2 Views of Cosmos

When my wife and I read Martin Hollander’s “Tour Bites Man” (Oct. 26), we roared. As soon as the author described him, we knew it was “our” John.

Yes, we took that same Morocco tour a couple of seasons ago, and had John as our guide. Arrogant, pompous, aloof, snobby. And his “interminable discoursing” eventually had us chatting loudly in order to drown out his “humorous dictums.”

He eventually got to know the various tourists by name. But he continually referred to a lovely Mexican family as “you Mexicans.” That rankled us, most of whom were British. To some of the older travelers, he would comment on “how well you look for your age.” As though they had to be reminded.

None of us wanted to complain to Cosmos, thinking it might cost John his job. But I think Hollander expressed our feelings.

FRANK BARRON

Van Nuys

The “Tour Bites Man” article brought back pleasant memories for this traveler. I took a Spain, Portugal and Morocco tour through Cosmos in 1992, with the same John as a guide. However, myself and more than 40 companions thought he was superb. Also I fail to understand a travel writer not knowing a budget tour means budget hotels. I’ve been on seven or eight Cosmos Tours and never felt conned.

CHARLES G. GALLAHER

Long Beach