What makes for good travel writing was one of the challenging questions asked by historical novelist, Gabrielle Kimm, when she interviewed me a while ago on her gorgeous website. I have posted an updated version of the interview below. GK:
For many of us, the best travel experiences involve exploring a different culture, meeting new people, and having unique stories to tell about our personal encounters. We like to ‘get up close’. But we must recognise that in countries with
Where would a fit 30-year-old bachelor with a flourishing medical practice and a successful writing career choose to spend eight months travelling in the 19th century? For anyone but Chekhov, the answer would probably be Paris. He chose Sakhalin Island
It wasn’t that Bashō travelled widely, but that he journeyed deeply. Although he walked 800 kilometres on his second trip, he stayed within his own country – Japan. Inland travel was difficult and hazardous in the 17th century –
Legendary Travellers:2: Journey to Lhasa Dressed as a beggar, a revolver concealed in her bodice, fifty-four-year-old Madame Alexandra David-Neel walked into Lhasa, the holy city of a country forbidden to foreigners. By her side strolled Yongden, a young Sikkimese monk
