Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 78

A Memorable Walk in Portugal

By Linda Tancs

One of the best preserved trails in Europe, Rota Vicentina meanders through the Alentejo and Algarve regions of Portugal. There are two main routes, the “historical way” and the “fishermen’s trail.” The longer of the two is the historical way, a 142-mile journey from Santiago do Cacém to the Cape of St. Vincent that passes through forests, towns and villages. At 77 miles, the Atlantic coast-hugging fishermen’s trail, as the name implies, provides access to fishing grounds. For the less adventurous, one-day circular routes provide a less demanding trek although they still enhance the two main trails. You’ll find them in Almograve, São Luís, Troviscais, Santa Clara, Sabóia, Bordeira and Carrapateira. Avoid the summer crowds and go now. Unlike other places in Europe, southern Portugal is one of the few places where the weather is fine for trekking in February.

Pretty in Pink in Vietnam

By Linda Tancs

You’ve heard of hotspots, but how about a hot pink spot? Literally and figuratively, Tân Định church in Vietnam fits the bill. One of the oldest churches in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s known for its vibrant pink façade (inside and out) and Gothic pillars. It first opened to the public in 1876 and remains one of the city’s top attractions as well as a local favorite. You’ll find it on Hai Ba Trung Street.

A Local History Museum in London

By Linda Tancs

Gunnersbury Park boasts an opulent stately home in Regency style located in the London Borough of Hounslow. Once owned by the Rothschild banking family, it now houses a local history and heritage museum for the London boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow. You can thank Maria de Rothschild for that, who sold the park and its mansion houses to Ealing Borough Council and Acton Borough Council in 1925 to be preserved as a public space. Some popular features are the 19th-century carriages owned by the Rothschilds, the Victorian kitchens and the Greek-style Doric Temple, one of the oldest buildings in the park. You can get there easily via Acton Town or South Ealing tube stations.

Crystal Clear in Malawi

By Linda Tancs

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi are legendary. One of the deepest lakes in the world, its southern expanse is dominated by Lake Malawi National Park, the first freshwater national park to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Scientifically, it’s important for its fish diversity, with 1,000 species half occurring within the property and estimated as the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world. It also boasts more than 350 species of mbuna (rockfish) endemic to the region, a population considered of equal value to science as the finches of the Galapagos Islands or the honeycreepers of Hawaii. Boats are available for hire, and the fish will feed from the hand.

Art in Brick City

By Linda Tancs

Brick City is a nickname for Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, so-named reputedly for the tall, brick buildings that arose decades ago as affordable housing for the growing populace. Brick City Stories is a virtual place created by The Newark Museum of Art (the state’s largest museum) to connect with the local arts community. It’s one of many features offered by the museum, which houses a formidable collection of American art, decorative arts, contemporary art and arts of Asia, Africa, the Americas and the ancient world. Located on Washington Street, you’ll find ample programming for adults, educators, youth and families.

Silk Capital of the UK

By Linda Tancs

Like other medieval market towns in Suffolk, Sudbury gained acclaim as one of the famous wool towns. The textile of choice these days, though, is silk. In fact, the town has four working mills manufacturing 110 metric tonnes of Chinese silk every year which supplies 95 percent of the nation’s woven silk textiles, making it the silk capital of the United Kingdom. “Sudbury Silk” is so desired worldwide that it was granted protected geographical status in 2015. You can find exhibitions on the town’s silk industry at the former home of renowned landscape painter Thomas Gainsborough, which is now a museum and gallery.

Japan’s Bathing Beauties

By Linda Tancs

Buried in snow almost one third of the year, Japan’s Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano is home to Japanese macaques, popularly known as snow monkeys. The northernmost living nonhuman primate, they descend from the forest to bathe in naturally occurring hot springs, a pleasant respite from a cold day. Part of Jōshin’etsu-kōgen National Park, the monkey park is reportedly the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs. The park is not a zoo; the monkeys are wild and come and go as they please, enticed by feedings by professional staff. Keep a respectful distance when taking photos, or else you may go home with one less piece of equipment.

The Mother of All Ships

By Linda Tancs

At the time of her launch in 1843, SS Great Britain was the largest ship in the world, hailed as “the greatest experiment since the Creation.” She was also the first screw-propelled, ocean-going, iron-hulled steam ship, designed initially for the emerging trans-Atlantic luxury passenger trade. Her architect was Isambard Kingdom Brunel, an engineering giant voted one of the greatest Britons of all time. The ship was built in Bristol, where she’s been dry-docked since 1970 and later rehabilitated. Your ticket to visit the ship includes one year’s unlimited access to the dry dock where the ship was originally built (Great Western Dockyard), the Dockyard Museum and the new Being Brunel museum.

An Island for Every Day

By Linda Tancs

Looking for an archipelago with as many islands as there are days in a year? Then look no further than San Blas in Panama. Comprising approximately 365 islands and cays (of which 49 are inhabited), they lie off the north coast of the Isthmus of Panama, east of the Panama Canal. The islands are home to the indigenous Kuna (or Guna), who maintain political autonomy from the mainland and control tourism. Thanks to their efforts, the islands retain a quiet, pristine character—in other words, rustic. That means no Wi-Fi, all-inclusives or shopping. One of the easiest ways to get there is to take a day tour from Panama City, visiting a handful of islands and including a local lunch. You might prefer that to an overnight in a hut with no water or electricity.

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To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.

The Norway of Arabia

By Linda Tancs

Situated in the north of the Arabian Peninsula and separated from Iran by the Straight of Hormuz lies the coastal enclave of Musandam, Oman’s northernmost governorate. It’s one of the most beautiful regions in the nation, dominated by 6,500-foot mountains meeting crystal-clear fjords. Because of that geography the area is appropriately dubbed the “Norway of Arabia.” Khor Najd presents the best opportunity for viewing the meeting of mountain and sea, but you’ll need four-wheel drive to access the lookout.