MESSAGE CENTER

De Gaulle of Them!

WE JUST returned from Paris on an Air France flight from Charles de Gaulle airport. It seems that all U.S.-bound flights on Air France depart from a separate terminal far from Terminal 2 (where you are still required to check in and go through security).

A shuttle bus takes you on a 15-minute journey to the departure gate. You are hustled directly from check-in through security and onto the bus. There was never an opportunity to have our VAT refund papers stamped by French customs. Once you've made the trip to the departure terminal, you can't return to the main terminal unless you have two hours and are willing to go through security again. Several other passengers on our flight found themselves in the same situation and will now be charged an additional 20 percent on their purchases.

Also, be aware that although there are small duty-free shops in the faraway terminal, they are limited compared to those in the main terminal. Be sure to have your paperwork stamped and your shopping completed before you board the shuttle.

Ellen Weiss, Takoma Park

Peru, Cont'd

I READ WITH interest your article on the world's third-highest waterfall at Gocta in northern Peru ["After the Falls," Oct. 15]. I thought it might be of interest to your readers to know that the entire area is shortly to become a new protected area negotiated between a Peruvian not-for-profit group, ECOAN, and the Peruvian government. ECOAN is also working throughout the surrounding region to safeguard biodiversity and in particular to prevent the extinction of a range of bird species found nowhere else on Earth. These birds, along with the spectacular scenery and archaeological sites, make this part of Peru a fascinating place to visit.

Travelers may be especially interested to know that a new lodge will soon be constructed in the area of Abra Patricia, just to the northeast of Gocta, where new quality accommodations will be available in one of the region's premier birding locales for the first time.

Michael Parr

American Bird Conservancy

Washington

STEVE HENDRIX'S description of traveling the rope-ladder roads in the back country was especially appreciated, as I have rattled along similar precarious pathways in the Ecuadoran Andes years ago. He did a wonderful job of evoking the experience.

Elaine Kohn, Boston

Mattress Alert

WARNING FOR short people: Some hotel/motel chains are now installing high mattresses (15 inches or more) in their rooms. This makes it difficult for shorter people (say, under 5 feet 5 inches) to get in and out of bed and may cause falls.

Higher mattresses may look more comfortable, but they are not.

Phyllis Brush, Silver Spring

Write us: Washington Post Travel section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071. E-mail:travel@washpost.com. Provide your full name, town of residence and daytime telephone number. Letters are subject to editing for length and clarity.

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