International Travel News

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March 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

ATMs in Tokyo

I was very impressed with Susan Benton’s article “Traveling Solo in Tokyo” (Jan. ’07, pg. 46). Her tips and anecdotes were well-geared toward first-time visitors to Tokyo. In particular, I liked her suggestion of exploring Kichijoji, since suburbs like this often provide a view of the real Japan.

Kichijoji is also the site of Inokashira Park, a large park with walking paths that wind around a lake — very popular for viewing cherry blossoms. Also, it is the site of the Ghibli Museum,...

March 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Re eating on trains in Japan

My wife, Rita, and I returned on Nov. 21, 2006, from a tour of Japan with Overseas Adventure Travel (625 Mount Auburn St., Ste. 200 North, Cambridge, MA 02138; 800/493-6824, www.oattravel.com), the best group tour we have ever taken.

The land portion was $5,458 for two for 13 days. We bought only the land tour because we had frequent-flyer miles with which to upgrade; we flew over three days early to see more of Tokyo.

We heartily agree with the enthusiasm and comments of Susan...

March 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Theater + shopping in Osaka

Namba is the heart of the shopping and entertainment area in Osaka, Japan. On a trip in September ’05, my husband, Don, and I took the Chuo Line subway from Osaka to Honmachi, then boarded the train on the Yotubashi line (blue color code). Once we emerged in Namba, we had no problem locating the roofed shopping street.

Dotonbori street runs off the shopping street. Here, Shochikuza Theater, the National Bunraku Theaer, Shin Kabukiza Theater, the Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater (which...

March 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Quito snacks

My wife, Barbara, and I visited Quito, Ecuador, in January ’06. The places to eat are endless and we found most quite adequate.

You can get an almuerzo (lunch) of the day (fixed menu) for $1.50. It will include a nice soup and a main dish of some kind of meat plus rice and maybe a vegetable and fresh-squeezed fruit juice.

The fruit juice is in the form of what is called a liquido. Just enough water is added to easily liquefy whatever they use (pineapple, papaya, blackberries,...

March 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Lhasa dining oasis

Having traveled to Lhasa, Tibet, Oct. 10-17, 2006, I can recommend very highly the Lhasa Namaste Restaurant (Yutoklu No 30; phone 0891-6324669 or e-mail jampa22@hotmail.com). It’s on the second floor, near the theater hall and at the opposite end of Jokhang Temple within the Barkhor market.

The owner is the charming, young Mr. Jampa. The staff speaks English well and is very, very friendly. With good views overlooking the Barkhor market, the restaurant is very clean and serves...

March 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Inconveniences, annoyances on flight

My wife and I in May ’06 flew Virgin Atlantic out of Orlando, Florida, to London (Gatwick) with a connection to Malta. The outward trip was marred by only two problems: the check-in line was extremely long, as there were three flights checking in at the same time, and the seats aboard the planes were smaller and closer together than those on any other airline we have flown.

However, the real problems started on the return trip. As we connected from Malta and were checking in at...

March 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

The ‘real’ Orient Express

The so-called Orient Express leaves Paris every evening at 5:16 p.m. and arrives in Vienna at 8:30 the next morning. We traveled on this train on May 11, 2006, and returned on May 20 (only because we had nonrefundable tickets).

I booked the trip at RailPass Express, now called Railpass.com (48 Glen Ave., Newton Centre, MA 02459; 877/724-5727, www. railpass.com). I purchased two Eurail Selectpass Savers for four countries at a cost of $530 each, but, in addition, the cost for a sleeper...

March 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Morocco arrangements

My wife, Sandy, and I took a 16-day trip to Morocco, Aug. 29-Sept. 15, 2006, visiting via train the Imperial Cities of Fes, Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech. We traveled with a private driver/guide for four days from Marrakech to Fes. We booked our arrangements through the Internet and, excluding airfare, our total cost was about $3,600.

What follows are random thoughts that we hope will be helpful.

Contrary to what Lonely Planet and Rough Guides have to say, the trains...