August 2010

In Chatham Marine, Kent, England, the indoor visitor complex Dickens World (phone 016 34 890 421, www.dickensworld.co.uk) shows Charles Dickens’ England, with streets, courtyards, dockside, shops, a school room and a themed restaurant. One of Europe’s largest themed dark boat rides transports visitors from (in a re-creation) the depths of London’s sewers through streets, courtyards, markets and shops and on a “flight” across the rooftops.

A 250-seat “theater” provides an animatronic performance during the day and a live “supper” show in the evening. 

Google Goggles, a free application for Google Android smartphones (version 1.6 or higher, and a data connection is required), can translate text, identify artwork and landmarks or even help you research the wine you’re ordering.

First, use the phone’s camera to take a picture of the text or object you want to identify. For text, you input source and destination languages (the application currently reads English, French, Italian, German and Spanish).

The China-Tibet Mountaineering Association, which issues permits to climbers who want to scale Mt. Everest from the north (Tibetan) side, announced new age restrictions in June. Climbers must be between 18 and 60 years of age. The CTMA says it may consider climbers outside this range if sufficient proof of good health is provided.

Nepal, which issues permits for attempts from the South Face, has a lower age limit of 16 but no upper limit.

The “Yorkshire Pass” is good for admission to more than 70 attractions in northern England’s Yorkshire County, including castles, museums, amusement parks, train rides, canal boats and more. 

It’s available in one-, two-, three- and six-day increments (must be used on consecutive days). A one-day pass costs £28 (near $42) adult or £18 child, and a six-day pass, £68 adult.

Many travelers tramp through Europe like they’re visiting the cultural zoo. “Ooh, that guy in lederhosen yodeled! Excuse me, could you do that again so I can take a picture?”

This interactive crossword puzzle is no longer available online.

Football (aka soccer) fans can take a 90-minute tour of Wem­bley Stadium in London anyday except Christmas, New Year’s or during major events. Check out the Changing Room, walk through the Players’ Tunnel, hang out in the dugout and climb the Winners’ steps. A video presentation of highlights is included.

£15 (near $23) adult or £8 child (16 and under) or senior. Free with a London Pass. For tickets, call 0844 800 2755 or visit www.wembleystadium.com.

Select Italy (303 W. Erie St., Ste. 410, Chicago, IL, 60654; 800/877-1755) offers after-hours guided tours of the Sistine Chapel. The two-hour visit also includes the Raphael Rooms, the Galleria of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries and the Hall of Maps. 

Offered a day or two each week throughout 2010, the group tour (10 people maximum), in English, costs $449 per person, including taxes and entrance fees.

Sponsored by the Wing Wah Cake Shop, Tasting Hong Kong (basement level, 478 Nathan Rd., Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; phone [852] 2374 6001, www.tastinghk.com) is a tourist attraction near Kowloon’s Temple Street shopping area.

With its exhibits and cooking demos focusing on local culture and customs, multilingual guides lead food tours. Souvenir shop. Free classes (up to 10 people) in making Chinese-style cakes are offered in multiple languages; book ahead. Open 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.