This was published 7 years ago
Traveller letters: Embarrassing behaviour from customs staff
BORDER FARCE
Ellie Pratt's letter (Traveller letters, May 7-8) reminded me of my own experiences. Returning to Sydney on a flight from London earlier this year I was shocked by the way I and many others were treated by security staff as we made our way through customs and queued to depart the area.
After queuing for a long time we were told very rudely, "this line's closed – you shouldn't be here, go to the end of another line". There were non-English speaking people in the queue who were obviously nonplussed by the lack of direction and rudeness. In addition to the mean and rude staff, the customs arrival hall is badly managed, with officers standing around doing nothing when they could be organising. I have experienced this more than once.
There seems to be a mean culture among the security staff I encountered that is offensive and an embarrassment. This rude behaviour is unwelcoming to those returning to or entering our country.
Wanda Dunnet, Narrabri, NSW
LETTER OF THE WEEK
While on a recent holiday in Iran I experienced an unexpected afternoon of pleasure and education in Isfahan, famed for its tiled mosques, squares and bridges that provide a social focus for family outings, picnics and singing contests.
There also exists in the Armenian Quarter a hidden gem – the Museum of Musical Instruments, at number 74 Mehrdad Street. This modest building houses a large collection of Persian instruments illustrating the history of musical development in Iran over many hundreds of years
While beautiful to look at, the instruments may be handled, under supervision, and studied at leisure. The curators are experienced players and happy to illustrate their skills in impromptu concerts. Along with the beautifully sounding stringed instruments, they also make the bagpipes sound good and there is also a comfortable garden cafe.
A highly recommended diversion.
John Harrison, Clifton Hill, VIC
IN REGARD TO BROADWAY
Lee Tulloch's list of New York golden rules (Traveller, May 7-8) included the comment, "don't eat in the Theatre District", though I think she really means to avoid the tourist traps in Times Square on Broadway. Given that the Theatre District covers 13 blocks between 6th and 8th Avenues, there are lots of very good restaurants that are well worth visiting. The district starts at the Nederlander Theatre on West 41st Street (the home of Rent for 12 years) and ends with Studio 54 on West 54th Street, which staged the successful long-running revival of Cabaret.
Within that rather sizeable area are such wonderful favourite restaurants as Barbetta, Azalea, Molyvos, Trattoria Dell'Arte, Norma's, La Masseria, Aureole, Thalia, Del Friscos, the quirky Da Marino and possibly the best restaurant in New York, Le Bernardin. There are also heaps of others too numerous to mention.
And, while on the subject of Broadway, a common misconception is that off-Broadway means that the theatre is not on Broadway. In fact, of the 40-odd theatres in the Theatre District, only five are on Broadway. Off-Broadway is actually the term used to describe theatres that have a seating capacity of between 100 and 499 people.
Greg Taylor, Mount Eliza, VIC
CRYING SHAME
On a recent emergency dash to Adelaide, I decided to take carry-on baggage and was careful to keep to the seven kilograms allowed, but put my toiletries in my handbag. Oh no! They wanted to weigh my handbag with my case, which took me over the limit. To the woman who said "well we've heard your sob story" and charged me $50 for the privilege of checking my bag in, added to the fact that the plane was half empty and I moved seats as the man sitting next to me was at least 120Kgs, I want to say Jetstar has lost a customer forever.
Elaine Riding, Eumundi, QLD
COME IN SPINNER
I sympathise with Mike Fewster and his cobble wobbles (Traveller letters, May 7-8). My first solo adventure to Europe in 1980 with (sorry) fur coat, first-class Eurail Pass and matching wheeled luggage turned into a frustrating but always amusing learning curve. In my attempt to do things a little "upmarket" I ended up a burden to those I latched onto on the travel trail with everyone jumping on trains with their backpacks and me struggling behind.
My poor wheeled bag suffered death by cobble stones in Spain and could not be revived. Enter backpack, turtle walk and eventually Morocco with only very freeing hand luggage, third-class buses complete with chickens and the odd vomit and a travel lesson learned.
Many travel miles and countries later I suggest that Mike invests in a good old-fashioned metal folding luggage trolley with an Oki strap and large wheels. Use your spinner when you can then strap it on the trolley when the going gets tough.
When flying make a little extra room in your stowed luggage for your new best buddy or take advantage of in-cabin allowance and let it take the burden of your carry-on hoard.
Michele Thomas, Mollymook Beach, NSW
THAT'S (NO) ENTERTAINMENT
I would have to strongly disagree with Steven Kovacs (Traveller Letters May 6-7). Airline passengers pay for the advertised service and should get what they have paid for. Imagine handing over your hard-earned cash for a new car and then finding that the rear seat was missing!
Airlines should be forced to offer appropriate compensation when unable to deliver a service; maybe a 10 per cent discount for no IFE [in-flight entertainment], 5 per cent for no meal choice etc. Weather and other events outside an airline's control would obviously be exempt.
I worked for an airline that regularly used a particular aeroplane that lacked the IFE that was available on other sectors just because they could!
Mike Killingsworth, Ocean Grove, VIC
WE WELCOME YOUR TRAVEL-RELATED OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES
The writer of the letter judged the best of the week will receive a Lonely Planet prize pack. See lonelyplanet.com.
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