Me! just so you have an idea who is writing this blog.
An urge for adventure teamed with huge admiration for Paul Theroux’s travel writing has led me to this project.
After seven years working at News International for The Times I decided to escape the confines of Fortress Wapping and do some exploring.
Armed with my passport, a backpack (gulp – how to pack for all eventualities!) and some sensible footwear I decided the trip needed a purpose.
My inspiration was partly drawn from author Julia Llewellyn Smith, who wrote Travels Without My Aunt, about venturing into ‘Greeneland’ and following in the footsteps of Graham Greene.
I was also inspired by Paul himself, as he has already retraced the steps of his most famous journey, The Great Railway Bazaar in his recent travel book Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, where he finds his return trip entirely different from the first he took back in the seventies.
I have decided to retrace Paul’s steps in what is my favourite of his travel books The Old Patagonian Express.
Picking up his journey in Costa Rica (in August) I look forward to seeing the places Paul Theroux visited and learning how they have changed and what shapes them in 2010.
Please feel free to comment on my blog and to make suggestions along the way.
I can also be contacted at racheljayneward@hotmail.com
The Old Patagonian Express - Revisited 
4 comments
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August 7, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Anna Cottrell
Rachel – having just a few spare moments (actually, I’m supposed to be doing housework according to my new self-imposed schedule aimed at bringing a little order into my life) and I stopped to take a peek at your blog. and am really looking forward to reading on. Next instalment in Spanish?! Lots of Good Luck to you.
August 18, 2010 at 2:51 am
rachel pook
Hi Anna, You might have to wait for the instalment in Spanish! I can reserve myself a room and organise a train ticket now. Onwards and upwards from here! Thanks for reading.
R
October 14, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Arianne
Hi Rachel,
It is just wonderful to read about your journey. I still need to read a few of your posts. I was actually wondering why you choose to start in Central America and not in Boston? Are there practical or philosophical reasons for your consideration?
Warm regards,
Arianne (Netherlands)
January 3, 2013 at 2:15 pm
raquelemerald
Hi Arianne,
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m so glad you like the blog! To answer your question I started in Central America for practical reasons really, I didn’t have the time or the funding to start in Boston. Although it would be great to head to Boston and travel the section of the trip I missed one day. Happy reading!
Rgds
Rachel