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
Salt and Light in Colombia
By Linda Tancs
A popular day trip from Bogotá, Colombia, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground church—literally. It’s carved out of an abandoned salt mine, illuminated by colorful lights. Among the statues and sculptures you’ll find naves with pew seating, a dome and the Stations of the Cross. The tourist train departs Bogotá on weekends; otherwise you can take a bus.
Share this:
The High Life in Bolivia
By Linda Tancs
The world’s highest administrative capital is La Paz, Bolivia, reaching almost 12,000 feet above sea level. At that altitude, you’ll benefit from visiting the many viewpoints in the city. A popular one is Mirador Laikakota, a magnificent lookout point offering clear panoramic views of the city center. Also, Sallahumani (located next to the La Paz – El Alto road) offers cityscape views and mountain views of Illimani, the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real of western Bolivia and the second highest peak in the country. Whatever you choose to view, you’ll likely do it using La Paz’s cable car system, providing fast and and reliable transport between the city’s major attractions at an altitude of about 13,000 feet.
Share this:
Music for All in North York Moors
By Linda Tancs
Moor, coast, forest and dale. It’s all there in England’s North York Moors National Park. And with sunlight extending well into the evening this time of year, there’s plenty of time to enjoy it. August also brings a flush of purple to the area’s prized heather, another reason to visit, along with the many village, arts and music shows. A favorite is the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival, a gathering of renowned classical musicians from around the world, bringing beautiful music to nine churches within the heart of the park. St. Peter & St. Paul in Pickering hosts the opening concert of the festival, taking place this year between August 11 and August 24.
Share this:
The Pit of Bones
By Linda Tancs
Considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, Atapuerca comprises several limestone caves near the medieval city of Burgos in northern Spain. It contains a rich fossil record of the earliest human beings in Europe from a million years ago. With colorful names such as Pit of the Elephant and Pit of Bones, the findings there include the earliest evidence of humans in western Europe and a stunning array of over 1,600 human fossils and intact skulls. The locale was designed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Share this:
Stour Valley Path Celebrates 25 Years
By Linda Tancs
The Stour Valley Path is a 60-mile route following the valley sides of the River Stour through the beautiful Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire countryside. The path was established 25 years ago, and the local tourism authority is celebrating that milestone with its own passport, stamped by local businesses along the route. A popular stretch is from Newmarket to Cattawade, involving a series of bus and train transfers along with moderate walks. Not far from Cattawade you’ll have the opportunity to view the site inspiring John Constable’s Hay Wain painting, based on a locale in Suffolk near Flatford. It’s arguably one of Constable’s most famous paintings and one of England’s most popular.
Share this:
Creature Comforts in a Park
By Linda Tancs
Like any national park, Glenveagh in County Donegal, Ireland, has its share of extraordinary vistas, like bogland, woodland, freshwater and rocky precipices. And in the center of it all is the stately elegance of Glenveagh Castle. Built by a wealthy land speculator in the 1800s, the castellated mansion was subsequently occupied by army forces during the country’s civil war and later owned by an Irish-American until it was conveyed to the nation. Enjoy the surrounding courtyards, walled garden, pleasure grounds and woodland gardens. A shuttle bus runs there daily from the park’s Visitor Centre.
Share this:
Bali’s Iconic Bird
By Linda Tancs
As if Bali weren’t fabled enough, West Bali National Park is a lush oasis of forests, mountains, clear blue water and long stretches of protected beach and offshore coral reefs. But the reason for the park’s creation in 1941 is to protect the island’s iconic and endemic bird, the snow-white and critically endangered Bali Starling. It’s one of about 160 species recorded in the park. In addition to flora and fauna watching, the park’s offshore island Menjangan is a popular diving spot for coral reef and other marine exploration. The journey there from Denpasar, Bali’s capital, is about four or five hours.
Share this:
Seaside Splendor in Spain
By Linda Tancs
Widely regarded as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, Cudillero is a picturesque fishing port on the Atlantic Coast, far from the madding crowd. One of its most distinctive features is its brightly colored houses nestled in horseshoe fashion among the cliffs. Take in the views from the lighthouse or the lookout point at Mirador de la Garita.
Share this:
The Island of Wine
By Linda Tancs
The ancient Greeks planted vines on the Croatian island Hvar in 384 B.C. So it’s fair to say that they’ve been in the winemaking business there a good while, the quality of their wine a testament to their proud heritage. It’s equally prized as a summer resort, touted as the sunniest spot in the country. That suits beachgoers just fine, who can enjoy pebble beaches like Dubovica, surrounded by pine trees and olive groves. To get there, hop on the high-speed ferry from Dubrovnik.
Share this:
Caledonian Splendor
By Linda Tancs
Once upon a time, a vast woodland known as the Caledonian Forest covered much of Scotland. Formed at the end of the last ice age, its remnants are still visible in places like Glen Affric, considered one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. Thick with trees, its mix of Scots pine, birch, oak and Douglas fir is a big reason why the glen is protected as a National Nature Reserve. Several animals call these ancient woods home, like its iconic red deer (most visible in winter and autumn), pine martens and red squirrels. The protected environment is also invaluable for rare species like golden eagles and black grouse. A short distance from Loch Ness, the River Affric runs the length of the reserve, where trails offer stunning views of the mountains, towering trees and waterfalls.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 