Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for tourism
The Wizard of Menlo Park
By Linda Tancs
History buffs know that the Wizard is none other than Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, phonograph and over 400 other inventions. Menlo Park is the site within Edison, New Jersey where the great innovator worked his magic. Although another museum in West Orange gets more attention (and more tourists), this little enclave on Christie Street has one of those first light bulbs and the letter to the editor giving rise to the Wizard appellation. You would have trouble finding the place but for the concrete tower topped off by a 3.5 ton bulb that rises like a phoenix above the trees on Lincoln Highway. Are you the next great American inventor? Stop by for a visit and maybe you’ll find your muse.
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No Worries
By Linda Tancs
“Don’t worry, be happy” must have been the mantra of choice for the Prussian king Frederick the Great when he commissioned Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, Germany. Sanssouci (from the French sans souci, meaning “without worries”) was commissioned in 1747 as the ultimate getaway for a harried king on the battlefield. The largest World Heritage Site in the country, the rococo-styled mega-mansion is perhaps equally known for its expansive park. Combining the best of European Baroque garden settings, it’s probably no wonder that the property is often referred to as the “Prussian Versailles.” In other words, when en vogue, do as the French do.
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Da Vinci Slept Here
By Linda Tancs
Amboise Castle (Château d’Amboise) is a stout fortress in France’s Loire valley. Its magnificent trappings and gardens no doubt merit a World Heritage designation, but its biggest claim to fame may be for what is–or isn’t–buried in the palace grounds; namely, the remains of Leonardo da Vinci. The great Renaissance master moved to France in what would be his last years during the reign of King Francis I, accepting a post as “first painter to the king.” His creative genius is undisputed (a rare occurrence). What is less certain, however, is his final resting place, reputed to be Saint-Hubert’s chapel on the palace grounds. According to a story by the Associated Press, his remains were originally buried at the palace church of Saint Florentine but required removal after destruction of the site during the French Revolution. The identity of the remains removed to Saint-Hubert remains subject to much speculation. Amboise holds fast to its status as eternal host to one of the world’s finest artists; a simple stone slab on the floor of the church bears his name. Regardless what you believe, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the palace, like the sweeping views of the town and valley from the castle ramparts. The intricate Late Gothic carvings on the chapel’s exterior and its interior stained glass windows are worth the visit, too.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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A Room With a View in Seoul
By Linda Tancs
The W Hotel in Seoul may be the chain’s first property in Asia, but the view is likely the thing that visitors will remember most. Sure, as a luxe hotel it’s got all the trappings you would expect: soothing spa remedies, ambience, five-star dining experiences, a resort locale. But it’s the view atop Mount Acha’s gliding slopes that makes it hard to leave the room. On a clear day, as the song goes, you can see forever. That’s W for “wow.” What’s your favorite room with a view?
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Magic Returns to Barcelona
By Linda Tancs
For the first time, Carnival Cruises will homeport in Barcelona with the return of the 130,000-ton vessel Magic in 2011. The ship will offer 7-, 9- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises from its adopted port, May through October. As reported in 2008 for Carnival’s Dream liner, Magic will keep the kids happy. Adults may find their inner Zulu at the Serenity spa. Today marks the last day for previous Carnival guests to cash in on pre-sale pricing as part of the line’s celebrated return to Europe. Newbies can view the full fare menu beginning on 26 January.
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The Soul of Seoul
By Linda Tancs
Seoul has been the capital of South Korea for 600 years, but this city is far from antiquated. In fact, among its many tributes to royalty and tradition lies a cultural renaissance in the making. Find out more at Travelrific® Radio.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services related to Korean tourism.
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Imelda’s Paradise
By Linda Tancs
Last summer the famously opulent Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette opened a shoe department. Big deal, you say? Well, how many shoe departments have you seen that span almost 35,000 square feet? As you would imagine, there’s something for every budget, from flip-flops to Ferragamos. Imelda Marcos, the shoe-happy former First Lady of the Philippines, would no doubt find it heavenly.
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Old Charm in Crete
By Linda Tancs
Rethymno, one of the four provinces of Crete, is its third largest city, offering views of the White Mountains in the West and Mount Psiloritis in the East. There’s more to this metropolis than meets the eye, however. In fact, there’s plenty of retro in this metro. Consider the postcard-perfect harbor with its wooden boats. Or the cobbled streets. Or the fortress in the old town section, built by the Turks to protect against invaders. Not to mention the Venetian-style mansions. All this and great beaches, too. Festival season starts later this month, so start packing. Ferries depart daily from Athens.
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The Cross Toss in Bulgaria
By Linda Tancs
Today marks the Feast of the Epiphany, popularly celebrated as the twelfth day following Christmas when the three kings visited with baby Jesus. In Sofia, Bulgaria, the event is marked with a dive into an icy cold lake to retrieve a cross thrown by an Eastern Orthodox priest. The winning recipient risks a little momentary hypothermia for the promise of a blessing of good health throughout the year. The losers had better take their vitamins.
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Tallest Building in the World
By Linda Tancs
In the UAE’s most populous city, Dubai, a phoenix has risen. That would be Burj, the world’s tallest building. Rising to an astounding 2717 feet, let’s hope that the glass and metal behemoth does not become a white elephant in this tropical climate suffering from a different sort of meltdown–that is to say, financial. Architectural gem or monument to the excesses of a golden era? You decide.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
