March 2006

I have been traveling independently to Bhutan as well as taking groups there since 1999. Having returned from my 26th visit, I feel the need to try to advise those people intending to visit this tiny kingdom in the next few years that they need to go to see Bhutan for the right reasons. A lot has been written about this magnificent Buddhist enclave, and I will admit to the fact that it is still one of the most delightful places on Earth to visit. However, after my last trip, in October ’05, I vowed to never return during the high, festival (tourist) seasons.

On our first trip to Poland, in October ’05, I read that the road fatality rate in that country is one of the highest in Europe.

I took my sixth trip to Morocco in October ’05 and chose to rent a car for the first time, after reading in a recent issue that another subscriber enjoyed driving there. (I usually use the trains and have found them almost comparable to those in Europe.)

The car was delivered with no fuss at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport (CMN) after my flight from Milan’s Malpensa. I stayed with friends whose apartment in a highrise overlooks the corniche and has a beautiful view of the Grand Mosque, especially attractive illuminated.

Colombia is the center for another type of drug crime. Burundanga, a relative of the sedative and motion-sickness drug scopalamine, has been implicated in date rapes and robberies. Its effect is to block the victim’s memory and reduce willpower.

A recent television program listed things one should have for traveling, including the best shoes, the best white shirt, the best go-everywhere black pants, the best backpack, etc. What was omitted was something I consider essential: a Mobal GSM phone (Mobal Communications, 171 Madison Ave., Ste. 300, New York, NY 10016; phone 888/888-9162 or visit www.mobalrental.com — offices in the U.K. and Japan too).

Number one on my list of things which get packed is an international cell phone. I have one from Mobal Communications, Inc. (171 Madison Ave., Ste. 300, New York, NY 10016; phone 212/785-5800, fax 212/681-7431 or visit www.mobal.com).

You can order the $49 or $99 phone based on where you are traveling; the website will tell you which one you need.

by Bill Altaffer, Mammoth Lakes, CA

A bit about Tuva

Northwest of Mongolia, in the Russian Federation, is the autonomous region formerly known as Tannu-Tuva. Its native people are related, ethnically and culturally, to Mongolians. They practice Buddhism and shamanism, often blending the two religions in daily practice.

My wife and I spent a week touring Sicily’s highlights with our daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons (ages 11 and 14) in the latter part of March ’04. The people were most friendly, the accommodations were very good and the food and ice cream were terrific. The temples at Segesta, Selinunte and, in particular, Agrigento were outstanding. Equally as interesting were the amphitheaters in Segesta and Taormina. Overall, it was a wonderful trip. — D.J. GARIBOTTI, Barrington, IL

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 361st issue of your monthly overseas travel magazine. This is our 30th anniversary issue!