Letters: A Russian sauna visit refreshed him

The birch branch and sauna story [“Wash, Flog, Relax” by Mary Ellen Monahan, Feb. 13] reminded me of the time 30 years ago when I traveled on the Trans-Siberian Railway. It was a magnificent experience but left me feeling grimy, so after hotel check-in at Irkutsk, I headed for the sauna. After 30 minutes it didn’t seem to do anything except leave me gasping for cool air.

At that moment two naked Russians came in carrying branches and started beating my shoulders and legs. I was completely dumbfounded but did not want to appear to object to their customs.

After they stopped a feeling like a fever breaking swept over me and I felt completely refreshed.

Probably too weird for typical American tastes, but it made a lasting impression on me.

Kurt Sipolski

Palm Desert

Stars light up Death Valley

I really enjoyed Dan Blackburn’s article on Death Valley [“Letting Down Its Guard,” Feb. 13], but he forgot to point out that stargazing should be on your to-do list. Death Valley is one of the darkest national parks at night. If you drive less than a mile from Furnace Creek, you should be able to park by the side of the road and see a sky full of stars (unlike in Los Angeles).

Steve Stillman

Redondo Beach

Happily returned from Ojai getaway

What a surprise to return home from a weekend mother/daughter getaway, pick up the Travel section and read about the destination where we had just been [“A Prize Inside!” by Madeline King Porter, Feb. 6]. History and beauty continue to attract many to the Pepper Tree Retreat. The connection to Krishnamurti is one that I’d heard from parents and grandparents and never pursued. We were seeking more balance, so art was not part of the quest on this trip. We witnessed the pink sunsets on Topa Topa, walked on Sulphur Mountain, relaxed at the Day Spa of Ojai and loved learning that Boccali’s Italian restaurant is celebrating 25 years in business (and its wine is quite good). Writing a recommendation for a “new” destination is always a challenge.

Maureen Di Domenico

Costa Mesa

This café is a page turner too

We enjoyed reading Mark Vanhoenacker’s world tour of bookstore cafes [“Get Inside the Comfort Zone,” Feb. 6] but can’t help but point out that he missed one of the greatest of all time … our very own in Conway, Mass., less than a 25-minute drive from the beloved Montague Bookmill.

We have an incredible collection of used books, displayed in a very warm, eclectic atmosphere. We have a fireplace to keep our guests toasty in the winter and serve some of the best local, organic, fair trade coffee, espresso and other beverages you can find.

Laurie Vondung and Katie Eugin-Moore

Pages Coffee Bar & Used Bookstore

Conway, Mass.