National Geographic Traveller (UK)
STAR LETTER
A familiar face
I turned to page 11 in the March issue and there, to my utmost surprise, was a face I thought I recognised — cowboy Joe Valdez, in Arizona. Memories came flooding back, so I rooted in the cupboard and found the photo album of my visit to the Tanque Verde Ranch in November 2005. And there I was, standing with the man himself! I found the Western style of riding quite di cult to master and I’m sure that they secretly called me the ‘mad woman who wore a very English-style black velvet hard hat’. All the sta at Tanque Verde were so lovely and friendly, nothing was too much trouble and the riding was amazing — not to mention all the other activities available. So ‘hi’ to all at the ranch and thank you for an unforgettable holiday all those years ago! VICKY TOONE
Due west
As I was looking through magazines at a shop in Birmingham New Street station, your April issue caught my eye. Like many travellers, I’ve made a pledge to fly much less this year, so your wonderful Ireland feature came at the right time. As well as road trips through the beautiful green countryside, I’ve now been inspired to discover Limerick’s foodie scene and really explore the dramatic west coast. Let’s just hope the weather plays ball! AMANDA KING
All Greek to me
Aer the dreary headlines and the miserable winter we’ve been having here at home, it was a real joy to set eyes on Jeremy Flint’s Kefalonia photo feature (April 2020). Greece has always been one of our family’s favourite places to travel — Kefalonia, in particular. I flicked through it one rainy aernoon and it brought back so many happy memories of summers spent by the sea, exploring the streets of Argostolion, hiking up into the hills and feasting on the freshest seafood I’ve ever eaten, all drizzled with incredible olive oil. I loved getting a glimpse of the local life and customs (featuring a very robust goat population, it seems!) and it was good to see ouzo got a mention, too — it’s been the lifeblood of one too many of those summer holidays.
PETER MIDLETON JONES