“It is the expectation itself that robs a bit of authenticity from the destinations we seek out.”
– Rolf Potts
One of the best ways you can travel meaningfully is by reading travel fiction/non-fiction on the country/countries you intend to visit.
I got interested in Rolf Potts when I heard he was the “Jack Kerouac for the internet age” and had written an essential travel book called Vagabonding. Truth be told, I didn’t find Vagabonding very helpful but I picked up his collection of 20 short stories to see whether it would change my mind. The book spans his real-life adventures in several countries and arguably his most famous piece, Storming the Beach, is about planning how to storm the movie of the same name on location in Phi Phi Leh, Thailand.
Some of the stories show how the best stories come from being open to the road like Road Roulette or from misadventures like Turkish Knockout, Be Your Own Donkey, and Up Cambodia without a phrasebook. I especially liked the shattering of preconceptions in Tantric Sex for Dilettantes. It was also nice to see a travel story on Grenada: Seven (or So) Sins on the Isle of Spice although it wasn’t as juicy as the others.
What I liked most about his stories were the endnotes. Here, Potts explained why he had to write his story in a certain way or leave out certain details for his narrative arc. I think this shines a light on how writers have to create a story from the tangled strands of a real lived experience. The endnotes also sometimes explained his motivations for writing the story. It felt very behind the scenes and I totally loved it.
Verdict: great read!
I’ve never heard of Rolf Potts, but he sounds interesting. I need to read more books on real travel stories so will look this one up. Thanks for the tip!
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What’s your favorite travel book btw?
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I have never read Marco Polo didn’t go there but I love short stories and if they are all about travel I am in! I like to see documentary about a certain country before I visit it. But now ever since the blog is becoming big I love reading them aswell! Less “what to do” and “where to sleep” kind of post but more personal travel stories!
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You should read it. Also, what’s the latest travel documentary you’ve watched?
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I never heard of Rolf Potts but I’m intrigued that he’s known as the Jack Kerouac for the internet age. I’m definitely going to check him out. I love reading travel books and stories and hearing other people’s perspectives on places I’ve visited.
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Great! I’d like to know what you think of his travel writing.
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I personally think travel is more about the experiences you have and the people you meet, much more than ticking off items from a pre-defined checklist. Rolf Potts seem to be doing that in spades. Time to read up on his books.
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Rolf Potts made some great points. I love his quotes. Travel is all about imbibing the flavours as you feel them. I must get hold of some of his books too. Cheers!!
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I haven’t heard of the book (or the author for that matter) but it seems like quite an interesting read. Books related to travel are usually quite interesting. Let me look it up, thanks for the suggestion!
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Since you recommend it, i will add it to my reading list. Seems interesting, and have similar name with my fave hotel Marco Polo.
Thanks again for your recommendation!
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I haven’t read the book. But after reading this post, I am intrigued that I should read it soon. Travel books are always very fascinating. Thanks for the suggestion.
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