Travelers' Intercom

My wife, Anna, and I visited Aruba, one of the four constituent countries that comprise the Kingdom of the Netherlands, July 18-24, 2012. 

The weather was quite warm, but we didn’t notice it much because of the 25- to 40-mph trade winds blowing constantly. 

We spent the majority of our time at two resorts and stayed two nights in the capital, Oranjestad. Oranjestad seemed rather seedy to us.

What was most striking about Aruba was how warm and happy the people were whom we saw. Even at the casinos, there was a laid-back attitude. Everyone wore a big smile. 

Our...

I was in Istanbul with three family members in September ’13. It was my third trip there, the first for the others. 

One of our group had trouble walking, so we had to use taxis several times. On two occasions, one of us, after giving the driver either a 50- or a 100-lira note, was handed back either a 5- or 20-lira note, far short of what we were owed, with the driver stating that that was the correct change. We couldn’t prove anything so ended up being cheated.

If I ever need to use another taxi in Istanbul, I will, upon paying the driver, say aloud, “I’m handing you 50...

From a vacation my wife, Paula, and I and another couple took in the Republic of Ireland, June 14-25, 2012 (Dec. ’12, pg. 14), I have a few attractions and impressions to share.

We feel that, in Dublin, the Chester Beatty Library (Dublin Castle, Dublin 2; phone+[353 1] 407 0750 — Open 10-5 Tuesday-Friday, 11-5 Saturday, 1-5 Sunday and closed Mondays. Free admission) is underrated. If you’re interested in early Islamic, Asian and Christian manuscripts and art, this is a “must see.” It took us two lengthy visits to fully experience its relatively small, but outstanding, collections...