Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for travel writing
Puppet Theatre in Budapest
By Linda Tancs
Puppet theatre isn’t just for kids, especially at Budapest’s puppet theatre located at Andrássy útca 69. The show typically adapts classical musical works and dramas to puppetry using life-sized puppets operated by a crew of ten. And the fee is reasonable at $10 per person. Ask your concierge for details.
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Ostrich Rides in Oudtshoorn
By Linda Tancs
Bird watching is quite the sport in Oudtshoorn, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa some 270 miles east of Cape Town. In fact, you’ll find here the largest population of ostriches in the world. Not surprising, considering that this native has been roaming the Karoo since the 19th century. You can get up close and personal (and attempt a ride, if you dare) at Cango Ostrich Show Farm. If you’d rather eat than greet, you’ll have the opportunity to sample ostrich steak, eggs or pâté.
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Neptune Rules in VA
By Linda Tancs
The beaches at Virginia Beach in Virginia are wide–quite fitting for an imposing colossal bronze statue of the sea god Neptune to reign over. Summer may be coming to a close, but Neptune rules at the festival this weekend all across the oceanfront. The annual event covers everything from a world-class sandcastle competition to numerous athletic competitions and the famous Neptune Grand Parade. Over 275 artisans will line the boardwalk for the Neptune Art and Craft Show, combined with food vendors and lots of oceanside fun. Dive right in.
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Yachts Galore in Monaco
By Linda Tancs
The 20th edition of Monaco’s yacht show, the world’s largest superyacht exhibition, begins today through 25 September at Port Hercules. Although the economic downturn sent many yacht builders into receivership, you’d never know it by the lineup at this year’s event, sporting the worldwide debut of 30 new vessels. As the economy shrinks, the yachts get bigger, from an average 41 meters in 2006 to 43 meters this year. Eighty percent of the show’s visitors come from overseas. Will you be one of them?
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Corsica Museum Reopens
By Linda Tancs
Like any Mediterranean island, it’s far too tempting on the French island of Corsica to spend your days strolling among the beaches, bays, cliffs, mountains and parks. But there are plenty of museums, too–the best known probably being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Don’t stop there, though. Check out the recently reopened Museum of Ethnology, located in the citadel in the former governor’s palace in Bastia. In addition to coats of arms, city maps, paintings and manuscripts, you can trace the history of Bastia and Corsica from its pre-Roman origins to its role in World War II.
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Furry Back Seat Drivers
By Linda Tancs
A disturbing statistic has arisen from the American Automobile Association: about two-thirds of American drivers pet, play or otherwise interact with their pets while driving. Yet another distraction to add to the dangerous list of risky behavior like phoning, texting and snoozing. Fido might enjoy the attention, but an unrestrained animal poses the same risk as an unrestrained child. Get a car seat and protect the life of your pet as well as your upholstery.
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Best Caribbean Island
By Linda Tancs
It might not have the name recognition of neighboring St. Maarten, but the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba won the distinction of Best Caribbean Island this year, thanks to Travel + Leisure magazine. So how does a small (five square miles) and remote island land such a distinction? Maybe it’s the lava tunnels, hot springs and vibrant marine life accessible to divers only by boat. Or perhaps it’s the unspoiled beauty of the rain forest, tidepools and historic ruins beckoning trekkers. Whatever the reason, your first challenge is getting there. Squeamish flyers might want to avoid Winair’s death-defying landings at the 1300-feet-long runway. Take the ferry instead from St. Maarten.
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Sunshine Guaranteed in Cumbria
By Linda Tancs
Rain, rain, go away! The folks at the Samling Hotel in England’s Lake District are so sure that the sun will continue to shine in Windermere that they’re offering a sunshine guarantee. If even a drop of rain falls on their roof through 30 September, guests get a refund of £100 per stay. That may seem like quite a gamble, but a record drought in the area this season puts favorable odds on this bet.
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The Tour Guy in Toronto
By Linda Tancs
Toronto is a city of nearly three million inhabitants. That’s a lot of ground to cover (no pun intended) in a city populated by immigrants. That’s where Tour Guy (Jason Kucherawy) comes in. On Fridays and Saturdays you can take his walking tour of the city’s prime landmarks free of charge. Along the way you’ll learn about the city’s six Chinatowns and multicultural Kensington Market. You’ll walk for a couple of kilometers. Bring your appetite and a comfortable pair of shoes.
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Mystery Celebrated on the English Riviera
By Linda Tancs
England’s Torquay forms part of the English Riviera, on the south coast of Devon. It’s also the birthplace of mystery writer Agatha Christie. Torquay celebrates the life and times of the great Dame each year during Christie Week. Now through 19 September you can help yourself to the festivities. Some highlights include a guided walk along the Christie Mile on 14 September, capturing her life and influences in the coastal town. Trouble walking? No worries; take the vintage bus ride on 15 September. How about a mystery tour and fish and chips supper on 16 September? Top it off on 19 September with 1930s-themed dining and dancing. The Queen of Crime would no doubt approve.
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