Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 221

A Place Apart

By Linda Tancs

It’s a place apart, an unspoiled and uncluttered island where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel.   Situated off the coast of Britain’s North Devon, it’s Lundy Island.  The views, needless to say, are amazing–even more so from the helicopter that runs this time of year (November to March) from Hartland Point on Mondays and Fridays.  It’s the only way in until the MS Oldenburg starts running from April to October.  A favorite of day trippers, you can also rent a self-catering property for a longer break; the options range from a 13th century castle to a fisherman’s chalet.

Jewel of the Missions

By Linda Tancs

The legend of the swallows is a captivating facet of Mission San Juan Capistrano in California.  According to the tale, a priest at the mission became very upset when a local innkeeper kept destroying the nests that cliff swallows were building in the crevices of the inn’s roof.  He invited the swallows to build their nests instead at the mission, established in 1776 by a Franciscan priest.  And the invite did not go unheeded.  Old mud nests clinging to the stone church, the swallows arrive to rebuild their homes every year in March–on the nineteenth day, as a matter of fact–St. Joseph’s Day.  The event is marked by an annual celebration at the Mission on 19 March that includes ringing of historic bells, live mariachi music and a special guest lecture on cliff swallows.  The birds leave for their winter home in Argentina in October.

China’s Hawaii

By Linda Tancs

Virtually at the same latitude as Hawaii, China’s Hainan Island has no winter. Not surprisingly, it’s affectionately known as the “eastern Hawaii.” The beaches, tropical scenery, and yes, coconut plantations are all reminiscent of America’s 50th state. Coconut has been so prevalent since ancient times that the island is also called “Coconut Island.” In late March or early April there’s an annual international coconut festival celebrated in Haikou.  As yet unspoiled by rampant tourism, the island’s primary visitors are Chinese and Russian.

Cocktails and Creatures

By Linda Tancs

Talk about creature comforts. For one week beginning on 19 March some lucky pub goers will be able to get up close and personal to one of Nature’s most fascinating raptors: the owl. Annie the Owl and her posse will be the nocturnal guests of honor at a pop-up bar in Soho, London. A ticket lottery will determine who gets dibs at a two-hour, two-drinks encounter. Fashioned after the wildly (no pun intended) popular owl cafes in Tokyo, proceeds from the event will benefit an owl conservation group. Don’t worry–the owls will be handled by professional falconers to ensure their comfort and safety. What a hoot!

Old Hickory’s Homestead

By Linda Tancs

U.S. President Andrew Jackson (you know, the one on the 20 dollar bill) gained the nickname Old Hickory as a result of his toughness on the battlefield during the War of 1812, a battle that ultimately won him the White House.  Following the presidency, he retired to his much loved estate in Tennessee, The Hermitage.  The main house, considered one of the best preserved early presidential homes, is a Greek Revival brick mansion, chock-full of original furnishings, including very scenic and stunning wallpaper depicting the tale of Homer’s Odyssey.  The pastoral surroundings are punctuated with a small herd of Belted Galloways (sometimes referred to as the Oreo-cookie cow due to its appearance).  In the southeast corner of the garden you’ll find the tomb of the president and his beloved wife, Rachel.  Visited by millions annually, the property is located just miles outside downtown Nashville.

The City of Five Seasons

By Linda Tancs

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the folks believe that taking time to smell the roses extends life, almost like adding a fifth season to the calendar.  That’s the basis behind the city’s tagline, The City of Five Seasons.  For all the history, arts and culture that flourish in Iowa’s second largest city, you may very well need a fifth season to experience it all.  Start with a focal point like Brucemore, a classic 19th century Queen Anne-style house on a 26-acre estate in the heart of the city.  Caroline Soutter Sinclair built the mansion between 1884 and 1886 as a home for her six children; it’s only been owned by two families since that time.  Now operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this historic site is also an important community cultural center, offering concerts, theatre, special tours and exhibits.  Guided mansion tours start this month.

The Hawk Walk

By Linda Tancs

Established in 1967, the International Centre for Birds of Prey is the world’s oldest and largest center dedicated to birds of prey–owls, hawks, eagles, kites and vultures.  Now shared across two locations in the U.K. (Newent and Duncombe), this epicenter for raptor breeding and conservation offers three different flying displays daily.  Most of the trained birds are located at the Hawk Walk.  Head for the flying fields at the end of the walk.  Awash in daffodils this time of year, the flying demonstrations and natural surroundings are a photographer’s delight.

The Crown Jewel of Jump Racing

By Linda Tancs

The focus of jumping season in England is The Festival at Cheltenham.  Taking place today through 13 March at Prestbury Park, it’s the place where dreams are made, where the best horses, jockeys and trainers forge their reputation for excellence amidst a crowd of 235,000 people.  The environment isn’t too shabby, either.  Located at the edge of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham is a Regency spa town with a flair for culture and style.

America’s Best Kept Secret

By Linda Tancs

It isn’t necessarily the secluded white sand beaches, marine life or water sports rendering the Northern Mariana Islands America’s best kept secret.  Sure, you’ll find those assets in lots of places.  What you won’t find elsewhere in America are captivating Micronesian sunsets and the busiest airport in the world during World War II.  Together with indigenous culture, nightlife and shopping, the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota offer visitors irresistible hospitality in a sparsely populated paradise.  Sample a local delicacy while you’re there like apigi (young coconut wrapped in banana leaves and roasted).

Where Java Rules

By Linda Tancs

Surakarta (also called Solo) in Indonesia is where Java rules.  And no, that doesn’t mean coffee.  This city in Central Java exudes Javanese culture, like the courtly dances evocative of a royal bygone era.  It’s also the heartland for traditional batik and the rich yellow hues characteristic of the area.  Batik is so prized that there’s an annual batik carnival to celebrate this popular form of Javanese art.