Sir.-I wish to say what an honour and privilege it was to spend three weeks in and around your beautiful town recently.

This was my very first visit abroad - and what an experience!

I had a culture shock like never before, as everything is so well planned and executed.

Everybody I met and spoke to went out of their way to talk back to me and be helpful, especially the bus drivers, who had to help me find my way back a few times after I either took the wrong bus or got off at the wrong stops. Thank you, guys!

I also found the shops an absolute pleasure to browse around and was in awe of the many charitable organisations running little outlets all over. I spent quite a bit in these - and just hope I can get it all through customs.

I cannot wait to show off all my purchases, but, most of all, I can't wait for my next visit.

My trip was made possible by my daughter and son-in-law, who live in Basingstoke, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ross and Tracey Walter for all they did for me in the three weeks that I spent with them and for making my birthday such a special one.

I wish them every blessing and good wishes for Christmas and the year to come, and extend those same thoughts to the people and authorities that make Basingstoke the special place that it is.

Lynne Kapp,
Plettenberg Bay,
South Africa.