Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for italy
Of Gladiators and Chariots
By Linda Tancs
You know the old expression, “everything old is new again.” Now that applies to gladiators and chariots, too. In Rome, city representatives are contemplating an authentic re-creation (read: no puppet shows) of gladiator battles at the Colosseum, less commonly known as the Flavium amphitheater, in an effort to bring ancient Rome back to life. In another resurrection planned for over a decade, the O2 in London will present Ben-Hur, complete with its signature chariot scene made famous by Charleton Heston, in September. Presumably the show will tour Europe if all goes well in London.
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Umbria’s Big Tree
By Linda Tancs
Every year on 7 December Gubbio, Italy turns the lights on the world’s largest Christmas tree. This “tree” is a fir-like design of 1300 feet of neon lights connected by over 40,000 feet of cable, beginning at the foothills of this Umbrian town and rising to its tabernacle dedicated to the village’s patron saint, Ubaldo. Now in its 28th year, the show runs till 10 January. If you can’t make it, buy the stamp instead. The local post office commemorated its 10th anniversary back in 1990–philatelists, take note.
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A Stronger Constitution
By Linda Tancs
It seems that Italy’s newest Venetian bridge in 70 years is suffering post-inaugural trauma reminiscent of London’s Millenium Bridge. When Millenium first opened, engineering snafus caused embarrassing tilts and waves of the new-agey span. In Venice, the $8 million bridge named in honor of the country’s Constitution has some tourists seeing double and tripping over themselves, allegedly over the disturbing optical effects of the sectioned stone and glass floorings. Others fear that the banks of the Grand Canal can’t support the latest juggernaut. Does Italy need a stronger Constitution?
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The Aqueous Paradise of Venice
By Linda Tancs
World famous for its canals and gondoliers, Venice is an aqueous paradise often emulated but never rivaled. Find out what it is about this city that charms so many. Visit Travelrific® Travel Show.
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Florence, a Renaissance City
By Linda Tancs
Florence is often referred to as the cradle of the Renaissance, a cultural jewel of 15th century art and architecture. And with a preeminent gallery like the Uffizi at its doorstep, who can argue? Visit it at Travelrific® Travel Show .
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Italy’s Fabled City
By Linda Tancs
Popularly known as the Eternal City, Rome boasts 3000 years of timeless beauty in this fabled Italian metropolis. Take in the sights 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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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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What the Budget-Conscious Traveler Needs to Know About Venice
By Linda Tancs
As many travelers prepare to attend Carnival in Venice (25 January through 5 February), some caution is advised regarding pricing. Unbeknownst to many, Venetian service establishments are required to post a price list, a practice seemingly honored more in the breach than the observance. It should come as no surprise that, absent a price list, locals are charged less than tourists in many instances. Moreover, should you desire to take a water taxi across the canals, be sure to specify your desire for a taxi or else you may find yourself charged a private charter rate. And it wouldn’t hurt to negotiate with a gondolier to assure yourself the best rate. Let Venice stimulate your senses more than your pocketbook.
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Don’t Idle in Italy
By Linda Tancs
Anyone who has ever traveled to Venice, Italy, during peak season has experienced the herding phenomenon in and around the square and across its famous bridges, not to mention the scowls and angry utterances of the locals trying to keep pace with the droppings of litterbugs and loiterers. Well, idle no more. The Venetians are reclaiming their turf with fines for those foolish enough to nosh on their panini while touring. So sit down (at a table, that is), relax, and enjoy that gelato. Grazie.
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