In Konya, Turkey, we visited the Mevlana Mausoleum, where Mevlana Rumi, the founder of the Whirling Dervishes, has his tomb. The Dervishes practice Sufism, a mystical form of Islam founded in the 13th century. The building, which is also a museum, contains many artistic and religious treasures and is very popular with the Turkish people.

One evening we attended a performance by the Dervishes. The 50-minute presentation upended our preconceived ideas about this group. They whirled at...

Whilst I hesitate to recommend a totally reliable firm or individual for Heathrow transfers, I have suggested to friends visiting from the US that they try the Internet (as I have done, despite being a raw beginner with this technology). Just “Google” some appropriate phrase, such as “London Heathrow cabs,” and try a few of the listed sites.

I came up with prices under £40 (near $62) for central London and around £45 out to Wimbledon (where I live). My friend used one of these and was...

I enjoyed William Reed’s story on his trip to Tanzania (Sept.’08, pg. 24), especially about his contact with the Hadzabe (Hadza) people. He described their hunting and cooking birds as “the single most significant thing we saw on the entire trip.”

I took a 7-week, self-guided tour of East Africa, July 7-Aug. 26, 2008, during which I spent time with two Hadzabe clans — a primary goal of the trip. I had researched them as thoroughly as I could. For me, it was a bittersweet experience....