Travel writer Wendy Simmons had been to nearly 100 countries and finally obtained permissions to visit North Korea. This is something very few Americans have ever done. After a bizarre ten days in one of the most unknown cultures, Simmons returned and wrote this book. Structured as a travelogue, she outlines each day’s excursions —…
ARMCHAIR BEA 16: Giveaway #3
ow about a humorous, nonfiction travelogue that takes place in one of the most secluded countries in the world? Thank you to Kelly for this daring title from Rosetta Books. from the publisher Most people want out of North Korea. Wendy Simmons wanted in. In My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth,…
Weekly Wrap-up: March 18
You can now see beautiful country walks in England on Google Street View. A view of the Margate Shell Grotto, a mysterious garden folly. If only flying were still as luxurious as Pan Am advertised. It’s always nice to know that sometimes the NY Times makes mistakes too. Ken Adams, giant of vast film set design,…
REVIEW: DE POTTER’S GRAND TOUR by Joanna Scott
The sun had not yet set on the Gilded Age when Armand De Potter disappeared. In 1905, Europe was still, officially, at peace and the best families still considered a grand tour part of every civilised life. De Potter set up a thriving tour company. Relying on his amateur historical knowledge to provide unique itineraries,…
ACCENT: THE RAILWAYMAN’S POCKETBOOK
This book is such a treasure. Like many people, I have a nostalgia for vintage train travel (even though I never experienced it). I even got married at an old roundhouse. There is something very elemental about iron, steam, fire and coal getting you from one place to another. The Railwayman’s Pocketbook is a compendium…