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New Passport Rules

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New Passport Rules

YOUR ITEM on the new passport requirements [Coming and Going, Dec. 10] says the rules do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In January 2004, I flew from Dulles to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, changing planes in Puerto Rico. I walked off the plane, as expected, without any bureaucratic procedures or seeing any physical evidence of controls of any sort. But when I went to return home, I went through what looked like immigration control and was scolded for not having brought my passport.

Because I didn't have my passport and because it wasn't a very busy day, my carry-on luggage was gone through item by item, and I was thoroughly searched. I probably showed my driver's license, but that didn't seem to be enough.

I was surprised. I did not realize I had left the United States. If I go back, I'll carry my passport.

Donna H. Sandin, Reston

Yes, a Problem

IN THE TITLE of your article on La Manzanilla, Mexico, a Spanish word was spelled incorrectly ["No Crowds?, No Rush? In Mexico, No Problemo," Dec. 3]. The noun "problem" is masculine in Spanish but ends in an "a." Part of learning a foreign language is respecting it enough to learn it properly. Writing "problemo" is offensive and disrespectful.

Patricia M. Balestra, Washington

Editor's note:

Lo sentimos mucho (we're very sorry ). We were trying to apply a light touch in using this fake word that is frequently used by English speakers.

Missouri, Cont'd

IN RESPONSE to what to do in central Missouri at Christmastime [online chat, Nov. 20], do not overlook Rocheport, halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis and 12 miles from Columbia. What's there? At least three charming bed-and-breakfasts (try the School House B&B), a location right on the Katy Trail and a quick drive to Les Bourgeois Winery, with its stunning bluff-top restaurant and high-quality food. Rocheport is charming and tiny -- about 200 residents living in historic houses of all sizes -- and a stopping point for Katy Trail travelers who stay in the B&Bs. It's worth the stop.

Linda Lane-Hamilton, Williamsburg

LEXINGTON, Mo., is a seat of Civil War history and has monuments and antebellum homes, some of which are open for visits, I believe. Even if they aren't, the exteriors should be decorated for the holidays and are worth seeing. There are some nice views along the Missouri River as well.