Tuesday, November 16, 2010

To hellholes and back : bribes, lies, and the art of extreme tourism - Chuck Thompson

This book was a surprise. I picked it up thinking it would be a cheeky look at how to get away with illicit behaviors in exotic places. It had nothing to do with that, but did not disappoint anyhow. The author (whom I had no previous experience with, but is supposedly famous) decided to challenge himself and travel to places that he never wanted to go. Africa, India, Mexico, and Disney World. As a travel writer, who consequently travels for a living, there weren't too many places that he wouldn't want to go. I enjoyed both his choices, with the exception of Disney World - lame, and his premise of challenging himself. As with most travel writers, there was the requisite philosophical admonition that traveling, especially to places you would be uncomfortable with, is good for you. I happen to agree. The African section of the book was the longest, and I found it the most interesting and informative as I have little experience with Africa and plenty of preconceived notions. Most of the sections on India and Mexico were pretty expected, but only because I am comfortable with both places.

Verdict: A great look on places not commonly visited. Read it.

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