Writers’ Block

Finding fynbos

“Fine way for a walk: Knysna to Addo” ( In Transit , May 25) refers. It’s a nice description of the hiking possibilities, but I wonder who compiled this write-up. To speak of the biomes, and mention fynbos in particular, one gets the impression that the thousands of plant species mentioned can be found just there.

To a would-be hiking botany freak, it would be rather disappointing, as relatively few of those are found in the particular area. A poor choice of words, easily leading to wrong expectations. — Peter Smulik, Cape Town

The magic touch

“Doing their bit for SA’s image” by Andrew Unsworth ( Comment , June 1) was spot on. I believe your B&B friend has found just the right recipe for success in his establishment. It is such a joy when our accommodation owners, managers, innkeepers and such achieve just the perfect blend of friendly yet unobtrusive service and are able to read or anticipate their guests’ needs without smothering them or providing information overload — or worse, handing them the keys with a “see you at 8 sharp for breakfast”. Well done on a very enjoyable read. — Debbie Goveia

Jolly good show

I just had to respond to the letter “No rush please, we’re British” (June 1).

I don’t know when the writer applied for his renewal but my daughter and I applied for ours just before Christmas last year. Yes it was expensive but worth every penny. Two weeks to the day after we applied, we had our old and new passports back. I was so pleased with the service I commented on their website. — V Paton