Did you know that the cheetah is the largest cat in the world that purrs? Did you also know that there is a sanctuary in Zambia where you can pat and caress a cheetah, and rub your hands through its fur, while the feline purrs with a throaty rumble? As a sign of contentment the large feline will lovingly lick you with a tongue that would feel like 80 grit sandpaper. After that comes the opportunity to take your cheetah on a walk, while on a guided tour through the surrounding bush.
The Mukuni Big Five Safari’s Cheetah Walk in Zambia, Africa, is one of those “off the beaten track, but well worth the visit” destinations found in the book, “You Can Keep Your Adventure, Just Leave Me the Toilet Paper”. Released just a few weeks ago, author Ben Pastore, from the blog Trip Accomplice sent me a surprise e-mail mentioning the book, and asking if I would write a review on his book, and post it here on my blog.
Book Cover
It was certainly an honour to be asked. I have done book reports in college, where you follow a Rubric, and are graded by this Rubric for your grade. But this was different, no academic strings attached. And having never written a review of this sort, it will be uncharted territory, a new adventure for me.
Before I launch off into the book, I will give Ben a bit of an introduction. To date he has visited 62 countries on all 7 continents. Not only is he an author, he offers in person travel presentations at libraries, schools and groups. With his business, Trip Accomplice, Ben, having over 20 years of international travel experience, also offers travel advice, consultation and a full planning service with up front fees.
Personally in my life I have loved to travel. But over the past few decades, as I have settled into home and family life, I have very much become an “armchair traveler.” I am the type of person this book is written for, and Ben must have been aware of that when he asked me. Described in answers.com, an armchair traveller is “someone who stays at home, but experiences travel by watching TV, DVD’s and reading books about different countries, cultures and customs. They experience the benefit of travel without leaving the armchair.” That is me.
After having read a lot of travel books, what set this book apart from all the rest are 2 things. The 1st is that the book has been written in the 1st person, from 1st hand travel, and 2nd is Ben’s incredible sense of humor. I would be reading this e-book on my computer, and would constantly be sharing some humorous travel story that I read, with my wife, when she was nearby. It is not just information which would be helpful when travelling. It is experiences that were experienced.
The book cover several countries on every continent in the world, so you are not going to find, say ever hotel option in a particular city you plan on visiting. What you will find are destinations that are off the beaten track, areas that might not be known as “normal destinations”. Places that the author Ben has himself experienced, and gives his recommendations based on his own travel experiences. If Ben has not personally experienced and visited a place, it will not be found in the book. He mentioned in the book, “he would not plagiarize someone else’s travel, or make things up”.
In India, you can stay in a Western chain hotel, but why? You can depart from this homogamy, and stay in a refurbished former palace or mansion called a haveli, with rates far cheaper for such opulence in other countries.
You find a couple of North American cities that have a very European flair. You can experience Europe, without having to travel to Europe. But, if you do go to Europe, there are some places you will not want to miss. Such as the Italian island of Ponza. You will also find details of how to get to this idyllic destination.
You will learn of a travel destination that has all the best value, in terms of value and things to do. You will see how far $5 goes in another country, and what country has cave dwellings. While China becomes modernized, and is losing cultural heritage, the Outback in Australia continues to be sprawling and largely untamed. You will visit pyramids and Inca ruins, as well as rainforests and reefs. There are monasteries’ to be discovered, perched precariously on a cliff, where they use to lift the monks up in a hand winch powered basket. You can go on a safari in Africa, find the best access to Victoria Falls, or relax on an island paradise in the Pacific. You will also find Ben’s absolute #1 pick for the most beautiful place on our planet. A place that my wife and I visited, when we were free spirited travelling newlyweds.
There are so much to see and do in this book, enough to satisfy the adventurers, the romantics, the upscale and eco travellers and everyone in between. And at the bottom point of South America is Ushuaia, Argentina, the exit point for the Antarctica. As a runner, I have learned in my armchair travels that there is a marathon that takes place at Antarctica. Yes, that’s right, a marathon. Seeing it explicitly detailed how to get there, I got excited. Yes, I can do this. Well maybe not the Antarctica, because of the cost, but there IS such an amazing world out there. It is changing fast, both culturally and physically in terms of our forests and oceans. In a generation or two, some things will be lost forever.
Would I recommend this book. ABSOLUTEY! Not only was it entertaining, it rekindled a wanderlust spirit within me. Time for me to get out of this armchair and start exploring, and experiencing! 😀
Links for where you can purchase this book can be found here.
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121645716?ean=9780966758344
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UY514QA
Bastion landing page http://bastionpublishing.com/you-can-keep-your-adventure.html
Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/you-can-keep-your-adventure-just-leave-me-the-toilet-paper
iBookstore https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/you-can-keep-your-adventure/id979982712?mt=11
Thanks so much for reading! 🙂
~Carl~
theoldfellowgoesrunning 
Thank you very much for your advice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome Semra. So wonderful to have you stop in. Thank you! 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLiked by 1 person
I admit I gave a big smile when you mentioned “an armchair traveller” I wonder what that says about me 😛
As far the book, the name itself was catchy. And the way you presented it makes one feel like it really will be a trip around the world through the pages.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw your comment this morning on my home computer Prajakta, then I had to rush off to work. Thank you for taking the time to read and share. It was indeed a trip around the world. A section for each of the different continents.
India sounded so incredible, and to quote, “having your senses assaulted with stimulus overload.” He talked about the vivid architecture, honking horns, markets, forts, Indian cuisine, palaces and bazaars and so much more.
Your country sounds so amazing Prajakta. Who knows, maybe I’ll make it there some year. But I do need to get out of this armchair 1st…..LOL! 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLiked by 1 person
We also have marathons 🙂 Do come here Carl! I would personally love to show you around…And I am not just being nice – I am genuinely inviting you to this colorful pathos! And the book seems to have captured it really well. Must give it a spin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did look up the marathons in India, and there are some REALLY neat ones. A desert run, one in the Himalayas, major ones like the Mumbai, which is the largest in India. Some start at 5:00am, which I am imagining is to beat the heat.
Thank you so much for your very generous offer. My wife was born in India, in the state of Tamil Nadu, in a village called Erode. I think the closest major metropolitan center was Bangalore. But thank you so much! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then you must come!!! 😀 Waiting….
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book sounds exciting! My Dad blocks his ears when my brother or I call him with tales of our travels we think he’d like to hear. We do it partly to wind him up, partly because we know he’d loved to have seen it, been there so share it with him. Maybe I should get this for his birthday this year. My name will be mud!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing Natalie. As a father, I can understand where your dad might be coming from. My oldest daughter is talking about travelling next year, and I know she will. Would love to tag along, but I know this is her journey, her destinations, her experiences.
Who knows, your dad might just enjoy the book. It is quite witty and easy to read. 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the tip Carl!! This book sounds wonderful. A must read. Your description is enticing!
Cheers.
Lucile
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome Lucile, and thank you for reading the review!
Cheers in return, my friend! 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLike
My pleasure!!
Have a nice weekend, my friend Carl!
Lucile
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m hooked! I’m mid-point between a “traveler” and an “armchair traveler”. I travel (selectively), but I hate flying. So if the destination involves more than a direct flight, or a flight that is longer than a work day, I choose the chair. So, as much as an antarctic marathon would certainly be on my bucket list, I know I’ll probably never get there. However, this is why we have our books and shows!
Looking forward to checking it out! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
If getting to the Antarctica wasn’t so expensive, boy that marathon would be such an AMAZING experience Fleck. I have become a bit of a wuss when it comes to travelling. I honestly think you are much more of a traveller than me, it has been 10 years since I have flown. Even in the Toronto Marathon, I am “hanging onto the shirttails” of my running team members to get to my spot in the corral. When I ran my 1st half marathon in Toronto 2 years ago, it was 9 years since I had been to Toronto (and I only live an hour north of the outskirts of Toronto). It is crazy, I used to be so free spirited, when it came to travel. Time to make a resolve to turn things around! 🙂
As always Fleck, so wonderful to have you drop by. Thank you for reading and commenting. And hope your injury is healing well!
~Carl~
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book sounds so interesting and helpful! Thanks so much for your great review. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Tonya! Thank you so much for taking the time to read, and to share. Much appreciated! 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome! I think I may get a copy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome Tonya. I think you will enjoy it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating. A MARATHON there. People are crazy! LOL You offer interesting information, C. Good job. =) (I give it an A.) 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW, cool, thank you for the “A” Diana. Sure beats the marks I got in college, with those book reviews following a Rubric…..LOL.
With the Antarctica Marathon, it is a bucket list item for diehards who also have the financial resources. The goal often, is to run a marathon on each of the 7 continents. (mountain climbers have something a bit similar, which is to climb the highest mountain on each of the 7 continents.)
It is always so wonderful to have you stop over Diana. Thank you for reading, for commenting…….and also for that “A”!!!!! 😀
~Carl~
LikeLike
For Pete’s sake one mountain isn’t enough, eh? Almost puts the Korean work ethic to shame…
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book sounds like a good read. I prefer armchair travelling. I’d like to travel more, but I really dislike being on a plane for more than 4 hours. I also dislike leaving my dog behind for more than 4 days so that pretty much limits my travel options to somewhat close race destinations and quick family visits. Another reason why I enjoy reading blogs! I get to “go out” without having to leave home too often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Angie for taking the time to read and comment. You and Kobi do seem pretty much inseparable, and can picture how hard travelling away for any length of time must be.
I do follow some pretty cool travel bloggers myself, which I greatly enjoy reading.
So wonderful to have you drop by. Thank You! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hurray for your first book review!!! You sold me. I definitely want to read this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much April. Your positivity, support, and encouraging comments always brightens my day. It was a lot of fun to do the review, and I learned of a lot of cool places in the world at the same time.
I can picture you authoring a book down the road. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
~Carl~
LikeLike
Ice Marathon, wow. Another level of endurance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Adam, yeah I imagine it would be pretty intense (and cold….LOL).
Thanks for stopping by and having a read, and commenting. 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLike
I really enjoy reading your post and now I want to read the book! I would love to know new places that not touristic, and gem to the locals. It sounds a wonderful book to read! Thank you so much for sharing this 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Indah. You are such a free spirited adventure traveller/diver and I admire for your travels and writings so much.
There are a lot of destinations I had no idea existed, plus some places nearly everyone would have heard of such as the Taj Mahal.
Not too much on diving, talks some on the Great Barrier Reef, overall I think you would really enjoy the book Indah.
Thank you so much for dropping by to read and comment. 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLike
This is an excellent review, I really the angle you took with it. It left me wanting to know more about the book (and read it again!) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for stopping by Manny, and for your kind words about the review. Yeah, I will be giving it another read in the future as well! 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLike
Sorry Carl, missed out the word “like” lol
I meant to write “I really like the angle you took with it.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Manny, had it all figured out. But thank you so much for the “like”….LOL.
Have an absolutely wonderful day! 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLike
Oh this looks like a fabulous read. I feel my wanderlust meter surging at this very moment. A wonderful review. I too have heard of the marathons in Antarctica. I really am more interested in the penguins myself. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a wonderful read Sue. Nothing in the book mentioned about the Ice Marathon itself, but does talk about the penguins, literally thousands of them, standing, swimming, marching. I just have a point and shoot camera, and I don’t know much about the DSLR’s, but Ben recommends a camera with a zoom preferably in the 200-400mm range. Sometimes those cruise ships just can’t get as close as you would want, and a zoom would “transform that iceberg with little black dots into the showcase of your album”, as it was put.
Thanks for taking the time to read, and as always, your wonderful comment! 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carl Antarctica is my ultimate bucket list item. Have you read about Ernest Shackleton the explorer. I would love to retrace his journey. I may not get that but I do so want to get to Antarctica. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read just a little about Ernest Shackleton, but am fairly familiar with him and his journey.
Saw a motivational speaker a couple of years ago who has really researched everything. He talked about the ad to recruit his crew, and of course the journey with the hardships encountered.
To retrace this journey would really be incredible Sue. Thank you for confiding this with me. Keep that dream alive, it just might happen! 🙂
LikeLike
What a great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Lilka. I appreciate you stopping by to read and comment! Have a wonderful day! 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy your weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person