Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!A Spirited Gecko
By Linda Tancs
East of Australia in Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit), an island of the Vanuatu archipelago, scientists discovered a new species of gecko living amidst the treetops. Measuring just three inches in length, the little bugger goes by the name Lepidodactylus buleli. If scouring the canopy of a thriving ecosystem isn’t your cup of tea, you might be interested in the beach life and diving opportunities that this unspoiled paradise, known as Santos, has to offer. Champagne Beach, for instance, is regarded for its Bermuda-like pink sands and clear waters. Off Million Dollar Point, divers can scope out the refuse ditched by the U.S. military after Pearl Harbor when the area was used as a supply station. Whatever you do, let the spirit move you.
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New Culture in Paris
By Linda Tancs
At a mere 100 million euros, Paris has another cultural center–this one in the neighborhood of the high tech museums at la Villette. Known as le 104, this latest Parisian center of arts and culture promises to provide stability in an area where 70% of the inhabitants are on welfare. The inspiration for this latest cultural endeavor was Berlin’s Radialsytem, which opened in 2006.
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Spreading Wings in the Balkans
By Linda Tancs
Stara Zagora is more than just Bulgaria’s sixth largest city. Beyond the buzz and glare of cosmopolitan life lies a wildlife rehabilitation, rescue and breeding center unique in the Balkans. More than 600 injured animals find a temporary shelter at the facility every year, many of which are successfully treated and released back into the wild. For those that cannot be set free, a breeding program exists to increase their numbers. Many of the center’s inhabitants have faced or continue to face an uncertain future due to poaching and threatened extinction. There’s even a youth program for environmental education. Next time you’re east of Sofia, stop by for a little inspiration.
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Bridgwater Readies Its Squibs
By Linda Tancs
A carnival atmosphere returns to Bridgwater in Somerset, England tomorrow night for the annual Guy Fawkes Carnvial. Guy Fawkes was a Catholic co-conspirator who attempted to blow up Parliament in 1605. The foiled plot is celebrated every 5 November with fireworks and bonfires. As early as the 1700s according to historical records, Bridgwater has fervently commemorated the event with a nighttime carnival on the Friday following Guy Fawkes Day. The festivities include the parading of squibs (mounted fireworks) in the High Street. Check out the Spirit of Carnival statue unveiled in 2005 at the spot where it all began over 400 years ago.
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Sideways in New Zealand
By Linda Tancs
Movie buffs will recall the 2004 movie “Sideways,” about two men searching for the meaning of life amidst the California vineyards. Fast forward 12 hours (as the plane flies) and discover the fledgling wine country of New Zealand in Martinborough. The first fruits were planted there in 1978. Since then, nearly 40 wineries have sprung up, giving rise to an award-winning pinot noir. You can sample that varietal and other international winners at the annual Toast Martinborough food and wine festival, to be held this year on 16 November. Better hurry before the last ticket sells.
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A Costly Exit
By Linda Tancs
In a move surely not to surprise many, Singapore Airlines will now charge $50 for exit row seating in economy class. Sure, costs are skyrocketing and margins are plummeting. This, however, is not exactly a recent phenomenon. As early as March 2006, Northwest instituted a $15 charge for exit row seating, followed by AirTran in 2007. And back in December 2006 Virgin was asking $30 per seat. So what was the excuse back then? It pays to remember, though, that exit row seating is more than just a convenience. It’s a promise to act responsibly in the event of an emergency. Are you ready, willing and able to open a 50-pound hatch at the drop of a hat if necessary? Your cramped comrades sure hope so.
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Happy Culture Day
By Linda Tancs
Bunka no hi, Culture Day in Japan, is celebrated every November 3rd in memory of Emperor Meiji. On this day the current emperor honors those who’ve made significant contributions to Japanese culture and society in a ceremony at the palace in Tokyo. It’s also supposed to be the best day over a 100 year period with fine weather. Well, today’s weather was clear with a high temperature of 60 degrees fahrenheit. Sounds about right.
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Lost Souls in Mexico
By Linda Tancs
Mexico’s Day of the Dead is decidedly undead as relatives eat, drink and get merry with the souls of the dearly departed in celebration of All Souls Day on 2 November. Spirits are guided back to the homes of their loved ones with brilliant displays of flowers and candles at gravesides. Beautiful decorated altars are also erected in their honor. Want to share in the experience? Let the natives of Oaxaca or Patzcuaro (known for their spectacular festivities) show you how.
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Stansted to Share No. 2 Spot
By Linda Tancs
Despite some opposition from environmentalists, Stansted’s airport expansion is set to move forward, making it Britain’s second largest airport along with Gatwick. The move means an increase in passenger travel from 23 million to 35 million. The number of planes allowed to fly in and out will increase from 241,000 to 264,000. Currently, 184,000 planes use the airport. The expansion follows a study showing a shortage of runways in the Southeast. Whether the move will mean a shift in passengers’ airport of choice remains to be seen.
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Flamingo Hosts Brother-Sister Duo
By Linda Tancs
It Takes Two. Anytime Sunshine. Show Me. Sound familiar? It does if you’re an Osmond fan. Now you can hear Donny and Marie reprise their standards at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Their singing, dancing and comedic twists have been renewed for two years. Will the headliners stay hot? It’s anyone’s guess. As the Osmonds sang, “It’s all been said before.”
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Travelrific® Travel Journal 