Another Outlook

I was appalled by the opening statements of “On Different Tracks” (May 8). Clayton Jones writes that travelers on the Eastern & Oriental Express “must learn to live in the past, when Europeans and Americans could scold the ‘natives’ for not polishing the silver or remain aloof from Asian villages just outside their windows.” In the next paragraph he writes that the stewards “are all Thais, whose inbred humility goes over well with the wealthy Western traveler who seems to want to be treated like a monarch, or to act like one.” Why would your paper cater to the ugly American who would enjoy colonial-type exploitation? The article could have touted excellent service without such innuendoes.

I also disagree with the author’s contention that “Most people in this part of the world consider trains today dirty and perilous, suitable only for peasants.” I have ridden trains throughout the world and have found those in Southeast Asia both clean and safe. Indeed, the Thailand trains in second class were extremely clean and safe. This article seems intent on scaring Americans into choosing the luxury train, as if there were no suitable alternatives.

The colonial period was a very dark one in world history, and you should apologize for any statements that might glorify this terrible period.

MARK RHOMBERG, Los Angeles

Your timing on the “Bangkok to Singapore” train is in such poor taste, after Singapore’s boastful barbarism displayed in the caning of many people, not just a young American. I was going to Singapore, but it’s off my list forever.

MIMI MERRILL, Ridgecrest

Your article on the new Eastern & Oriental Express was interesting. However, a price of $1,130 to $2,950 would appear to be out of the range of many. A few years ago, we took the first-class, air-conditioned train on the same route, had a sleeping compartment and stopped in both Kuala Lumpur and Penang for slightly over $100 each. That makes the E&O; outrageously expensive.

RICHARD M. DAVIS, Laguna Hills