I am writing in response to the travel article on Britain written by Maureen Jones in the Town Crier on Feb. 3.
Like Ms. Jones, I am also a native of Great Britain and a resident of Los Altos, but unlike Ms. Jones, I find many of the recent changes in Britain to be positive and encouraging.
During my most recent visit last October, I found a much larger selection of goods in most stores and longer opening hours, making shopping far more convenient than ever before. The economy is healthier than it has been since the mid-1980s and young people are embracing the opportunities that are now available to them.
Ms. Jones' distaste of multilingual labeling on some commodities represents a country that is becoming an integral part of a unified Europe and leaving behind the island mentality of the past.
Ms. Jones was very complimentary on the services of Virgin Atlantic Airways' "Upper Class", but what she failed to mention is that the fare for this class of service is approximately $7,000. It seems strange that she should be so horrified at the price differential of 3 pounds for a plate if she can afford such fares several times a year.
Ms. Jones' comments regarding the introduction of the common currency for Europe (the "Euro") and Britain having no choice but to join is grossly misleading. Britain did have the choice, and chose not to become part of the common currency at its inception. Its notes and coins should be legal currency long after the year 2002.
For someone who spends up to a quarter of the year in Britain, Ms. Jones does not seem to be that well informed. Hopefully her comments will not mislead and deter your readers from traveling to Britain in the near future.
David JaquesLos Altos
Thinking twice about Foothill flea market
Having never been to the Foothill College Flea Market, my friend and I decided to go take a look. First of all this is the sorriest flea market I've ever been to. And secondly, after our 45-minute visit I had a $25 parking ticket on my car!
Please beware and look closely at all signs, even if you park where there are no signs. On second thought, forget the Foothill Flea Market and go to the De Anza Flea Market. No one has ever been there to take any money and there has never been a ticket on my car.
Vicki Cooper
Cupertino