Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Paris of the Orient
By Linda Tancs
Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is Vietnam’s Paris of the Orient. It was, after all, a French colony. French inspiration is everywhere. Consider the Opera House–reminiscent of Petit Palais–or the Notre Dame Basilica, its building
materials imported from France. The area is not only a treasure trove of French colonial architecture but also a biological haven, hosting an increasing number of newly discovered species in the nearby Mekong Delta.
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Madrid’s Hidden Beauty
By Linda Tancs
Prado is Spain’s national art museum, located in central Madrid and filled with masterpieces by Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Goya and El Greco, to name a few. The museum’s collection ranges from the late second century to the threshold of the 20th century. With that much ground to cover, you’ll be grateful that the museum is offering an exhibition through 10 November to showcase its vast inventory–at least from the 14th to 19th centuries. “Hidden Beauty: Fra Angelico to Fortuny” features artists like Murillo, Rubens, Watteau, Goya, and Fortuny.
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The Jungle’s Temple
By Linda Tancs
Ta Prohm is a temple at Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. One of the most visited sites in the region, this former Buddhist monastery is probably best known for the massive tree trunks and roots that have consumed the structure in an eerie natural embrace. Not surprisingly, the site was used in the film Tomb Raider.
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Sculpted by Nature
By Linda Tancs
In northeast Vietnam lies Ha Long Bay, an expansive area of over 1600 largely uninhabited islands and islets. Thanks to its exceptional abundance of limestone cliffs, caves and arches sculpted by nature, this popular tourist destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reachable from Hanoi (about a four-hour drive each way), consider a two-day excursion, complete with junk boat accommodations. You won’t want to miss the dark sands of Scorched Beach or the picturesque formations of Heavenly Palace Cave. Visit by month’s end while the weather is best.
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Niagara’s Best Kept Secret
By Linda Tancs
The historic lighthouse and pier at Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Canada are just part of this waterfront community’s charms, one of Niagara’s best kept secrets. Named for the ninth Earl of Dalhousie, the tony village is also home to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and an antique carousel charging a very nostalgic five cents a ride. Situated in the Niagara Peninsula, it’s right in the heart of one of Canada’s biggest wine-producing regions.
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Sweet Corn Colorado
By Linda Tancs
Olathe is a tiny town in northern Colorado that has drawn big names for its annual Sweet Corn Festival, a celebration of its agricultural jewel. Who would think that an ear of corn would attract the likes of Three Dog Night, Kansas, Styx, LeAnn Rimes, Travis Tritt and Clint Black? This year’s event takes place on 3 August.
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The Wurst of It
By Linda Tancs
Sheboygan, Wisconsin’s claim to fame is the bratwurst. Not surprising, considering that the spicy little sausage emigrated to the area with its German settlers. Sheboygan celebrates its annual Bratwurst Days tomorrow through Saturday, a tradition begun in 1953 to celebrate the city’s 100th anniversary. Don’t miss the brat eating contest on Saturday. Where else can you see the best of the wurst? Park at Memorial Mall and take the free shuttle.
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The Bridge of God
By Linda Tancs
In southern Ethiopia the twin lakes of Abaya and Chamo are divided by a spit of land called the Bridge of God, seemingly named for its heavenly nature. On the Lake Chamo side, its animal inhabitants might seem equally divinely inspired–or otherworldly, depending on your perspective. For instance, the area sports the world’s largest population of giant crocodiles, measuring nearly 20 feet in length. A boat trip will take you safely through the so-called crocodile marketplace, where you’ll also see hippos and a magnificent array of birds (including rare species). The lake’s northern end lies in Nechisar National Park, east of Arba Minch.
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Last of the Corn Mills
By Linda Tancs
In 1132, 13 monks came to England’s Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire to live a simpler life and created what now remains the most complete Cistercian corn mill in the country. You can have a whack at grinding some corn and watch the water wheel go round. But that’s only part of the charm of this estate, a World Heritage Site. The locale lays claim to some interesting monikers: The Temple of Fame in Studley Royal Water Garden; Anne Boleyn’s Seat (site of a decapitated statue before John Aislabie inherited the estate in the 1700s); The Serpentine Tunnel (a dark, winding tunnel cut through rock that was designed to spook guests of Aislabie); and the Temple of Piety (originally dedicated to Hercules). There’s also the Hermit’s Grotto and The Way of the Roses, a 170 mile coast-to-coast cycle route passing through the deer park.
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The Chicago River Experience
By Linda Tancs
The Willis Tower in Chicago occupies an enviable position in the city’s skyline, offering sweeping views of such landmarks as 900 North Michigan, Park Tower, John Hancock Center, Trump Tower and the Aon Center. But just a 90-minute boat ride along the Chicago River to Lake Michigan offers an even more comprehensive view of the city’s assets. Just as much a center point as the transit system famously known as the “L,” the river offers unparalleled views of Chicago’s architecture and skyline. Operating since 1935, Wendella’s combination river and lake boat tour departs from the Wendella Dock at The Wrigley Building and includes a trip through the Chicago Lock.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 