‘Wander Year’ Wrap-Up

I enjoyed the final story from Mike McIntyre in the Wander Year series (“The End of the Road,” Dec. 31) because he put the yearlong trip in such nice perspective. It was uplifting to read and thoughtful. I have enjoyed the weekly series and will miss it.

I opened that Sunday’s Travel section disappointed that I could not follow their trip further, wondering where he and Andrea Boyles were that week.

Their story touched many people, especially those of us who have not traveled around the world. By sharing it, they shared their sense of wonder and adventure, as well as their respect and appreciation for other cultures and places.

SHARI FARIS

Venice

One of the highlights for me in 2000 was reading with avid interest every week McIntyre’s superb articles. His observations were both witty and informative.

Thanks, Mike, for sharing your adventures and experiences with the readers of the Los Angeles Times and the wider worldwide audience through the Internet. This was travel journalism at its very best.

RICHARD J. AINSWORTH

Brighton-Le-Sands, Australia

I am a writer who travels extensively, lives here and abroad, and counts award-winning travel writers among my friends. I tell you this because I do not know McIntyre nor have I any personal ax to grind, but perhaps my standards raise the bar somewhat.

I have followed McIntyre and his travel companion on their round-the-world sojourn, have waded through McIntyre’s incessant whining and unremarkable observations, and have come away with the strong feeling that, for travel writers, these folks enjoy traveling about as much as former President Bush enjoys broccoli. As a result, their experience has yielded little or no cultural flavor, unique insights, touring advice or even personal anecdotes worth repeating.

By way of example, the last installment explored Chilean Patagonia, an area of the world that inspires memories of virgin lands of 4,000-year-old forest, Inca remains, crystal clear rivers, forested glaciers, live snowcapped volcanoes and magnificent, mile-high waterfalls of pure ice. McIntyre’s take on this unique part of the world was to tell us, primarily, that his bus was late--oh, and that he took many such late buses, ferries, planes and minivans and that the trip was therefore an even longer one.

Of course, I’m sure the series probably seemed a good idea at the time.

RON SUPPA

Westlake Village

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for McIntyre’s articles over the past year. They have been wonderful. I have traveled in many countries, and his articles brought back many memories. I became a regular Sunday Times subscriber after getting hooked on his adventure. I will miss reading him every week.

LINDA WOLF

Newhall

I was shocked by McIntyre’s comments about his visit to communist China. He stated he saw people who “appeared genuinely content” that made him “question my belief in the universal appeal of our economic and political values.”

China is one of the most repressive countries on Earth, with widespread persecution of Christians and the peaceful Falun Gong sect. Is he really so naive as to not know that China’s current prosperity is the result of state-controlled capitalism, and that is the main reason the population may be somewhat content in a police state?

JOE LOCKWOOD

Irvine

The “End of the Road” article was fascinating. As a world traveler for more than 30 years, I heartily concur with McIntyre’s observations of China.

I recently returned from a two-week tour of Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai. It was interesting, educational and exciting--the greatest trip I have ever taken.

Our view, as Americans, is so out of touch with reality. We found the Chinese people polite (except for the drivers), helpful and so advanced and different from what we are told.

The average Chinese is no more our enemy than we are theirs. It is only the politicians.

ROBERT H. ABELS

Dana Point

It was disappointing to read the negative comments by McIntyre on his experience in India, as I was planning a monthlong trip to that country.

I noticed in subsequent articles McIntyre referred to his India experience several times for comparison.

India is not for the faint of heart. It bombards the visitor relentlessly with sensory stimuli. Everything is at an extreme level--heat, crowds and dirt as well as brilliant colors, beauty and spirituality. Nothing can be taken for granted. Little is as you expect it to be. It is addictive.

I was gratified to read the final installment. Not only at the end of his yearlong sojourn did McIntyre come to the conclusion that India had provided the most compelling experience, but he also endeared himself to me in his appreciation for the whole experience.

Visiting other cultures, especially in Third World countries, opens the heart and soul to the common threads between us. It makes us appreciate what we have and realize much of it is unnecessary for joy and happiness.

Mike McIntyre, you touched my heart. Thank you.

MARTY WILSON

Los Angeles