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 Royal Visit in Santander
By Linda Tancs
Widely recognized as an emblem of the city of Santander in northern Spain, Palacio de La Magdalena was the summer residence of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia for 17 years. Situated on the highest point of the Península de La Magdalena (sandwiched between the historic quarter and El Sardinero, a famous beach), the English-style residence (evoking the Queen’s homeland) is surrounded by gardens and wooded areas, a popular place for relaxation among the 60,000 or so annual visitors. The palace also famously serves as the locale for summer courses of the International Menéndez Pelayo University presented by renowned faculty from around the world.
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A Mozart Family Festival
By Linda Tancs
The Bavarian town of Augsburg, Germany, might not immediately come to mind as a town associated with Wolfgang Mozart, who is more famously connected to Salzburg and Vienna. But it is the birthplace of his father Leopold, an influential composer in his own right. Honoring both father and son, the city hosts a Mozart festival every May, performing compositions of both father and son with events for adults as well as children. This year’s festival continues through May 26. Augsburg is easily reachable from Munich by train or car.
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Frankfurt’s Secret Sauce
By Linda Tancs
Frankfurt’s secret sauce (as the expression goes) is its green sauce. The German concoction is made of seven different kinds of herbs: borage, chervil, cress, parsley, salad burnet, sorrel and chives. Throw in some sour cream, yogurt, vinegar and oil, and the city’s culinary favorite is born. And, no, it was not invented by the mother of local son Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (although it might have been the renowned writer’s favorite hometown dish). Served cold over hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes, it’s the star of its own festival in May. Celebrated from May 11 to May 19 this year, the Green Sauce Festival takes place at Rossmarkt.
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France’s First Flower Show
By Linda Tancs
King Francis I of France called the Erdre the most beautiful river in the country. Imagine what he’d think of the fabulous display of flowers along its banks during the international flower exhibition, Comité des Floralies. France’s first flower show, the event takes place every five years in Nantes. Running from today through May 19, the popular exhibition convenes more than 200 flower and plant experts from around the world to create stunning displays at the expo center along the banks.
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A Czech Icon
By Linda Tancs
Founded in the 9th century, Prague Castle is one of the most important cultural symbols in the Czech Republic. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world, it comprises palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles as well as knockout views of the city from the Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral. The castle’s season opening is on May 11, when you can visit for free. Be sure to see the falconry show in the castle gardens throughout the day.
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Sea and Desert in Almería
By Linda Tancs
Spain’s Almería province rivals any beach destination, with long, sandy beaches stretching from Pulpí in the east to Adra in the west bathed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the desert located north of the city of Almería (Tabernas), popularly cited as Europe’s only bona fide desert. A popular film location, the area is characterized by rugged badlands suitable for hiking. Go now before the temperatures climb.
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The Hills of Kampala
By Linda Tancs
Kampala is Uganda’s largest city and seat of the Buganda Kingdom dating to the 14th century. Like Rome, it was originally built on seven hills. Today, greater Kampala stands on at least 20 hills, all the better for panoramic views, like those from Uganda National Mosque. Some notable attractions are the Royal Mile (from the parliament building to Lubiri Palace), the Kasubi tombs (burial place of Buganda kings), the Independence Monument and Bahai Temple, the seat of the Bahai faith in Africa.
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The Ocean’s Call in Brest
By Linda Tancs
A popular port city in Brittany, Brest is known for its rich maritime history. Nestled in one of France’s most beautiful natural harbors, it boasts incredible quayside views as well as architectural wonders like Pont de l’Iroise bridge, holding a world span record for a cable-stayed bridge. You can take a cruise across the entirety of the harbor, connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Goulet de Brest channel. Among its other charms are the National Navy Museum, housed in the medieval Château de Brest, and Océanopolis, a unique ocean discovery center in Europe with enormous aquariums and a seal clinic.
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Exeter’s Underground
By Linda Tancs
Predating the arrival of the Romans, Exeter is an ancient English city boasting Exeter Cathedral, one of England’s most beautiful medieval cathedrals and one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in the country. Perhaps less known but equally interesting is the city’s underground passages. Built to house the pipes that brought clean drinking water into medieval Exeter, these are the only passages of their kind open to the public in Britain. Early booking is advisable.
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Oxford of the East
By Linda Tancs
Voted India’s most livable city in 2018, Pune mixes contemporary metropolitan flair with striking, historical landmarks. Known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, it’s also been dubbed “Oxford of the East” owing to the renowned educational institutions there. An iconic attraction is Aga Khan Palace, built by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan in 1892 to house famine-ravaged people in the area. Later it would serve as the centerpiece of the Indian freedom movement when Mahatma Gandhi, his wife, secretary and others were incarcerated there.
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