Richard Lowe of Pahrump, Nevada, wrote, “When traveling, I troll markets and flea markets looking for things I can’t find in the USA, mainly antiques, art (especially prints and posters), knicknacks and small, tasteful furniture. I am especially drawn to pottery and vases.
From the Editor — Suzanne M. Stein of Chesterfield, Missouri, was partway through an Adventures Abroad tour of Iran, Syria and Jordan, Sept. 30-Oct. 31, 2010, when a paperwork problem forced her to leave the group. What travelers can do so the same thing never happens on any tour they’re taking is part of what I’ll cover here.
The most memorable aspects of my journey with my husband through Kurdistan in the first two weeks of May ’11 are the speed-bump-filled roads and the incredible number of security stops. However, despite the annoyance of the constant braking and fishing for passports to show security guards before and after every city, town, village, hamlet and lemonade stand, it was well worth the effort in order to enjoy the wonderful scenery and culture presented by this rarely visited area of northern Iraq.
REPORT ON BRITISH AIR…
Syria isn’t often visited by Americans. My wife, Arlene, and I first traveled there in 1999 and were so impressed with the country’s historical, archaeological and biblical treasures that we decided on a repeat visit in February 2010.
by Diane Harrison, Creve Coeur, MO
Using Globetrotter Guides’ “Turkey Travel Guide” to compare the itineraries offered by several large tour companies, my parents and I started planning our 2010 vacation. We decided on smarTours’ 14-day “Treasures of Turkey.”
In January, after massive protest marches by the people of Tunisia, President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, who had controlled the country since 1987, fled. An interim government was formed, and elections were promised to be held within six months. The new cabinet, with some members of the previous regime, was not widely accepted, but mass protests did decline.
ITN asked, “Where have you had the best ice cream outside of the United States?” In the last two issues, subscribers have shared their favorite ice cream parlors in Italy and in the Western Hemisphere (sans USA). This month they take you around the world.
REPORT FROM INDIA…
December’s photo was a real stumper. It depicts a minaret of the Great Mosque in Gabès, southern Tunisia.