Beatrix Potter's Britain

By Lindsey Ramsey
December 20, 2006
061221_misspotter
The Weinstein Company, 2006/Alex Bailey

The life of children's book author Beatrix Potter may seem an unlikely inspiration for a biopic, but watching Renee Zellweger portray her in Miss Potter, you will quickly realize what a fascinating life Potter led. Director Chris Noonan (Babe) has brought his own sense of magic to the story--Potter's animal characters wiggle and hop around in their drawings. And despite some schmaltz, the film is undeniably sweet as it tells the love story of Beatrix and her publisher Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor).

There is something else to swoon about in the film besides Mr. McGregor. Scenes depicting Potter as a child and then as an adult beginning to buy her own property were filmed in Britain's Lake District. The area's stunning landscape includes England's most impressive mountains and 16 icy blue lakes of every size. It looks like a place where Wuthering Heights would have taken place, only more serene. Rolling green moors and hills are dotted with little farms (some owned by the real Beatrix Potter).

Hill Top Farm, the first of several farms purchased by Potter, is now owned by the National Trust and is open to visitors (nationaltrust.org.uk). Admission is $10. To experience a working farm, used as a location in the film for Hill Top, visit Yew Tree Farm. The picturesque property is also a B&B (yewtree-farm.com, from $104). The farm will, however, be under renovations this winter. If you do happen to go, be on the lookout for mischievous bunnies and gullible ducks.

The film opens in limited release on December 29 and nationwide on January 12. For more information on Beatrix Potter sites and the film Miss Potter, check out our article, Movie Quest 2006 or visitbritain.com/misspotter.

Plan Your Next Getaway
Keep reading

An Excerpt from 'Golden Boy'

I was fascinated by the egg shops too, where fresh duck and chicken eggs were on offer alongside dried egg yolks and 100- (or1000-) year-old eggs. These preserved duck eggs were prepared by soaking them in strong tea then rolling them in a coating of wood ash, salt and lime. They were then stored in a huge earthenware jar and surrounded by fine soil rich in humus. In this state, they were left for just over three months during which time the yolk hardened and turned grey-green, the white of the egg turning into a semi-transparent black jelly that looked like onyx. Another preserved egg was made by coating it with red earth and ash, salt and lime bound together with tea and rolled in rice husks. They were then stored in an airtight jar sealed with candle or beeswax. When consumed, they were not cooked and were usually taken raw as an hors-d'oeuvre. Several streets were lined by food stalls known as dai pai dongs from which exotic and enticing aromas wafted. One evening, much to the consternation of the stallholder-cum-chef who was cooking over a charcoal brazier, I hoisted myself on to a stool, passing cars inches from my back and, ordering by pointing, asked for one of the preserved eggs. It was served sliced on a plate with a small bowl of pickled sweet vegetables and a dipping bowl of Chinese vinegar, rice wine, soy sauce and thinly sliced ginger. I picked up the chopsticks. A crowd gathered. The spectacle of a blond European boy sitting at a dai pai dong alone of an evening was more than most could resist. The traffic slowed. Then stopped. A jam began to form. Tentatively, not because I was suspicious of the egg but because I was aware that I was the centre of attention and not yet fully proficient at using chopsticks, I picked up a piece of yolk, dipped it in the sauce and ate it, following it down with a nibble of ginger. The taste was unique, savoury and rich and not at all egg-like. I ate a piece of picked cabbage. The stallholder put a bowl of steaming green tea before me. I held it up as if giving a toast. The crowd applauded, laughed and gradually dispersed, not a few of them touching my head in passing. I then tackled the problem of eating egg jelly with chopsticks. When I was done, the stallholder refused payment. I tried to press him. He refused again. I then saw why. I had brought him good luck. He had not a vacant stool. Excerpt from "Golden Boy" by Martin Booth. Copyright © 2006. Reprinted with permission by Picador. Buy the book from amazon.com.

Smooth Travel for the Holidays

If you're flying this holiday season, a few key strategies can make the experience more bearable. Click here to watch the latest episode of our weekly Web show, "Where Next? with Erik Torkells," to learn what you're allowed to take on board, how to reserve a spot in the airport parking lot, and more. Tune in online each week, as Budget Travel and CNN.com bring you great advice on traveling and destinations. Top Holiday Travel Tips 1. When carrying on liquids, it's 3-1-1. Here's how to remember the airport security rule for liquids: 3-1-1. That's three-ounce containers in one one-quart Ziploc bag. If you plan on carrying on liquids, you need to do this. They say you should pull out the ziploc bag as you approach security, but I don't. Just have the bag in your carry-on. I bet you'll be fine. Also, you may want to bring a few extra quart-size Ziploc bags. Your travel companions may not have remembered one, or you can give them out to other people in line. (Though some airports are giving them out, which is pretty cool.) 2. Leave any gifts unwrapped. If taking presents on a plane, whether you're checking them or carrying them on, don't wrap them. The TSA reserves the right to open them. Wrap 'em when you get to your destination. 3. Reserve a parking space in advance. Private airport parking lots will shuttle you to and from the terminal, and they let you book in advance so you won't have to worry about finding a space. (Good resources: carparknet.com, airportparkingreservations.com, airportdiscountparking.com, or parkingaccess.com.) People who live far from an airport and have an early flight might want to stay at an airport hotel the night before; some allow you to park your car at the hotel until you return--the price of a night's stay may be less than the parking bill at the airport. (Find info at parksleepfly.com.) 4. Check in the day before your flight. Online check-in is a godsend. You don't have to wait in the long line at the airport, especially if you're not checking bags, to get your boarding passes. Even if you're checking bags, I'd still do it. It'll only help. 5. Bring your own in-flight amenities. Airlines are charging for everything they possibly can: food, blankets, movies, curbside check-in, you name it. (There's even a rumor of an Asian airline charging for blankets, and when they need to increase revenues, they turn up the air conditioning! Another airline, in Europe, charges you if you want customer service by phone!) Some airlines still give various amenities, but it's too hard to keep track of who gives what. Bring your own entertainment, your own headphones, your own meal, your own pillow. Honestly, you'll be happier with your sandwich than any sandwich the airline makes. 6. Pack no more than 50 pounds per bag. All airlines recently changed their baggage limits, so you can only pack limit now 50 pounds per bag. And they'll charge you if you go over. If you're worried, pack a small duffle in your big bag, and take it out and fill it at the counter. 7. Join every rewards program you can. If you're staying at a hotel, by all means join the chain's rewards program--even if you think you'll never stay at one of those hotels again. That's because companies want to build loyalty, and they'll treat you better if they think you'll be loyal. I recently stayed one night at a Wyndham, and I joined the program beforehand. I filled out a form about what kind of snack and drinks I like, among other stuff. And when I got to my room, there were peanut M&M's (my favorite) and red wine (my other favorite) and bottled water waiting for me--all free. Another chain, Omni, delivers a free beverage to your room every morning if you're a member. 8. Don't forget car rental premium clubs. At busy times--i.e., holidays--the lines to check in for a rental car can be brutal. Often, just by joining the loyalty program, you get to skip the line--even better, you get to skip that painful interaction when they upsell you on insurance and a better model. Most car-rental companies don't charge you to join.

Trip Coach: December 19, 2006

Ana Chavier Caamano: Hi! My name is Ana Chavier Caamano. I'm glad you joined me. I'm ready to answer your questions and I hope I can be helpful. _______________________ State College, PA: My family will be traveling to Dominican Republic in March 2007. We will be flying into Santiago but we will be staying in Puerto Plata. Is there a form of transportation we can take to get from Santiago to Puerto Plata? There will be 8 of us requiring transportation (5 adults and 3 children). We will be staying in Puerto Plata for 1 week and would like to take a mounatin bike tour. Can you recommend a tour or area near Puerto Plata that we could go moutain biking? Thank you. Ana Chavier Caamano: Thanks for writing! I have a few options for your transportation question: (1) If you are staying in one of the all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Plata, check to see if they have a transportation deal (those can be expensive but might be worth it for 8 people--less hassle). (2) If there is no such offer, for transportation from Santiago to Puerto Plata, you'll need to take a taxi from the Santiago airport to the Caribe Tours bus station in Santiago. One leaves every hour (on the half hour) and should cost about US$ 2.50-3.00 per person. Then you'll take a taxi from the Caribe Tours Puerto Plata station to your hotel. (3) Hire a shuttle taxi right outside the airport--like a minivan. You'll want to haggle for a fair price. They'll quote you a really high one (on purpose because they expect you to haggle), get them to go lower. Ask if it has air-conditioning (it sometimes costs extra to run it). I know that was a lot of info, but I hope that helped. Mountain Biking: My favorite tour company to recommend is Iguana Mama and they are located in Cabarete (only 20 minutes from the Puerto Plata airport). They have a few different biking packages to chose from and they'll even arrange for pick up from your hotel if you want (at an extra cost). They do more than biking too. You're going at a wonderful time of year, Have fun! _______________________ Yonkers, NY: My wife and I will be celebrating our 40 anniversay in D.R. on 2/3/07 to 2/10/07. We will be staying in Punta Cana and friends have warned us to beware of food poisoning which they say is rampant. How do we protect ourselves and still enjoy our anniversary? We have been looking forward so much to this special time! Ana Chavier Caamano: First, congratulations on your 40th anniversary! Lots of people have asked me about stomach problems in general. So I'll try to help everyone in this: To protect yourself from stomach problems ruining your otherwise fun vacation, drink lots and lots of bottled water! Don't drink the tap water. Many resorts and hotels have refrigerators that have bottled water. (Make sure first if you drink it, it is not an extra charge.) It's a very easy practice that many vacationers forget to do when they're on holiday surrounded by tropical fruity drinks (alcoholic or not), food plates brimming with delectable treats (familiar and new), all while toasting themselves in the sun for an unusual amount of time. It might not actually be food poisoning they're experiencing, but heat-stroke. Either way, water will help to flush out your system if it is a bug and hydrate you if alcohol and sun (sweating) have dried you out. Concerning actual food poisoning; most resorts have a small medical clinic on site with a doctor and/or nurse on staff. Some of the larger complexes even have a small pharmacy in them. If you want to really play it safe, then at the buffet lines choose cooked food items. This is the safest route. As far as drinking goes, coffee, tea, canned and bottled beverages, carbonated drinks, beer and wine are usually safe. A step further, don't drink beverages with ice. Not a bad idea to pack an anti-diarrhea medication to take with you. They can be quite expensive there. For more information on Traveler's Health go to cdc.gov/travel. _______________________ Payson, AZ: Dear Ana Chavier, I have always wanted to go to the DR, but can't get my husband to commit. We are divers and it seems that the dive reports from others show spotty conditions at best. We also like to hike and he golfs. Having so many choices - Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and La Romana, which one would you choose for these activities? Thank you! Alana Ana Chavier Caamano: Hi Alana, thanks for writing. You're absolutely right! There are a lot of choices both for what to do and where to go in the Dominican Republic. While the DR is not known as the world's leading diving hotspot, it is a great place to do all of the things you mentioned in one trip. It's small geographically and easy to get around in, which makes a variety-packed vacation possible. Here's a suggestion: fly into Santiago's International airport, hike near Jarabacoa in the Cordillera Central (there are many different hikes here), travel north toward Puerto Plata to stay and golf at one of the resorts, then go toward Sosúa (not far from Puerto Plata) to snorkel and dive. It totally depends on how much time you've got. Another option (and my choice but might require more time) fly in to Puerto Plata and make your way over to the Samaná Peninsula, take the hike to Salto El Limón where you'll be rewarded with a swim at the foot of the 52 meter waterfall and then dive Cabo Cabrón during the migration of the Humback whales. The Samaná Peninsula is one of my favorite areas. _______________________ Washington, DC: Hi, My husband and I are going to Puerto Plata on January 19-28 and my 21 year old daughter has decided to go with us. We will be staying at Allegro Playa Dorada. I want to know what we can expect to do while there, besides swimming, and if there is some special place we should visit. My daughter gets bored easily and I want to make sure we do things that will keep her interested. Josie Ana Chavier Caamano: Hi Josie. I've stayed in Occindental resorts before (and many other mega resorts). What they are good at is catering to the vacationer who is easily bored. If you check at the activities desk, they'll show you a calendar of events and offerings (some free, some extra cost) going on each day. Examples (aside from swimming) are: beach volleyball, salsa or merengue dance classes, tennis clinics or tournaments, horseback riding, SCUBA diving clinic, kayaking, windsurfing, nighttime entertainment, a disco, etc. The list is really long. Playa Dorada is a resort complex that is situated very near the town of Puerto Plata where you can spend a nice afternoon. There you will see a very charming town square lined with old Victorian homes and storefronts, you can go to the The Dominican Amber Museum (it's a good tour and the jewelry is first-rate here as well, a good gift to take home), you can see the Fuerte San Felipe (built in the latter half of the 1500's), and you can take a tram up the Isabel de Torres Mountainside to a botanical garden for a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you desire something a little more amusement park-like, there is always Ocean World in Playa Cofresi. It is an aquarium located about 5 km west of Puerto Plata. You can swim with dolphins, feed sharks and stingrays and swim with tigers! For more information on Ocean World visit oceanworld.net/html_site/oce_home.html. _______________________ Arlington, VA: My fiancee and I would like to get away from the crowds, (we have already done a mega-resort in La Romana), the Samana peninsula looks intriquing, any suggestions, and what is the fastest way to get to the peninsula? Thanks, Irwin Ana Chavier Caamano: The Samana Peninsula is a wonderful place. A lot less tourist jammed and this is partially due to the fact that it is harder to get to. But it is SO worth it if you want to get away from all the crowds. Even though there is a brand new shiny international airport on the peninsula (elcatey.com) they have yet to offer US flights. Rumor has it they will begin offering those sometime in 2007. Meanwhile, if you fly in to Puerto Plata, the town of Santa Barbara de Samana (a.k.a. Samana) is about a 4-hour trip. It is probably the shortest route there. _______________________ Boulder, CO: I would like to know good resorts - All inclusive for couples in their 60s . We have been to many All inclusive resorts in the Riviera maya and want to experience a new place. We want a really nice beach - swimmable and good food and nice beds. Doesn't need to be "top of the line" but any ideas would help. What area of the island is nicest beach wise. And is it safe to go out from the resort areas? thanks Ana Chavier Caamano: Hi. If you're looking for resorts that don't allow children, I can suggest the Allegro Playa Dorada in Playa Dorada (North shore). But if that is not the case, then Casa de Campo in La Romana on the Caribbean Coast (this one is considered top of the line by many), is a wonderful place for all ages and is very comfortable. There you're more likely to get that good food in my opinion. They have a built a new Marina back in 2005 that added many top of the line restaurants to their already restaurant-filled complex. _______________________ Washington, DC: I'm a 29 year old female. I grew up in St. Croix, USVI, and currently reside in Washington, DC. My father has dominican roots, although I haven't visited since I was a little girl. I'd love to visit our family in the Dominican Republic. They live in Santo Domingo. I speak SOME spanish...I can get by, but am hardly fluent. Any suggestions on where to stay, what to see, and the best time of the year to visit? Ana Chavier Caamano: Hola! You should go to Santo Domingo!! Feel the vibe of the city, speak to the locals, get to know your family again and get your language skills flowing. If you can't stay with family (ha ha), then stay in one of the hotels in the Ciudad Colonial (The old, Colonial City). It's near all the great history that you should see while you're there anyway, (i.e. The fort, museums, El Conde street, etc.). Go dancing at night! My favorite time of year to visit was always Christmas time because it was the best time in the city, lots of festivities. But weather-wise, I really like February - March. Take some day trips into the mountains. If you go during Carnaval (in February) go to the celebration in La Vega (in the central mountain range) for sure. Good Luck to you! _______________________ Plantation, FL: Have 4 and 12 year old boys. We live in Ft. Lauderdale. We're thinking of an inexpensive yet luxurious trip to DR. What's best place to stay with gourmet and local food plus activites for kids 9 years apart? Ana Chavier Caamano: Perhaps you should consider staying on the Caribbean coast. Think: Juan Dolio or Guayacanes. That way you can have the affordable luxury of a resort that offers plenty of activities for the kids but in a less trodden area (unlike the Punta Cana and Puerto Plata areas that can get overloaded with tourists and therefore driving prices way up). From here, you can easily do day trips to the capital city of Santo Domingo and get that gourmet and local food you want, plus sneak in some great historical tours! (maybe even some shopping for yourself). P.S. there is a wonderful restaurant in Juan Dolio called Aura Beach House that Santo Domingo locals will drive all the way from the capital to because of the ambience and the food. _______________________ Washington, DC: Right now, my friends and I (3 females, all over 50), plan to visit the Dominican Republic in July or August 2007. Since we don't speak Spanish, I was wondering will the language barrier be a problem for us if venture off the resort grounds? We generally like to get out and about to see the "real" island or place we're visiting. Thanks. Ana Chavier Caamano: Good for you three! You are going to see a beautiful country. Dominicans are very welcoming and hospitable people. If you make an effort to speak Spanish (take along a phrasebook) they will meet you the other half of the way gladly and work with you to figure out what you need. _______________________ Wellsville, KS: How safe is it traveling to the Dominican Republic? What is the best resort area to take kids? Ana Chavier Caamano: Family-centered resorts have made the Dominican Republic a prime family vacation destination in recent years and the country in general is quite safe. Try resorts like Casa de Campo in La Romana, The Barcelo complex in Punta Cana, or Iberostar in Playa Bavaro. The three I've mentioned are along the Caribbean and/or Southeastern coasts. These types of resorts are all-inclusive and do a good job at having multiple games and activities to keep the little ones busy and their parents relaxed. _______________________ Ana Chavier Caamano: I'm so sorry I couldn't get to every question. I hope you all decide to go to the Dominican Republic. You'll have a great time! Happy Travels and thank you for joining me! Ana _______________________

Our Top Travel Resolutions for 2007

I resolve to have a real adventure. I'm dying to go the Galapagos, but am also incredibly tempted by the volcanoes in Ecuador.... I've been to a lot of cities in the past two years, so I'm trying to do something different. Then again, I've been fascinated by Moscow.... I'd also like to start making more of an effort to be green. Budget Travel created a wallet card that tells housekeepers there's no need to change the sheets. I'm going to use it on my next trip! --Erik Torkells, Editor   Dream Trips: Galapagos   Moscow Made Easier   Wallet Card Another stamp in my passport (travel to a country I've never been). --Amy Helin, Art Director   25 Best Places You've Never Heard Of I'd like to make the most of my weekends next year by taking road trips closer to home--the Hudson Valley, the Catskills--and by visiting nearby cities that either I've never been to or haven't been to in a while. Providence, Philadelphia, and Richmond are high on my list. --Laurie Walsh Kuntz, Senior Editor   Road Trips: The Catskills   What $100 Buys in Philadelphia Return to Tuscany for the rolling hills, great food, "local" wine (and the nearby Prada outlet). --Suzanne McElfresh, Managing Editor, Online   Secret Hotels of Tuscany I'd like to take my mom someplace relaxing this year. --Suzy Walrath, Assistant Managing Editor   Four Mother-Daughter Destinations Run the Great Wall of China marathon. --Pam Abbott, Executive Producer   Dream Trips: The Great Wall of China Reconnect with as many of my far-away friends and family as possible -- that could mean heading off to Amsterdam, London, Heidelberg, Prague, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Melbourne, and/or Hanoi! --Naomi Lindt, Assistant Editor   London Snap Guide   Eat Like a Local: Prague   Buenos Aires, Then What? Three Side Trips On my next vacation, I will make sure I plan my schedule so that I can sleep late some of the days. Waking up at 7am for a full day of activities is not what I call a vacation! --Ruthie Kaposi, Associate Producer, Online   North America's Best Budget Spas   Splurges! 101 Ways to Spend $100 To finally cash in on all my carefully saved air miles and go to Europe! --Sarah Irick, Associate Art Director   Frequent Flier Miles: The New Rules Take my sister on our first getaway and introduce her to friends and favorite places in Florence, where I studied for a year. --Kate Appleton, Associate Editor, Online   Girlfriend Getaways Special Issue   Questions to Ask Before Studying Aboard Visit friends and travel in southern Africa. --Laura MacNeil, Associate Editor   Get the Most of Your African Safari My resolution is to finally travel to Chicago because it is one of the few big cities I've never been to! --Lindsey Ramsey, Assistant Editor   Secret Hotels of Chicago Take my husband to Europe. --Rebecca Simpson, Associate Picture Editor   Affordable Europe: Five Strategies To plan an affordable intergenerational family trip to Italy. --David LaHuta, Assistant Editor   Resources for Rentals, Home Swaps, and Lodgings Worldwide   How to Plan a Family Reunion Pick a destination that's equal parts relaxing on the beach and challenging my body and mind. --Lauren S. Feuer, Editorial Production Manager   A Guide to Volunteer Vacations   Five Trips That Can Change Your Life   Secret Hotels of Bali Hit the slopes in Austria! --Lauren Keenan, Associate Picture Editor   Storybook Ski Villages in Austria, Switzerland, and Italy