Travelers' Intercom
Gorillas in Uganda, chimps in Tanzania
I made my ninth trip to Africa in July ’04, this time revisiting Uganda and Tanzania with three friends. We landed in Kampala, UGANDA, and spent two days there and a day in Jinja (the source of the Nile).
Angkor in Cambodia
A terrific highlight of our September/October 2000 trip to Southeast Asia was Angkor near Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Possible flight stumbling block
On my most recent trip to Bangkok, Jan. 8-14, ’05, I encountered a curious and frustrating situation when checking in for my return flight.
Santiago de Compostela
I really enjoyed reading Rick Steves’ article on Santiago de Compostela in the August ’04 issue. It brought back memories of a voyage my wife and I made in May ’04.
Cruise wish list
ITN asked readers how they go about selecting a cruise (Oct. ’04, pg. 4). When choosing a cruise, my wife and I start with the ports of call. If we haven’t been there as yet and desire to go, we book the cruise. If it is on a ship line where we are past passengers, it is an added bonus.
Overbooking is standard practice
I am writing with reference to the letter titled “Confirmed on Tour, Then Bumped to Another,” from ITN readers Clair and John Kohler, and the response of Grand Circle Travel (Feb. ’05, pg. 30).
The pousadas of Portugal — historic inns with character
by Arline Wills, Lynnfield, MA
‘Outstanding’ guide in Romania
From April 1 to May 15, ’04, we spent four weeks on our own in the Czech Republic and Hungary and then another two weeks in Romania, ending up back in Bucharest.
Private arrangements in Vietnam
My wife, Carol, and I wanted a custom tour of Vietnam so we could include five days on our own in the Mekong Delta city of Vinh Long where I had taught English a couple of years ago. We also wanted a tour that would emphasize contact with people rather than visits to temples and monuments.
The Orkneys and Shetlands
Wanting to take a 2-week trip into lesser-known territory of the U.K., in September ’04 I covered a lot of ground, first visiting London, the Isle of Man and western Scotland (April ’05, pg. 16 & May ’05, pg. 79). At long last, I was leaving by ship for the Orkney and Shetland islands.
Worth their weight in gold
I’ve noticed that some readers disdain the use of travel agents. My wife and I have traveled extensively (several trips yearly, to a total of 75 countries) and we’ve found our local travel agent invaluable and well worth the modest air travel booking fees.
Help the recovery in Thailand
The killer tsunami of Dec. 26 devastated parts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India and even reached African shores. The total loss of life may never be known. Thailand’s six southern provinces along the Andaman Sea also were battered by the tidal waves.
Social centers in India
All Hindu temples in India seem to be places where devotees and their families can congregate — take a nap on the stone floor, have a picnic, sell flowers or trinkets and visit with friends. Children’s heads are shaved on their first visit to the temple and an antiseptic paste is rubbed on.
Choosing a cruise
What factors do I consider when choosing a cruise? Time of year and itinerary are on top of the list. I go between September and May (no holidays). Prices are lower and there are fewer families.
Rude awakenings on cruise
ITN was mailed a copy of the following letter, sent by a reader to Holland America Line.
A novel approach to travel
Here are some of the novels whose images and ideas motivated my wife and me to travel.
Central Portugal base
The small town of Nadadouro was our base in Portugal during a stay in 2001. Ninety kilometers north of Lisbon, this area is ideally located for exploration of central Portugal, including the towns of Óbidos, Fátima, Nazaré, Tomar, Peniche, Sintra and all points north as far as Porto, a 2-hour drive.
Lucky passport
The April ’05 “Discerning Traveler” column deals with getting a second passport. There is one significant group of people that has the chance to get a legitimate foreign passport: people who have one grandparent born in Ireland. If you are in this crowd, you are entitled to become an Irish citizen.
Iran visit ‘marvelous’
Our 16-day trip to Iran in September-October ’04 was absolutely marvelous in all respects, and our concerns about what it might be like, based on “information” published in the States, were totally baseless.
Driving in France
For a first-time visitor to France, a tour may be the best bet. A single traveler will do well with a railpass, but for two or more persons who want to explore France more thoroughly, a car is best.