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 Grand Canyon of Europe
By Linda Tancs
If you prefer your deep river canyon to have a hint of that je ne sais quoi, then you’ll find it at Verdon Gorge, France’s version of the Grand Canyon. Straddling the departments of Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence for 15 miles, the majestic cliffs are the result of the erosion of the Verdon River. Europe’s biggest canyon, its summertime appeal with the locals is owing in no small part to the wealth of activities that beckon from its cliffs, trails and waterways–like aqua trekking, hiking, biking, climbing, paragliding and horseback riding. Those lavender fields and cheese plates will just have to wait.
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Top Guns in the UK
By Linda Tancs
Royal Armouries is the United Kingdom’s National Museum of Arms and Armour, including artillery. The artillery–Big Guns, as they say–range from pre-gunpowder siege machines to modern-day super guns. They’re located at Fort Nelson, an historic monument strategically positioned atop Portsdown Hill, with panoramic views across the Meon Valley and Portsmouth Harbour. The Leeds branch has over 8,500 objects on display in five galleries: War; Tournament; Oriental; Self Defense and Hunting. And at the Tower of London’s White Tower is a dazzling display of 500 years of spectacular royal armour, including the imposing steel skirts and military codpiece of Henry VIII. The most surprising thing about the museum is its fourth location: Louisville, Kentucky. Thanks to a collaboration with The Frazier History Museum, Royal Armouries opened an exhibit on the museum’s third floor in 2004 to present a history of the British Isles, from 1066 to the early 1900s, through the use of multimedia displays and artifacts. This marks the first time a UK national museum has opened a branch in the United States.
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A Natural Wonder in the Philippines
By Linda Tancs
Reputedly the world’s longest underground river, Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island in the Philippines winds its way through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. A clear lagoon meets the cave’s mouth, surrounded by ancient trees dominated by monkeys, monitor lizards and squirrels. The navigable river is one of seven new natural wonders of the world. And to that the locals say Mabuhay!
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The Jungle of the Mirrors
By Linda Tancs
The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve (2,080,000 hectares), the largest reserve in Peru, is located 183 kilometers from Iquitos and is home to numerous endangered species, like the charapa river turtle, the giant river otter, the black caiman, and the river dolphin. Sometimes referred to as the jungle of the mirrors, the area is rife with activities for nature lovers, such as birdwatching, canoe rides, piranha fishing, and excursions to a watching tower to observe the birth of the Amazon at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers. Couple that with a stay at the Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge at the Marañón River’s bank and you’ve got an idyllic holiday.
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International Jazz in Norway
By Linda Tancs
One of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe, the Molde International Jazz Festival takes place each year in July in the town of Molde, located by the Romadalsfjord on the northwest coast of Norway. An hour’s flight away from Oslo, Trondheim or Bergen, this year’s festival (today through 21 July) features artists like Norah Jones, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Wayne Shorter Quartet, The John Scofield Hollowbody Band and artist-in-residence John Balke.
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Vacation Deal of the Week
By Linda Tancs
For a limited time, get 2 for 1 cruise fares and up to free air on select holiday sailings on a Viking River Cruise Longship! Contact me at Wanderful Cruises for details.
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Fair on the Rhine
By Linda Tancs
For nearly 700 years St. Sebastianus shooting club has presented its fair on the Rhine in Düsseldorf. Taking place from 13 to 22 July, the fair commemorates the day of Saint Apollinaris (23 July), a disciple of Saint Peter and the first Bishop of Ravenna. A highlight not to miss is the procession on 17 July, one of Germany’s largest parades with more than 3,000 uniformed shooters, marching bands, and horses and carriages. Another spectacular event is the fireworks show on 20 July. While you’re there, why not sample the home brew, altbier (old beer). Düsseldorf is the center of brewing of altbier, a traditional German ale.
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London is For ME
By Linda Tancs
Just in time for the Olympics, Meliá Hotels International is debuting ME, one of its premium brands, in London. The luxe property, formerly the site of Marconi House, Gaiety Theatre and Strand Music Hall, is located on the Strand on the southern tip of Covent Garden, just a few moments from theatreland and some of the City’s best art galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, shopping and nightlife. The property boasts 141 rooms (including 30 rooms with a private balcony) and 16 suites. The duplex ME Suite offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the City sights–including the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and the Thames–from both the suite and the fire pit warmed private terrace. Is the suite life for you?
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Vacation Deal of the Week
By Linda Tancs
For a quick escape, Crystal Cruises has created special shortened itineraries that showcase some of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Onboard you’ll enjoy Crystal’s all-inclusive amenities including: complimentary specialty restaurants, fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and non-alcoholic beverages; complimentary gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff; and new optional air add-ons. Contact me at Wanderful Cruises for more information.
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One Hundred Years Into the Future
By Linda Tancs
In the middle of the scenic lake district of Saimaa in eastern Finland, the largest lake district in Europe, they’re celebrating one hundred years into the future. That’s where you’ll find the medieval castle of Olavinlinna, site of the Savonlinna Opera Festival. For 100 years, the astounding acoustics of Olavinlinna have been captivating opera lovers from all over the world. The centennial season opens today with a grand gala, the program for which spans the entire 100-year history of the Festival. Continuing through 4 August, the 2012 season is an interesting mixture of new and traditional, Finnish and international. Representing tradition are three of the most legendary and most popular productions in the Festival’s history: Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, and Verdi’s Aida. These three classics will be matched with two world premieres: Kimmo Hakola’s La Fenice and the first opera created by an online community: Free Will. Round-trip transport to the season’s performances is provided (for a charge) from the main Savonlinna hotels.
