Another disappointing response to Explore.co.uk

Explore.co.uk responded and gave weather excuses. So here was another email to them.

Sent: 01 April 2008 14:01
To: 'cr@explore.co.uk'
Subject: RE: Re Explore tour TP16FEB08 - Spice Trails of Petra

Dear Ms Mozley,
Thank you for a comprehensive reply.

I'd like to be very clear, though, that at no point was our group told that the Kings Highway was flooded or that there was any logistical reason preventing us reaching Kerak. I honestly do not believe this was the case. Given the clear, strong, negative view I expressed at the time about changing the itinerary without good reason, it would be inexplicable for the agent to pretend to the group that a visit to Kerak was still possible, rather than simply explaining that the road was flooded.

In any case, as I described in my original email, the group was given a free choice about whether to visit Kerak or Dana, and they voted with a show of hands for Dana. I am sure this can be very easily corroborated by any other member of the tour group, all of whom were present on the mini-bus at the time this vote. It is disappointing to hear that your agent has given you such a different version of events in order to justify his behaviour.

I can confirm the cost of lunch at the cafe was JD10 (we were asked to pay for everything in JD, except on the last night when many of us had only US$). I'd like to clarify that I am not complaining about the prices in Jordan, nor the entrepreneurial tendencies of its citizens, which are understandable. However, given the circumstances described above and the quality of food, this seemed like a clear case of arranging a change in the tour itinerary in order for the agent or his contacts to profit from it.

Kind regards