Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!The Towers of San Marino
By Linda Tancs
San Marino is the world’s oldest republic and is surrounded by Italy. This medieval gem is beloved for its three towers, perched atop Monte Titano in the capital city of San Marino. The oldest of the three towers is Guaita (constructed in the 11th century). Next is the 13th century Cesta, located on the highest of Monte Titano’s summits. The youngest, 14th century Montale, is on the smallest of Monte Titano’s summits and is still privately owned. As you might expect, the landmark takes pride of place on the flag and coat of arms of this enclave. It also boasts its own confection, the Torta Di Tre Monti (“Cake of the Three Towers”), a layered wafer cake covered in chocolate.
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Iceland’s Tallest Church
By Linda Tancs
You’ll get about 10 hours of daylight this time of year in Iceland. That’s enough time to soak in the stunning views of Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik, a church resembling a giant ice carving. At 244 feet, it is the nation’s tallest building. Located in the city center, its bell tower (accessible via an elevator) provides the best views in the city.
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Titantic Centennial Remembered in Halifax
By Linda Tancs
April 15 will mark 100 years since the luxury liner Titanic sank in the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. One of the greatest maritime disasters, it would be hard for anyone to ignore this seminal anniversary of the tragedy, least of all the folks in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where recovery operations were staged. The Titanic Memorial in the Fairview Cemetery in Halifax is the final resting place of 121 of the 1523 souls lost, and Ambassatours Gray Line will offer tours to the location to commemorate the event. Elsewhere, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will be featuring a special photographic exhibition through June 2012. Stay tuned to Twitter on 14 April, where a real-time account of the wireless messages of the distressed ship will take place. Also on 14 April is Night of the Bells, a free event in the Grand Parade square featuring performances expressing the story of the sinking of the ship, her passengers, and Halifax’s recovery efforts. A moment of silence will be held at 12:27 a.m., marking the time of the last wireless messages from Titanic. You can view a model of the liner’s position on the ocean floor at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.
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Happy Ingvald Day
By Linda Tancs
A unique aspect of Scandinavian culture is the celebration of Name Days. Originally derived from the names of saints and martyrs from the Middle Ages, the custom today is to assign two contemporary names to each day of the year except 1 January, 29 February and 25 December. Some names are assigned to dates connected to historical figures with the name. For example, Snorre is assigned to 23 September, the birth date of Icelandic saga scholar Snorre Sturlasson, and 22 June is assigned to Håkon and Maud, the date of the coronation of King Håkon VII and Queen Maud in 1906. Today Ingvald and Ingveig take top honors.
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Jerusalem on Ice
By Linda Tancs
Jerusalem is celebrating its first ever ice festival from 6 March to 30 April at the Old Railway Station. There you’ll enjoy sculptures of many of the city’s tourist sites, such as Jaffa Gate, the Tower of David, the Israel Museum, and the new Jerusalem Light Rail. A family friendly event, the festival includes an ice skating rink. Adults can enjoy a drink at the ice bar. If you’re wondering how an event such as this fares well in the glorious Mediterranean sun, worry not. The area is artificially cooled to about -10 degrees Celsius!
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Netherlands’ Theatre of Nature
By Linda Tancs
Today marks the start of Floriade, a world horticultural exposition that is held in the Netherlands once roughly every 10 years. So you know that something that long in the making has to be really special. Consider the last Floriade in 2002, featuring a floating roof made out of 19,000 solar panels and Spotter’s Hill, a 30-metre-high pyramid. This year’s event, running through 7 October, features 163 acres of park and 98 acres of showgrounds covering five distinct theme worlds: Relax & Heal, Green Engine, Education & Innovation, Environment, and World Show Stage. As you might suspect, the exhibitions are aimed at explaining how flowers, plants, trees, vegetables and fruit impact your daily life. For the first time ever, the event will take place outside the Randstad, in Venlo. On the border between the Netherlands and Germany, the region is one of the largest horticultural areas in Europe.
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Marine Life Thrives at Atlantis
By Linda Tancs
Atlantis in the Bahamas is a resort of choice for Caribbean travelers seeking fun in the sun. It also happens to be the site of the world’s largest open-air marine habitat. The exhibition encompasses 14 lagoons, eight million gallons of salt water and more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species, including dolphins, sea lions, sharks, rays, barracuda, piranha, eels and even endangered alligator gar. Admission is free for resort guests; otherwise, you’ll have to settle for a day pass, subject to availability (especially during peak season).
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Always Warm in Fargo
By Linda Tancs
In April, the lowest temperature in Fargo, North Dakota can dip into the 20s or even lower. But the Fargo Moorhead Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will tell you that it’s always warm–friendly, that is. The Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm exudes warmth. The century old, red brick farm house was the first brick house built in the Dakota territory. In this home-like atmosphere learning and exploration is fun for families. And what could be warmer than that! Don’t miss the Easter Eggstravaganza this weekend.
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Hawaiian Memories
By Linda Tancs
Far from a sleepy, island paradise, there’s plenty for both landlubbers and seafarers to do and see in Hawaii, the onetime kingdom. Let’s explore the island charms of Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai. Learn more at Travelrific® Travel Show.
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Heavenly Bliss in Singapore
By Linda Tancs
Thian Hock Keng (Temple of Heavenly Bliss) is one of the oldest and most important temples in Singapore. A few things make this place of worship unique. First, it stands at the location of Singapore’s waterfront before reclamation. Also, its construction represents an international venture of sorts, with ironwork and tiles from the British Isles and granite from China, among other contributions. A national monument, this amazing structure was built in traditional southern Chinese architectural style, without nails.
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