Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Eurostar Bids Adieu to Waterloo
By Linda Tancs
Not even an industrial strike in France affecting the Metro and train service to Calais and Lille can rain on Eurostar’s parade. Beginning today, Eurostar leaves its roost at Waterloo for new digs at St Pancras offering a higher-speed line to Paris and Brussels. Commuting time will now be just over 2 hours to Paris and just under 2 hours to Brussels. Those morning croissants might still be fresh when you get there.
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The Most Expensive Dessert in the World
By Linda Tancs
You can search the world over for a trifle sweet truffle but, according to Guinness World Records, you won’t find one as pricey as that served at an eatery on East 60th Street in New York City. The restaurant, known appropriately enough as Serendipity 3, offers a chocolate sundae concoction comprised of worldwide cocoas (or is that cacao?), whipped cream, edible gold (we’re not talking 10 carats here, but does it leave a metallic aftertaste?) and shavings from the venerable La Madeline au Truffe. What is La Madeline au Truffe, you ask? That’s a haute piece of chocolate truffle (with a little Perigord thrown in for good measure) created by Connecticut chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt. This consummate confection is served in a golden goblet ringed with a diamond bracelet and eaten with–what else–a gold souvenir spoon. That’s right–a souvenir. You might as well have something by which to remember this $25,000 gastronomic delight. Besides a lighter bank account, that is.
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Egyptian Splendor
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Egypt. From the lush metropolis of Cairo to the regal splendor in the Nile Valley, you’re never far from experiencing ancient history. Explore the splendor of Egypt at www.travelrificradio.com.
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Pistes of France Give Aspen a Run for Its Money
By Linda Tancs
What is France’s best kept secret? No, it isn’t the location of the best truffle-producing oak tree. Instead, try the tony ski village of Megève in the heart of the French Alps. Take to the pistes in high style from the comfortable elegance of a chalet at Le Hameau de Mavarin, sporting fabulous views of Mont Blanc. After you’ve indulged in foie gras and farm pig at Michelin-rated Le Flocon de Sel, walk it off along the narrow cobbled streets in this pedestrian-friendly hamlet. Aspen’s got nothing on this powdered paradise for skier and non-skier alike.
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Hip New Cruise Ship Seeks Godmother
By Linda Tancs
Billing itself as the hottest ship on water, the Norwegian Gem is seeking a godmother to christen it. The christening tradition in maritime history can be traced as far back as the Vikings, when human sacrifices were made to appease the gods. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then. Today, the godmother’s role is to bring good luck to the ship and its occupants. Are you up to the task? Visit www.gemitgirl.com for more information.
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Holland’s Charms
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Holland. Think of Holland and you probably envision wooden shoes and tulips. But did you know that Holland has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris? Tune in to www.travelrificradio.com and learn more about its charms.
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Fake Pesos in Argentina
By Linda Tancs
The anemic U.S. dollar gets a second wind in South America, but only if the peso is legit. And so travelers to Argentina (Buenos Aires, in particular) should exercise caution in examining their notes at money exchanges, markets, street vending and in taxis. For instance, make sure the bills have a watermark and different serial numbers. If you’ve been duped, file a police report immediately. When shopping, use U.S. dollars if the vendor will accept them. The rate of exchange just might be more favorable than what you’ll get at the hotel or a bank. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say.
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Faith-Based Tourism Is Growing
By Linda Tancs
Today is All Souls Day, and so it seems only fitting to discuss faith-based tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization, the faith-based travel industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the business, with one-third of each major demographic expressing interest in a spiritual-oriented vacation. Want to learn more? Visit the World Religious Travel Association at www.religioustravelassociation.com.
Answer to yesterday’s trivia question: Hawaii, Puerto Rico and parts of Arizona.
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Standard Time Returns on Sunday
By Linda Tancs
Spring ahead, fall back. That’s the common refrain we use to change the hour hand on clocks every 6 months, more or less. Now comes the time to fall back again on Sunday after an extra week of extra light (thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005) gives way to standard time. It’s been over 40 years since Congress legislated this clock-turning routine, but not everyone observes it. So today’s trivia question is this: which jurisdictions do not observe savings time? The answer will appear in a special Friday edition of Travelrific®.
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Masterpiece Fearatre
By Linda Tancs
If it takes more than “boo” to have you jumping out of your skin, then test your composure at the Las Vegas Fright Dome at Circus Circus. This year’s haunt fest sports 5 haunted houses, 20 rides and a cast of creepy characters popping out of walls and ceilings. If you can’t make it by midnight, then you’ll have to wait until next year’s act. They’re aiming to be the #1 scare attraction in the country, so stay tuned to www.frightdome.com for future frights.
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