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
Germany’s Natural Wonder Endangered in the North Sea
By Linda Tancs
In the middle of the North Sea, about 70 km from the mouth of Germany’s Elbe River, lies the tiny municipality of Helgoland. The smallness of the island is dramatized by the largeness of its landmark, a 47-meter high, red sedimentary rock birthed by Mother Nature affectionately called Lange Anna (Tall Anna). If the experts are right, Tall Anna will be getting a lot shorter. Claiming ongoing erosion of the 25,000 ton monolith by storm waters, experts fear that without the undertaking of protective measures likely to cost millions of euros, Nature will reclaim what it once built. And that won’t be good for tourism, considering that only about 400,000 tourists visited this destination last year. Without such a photogenic landmark to draw visitors, that number is likely to plummet further. So Nature, heal thyself.
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Little Liechtenstein
By Linda Tancs
Liechtenstein, a haven for both athlete and aesthete, is a tiny principality nestled along the borders of Switzerland and Austria. Explore the charms of this unassuming little land at www.travelrificradio.com.
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A Real Lover’s Lane
By Linda Tancs
In this Valentine’s Day edition of Travelrific®, it is only fitting to highlight one of Europe’s great romantic destinations–no, not Paris. The subject is Cinque Terre (five villages), nestled along Italy’s Mediterranean province of La Spezia. The five villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Along the way between Riomaggiore and Manarola lies Via dell’ Amore (lover’s lane), a hiking trail resplendent with ocean views that demands your full attention. Just don’t expect to lounge around these sometimes steep trails with your grappa and focaccia. Save that for later.
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York Celebrates Viking Heritage
By Linda Tancs
York, UK may be most recognized for its medieval Shambles, but its Viking history is just as compelling. Now through 17 February visitors can celebrate all things Viking at the festival at Jorvik Viking Centre. The Centre is built on the very location in York where archeological digs unearthed the ancient city of Jorvik, dating to AD 975. The festival celebrates Viking arts and crafts, storytelling and historical Anglo-Scandinavian events. Visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk for more information.
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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.
