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
Venetian Charms are Everywhere
By Linda Tancs
Venice, Italy, must be one of the most evocative places on earth. Just think of every country, state or city that lays claim to its own Venetian-style heritage. Dubai is dubbed the Venice of the Middle East. Giethoorn is the Venice of the Netherlands. Bruges, Stockholm and Amsterdam vie for the title Venice of the North. Bangkok boasts the title Venice of Asia. Amidst the charms of every Venetian wannabee, however, there’s one thing missing from the equation: the toil and sweat of dedicated public works employees who clean out the billowy thoroughfares of the real McCoy day in and day out to keep it the aqueous paradise that so many seek to adopt as their own.
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Mango Heaven
By Linda Tancs
Here’s a factoid for Friday: India is home to more than 3000 varieties of mango. How many can you name, and in which regions are they located?
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Hot Igloos for Cold Nights
By Linda Tancs
If severe, wintry weather has you feeling like an Eskimo, then hunker in an igloo in style. Consider the Igloo Village in Lapland, where glowing glass pods dot the landscape surrounding the safe haven of Finland’s second largest reserve, Urho Kekkonen National Park. The Northern Lights are visible here until late April. Not to worry, the igloos are climate-controlled, so you needn’t give up your creature comforts. As the Eskimos say, “May you have warmth in your igloo, oil in your lamp, and peace in your heart.”
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A Port City in Norway Celebrates Culture
By Linda Tancs
The unassuming little oil metropolis of Stavanger is celebrating this year as one of Europe’s capitals of culture. Sharing honors this year with Liverpool, Stavanger is but a quarter of its size and is Norway’s fourth largest city. Unlike Liverpool, Stavanger’s program of events is devoid of big-name celebrities and glitzy events. Instead, Stavanger is providing a forum for innovative national and international artists, among them a Belgian musical group (in residence), an Israeli dance troupe, Lithuanian Oskarus Koršunovas’ provocative theatre, and a South African puppeteer, all in keeping with the theme “Open Port.” Look for more daily departures from London Gatwick beginning in March.
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Journey Through History in the Greek Isles
By Linda Tancs
In the current edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Greece. The architectural and cultural wonders of Greece extend beyond the city limits of Athens. Discover the treasures of the islands. Find out more at www.travelrificradio.com.
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Luxe Links
By Linda Tancs
South African golf legend Gary Player may not have designed The Pezula Championship Course at the Pezula Resort Hotel in Knysna, but he would have to delight in the resort’s sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and Knysna Lagoon. Bounded by the sea and indigenous forests, Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa offers a private haven for the golf enthusiast. Imagine the cascading shot from the 13th tee falling 207 feet to the green below. No need to take a mulligan on that swing.
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Traveling to Turkey
By Linda Tancs
In this eastern Mediterranean country, you’ll experience the crossroads of Europe and Asia while marveling at its ancient past. Tune in at www.travelrificradio.com.
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What the Budget-Conscious Traveler Needs to Know About Venice
By Linda Tancs
As many travelers prepare to attend Carnival in Venice (25 January through 5 February), some caution is advised regarding pricing. Unbeknownst to many, Venetian service establishments are required to post a price list, a practice seemingly honored more in the breach than the observance. It should come as no surprise that, absent a price list, locals are charged less than tourists in many instances. Moreover, should you desire to take a water taxi across the canals, be sure to specify your desire for a taxi or else you may find yourself charged a private charter rate. And it wouldn’t hurt to negotiate with a gondolier to assure yourself the best rate. Let Venice stimulate your senses more than your pocketbook.
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Liverpool is All Abuzz in 2008
By Linda Tancs
Polish your scouse and head for Liverpool, England’s northwest fab city, as it launches its year as Europe’s Capital of Culture this weekend. Beginning on Friday at 8:08 p.m. on St. George’s Plateau, the People’s Opening will include performances by Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart and Echo and the Bunnymen. Keep abreast of events during the year at www.liverpool08.com.
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A Little German Tradition in Venezuela
By Linda Tancs
Mountainous glory, half-timbered dwellings and quaint, narrow streets. This description could apply to any of the towns and villages of Germany’s Black Forest region. Or try Colonia Tovar, a cozy German settlement in the hills about 40 km or so from Caracas. Settled in 1843 by about 300 Germans, the hamlet retains many of its cultural charms and traditions notwithstanding indoctrination of Spanish language and customs. In fact, the first Venezuelan beer was brewed in this settlement. This European enclave may be one of Latin America’s best kept secrets. Quiet on weekdays, things perk up a bit on weekends when the caraqueños (denizens of Caracas) show up for a little R&R. Then the narrow, winding streets are thick with jeeps offering tours. Ah, the price of commercialism.
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