Public Transportation

by Fritz Oelrich; Stafford, Va.

The airline Iberia (800/772-4642) and the bus line ALSA, in Spain, have announced a partnership in which passengers on Iberia can book connections by bus from Madrid-Barajas International Airport to the cities of Albacete, Burgos, Lorca, Soria and Valladolid directly through the airline’s ticketing system.

Not only is it cheaper than booking the tickets separately, but if the plane is delayed, the airline and bus line are responsible for getting passengers to their destinations; the bus connections are guaranteed.

The completion of the interior of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, in 2010 increased the number of people visiting the church by over 40% to more than 3.2 million in 2011. After a review of the traffic congestion, the city council set up an exclusion zone for group-tour buses around the church. Except for school buses and buses for mobility-impaired groups with reservations made at the Sagrada Familia ticket office, all tour buses must park at least five blocks away.

When my grandson got married in November ’03, we promised to pay for his honeymoon (within reason, of course). He told me, “Grandpa, if you do that, we insist that you come along.” Somewhat unusual, to say the least, but we were honored. My wife, JoAnn, said she’d go anyplace as long as it was cool and unusual. I suggested Ecuador and agreement was unanimous. We set up the trip for April ’04.

We flew nonstop from Miami to Quito on LanEcuador, part of the LanChile group of airlines, on a Boeing 757. The flight was on time and cabin service was fine.

Migratory birds flock to Yangji-ri in Dongsong-eup, Cheorwongun, Gangwon-do, Korea, every winter, including endangered eagles and cranes, and the Cheolsae (Migratory Bird) Village people of Yangji-ri have built the Durumi Pension to house bird-watchers.

Six guest rooms are available, from rooms for two up to rooms for six. Nightly rates are 50,000 won to 100,000 won (near $42.50-$85). Visitors can feed the birds, take tours and take part in traditional games.

Tell ITN about the funniest thing that ever happened to you while traveling in a foreign country. There are no restrictions on length. (ITN prints no info on destinations in the U.S., Canada or Mexico.) The ITN staff will choose each month’s winner, who will receive a free one-year subscription to ITN. Entries not chosen cannot be acknowledged.

This month’s winner is LISA PETTY of Eagan, MN:

Dear Globetrotter:

My own travel style has evolved over the years. In the past I generally bought one big, fat, wonderful railpass for my entire trip. These days, I cobble together a few cheap flights within Europe, some rail trips and a modest car rental (which I find is becoming a better value than rail).

Renting a car in Europe is generally more expensive and more complicated than in the United States but worth it for the freedom to explore Europe at your own speed.

Tell ITN about the funniest thing that ever happened to you while traveling in a foreign country. (ITN prints no info on destinations in the United States.) There are no restrictions on length. The ITN staff will choose each month’s winner, who will receive a free one-year subscription to ITN. Entries not chosen cannot be acknowledged.

This month’s winner is SUSAN GOLDEN of Lewisville, NC: