January 2004

by Tyler Morse, New York, NY

If you plan to visit Cusco, PERU, I’d like to recommend a charming hotel called Torre Dorada (Calle Los Cipreses N-5, Huancaro, Cusco, Peru; phone 51 84 241 698, fax 51 84 224 255, e-mail reservas@torredorada.com or visit www.torrdorada.com.pe).

This is a fairly new little B&B-type hotel located away from the city noise. I stayed there in June ’03 and June ’00. It was extremely clean and well run. Rates were $54 single, $60 double and $68 triple.

In early June ’02, three of us spent 10 nights in 10 different places “doing” eight countries! I’d like to share some of them; they were “winners!” Prices listed include breakfast and tax.

Let it be known that Americans are welcome in FRANCE! During more than two weeks in September ’03 in Normandy, the Loire Valley and Paris, the two couples in our party experienced nothing but friendly, courteous and helpful service from shopkeepers, hotel and restaurant personnel, ticket sellers, etc., even folks on the street. Yes, we always attempted to speak some French and keep smiles on our faces; I’m sure this helped. Here are a couple of hotel recommendations.

by Philip Wagenaar, Contributing Editor

by Beverly Shaver, El Cerrito, CA

by Dennis Cavagnaro, Oakland, CA

When we planned a romantic visit to the Italian lakes area, we expected lake views, islands, gardens, great food and lots of wine. We did not expect to see a beautiful, modern monument honoring the victims of September 11.

On our visit in the first two weeks of September ’03, there were just 11 of us assorted Americans plus Patti, our guide and mentor. We all met in Milan and soon were transported by our driver, Matteo, to Lake Como, followed by Lake Maggiore and then the resort town of Stresa.

“Grandmothers shouldn’t be doing work like this,” the little Chinese boy said as he took the shovel from me and laid it down. With his small hand in mine, he led me over to a log and indicated I should sit down.

I knew this 3-year-old child. We had met several days earlier when our group of Global Volunteers walked the red clay “main” road in An Shang, China, a village over two rough hours’ drive west of Xi’an.