Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 13

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.

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.

Home of the Dutch Masters

By Linda Tancs

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, telling the story of 800 years of Dutch history. It features more than 8,000 works of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Combining the Gothic and the Renaissance styles, the iconic building beckons visitors to Amsterdam.

A Quaint Toll Bridge

By Linda Tancs

During the 18th and 19th century, many roads in England were maintained by turnpike trusts established by Parliament which had the power to exact tolls for road maintenance. One of those toll bridges is the Bathampton Toll Bridge outside Bath. It includes a toll house, which is still functioning as accommodation for a toll collector and is thought to have been built for the Bridge Company Turnpike Trust in the 19th century. The iconic arch stone bridge carries a minor road across the River Avon. Both the house and the bridge are Grade II listed properties.

Pagoda of the Celestial Lady

By Linda Tancs

Huế is a city in central Vietnam that was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors as well as the national capital from 1802 to 1945. It’s where you’ll find Thiên Mụ (Pagoda of the Celestial Lady), an important spiritual center for Buddhists. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, each of the seven floors of the pagoda is dedicated to a Buddha that appeared in human form. The city is located on the main railway line in Vietnam running from Saigon in the south to Hanoi in the north. Its riverboat service is a convenient way to access the pagoda, located at Thien Mu Boat Station stop.

The Fame of Godstow

By Linda Tancs

Located on the banks of the River Thames between the villages of Wolvercote (the site where renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien is buried) and Wytham is the hamlet of Godstow. Godstow Lock has the distinction of being the highest hydraulic-operated pound lock on the River Thames, but the village might be better known for the ruins of Godstow Abbey. It became the burial place of Rosamund Clifford, also known as the “Fair Rosamund,” a longtime mistress of Henry II during the 1170s. Henry VIII destroyed Godstow Abbey during the dissolution of the monasteries. Later, the village was used by Royalists during the Civil War to defend Godstow Bridge. When the Parliamentarians attacked, the whole site was burned down.

Freedom’s Fortress

By Linda Tancs

Positioned on a 565-acre peninsula known as Old Point Comfort, Fort Monroe National Monument in Hampton, Virginia, is known as “Freedom’s Fortress.” That’s because, due to a legal loophole, thousands of enslaved Africans escaped and found refuge there during the Civil War. Strategically located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, it was a key defensive site. The site’s military history is chronicled at the Casemate Museum. Buildings of note include the oldest house (Building #1, Old Quarters), where Abraham Lincoln stayed while planning the attack on Norfolk in 1862, and Building #17, where Robert E. Lee and his family stayed while he was a young engineer helping to oversee the construction of the fort. The peninsula is also home to Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, the second-oldest light in the bay and the oldest still in use.

The Rock of Dunamase

By Linda Tancs

Overlooking the valley of the O’Moores in County Laois, Ireland, the Rock of Dunamase is a Celtic fortification that was once a very important Anglo-Norman stronghold. It was part of the dowry of Aoife, the daughter of the King of Leinster, when she was given in marriage to the Norman conqueror Strongbow in 1170. The top of the rocky outcrop offers spectacular views across the plain, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail

By Linda Tancs

The Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail is an all-season trail featuring some of the valley’s best farmlands and historic places. The longest cycling path in Ontario, the multi-use corridor stretches from Smith Falls to Mattawa. A permit is required for ATV and snowmobile use.

Fishermen’s Island

By Linda Tancs

Accessible only by boat, Fishermen’s Island (Isola dei Pescatori) is the northernmost of Italy’s Borromean islands in Lake Maggiore. The only one to be inhabited year round, it’s particularly known for its fish cuisine given the island’s history as a fishing village. The Church of San Vittore is a national monument, which still has its original apse with a single lancet window dating from the 11th century. The interior includes wooden busts of the apostles Peter and Andrew, the patron saints of fishermen.