Poulcheria Papadopoulou

Quenching your wanderlust through reading ‘Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are;’ I always look at this quote whenever I am reading—all the time—and I can’t find anything else that makes me happier. It is indeed true that reality has to take over imagination and wish, as you can’t feed on the last two. Not everyone can travel around constantly or work from a different office around the world every day, so there needs to be some kind of outlet that you can have at home. Recreational reading is not only good for the brain, for learning new things, and ‘meeting’ new characters, but it is also a cheap means to take you places when on your couch. Here is a list of some of the most influential travel books throughout the years: 1) On the Road by Jack Kerouac: A classic read, and on my currently reading pile, through which Kerouac established a new style of writing; pop writing. Part fiction and part autobiography, this masterpiece, although it may prove a tad bit difficult to read at first, will make you yearn for new experiences around the world or, even closer to its content, a road-trip in the US. 2) The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway: A classic! Hemingway was a literary genius, a fact proven once again through this novel. Jeffrey Meyers, Hemingway’s biographer, wrote that this novel ‘is recognized as Hemingway’s greatest work.’ The Sun Also Rises unravels the journey of a group of Americans and Brits from Paris to Pamplona to attend the running of the bulls event. A little French and Spanish magic, anyone? 3) Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck: You wouldn’t think that Charley was a poodle, would you? In this travelogue, Steinbeck gives a personal account of his 1960 road trip around America with his faithful companion, Charley. 4) Venice by Jan Morris: Going back to Europe, Jan Morris presents Venice, a unique city, through humour, irony, and vivid images, always giving his personal account of it. The Sunday Times has referred to this book as ‘one of the most diverse and diverting books ever written about Venice.’ Care to take it up? 5) The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux: My preferred way to travel, Theroux’s travelogue on travelling through Asia by train will leave yearning for such an adventure. Published in 1975, the story recounts Theroux’s travels from London to Asia and many consider the route to be a follow-up of the hippie trail. Five classics, five opportunities to get wonderfully lost around the world. Give it a try and you will be pleased!