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
A Storied Bridge in Queensland
By Linda Tancs
Brisbane’s Story Bridge is the largest steel bridge designed, fabricated and constructed in Australia by Australians. The city’s most iconic structure, you’ll get the best bird’s-eye view over Brisbane City, Kangaroo Point and far beyond to the distant mountain ranges and up the Brisbane River thanks to the adventure climb, one of only three bridge climbs in the world. If ground level suits you better, then enjoy the skyline views at Howard Smith Wharves, a dining and lifestyle precinct beneath the bridge.
Share this:
The Romantic Road
By Linda Tancs
Southern Germany’s Romantic Road isn’t really a lover’s lane; it’s a 285-mile route between Würzburg and Füssen linking 29 towns and all the nature, culture, art, culinary delights and hospitality that go along with them. At the northern endpoint of Würzburg you’ll encounter a wine region known for the Residenz, an 18th-century baroque palace with a Tiepolo fresco. At the southern end of Füssen you’ll find yourself at the foothills of the Alps near King Ludwig II’s iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. In between you’ll find plenty of interesting stops, like the medieval townscape in Rothenburg, the crater town of Nördlingen (built in a crater caused by a meteorite) and historic Dinkelsbühl, a former free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. The road is arguably best explored by car although public transportation is also an option, particularly for targeted stops in the better-known cities.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
