Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 127

Surrounded in Minnesota

By Linda Tancs

Thanks to a geographic impossibility aided by imperfect cartography in the 1700s, the tiny Minnesota hamlet of Northwest Angle became an American town surrounded by Canada. Known by locals as the Angle, it’s separated from the rest of Minnesota by Lake of the Woods, which would boast the longest coastline of any Canadian lake were it located entirely in Canada. A fishing mecca, some resorts offer boat and ice transport services that operate within Minnesota; otherwise, you can get there via car through a border crossing. Since 1925, a joint U.S.–Canada boundary commission has maintained the boundary, which represents the northernmost part of the contiguous United States. Sorry, Maine!

Heights of Abraham

By Linda Tancs

Spanning 555 square miles and covering parts of the counties of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire, Peak District National Park is the UK’s oldest national park. One of its most appealing destinations is the Heights of Abraham, a hilltop park in Derbyshire reached by cable car, providing spectacular views across the Derwent Valley. And you’ll likely not miss the park’s iconic symbol, the millstone, produced in Derbyshire as early as medieval times. Hundreds of them still lie scattered across parts of the park.

World Tourism Day

By Linda Tancs

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27. It’s as good a day as any to remember the immortal words of Hans Christian Andersen:

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float

To gain all while you give

To roam the roads of lands remote

To travel is to live

 

 

Korea’s Herb Festival

By Linda Tancs

Korea has a long medical tradition in the use of herbs for healing. It should come as no surprise, then, that one of the country’s premier festivals is the Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival. Held at Donguibogam Village, a Korean medicine theme park, the festival celebrates the herbs of Jirisan Mountain. In addition to an herb market, visitors can sample traditional herbal medicines and even get a check-up. This year’s event begins tomorrow and continues through October 9.

Inspiration for Ivanhoe

By Linda Tancs

England’s Conisbrough Castle reputedly inspired Sir Walter Scott’s novel, Ivanhoe. The iconic, medieval stone castle is near Doncaster in historic Conisbrough. Strategically located on a large knoll, its most stunning feature is perhaps the massive, four-story limestone keep with six wedge-shaped buttresses. “Conisbrough” derives from the Anglo-Saxon word “Cyningesburh,” meaning “the king’s borough.” However, little is known of the site until after the Norman Conquest, when an earthwork fortification was likely built by the castle’s original owner.

England’s Seafood Coast

By Linda Tancs

The heart of England’s “Seafood Coast” is Brixham in South Devon. Not surprisingly, then, it serves as a venue (along with Paignton and Torquay) for the annual Seafood FEAST. Taking place through October 6, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy world-class seafood. Brixham Fish Market alone brings in more than 40 species of fish. While you’re there, why not take a trip on a heritage sailing trawler or on the steam train with its stunning views of the coast.

In the Footsteps of Chaplin

By Linda Tancs

Charlie Chaplin is an icon of the film industry, renowned for his screen persona “the Tramp.” The Tramp made his first appearance in 1914 in the film “Kid Auto Races at Venice.” You’ll learn much more about his life and career at Chaplin’s World in Vevey, Switzerland. His mansion there, Manoir de Ban, was his home for 25 years, from 1952 until his death in 1977. Now a museum, you’ll delight not only in his furnishings and personal belongings but also in a Hollywood-style studio journeying through his long film career and in 10 acres of parkland with unobstructed views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Signs and displays are in English and French. A guided tour of the manor using mobile and tablet devices is also available free of charge in English, French and German.

Seeing the Light in Pula

By Linda Tancs

Pula, Croatia, is situated at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula and is the area’s largest city. Known in ancient times as Polensium, the town is rife with Roman architecture. The Roman amphitheater, in particular, is a well-preserved spectacle in the heart of the city, retaining its complete circuit of walls. Used as a concert venue (especially in the summer), it boasts great harbor views through the ancient arena walls. This time of year, though, the main event is the Visualia Festival, Croatia’s first festival of light. This year’s celebration, taking place today through September 21, represents a first-time partnership with the ILA (International Light Association), bringing together lighting professionals worldwide.

A Symbol of Unity in Kazan

By Linda Tancs

Of all large Russian cities, Kazan certainly has its share of unique attributes, like the Kazan Kremlin, conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. It’s also the site of the Temple of All Religions, a colorful conglomeration of architectural influences across religions. Established by philanthropist Ildar Khanov in 1992, the complex is still a work in progress, intended to stand as a symbol of respect for all religious traditions. The entrance fee is nominal, and a bus from the city center will get you there in about 30 minutes.

Life in New Jersey

By Linda Tancs

Among its many collections, the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton offers a glimpse of life in the state from the 17th century to the present. Of course, those 13,000 or so artifacts in the cultural collection include the state’s agricultural heritage (it is the Garden State, after all) as well as representations of textiles, trade tools, furniture, maritime heritage and other artifacts documenting craft, work, play, community and family life. Within walking distance of the State House (the third-oldest state house in continuous legislative use in the United States), the museum enjoys views of the Delaware River.