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
The Key to England
By Linda Tancs
The history of England’s Dover Castle begins in the 1180s, when King Henry II commenced building of the present fortress. It’s known as the “key to England” because of its strategic location overlooking the English Channel from the White Cliffs of Dover and its defensive significance. In fact, the castle has played a crucial role in the defense of the realm for over nine centuries, a span equaled only by the Tower of London and Windsor Castle. Remarkably, an even older structure exists within the castle walls, a lighthouse built by the Romans to guide ships into the harbor after they invaded in A.D. 43. One of only three Roman lighthouses to survive from the whole of the former Roman Empire, it is also the most complete standing Roman building in England.
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The Ulysses Riviera
By Linda Tancs
Named for its mythological origins, Italy’s Ulysses Riviera is a coastline running from San Felice Circeo to Minturno that’s known for its natural beauty and archaeological sites. One of its beautiful seaside towns is Gaeta, which dates to Imperial Rome. Not surprisingly, it boasts a protected area with Roman ruins, which is set within Monte Orlando Park. Its most stunning attraction is arguably the Sanctuary of the Split Mountain—an 11th-century Benedictine monastery built into the cliffs and grottoes of the park. Its appearance today reflects renovations dating to the 17th century that incorporate Neapolitan and Spanish baroque styles. Popes, kings, bishops and saints have been counted among its visitors. You can reach the sanctuary from the city center of Gaeta going through Via Munazio Planco and following the indications along the road.
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Steaming Through the Doux
By Linda Tancs
The Train de l’Ardèche follows a railway line linking Tournon-sur-Rhône and Lamastre, a route built in the 1800s to transport people, goods and mail. Its Mallot steam locomotives were especially built for this line, a narrow gauge track following the Doux River through beautiful gorges, scenic views of villages and countryside, chestnut groves and orchards. The main station is Tournon St Jean situated in the village of St-Jean-de-Muzols, not far from Tournon-sur-Rhône. However, you can also depart from the stations in Boucieu le Roi and Lamastre. Events are offered throughout the year, ranging from Western-themed trips to wine tastings and decorated trains for Halloween.
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The Magic of Ashdown Forest
By Linda Tancs
Ashdown Forest is an ancient area of open heathland occupying the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, England. It’s perhaps better known as the woodland that inspired one of the best-loved children’s stories of all time, Winnie the Pooh. The loop trail around the forest explores locations that correspond to the Hundred Acre Wood from the story. The route begins at Gill’s Lap car park and heads north, passing Gill’s Lap Clump. There you’ll find a commemoration stone for the author A.A. Milne and the illustrator E.H. Shepard. The route continues to Wrens Warren Valley, known as Eeyore’s sad and gloomy place in the story. The trail is open year round.
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House of the Ninth Symphony
By Linda Tancs
In the center of Baden, Austria, a very ordinary house boasts an extraordinary history. It’s the home where the great composer Ludwig van Beethoven lived in the 1820s and composed much of his ninth symphony. To appreciate his musical genius, Beethovenhaus offers audio tours featuring his famous symphony. You’ll also find artifacts like a lock of his hair and the grand piano that he played.
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Paper in the Balkans
By Linda Tancs
In today’s digital environment, you may be tempted to think that paper is a relic from another age. Maybe the National Workshop for Handmade Paper will change your mind. Located in Ohrid, North Macedonia, the staff will show you the centuries-old way of making paper, by pressing and drying the slurry of pulp. And the workshop’s printer is an exact replica of Guttenberg’s printing press from the 15th century, one of two in the world. Of course, you can buy paper made in the museum and purchase prints at a nominal cost. Entry to the workshop is free.
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Like No Other Welsh Castle
By Linda Tancs
Arguably one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages, Caernarfon Castle in North Wales is a feat of medieval engineering. It was built by King Edward I as part of his “iron ring” of castles to encircle and subdue Wales and is the place where his son, Edward of Caernarfon, was invested as the first Prince of Wales. It might be better known as the investiture site of King Charles III when he became Prince of Wales. The Eagle Tower, with its three great turrets and 18-feet thick walls, is the crowning glory of the fortress and one of many highlights. In two towers you’ll also find the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which recounts over 300 years of service of Wales’s oldest infantry.
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The Great Stupa of Laos
By Linda Tancs
Laos is a Southeast Asian country particularly known for its Buddhist monasteries. One of the most significant is Pha That Luang in Vientiane, where a reliquary reportedly houses the Buddha’s breastbone. Founded in the third century, the current structure was built by King Setthathirath (or Xaysettha) in 1566 after Vientiane became the capital city. The striking monument has a pinnacle covered in real gold with a set of painted turrets surrounding its central stupa. The temple is easily reachable by tuk tuk or bicycle.
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Anglophone Literary Life in Paris
By Linda Tancs
A Left Bank literary institution, Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookshop in the heart of Paris. The first iteration of the shop began in 1919, founded by American Sylvia Beach. It attracted the great expat writers of the time—Joyce, Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald, Eliot, Pound—as well as leading French writers until the Nazis occupied Paris in 1941. Part of its acclaim during her tenure arises from the fact that Beach published her friend James Joyce’s Ulysses in 1922 when no one else dared. Like the first iteration, the second Shakespeare and Company was founded by an American, George Whitman, in 1951. It remains a premier gathering place for anglophone writers and readers.
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A Royal Trek in Nepal
By Linda Tancs
The Royal Trek is one of the best introductory treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It’s named for King Charles III, who explored the route in 1981 shortly before he married Princess Diana. It’s also known for its low difficulty level suitable for individuals of varying fitness levels and trekking experience. It follows a shrub-like path along the foothills of Annapurna, north of the Pokhara valley, that includes beautiful Gurung settlements, small hamlets, terraced farms, lush green forests and views of the Annapurna range featuring Machapuchhre (fishtail) and Langtang Mountain. The journey ends at Begnas Lake.
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