"There are so many people on these trips that simply don't know what they have signed up for."
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Breaking China with the Idiots Abroad:
An Intrepid Traveller (Book1) by Mark Jackson Trafford Publishing
book review by Maria A. Hughes
J.R.R. Tolkien once said, "It's a dangerous going out your front door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might get swept off to." In the case of Mark Jackson, he had only five weeks to prepare for a job as a tour leader in China. He left England with $1000 dollars and a very little understanding of Mandarin. This book chronicles his 18 month adventure (and struggles) taking tourists to various Chinese cities and landmarks, such as the Great Wall, X'ian, the Forbidden City and the City of the White Emperor.
While the book can be repetitious and wordy at certain points, Mark Jackson does a wonderful job at recounting numerous historical facts, folklore, and anecdotes, which brings China alive for those who have never been there or who are not familiar with Chinese customs and culture. The author brings his own unique and informative view of tourism and China to the table, candidly pointing out the assumptions that are made by tourists. One, for example, is that one never orders dinner for themselves when at a restaurant. When an order is placed, it is expected that the meals are to be shared by everyone at the dining table.
Breaking China with the Idiots Abroad is an insightful read and will delight those who are avid fans of Bill Bryson, travel books, or those who would like a more in-depth understanding of China before booking a tour.