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
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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Paris Your Way
By Linda Tancs
Writer Ernest Hemingway famously remarked that Paris is a movable feast. Those who live aboard les péniches (the houseboats) are apt to agree. Perhaps it’s the striking views of the city’s landmarks from the plank or the exhilaration of plying the Seine at one’s own pace in rhythm with the waterway that drives folks to riverboat living. In any event, it’s a great opportunity to experience Paris your way. Why not rent one the next time you visit the City of Light?
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Going Ape in the Netherlands
By Linda Tancs
Hold on to your hats, your cameras, your wallets, and anything else you treasure at Apenheul in the Netherlands. The first primate zoo in the world allowing free roaming (that means among you, too), this forest in Apeldoorn features over 30 species of primates, among them a 50-year-old orangutan and burgeoning artist named Karl. Meet Karl and his friends, a variety of monkeys, gorillas, bonobos, other orangutans and added species such as water swine, parrots, macaws and a giant anteater. Watch that tongue.
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Harmony in Pudong
By Linda Tancs
China is celebrating harmony. Odd, you might think, for a world power not exactly known for its humanitarianism. Well, put those beliefs aside when you visit Shanghai’s World Expo 2010. The first world’s fair to take place in China, the exhibition welcomes 189 nations to a five-square-kilometer, $50 billion playground. Over 200,000 visitors poured in for the 1 May opener and fireworks extravaganza over the Huangpu River. Events include folk festivals and cultural feasts, perfect complements to the Austrian theme “Feel the Harmony” or Pakistan’s “Harmony in Diversity.” Over 70 million guests are expected before the event’s close on 31 October. Will you be one of them?
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A Golden Week in Japan
By Linda Tancs
May 1 is typically a public holiday in many parts of Europe, a time to celebrate the advent of spring and enjoy a bit of conviviality in the process. In Japan, however, they needn’t settle for a day of celebration. Golden Week, beginning on 29 April, marks the start of over a week of spirited activity and travel. In fact, many Japanese travel widely during the holiday as many businesses shut down. The festivities begin in April with Showa Day, marking the birthday of the emperor Showa. May 3 marks Constitution Day, so called for the new Constitution put into effect on that day in 1947. Nature is revered on May 4 during Greenery Day. The festival season concludes on May 5 with Children’s Day, a time when carp streamers decorate the thresholds of many homes to symbolize children’s success in life. If you want to be a part of the action, there’s plenty to see, like the 1300th anniversary celebration at Nara. This is prime time for cherry blossoms, too. Visit Hirosaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival. Maybe you’ll find a hanami (viewing party) to get happy with. Hana yori dango, as they say.
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Body and Soul Unite at Castle Chaumont
By Linda Tancs
The international garden festival in France is once again gracing the landscape of Castle Chaumont in the Loire Valley, just 185 km from Paris. This year’s theme, Body and Soul, suggests the restorative properties of gardens and gardening, both spiritually and physically. The jury has selected 20 gardens from over 300 proposals, representing works from Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands. Opening on 29 April, a general entrance ticket covers the festival, castle, stables and the landscaped parkgrounds, all for 15 euros. Take a train to Onzain, and beat a path to the door.
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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.
