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
Portugal’s Highest Mountain
By Linda Tancs
At nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Mount Pico is Portugal’s highest mountain. It’s located in Pico Island in the mid-Atlantic archipelago of the Azores. A paradise for nature lovers, the island boasts unique lava formations and panoramic views of the archipelago from atop the mountain for hikers. The volcanic landscape also yields a special type of white wine called Verdelho from vineyards classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This time of year you’ll also spot several species of whales. Pick up a flight from Lisbon, Porto or other cities in Europe. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the nearby islands of Faial or São Jorge.
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Views Over Eden
By Linda Tancs
A formidable barrier against Scots invaders, England’s Brougham Castle in Cumbria was founded in the early 13th century by Robert de Vieuxpont, a powerful local baron who was granted the lordship of Westmorland by King John. Largely in ruins, the keep still stands today, a fine example of medieval military architecture. Climb its spiral stairs to the top for panoramic views over the Eden Valley.
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Mostar’s Iconic Bridge
By Linda Tancs
Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina located on the banks of the Neretva River. Its iconic symbol is Old Bridge, a replica of a 16th-century bridge built under the orders of Suleiman the Magnificent. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it hosts a cliff diving competition each year that draws spectators and thrill-seekers alike. This year’s event begins on July 31.
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Art in the Fjord
By Linda Tancs
Surrounded by the Tjuvholmen sculpture park with views of the fjord, Oslo’s Astrup Fearnley Museum is a destination in itself. One of the Nordic countries’ leading museums for contemporary art, the museum manages the extensive Astrup Fearnley collection and presents changing exhibitions featuring both works from the collection and new productions by artists from around the world. You’ll find significant works by artists such as Matthew Barney, Paul Chan, Trisha Donnelly, Nicole Eisenman, Ida Ekblad, Félix González-Torres and others. Don’t miss a stroll through the sculpture park which, along with the museum building, was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
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Art in the Subway
By Linda Tancs
Stockholm’s subway (metro) system may not be the biggest or the oldest, but it does boast the world’s longest art gallery. Sixty-eight miles long, the tunnels exhibit artwork initiated during Sweden’s late 1950s cultural boom that continues to be updated today. Its 100 stations feature unique art on the platform, walls or waiting hall. The system celebrated a milestone, its 75th anniversary, last year.
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The Viking Age
By Linda Tancs
Danish prehistory culminated in the Viking Age, the period from A.D. 800 to A.D. 1050. During the Viking Age the first kings appeared, who ruled an area roughly corresponding to present-day Denmark and, at the end of the age, also ruled over England and Norway during certain periods. That’s just part of 9,000 years of history you’ll discover at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history, it’s regarded as one of Europe’s best museums. A key exhibit showcases national treasures such as the Sun Chariot (a Nordic Bronze Age artifact discovered in Denmark), the well-preserved remains of the Bronze Age Egtved Girl, and an incredible collection of archaeological finds from the Viking Age. Self-guided and guided tours are available.
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Cairo’s Grand Museum
By Linda Tancs
Opened less than a year ago, the Grand Egyptian Museum is the largest museum in the world devoted to a single civilization. Located near the Great Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, the venue displays, conserves and studies over 50,000 artifacts across 7,000 years of ancient Egyptian civilization. The entrance is marked by a hanging obelisk, the first elevated obelisk in the country. Inside, you’ll find galleries dedicated to Egypt’s most famous pharaoh, King Tut. Additionally, you’ll find colossal statues in the Grand Hall and a collection of boats from the funerary complex of King Khufu, among many other galleries. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.
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Copenhagen’s Climbable Spire
By Linda Tancs
Located in the Christianshavn neighborhood of Copenhagen, Denmark, Our Saviour’s Church boasts a magnificent organ from 1698 and a beautiful altar. Furthermore, the Baroque church has 40 elephant motifs symbolizing the Order of the Elephant, the highest order of chivalry in Denmark. Perhaps its most famous attraction, though, is the serpentine spire. Inaugurated in 1752, climbing all 400 steps to the top has become very popular. On the last 150 external steps, you will experience one of the best views over Copenhagen with an overview of the city from every angle at 282 feet. Entrance to the church is free; advance booking is recommended for the tower.
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Korea’s National Garden
By Linda Tancs
Suncheon Bay National Garden is South Korea’s first national garden. Occupying 1.12 million square meters, you’ll want at least half a day to explore the various gardens built in the style of various countries like Spain, the Netherlands, England, Italy, Mexico and more. The site also features a wetland reserve, one of the five major coastal wetlands in the world. Visit the Korean garden after returning from the wetland reserve in the evening. This is when the traditional Korean houses are lit up and particularly beautiful. You can use SkyCube, an unmanned rapid transit system, to move between the garden and the wetland reserve.
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Sweden’s Smallest Statue
By Linda Tancs
Beloved by locals, the smallest statue in Sweden is Iron Boy (Järnpojke). It’s located in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. Less than six inches high, it sits on a larger table in the courtyard next to the Finnish Church, looking up toward the sky (which is why it’s also referred to as “the little boy who looks at the moon”). It isn’t unusual for folks to leave coins or flowers or even to dress him in accordance with the weather. Legend has it that you should rub his head for good luck.
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