Travel Tidbits

In the Winelands on the Western Cape of South Africa, my husband, Maurice, and I stopped in Tulbagh for lunch, ordering the tasty traditional dish bobotie (spicy minced meat topped with egg). Tulbagh is noted for its classic Dutch architecture; the oldest building, the Oude Kirk (Old Church), was built in 1743. The Slave Bell that announced slave auctions is still intact. The community’s sense of pride is evident in its scenic streets with well-maintained white buildings accented by black woodwork and cheerful flowers cascading from window boxes. — JACKIE BLACK, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

On a 46-day cruise of Spain, Africa and the Caribbean aboard the Prinsendam of Holland America Line (877/932-4259, www.hollandamerica.com), we toured the sherry capital of the world, Jerez, Spain. This little red “train” takes visitors around the vast complex of the sherry producer González Byass. — MINEKO McCLURE, Fairmont, WV

For those long flights, a great way to stock up on free magazines is through a visit to your local library. Many libraries around the country have magazine racks where one can drop off magazines and pick up free ones as well. This saves me at least $15, and I have a variety of reading material. — NANCI SCHEITHAUER, Santa Fe, NM

My husband and I have taken eight flights on Air France this year. Every single one of the Air France employees we encountered — including ticket counter, lounge and gate personnel plus flight crew — was friendly and seemed genuinely glad we were flying Air France. When did this begin? — JOAN WELCH, Indiana, PA