between Friedrich V and England’s Elizabeth Stuart. The thrice yearly event (June, July and September) will be supplemented today to mark the International German Gymnastics Festival taking place in the region. Besides the north and south river banks, great views are in store for those aboard river boats of the Rhine-Neckar River Cruising Company.
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