SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thank you so much for your wonderful article on L.A. [“The Sign of a Great Metropolis”; Feb. 19]. My father sent it to me. My parentshave been out here a few times, first to visit my sister (now back in Dayton). They stayed on Sunset and hated it.
When they came to visit me, I had to convince them they were coming to Santa Monica, not L.A. And, in fact, the only time we ventured into “the city” was for a free jazz concert at the L.A. County Museum.
I am an actress and transplanted Peorian (via 11 years in New York City). I have been here seven years and didn’t realize how much this place has become home until I read your article. Robert Cross really did my (many) town(s) justice. I really appreciate how he explored the different areas of L.A.
I live in Santa Monica, in part, because I can walk/bike everywhere. It has aspects of both Peoria and NYC — pedestrians, bus system and a totally accessible city council (that’s the Peoria part). And, of course, we have the beach and rent control.
I didn’t know that I would fall in love with all the kooks and crannies of this county. I realized that reading your piece.
— Mary-Kathleen Gordon
. . . AND ANOTHER VIEW
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — I thoroughly enjoyed your article on Los Angles. My sister in Chicago sent it because I reside in Santa Monica, and have for 20 years now.
Most people who do write articles on our fair state always find some way to put us down. They always make us look like we are a bunch of loonies who all decided to move to California to be even loonier! You pretty much summed up exactly what a visitor experiences, or expects, when coming here. They all think we’re rich and never have to work, which is so untrue. People work hard out here, and not everyone is rich, as you well know.
It is true that we don’t do a lot of walking in L.A., but [driving is] a way of life here. As you discovered, most people think nothing of driving to a friend’s place two hours away. You just get use to it!
— Wendy Frederick
FALLING FOR IGUASSU
VALPARAISO, Ind. — Thanks to Alan Solomon for his report on Iguassu Falls, situated on the Brazilian-Argentine border [Feb. 20]. Since visiting Iguassu in 1964 I have struggled to describe all that is so special about the place. Now I can simply quote Solomon. His spectacular photo deserved every inch of the generous space you gave it.
— Jean Scott Berry
A CANADIAN FALLS BOOSTER
CHICAGO — Your story on Niagara Falls [Feb. 20] was somewhat incomplete. To not provide at least equal space to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and its environs is similar to a trip to Chicago minus the Art Institute, lakefront and architecture. The better view of the American and Horseshoe Falls is from the Canadian side. In fact, the only way to see the breadth of the American Falls is across from it.
— Jim Kielty
WE’RE ALL THUMBS
CRYSTAL FALLS, Mich. — It makes us happy here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan when we see a positive article in a big paper like the Tribune [Travel section “Going U.P.”; Feb. 6] since tourism is second only to timbering, and the industry needs all the support it can get. But we see red over the blurb on the front page of the travel section that read “Snow is the leading natural resource on Michigan’s thumb come winter.” Michigan’s thumb is about 550 miles away from the Ironwood ski area and 250 miles from the U.P.!
— Fleurette Saari
KILIMANJARO FAN
SCHAUMBURG — I read the Travel Section first each Sunday in your paper. Imagine my delight when I saw an article about Kilimanjaro after I had recently returned from climbing the mountain [“At the summit”; Feb. 27]. But I could only chuckle as I read the article by Flynn McRoberts.
I summited the 21st day of the 21st century.
No training, no Diamox, no “gurgle” in the lung.
May I suggest to Mr. McRoberts and your readers Shah Tours. Not only was my guide, Robinson, excellent, but the food was so plentiful I had to tell him to cook less! Veal, pasta, steak, fresh veggies and fruit (mangos and pineapple each day), pancakes eggs, and more.
If I was cold in my tent, my guide would bring the stove in for heat. My porters had my tent ready and hot chocolate when I would arrive at a campsite.
All this for considerably less than Mr. McRoberts — granted he did do the millennium trip for inflated prices.
A tip for your readers — the majority of supplies, tent, pad, duffel, walking pole, etc., can be rented in Moshi for a minimal price that saves the hassle of lugging it from home.
The article seemed to be one complaint after the next. My friends and family also read the article and had similar reactions. They have seen pictures and video of my hike and found what Mr. McRoberts reported to be humorous.
I hope Mr. McRoberts article does not discourage people from seeing one of the most beautiful sites on earth, sunrise from Kilimanjaro.
It is a shame Mr. McRoberts did not write an article about the natural beauty or the kind and helpful people. Instead he chose to complain about the wonderful opportunity he was given to see such a place.
Traveling is my passion and I would gladly report to your readers a future “adventure” trip which the Tribune has planned. Unlike Mr. McRoberts, I would relish the opportunity to rehike Kilimanjaro, perhaps the Western Breech.
Thank you for the best travel section in town.
— Dale Litney
———-
Reader questions of general interest or comments about articles are welcome. Write to the Chicago Tribune, Travel Section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Or, send e-mail to ctc-travel@tribune.com. Include your name, address and phone number. The more concise the letter, the less we will have to edit it to fit our space.
