Letters - Los Angeles Times

I loved the articles on Pamukkale and Urgup (“Weird Wonders of Ancient Turkey,” Nov. 28).

I left Ankara by car on July 8, 1967, and drove into the area of Cappadocia. We stayed in what was then called “Peri Otel” in Urgup and I was the first American they had seen in a very long

time. Goreme was a fairy land and Kaymakli had only recently been discovered . . . I still remember arriving at Pamukkale and staying at the then-small hotel called “Motel Pamukkale” with

the pool with the Roman columns in the bottom! I have wanted to return ever since.

The stories on Turkey opened up a fascinating area. My hat’s off to the authors for forgoing the comforts of a four-star hotel to explore, prod, poke, photograph and then write with such

clarity and beauty.

On a vacation to Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, my wife and I found that, with a few exceptions, we were the only Americans in the places that we visited.

We rarely see any articles or advertisements of trips to Brazil, where we had one of our most enjoyable vacations.

We found Brazilians very friendly and helpful. Their food was delicious and very inexpensive. We had no unpleasant experiences and felt safe wherever we went, with two or three police

officers on duty in almost every block that tourists frequent.

Brazilians told us that they would be afraid to vacation in the United States as they might get shot.

Thanks to your wonderful Travel section, my Mom and I have traveled to more than 36 countries; 90% of my trips are inspired by or guided by the Sunday Travel section.

When I read about Annette and Eph and their ordeal in Italy (“Travel Horrors,” Oct. 24), I was shocked.

Reading about these kinds of problems and taking tips from Reader Recommendations have made our trips 100% successful and safe. (Although that flu in Russia two weeks before the coup almost

did us in.)