It's Only the Himalayas
Summary:
“Wherever you go, whatever you do, just . . . don’t do anything stupid.” —My Mother
During her yearlong adventure backpacking from South Africa to Singapore, S. Bedford definitely did a few things her mother might classify as "stupid." She swam with great white sharks in South Africa, ran from lions in Zimbabwe, climbed a Himalayan mountain without training in Nepal, and watched as her friend was attacked by a monkey in Indonesia.
But interspersed in those slightly more crazy moments, Sue Bedfored and her friend "Sara the Stoic" experienced the sights, sounds, life, and culture of fifteen countries. Joined along the way by a few friends and their aging fathers here and there, Sue and Sara experience the trip of a lifetime. They fall in love with the world, cultivate an appreciation for home, and discover who, or what, they want to become.
“It's Only the Himalayas” is the incredibly funny, sometimes outlandish, always entertaining confession of a young backpacker that will inspire you to take your own adventure. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
This book was one I felt was much stronger (i.e. funnier) in the first half than it was in the second, but it was perfect for what I wanted at the time. This is the perfect story to pick up during a trip on the train, bus or whatever transportation you’re stuck on. The book is broken up into sections of various countries and goes into varying deep dives into each. In fact, the only reason I picked it up was because it was on some time of listicles about fun travel writing.
Bedford is naïve, unprepared, but ready to go with the flow. Being spontaneous is not something that is my forte so it was fun to see how things worked out and who she met throughout the trip. I’m biased so I would have enjoyed more writing about the Himalayas, but the southeast Asia stories will definitely stick with me!
Warning: Contains repeated sexual content and drug use.
Rating: 3 stars!
Who should read it? Folks who love travel and/or will be traveling soon – this would be a great light plane book.