News & Opinion (updated May 28, 2015)
Tom Miller in Cuba, TT Cuba Back in Stock
Everybodys getting into the Cuba act these days, and now with regulations allowing solo trips, its easier than ever. Tom Miller, editor of TT Cuba (back in stock!), served as the "expert" for Times Journeys, an offshoot of The New York Times, on its recent nine-day trip to Cuba. The Daily Beast chose Millers book Trading with the Enemy: A Yankee Travels through Castros Cuba as one of the five best books about the island.
Both of his Cuba books will be featured at Queen Anne Books in Seattle when Miller gives a reading and hosts a discussion about Cuba July 20. He has visited Cuba annually since 1987. Miller, whose travel books cover the American Southwest and Latin America, will be teaching a travel writing class at this summer's Port Townsend Writers' Conference (July 9-19).
Editors' Choice
Deep Travel, Notre Dame
May you travel in an awakened way,
Gathered wisely into your inner ground,
That you may not waste the invitations
Which wait along the way to transform you.
John O'Donohue, poem "For the Traveler"
Stone apostles frowned down over their curly beards, and I withered. Again and again, I had flown from the U.S. to France in an arc, but as organ music thundered from within, to step over the threshold into Notre Dame seemed a farther distance to travel.
Something near scratched my nerves.
Great cathedrals had often pulled me again against my will, and I'd gone: scurried down the cloisters in Salisbury to gape at the Magna Carta under glass; craned my neck in Cuzco and thrilled to the rebellious nature of Inca slaves who had slipped their own religious symbols into paintings of the Madonna done for their Spanish conquerors; and perused the storehouse underneath The Vatican, wondering whether the treasures were rightfully gained or stolen by victors. Vow of poverty, indeed.
Read on...Remember This Night
The neighbors might talkbut it will be worth it.
The teenage girl you live with, the younger one with the jutting chin who rarely smiles, is laughing at Americas Funniest Home Videos. A kitten falls off a window ledge onto the back of a large dog. A small dog runs so fast it trips and flips over itself. A parakeet learns words that have to be beeped out for the viewing audience. Your legs are so sweaty that its painful to pull them from the stuffed chairs you have swung them over. With your hands you try to separate your skin, swollen with heat and sun, from the vinyl, but after a few inches you wince. You fall back in the chair and decide theres really no need to move again for the night.
Just as you are settling into the home videos marathon with its echoing canned laughter, the TV begins to flip through channels. A denture commercial, with lush bubbles surfacing over pearly teetha McDonalds T-shirted group of young, happy people dancing in linean old episode of Sanford and Son. The changing continues, as if a higher power is trying to decide what is best for you to watch this evening. Finally, the pixels coalesce into a staticky image of two uncommonly attractive young peoplemale and femaleand after one glance at the nonchalant grins of those faraway actors youve already divined the ending.
Read on...Oranges and Roses
In Paris, the discovery of Africa on the outskirts of the city assuages sudden grief.
Women stand above me, brightly colored boubou dresses blending into an African origami screen blocking my view. Hands, like undecided hummingbirds, hover over my heart, swiftly moving to my eyes, covering them with damp palms. Children tied to their mothers backs watch, as I lie on the thin mattress in the tiny apartment, wooden bones of crates underneath pressing into my back. I feel the slap of hands hard against my calves, hear the metallic ring of the spoon as it stirs an elixir of powder and mango juice. I drink the glassful greedily, juice running down my chin, tasting the sweetness mixed with clay, dirt, earth.
Read on...Ohio House Tour
Some people say the most splendid thing about a road trip to Ohio is the road trip from Ohio. I might have agreed; benighted rustbelt, flyover, swing state that it is. But follow this simple itinerary and you may come away with affection for Ohio. Spring is a good time to travel.
I had signed up for a nonfiction conference at a small university in a small university town in the middle of Ohio. The keynote speaker, Scott Russell Sanders, was someone whose work I respected, who had written a wrenching essay I could not get out of my head. Once I decided to drive, I started examining the road atlas for possible routes. There is no getting around Pennsylvania if you want to drive to Ohio from New York City. Two basic corridors exist Interstate 80 to the north and the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the south. Driving the full distance would be more than a days work: so, to break up the trip, where to stop? Whats beyond Harrisburg?
Read on...Notes into Lines
In the middle of the St. Charles Bridge on a warm day in Prague, we wait with our binders of music, wondering if anyone will bother to show up. There are five or six of us here now, out of perhaps twenty-five. Weve been singing all week, and this is our day off; we wouldnt blame the rest of our friends for not coming. The tourists take pictures of the statue above us, and the jazz combo carries on down the way. You wouldnt blame the tourists, either, if they didnt want to pay attention to us, but were hoping they will.
In New York, I practice my choir music at home alone between rehearsals, coaxing my brain through a process that still feels alien, even after two years. Because I didnt learn to read sight-read music when I was younger, Im still learning now. Its the difference between knowing a language well enough to translate it in your head and knowing that same language well enough to understand the words meaning with immediacy, without having to translate. There are so many words, each with so many significances.
Creating Global Thinkers
For the first four months of this year I voyaged around the world with 600 college students as part of the Semester at Sea program. The experience of traveling with so many young, optimistic, and inquisitive adventurers was an amazing opportunity. For many of these young people, this was their first major travel experience. For some, it was even the first time they had left their home state. For all of them, it was a transformative experience. Perhaps the most exciting part of the trip was watching these young people metamorphose from novice travelers, at best, into global thinkers convinced they can make a difference.
Virtually all of the students were Generation Ys, those born between 1980 and 2000, often called the Millennials or even the Facebook generation. Interestingly, most of them were college juniors or seniors, which meant most days it was someones 21st birthday. More importantly though, almost daily throughout the voyage, these Millennials would disprove the many myths associated with their generation. Case in point was their reaction to their immediate disconnection from Facebook and other social media when we set sail. Many of us expected there to be a major revolt. How could they possibly survive without posts, pokes, and tweets? Ironically, the Millennials did very well, but unfortunately, I cannot report the same for the baby boomers onboard, many of whom battled the extremely low bandwidth of the ships networks to make their posts. The Millennials found an easier solution, they talked to each other, face to face. After all it was a very small ship.
Read on...Our Friends from BootsnAll
BootsnAll has been helping Indie travelers plan their RTW trips since 1998. Plan your next multi-stop trip with their RTW planning guide, book your RTW tickets online via the Indie trip planner, or compare which type of ticket is best suited to your trip in the regularly updated RTW Ticket Report.
New Books
The Soul of Place
In this engaging creative writing workbook, novelist and poet Linda Lappin presents a series of insightful exercises to help writers of all genres discover imagery and inspiration in the places they love.
Lappin departs from the classical concept of the genius locithe indwelling spirit residing in every landscape, house, city, or forestto argue that by entering into contact with the unique energy and identity of a place, writers can access an inexhaustible source of creative power. The Soul of Place provides instruction on how to evoke that power. This book is an essential resource book for every writers library, and is ideal for creative writing courses.
The Best Travel Writing, Volume 10 is the latest book in this Travelers Tales series launched in 2004 to celebrate the worlds best travel writingfrom Nobel Prize winners to emerging new writers. These 29 stories cover the globe, from rejuvenating 40-something sex appeal on a dance floor in Cuba to hunting for buried silver on a first visit to the Russian homeland to comprehending the meaning of forgiveness with a killing fields survivor in Cambodia. The points of view and perspectives are global, and themes encompass high adventure, spiritual growth, romance, hilarity and misadventure, service to humanity, and encounters with exotic cuisine. Read the Introduction by Don George or a sample chapter.
Mousejunkies! 3rd Edition
Where should you turn if you want the best inside information for your Walt Disney World vacation? Why, to the fanatics who go year after year, several times a year, who spend all their waking hours planning their next trip and devising strategies to make the most of their time therefor them its not a vacation, its a way of life. Thats right, youd turn to the Mousejunkies!
Inside this book lies the accumulated wisdom of many years and countless trips to Walt Disney World, on all the topics that make a difference to you. Learn how to beat the crowds and the lines, take full advantage of passes, and get the best discounts; discover when to go and what to bring, where to stay and why, where the best restrooms are, where to splurge and where to eat cheap, what to do when overload strikes, and much more.
Read the Introduction or a sample chapter.
The Best Women's Travel Writing, Volume 10 invites readers to ride shotgun alongside intrepid female nomads as they travel the globe to discover new places, people, and facets of themselves. The stories in this edition are as diverse as the destinations, the common thread being fresh, compelling storytelling that will make you laugh, weep, wish you were there, or be glad you werent. You'll study the ancient art of belly dancing in Egypt, negotiate with smugglers in Mongolia, scuba dive through an underground cave in Mexico, and much more. Read Lavinia Spalding's Introduction or a sample chapter.
100 Places in France Every Woman Should Go
With intelligence, style, and depth, Marcia DeSanctis offers insight and advice to every France-obsessed woman, whether she's a first-time traveler to Paris or the most sophisticated Francophile. In 100 luminous vignettes on the country's most alluring places, DeSanctis leads us through vineyards, markets, architectural treasures, beach idylls, and contemplates hikes from Biarritz to Normandy, Antibes to Chamonix. Along the way, she tells of fascinating women who have changed the destiny of Francefrom Marie Curie, Empress Josephine, and Joan of Arc to Audrey Hepburn and dith Piaf. From sexy to literary, spiritual to gorgeous, 100 Places in France Every Woman Should Go is for the smart and curious traveler who wants to see France, her way. Read the Introduction or a sample chapter.
"In this elegant book, Marcia DeSanctis becomes your smartest, most glamorous, generous and insightful friendyour sage, and your guide. 100 Places in France is a treasure for any woman who wishes to know the country intimately, from it's most delectable and stylish surfaces (lingerie! parfum!) to its nuanced and profound depths. Whether traveling by jet, or simply by imagination, you will savor this ride, perhaps along with a glass of fine champagne or the perfect demitasse. I loved it."
Dani Shapiro, author of Devotion and Still Writing
50 Places in Rome, Florence, and Venice Every Woman Should Go
Makes me want to pack my bag and follow Van Allen's alluring suggestions. Andiamo!
Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun
Following the critically acclaimed 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, Susan Van Allen adds new gems to her selection of the best spots for female travelers in Italys most popular cities, along with enticing Golden Day itineraries to make vacation dreams come true. Like a savvy traveler girlfriend whispering in your ear, she guides readers to masterpieces where women are glorifiedfrom Romes Pieta to Florences Birth of Venusand to best spots for wine tasting, chocolate, gelato, artisan shopping experiences to meet leather craftsmen or glass blowers, and places for adventures such as rolling pasta or rowing like a gondolier. She provides fresh, practical tips giving readers an insiders secrets on what to pack, the best places to get their hair styled, and how to shop for bargain souvenirs.
Susan opens the door to extraordinary experiences that fully immerse you in the beautiful, fascinating, and delicious pleasures of the Bel Paese. Read a sample chapter.
Shopping for Buddhas: An Adventure in Nepal
25th Anniversary Edition!
A wonderful travel companion for anyone who wants to view afresh the wonders and oddess of humankind. Amy Tan
Asia is a mythical jubilee, writes Jeff Greenwald, full of characters more strange and entertaining than anything youll find in Star Wars. On his quest for the perfect Buddha statue, Greenwald treks to a lofty nunnery to meet one of the most powerful women in Tibetknown to fly through the air. He visits Kathmandus first indoor shopping mall (where a ride on the countrys first escalator is a near-religious event), and befriends a sly mystic named Lalji, whose often abrasive teaching methods prod him along the spiritual path. This 25th anniversary edition of his beloved book contains a new Preface by the author that brings us up to date on life in Nepal and introduces readers both new and old to this magical story. Read a sample chapter.
100 Places in the USA Every Woman Should Go
Seeking an unusual place to escape with friends? Want to indulge in a perfect hot spring or mountain retreat? Hoping to gain perspective by exploring women's history or touring a quirky museum? 100 Places in the USA Every Woman Should Go will both inspire and compel you to hit the roadin a group, with a friend, or solo. Divided into sections such as "Get to Know America," "Americans History," "Participate," and "X (Chromosome) Rated," this guidebook unveils places you've never heard of and gives you a new outlook on places you think you know. It illuminates attractions close to home and reminds you why it's time to plan that special trip far away. The book is packed with breezy reviews, insightful advice, and engaging anecdotes sure to set you on your way. Read Sophia Dembling's Introduction.
Deer Hunting in Paris is an unexpectedly funny exploration of a vanishing way of life in a complex, cosmopolitan world. Sneezing madly from hay fever, a Korean-American preachers daughter refuses to get married, travels the world, and ends up learning how to hunt from her boyfriends conservative family. As she navigates the perils of an unlikely romantic relationship from Paris, France, to Paris, Maine, Paula Young Lee skewers human foibles while she celebrates hunting, DIY food culture, and what it means to be a carnivore. She finds herself trying to keep from being mistaken for a deer and getting shot at the clothesline, while also avoiding becoming dinner for bears. Along the way, this former vegetarian finds lessons about life, love, and loss in a hacksaw and a haunch of venison. Read the Prologue or a sample chapter.
Ghost Dance in Berlin is an unlikely declaration of love by the American-born son of German-speaking Jewish refugees. From a temporary perch in a villa on Berlins biggest lake, Wortsman imagines the parallel celebratory haunting of two sets of ghosts, those of the exiled erstwhile owners, a Jewish banker and his family, and those of the Fhrers Minister of Finance and his entourage, who took over title, while in another villa across the lake another gaggle of ghosts is busy planning the Final Solution.
Where the Wall once stood dividing East and West the city remains bisected by invisible borderlines, across which the author hops with an eye for telling detail and an ear for memorable conversations with street musicians, winos, lawyers, bankers, politicians, a taxi driver, a hooker, and a Michelin star chef, with cameo appearances by Henry Kissinger and the shade of Marlene Dietrich. Read the Foreword or a sample chapter.
100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, 2nd Edition
Makes me want to pack my bag and follow Van Allens alluring suggestions for traveling in Italy. Her knowledge reveals an intimacy with the country and a honed sense of adventure. Andiamo!
Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun
Imagine creating your Italian dream vacation with a fun-loving savvy traveler girlfriend whispering in your ear. Go along with writer Susan Van Allen on a femme-friendly ride up and down the boot, to explore this extraordinarily enchanting country where Venus (Vixen Goddess of Love and Beauty) and The Madonna (Nurturing Mother of Compassion) reign side-by-side. With humor, passion, and practical details, this uniquely anecdotal guidebook will enrich your Italian days. Read the Introduction, and also this superb review.
Kin to the Wind
A most diverting and picaresque tale, one that reads like a sentimental journey of a hundred years ago.
the late Norman Cousins
In the early 1960s, a young, self-taught musician set out to travel the world with no money, equipped only with his guitar, his voice, and his belief in the goodness of people. Along the way, blown by the winds of fortune, guided by instinct, he played for kings and paupers, soldiers and servants, artists and terrorists. His name is Moro Buddy Bohn, and his unlikely and powerful story will uplift you and inspire you to live the life you want.
His audiences have included Queen Elizabeth II of England, King Frederick IX of Denmark, Pablo Picasso, Rita Hayworth, Patty Duke, Lee Marvin, Howard Hughes, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit of Thailand, and he was the first musician to entertain U.S. troops in Vietnam. Read the Preface or a sample chapter.
Cruise Confidential: a hit below the waterline
Part Love Boat, part Mutiny on the Bounty, Cruise Confidential does for cruising what Animal House did for higher education. J. Maarten Troost, author of The Sex Lives of Cannibals
Cruise Confidential is a delightfully funny, wild, and romantic adventure that reveals what it's really like working on a cruise ship. Brian David Bruns worked for a year in the ships' restaurants and his account will astonish you as you are assaulted with circumstances ranging from the absurd to the bizarre. Did you know that waiters are required to steal cutlery and even food from each other for their own guests? Can you imagine what the crew thinks of the passengers? And sex, don't forget the sex. Read Chapter 1 here.