Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 150

The Spirit of Things in Pennsylvania

By Linda Tancs

Ephrata began in 1732 as a monastic settlement in Pennsylvania labeled a cloister, a retreat from worldly distractions where devoted members followed a disciplined life designed to prepare them for a heavenly existence. Their labors included farming, papermaking, carpentry, milling and textile production. The site became known for the development of the German calligraphic art of Frakturscriften (considered the first of this folk art produced in America), hundreds of compositions of a cappella music and the translation and publication of the 1,500-page Martyrs Mirror for the Mennonites, the largest book printed in colonial America. It also served as a hospital for nearly 260 American soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Administered today by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Historic Ephrata Cloister boasts historic buildings, collections and programming exhibiting the community’s spiritual, creative and intellectual accomplishments.

Celebrating Plums in France

By Linda Tancs

You’ll go plum crazy in Metz, France, during the annual Mirabelle Plum Festival. Rounding out the summer program of festivities in the Lorraine region in August, the event promotes the iconic fruit of the region. The highlight is the election of the Plum Queen, but you won’t want to miss the parade, fireworks, local arts and crafts or les montgolfiades (hot air balloons) in the town center by the lake.

A Unique Regatta in Australia

By Linda Tancs

The annual regatta at Henley-on-Todd in Australia is nothing like its cousin Henley in Oxfordshire, England. That’s because the Australian version is a desert boat race, the single longest running event in the Northern Territory. Various competitions require participants to race on foot carrying facsimile boats provided by the event organizers—or you can build your own. The signature event is the Battle of the Boats, a competition involving motorized land boats that fire cannons filled with flour and water at each other. The races are held on the third Saturday of August each year.

A Nod to Nutrition in Switzerland

By Linda Tancs

There’s a museum for everything. Why should diet and nutrition be any different? Alimentarium is billed as the first museum in the world dedicated entirely to the subject of nutrition. Located in Vevey, Switzerland (home to Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company), the facility’s exhibitions examine all aspects of the human diet and nutrition throughout the centuries, including eating habits, science, art and culture. There’s also an educational vegetable garden to quench your appetite for knowledge.

Norway’s Taste of the Highlands

By Linda Tancs

The mountains and highlands of Eastern Norway are awash in heather, moss and shrubbery in a variety of colors, a sublime backdrop to a series of peaks exceeding 6,500 feet in height at Rondane National Park. Rondane is Norway’s first national park, an area boasting the oldest wild reindeer herd in the country. Its woodlands, mountains and ample wildlife are best experienced by hiking the several marked trails, off-road biking, horse riding, rafting and river kayaking. The park offers tourist cabins and campsites. You can also enjoy locally sourced fare in the area hotels.

Wine and the Rhine

By Linda Tancs

Wine and the Rhine. One might say they go together like peanut butter and jelly. It’s a combination that can’t be beat, which is why the annual Rheingau Wine Festival is one of the highlights in Wiesbaden, Germany, part of the Rheingau wine growing area. Taking place between city hall, market church and parliament from August 10 to August 19, the famous festival features tastings of still and sparkling wines at over 100 stands. The event also includes sumptuous catering and a varied musical program, promising a convivial experience for all.

A Norwegian Tale

By Linda Tancs

The Best Words Ever is an inspirational children’s story set in Norway. Did you know that you can get an audiobook version of The Best Words Ever for free with a free trial of Audible? Check out one of the links below based on your country of residence to learn more:

US:

https://adbl.co/2vB7Y9F

UK:

https://adbl.co/2vxCd0U

France:

https://bit.ly/2vRUUf0

Germany:

https://adbl.co/2vOMdCw

 

The Latest Dirt on Alberta

By Linda Tancs

If you’re ready to get down and dirty, then Alberta, Canada, is the place for you. On August 11 and 12 Mud Hero makes its return to Canyon Ski Resort in Red Deer. Canada’s largest obstacle event, it features 18 obstacles over hills, mud, water and plenty of challenging terrain. Obstacles are meant to be a mix of fun and challenge, and some also offer difficulty levels so that all participants can have a great run within their ability level. Spectators are welcome at no charge.

Delaware’s Tall Ship

By Linda Tancs

Kalmar Nyckel was one of America’s pioneering colonial ships, a gun-armed merchant vessel leading an expedition that founded the colony of New Sweden in the Delaware Valley. A world power in the 1600s, Sweden established Fort Christina in present-day Delaware, the first permanent European settlement in the valley. Kalmar Nyckel made four roundtrip crossings of the Atlantic between 1637 and 1645, more than any other vessel of its era. Later, it served as a warship for the Swedish navy. The faithful reproduction sailing today is the official tall ship of Delaware. From April to November she sails from her home port in Wilmington and visits ports-of-call along the eastern seaboard from Virginia to New England.

Ancient Lithuania

By Linda Tancs

Trakai is Lithuania’s ancient capital. Officially founded in 1337, the medieval city is encircled by five lakes and is nicknamed “The Lake Town.” The pride of the nation, it’s known for its wooden architecture and an island castle that served as the summer residence of the Grand Dukes. Now home to a history museum, the picturesque, Gothic-style castle is one of the most visited sites in the country, attracting over 300,000 visitors each year.