Travelers' Intercom
Know state laws on importing alcohol
I read the “Funniest Thing” about the American lady in Mexico asking how much alcohol she could take into the US and then how much she could take into Texas (April ’16, pg. 48). She was actually asking two valid questions, since state laws can supersede US laws even for transiting passengers.
Central America with SITA
My wife, Patti, and I had already been to a few Central American countries when we were attracted by a tour advertised in ITN by SITA World Tours (Encino, CA; 800/421-5643, www.sitatours.com).
Left camera at Maritim Hotel Berlin
My wife and I were on the tour “Christmas Markets along the Elbe River,” traveling in Germany with Grand Circle Travel (Boston, MA; www.gct.com), when we stayed at the Maritim Hotel Berlin, Dec. 14-17, 2015.
Annual Themed Festivals: Maria Alm, Austria
Since my heart very strongly lies in Austria, my favorite country in Europe, let me describe the great annual festival that my wife, Judy, and I have attended on eight occasions in the past dozen years.
Eastern Canada and Panama HAL cruises
I took a sailing adventure, the “14-Day Historic Coasts/Canada & New England Discovery,” aboard the ms Veendam of Holland America Line, or HAL (Seattle, WA; 877/932-4259, www.hollandamerica.com), Aug. 29-Sept. 12, 2015.
The power of ‘Guernica’
I enjoyed reading Rick Steves’ article about Pablo Picasso (May ’16, pg. 55).
Turu Ba Ri park in Costa Rica
With some free time during my January 2016 visit to Costa Rica, I discovered the delightful Turu Ba Ri Nature & Adventure Park (San Juan de Mata de Turrubares, Costa Rica; phone +506 4052 0940, http://turubari.com/en). It’s an ideal place to visit.
For short tour in Russia with guide, no visa needed
I read with interest the article “Spending Time in St. Petersburg” (March ’16, pg. 18), as my husband and I are sailing with Viking Ocean Cruises (866/984-5464, www.vikingcruises.com/oceans) soon and will spend two days in St. Petersburg.
Netherlands’ Fiets-vakantiewinkel, for bicyclists
I enjoyed the Feature Article “Biking the Backroads” by Jim Johnson (June ’16, pg. 22). Flory, my late wife, and I biked independently quite a bit.
Paris bistro Mon Vieil Ami
On Paris’ Îsle de la Cité, the specialty is seasonal vegetables at the bistro Mon Vieil Ami (69 rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile, Paris, France; phone +33 1 40 46 01 35, http://en.mon-vieil-ami.com).
Lebanon ‘a wonderful experience’
For such a small country, Lebanon is packed with amazing sights. From Tyre to Baalbek there are ruins from the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Crusaders. The Jeita Grotto, filled with stalactites and stalagmites, is like a cathedral. The mighty cedars in the forest preserve are something to see.
Speaking up for Delta
In her letter “Comparing Business Class, Qatar vs Delta” (March ’16, pg.
London’s Paddington neighborhood
One rarely hears the phrase “affordable and convenient lodging” used in the same sentence with London.