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| Tuesday May 13, 2008 |
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Here is yet another great title in the Travelers' Tales series of books. If you're not familiar with Travelers' Tales, these books differ from the average guide in that they focus on personal experiences rather than mere facts and figures. These books get down to the real reasons most of us travel: for memorable experiences that touch the soul. While I have loved all of their books, I personally prefer the titles that deal with subject matter as opposed to destinations and this book is no exception. A huge portion of an area's culture can be experienced through its food (or in many cases, a lack thereof). Each of the essays in this book deals with that fundamental life force. The destinations covered are as diverse as remote Africa to San Francisco. The subjects range from quick bites bought from street vendors to the finest French cuisine. There are even a couple of recipes given as well (although this is by no means a cookbook). In many of the experiences related, the actual food is secondary to the dining experience itself. Interesting dinner companions linger in the memory far longer than the actual meal. If you want a view of food that goes far beyond what the ordinary tourist
experiences, then this is required reading. My only criticism of the book
is that a couple of the stories really aren't travel related (Lars Eighner's
"Dumpster Diving" immediately comes to mind). However, even the essays
that have marginal relation to travel still make for fascinating reading.
For those of you who are not familiar with Travelers' Tales
books, you'll encounter award winning books full of stories to help people
understand a place and its culture or explore a theme. The books help
people learn about life through the varied experiences of others and provide
many points of view, from locals, foreigners, people from all walks of
life, famous writers and unknowns - in short, anyone with a good story
to tell. These stories give readers a deep and rich background before
their journeys even begin, or open more windows onto a place and people
after they return. Each tale teaches about life, both in a foreign place
and in our own souls.
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