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
Paris Your Way
By Linda Tancs
Writer Ernest Hemingway famously remarked that Paris is a movable feast. Those who live aboard les péniches (the houseboats) are apt to agree. Perhaps it’s the striking views of the city’s landmarks from the plank or the exhilaration of plying the Seine at one’s own pace in rhythm with the waterway that drives folks to riverboat living. In any event, it’s a great opportunity to experience Paris your way. Why not rent one the next time you visit the City of Light?
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Got You Covered in New Jersey
By Linda Tancs
If you thought New Jersey was nothing more than a patchwork of open road punctuated by exit signs, then imagine how surprised you’ll be to discover the romance of the covered bridge. You know, like The Bridges of Madison County–only not quite so many. In fact, only two: Green Sergeant’s in Hunterdon County and Scarborough in Cherry Hill. Green Sergeant’s, a 19th century queen post truss at Rosemont-Sergeantsville Road over Wickecheoke Creek near Flemington, is perhaps better known thanks to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. Scarborough carries two-way traffic over the North Fork of Cooper River, however. Built in the 1950s, it sports an incomplete A-frame and town truss construction. Either bridge is navigable, so be sure to cross when you come to it.
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Going Ape in the Netherlands
By Linda Tancs
Hold on to your hats, your cameras, your wallets, and anything else you treasure at Apenheul in the Netherlands. The first primate zoo in the world allowing free roaming (that means among you, too), this forest in Apeldoorn features over 30 species of primates, among them a 50-year-old orangutan and burgeoning artist named Karl. Meet Karl and his friends, a variety of monkeys, gorillas, bonobos, other orangutans and added species such as water swine, parrots, macaws and a giant anteater. Watch that tongue.
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Harmony in Pudong
By Linda Tancs
China is celebrating harmony. Odd, you might think, for a world power not exactly known for its humanitarianism. Well, put those beliefs aside when you visit Shanghai’s World Expo 2010. The first world’s fair to take place in China, the exhibition welcomes 189 nations to a five-square-kilometer, $50 billion playground. Over 200,000 visitors poured in for the 1 May opener and fireworks extravaganza over the Huangpu River. Events include folk festivals and cultural feasts, perfect complements to the Austrian theme “Feel the Harmony” or Pakistan’s “Harmony in Diversity.” Over 70 million guests are expected before the event’s close on 31 October. Will you be one of them?
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The Triple Crown in Chicago
By Linda Tancs
In the race toward enlightenment, Chicago wins the triple crown thanks to Artropolis, a celebration of art, antiques and culture at The Merchandise Mart beginning on 30 April. Art Chicago will assemble a collection of exhibits in various media such as painting, photography, drawings, prints, sculpture, video and special installations. Highlights this year include special exhibits for top MFA students from across the country, social and political-inspired art, an array of American artworks and nomadic sculptures of Swiss born artist Florian Graf, presented by the Consulate General of Switzerland in Chicago. Other artistic nuggets are waiting for you at the International Antiques Fair, like a coral and gold sea urchin brooch. Now that you don’t see everyday. Next is NEXT, an arts fair presenting contemporary works in all their eye-popping splendor. Tickets are $20 per day or $25 for a multi-day pass through the event’s conclusion on 3 May. The weather will be cookin’ in Cook County this year, so get your tickets while it’s hot.
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A Golden Week in Japan
By Linda Tancs
May 1 is typically a public holiday in many parts of Europe, a time to celebrate the advent of spring and enjoy a bit of conviviality in the process. In Japan, however, they needn’t settle for a day of celebration. Golden Week, beginning on 29 April, marks the start of over a week of spirited activity and travel. In fact, many Japanese travel widely during the holiday as many businesses shut down. The festivities begin in April with Showa Day, marking the birthday of the emperor Showa. May 3 marks Constitution Day, so called for the new Constitution put into effect on that day in 1947. Nature is revered on May 4 during Greenery Day. The festival season concludes on May 5 with Children’s Day, a time when carp streamers decorate the thresholds of many homes to symbolize children’s success in life. If you want to be a part of the action, there’s plenty to see, like the 1300th anniversary celebration at Nara. This is prime time for cherry blossoms, too. Visit Hirosaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival. Maybe you’ll find a hanami (viewing party) to get happy with. Hana yori dango, as they say.
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Riding in Style in India
By Linda Tancs
If train travel in India conjures a (shall we say) palpable ride to the tea capital of Darjeeling, then your salvation is at hand. Debuting in March, the Maharajas’ Express is the first luxury train to cover the entire country. Although lacking the historical significance and affection of a line like the Himalayan Railway, the newbie promises to make up in comfort what it may lack in charm. As in air conditioning, roomy cabins and luxe suites. For the royal treatment, you’ll pay a princely sum of $800 per day per person for a seven or eight-day package. Destination airfare is not included, but they’ll assist with the bookings. Stay tuned for special air/land arrangements in the near future.
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Japan Celebrates 1300th Anniversary
By Linda Tancs
Lest you forget that Japan had a capital city long before Tokyo, Nara celebrates its status as the birthplace of Japan with a series of exhibits and events throughout Nara Prefecture this year. The anniversary celebration will include exhibitions of hidden treasures and rarely-viewed Buddhist statues. The main venue, Heijo Palace, will commemorate the restoration of the audience hall where state ceremonies were held before the emperor on 23 April. Later in the summer the palace grounds will be awash in light as night falls with a tremendous display of candles and LED technology. The party continues until 7 November.
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Racing Through California
By Linda Tancs
If the thrill of the chase like Monte Carlo’s Grand Prix or the memory of Italy’s Mille Miglia gets your adrenaline rushing, then no doubt you’ll enjoy California’s vintage version beginning on 25 April. Northern California’s Mille, now in its 20th year, follows classic cruisers on a 4-day journey through 1000 miles of northern wine country, open roads and quaint hotels. Pick your favorite at the Fairmont in San Francisco before the race. With all the natural beauty lining the route, let’s hope the drivers can keep their eyes on the road.
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Ireland’s West Celebrates 25 Years of Literature
By Linda Tancs
Dublin has its fair share of authors, poets and playwrights, but Ireland’s literary tradition is equally strong along the western coast. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Galway’s Cúirt Festival, a celebration of verse that has been previously described as a banquet of writing. Quite a banquet, indeed, as the event this week welcomes such luminaries as Fread D’Aguair, Naomi Shihab Nye and Dionne Brand. A highlight will be Colum McCann’s first reading in Ireland since his National Book Award win for Let the Great World Spin. Budget conscious travelers should look into the sponsoring hotel’s midweek cost cutting offer–that is, if the recent volcanic activity in Iceland doesn’t ruin your plans.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 