Traveller Letters: Is this some sort of cultural cringe?

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 9 years ago

Traveller Letters: Is this some sort of cultural cringe?

LETTER OF THE WEEK

I enjoyed Andrew Bain's article on Queensland's Route 66 (Traveller, May 31-June 1) but what stunned me was how the Newell Highway Promotions Committee could imagine that a faux American experience would enhance their attraction. Why model yourself on a dilapidated, by-passed highway in the US when the Newell has its own great points of interest? Aren't we supposed to be promoting Australia? Is this some sort of cultural cringe? I wish the committee would re-think this silly idea as I certainly won't be travelling the Newell to experience some ersatz Yankee experience.

-Judy Hardy-Holden

GRAVE CONCERNS

I wonder if Richard Tulloch, during his cruise in the Hebrides (Traveller, May 31-June 1) visited a plot of land belonging to the people of NSW? Along a remote farm track at Gruline, on the Isle of Mull, can be found the tomb of Lachlan Macquarie, Elizabeth and their children. The "father of Australia" lies in a mausoleum in a peaceful dell surrounded by a stone wall and tall trees. I visited on a hot, blue-sky day and was moved to find this atmospheric site, maintained by the National Trust of Australia, the last resting place of a man who did so much to improve the fortunes of a struggling colony 200 years ago.

-Helen Bessey

RIGHTS AND WRONGS

I was extremely disappointed to read the flippant article about North Korea (Traveller, May 31-June 1). According to Human Rights Watch, 200,000 North Koreans are imprisoned in labour camps. Many citizens are facing hunger and subjected to arbitrary torture. There is no independent media and people are denied basic religious and civil freedoms. This article typified a form of shut-eye tourism where an individual visits a foreign country, takes what they can without understanding the reality of it and eats well while ordinary people starve.

-Pauline Hopkins

RISKY BUSINESS

Advertisement

Lance Richardson's essay on travel risk (Traveller May 31-June 1) was the perfect accompaniment to my Saturday morning coffee. What made it all the more relevant was that I'd just dropped off my wife at the airport for her solo and first trip to Bali. His piece was perfectly sandwiched between the hype and screening of the Seven Network's What Really Happens in Bali earlier in the week and the breaking news of travel disruptions due to the eruption of an Indonesian volcano. It was a relief to get an email from her late on Saturday that all was well in paradise, albeit running a few hours behind schedule. I'm keeping the article for her to read on her return - there's no risk on that.

-Fred Marginson

CLASS ACTS

While I agree with Michael Hayden (Rants & raves, May 24-25) that poorly behaved children in business class (or anywhere) can be irritating, it is incorrect to state there are no bassinets in business class. I recently travelled on QF1 to London and there was a couple with a superbly behaved baby utilising the bassinet in business. While I would hesitate to inflict my own little angels on anyone outside of the economy crowd, three economy seats and bassinet as suggested by Mr Hayden does not equal lying flat in business class. Furthermore, bassinets cannot be booked in advance and are not guaranteed. I concur that the onus is on parents to supervise their children fully, no matter which class they travel in.

-Natalie Jonker

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading