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Colombia is the center for another type of drug crime. Burundanga, a relative of the sedative and motion-sickness drug scopalamine, has been implicated in date rapes and robberies. Its effect is to block the victim’s memory and reduce willpower.

In November ’05 my sister-in-law, Sally Mejia, who lives in Bogota, was approached by two women and somehow they caused her to inhale the Burundanga. As a result, she told them how much she had in her bank, went with them to an ATM, emptied her account for them and also gave them all the jewelry she was wearing. Fortunately, nothing else...

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Whether walking the road to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain as a pilgrim or visiting the city as a day-tripper, you may want to add an additional day or two to experience some of Santiago de Compostela’s highlights.

For breathtaking views of Santiago de Compostela, climb the narrow staircase and enjoy the bird’s-eye view of the city from atop the Cathedral. The entrance and ticket office for this adventure is located in the Pazo de Xelmírez, to the left of the main staircase on the city’s main plaza. The entrance fee is about €6.

The small but fascinating Museo de...

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I have been trying to get a reader’s letter, titled “Bhutan Arrangements ‘Challenging’” (Oct. ’05, pg. 31), out of my mind, but I can’t. Bhutan, the country complained about, is my favorite place in the world, and I feel it was unfairly maligned by the traveler.

First of all, to allow only four days to see a country seems a bit short. Especially since flying into Bhutan entails landing between mountains, and anything short of a beautifully blue sky is going to mean no flying. On my trip, 13 years ago, we lost a day going due to rain.

Our group, too, stayed at the Druk Hotel...

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Did you know that prescription drugs are sometimes less expensive than over-the-counter versions?

As I searched in the pharmacy for Imodium® 2mg, an over-the-counter antidiarrheal agent that every traveler carries, I was flabbergasted by its cost. Not only would I have to pay its inflated price, I also would have to fork over the 8.8% sales tax, since prescription drugs in the state of Washington are free of sales tax but over-the-counter items are not.

I asked the pharmacy to quote me a price on loperamide 2 mg, the generic equivalent, which is only available by prescription...

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For those who fervently believe that “less is more” and “smaller is better,” we recommend Hebridean Island Cruises, Ltd. (Griffin House, Broughton Hall, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3AN, England; phone 44 [0] 1756-704704 or visit www.hebridean.co.uk).

This English line operates two ships. We cruised on the Hebridean Princess in 1994, 1998 and 2000 and on the Hebridean Spirit in 2002 and in October ’04. Described best as “floating country house hotels,” they offer the special ambiance of individually decorated, charming and comfortable staterooms — understated luxury.

The...

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For a 3-week trip to Sicily in May-June ’05, I purchased travel insurance from Global Alert! Travel Protection through M.H. Ross Travel (800/423-3632). (The claims are administered by Trip Mate; visit www.tripmate.com.)

Because my luggage was misdirected, I was required to make interim purchases.

While in Italy, I had occasion twice to call Global Alert! at no charge to me to make inquiries regarding the claim I would be making upon returning to the United States. I received prompt and courteous replies to my inquiries.

I submitted my request for insurance...

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My wife, Barbara, and I have been traveling the world for over 30 years, and I thought I had heard and seen it all.

On our visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in September ’05, we wandered into a classy leather shop in the San Telmo district, Art Design Leather (Defensa 1170, Sala 2, La Candelaria; phone [54-11] 4300-7021). I decided to buy a very nice leather jacket as did my wife.

I asked the proprietor, Nora Osis, if she accepted credit cards. She said she preferred U.S. cash or travelers’ checks. When I explained that I didn’t have that much cash on me (approximately $400...

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My method for avoiding intestinal problems when traveling involves a lot of little pink bismuth pills (Pepto-Bismol is one brand name).

Two or three days before going to a country where the purity of the tap water is questionable, I begin taking two pink pills three times a day, and I continue this routine during my trip and for two or three days after returning home.

For visits to Western Europe (or even California or on a cruise), I take one or two pills every morning. For visits to Southern or Eastern Europe, I take two pills in the morning and then two or three more...

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