Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for short reads
Robin Hood’s Castle
By Linda Tancs
Robin Hood is a product of English folklore famous for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire is dubbed “Robin Hood’s castle” because it served as inspiration for the Kevin Costner film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. Built in the 1300s for John, Lord Lovell, its hexagonal shape may have been inspired by Queenborough Castle in Kent. Now a picturesque ruin following the English Civil War, a free audio tour will bring its history to life. For great views of the estate as well as the surrounding countryside and woodlands, be sure to climb the East Tower.
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Railway 200 Celebrations in Britain
By Linda Tancs
The Railway 200 celebrations in 2025 mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway in the U.K. As part of the festivities, the iconic No. 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ will be in operation between Pickering and Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, one of Britain’s most popular heritage railways. Between March 22 and March 30 you’ll have an opportunity to ride on this locomotive designed by celebrated railway engineer Sir Nigel Gresley. It became famous in 1959 for setting the post-war steam speed record of 112 mph during a test run, due in no small part to its sleek, aerodynamic design that reduced air resistance and enabled exceptional performance. Don’t miss the chance to see this masterpiece of British innovation.
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The White City
By Linda Tancs
The city of Arequipa in Peru is dubbed the “white city” because its architecture is built with white volcanic stone called sillar. But its volcanic nature is not limited to its buildings. In fact, the city in surrounded by huge massifs that rise in the north, northeast and east sectors of the city. The most iconic is the Misti volcano, towering over the city at over 19,000 feet. Take an excursion into the countryside and you’ll also find a volcanic range surrounding Colca Canyon, thought to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and home to the giant Andean condor.
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The Wall of Tears
By Linda Tancs
The Wall of Tears is a historical site located in Isabela Island, the most popular and largest of the Galapagos Islands. It was built by prisoners sent to the island and is composed of lava rocks. Debate ensues whether the unfinished wall had any real purpose other than to occupy the time of the prisoners, many of whom died from injuries, accidents and exposure (hence, the name). The site is a popular hiking and biking area with lookouts and frequent sightings of giant tortoises and iguanas.
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A Rite of Passage in Carlsbad
By Linda Tancs
The advent of spring in Southern California is marked by a very special attraction in North San Diego County. That’s where you’ll find 55 acres of ranunculus flowers laden like a rainbow at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad. Heralding the season for over 60 years now, the display blooms for approximately six to eight weeks from March to May. A popular tourist attraction, it’s best to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Be sure to buy a ticket online in advance.
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Canada’s Limestone Barrens
By Linda Tancs
Canada’s Port au Choix National Historic Site is a rugged coastline of unique limestone barrens, forests and bays in a scenic fishing village. Limestone bedrock is formed by the compaction of coral plant and animal remains on the bottom of the ocean. In this unique environment, some 114 rare plants thrive, including the elegant yellow lady slipper orchid. You might also spot three rare plants, endemic only to Newfoundland: barrens willow (a woody shrub with reddish-brown stems), the Fernald’s braya (small white flower clusters with fleshy basal leaves) and the taller Long’s braya. Take a guided walk.
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Stockholm’s Masterpiece
By Linda Tancs
City Hall is one of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings. It might be best known as the site of the Nobel Prize banquet, but it’s also a celebrated example of the Swedish National Romantic style, a Nordic architectural style that was part of the National Romantic movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can admire the architecture by walking along City Hall Park. Guided tours of the building are available in Swedish and English and include access to the Blue Hall, the Golden Hall, the Council Chamber and the Gallery of the Prince. In season you can climb City Hall Tower for panoramic views of central Stockholm.
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A Landmark in Duluth
By Linda Tancs
The Aerial Lift Bridge is a landmark in Duluth, a port city on Lake Superior in Minnesota. In fact, the lake itself is its closest rival, being one of the Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the world. At 138 feet tall and 390 feet wide, the steel bridge spans the Duluth Shipping Canal, connecting the sandbar of Park Point with the rest of Duluth. The elevator bridge features a suspension system that raises the bridge to a height of 135 feet to allow ships to pass underneath. Check the lift schedule to watch this amazing feat. You can also walk across it to experience the bridge in its entirety.
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Hungary’s Red Gold
By Linda Tancs
Located east of the Danube River, Kalocsa, Hungary, is a town in the central part of the country. Its claim to fame is its paprika, known as “red gold.” Indeed, it boasts 8,000 acres of farmland growing the red peppers that have been giving dishes like goulash its distinctive taste for centuries. Not surprisingly, the town has a Paprika Museum. Located in Holy Trinity Square, it explains everything you could ever want to know about paprika, including its planting, growing, digging and harvesting. Buy a few bags while you’re there and support the local growers.
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A Legendary Wine Trail
By Linda Tancs
Officially launched as a tourist trail in 1953, France’s Alsace Wine Route winds its way through 105 miles of picturesque towns, hills and vineyards from the north to the south of the region. The route is especially enjoyed by cyclists along the adjacent Vineyard Cycle Route. Beyond the beauty is plenty of history, including the fact that the world’s oldest wine is found in Alsace. Dating from 1472, it’s located in the historic wine cellar at the Hospices de Strasbourg. Reputedly still drinkable, the remnants in the barrel have survived fires and two world wars.
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