Travel Briefs

November 2015 issue

Cold War museum, Ontario

Originally built in Canada in 1958 to house Prime Minister John Deifenbaker and key members of the government in case of a nuclear attack, The Diefenbunker (3929 Carp Rd., Carp, Ontario; 613/839-0007, http://diefenbunker.ca) is now a museum dedicated to preserving Canada’s role in the Cold War.

The 100,000-square-foot bunker and museum offers guided and self-guided tours through its restored rooms, including the government situation center, the Bank of Canada vault, the Prime Minister’s quarters and medical facilities. The museum also has temporary art exhibits.

Open daily 10...

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February 2015 issue

Loopy dining in Abu Dhabi

Located in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall, ROGO’s is the world’s largest roller coaster-inspired restaurant.

Diners at the 2-story, 360-seat restaurant place food orders using handheld digital tablets while seated at their tables. Food is delivered in a covered pot or jar strapped to a tray that slides, secured but gravity driven, down one of 30 “roller coaster” tracks that loop and twist around the dining room.

The international and fast-food items include dishes like Tornado Burgers and Sticky Date Pudding with Salted Caramel Ice Cream. According to www.zomato.com, the average price...

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October 2008 issue

Steam train in UK

Severn Valley Railway, based in Bewdley, Worcestershire, offers rides on the company’s restored steam train. The 16-mile route follows the Severn River and crosses the 200-foot-high Victoria Bridge.

Train rides are available on weekends October to April and every day May to September. Holiday-themed rides are available in December.

For timetables, contact the Severn Valley Railway (The Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1BG, U.K.; phone 01299 403816, fax 01299 400839, www.svr.co.uk).

July 2015 issue

Angkor Wat rules of conduct

The Aspara Authority in Cambodia has created a “Visitor Code of Conduct” for visitors to the Angkor Wat temple complex, following a series of incidents involving tourists.

The code, which is posted in multiple languages at the entrance to the complex, prohibits visitors from touching monuments, entering restricted areas, wearing revealing clothing, and smoking. Breaking the code will be punishable as a crime.

December 2008 issue

Smoking ban, India

In India, a law went into effect Oct. 2, 2008, that prohibits smoking in public spaces such as restaurants, coffee shops, bars, shopping malls, cinema halls, amusement centers, hospitals and public offices, 

Restaurants seating 30 or more may reserve “smoking corners,” but the question remains whether hookah bars/restaurants will be regulated. Mumbai and Ahmedabad consider hookahs to be within the smoking ban, but Delhi has not decided.

November 2008 issue

Cave paintings in Spain

A replica of the cave of Ekain, notable for its many prehistoric paintings, has been opened north of Bilbao, Spain. 500 meters from the real cave, the replica showcases Ekain’s art in the same order and placement as in the original.

Closed Monday, the cave is open 10-6 Tuesday-Friday and 10-7 weekends, holidays and summer. The price of €5 ($7) adult or €4 senior/student for a 30-minute guided tour includes entry to the exhibition all day.

Advance reservations are required. Contact Information Office of Ekainberri (Portale kalea 9, 20740 Zestoa, Spain; phone 943 86 88 11, www....

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November 2015 issue

Van Gogh atlas

The 180-page “Vincent van Gogh Atlas” has maps detailing places the painter lived and worked, including Amsterdam, London, Paris and Auvers-sur-Oise, plus photographs, drawings and letters related to each location. 

Released by the Van Gogh Museum (Paulus Potterstraat 7, 1071 CX Amsterdam, Netherlands; phone +31 20 570 5200, www.vangoghmuseum.com), it’s available in English, French and Dutch at the museum and on its website. €23.54 plus €18.15 shipping to the US (near $47 total).

October 2008 issue

Tour Norman castle

One of the largest Norman castles still surviving now serves as a dormitory for students attending University College (Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RW, U.K.; phone 0191 334 3800, fax 0191 334 3801, www.dur.ac.uk/university.college).

Guided tours of the castle are offered each afternoon from Easter to Sept. 30 and on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday for all other dates. Tours may be canceled for school events; check with the castle porter (phone 0191 334 3800) before arriving. £5 ($9) adult or £3.50 ($6.50) senior.