March Break Travels: From Your Sofa
March Break is upon us and many are fleeing for a break from our strange winter weather. For those of us who stay behind, we can still travel, much cheaper, from our sofas with good books. Maybe Italy or India are a little out of range right now, but many authors can'transport us there with a few well-placed words. These are some books that will have you taking a vacation with your mind, much cheaper on your wallet.
Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir about her travels through Italy, Indonesia and India provided inspiration for a film and may have encouraged more women to embrace travelling alone.
This book and subsequent film made running away to Italy seem incredibly beautiful with the mountainous region of Tuscany. The idea of starting over somewhere new after a difficult divorce might appeal to many people and Frances Mayes did just that. If you are not as brave as Frances then you can just read about it or watch the scenic film.
Long Way Round: Chasing Shadows Across the World
If you are a bike nut then this book is for you. Ewan McGregor and his best friend Charley Boorman decided to travel around the world for 3 months on their motorcycles.They started in Europe, then Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia, across the Pacific to Alaska, then down through Canada and America. This marathon trip was not without difficulties from the paparazzi, locals, bike troubles and injuries. An amazing feat for anyone to accomplish.
Many people dream of giving up their mundane jobs and moving somewhere new and exciting and Peter Mayle and his wife did just that, however it was not as romantic in reality as it had been in their dreams. Adjusting to a new culture, contractors, endless visits from friends and exploring their new homeland was not all perfect. That is not to say that it was not worth it, just don't assume everything will be just like home. If you enjoy this book Peter Mayle has written many more explaining life in France.
On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome, with Love and Pasta
A food writer wonders who made the first noodle. To learn the answer she travels on the Silk Road to see how this culinary came to be found in so many countries. The author travels through many countries meeting women who cook and learns why they cook and what it means to them. She finds similarities in food and culture and learns about herself and her new marriage.
2 thoughts on “March Break Travels: From Your Sofa”
Great idea! I’m sure any library staff working over March Break will be wanting this sort of escapist reading!
A little escapism is a good thing. A good book can do that and I am sure library staff will be super busy this upcoming week and will relish a short term escape.