SPEAK ENGLISH
My wife and I were recently in Europe and our tour director advised us of an app called Word Lens. It is loaded on your smartphone and by pointing your phone's camera at a sign or a menu it will translate the foreign language chosen (French, Spanish, Italian, Russian are some) into English. The translation is not always perfect but it can be extremely useful. You don't have to be connected to the internet, either.
Wally Scott
SAKAMOTO DREAM
Nearly 12 months ago you ran a story that recommended three restaurants in Kyoto, one of which was Sakamoto (Traveller, March 8, 2014). As a result of your recommendation I have since had the great pleasure of enjoying a five-course lunch there and it was nothing short of sensational. The location took some finding, but was well worth the trouble. Down a side lane and then at the end of a narrow passageway, yet in a setting overlooking a stream; with only about 20 covers it's very special and all for around $70 a person. A bonus find was a traditional Kyoto omelette eatery in a side street nearby run by a delightful woman, a wholesome omelette and a beer for about $9. I visited the omelette outlet a second time, it was so good.
Many thanks for featuring such a wonderful restaurant.
Brian Hardiman
US CONVERSION
Like Norm Simons, (Traveller Letters, January 24-25) we too have encountered the question about US currency in a foreign country.
My husband and I were were in Hong Kong last February and were deciding on which meal to have at a local restaurant when a Chinese American asked us with despair "Are these prices in American dollars?".
A bit taken aback, my husband said, "American? We are in Hong Kong and they use Hong Kong dollars", to which the reply came, "Oh really, I didn't know because I was about to leave because the prices were so high". We just shook our heads and went inside.
Sue Loxton
DRONGO VARIETIES
My husband and I were amused by Julie Miller's "rocket-tailed" drongo (Traveller, January 24-25). We had visions of a bird hurtling through the treetops with a rocket tied to his tail and scattering fireworks everywhere. Miller, was, of course, referring to the (greater) racket-tailed drongo, named for the two "rackets" at the end of his tail, who is a close relative of the Australian spangled drongo.
Susan Miller
COME FLY WITH ME
Regarding Scott Lawrie's request for recommendations for flying premium economy or business (Traveller Letters, January 24-25), my suggestion would be Japan Airlines. My husband and I have flown with them twice in business class and found their service impeccable. The flight times are excellent too as they leave Sydney at 8.15 am, arriving in Japan at 5.05 pm. You are then put up for the night at Hotel Nikko Narita and, being a business class passenger, you are given an amount to spend on food and drinks. The next day a shuttle bus takes you to Narita International Airport for your 10.55 am flight to London, arriving in London at 3.25 pm. You will find that the price of the flight is considerably less than other airlines.
Sandra Jurkovic
I can thoroughly recommend Singapore Airlines' new business class. You have your own "pod" with plenty of room to eat in comfort, read, doze or lie flat and sleep. With only four seats across everyone is next to an aisle. The service is impeccable and the food and wines wonderful. Treat yourself, Scott!
David Spurgeon.
Having flown Malaysian Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Paris business class, I can recommend. The staff spoke French, which also made it exciting even before arriving in Paris. Flat beds, great service and great food.
Brendon Fehre
My view: Singapore Airlines, the best; Cathay Pacific, fantastic; Malaysian Airlines, very good despite the obvious. Qantas always leaves me cold and the Middle Eastern airlines are improving rapidly.
Robert Heathershaw
My 80-year-old mother and I flew premium economy with Emirates last May and we could not speak highly enough of the wonderful service. We were offered champagne or juice upon seating and the flight steward introduced himself and our flight crew to us soon after. The seats, with TVs in the arm rests, were spacious and comfortable. Spare pillows/blankets fit in the window storage space. White tablecloths and silver cutlery were laid out before the meal and best of all, the meal tray was removed as soon as meal was finished. Highly recommend.
Leonie Mulvihill
We would have no hesitation in recommending Cathay Pacific. We flew premium economy with them to and from Hong Kong last year and have nothing but praise for every aspect of the trip. It was worth the extra money. British Airways from Hong Kong to London return, also premium economy, was fine, but not up to Cathay standards.
Carol Launders
LETTER OF THE WEEK
We arrived in Paris on January 10, just after the terrorist attacks (The Tripologist, January 24-25). We found the city calm and determined to pursue its daily life. There is certainly an increased presence of armed police and soldiers, especially around the Jewish quarter in the Marais, but the great march of January 11, which my daughter and I were privileged to join, showed how strongly the French people believe in the values of their republic. They would be horrified if Australians stayed away.
Greg McGrath
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