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
Brazil’s Atlantic Island Paradise
By Linda Tancs
Out in the Atlantic Ocean some 250 miles and three degrees south of the equator sits an archipelago of 21 islands known as Fernando de Noronha, an eco-paradise brimming with sea turtles and spinner dolphins unfazed by the destructive habits of man and machine in what seemingly appears to be every other part of the planet. If you can stand the rainy season (April to August), you’ll be rewarded with an enviable display of green living, maintained in part by an environmental preservation fee charged to tourists at the airport. Although it may sound off the beaten path, some of its beaches are ranked among the best of Brazil. In fact, Sancho was voted Brazil’s most beautiful beach last year, a place for diving and observing seabirds. Beyond Sancho is a reserve for spinner dolphins. Another hot spot is Porcos, characterized by two twin rocks and a natural pool formed between rocks and reefs. Only 500 tourists are allowed in per day, so get in line.
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African Queen, Revisited
By Linda Tancs
In the 1951 movie The African Queen, Katharine Hepburn’s character convinces Humphrey Bogart’s scruffy old Charlie Allnut to sail a rusty 12-foot boat called The African Queen down the Ulanga River. Hardly a luxurious jaunt. Today’s African Queen is a much better appointed Zambezi Queen, charting the Chobe River in search of the Big Five sporting 14 cabins with picture windows and a top-deck whirlpool. Take a smaller launch to view game in their natural habitat or a 4×4 excursion to a local village for some cultural immersion. This is a redux even Charlie would no doubt enjoy.
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A New Decade of Celebration in New Zealand
By Linda Tancs
Matariki or Aotearoa Pacific New Year is a unique festival dictated by the rising of the Pleiades star formation, occurring this year on 14 June. Matariki is especially important to the Ngati Kahungunu people, the second largest tribal region which stretches from the Wharerata ranges in the Wairoa district to Cape Palliser in South Wairarapa. This tribal region is credited with reviving modern-day Matariki celebrations, naming Matariki 2010 “A New Decade of Celebration.” New Zealand’s national museum in Wellington, Te Papa, is developing a full events program that will run for 18 days from 10 – 27 June. Be sure to view Pleiades at Wellington’s newly refurbished Carter Observatory, which is organizing a public observation of the constellation from the top of Wellington’s Mount Victoria early on 14 June. Happy New Year!
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The Big Blast in Montreal
By Linda Tancs
Starting this Saturday through 14 August the rockets will be blazing at Montreal’s LaRonde, the largest amusement park in Québec. Since 1985 they’ve been hosting an international fireworks competition, now known as L’International des Feux Loto-Québec. Facing off this year will be the U.S., Canada, Italy, Taiwan, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and France. Don’t miss the tribute to Celine Dion on 10 July, a 30-minute fireworks display set to her greatest hits (in French and English). The event will culminate with the Jupiter Awards ceremony. Buy your tickets today!
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New Passport Fees in U.S.
By Linda Tancs
Nothing may be certain but death and taxes, but you can rest assured that fees for governmental services will rise with the tides (especially when economic conditions dictate). So the following represents the proposed fee increases on U.S. passports arising from a federal rulemaking back in February:
• $135 for a first-time U.S. Passport for adults (age 16 and over)
• $110 for U.S. Passport renewal (age 16 and over only)
• $105 for a U.S. Passport for minors (under age 16)
• $55 for a first-time U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over).
Note that the Department of State reported that 658 U.S. Passport Cards issued on March 29, 2010 were found to be defective and therefore invalid at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. Affected individuals are being contacted and provided with passport card replacement procedures.
• $30 for a U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over) who currently hold a fully valid U.S. Passport
• $40 for a U.S. Passport Card for minors (under age 16)
• $82 for additional visa pages
The fee for expedited service will remain $60.
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Old Masters in London
By Linda Tancs
Now through 13 June enjoy Old Master paintings, antiques, furniture and jewelry at Olympia International Art and Antiques Fair, London’s oldest and largest summer international fine art and antiques fair. Vetted by a team of 200 experts, the offerings are diverse enough for every level of collector. Olympia Exhibition Hall, the venue, is outside the city’s infamous congestion zone. Pre-book parking or take the tube to Kensington Olympia.
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Man’s Best Friend Unleashed at Sydney Film Festival
By Linda Tancs
Sydney’s film festival has gone to the dogs, as 2010’s theme, Unleashed, suggests. On the festival’s home page you’ll find a pageant of pooches, including Derek the stuntman (or stunt pooch). Well, they do say the festival is open to everyone. Now in its 57th year, it’s one of the longest running festivals. From 2 June to 14 June, you can experience a good share of thrills, chills, passion, humor, action and traction in a variety of venues at the heart of Sydney’s business district and along the harbor. In fact, 150 feature-length films from around 45 countries, including features, documentaries, short films, retrospectives, a silent film presentation, and films for families await you. And with fares at historic lows, you have no reason to bow out of this one.
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‘Tis The Season
By Linda Tancs
‘Tis the season, and I don’t mean Christmas. As summer rounds the corner, Britain kicks into high gear with a series of glam events characterizing what is known as The Season, starting with the Chelsea Flower Show in London through 29 May. If your plans don’t permit attendance at one of the world’s foremost horticultural shows, don’t worry. It isn’t over until the fat lady sings, as the expression goes. That would be on 29 August, the close of Glyndebourne Festival, an annual opera festival near Lewes, East Sussex. In the meanwhile, you can enjoy the pomp and circumstance at such staples as Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley Royal Regatta and Cowes Week.
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Island Life Increases in Borneo
By Linda Tancs
Conservationist group WWF has reported the discovery of new species in Borneo, the world’s third largest island. The newest inhabitants include a lungless frog, a flying amphibian and a slug that shoots love darts. Cupid, you’ve met your match. In the past three years, 123 species of plant and animal have been discovered in this Southeast Asian island paradise about the size of Texas. In particular, there are 66 new plant species, 17 fish, 5 frogs, 3 snakes, 29 invertebrates, 2 lizards and a bird sharing space in what Charles Darwin described as “one great luxuriant hothouse made by nature for herself.” In an effort to prevent overcrowding, efforts are underway to protect 85,000 square miles of rainforest. You can bet at least one frog gives a flying leap about that.
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The Yacht Industry’s Finest
By Linda Tancs
This Saturday’s 5th Annual World Superyacht Awards at London’s Guildhall demonstrates just how much size really does matter. The gala awards show and dinner showcases the best of the best in superyacht design this year. Fourteen Neptune awards will be issued, including best long distance voyager, best young designer, outstanding contributor to the industry, and yachts of the year in categories such as motor, refitted and sailing. Interested in attending? Alas, priority goes to yachtsmen. The rudderless can always watch the video.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 