Books and Films
Armchair travel for those with wanderlust!
-
Wanderlust Inspiration: Old Books at Trinity College Library
The smell of old books and intriguing tales wafted through the quiet room. Some where and at some time, every page had been turned. For any book lover, a visit to Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland is a pilgrimage. The iconic Long Room in the Old Library, completed in 1732 represents the ultimate in book sanctuaries. This exceptionally long space (213 feet/65 meters) is laid out in rows of nooks, each filled with stacks of shelves lined with tightly packed old books. Some of the nooks have ladders to reach the upper shelves, and some have a beautiful iron spiral staircase leading to the second level. At the entrance…
-
Creative Wanderlust Adventure: Finding Inspiration in a Recent Read – Crying in H Mart
I just finished Michelle Zauner’s book Crying in H Mart for my bookclub and although the book had a lot of sadness, as the main character processed the grief of losing her mother, I couldn’t help but be highly intrigued by the constant Korean food references that threaded throughout the book. Since H Mart grocery story is prominently featured in the title, I was also inspired to experience it for myself! Although I have tried a few Korean dishes (I do love bibimbap) I must admit, I’m pretty naive to all the dishes and foods I would find. Near me there are actually 3 H Marts relatively close by, so…
-
Creative Wanderlust Adventure: Finding Stories Everywhere
Los Angeles is the city of stories. At any given moment, one has to wonder how many writers are working away crafting the next television show or movie plot. On a recent trip to LA, I too was inspired by stories. When I put my mind to it, I could start seeing them everywhere. A person would be walking in front of me down Fairfax… what was their story? I would pass a building on Sunset… what happened there? I would over hear a snippet of a conversation in Beverly Hills… what was on their minds? I soon latched on to my perfect character, in the perfect setting, with a…
-
Illustrated Interview: Julie Tulba – The Red Headed Traveler
Meet Julie – a librarian, avid traveler, author, foodie and sweet friend! I met Julie more than 3 years ago through my Etsy shop and we realized very quickly we had a lot in common – we both love exploring new locations, eating delicious foods & reading books! Her blog, the Red Headed Traveler, is filled with amazing photos of her travels, reviews, advice and loads of delicious recipes! Besides her day job as a librarian and extensive travels, she is also an author of the book, “Full Circle,” a story of self-discovery from around the world. Be sure to head over to her site to get inspired!
-
Wanderlust Bookclub: A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain
I can confidently say, I think I’m the last one to join the Anthony Bourdain train. I’m not quite sure where I’ve been while his restaurants, books, television shows and live entertainment events have been chugging along with great fanfare for some 20 years, but I can now say I am ready to hop on board! A few months back, I finally discovered what everyone else loves about him while reading his 15 year old book, A Cook’s Tour. His straightforward, cynical style had me hopping in random cars and taxis all over the globe following him as he indulged in once-in-a-lifetime food experiences. I was thoroughly entranced as he took me to France for oysters, Japan for fugu and Russia for vodka…
-
Wanderlust Bookclub: The Secret to Happiness in the Year of Living Danishly
When Helen Russell’s Lego-loving husband gets a job offer at the number one toy company in the world, they decide to leave their hectic life in London and move to rural Denmark to discover the secrets to the one of the happiest countries. With her sarcastic style, Russell dives into specific Danish aspects of life each month and shares her experiences. Her stories have many laugh-out-loud moments as she realizes how different her surroundings are, and how best to adapt. I was hooked from the beginning. The Year of Living Danishly was the perfect book to get me excited for my first trip to Denmark and to give me a small taste of Danish culture– from societal beliefs to cultural traditions. The author…
-
Wanderlust Bookclub: Travel to the Jungles of New Guinea in Lily King’s Euphoria
It’s the early 1930’s and you are on a small canoe paddling alone through the jungles of the Sepik River in New Guinea in search of a native tribe you plan to observe. Some of the tribes in this area of the world are notorious head hunters, and most have never seen outsiders before. Now this is definitely adventure travel! Euphoria, by Lily King is loosely based on the early 20th century anthropologist Margaret Mead and her relationship with her first and second husband. The story follows anthropologists Nell Stone and her Australian husband Fen into the jungles of New Guinea (now Papua New Guinea) to research and observe native tribes and discover the details of their cultures that…
-
Wanderlust Films: Harry Potter Inspiration at Christ Church College, Oxford
Who can forget the first time Harry Potter goes to the dining hall at Hogwarts. It’s a feast for the eyes. Every Harry Potter fan should make a trip to Christ Chuch College in Oxford, England to see some of the inspiration behind the amazing art direction and sets in the Harry Potter films. Several specific locations around Oxford University were used, most notably, the dining hall, but if you take a little time to walk around the campus, it’s clear to see inspiration was everywhere. Crests & Symbols Throughout the college, there are crests and symbols carved into walls and parts of stain glass windows. Perhaps some of these…
-
Wanderlust Bookclub: Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder and the Amazonas Theatre
Although I have not traveled to Manaus, Brazil, when I read Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder, I felt immediately transported to this exotic city, located at the convergence of 2 rivers and the gateway destination to travels on the mighty Amazon. Ms. Patchett’s writing drew me into a city filled jungle bugs, unbearable heat, and third-world conditions, yet, glaring out with irony and wonder was the majestic classic colonial opera house, the Amazonas Theatre. With a glistening gold leafed interior and Verdi classic being sung, this opera house seems to be quite a contrast to it’s neighboring world of the jungles of the Amazon. State of Wonder is the story…
