Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 21

Trees of Life in Tanzania

By Linda Tancs

The giant baobab is known as Africa’s “tree of life.” It’s an apt description, considering that they’re a source of food, water and shelter for numerous species and are also used medicinally. Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is known for its baobabs. A great way to see the abundance of this national icon is by taking a nature walk in the company of a guide. The best time for a walk is from June to October.

New Zealand’s Glacier Country

By Linda Tancs

Glacier Country is located on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand. In the heart of the country is the town of Franz Josef (named for an Austrian emperor), which serves the glacier of the same name. The glacier descends from the tops of the Southern Alps into rainforest close to sea level. For a close encounter, consider a guided ice walk or heli-hike. Another must-see in town is the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where kiwi take center stage. In fact, the center has hatched and incubated over 385 rowi kiwi—the rarest kiwi on the planet with less than 600 left alive in the wild today.

Gateway to the Sahara

By Linda Tancs

Erfoud, Morocco, is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara” due to its proximity to Erg Chebbi, a striking sand dunes formation. Other attractions in the area are the palm groves and fossil exhibits. The arid, otherworldly scenery formed the backdrop for Hollywood films like The Prince of Persia and The Mummy. You can take in the magical setting from Borj Est, a military fortification on a hill that provides the perfect vantage point for watching the sunset over the surrounding mountains and dunes.

Special Wildlife in Buffalo Springs

By Linda Tancs

Established as a protected area in 1948, Africa’s Buffalo Springs game reserve in Kenya offers wildlife viewing unlike other places. Specifically, Buffalo Springs (along with Shaba and Samburu) is home to two species only found north of the Equator: Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe, characterized by its brown-orange patches separated by thick, white lines. You’ll see them on game drives, along with a host of other animals. The best place for wildlife viewing is along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, where they’ll be drinking and bathing. Head there during the dry season from June to October.

A Living Work of Art

By Linda Tancs

Located in Wiltshire, England, Stourhead is an estate boasting a Palladian house and world-famous landscape garden. When it first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as “a living work of art.” Indeed, the home (one of the first grand Palladian-style villas built in England) boasts a spectacular collection of furniture, artwork and heritage pieces collected by the Hoare family. It’s also home to some of the most spectacular follies (decorative structures) in Britain. The most famous folly is arguably the Temple of Apollo, which made its way into the film Pride and Prejudice. Another folly, the Pantheon, was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. And another one, Alfred’s Tower (named for King Alfred the Great), offers panoramic views over three counties. Events at the property include Behind Closed Doors tours, guided walks and daily activities.

An Iconic Tower in London

By Linda Tancs

Built in the 1960s, London’s BT Tower was once the city’s tallest building (at around 581 feet) until NatWest Tower opened in 1980. A national landmark, it was initially used for transmitting signals to television broadcasters and later featured a revolving restaurant and viewing platform (until an act of terrorism shut it down). As its role in telecommunications diminished with the evolution of fixed and mobile technology, the landmark saw new use as a giant banner of sorts when a wrap-around LED screen was installed around the 36th and 37th floors to provide messaging for various national events and even social media posts. The building has been sold to MCR, a major hotel group boasting properties like New York’s TWA Hotel and The High Line.

Rhode Island’s Flagship Vessel

By Linda Tancs

The official flagship and tall ship ambassador of Rhode Island, SSV Oliver Hazard Perry is the largest civilian sailing school vessel in the United States and the first ocean-going, full-rigged ship to be built in the U.S. in over 100 years. The ship is named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a native of Rhode Island and the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. Its educational programming includes introductions to marine navigation and engineering. Public tours are also available. During the summer season (June to October), the ship is docked at Fort Adams State Park and thereafter relocates to Bowens Wharf, both in Newport.

A Taste of South Beach in Tuscany

By Linda Tancs

Miami’s South Beach is an area well known for its Art Deco district. You could think of Italy’s seaside city of Viareggio as a kissing cousin. It boasts the same architecture, one of the most famous structures being the Gran Caffè Margherita. Start your tour at the intersection of Via Pietro Mascagni and Viale Alfredo Belluomini and head south on the promenade that runs parallel to the beach.

Inspiring Views of Brittany

By Linda Tancs

The sandstone cliffs of Cap Fréhel offer one of the most beautiful views of Brittany in northwestern France. Those cliffs are also home to many seabirds, including a very small community of the rare razorbill. For the best views of sea, sand, cliffs and birds take the coastal path between the cape and Fort La Latte, a gorgeous castle that has served as the backdrop for many films. Your hour-long walk will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from the castle keep. The castle is open through October.

A Historical Gem in Croatia

By Linda Tancs

Brač is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. The oldest inhabited village on the island is Škrip, a sparsely populated hamlet where olive oil is produced. Not surprisingly, you’ll find a Museum of Olive Oil there offering tastings and sales. The medieval center boasts a tower that contains the Island of Brač Museum as well as a Roman mausoleum said to contain the remains of the daughter and wife of Emperor Diocletian, who ordered the quarry of local stone for the construction of his palace. A ferry service runs between Split and Brač.