In the letter titled “Economy Class Syndrome” (July ’07, pg. 16), the reader’s recounting of her husband’s pulmonary embolism demonstrates the dangers of the airline’s present policy of cramming more and more people into less and less space on their flights. One of my coworkers died of a pulmonary embolism last November immediately following a flight to the Philippines.

Moving about and doing leg exercises are a must and may decrease the probability of developing a pulmonary embolism...

Amsterdam is famous for its fine international cuisine. On our July ’05 trip, one of the spots that we thoroughly enjoyed was the highly recommended d’Vijff Vlieghen, or The Five Flies (Spuistraat 294-302 1012 VX, Amsterdam, Netherlands; phone +31 20 5304060, fax 6236404 or visit www.thefiveflies.com). The unusual name originates with Jan Janszoon Vijff Vlighen, the first inhabitant of one of the five adjoining 17th-century houses that make up the dining establishment.

The restaurant...

I would not go across town to eat there, but if you are in the neighborhood a good light dinner can be had in Paris at Plein Soleil (90 ave. Parmentier, Paris 11e, France).

Located just above the entrance to the Parmentier Métro station, it offers an area non-fumeur — not as good as a salle non-fumeur but better than the choking fog that envelops most Paris restaurants.

On our visit in February ’07 my wife had a tartiflette, which proved to be our old friend scalloped potatoes...