britain - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T08:22:34Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/britainEngland's Uplifting, Relaxing Grasmere Lake District & Its Holiday Rentalshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/grasmere-lake-district-england-britain-united-kingdom-rentals2023-10-25T07:20:00.000Z2023-10-25T07:20:00.000ZThe Lakes Escapehttps://tripatini.com/members/TheLakesEscape<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12257627697,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12257627697,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12257627697?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/franganillo/29880167724" target="_blank">Jorge Franganillo</a></em></span></p>
<p><br /> The <strong>Lake District</strong> of <strong>Cumbria</strong> in northwest <strong>England</strong>, a 5½-hour drive from <strong>London</strong> and two from <strong>Liverpool</strong> and <strong>Manchester</strong>, is a mountainous region and national park renowned for its gorgeous scenery - centering around 19 eponymous lakes - as well as its literary associations with a group of 19th-century "Lake Poets" such as <strong>William Wordsworth</strong> (one of his most famous poems, "<strong>Daffodils</strong>," was inspired here), <strong>Beatrix Potter</strong> (of <strong>Peter Rabbit</strong> fame), and <strong>John Ruskin</strong> (a highly influential Victorian-era writer, philosopher, and art critic). This distinctly English countrryside is on of rolling pastures, granite hills, and serene villages like <strong>Ambleside</strong>, <strong>Buttermere</strong>, <strong>Grasmere</strong>, and <strong>Keswick</strong>, with medieval churches, cosy tearooms and eateries, and an appealing cultural scene including interesting art galleries. Grasmere is one of its smaller lakes, and the nearby village of the same name (population around 4,600) is considered one of the prettiest and most historic, where you can visit Wordsworth´s <strong><a href="https://wordsworth.org.uk/visit/" target="_blank">Dove Cottage</a></strong>, (and be sure to sample the famus gingerbread at <strong>Sarah Nelson</strong>´s <strong>Grasmere Gingerbread Shop</strong>.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11150472675,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11150472675,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11150472675?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.thelakesescape.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>The Lakes Escape</em></span><br /> </a></p>
<p>Speaking of cottages, the best and most relaxing way to experience this lovely are is to book a stay at one of the <a href="https://www.thelakesescape.co.uk/" target="_blank">best Lake District various holiday cottages</a>, where you can completely unwind with all the comforts and amenities. Properties like <a href="https://www.thelakesescape.co.uk/hb_accommodation/heron-beck/" target="_blank"><strong>Heron Beck</strong></a> and the <strong><a href="https://www.thelakesescape.co.uk/hb_accommodation/the-wash-house/" target="_blank">Wash House</a></strong> are located strategic settings - and within a ten-minute stroll of the village - which allow you to enjoy some great views of the area. Other local accommodation options range from gracious country hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts.</p>
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<p>More info: <a href="https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/explore/grasmere-p1212051" target="_blank">VisitLakeDistrict.com</a>.</p></div>4 Fabulous Hikes in England´s Lovely Lake Districthttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/lake-district-england-great-britain-united-kingdom-hiking2023-09-25T06:39:32.000Z2023-09-25T06:39:32.000ZThe Lakes Escapehttps://tripatini.com/members/TheLakesEscape<div><p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12232157280,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12232157280,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12232157280?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p>Nestled amidst the rugged and enchanting landscapes of Northwest England, the Lake District is the hiker’s paradise. There are endless opportunities for outdoor activities, but the tallest mountains, lofty peaks, and rolling hills make it an ideal choice for hiking. There are an array of routes and trails that cater to both novice and pro hikers. When it comes to accommodations, the <a href="https://www.thelakesescape.co.uk/">Lake District cottages</a> take care of the different needs.</p>
<p>Covering an expanse of 2,362 square km, The Lake District in the United Kingdom is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts people from across the globe, especially for its natural beauty and ample hiking possibilities. In the words of the famous poet William Wordsworth, it is “The loveliest spot that man hath found”, so that is one reason you need to visit this place once in a lifetime. Who knows you may wish to visit again and again.</p>
<p>It is best to explore the Lake District through walking. Even if you are not a seasoned climber, several guidebooks and maps can help you in this expedition. So, put on your hiking shoes and explore this picturesque area walking. For those seeking an introduction to the beauty of this region, the Cat bells trail can be an excellent opportunity.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Cat bells Trail, Lake District (climb takes around an hour on the western side)</strong></span></p>
<p>Situated close to the busy town of Keswick, the Cat bells is one of the well-known walks in the Lake District. The reason behind it is that this relatively short hike offers a stunning panoramic view of Derwentwater and the surrounding fields.</p>
<p>In the whole walk, you will climb almost 1300 feet. The distance is 1.5 miles from Hawes End or 2.5 miles from Grange.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Helvellyn Range (a tough climb on the central side that takes almost 9 hours)</strong></span></p>
<p>For the more fearless hikers out there, the Helvellyn range has a host of challenging routes. Though there is a route for every ability in the Striding Edge. You can take the challenge and scramble the route directly, or avoid most difficult moves by following the right-hand path.</p>
<p>During the winter months, the routes are dangerous. Once you dare to traverse the rocky arete, you will feel an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and enjoy a vast stretch of landscapes as far as you can see.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Scafell Pike (challenging 5 hours climb on the south-western side) </strong></span></p>
<p>Another equally impressive hiking possibility lies in scaling the Scafell Pike. It is the highest peak in England that can be conquered via multiple paths. However, all the paths to the primary crests are wild and rocky with sufficient elevations. From the rocky terrain of the Corridor Route to a sufficiently gentle one of the Eksdale approach, hikers can select a route according to their capability and choice. Each of the paths has its challenges and rewards to experience.</p>
<p>The geography of the mountain may sometimes appear bewildering, but on a closer inspection, it excites walkers with a sense of adventure. A relatively easier climb to the Scafell Pike is the direct route via Brown Tongue from Wasdale. However, it is a better choice to explore this great mountain range through the longer routes. Such paths enable you to enjoy this stunning mountain range from close.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Whitbarrow Scar and Lord’s Seat (an easy 3hr climb along the north-western side)</strong></span></p>
<p>A circular walk along the Whitbarrow Scar begins from the village of Mill Side in the Lake District. The initial walk is through the woodlands before you climb up the White Barrow Scar. After walking for about 2 km along the scar, Lord’s Seat can be reached from where it is possible to witness an astounding view of the surrounding area. The Morecambe Bay is visible right from the top. The path that descends from Scar also passes through a fascinating woodland.</p>
<p>There are several other hiking opportunities to explore in the Lake District. It’s a hiker’s paradise in its truest sense. You may study different hiking routes present in that area and select the one that suits you the most. The Lake District is dotted with quaint villages like Windermere, Grasmere, Keswick, and Ambleside that have many cosy accommodations for hikers to stay. Also, there are different types of Lake District cottages where one can expect bed and breakfast options and luxury stays.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the weather in the Lake District is quite unpredictable. Hence, it is best to select dry months to travel to if you have any plans to hike. However, in the dry months, this popular tourist place remains crowded. It is better to reserve an accommodation in advance. Even if you are traveling in the dry months, there is no guarantee that rain will not happen. So, you must always keep a waterproof gear, a rain jacket, and sturdy footwear along with you to protect yourself from the untimely showers.</p></div>What Is a Single Malt Whisky? Plus Some Prime Exampleshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/single-malt-scotch-whisky2023-09-15T11:20:00.000Z2023-09-15T11:20:00.000ZBottle Barnhttps://tripatini.com/members/BottleBarn<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12216544095,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12216544095,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12216544095?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/pe9T4ROjpzQ" target="_blank">Dylan de Jonge</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> Few spirits have captured the hearts and palates of spirits enthusiasts quite like whisky, a sophisticated elixir born from the perfect blend of time-honored tradition, premium ingredients, and meticulous craftsmanship. Distilled in <strong>Scotland</strong> and <strong>Ireland</strong> since at least the 15th century, single malt is now also produced in more than two dozen other countries, even including the likes of <strong>Brazil</strong>, <strong>Lebanon</strong>, <strong>Pakistan</strong>, <strong>South Africa</strong>, and <strong>Taiwan</strong>. Whisky is also widely <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/whiskey" target="_blank">available online</a>, and you´ll see that there are many different types, but one of the most popular and revered varieties is single malt which connoisseurs consider to be the pinnacle of the spirit, as it is crafted using only the most superior ingredients and traditional techniques, typically in small batches. And due to its higher quality and more limited production, it is generally more expensive than blended whiskies.</p>
<h2><strong>How Is Single Malt Whiskey Made?</strong></h2>
<p>According to Scottish whisky regulations, the term ¨single malt¨ is a specific type of whisky distilled at a single distillery.using only malted barley, yeast, and water. First the barley is mashed, then fermented to create a liquid known as wort, which is then in turn distilled in pot stills to produce a more concentrated liquid called wash, with a higher alcohol content. The distillation process involves heating the wash in a still to produce steam, which is then condensed back into a liquid. The newly distilled liquid, often referred to as the new-make spirit, is then carefully matured in an oak barrel for at least three years - and often for much longer, up to 18 - allowing its unique flavor and aroma to develop. The oak barrels used for aging single malt whiskey are often made of American white oak or European oak, which impart different flavors and characteristics to the whiskey.<br /> <br /> And let´s have a wee peek at five of the most outstanding single malt Scotches (meaning from Scotland) you can buy online.</p>
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<h3><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/products/macallan-double-cask-18yr-scotch-750ml" target="_blank">Macallan 18 Year Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky</a></h3>
<p>The Macallan is a well-known and highly respected brand of single malt whiskey, from <a href="https://www.themacallan.com/" target="_blank">a distillery</a> in the northeastern <strong>Speyside</strong> region (which boasts the greatest concentration of distilleries anywhere in Scotland) licensed for 200 years now. Its 18-year-old expression is a rich and complex whiskey with notes of dried fruit, spice, and oak.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11140028462,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11140028462,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11140028462?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="350" /></a></p>
<h3><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/products/lagavulin-16-year-single-malt" target="_blank">Lagavulin 16-Year Single Malt Scotch</a></h3>
<p>Crafted by the <a href="https://www.malts.com/en-us/brands/lagavulin" target="_blank">eponymous, 207-year-old distillery</a> on the <strong>Isle of Islay</strong> single malt whiskey known for its smoky and peaty flavor. This 16-year-old expression is bold and intense, with notes of smoke, peat, and seaweed.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11140028855,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11140028855,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11140028855?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="350" /></a></p>
<h3><a target="_blank">Glenmorangie 14-Year 'Quinta Ruban'</a></h3>
<p>Founded in 1843, <a href="https://www.glenmorangie.com/" target="_blank">this <strong>Highlands</strong> distillery</a> is known for its innovative approach, and this unique expression is made using a unique combination of aged whisky. It has a rich and chocolatey flavor with notes of coffee and spice.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11140028284,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11140028284,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11140028284?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="350" /></a></p>
<h3><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/scotch-whisky/products/dalmore-14-year-single-malt-scotch-whisky-750ml" target="_blank">The Dalmore 14-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky</a></h3>
<p>Also in the Highlands, <a href="https://www.thedalmore.com/en-gb/" target="_blank">this distinguished distillery</a> has been producing single malts since 1839. Its 14-year expression is aged in American oak barrels before being finished in sherry casks for a minimum of three years, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11140028679,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11140028679,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11140028679?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="350" /></a></p>
<h3><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all/products/talisker-distillers-edition-amoroso-cask-single-malt-scotch-whisky-750ml" target="_blank">Talisker Distillers Edition Amoroso Cask Single-Malt Scotch Whisky</a></h3>
<p>Founded in 1830, <a href="https://www.malts.com/en-us/distilleries/talisker" target="_blank">this distillery</a> out on the <strong>Isle of Skye</strong> in the <strong>Hebrides</strong> is known for producing rich and peaty single malt whiskies, and this special expression is aged in American oak barrels before being finished in casks which previously held amoroso sherry.</p>
<p> <br /> If you're interested in further exploring the world of single malts and buying whisky online, we invite you to check out <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/whiskey" target="_blank">our Bottle Barn online store</a> and browse our selection of premium bottles from some of the world's top distilleries. And if you happen to be in <strong>California</strong>, we'd love to see you at our liquor store in <strong>Santa Rosa</strong>, where our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect bottle to suit your tastes.</p>
<p>Finally, don't forget to our <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/blogs/news" target="_blank">blog</a>, where we regularly share articles and resources for whiskey enthusiasts of all levels. We're here to help you discover and savor the many pleasures of this timeless spirit. <br /> <br /> Cheers!</p>
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<p> </p></div>Scotland, Where Old Traditions Are Alive and Well Todayhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/inverness-scotland-great-britain-united-kingdom2023-08-28T17:32:05.000Z2023-08-28T17:32:05.000ZFyllis Hockmanhttps://tripatini.com/members/FyllisHockman<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213085663,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213085663,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12213085663?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a></p>
<p><em>Inverness, Scotland is but one of the Highlands’ Treasures. Photo by Victor Block</em></p>
<p>Ask anyone what they think of when they think of Scotland and you’ll probably hear bagpipes, kilts, tartans – maybe Scottish Brogue and haggis (but more on that later). If the year were 1746, you would have heard the same thing. But it was in that year, after the Battle of Culloden when the British decimated the Scots, that the British set about to systematically rid the country and its people of their identity and traditions. It didn’t work, which makes it all the more remarkable that everything that defines the Scottish people today is the same as it was centuries ago – and it was my mission to explore them all: kilts, bagpipes, whisky. Even the Gaelic language. Well almost all – not so much haggis….</p>
<p>And it was on a trip to the Scottish Highlands with UNTOURS, a company with its own unique traditions, that I got to relish in all of it. UNTOURS puts you up in unusual accommodations in multiple cities in more than a dozen European countries – perhaps a castle, a vineyard, or a delightful old church like ours. It provides a car, inundates you with information, connects you with a local contact to answer questions, and sets you off to see what you want to see when you want to see it, unencumbered by anyone else’s set schedule or preferences.</p>
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<p><em>The front of our UNTOURS apartment in an old 1837 church in Inverness, Scotland. Photo by Victor Block</em></p>
<p>UNTOURS TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY – TO LIVE LIKE A LOCAL – MAKES FOR AN INCOMPARABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE</p>
<p>Should we sleep in – or get an early start? Have dinner out – or eat in. Spend the day exploring our home town – or visit some of the towns within an easy hour car ride? Enjoy a sampling of a variety of Scottish single malts – or revel in other less-indulgent sightseeing options? Such are the many decisions with which we had to cope on our Scottish Highlands UNTOUR, an unrivaled way of traveling that encourages you to live like a local. Which means one decision you never have to make is whether or not to unpack.</p>
<p>We were spending the week in our own apartment, part of an 1837 church in a former life, near our home base of Inverness – and it indeed felt like home. Although a street sign on the corner with arrows pointing to a museum, the bus station, a market, and “Castle and Toilet” warranted a double-take. As did all the neighborhood signs where the Gaelic translation appears below the English ID. Dead language? Not close – they still teach it in school. Very hard to understand though. But then again so is the language they speak, which they claim is English…</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213086283,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213086283,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12213086283?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="592" height="347" /></a></p>
<p><em>Many of the signs throughout the Scottish Highlands are in both English and Gaelic. Photo by Victor Block</em></p>
<p>Kilts, tartans, whisky – not your everyday window-shopping options. If there were a singular symbol for Scotland, it might be tartan: from hotel interiors and tabletop items to cookie tins and everyday clothing. And then there are the wings of planes at the airport sporting bright plaid colors. Scottish tradition in inescapable.</p>
<p>Case in point -- the Highland Games. A throwback to ancient Scotland, it is a unifying rite of passage for any Scot. Amidst the vast ocean of tartan, bagpipes and clans sits a cultural event steeped in skill, tradition and community going back more than a thousand years. Now, the games are held in several cities throughout the summer – and we found ourselves at one on the only day of our week that was dry and drenched in sunshine.</p>
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<p><em>Among the many unusual skills exhibited at Scotland’s Highland Games is the hammer toss. Photo by Victor Block</em></p>
<p>Similar in style to the Renaissance Faires in the states, only here the men are wearing kilts rather than English robes. The music, of course, the incredibly distinctive bagpipes emanating from competing bands, never leave your ears. And, of course, every pipe band sports its own tartan -- all of which I wanted a sweater made of -- so the multitudes of plaids create a fashion visual that is hard to forge from your eyes. And I can’t tell you how many times I heard the words bonny, aye and laddie. To say, the Highland games are an assault on all the senses is a wee understatement.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213087267,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213087267,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12213087267?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="618" height="377" /></a></p>
<p><em>So many bands, so many colors, so many bagpipes highlight the summer Highland Games throughout the Scottish Highlands. Photo by Victor Block</em></p>
<p>A VISIT TO THE HIGHLAND GAMES IN SCOTLAND TRANSPORTS OLD-WORLD TRADITION INTO MODERN-DAY ENTERTAINMENT</p>
<p>And although some of the games such as track and cycling may be recognizable, the chanter, caber tossing, hammer throw and tug ‘o war are not. Men throwing heavy sticks, balls, hammers – and probably their arms out! The Highland dancers, from age six to seniors all decked out in colorful costumes, their intricate steps, toe-tapping music and enthusiasm galore enchant, whatever the age. At one point, I noticed that silence had descended upon the arena and I realized it was the first time a bagpipe couldn’t be heard somewhere off in the distance. It didn’t last long.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213087664,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213087664,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12213087664?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="513" height="329" /></a></p>
<p><em>The costumes and intricate steps of Scottish dancers are a big drawer to Scotland’s Highland Games. Photo by Victor Block</em></p>
<p>So kilts, bagpipes, Highland games all attesting to Scottish heritage. That still leaves whisky. And, oh yes, the damn haggis.</p>
<p>Scottish single malts – celebrated locally as whisky (no e) – are known all over the world for their richness and smoothness – and cost. With a history dating back as far as the 11th century, Scottish whisky is an important part of the country's identify, with most of the 140-plus distilleries in the Highlands. Being more of a pedestrian imbiber of alcohol, I was not the ideal candidate for a whisky distillery tour and tasting. But I soldiered on.</p>
<p>At the Glen Ord Distillery, serving up its single malts for almost two centuries, I sampled a flight of their 3 brands of whisky – a dram each which I learned was 25 ml. At 12 years of age, they were just kids. Three very different flavors, or so I was told, but I was useless as a connoisseur. They all tasted the same to me. I’m not proud. Then, as instructed, I added three drops of water to each dram to “separate the flavors.” And yes, I noticed they were more potent – but still tasted the same. I slinked out of the distillery.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213087498,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213087498,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12213087498?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="496" height="447" /></a></p>
<p><em>The author did not do justice to appreciating the richness of Scotland’s famed whisky at a tasting. Photo by Victor Block</em></p>
<p>But I was braver there than with one of Scotland’s most traditional dishes – the inevitable haggis, a lovely concoction of a sheep’s liver, lungs and heart which I chose not to pursue. I opted for another single malt which should tell you how much I didn’t want haggis.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213088657,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213088657,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12213088657?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="567" height="350" /></a></p>
<p><em>Scotland’s famous haggis should be tasted before actually identified – sheep’s lungs, heart and liver…. Photo by photocreations/Dreamstime.com</em></p>
<p>COLORFUL SCOTTISH TARTANS DECORATE EVERYTHING IN SCOTLAND FROM CLOTHES TO AIRPLANE WING TIPS</p>
<p>A visit to The Highland House of Fraser reinforces the uniqueness that is Scotland because there, for a mere $750, you can have your own personalized kilt made. And should you not have your own family tartan, you can choose from 750 different plaids from other clans. And you can even watch a kiltmaker weave your threads while, of course, listening to some bagpipe music.</p>
<p>Colorful tartans brighten up the entire country of Scotland. Photo by Victor Block</p>
<p>And lest you think the kilt is itself a throwback to history, not so. They are often worn at every celebratory gathering from birthday parties to weddings to funerals – and sometimes just because. As our local UNTOURS rep told us, he takes his kilt and bagpipes with him wherever he goes – apparently both wrap up well for traveling -- which conveys how very much a part of everyday living the old traditions are today.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213088871,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213088871,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12213088871?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="520" height="474" /></a><em>Kilts are often a part of everyday dress – only accompanied by a wee dram…. Photo by Victor Block</em></p>
<p>So despite Britain’s efforts to destroy the language, the clothing, the traditions and the lifestyle of the Scottish people, it all remains alive and well today. And UNTOURS encourages its own traditions. Picking up a roasted chicken and another bottle of wine at a local shop in our home town, we headed back to our cozy apartment to think about what other historic/modern Scottish traditions we would next explore. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.untours.com/scottish-highlands">www.untours.com/scottish-highlands</a>.</p>
<p>P.S. I actually wish I HAD tasted haggis – if only for the sake of this article.</p>
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<p> </p></div>Where to Stay in England´s Lake District?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/lake-district-england-great-britain-united-kingdom2023-08-28T08:44:46.000Z2023-08-28T08:44:46.000ZThe Lakes Escapehttps://tripatini.com/members/TheLakesEscape<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12212911480?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>The Lake District covers a huge span of 912 square miles, dotted with many beautiful English towns. For first-time travellers, it becomes overwhelming to decide the options where to stay so that they can have the best experience. The selection of a place depends on your budget and preferences. However, here is a comprehensive guide that may help you select the ideal place where you can stay while in the Lake District. There is no dearth in the <a href="https://www.thelakesescape.co.uk/" target="_blank">number of holiday accommodation in Lake District</a>. You can choose your accommodation based on your preference and location.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12212910860,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12212910860,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12212910860?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><strong>Some of the major towns in the Lake District are:</strong></p><p>• Ambleside<br /> • Windemere<br /> • Keswick<br /> • Grasmere<br /> • Bowness-on-Windermere</p><p>From the extreme north in the Lake District to the extreme south, it is a 1.5-hour drive. So, it is possible to cover the entire area if you are staying in one of the popular towns of the region.</p><p><strong>Ambleside</strong></p><p>Ambleside, a quaint village in the Lake District has a unique treasure that makes it special. The most photographed scene in Lakeland, the 17th century old Bridge House lies in Stock Ghyll Beck of this area. Other than that Ambleside has many historic sites to enjoy.</p><p>The Stock Ghyll, a picturesque waterfall is located just a short walk away from the Ambleside town centre. On the western side of Ambleside is the Loughrigg Fell which is one of the popular hills for hiking. The hikers can enjoy an excellent view of Windemere from atop the hills.</p><p><strong>Windermere</strong></p><p>If you want to take the vibe of everything in the Lake District, Windermere is the most suitable place to stay. It offers a view of fells, lake cruises, water activities, walking trails, literary connections, a glimpse of culture, and mesmerizing landscape scenery that one can just sit and enjoy. The place has a literary connection as Beatrix Potter’s former home is in this region. One will find many gift shops and cozy cafes in this town. The Windermere is England’s largest lake and lies at the heart of the National Park. So, it is easy to access the region.</p><p><strong>Keswick</strong></p><p>Surrounded by the incredible scenery of the Lake District, mountains, and Derwentwater Lake, the town of Keswick has a vibrant tourism opportunity. In the center of the town, there are art galleries, museums, pubs, eateries, and other attractions. It is also referred to as the adventure capital of the UK with so many options for outdoor activities. There are plenty of accommodations in this vibrant town that remain busy almost throughout the year. This town also has a connection with famous poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey.</p><p><strong>Grasmere</strong></p><p>Located to the north of Ambleside, on the way to Keswick, is the small lake of Grasmere. To the north of this lake is a village that is named after the Lake Grasmere. The region is famous for its connection with the literary genius Wordsworth. The panorama of mountains, fells, and lake truly justifies the words of Wordsworth- “the loveliest spot”.</p><p>As you walk along the street you will notice several houses bearing Victorian traditional architectural testimony sit comfortably beside the <a href="https://www.thelakesescape.co.uk/grasmere-cottages/" target="_blank">modern luxury cottages in Grasmere</a>, shops, and pubs. The memory of William Wordsworth is scattered throughout Grasmere.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12212910473,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12212910473,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12212910473?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p>The old church at the centre of the town is the final resting of the poet. His former dwelling Dove Cottage with a museum dedicated to the poet and his later residence near Rydal Mount are popular tourist attractions. Near the church, there is the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop. If you are in Grasmere do not forget to taste this local delicacy.</p><p>Strolling down the lanes will give a vivid picture or glimpse of the life there. Far from the hustle and bustle, the slow life here offers a peaceful break for the tired souls. It adds an attraction to the trip as you get a lot to experience and explore.</p><p><strong>Bowness-on-Windermere</strong></p><p>One of the Lake District’s popular tourist destinations, Bowness-on- Windermere remains buzzing almost around the year. It is a tourist town situated on the shore of Windermere. The town has recently gained popularity after the development of railway tracks from Oxenholme and Kendal to Windermere in 1847. The town is the nearest point to the Lake. People visit there to enjoy water sports along with the outstanding views. The town is popular for outdoor sports.</p><p>The Lake District National Park is the most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom. So, if you are planning a holiday alone or with your family or family in any of these popular towns in the Lake District, do some research from beforehand and find the best accommodation that matches your requirements. Keep in mind that it is hard to get preferred rooms in peak seasons which are usually crowded.</p></div>Cottages Are a Relaxing Option in Grasmere, in England's Lake Districthttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/cottages-grasmere-lake-district-england-britain-united-kingdom2023-05-01T06:17:40.000Z2023-05-01T06:17:40.000ZThe Lakes Escapehttps://tripatini.com/members/TheLakesEscape<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11038406071,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11038406071,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11038406071?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="850" height="566" /></a><br />When planning a visit to the Grasmere Lake District in the United Kingdom, one of the first things you need to address is the place to stay there so that you can spend some relaxing time during your holiday. A <strong><a href="https://www.thelakesescape.co.uk/self-catering-accommodation-lake-district/">self-catering accommodation in Lake District can be just</a></strong> the thing you and your companions need, as it allows you the flexibility to choose what to eat and when.</p>
<p>Choosing a holiday accommodation is not that easy, as you need to think about many things before you zero in on a cottage or other accommodation options. While the first thing that may come to your head is to find a place where you can stay for some time without spending much, you should also consider the infrastructure and the services you can avail yourself of there. You do not want to be in a position where you do everything as that would turn your holiday into a nightmare. This is why, you should consider exploring all the best cottage options when you want to visit the Grasmere Lake District.</p>
<p>Finding some holiday accommodation in Lake District can take some research on your part, but you can find options that suit your budget and your personal traveling requirements. The Lake District of Grasmere regularly receives solo travelers and families from far and wide. Hence, there are plenty of good cottage options out here. Even if you want to come down here with some of your friends and partner, you can find the services and expertise offered by the holiday rental Lake District ideal according to your taste and preference. Hence, getting one of the local cottages here in Grasmere Lake District is a wise idea when you want to enjoy a positive holiday experience that can transform you for the better. After all, peace and relaxation are what you are looking forward to.</p>
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<p>One of the first things you would notice about the luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District is that they have taken a great deal of effort in creating the perfect ambiance inside the cottage that brings its unique old-world charm. You can find classic rustic décor combined with the log-burning stove, and it can immediately have a calming effect on your senses. You will also see that the <a href="https://www.thelakesescape.co.uk/grasmere-cottages/">holiday cottage Grasmere can provide</a> you with all the modern comforts you can think of. This is a reason why, it is always advisable to stay in a local cottage in Grasmere that can prepare your mind and body when you want to explore the beauty of the region.</p>
<p>The scenic beauty of the Grasmere Lake together with the mountains can have a peaceful effect on your mind. It can also provide you with plenty of scope to explore the sights and sounds of the lake area at your own pace. So make sure that you choose one of the best Lake District cottages near Grasmere Lake when you want to have a nice holiday experience with your loved ones.</p></div>The Great Orme Tramway Is a Vintage Charmer in Waleshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/great-orme-tramway-llandudno-wales-great-britain-united-kingdom2023-03-12T07:35:00.000Z2023-03-12T07:35:00.000ZKeith Kelletthttps://tripatini.com/members/KeithKellett<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10078644468,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10078644468,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10078644468?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" /></a></p>
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<p>At just 206 metres (680 feet) above sea level, the <strong>Great Orme</strong> (below) might be thought of as rather a slight hill. But it looks as imposing as a far greater eminence, as it overlooks the seaside resort of <strong><a href="https://www.llandudno.com/" target="_blank">Llandudno</a></strong>, on the north Welsh coast about a 4½-hour drive or train ride from <strong>London</strong> and just over an hour's drive and two hours by rail from <strong>Liverpool</strong>. It’s a limestone headland about two miles long and a mile wide where, back in the Bronze Age, copper was mined (but they only discovered the old mine workings in 1987). Nowadays it’s the <strong>Great Orme Country Park</strong>, and ever since Victorian times, people - especially visitors - have liked to climb up, amble around, and take in the views of <strong>Snowdonia</strong> peak, the sea and the nearby isle of <strong>Anglesey</strong>.</p>
<p>There are several ways to get up there. You can of course walk or even drive. As of more recent times, you can use a cable car. But since 1902 there’s been a method unique in the <strong>British Isles</strong>: the <strong><a href="https://www.llandudno.com/great-orme-tramway/" target="_blank">Great Orme Tramway</a></strong>.<br /> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10078642680,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10078642680,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10078642680?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" /></a></p>
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<p>This is a unique, cable-hauled funicular railway to the very top, using the original cars dating from the line's inauguration. Other seaside resorts operate funicular railways, sometimes called "cliff railways", but this one’s different. There are two stages; you change cars at the midpoint. The cars are driven by external winches, but there’s an attendant - not, they said, a "driver" - on board, who can communicate with the winch operator, who can stop the winch if the tram needs to stop for traffic lights, or if there’s an obstruction on the line</p>
<p>The brochure told us it works on the same principle as the <strong>San Francisco</strong> cable cars, but that’s not quite correct. There the attendants operate a lever which clamps on to the cable when the car is moving, and releases it when they want to stop.<br /> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10078645676,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10078645676,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10078645676?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" /></a></p>
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<p>The blue cars are original - of a quaint open-sided Edwardian design - from which you can enjoy the extensive views on the way up. The views from the summit are also panoramic. We didn't stay long though, for the wind was an icy, wintry blast from the north. But, it was worth it for the ride up alone.<br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10995947856,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10995947856,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10995947856?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Llandudno_in_Wales.jpg" target="_blank">Nigel Swales</a></em></span></p>
<p>And of course there are plenty of other interesting things to see and do in the charming town of Llanludno with its well preserved Victorian architecture, including of course its beaches and golf courses, as well as interesting shops and galleries; the Victorian pier; the <strong>Llandudno Museum</strong>; the <strong>Llandudno Chocolate Experience</strong>; the Bronze-Age <strong>Great Orme Mines</strong>; the <strong>Bodafon Farm Park</strong>; the <strong>Happy Valley Botanical Gardens</strong>; the Iron-Age <strong>Pen-y-Dina Hillfort</strong>; and the <strong>Elephant Cave</strong>. So come and have a look this summer!</p>
<p> </p></div>Weekend for Christmas Getawayshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/weekend-for-christmas-getaways2010-12-22T09:00:00.000Z2010-12-22T09:00:00.000ZLonely Planethttps://tripatini.com/members/LonelyPlanet<div><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">With just a week to go before the ‘big day’ the UK’s airports have geared up for what is the busiest few days in the Christmas getaway rush!</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Millions of UK Passengers Passing Through UK Airports This Week<br /> The next two weeks are one of the busiest fortnights in an airport’s year, this week especially Saturday 18th through until Christmas Day,<br />with Heathrow expecting half a million passengers, whilst Gatwick<br />Airport set to see a phenomenal 700,000 passengers pass through its<br />terminals from this weekend.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">20% More Winter Sun Getaways Booked<br /> The popularity in Winter <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/india-tourism/goa-tourism.html">sun holidays</a> over the last few weeks has seen a huge increase, as much as 20% reported by some <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/india-travel-agent.htm">tour operators</a>, as UK residents escape the extreme weather conditions.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Be Prepared For Long Airport Queues<br /> So if you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of Britons heading to an airport over the next week or so then be prepared for long queues.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Long Haul and Short Haul Check-In Times<br /> That means be sure to get to the airport on time – for short haul <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/flights.asp">flights</a> it is recommended that you check-in two hours before your flight time, and if long haul then three hours before you fly.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Stock Up On Refreshments For the Airport<br /> Also be aware that with so many people in the airport the likely hood is that the queues, not only for check-in, but for refreshments will be<br />long too. It’s worth while taking with you a few snacks, especially if<br />you are travelling with small children. If you are concerned about<br />passing through security with food products for children then don’t be.<br />You’ll simply be asked to taste a small piece of the food. It’s<br />definitely worth taking your child’s food, and not risk the queues!<br />Another little tip is the newsagents in the airports, like WH Smiths for<br />example, will also sell a selection of refreshments so it’s worth<br />getting a drink and a packet of crisps from these types of shops instead<br />of one from the Food Hall.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Airport Snow Cancellations & Delays<br /> However, the weather that many of us are trying to escape may actually keep us in the country. Yet again the UK is being hit by major snow<br />storms and Heathrow and Gatwick have already closed runways and<br />cancelled flights this weekend.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Rail Closure Risks - Book Your Airport Parking<br /> When the snow falls, even the smallest amounts, rail routes can grind to a halt. Therefore, if you are travelling to the airport via train, or<br />other such public transport that could risk being delayed or diverted,<br />it’s worth considering, if the roads aren’t too treacherous, driving<br />yourself to the airport and booking airport parking. This way you can<br />get yourself to the airport, leaving home in good time, and also you can<br />get yourself back home again too.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Call The Airport Before Travel<br /> With snow closures a real threat, and delays a given, do call before you <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/">travel</a> – phone the airport on the day of travel to be advised of the very<br />latest information on delays and cancellations, along with any revised<br />check-in times.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">According to the latest weather reports we haven’t seen the last of the snow – the whole country is expected to be hit by further snow storms over the next few days, so fingers crossed for those<br />of us who are trying to get away do get away!</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Merry Christmas!</p></div>The Writing of 'In the Footsteps of Dracula: A Personal Journey and Travel Guide'https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/dracula-romania-england-travel-books2014-03-21T18:28:01.000Z2014-03-21T18:28:01.000ZSteven P. Ungerhttps://tripatini.com/members/StevenPUnger<div><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008677655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008677655,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008677655?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Old</em> <em>Parish</em> <em>Church</em> <em>Cemetery in Whitby</em><em>,</em> <em>England</em></span></p>
<p><em><br /> </em>My obsession to travel to every site related to either the fictional <strong>Count Dracula</strong> or his real historical counterpart, <strong>Prince Vlad Dracula the Impaler</strong>, grew out of a visit to <strong>Whitby</strong>, <strong>England</strong>, where part of the novel Dracula takes place. I stood on the cemetery hill (top) where, in Bram Stoker's <em>Dracula</em> <strong>Lucy Westenra</strong> and <strong>Mina Murray</strong> spent hour after hour sitting on their "favourite seat" (a bench placed over a suicide's grave near the edge of the cliff), gazing out toward the "headland called Kettleness" and the open <strong>North Sea</strong> beyond—while Count Dracula slept just beneath them. In my mind's eye, I could see the undead count rising at night from the flattened slab of the suicide's gravestone to greedily drink the blood of the living.<br /> <br /> The graveyard where Dracula spent his days sleeping in the sepulcher of a suicide looks the part that it plays, with its weathered limestone tombstones blackened by centuries of the everpresent North Sea winds. That graveyard made the novel more visible, more visceral, to me, and I wondered if the sites in <strong>Transylvania</strong> and the remote mountains of southern <strong>Romania</strong> would evoke the same feelings. As I was to discover—they mmost certainly did.</p>
<p>At that moment I decided to visit and photograph every site in England and Romania that is closely related to either Bram Stoker's fictional Count Dracula or his historical counterpart, Prince Vlad Dracula the Impaler—to literally walk in their footsteps and to write a book about my experiences.</p>
<p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008677298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008677298,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008677298?profile=original" width="691" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;">G<em>oth Girls Adorning</em> <em>Whitby</em><em>'s Bram Stoker Memorial Seat</em></span></p>
<p><br /> Eventually I traveled along the "Dracula Trail" alone, using only public transportation, to some places that I'd seen before and to others I had only dreamed of, trying my best to systematically strip away the layers of myth about Count Dracula and Vlad the Impaler to find the reality within. I discovered in broken stones and parchments signed in blood why Vlad's monstrous deeds in life would brand him forever with the name of Vlad Ţepeş (pronounced <em>TZEH·pish</em>), Romanian for Vlad the Impaler, soon after his death.</p>
<p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008677880,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008677880,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008677880?profile=original" width="750" /></a><em><span style="font-size:8pt;">Vlad the Impaler surrounded by his victims</span><br /> </em></p>
<p><br /> In my research and travels I discovered two fascinating coincidences that link the historical and the literary Draculas. First and foremost is that Bram Stoker chose to name his villain "Dracula" based on the translation of the Romanian word <em>dracul</em> into "devil," never knowing that the historical <em>woivode</em> (prince) Dracula he had read about was also Vlad Ţepeş, with a horrific and compelling biography of his own.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;" align="center"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008678287,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008678287,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008678287?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></em><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Haystacks in</em> <em>Transylvania</em><em>'s</em> <em>Borgo</em> <em>Pass</em></span></p>
<p><br /> Bram Stoker's Transylvania was the pipe dream of an armchair traveler with a genius for writing: real enough for the 19th-century reader, but bearing little resemblance to any Romania that ever existed. For example, Stoker wrote of "hay-ricks [haystacks] in the trees" based on illustrations of Transylvanian haystacks built around stakes, with the ends of the stakes poking out like branches. Thus generations of <em>Dracula</em> readers assumed that Transylvanians put their haystacks up in trees.</p>
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<p align="center"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008678692,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008678692,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008678692?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></em></p>
<p><br /> The second coincidence is the uncanny resemblance of the <em>real</em> sastle of Dracula, Vlad Ţepeş' fortress at <strong>Poenari</strong> — of which Stoker had no knowledge — to Count Dracula's fictional castle in Transylvania. Perched on a remote peak near a glacial moraine in the <strong>Făgarăş Mountains</strong> of southern Romania and mirroring Count Dracula's fictional castle at the top of the <strong>Borgo Pass</strong> almost stone for stone, Poenari remains pristine and almost inaccessible.</p>
<p align="center"><em> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008678500,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008678500,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008678500?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></em></p>
<p><br /> One of my favorite places on the Dracula Trail is <strong>Sighişoara</strong> (population around 28,000) in Transylvania, the birthplace of Vlad Ţepeş. I was enchanted the moment I entered the city's <strong>UNESCO World Heritage</strong> Upper Town. All at once I was in the middle of a perfect storybook medieval village enclosed by thick fortress walls, with cobblestone streets and Easter-egg-colored houses leaning every which way. Guarding the town square <strong>Piaţa Cetăţii </strong>(above) is a spire-roofed and turreted 14th-century clock tower replete with carved wooden figures that circle a track to mark the passage of time. In one window, a drummer plays to signal the hours; below the drummer, the angel of the night replaces the angel of the day at the final stroke of midnight. In another window, gods and goddesses appear, changing for each day of the week.</p>
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<p align="center"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008679488,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008679488,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008679488?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a> </em></p>
<p>But let's get back to Poenari, the <em>real</em> castle of Vlad Tepeş, built in the early 13th century. I had traveled to other remote, forbidding places before entering the almost lightless forest of Poenari. Near Albania's southern border, I hiked the <strong>Vikos Gorge</strong>, a dozen miles from the nearest village of stone houses. I baked beneath the unrelenting sun of the <strong>Timna Valley</strong> close to the <strong>Red Sea</strong>, where 120º in the shade is considered picnic weather. But never before or since have I felt the apprehension and isolation I did while climbing to Vlad's mountaintop fortress at Poenari. The forest was as quiet as a tomb; I can't recall hearing the song of even a single bird.</p>
<p>The ascent was exhausting (including climbing a concrete stairway of 1,480 steps). At last I arrived at the lone approach to the fortress, a wooden footbridge (see top left of the above photo). Of all the places I explored that are associated with Vlad Ţepeş, only at Poenari did I feel that he was somehow still keeping watch. Thousands of boyars and their families had been force-marched there from <strong>Tărgovişte</strong> to die rebuilding the castle for Prince Vlad; it was here that his treacherous brother <strong>Radu</strong> stormed the fortress with cannons, reducing the once courtly residence into broken turrets and formless rubble. And it was here that Prince Dracula's wife cast herself from the highest window of the eastern tower, choosing a swift death over the torture of the stake.</p>
<p>Walk along the top of the thick fortress walls of Poenari, look northward, and you can see part of the <strong>Transfăgarăşan Road</strong>, leading to a glacial moraine and one of the deepest lakes in the world (according to local legend, a dragon sleeps at the bottom of the lake, and the villagers nearby will caution you not to throw stones in the water lest the dragon awake). The view south from the fortress is straight down, to the <strong>Arges River</strong> far in the distance, and even farther, the road to the town of <strong>Curtea de Argeş</strong>.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Parts of this article have previously appeared in </em>Romar Traveler.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;">In the Footsteps of Dracula: A Personal Journey and Travel Guide, <em>2nd Edition is published and distributed by World Audience Publishers (<a href="http://worldaudience.powweb.com/pubs_bks/Dracula.html">http://worldaudience.powweb.com/pubs_bks/Dracula.html</a>).</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>In the Footsteps of Dracula is also available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">www.amazon.com</a>.</em></span></p>
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<p> </p></div>Gibraltar: Experience a European Relic From Colonial Timeshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/gibraltar-experience-a-european-relic-from-colonial-times2013-08-13T11:30:00.000Z2013-08-13T11:30:00.000ZTraveling Erikhttps://tripatini.com/members/TravelingErik<div><p><span class="font-size-5">With its strategic position overlooking the strait that parts the Mediterranean from the Atlantic, <em>Gibraltar</em> remains in British hands. For tourists, it also makes an almost unique journey back to the colonial times when Britain ruled the world, reports Erik Bergin.</span></p>
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<p><strong><span class="dropcap">A</span>fter the British</strong> handed back <a href="http://travelingreporter.com/hong-kong/">Hong Kong</a> to China in 1997, there’s not much left of the former glorious British Empire, that once ruled land and seas around the globe.But one British outpost remains, undisturbed by Spain’s opposition: <em>Gibraltar</em>, with its mighty cliff looming over the Mediterranean on the northern, Spanish side of <em>Strait of Gibraltar</em>.<br /> </p>
<div id="attachment_9832" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://travelingreporter.com/gibraltar-tourism-experience-a-european-relic-from-colonial-times/gibraltar-map/" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://i0.wp.com/travelingreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/gibraltar-map.png?resize=615%2C283&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="gibraltar-map.png?resize=615%2C283&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><em><span class="font-size-1">Google Maps.</span></em></p>
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<p><strong>One can understand</strong> Spain’s frustration over the fact that London stubbornly refuses to hand back the cliff, which has been in British possession since 1713. On the other hand, why should they – after the War of the Spanish Succession the territory was ceded to Britain “in perpetuity” under the Treaty of Utrecht, quickly becoming an important naval base for the Royal Navy. Three hundred years later, tourism, gambling and shipping are the main driving forces behind the economy of Gibraltar.</p>
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<div id="vcmad_65172">Gibraltar is a peculiar place. This small peninsula holds a transit and customs area, an airport, a port, a British village and two settlements, offices and the cliff itself, all in an area no larger than 6.8 km². It holds a position as one of the world’s most populous regions, with an average of 4,290 people per square kilometer.</div>
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<div id="attachment_10800" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://travelingreporter.com/gibraltar-tourism-experience-a-european-relic-from-colonial-times/gibraltar-1/" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://i0.wp.com/travelingreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/gibraltar-1.jpg?resize=601%2C352&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="gibraltar-1.jpg?resize=601%2C352&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><em><span class="font-size-1">A much-viewed angle of the Gibraltar rock. Photo: <a href="http://travelingreporter.com" target="_blank">TravelingReporter.com</a></span></em></p>
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<p><strong>We arrive by car</strong> from Spain, approaching the cliff from west. This makes for a good photo opportunity, with Gibraltar’s mountainous geography towering over the surrounding landscape (picture above).</p>
<p>Hitting the customs station a few minutes after our photo session, we expect entering Gibraltar to be an easy procedure. After all, it’s all Europe, right? </p>
<p>“Passports if you would, please, Sir.” A stiff British customs officer thoroughly examines our documents. He glares suspiciously at our rental car, with Spanish plates. We suddenly get the feeling that our passage into Gibraltar is not about experiencing a historic landmark, but exiting Spain and entering Great Britain. You can say much about the British, but they don’t take their duties lightly.</p>
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<p><strong>Having not pre-arranged</strong> any lodging, we go about finding a hostel in the small village. We soon find out it’s not cheap. In fact, prices seem higher than normal. A British bar tender explains why.</p>
<p>“The Brits fiddle with the exchange rate,” he says, apparently including himself in the ongoing scam. “Normally, the rate between the Euro and the Pound might be like 1.2–1.3. Here in Gibraltar, it can be like 1.7,” he says happily.</p>
<p>This means it is more expensive to buy British pounds in Gibraltar than in the UK, so it is a good idea to bring Sterling that you might have lying around at home into the colony.</p>
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<div id="attachment_9833" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://travelingreporter.com/gibraltar-tourism-experience-a-european-relic-from-colonial-times/gibraltar-satellite-photo/" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://i1.wp.com/travelingreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/gibraltar-satellite-photo.png?resize=615%2C1100&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="gibraltar-satellite-photo.png?resize=615%2C1100&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><em><span class="font-size-1">Google Maps</span></em></p>
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<p><strong>Tales of high price tags</strong> in Gibraltar are plenty around the Internet’s many travel blogs, too.</p>
<p><em>“The lunch we had in a cafe in one of the side streets was quite forgettable and memorable only for how much it cost after the cheap meals in Spain. We were happy to leave Gibraltar and see no need to go back,</em>” writes a couple of Aussies on their European <a href="http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Gibraltar/blog-795168.html" target="_blank">road trip blog</a>.</p>
<p>The Lonely Planet notes on its <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/gibraltar/practical-information/money-costs#ixzz2ZsZaR2Fu" target="_blank">Gibraltar guide page</a> that, <em>“You can spend euros (except in pay phones and post offices) but conversion rates are poor.” </em></p>
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<div id="attachment_10801" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://travelingreporter.com/gibraltar-tourism-experience-a-european-relic-from-colonial-times/gibraltar-2/" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://i1.wp.com/travelingreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/gibraltar-2.jpg?resize=604%2C453&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="gibraltar-2.jpg?resize=604%2C453&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><em><span class="font-size-1">The postcard view from atop of the Rock offers a spectacular panorama over the strait between Africa and Europe. Photo: <a href="http://travelingreporter.com" target="_blank">TravelingReporter.com</a></span></em></p>
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<p><strong>The actual town isn’t</strong> much to see either, carrying none of the charm and coziness that are generally found in small towns around Britain. As Photito writes on his <a href="http://photito.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/eyes-on-gibraltar/" target="_blank">blog</a>, <em>“Visually Gibraltar is not particularly pleasing to the eye. The population of roughly thirty thousand is rising, and as a small peninsula with a very large Rock in the middle, land is scarce. They reclaim land from the sea – almost continuously – in order to construct tall tower blocks, and in spite of short distances, the Gibraltarians are fond of their vehicles. Too much traffic and a lot of ugly high risers are not my favourite two things in the world, but if you manage to see beyond this, Gibraltar actually has a lot going for it.”</em></p>
<p>Really, Gibraltar tourism isn’t about offering an abundance of sights and experiences, but rather for the visitor to be able to pick out the good pieces from a rather narrow selection. It helps if you are into history, too, as this is first and foremost a historic landmark.</p>
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<p><strong>Gibraltar has some beaches,</strong> on the peninsula’s eastern side, so it is possible to stay and relax here for a few days if you pass the place on a Spanish road trip. However, considering the quite high prices and the fact that nearby Spain itself provides an endless row of beaches of all kinds, you probably shouldn’t travel to this British outpost just for the opportunity to go and have a swim. </p>
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<p><strong>Instead, Gibraltar’s main drawcard</strong> is the imposing Rock, rising 426 meters off the ground. You can buy a tour to the summit, or get the cable car to the top, but it’s also very much possible to drive yourself there. This is done via narrow serpentine roads, winding themselves upwards, passing lookouts and passages good for photos.</p>
<p>The cliff is home to a peculiar sort of monkeys, not afraid of humans and quite intrusive. Suddenly we hear a bump on the roof of the car. The next second a monkey sits on the hood, looking at us inside the vehicle as if we were animals ourselves.</p>
<div id="attachment_10802" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://travelingreporter.com/gibraltar-tourism-experience-a-european-relic-from-colonial-times/gibraltar-3/" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://i2.wp.com/travelingreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/gibraltar-3.jpg?resize=604%2C453&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="gibraltar-3.jpg?resize=604%2C453&b6da7a&profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><span class="font-size-1"><em>The curiosity of his monkey got the better of him of her. Photo: TravelingReporter.com</em></span></p>
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<p><strong>But it is the spectacular view from</strong> the Rock’s summit that is the real drawcard of Gibraltar. From here, one can easily spot numerous vessels lying at anchor awaiting their turn to approach the port of Gibraltar, which is situated on the west side of the peninsula.</p>
<p>It is an eerie sight, which also explains why Gibraltar was, and apparently is (but perhaps for other reasons), such an important stronghold for the British. From the Rock, it is possible to keep track of virtually every vessel (above water) trying to make it in or out of the Mediterranean. During wartime, possession of the Rock was thus a huge strategical advantage.</p>
<p>These days, it at least makes for a good tourist destination, albeit not much more. But as a monument over Europe’s past, dark times, Gibraltar stands its ground.</p>
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