The first thing I do when traveling to one country is read a book about another country. Not entirely sure why I do this, but it’s been working for me for quite some time. Decades, actually. This recent trip to Europe was no exception. When venturing out for a month long swipe at Europe, a book about Chile seemed spot on. And I’m glad I did because Sara Wheeler’s “Travels in a Thin Country,” was a dream to consume. Wheeler is a badass. She has twenty eight books to her name and is considered one of England’s top travel writers. She went to Oxford for crap’s sake. All I know about Oxford I learned from Oxford Blues, which was gritty so it was just like watching a documentary.
I have yet to set foot in Chile, something that has been bugging me for years.
Chile, for some reason, feels like another South American India. A place I do not want to short sell. A place I do not want to rush. I love everywhere I’ve ever been in South America, and I’m assuming Chile might also provide nourishment. Wheeler does it right. Slow and extensive. If you are a heavy internet user, or someone who reads online reviews, or you feel the need to compare every single thing to every single other thing, you might find this book slow, boring even. Not me. This book reads so easily it fools you into thinking what Sara did was easy. And if you attempt to use this book as a modern reference, well, you are an idiot. (I see this happening all the time now.) Just enjoy the voyage of a solo woman traveler who happens to tell a good story.
North to south. Up and down and back again. Remote regions, islands, ships, celebrations and a good outbreak of disease. You know it’s a party when someone admits, “Might have a touch of the scabies.” It feels like much of modern travel is about show me moments and the passive aggression of competitive travel. The “I’ve traveled to X number of countries before I was 30,” crowd. Shoot me now. I’ve been around these clowns when they took a six hour bus ride to a border to get a stamp before turning around and taking a six hour ride back.” Whoop de doo. That’s not what this book is about. Get it, read it, and plan your own voyage to the Thin Country. Slow travel is a luxury, and I have respect for those who make the most of it.
Comments 12
I’ve searched for her books and there’s one about Russia “Mud and Stars” that seems really interesting. Added to my To Read list 😀 Thanks for sharing.
Author
She’s a stud.
OOOOOooooooh yeah! I don´t know the book, but Chile! That´s an amazing thin country, from Patagonia to the Atacama desert and don´t forget Easter Island (or better, Rapa Nui, as the natives are teaching us). Plenty of photographic opportunities, great food, excellent wine, mate! nice people and easy to get around – with some care….
Author
You are my Chile shaman now!
I’m so glad you post about books on here. I’m adding it to my TBR list. If you know of any books about Italy, do let me know(my ancestors are from Salerno).
Author
Okay, will do. I’ll keep searching.
When my wife and I traveled to Scotland, we went everywhere and experienced so much of the people, culture, food (Love Cullen skink). Same with Costs Rica. Travel is less about passport entries and everything about immersive experience. Never been to Chile but sounds interesting.
Author
and taking one’s time to be in the moment.
Cuando quieras viajar por Chile…. Here we are ready to assist 📸 🏍️ 🚲 📖📘
Author
It will happen…at some point…..viva Chile.
I downloaded the book yesterday, just getting into it now. Seems promising, although as a fiction reader, it may take a while to read. She does write well and I’m being drawn into the adventure.
I’ve not been to Chile but have been to Peru, specifically Lima and Cuzco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Unfortunately I was hit with a parasitic intestinal bug and acute mountain sickness and spent three days in a private clinic before being unceremoniously shipped back home and told in no uncertain terms by the cardiologist to stay away from high altitude. That was in 2014 and I’ve not yet worked up the courage to return to South America. One day though…
Author
Ah, what a drag. I love Cusco and high altitude. The stomach bug is common there, but if you have the time to ride it out it tends to be a temporary inconvenience. Sorry about your return to sea level.