Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Oktoberfest at the Taj
By Linda Tancs
Get your oom-pah on this weekend at the Taj Mahal. No, not the one in India–the one in Atlantic City, New Jersey. From noon till 8 on Saturday and noon till 6 on Sunday there’ll be non-stop entertainment direct from Germany, along with traditional eats and a shopping marketplace filled with imported gifts, clothes and tableware. The festival is 15 years’ strong and a big draw in the area. Be there or be square.
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She Loves You
By Linda Tancs
At long last, Hamburg, the city that honed what would become the Beatles phenomenon, has dedicated a city square to the Fab Four, some 48 years after taking the northern German port by storm. To the tune of 550,000 euros, the commemorative structure includes the Beatles-Platz signage and a record-shaped foundation with statues of the mop tops, including a nod to early bandmate Stu Sutcliffe. The move to honor the group was spearheaded by radio station Oldie 95. Better late than never.
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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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Saving the Airlines
By Linda Tancs
A recent report stated that 20 or more airlines face bankruptcy due to fuel costs and other economic issues. Maybe it’s time to pull a page from Hawaiian Airlines’ playbook. They’re reportedly set to shave $4 million off their fuel costs by taking actions such as ordering lighter seats and food carts, washing the engines more often and slowing air speed. A penny saved is a penny earned.
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Ahoy, Santa Maria
By Linda Tancs
Repeat after me: in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. That ship was the Santa Maria, a wooden cargo ship plying the waters in search of a direct trade route to the Indies. In honor of upcoming Columbus Day, why not visit its museum-quality replica in Columbus, Ohio? Tours last 45 minutes and the cost is under five dollars. The anniversary party is on the 10th, but the fun doesn’t stop there. You can even spend a night aboard the ship and experience the life of a 15th century sailor. You’ll get to know the ropes, by and large. Just don’t get pooped.
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The Heart of Europe
By Linda Tancs
Ask anyone to define the heart of Europe and you’ll get as many responses as there are possibilities. One of those possibilities is a tiny region known as the Eastern Cantons of Belgium, stretching from the Dutch border to Luxembourg. With French, Dutch and German influences (Germany hugging the eastern border), you might think the area suffers from a bit of an identity crisis, but the multilingual populace seems to embrace its diversity. The three cantons comprising this area–Eupen, Malmedy and St. Vith–offer a range of natural wonders and cosmopolitan flair equal to any European cultural capital, from the outdoor cafes of Marktplatz in Eupen to the Michelin-starred eatery in St. Vith. Between the northern and southern reaches lies a mix of dense forest, marshes and wetlands for the avid hiker or cyclist. Over 70,000 inhabitants call this region home and home, as they say, is where the heart is.
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Living Human Treasures
By Linda Tancs
Living Human Treasures is a program established by UNESCO to showcase individuals exemplifying a high degree of skill or knowledge concerning cultural traditions, ambassadors of sorts for their country. Romania is one of a select number of countries recognized by the UN agency for meeting all elements of the program. Scattered throughout the nation, you can meet individuals whose skills and talents–ranging from egg painting and wood carving to embroidery–have been passed down from generation to generation. Learn more about the initiative.
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Goodwill Traveling
By Linda Tancs
Voluntourism, or the combination of travel and volunteer work, is reportedly one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. If the idea of being both a traveler and a change agent appeals to you, then maybe this is the gig for you. Some typical tours include teaching English to children in remote villages or building a home or school. There are lots of programs and organizations to choose from. Learn more here
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City of Chocolate
By Linda Tancs
Think “city of chocolate” and you’d probably wax nostalgic about those little seashell-shaped chocolate wonders from Belgium. But there’s more than one fine chocolatier vying for your attention in Europe. For instance, look further south and–voilà –you’ll find Bayonne, the chocolate capital of France. In the 1800s the first mechanical chocolate production facility in the country was built there. Situated near the Atlantic coast in the Basque region, Bayonne’s chocolate-making prowess made the big time in 1855 at the exposition in Paris, 412 miles away. Today, visitors are likely to enjoy one of the region’s specialties, chocolate (70% cacao) tinged with Piment d’Espelette, a locally grown red pepper that is often ground like paprika and used to infuse many dishes–including desserts, obviously. What an unusual combination of epicurean delights. L’embarras du choix, no doubt.
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Catch the Wave
By Linda Tancs
Where can you learn to surf on the world’s largest man-made waves? Answer: Siam Park, Europe’s greatest (by someone’s estimation) water fun park located on the south coast of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Siam is, of course, the ancient name for Thailand, and the Thai ambience is evident throughout the park. Even the building materials originated from Thailand. With rides like the Tower of Power promising an adrenaline boost the likes of which you’ve never known, this park is sure to please thrill seekers. For those seeking something a little more tame, there’s a relaxing river ride; the Sawasdee River cuts through the park. Whatever you do, enjoy the ride.
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Travelrific® Travel Journal 