October 2007

From BUJUMBURA, Burundi, July 17, 2007. . .

(Part 4 of 4 on Vietnam & Cambodia)

After my 1½ weeks in Vietnam, an evening arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from Saigon provided me with the opportunity for an overnight respite before touring the remarkable remnants of the ancient Khmer civilization in and around the vicinity of Angkor Wat. I had arrived at one of the surviving great wonders of our world.

—The Discerning Traveler is written by Philip Wagenaar.

(First of two parts)

Dear Steve, do you know of any U.S. tour operators that have tours to Pumalín in Chile, that conservation land a USA couple bought in order to halt its development? — Mark S. Sommers, Dorchester, MA

Dear Mark, Pumalín, a vast, privately owned nature park comprising 800,000 acres of virgin land, is located about 70 miles south of Puerto Montt. It is owned by Americans Doug and Kristine Tompkins, who own, in total, about two million acres of property scattered around Chile and Argentina.

by Jay Brunhouse

by Tom McKenna, Montpelier, VT

I would not go across town to eat there, but if you are in the neighborhood a good light dinner can be had in Paris at Plein Soleil (90 ave. Parmentier, Paris 11e, France).

Well off the usual tourist track in Paris is a very French restaurant that serves wonderful 4-course meals for €24 (about $32). It is À la Biche au Bois (45 avenue Ledru Rollin, Paris; phone 01 43 43 34 38), located in between Métro stops Gare de Lyon and Ledru Rollin. It also can be reached by the No. 29 bus.

Amsterdam is famous for its fine international cuisine. On our July ’05 trip, one of the spots that we thoroughly enjoyed was the highly recommended d’Vijff Vlieghen, or The Five Flies (Spuistraat 294-302 1012 VX, Amsterdam, Netherlands; phone +31 20 5304060, fax 6236404 or visit www.thefiveflies.com). The unusual name originates with Jan Janszoon Vijff Vlighen, the first inhabitant of one of the five adjoining 17th-century houses that make up the dining establishment.