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Christine Downey of Clonmel, Co Tipperary, got in touch about the My Holidays column
John Creedon’s My Holidays (Go, January 30th) really summed up the marvellous experience of a holiday in Norway. In August last year, with my American cousin, Susan, and her husband, Tom, we took the 12-day round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes on the excellent Hurtigruten ferry. We knew we were part of Norway’s coastal history. This service was launched by Capt Richard With in July 1893.
Passengers greeting family, and disembarking at ports with luggage and goods, made us feel part of the life of these seafaring Nordic people. This convenient, reliable service is an integral part of Norwegian life. Like John, we found the Norwegians kind, courteous, very efficient in a non-fussy way, good humoured and ready for a laugh.
I long for a winter holiday there. I already hear the swish of sleighs on the crisp snow and the teams of huskies barking into the brilliant moonlit night.
Gráinne Madden of Cabinteely in Dublin contacted us about our feature last week on Spanish paradors
I was surprised that you did not mention Lorna Roberts of Keytel International Ireland (095-23511), the booking agent in Ireland for paradors.
Having made several trips to paradors in different parts of Spain, I cannot praise Lorna highly enough. The special offers on the parador website are somewhat confusing, but Lorna knows her way around them to get the best possible deal. She can also advise on journey times between stops, the places you are most likely to want to spend more time in, and the best paradors to stay in for your particular requirements.
I’ve recommended her to several friends, all of whom have been delighted with the advice they received.
The Rocksure Collection asked us to correct a price that appeared in last week’s cover story, on midterm getaways. Quinta das Oliveiras, in the Algarve, costs £1,820 (€2,086) per week for the villa, not per person