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 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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Ukraina’s Facelift Complete in Moscow
By Linda Tancs
Warm spring weather in Moscow provides leisurely boating opportunities down the Western bank of the Moscow River. For guests at the newly renovated Hotel Ukraina, a jaunt from the hotel’s jetty makes cruising a breeze. The 1950s Gothic-style monument to Stalin’s regime strikes quite the pose against the skyline opposite the Russian Government’s White House. A stone’s throw from the commercial hustle and bustle of Novy Arbat Street, the 30-story building with a combination of 1000 rooms, suites or apartments will reopen on 1 June, offering grand panoramic views of the city. In keeping with its moniker, the hotel offers a renowned authentic Ukranian restaurant. Other amenities include a 24-hour fully equipped business center, conference facilities, on-site shopping and a sightseeing and excursion bureau, all in the heart of Moscow.
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Birders Love Mindo
By Linda Tancs
Mindo, Ecuador is a birder’s paradise. An easy 2-hour bus ride from Quito, this corner of northwestern Ecuador is home to hundreds of varieties of hummingbirds as well as the cock-of-the-rock, a South American denizen bearing an orange-crested head and brilliant orange, black and white feathers along its back and wings. Budding birders and pros alike will benefit from a guided tour, proceeds of which may likely benefit conservation efforts, depending on the tour company selected.
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Another Reason to Visit Paris in Springtime
By Linda Tancs
For the sixth year this Saturday, the currency-challenged can enjoy free access to the museums of Paris. Dubbed La Nuit des Musées (Night of the Museums), the event signifies one day of the year when access to many museums in Paris (and the rest of France) is free for one evening. Among the highlights: for collectors, there’s The National Library of France: Museum of Coins, Medals and Antiques; Petit Palais, where “The History of French Art” is painted on the dome above the circular staircase; Monet’s “Water Lilies” at Musée de l’Orangerie; the 18th century art collection of Cognacq and Jay, founders of La Samaritaine, at Musée Cognacq-Jay; and Parisian history at Musée Carnavalet. Expect long lines.
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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.
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