Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Travel in 2013
I'm always interested in where others are going – but you've missed out the whole of Brazil here. This is the country to go to in 2013: 5,000 miles of undiscovered sandy beaches with as much or as little action as you want, plus history, culture, samba, football and beautiful hidden pousadas to stay at wherever you go.
Alison McGowan
Restocking Africa's wildlife reserves
Regarding Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda. We visited this island while on a tour of Africa last year. Unless circumstances have changed in this time, visitors definitely are not encouraged anywhere near the wildlife. We were guided around, fences separating guests from residents. We were advised that if any of the chimps ran towards us or approached us we were to go into the water, as it was unlikely that we would be followed there. The chimps are encouraged to remain in as wild a state as possible, even though, as your article rightly says, it is unlikely they will ever be set free.
Gill Fletcher
Russian visas
You've got the fee incorrect. The visa fee for UK tourists (single entry) is £50, then there is the £27.60 fee on top, which goes to the service company, VFS, and finally £7.40 to post your passport back to you. Total: £85 – the same cost as a return flight from Manchester to Moscow on easyJet.
Nick Massey
Pondicherry – the France in India
India will remain in flux for generations to come. But within the chaos is India's innate beauty; the cacophony, the frustration, the wonder. It's exciting.
"Freedom forthe grapes"
Sampling food in South-east Asia
With some exceptions – such as Singapore – the rule of thumb for Asia is that the restaurant food in former French colonies is far better than that in former British colonies. So obvious when you come to think it through.
"Jason Japan White"
Roman holiday
The Maxxi looks magnificent – must check it out next time. I tend to forget Rome has more than ruins!
John Creavy
Australian fires – should you cancel?
The person with this query should consider where they are flying into and its proximity to the bushfire-affected areas. This is a huge place in relation to the size of the UK. I moved here five years ago. We live in Adelaide and a few years ago drove to Brisbane and back, which is roughly the same as a journey from my former home town of Newcastle upon Tyne to Rome and back.
Dave Bevan
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments