Travelers' Intercom
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.
Guides in Romania
My wife and I spent four days in Romania with a local guide at the end of October ’03. In addition to seeing Bucharest, we traveled into the mountains and saw the wonders of Sighisoara, Brasov and Sinaia, plus some wonderful villages still not overrun with tourists.
Wildly varying cruise fares irksome
ITN received from a reader a copy of a letter he sent to Norwegian Cruise Line, parent company of Orient Lines, as follows.
Uganda and Ethiopia ‘wonderful’
In July-August ’03, my friend Carol and I traveled in Uganda and Ethiopia with arrangements we had found on the Internet and booked by e-mail.
Drove a leased Renault in Italy
We returned Oct. 16, ’03, from a month in Italy, where we had a car for 24 days. We found that if you’re planning to drive in Europe for 17 days or more, it generally pays to lease a car rather than to rent.
Impressed with actions of China Focus
In April ’03 we were scheduled to depart for China on a tour with China Focus Travel (870 Market St., Ste. 1215, San Francisco, CA 94102; phone 415/788-8660, fax 415/788-8665 or visit www.chinafocustravel.com). Two weeks prior to our departure, China Focus canceled our tour due to the SARS outbreak.
Tivoli ‘a jewel’
In contrast to the opinion expressed in the reader’s letter “Tivoli, a Tarnished Treat” (Sept. ’03, pg. 18), the Tivoli that I visited in Copenhagen in September ’03 was a highlight of my trip. So enchanting was the theme park that I just had to go two nights in a row because I didn’t get enough the first night.
Helped build a school in China
“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.
Cash up front
In a letter in the December ’03 issue, page 78, a reader was “shocked” to learn of Turkey’s $100 visa fee and thought to cancel her trip when she did learn of it. It is truly “penny wise and pound foolish” to miss a trip to one of the world’s interesting countries, one with nice people, because of $100.
Barcelona sightseeing
To sightsee Barcelona, I recommend the Bus Turistic. Run by the local transit authority, it is a 25-stop bus route featuring both a north and south loop. A multilingual tour guide is aboard each bus.
Stood up by Paris shuttle
A Parisian friend arranged for us to be picked up at her nearby apartment, where we were visiting her in 2002, by Air Line Shuttle (112 bis rue Champimnet, Paris 18e, France; phone 01 42 51 2656). We were going to Charles de Gaulle Airport at about noon and thence home.
Internet cafés overseas — a link home
In the last few issues we’ve printed many letters from readers sharing advice on using Internet cafés while traveling. This is the last of four parts on the subject. We could not print all the mail we received, but we thank everyone who took the time to write.