Letters to the Travel Editor
From the art
Loved the story from Lorna Subritzky about her day in Arles learning about Vincent Van Gogh [Travel,
October 16]. As a budding (new, elderly) artist I just loved the pictures and story, especially including the words from Don McLean’s song Starry Starry Night.
Moved me to tears . . . beautiful.
Regards,
Paula Davis
The Travel Editor replies: It was a work of art.
Talking about walking
With reference to the Flight Check review of KE130, written by Pamela Russell and published in Travel, October 16, I am the mother of the duo she mentions in the article. We also enjoyed the flight and I had a great time talking to Pamela, a fascinating, highly educated woman with a wealth of different experiences to share.
As for my daughter and I, we had a fantastic time crossing Italy on foot, coast to coast, including a few challenges, but enjoying remarkable experiences of the land, flora and fauna, the people, food and wine. We walked about 330km and traversed some pretty challenging country at times. We were following the Cammino di San Tommaso from the Vatican City to Ortona on the Mediterranean Coast. We chose to start at Lido di Ostia, south of Fiumicino Airport, so we could walk coast to coast because we also do the coastto-coast walk across Auckland. Travel on foot is the best way of learning about a country. I’ve walked the Camino Frances and the Via Francigena. Now I’m looking for another challenging walk.
Regards,
Vicky Williamson, Bucklands Beach The Travel Editor replies: Happy hiking!
Beach bummer
Nadia Abu-Shanab [My Holiday, October 23] does not have to be so deprecating about the beaches in what she calls “declining English seaside towns”. Obviously, her parents didn’t choose their holiday spots very well. When in Cornwall a few years ago, my Christchurch daughter-in-law could not get over the texture and colour of the golden sand, which was also so good to walk barefoot on — and Cornwall isn’t the only place in UK with lovely sand. Every country has good and bad places but don’t criticise before you have seen extensively. And speaking of “rubbish” — has she seen the rubbish on our local beaches?
So, be fair Nadia, see a place properly before you make adverse comments.
Florence Mainwaring,
Tauranga