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
Norway’s First Lighthouse
By Linda Tancs
Located on Norway’s southernmost mainland point, Lindesnes Lighthouse is the country’s first lighthouse. The first light occupying the site dates to 1656; the current cast-iron building dates to 1915. The lighthouse has been designated a national lighthouse museum and hosts various exhibitions relating to the development and history of lighthouses as well as maritime culture. Tours take place every day in July and last a little over one hour.
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A Walk by the Sea in Croatia
By Linda Tancs
A landmark of Opatija, Croatia, Lungomare is a seafront promenade connecting the picturesque fishing village of Volosko with Opatija and further on with Ičići, Ika and Lovran. A popular path for locals and visitors alike, some of the scenes you’ll encounter include beautiful beaches and coves, the magnificent Villa Angiolina (housing the Croatian Museum of Tourism) and the iconic Maiden With The Seagull sculpture near the boat harbor.
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The History of Iron
By Linda Tancs
Located in Montaigu Park in Jarville-la-Malgrange, Le Féru des Sciences in northeastern France invites visitors to learn about how iron has been used through the ages and particularly in the region. You’ll discover how iron ore is mined and how iron is made, follow the history of iron and steel in the region and discover its innovations. The Forge Garden outside provides a pleasant respite and features installations and artifacts like an old section of staircase from the Eiffel Tower.
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The French Tuscany
By Linda Tancs
Sometimes referred to as “the French Tuscany,” Uzès is a medieval town in the Eure Valley with narrow, cobblestone streets and winding roads that date back to the Roman occupation in the first century. In fact, the quaint town was the origination point of a Roman aqueduct that carried water to Nîmes. The centerpiece of that engineering marvel, Pont du Gard, still stands and is the most-visited monument in France dating from antiquity. A footpath will take you around the remains of the aqueduct and some superb viewpoints.
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Forgotten by History
By Linda Tancs
Forgotten by history, Britain’s Fitzwilliam family of South Yorkshire was once one of the grandest families in the nation. Having made their fortune with coal, they owned over 100,000 acres in England and Ireland. Their stately home, Wentworth Woodhouse (now owned by a preservation trust), testifies to a bygone era of royal visits by the likes of Queen Victoria as well as King George V and Queen Mary. Take a guided tour of the house (featuring the State Rooms) and stroll the gardens, where you can follow a trail from the stables. There are regular bus services to the village of Wentworth and train stations at Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster, all with linking bus services.
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A Trifecta of Delights in Jerez
By Linda Tancs
The Andalusian town of Jerez de la Frontera sports a trifecta of delights: wine, flamenco and horses. Sherry hails from this region of Spain, where you can participate in tastings and visit production sites. The town is also considered to be the home of flamenco, hosting an annual two-week winter festival that attracts flamenco artists from all over the world. Another gem is the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, one of the most prestigious classical riding academies in the world. Their premier event is the show, “How the Andalusian Horses Dance,” an equestrian ballet accompanied by quintessential Spanish music and 18th-century styled costumes.
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Berlin’s TV Tower
By Linda Tancs
The tallest building in Germany, the TV Tower on Alexanderplatz in Berlin is the city’s most prominent landmark. It’s a must-see for tourists, who get panoramic views up to 50 miles on a clear day from the observation deck over 600 feet high. A floor above the deck is a restaurant; book early if you want a window seat.
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Swiss Magic
By Linda Tancs
Lake Brienz is one of the most stunning turquoise lakes in Switzerland, and along its shore is one of the most picturesque villages in the country, Iseltwald. The fairy-tale village of around 500 inhabitants gained notoriety for the filming of a romantic scene for a South Korean drama series, drawing many Asian tourists to the region. Among its many charms is the iconic Schloss Seeburg at the tip of a peninsula, a must-see for shutterbugs. Enjoy the views from any number of piers and benches, or set out on a canoe ride around the lake and castle.
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Pearl of the French Alps
By Linda Tancs
Annecy is affectionately referred to as the Pearl of the French Alps. The prized appellation owes as much to the purity of its lake’s drinking water as it does to the scenery. In fact, Lake Annecy (the second-largest natural lake in France) ranks first in Europe for the purity of its waters. Historically, the town was the capital of the Duchy of Geneva, a division of the Duchy of Savoy, which became part of France in 1860. Now the principal city of the Haute-Savoie region, the picturesque town just shy of the Swiss border is surrounded by mountains ringing its famous lake. Enjoy the activities that the lake has to offer, like pedal boating, cruising, sailing and even two nature reserves on the eastern and southern shores.
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The Castle in the River
By Linda Tancs
The Knights Templar was a medieval military order of the Catholic faith. In Portugal, they were granted lands and authority to defend the River Tagus from incursions by the Moors. One of their fortifications was the Castle of Almourol located in the river. Its commanding position offers great views from the ramparts. You can take an inexpensive ferry to get there.
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