I was recently in Spain and have the answer to the question in your story on travel mysteries (Traveller, August 5) regarding why it has a one-hour time difference with the rest of Western Europe. According to our guide, the 1930s Fascist leader Franco aligned his country, not just politically but time-wise, with Hitler’s Germany. The bigger question is why, after he was deposed in the 70s, they didn’t resume GMT?

Sally Spurr, Lane Cove, NSW Bow wowed Thank you so much for relieving my concern in your cover on travel mysteries for all the poor doggies down in the cargo hold who get upset when the plane is pulling out from the terminal. It’s not scared puppies at all, but the Power Transfer Unit letting off some non-canine hydraulic pressure.

John Hollott, New Lambton Height, NSW Sister act While in Italy, make it a habit to cross the road with nuns. Credit: Alamy

In regards to Brian Johnston’s article on the art of driving in Italy (Traveller, August 5), as a pedestrian in Italy, I found that it was always best to wait for a group of nuns to arrive before crossing a busy road – no Italian would ever dare run them down.

Sue Oliver, Frankston, Vic Lane pain Rob Ewart (Traveller Letters, August 5) did not have to go to Great Britain to experience the epiphany that slower drivers should drive in the left-hand lane. He wrote that he “was sitting happily, like I usually do in Australia, in the middle lane of three” when a presumably local motorist came up in the left lane, moved to the right lane to overtake and then moved back to the left-hand lane. Slower vehicles driving in the left-hand lane is Basic Driving 101 in countries with right-hand drive cars. What is so confusing about the words, “keep left unless overtaking”? Some Australian motorists are content to putter along, 10 kilometres below the speed limit, in the middle lane, while meanwhile being overtaken on the left.

Maurice Critchley, Mangrove Mountain, NSW Cheesed off Philip Sewel (Traveller Letters, August 5) takes umbrage with readers reporting failures in business class. His “don’t forget the magic of flying” remark doesn’t negate the money you’ve shelled out. Like anything you pay for (and in any class of travel), if it doesn’t meet expectations or deliver on what you’ve spent, then you should speak up. Or maybe it’s a case of sour grapes? (Speaking of which, I had some lovely grapes in Finnair business class last month and they were lovely with the soft cheeses.)

Luke Crosthwaite, Clear Island Waters, Qld

Taken for a ride Boarding the train from Inverness, Scotland to London, I was informed by the conductor that “no trains were going into London that day”. His suggestion: a train to York, then one to Peterborough followed by another train to St Neots, where a bus would take us to Bedford station. From there we could train it to St Pancras London. Unfortunately, at Peterborough, my partner was having mobility issues. An eye watering sum for a taxi to London was quoted (£240/$465), to be paid up front and in cash, which we handed over. En route, our driver told us that he had spent the morning working on his cab. I wish he had spent longer. The seat was torn and the back wheel had a distinct wobble. It was a scary trip, but we arrived safely at our London hotel. A gin and tonic at the bar and all was well. I still enjoy and recommend train travel in the UK; it’s the best way to get around.

Lily Murray, Bowral, NSW On the cards With regard to the claim of the extortionate price of rail travel in the UK (Traveller Letters, August 5), there are various railcards available, giving discounts of around 30 per cent. They cost around £30 ($58) but that is soon paid back with the discounts gained. You can even get a senior’s card if you are over 60 without being a resident of the UK, as I did last year. And the trainline.com website is very useful for checking out cheap fares.

Daryll Gigg, Chiswick, NSW