Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!The Heart of Aggieland
By Linda Tancs
An Aggie is a student at Texas A&M University in College Station. The term Aggie is used by many to reflect agricultural roots. In the early 1900s, students at the university were referred to as farmers. College Station was founded as a railroad town in the late 19th century before becoming the academic and entrepreneurial center that it is today. In addition to the renowned university, the town is home to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, where a new pavilion features a retired Marine One helicopter, the Union Pacific 4141 locomotive and the Bush family gravesite.
Share this:
Chalk Pyramids in Kansas
By Linda Tancs
The first landmark in Kansas chosen by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark, Monument Rocks are a series of large chalk formations in Gove County, Kansas. Voted one of the eight wonders of Kansas, these natural formations were created during the Late Cretaceous Period of geologic history and are rich in fossils. About 20 miles south of Oakley, they rise up to 50 feet above ground and descend 300 feet below. Note that this natural wonder is located on private property made accessible to the public.
Share this:
Equestrian Splendor in Lincolnshire
By Linda Tancs
A hallmark of England’s social season, Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford ranks within the U.K.’s top 10 national sporting occasions by attendance. An average of 80 of the world’s top competitors gather at the annual event held at Burghley House, a grand Elizabethan mansion. It’s one of only seven CCI 5* events worldwide, the star rating denoting the highest standard of event (technically and administratively) and the most challenging test of horse and rider. This year’s event runs from September 4 to 7.
Share this:
Rural Tenerife
By Linda Tancs
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is home to Anaga Rural Park, a protected park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve featuring wildlife and over 20 rural settlements. It covers a significant part of the island and occupies a large part of the mountain range located in the northeast corner, boasting sharp, jagged peaks and deep ravines. Hiking through the cloud forests is a popular activity as is sunbathing on one of the black-sand beaches surrounding the towns of Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo. Located just above the town of Taganana, Mirador Risco Amogoje offers a sweeping view of the coastline including all of its stunning beaches. You can reach the area by car or bus or take a guided tour to learn more about the area.
Share this:
Rio’s Famous Steps
By Linda Tancs
One of the most iconic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the Escadaria Selarón, a 250-step staircase decorated with more than 2,000 colorful, hand-painted tiles from around the world. Created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, the formerly run-down outdoor staircase in Rio’s downtown is now one of the city’s most photographed masterpieces. The nearest metro station is Cinelândia, from which you can walk or take a taxi to the steps.
Share this:
A Volcanic Neck in the Desert
By Linda Tancs
Agathla Peak is a peak south of Monument Valley, Arizona, which rises over 1,500 feet above the surrounding mesa. Visible from U.S. Route 163 in Navajo Nation, it’s a remnant of an ancient volcanic structure emplaced during the Oligocene about 25 million years ago. Also known as El Capitan, it’s considered sacred by the Navajo, who named it Agathlan (meaning “piles of wool”) after an ancient legend. Climbing hasn’t been allowed for decades, but you can take some spectacular photos.
Share this:
Calgary’s Peace Bridge
By Linda Tancs
Peace Bridge is a pedestrian bridge across the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Named as a tribute to the military, it was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. A downtown icon, it features a tube-like design with red accents and a dedicated bike lane. Enjoy the skyline views.
Share this:
A Light for Padstow
By Linda Tancs
Trevose Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse on Trevose Head on England’s north Cornish coast. Just west of the town of Padstow, it was built to bridge the gap in lighting between Land’s End and Lundy. The headland lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and about 79 acres are part of the Constantine Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest for its sea cliffs, maritime grassland, heath and wet habitats. You’ll find a variety of plants, marine wildlife and wildflowers along trails like Booby’s Bay walk.
Share this:
Galway’s Prehistoric Fort
By Linda Tancs
The Aran Islands comprise three rocky isles guarding the mouth of Galway Bay in western Ireland. The largest island, Inishmore, is home to the prehistoric fort Dún Aonghasa. Perched on top of a high cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean, it’s lauded as one of western Europe’s most magnificent stone forts. Over 3,000 years old, it has three massive defense walls ringed by a chevaux-de-frise – that is, a dense band of jagged, upright stones numbering in the thousands. Come prepared with boots or good walking shoes to conquer rough, natural rock.
Share this:
The Three Cities of Malta
By Linda Tancs
The Three Cities is a collective description of three fortified cities of Malta: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla). They played a pivotal role in defending Malta during the Great Siege, when the Ottoman Empire attempted to conquer Malta in 1565. Birgu is the oldest and most popular of the cities, where you’ll find the Maritime Museum, the Malta at War Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace and Fort St. Angelo, which was home to the Grand Master of the Order of St John. You can take a ferry there from the capital, Valletta, across the Grand Harbor. Another option is to travel via one of the traditional Maltese boats for an authentic experience.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 