Letters: Reduced to tears

Paul Ash's story on Polish train tours "Five minutes to midnight" (July 3) was an interesting read. Many other countries in Europe have also long realised the vast tourist potential of steam, and other special train trips.

Skatie Fourie's letter about Transnet's demolition work "Destroying the past" (July 3) is enough to make one cry. What was built up over a century they have scrapped almost entirely in two decades - station buildings, steam locomotives and tracks. Their focus on heavy haulage, bulk and the scrapping of investments worth millions could be termed criminal. At the same time they are shying away from one of their major obligations - the safe and affordable transport of the less well-to-do - not to mention the loss of some unique tourist attractions. - Peter Smulik, Cape Town

More stolen luggage

My brother and his fiancée's dream trip to the US was soured on their return to Cape Town via Johannesburg on July 5.

A piece of luggage was delayed at OR Tambo and when it was delivered later that evening their suspicion was aroused by it being wrapped in plastic (my brother had not wrapped it). On opening the suitcase it turned out that it been tampered with. I was shocked to discover that the internet is full of postings, blogs and articles relating to theft at OR Tambo. To make matters worse nothing seems to be done about it. - Simone Ashbury

Out of date

Peter Malherbe's advice on Boracay (July 10) is a little out of date on the piers and crossing times.

A new pier was built at the south of the island a couple of years ago, so the crossing is no more than 10 minutes. It has a proper jetty and there is no floundering in the water.

Caticlan airport is no more than a two minute walk from the mainland jetty and is therefore much more convenient than Kalibo. The downside is that flights are quite often cancelled, in which case you will be rerouted via Kalibo. - Steve Ashforth