Since returning from Cameroon I have developed a sense of adventure, an appetite for travel and an eagerness to explore, to see the world and to soak up everything our planet has to offer.
Difficult then when you don't drive a car and have limited funds to travel anywhere by train, let alone jump on a plane any time soon.
But no matter. I've never let these minor details stop me.
So since August I have been busy. I've visited all 50 states of the USA, walked the International Boundary Line between America and Canada, stopped briefly in Florida and travelled by taxi along the route of the Mississippi River to the Mountains of Montana.
I've travelled through the stunning scenery of Idaho and Wyoming and stopped off just outside Yellowstone National Park to meet some adorable huskies and their trainer. I've braved the weather at Mount Rushmore, spoken with native American Indians in South Dakota and a group of truckers in Nebraska.
I found little to write home about in Kansas but plenty in nearby Colorado, including a few lovely uber-wealthy male skiers. Stopping off in Texas I mingled with high society before travelling on to the border with Mexico and the impressive Rocky Mountains, and I've done all of this thanks to the brilliant writing and navigational skills of Stephen Fry.
My next journey will be closer to home. This time I'm travelling to New Europe with Michael Palin and experiencing the world that was once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, from Estonia in the north to Turkey in the south.
I may then return to America Unchained with Dave Gorman, if I'm not too tired.
Photo credit: Ayla87
You should try some Bill Bryson too, for a taste of America - The Lost Continent in particular.
I love Paul Theroux as well - for travel writing with an acerbic bite!
Posted by: nappyvalleygirl | October 21, 2010 at 01:46 PM
I'm starting that Michael Palin book next! I agree with nappyvalleygirl, Bill Bryson is an excellent travel writer. I thoroughly enjoyed Notes from a Small Island & have got Notes from a Big Country to start after Palin. Happy travelling!
Posted by: Emma @Notsuchayummymummy | October 21, 2010 at 02:48 PM
I'm starting that Michael Palin book next too! I agree with nappyvalleygirl, Bill Bryson is an excellent travel writer. I thoroughly enjoyed Notes from a Small Island & have got Notes from a Big Country to start after Palin. Happy travelling!
Posted by: Emma @Notsuchayummymummy | October 21, 2010 at 02:49 PM
Enjoy the trip to Bosnia with Michael Palin!
Posted by: Pants With Names | October 21, 2010 at 07:36 PM
Bangladesh gave me the wanderlust too :-)
One day huh gorgeous? We'll see the whole WORLD! x
Posted by: Josie @Sleep is for the Weak | October 21, 2010 at 10:43 PM
We will, my friend, we will. xxx
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | October 21, 2010 at 10:44 PM
I guess if you really cant travel then why not do it second hand. Guess it is the same for people who refuse to fly!
Posted by: naomi | October 22, 2010 at 04:34 PM
Thanks for the recommendations NVG. I'm going to have a search on Amazon and see what I can find. Who knows where I'll end up at this rate!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | October 23, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Of course! I'll be stopping off in Bosnia. It will be fascinating to see the place behind all those blog posts of yours!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | October 23, 2010 at 12:44 PM
I'm a real fan of Michael Palin. I met him at a book signing once and was slightly overawed to meet him in the flesh, so to speak! Thanks for the Bryson recommendation.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | October 23, 2010 at 12:45 PM
It's a great way to travel. I toured all 50 states of America in less than three days!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | October 23, 2010 at 12:46 PM