Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!York Celebrates Viking Heritage
By Linda Tancs
York, UK may be most recognized for its medieval Shambles, but its Viking history is just as compelling. Now through 17 February visitors can celebrate all things Viking at the festival at Jorvik Viking Centre. The Centre is built on the very location in York where archeological digs unearthed the ancient city of Jorvik, dating to AD 975. The festival celebrates Viking arts and crafts, storytelling and historical Anglo-Scandinavian events. Visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk for more information.
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Venetian Charms are Everywhere
By Linda Tancs
Venice, Italy, must be one of the most evocative places on earth. Just think of every country, state or city that lays claim to its own Venetian-style heritage. Dubai is dubbed the Venice of the Middle East. Giethoorn is the Venice of the Netherlands. Bruges, Stockholm and Amsterdam vie for the title Venice of the North. Bangkok boasts the title Venice of Asia. Amidst the charms of every Venetian wannabee, however, there’s one thing missing from the equation: the toil and sweat of dedicated public works employees who clean out the billowy thoroughfares of the real McCoy day in and day out to keep it the aqueous paradise that so many seek to adopt as their own.
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Desert Dreams in Winter
By Linda Tancs
Ah, winter. In the midst of Arctic 50-mph winds, I’m trying hard to embrace its virtues. Or at least think of warmer, drier climes. How about the Alvord Desert in Oregon? Cracked and dry in summer, like winter hands–or lips. So at least it has something in common with the here and now although you’d freeze your tail off there, too, at the moment–except for the hot springs. Lying in the shadows of Steens Mountain, it only gets six inches of precipitation per year. Reminds me of Dickens’ “Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit”: “Look round and round upon this bare bleak plain, and see even here, upon a winter’s day, how beautiful the shadows are!”
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Mango Heaven
By Linda Tancs
Here’s a factoid for Friday: India is home to more than 3000 varieties of mango. How many can you name, and in which regions are they located?
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Branson Wins Travel Award
By Linda Tancs
Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin empire, has been tapped by the U.S. Travel Industry Association to receive its first-ever Steve Fossett Innovation Award. Named for adventurer and travel pioneer Steve Fossett, the award recognizes Branson for his ground-breaking contributions to the travel industry. It’s no doubt appropriate that Branson take first honors, considering his long and, at times, competitive relationship with Fossett, who disappeared in his plane somewhere over the Nevada desert last September. So who would you nominate for future awards? Cast your votes now.
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The Price of Excess
By Linda Tancs
In the good old days, excess baggage generally meant checked baggage that exceeded two freebies, or bags that went over the standard weight or size. In any of those limited cases, additional fees would apply. Now, however, at least one major carrier has broken with tradition. As has been widely reported, United Airlines will now charge economy-class customers with non-refundable tickets $25 for a second checked bag for travel within the U.S. and to or from Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. High-tiered frequent flyers, award ticket holders, refundable ticket holders, first class and business class passengers need not worry–the two-bag freebie continues to apply. Is it reasonable to assume that if fuel prices drop down, the newest surcharge will go away? If fuel prices continue to escalate and, in the absence of a huge public outcry, the surcharge sticks, will other airlines follow suit? Readers, weigh in.
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Hot Igloos for Cold Nights
By Linda Tancs
If severe, wintry weather has you feeling like an Eskimo, then hunker in an igloo in style. Consider the Igloo Village in Lapland, where glowing glass pods dot the landscape surrounding the safe haven of Finland’s second largest reserve, Urho Kekkonen National Park. The Northern Lights are visible here until late April. Not to worry, the igloos are climate-controlled, so you needn’t give up your creature comforts. As the Eskimos say, “May you have warmth in your igloo, oil in your lamp, and peace in your heart.”
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A Port City in Norway Celebrates Culture
By Linda Tancs
The unassuming little oil metropolis of Stavanger is celebrating this year as one of Europe’s capitals of culture. Sharing honors this year with Liverpool, Stavanger is but a quarter of its size and is Norway’s fourth largest city. Unlike Liverpool, Stavanger’s program of events is devoid of big-name celebrities and glitzy events. Instead, Stavanger is providing a forum for innovative national and international artists, among them a Belgian musical group (in residence), an Israeli dance troupe, Lithuanian Oskarus Koršunovas’ provocative theatre, and a South African puppeteer, all in keeping with the theme “Open Port.” Look for more daily departures from London Gatwick beginning in March.
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Winter Carnival Opens in Québec
By Linda Tancs
Starting today, the Québecois celebrate their white nights at Carnaval. Unfortunately, violent storms have postponed the opening night festivities, but as they say, le diâble est aux vaches, so the show will carry on tomorrow. Thereafter, you’ll have until 17 February to follow Bonhomme (the snowman mascot) around the various events taking place during the annual event: the snow bath, canoe race, dogsled race, sleigh race, and soapbox derby, to name a few. And don’t miss the parade, celebrating Québec City’s 400th anniversary, on the 9th or the 16th.
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Countdown to Mardi Gras
By Linda Tancs
Time flies. Just a mere 5 days to go till New Orleans brings down the house. There’s still time to book your flight but, alas, is there (affordable) room at the inn? Maybe www.travelnow.com can help. Check out the parade schedules and other Mardi Gras must-knows at www.nola.com. It wouldn’t hurt to pray for better weather, either. Some krewes have already been postponed or cancelled.
You’ll need a warm shirt, with temperatures hovering in the 50s tomorrow. Why not buy a Louisiana sweatshirt here: http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2321003
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