Travelers' Intercom
The ‘approachable’ captain of Brilliance
The Traveling Tightwad (my son, Geoffrey Templeman) and I took the 14-night repositioning cruise of Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas in October-November ’03. The route was from Barcelona to Miami via Málaga, Lisbon, the Canary Islands and St. Maarten (Dutch West Indies).
Selected midship cabin
This is in response to a warning by a reader on page 115 of the November ’03 issue re cabin selection on a Norwegian Coastal Voyage cruise.
Sailing around South America
We took a 55-day voyage around South America, February-April ’03. We’d taken a similar trip 10 years before on an old, slow, former Matson ship, but we were ready to do it again.
Also experienced curtailed cruise
I read ITN reader Helmut Richter’s letter, titled “Yangtze Cruise Curtailed” (Nov. ’03, pg. 34), about the river cruise portion of his trip “Imperial China, Tibet and Yangtze” with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), and have some comments to add.
Banks recommended notification of travel plans
I have traveled often to Europe, Southeast Asia, South America and even Borneo and have used a debit card in all those countries, finding it the best method of securing local currency. Until our last trip we encountered no problems and our bank charged us no fee for the transactions.
Re international driver’s license
In reference to the reader’s letter “Driver’s License Sufficient” (Dec. ’03, pg. 78), regarding International Driving Permits, years ago a friend of mine and her husband were on a trip to Italy when they had an accident in a rental car that was her husband’s fault. The police took his California license and kept it!
Brussels Card caveats
We returned Nov. 21, ’03, from nine days in Paris and three in Brussels.
Enjoyed substitute itinerary
My husband, Don, and I took another fine trip with Viking River Cruises (phone 877/668-4546 or visit www.vikingrivercruises.com), “Vienna to the Black Sea,” via the Danube, on the Viking Europe, Sept. 14-Oct. 2, ’03.
Self-planned tour of Norway
In September ’03 I took an independent tour to Norway traveling solo. When I began my planning in June, I had three main objectives in mind: visiting the cities of Oslo and Bergen, sailing the Geiranger Fjord and crossing the Arctic Circle. With a limit of 10 days (including the days for travel to and from the U.S.
Tuscan cooking course
I had the pleasure of attending a one-week Tuscan cooking course, Sept. 29-Oct. 5, ’02, given by the Aolmaia Country School, based in beautiful San Miniato, Italy.
Driving, hiking in Romania
Just as our July ’03 issue arrived with Randy Keck’s article on Transylvania (Romania), we were about to leave on a self-planned trip covering the same sites. These are our observations, to augment his.
Private guide in Tuscany
My husband and I spent a week in Tuscany with our family group in June ’03. One feature of our stay was a guided tour of parts of the Chianti wine region not normally visited by tourists.
Expression of sympathy
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.
Break from the pack
In Dan Gifford’s article on South Africa (Oct. ’03, pg. 29), I was interested to read about the radios used by tour guides on safaris. We were shocked when we learned, ourselves, that this was an accepted routine on all safaris.
Not ready to leave the Borghese
The following will be of interest to art lovers, especially, since Rome’s Borghese packs one of the strongest punches of any museum in Europe.
Castle heating charges astronomical
ITN was mailed a copy of the following letter, sent by a reader to Mr. Joe Hyman of Country Cottages.
Eighth trip to Istanbul
I found Istanbul as interesting as ever on my eighth trip to my favorite city. Istanbul is all about the people in the streets, both past and present. If you are not too timid, you should stay where the Turkish people are — bustling about the streets in the Sirkeci district (pronounced Sirkajee).
In and around London
Our plan was to attend the Chelsea Garden Show on May 22, ’03, with the preceding week spent in and about London seeing all the sights. We were warmly welcomed everywhere — I really don’t think I have ever encountered friendlier people. The Brits really miss us, and London is a wonderful place to visit.
Gamelan on Java
In May 2000 we visited Solo on the island of Java in Indonesia. We particularly enjoyed Solo because it is a classic, traditional Javanese city, especially in regard to the music scene.