"Once again, the strangest of nights in the most improbable surroundings amongst the best of new found friends."
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An Intrepid Traveller by Mark Jackson Trafford Publishing
book review by C.D.
For anyone contemplating a trip to China or Viet Nam, Mark Jackson's An Intrepid Traveller is a must read. As an all-encompassing compendium, the author weaves lessons of history, culture, mythology, and religion into this detailed memoir that recounts his experiences with the ancient and modern elements as both a tourist and guide in these foreign lands.
Fueled by his love for travel and visits to local bars to imbibe in some rice wine or indigenous spirits to help tourists forget their sometimes dismal surroundings and minimal accommodations, Jackson guides his temperamental and often unprepared groups with an ever-changing itinerary, and engaging interest. Here readers share in the experience of language barriers, misinformation, expired visas, and the overall complexities of travel among mismatched personalities. In a brighter light, the author meets our expectations with descriptive commentary on the likes of floating markets, the historic Silk Road, the awe inspiring artful caves of the Yunggang grottos, and the beauty of a desert sunrise. From the renowned "Hanoi Hilton," to the Great Wall of China, to the world's largest thermometer, Jackson gives us a glimpse of it all.
Clearly this individual is suited to his career. An obvious people person, Jackson connects with old friends throughout his travels and readily makes new ones along the way. With this in mind, the book's final pages reveal a listing of over one hundred individuals mentioned within this travelogue, including friends, tour leaders, local guides, and group passengers. As a colorful literary addition, the author also includes several image-infused, culturally descriptive poems that capture a moment of time during his travels. These verses offer a nice break from the sometimes lengthy narratives.
Jackson's "flying by the seat of my pants" tour guide style, translates well to his writing efforts. Casual, yet informative, his insider's perspective will hopefully alleviate and clarify the misconceptions that abound with the concept of guided adventures, and perhaps tempt readers beyond the pages to begin their own intrepid excursions.