Letters

Your mail and missives: fun on the high seas, Sepik souvenirs, mayoral schmoozing and much more...

In our mailbag: why it pays to take your time in Ecuador, recalling your amazing voyages, ‘masking’ your frustration on the Sepik River, your 10-second tales of quirky food markets and much, much more...

Choppy travels

Your ‘16 Fantastic Voyages’ feature [ June 2018, issue 187] brought back memories of the five-night journey I took from Panama to Colombia via the San Blas archipelago. These are beautiful islands, and it was a privilege to meet the indigenous people of these tiny communities that are connected only by boat.

The first three nights were spent around the relaxing waters of the Caribbean. The spirits of all 14 passengers and three crew were high, despite the cramped conditions. Then came the open sea crossing to Cartagena, which was a test of endurance for two nights. My shipmates dropped like flies with sickness, and I must emphasise to your readers to take note of your survival tips – preparation is key!

I don’t regret this journey; it was a unique experience with both highs and lows, and the bond I formed with my fellow travellers has endured. Boy, did we party when we hit Cartagena, but that’s a different story! Jonny Hopps, Manchester

Mask mix-up

Thanks for your superb article on the wonders of travelling up the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea [ July/august 2018, issue 188]. Having done a tailor-made trip recently, I can say that it was the experience of a lifetime and worth every penny and mosquito bite!

However, I was driven to tears when I realised I couldn’t take home any masks or artefacts because I was flying via Australia. So, beware: you’re not allowed to take anything even remotely organic (including the shells, wood and fibres of which these masks usually comprise) through any Australian airport. Fly via Singapore or elsewhere if you want to purchase the very items I so sadly missed out on. Jackie Horsewood, Telford

Canada catch-up

I recently returned from Alberta, where I was visiting family and friends, and was flicking through your ‘Canada: Trip Planner’ [ April 2018, issue 185] when I realised that I had covered the first bit of your ‘Prairies to the Rockies’ section. I visited my school friend in Edmonton, then went to Calgary. I know the Mayor of Calgary, who is a friend of my cousin, and it was great to catch up and see the progress with his bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Lisa Syne Islington, via email