Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: travel

  • A Land Rover Named Lucy

    A Land Rover Named Lucy

    Three friends. One Land Rover. A journey that changed everything.

    Lucy the Land Rover was never built to go on an adventure, she was built to be a workhorse, to travel country miles and live a long, retired life rusting away, her best years far behind her, until she was not.

    Purchased by a renowned wildlife artist living in West Africa, Lucy needed to be delivered to her new home. Andrew Edwards agreed to deliver her for his cousin and as a test car driver, also a man who had spent a little time in the military, he along with two mechanically minded friends, decided to drive Lucy to West Africa.

    What started out to be a something straight forward, because let’s face it could possibly go wrong, turned into an adventure none of them foresaw as they confronted breakdowns, Bedouin tribes out for blood, illness, extreme cold, being shot at, and wounded, and miles of bureaucratic red tape, that stretches their friendship to the very limit.

    Told almost in journal format, Andrew looks back on a time in his life during the 1980’s when the world was a vastly different place, where life could be a very fragile thing, where people with little still gave to try and save a life.

    Illness eventually saw the trio parting ways, with Andrew left in an African hospital, barely alive facing the very real fact that he may not survive. He was eventually evacuated to Britain, arriving in such an emaciated state his family did not recognise him.

    A Land Rover Named Lucy is a journey into far more than an adventure, it is a masterclass in just what the human spirit can endure told with wit, realism and even all these many years later, a very real sense of adventure.

  • Dispatches from the Piazza

    Dispatches from the Piazza

    A Guide to Life on the Mediterranean

    In this zany and educational look at Italy from a lived perspective, Dispatches from the Piazza from Daniella Pergament, all the most important aspects of living or visiting Italy are covered with style and naturally pizazz, as one would expect from a person who lives, breathes and enjoys Italy at every opportunity.

    Anyone who has ever visited Italy will well know, that when in Italy it is best to do as the Italians do, so with this excellent guide to what to do and how to do and why to do you simply can’t out a stiletto wrong.

    From dress sense, to make-up, the correct wine to drink and the best way to walk on the cobbles without wrecking an ankle, Danielle Pergament sets out to entice you to check out the sun and fun drenched streets and terraces of Italy, no matter whether it is Rome or a small village in the fabulous hills of Florence.

    Quirky Illustration from Mokshini, capture the essence of the people, the culture and the ever-present vibe of life lived well, with food, wine, socializing, family and fashion being considered as paramount.

    In a country where nothing happens in a rush, other than the fast trains, the slower pace of life would appear to be responsible for the ageless, timelessness of the culture that embraces and yet somehow manages to captivate forever whether you are a visitor, plan to live there or are simply passing through.

    So, if you find yourself scrolling through the Travel sections and Blogs for anywhere in Italy, grab a copy of Dispatches from the Piazza, book your ticket and get set for an adventure you will always remember. You simply can’t go wrong!

    Italy just happens to be one of my very favourite places to visit and never disappoints!

  • Maya’s Worldly Wonders: Maya’s Whimsical Japanese Journey 

    Maya’s Worldly Wonders: Maya’s Whimsical Japanese Journey 

    For all young people who dream of one day of travelling the world and having adventures, a wonderful collection of books Maya’s Worldly Wonders, from Sharika Chauhan could be the perfect place to begin.

    Maya is a girl who has always dreamed of traveling, going places and enjoying the experiences to be found once she reached her latest destination. As a young child she made her room her den, gathering everything she could about far away places.

    Once she grew big enough to go on her own, she made it her mission to go somewhere different, somewhere exotic, and somewhere she could have fun.

    In her latest adventure Maya’s Whimsical Japanese Journey she goes to Japan, arriving in the bustling city of Tokyo, ready to embrace the experience. She goes to Kyoko and is awed by the history, decides she really should try skiing on Mount Kosciusko, even though she has never skied in her life. What an adventure that turned out be.

    She enjoyed a traditional tea ceremony, ate Ramen and sung, even though she is not a very good singer, at a karaoke night. Such fun.

    She also learned so much about Japan, the culture and the people that she was always amazed. Inspired by her adventure so wanted to share her excitement and enjoyment with you.

    Maya, the pocket-sized Indian girl who loves to travel, invites you to travel with her on her next adventure to a place that she is still trying to decide to travel too, as really, there are so many places to travel and so much to be discovered.

    Sharika Chauhan has based Maya on components of her own life, building into the adventures Maya has already undertaken, knowledge, excitement and fun; all the things to experience when you set out to travel the world.

  • The Changing Room

    The Changing Room

    In this carefully woven tale of coming of age, The Changing Room, Rachel Mahoney, is traveling the world and learning that the World is made up of considerably more than a beloved cartoon character Mr Binn ever portrayed. She evolves into a protagonist you come to care about: perhaps because you can see your younger self reflected in Rachel.

    She is young, full of dreams, naïve, innocent and wants to explore the world to see what is behind the many doors she would like to go through. She is introduced to readers with the help of a taxi driver in Jerusalem, who realises she is an innocent abroad and does what he can to help her safely find what she is attempting to find; a sacred place.

    The chapters then move between London, Egypt and Israel, where she and her friend Nikki are planning to live on a Kibbutz in Israel. Nikki returns to London after a few days leaving Rachel alone. 

    From this point onwards Rachel is often at the mercy of dreams or visions, but is given to understand that she is there to help others along their pathway in life. Religious beliefs, cultural aspects and simple faith in people sees Rachel learning far more about life than she ever dreamed was possible.

    Belinda Cranston has captured the many rooms of life hidden behind closed doors so many are afraid to open. Rachel, even though she is in search of life, a dreamer wanting to find herself, seems to open these doors and with the help of other travellers on her and their life pathways, survives the experience, to return home to Australia, pregnant, wiser and still to some degree, wondering

    The Changing Room is a story that lingers, resonates and captures a world that is no longer there for the traveller to experience with blind faith. Perhaps many of the solutions to Rachel’s dilemmas are too easily solved, but then who is to say that sometimes in life, to the pure of heart and intent this is not the case!

  • Model Minority Gone Rogue

    Model Minority Gone Rogue

    A first-generation Chinese Australian, Qin Qin (previously Lisa Qin), was very good at school, and playing the piano; in fact, she was a model student. Like many immigrant children, she was scared of disappointing her parents, who had given up so much in order to give their off spring a better life.

    As she achieved great heights both academically and, in her career, she realized that it didn’t really make her happy. This led her to start questioning what she had been taught about her place and role in the world. She knew that she had to create her own path to make sense of the world and achieve real happiness.

    Covering her years in four countries and nine cities, Qin Qin has not sanitized any aspect of her life and her desire to change the world. Instead, she exposes the reader to the ups and downs, which included drug taking, acknowledging her queerness and escaping abusive relationships.  

    Her journey of self-discovery, resulted in finally coming to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a risk-free life and that she didn’t need to burden herself with the guilt and expectations of others.

    The comprehensive ‘Selected Sources’ at the conclusion of this memoir provide the reader with further material to enhance their own path of self-discovery. For a little light relief, the author’s explanatory footnotes are not only interesting but also amusing.

  • The Weights We Carry

    The Weights We Carry

    Small and compact, the collection of modern prose from CD Seventeen The Weights We Carry, came about during a solo bike tour of the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands.

    A small anthology was not exactly what was expected before the journey began, but as the miles passed, it is what evolved as she pedalled her way around the magical Highlands and the Orkney Islands. Places of ancient history, mystique and magic saw her often deep in moments of inner contemplation; contemplation of her journey thus far in life.

    Moving from the province of Yunnan, China to Britain to study psychology at the age of seventeen years she was able to become an individual, something that is almost impossible to achieve in her home country, and in doing so, through her poetry came to view her world and that of the world around her through a vastly different lens.

    Sparse in words the work is powerful, reaching deep in what could be considered as conversations with her very soul; questions are posed, answers yet to be found, but are often just a tantalising moment away. Perhaps just around the next corner of the road ahead, there but yet to be discovered in another quiet moment in time.

    Each piece of poetry has been coupled with delicate brushstrokes of ink on paper, photographs of the scenery passing bye as the wheels turn, or views gathered in overnight camping places make this not only a word feast, but a visual moment in time when you too are an element of the journey undertaken.

    The beautiful Farewell, touches the heartstring as she ponders the simple and yet complex question, ’The voice of the sea, the voice of me. How were dreams born?

    Intentions is a little piece that charms with its almost childlike simplicity but contains a powerful message of acceptance, not for what can be offered, but for who you are as a person.

    Twenty-two poems divided into five section each one with a slightly different emphasis, each one telling a tale of travel, of journey, of time and discovery that is rich for the telling.

    The Weight We Carry – a beautiful, contemplative moment in time.

  • Six Days In Rome

    Six Days In Rome

    It was to be a romantic getaway to Rome. Instead it becomes a solo journey of unexpected self-discovery against the backdrop of ancient historic Rome.

    Emilia, a thirty one year old accomplished artist with a significant following on social media, and her boyfriend had booked an idyllic six day break in Rome, however after a messy break up (he was married), she became a solo traveller. She decided to follow the itinerary which had been meticulously planned to include favourite places she hadn’t visited since childhood, as well as those included by her ex-boyfriend.  As she traveled around the city, Emilia reflected on her past memories; both pleasant and challenging.

    Francesca Giacco weaves the narrative of Six days in Rome in and out of Emilia’s memories, emotions, personal relationships and experiences of Rome. Emilia takes the reader on a journey not only through Rome, the city, but also through her life and loves in New York. She is a deeply observant and self- reflective narrator.

    Her descriptions of food, scenery, and the atmosphere of this magnificent city will transport readers, who have previously visited Rome, back in time; wonderful descriptions of Italian cuisine and the sweltering heat of Rome in July.

    Some readers may find the story line in this slow burn debut novel hard to follow at times, as the narrative jumps back in time, goes off at tangents and then returns to the present. However, Six Days in Rome will definitely resonate with readers, who have ever spent time travelling alone.   

  • Practising Simplicity

    Practising Simplicity

    Small steps and brave choices for a life less distracted

    The desire to get away from it all, to pack up and just go, to live a simpler life is the dream of many an overcommitted, stressed person. However, it takes a brave being to actually make this fantasy come true. Jodi, her husband Daniel and their four children, made the spontaneous decision to leave their schedules and lists behind. Within eight months of making this life changing decision, they set off in their newly purchased caravan to live the simple life travelling Australia; having never camped or caravanned before.   

    The initial plan was to travel for one year but this turned into three before the family finally settled in country Tasmania.  ‘Practising Simplicity’ while chronicling their life on the road, is more about living within nature, living spontaneously and trusting in what will be.

     ‘Simplicity’ does require energy and awareness, as does sustainable, ethical, waste free, frugal living. The author, however explains how in nature no one is rushing things along, that there is grace and beauty in the slow and subtle; that it is important to celebrate the remarkable ordinariness of life and self.  

    Jodi Wilson a freelance writer, blogger and photographer has used all her skills to perfection to create a beautifully illustrated book, which will inspire many readers to consider stepping off the treadmill to engage in a simpler life. By referring to books which espouse her findings, she provides readers with further information about a life style which may lead to a more fulfilled life.

    If you are looking to make a ‘sea change’ and don’t know where to start, look no further than this beautiful, inspiring book. The magnificent photos alone will encourage you to pack up and leave.

  • Travelling Companions

    Travelling Companions

    Travelling Companions is a beautiful study in people, capturing with a keen eye, life and the many disparate motivations that intermingle as we travel through life. Using the metaphor of a single traveler meeting people on a journey taken yearly, Antoni Jach treats us to a study in humanity and the kindness of strangers passing.

    A lone traveler who enjoys his own company but likes to chat meets up with an American and his companion. A man who enjoys talking but is facing a crisis in his personal life, as is his female companion underpin the story; a man whose generosity is as much of his personality as is his garrulous nature. They meet, realize they are on a similar journey through Italy and agree to meet again, further down the track.

    A train that fails to arrive introduces two more casual travelling companions, one a self-confessed teller of stories that are lengthy, always laced with a mixture of truth and fiction, a fable almost but not quite. They become part of the overall journey, all three agreeing to meet up again at another destination.

    Three young Australian girls on a celebratory journey of Europe add to the travelers group of casual acquaintances; he is delighted to meet people from Australia, people who seem shallow on the surface, but have more depth to them. One in particular takes his interest. They agree to meet again so he can introduce her to the Museums and Art galleries of Venice.

    Circular in intent, the story begins as the traveler arrives at this chosen destination, feeling somewhat in need of mixing with people, over his self-imposed solitude and concludes as he boards his flight, in less than desirable weather to return to Australia, not the same man who departed, but one who has changed much and has much upon which to reflect.

    For those who travel the words will resonate; the time needed for peace and solitude, the time required to reach out, to enjoy another’s words and stories, as it will with everyone who has ever parted with information unable to be shared with close friends and family, to those who are ‘strangers, passing in the night’, chance met, who receive the unburdening stories of the stranger, whom are also ‘passing in the night’.

    Travelling Companions is not your standard light read, it is a story of many stories, a kaleidoscope of emotion, energy and the wonders of discovery, ships passing, strangers telling stories, some true, others not, but coming together to form a small community bound by their common interest, Travelling.

    A true joy to read and enjoy every word.

  • Threshold of the Universe

    Threshold of the Universe

    Each album Jim Ottaway releases is without doubt a masterclass in the construction of ambient electronic music that pushes the boundaries for this very specific style of music. Space music is perhaps a better name as within each track Ottaway manages to capture the awesome magnitude that is space.

    It is often pondered just what is out there in deep space, but perhaps Ottaway has somehow managed, thorough channeling, to tap into the reality as his work contains something indefinable, hard to describe and yet is redolent of the timelessness humans imagine is or could be the sounds of deep space.

    There is a primal understanding within each piece, underpinned by the occasional sounds that one imagines may be captured by various pieces of technology now cluttering up space, which gives credibility to the ever-changing space scape captured on Threshold of the Universe.

    Choose any piece and sink into the moment, allow the mind to float fee, to travel the universe with no expectations, and enjoy what is found. Deep peace, refreshing waves of sound wash over the soul, gently offering to release stress and conflict, allowing these negatives to simply float free into deep space, to leave behind a beautiful tranquility.

    Threshold of the Universe was created over the period of August 2007 to June 2021. During this time the journey of traveling through space has been subjected to many influences, which in turn have helped create the inspiration for the music. If there is a need to have the journey set out before the commencement, the nine track listing will offer you the flight itinerary, but if you simply choose to let the music flow, taking the mind and soul on an intimate journey, simply settle into your seat and relax.

    Finally arriving at the Threshold of the Universe, which is the last track, it is time to take the next step to return to the everyday world imbued with a rich all-encompassing warmth not often created with this style of music. How Ottaway always seem to know when less is more to create the perfect ending to a magical journey is his secret and although the final tack is no more or less than the previous pieces, it has achieved the perfect balance of sound to allow a gentle return to earth.

    For all earthbound beings that have always wondered just what is there in deep space, perhaps a journey with Jim Ottaway and his transporting music could be the answer, as once again, Ottaway has set the bar very high with his emotional, intimate and perfect ‘space-music allowing all who care to spend the time to be transported to an alternate universe just for a short moment in time, to the Threshold of the Universe.