How’s This For A Definition Of Paradise?
Well, hard to find ANYTHING wrong with this image…the incredible Railay Beach in Thailand…simple one of the world’s most beautiful places to get a sun tan…
What an incredible sight, right? Well, when I came across this picture, it reminded me of a terrific memoir I read – notice any similarities?
“The Backpacker” by John Harris
Yes, the imagery is similar, because this great memoir was written about Thailand.
I came across this book when I was in London – it’s the story of a Brit who goes “on holiday” with his girlfriend in India – a two week trip that goes on for two years, and takes him through southeast Asia, where incredible shots like this belie the incredibly dangerous adventure he finds himself on…
How About This Line From The Book?
In case you are having a difficult time seeing danger in any of these pictures, check out this line from the memoir:
“Leaving the blinding sand for the cool shade of the trees, I walked carefully through the undergrowth to where Dave, using two twigs as chopsticks, was picking up a freshly severed human finger . . . ”
OK then!
John Harris has written a compelling memoir with lots of bad decisions!
The Author’s trip to India starts badly when his girlfriend, with whom he is traveling, returns home. Left to his own devices, he soon finds himself looking at the sharp end of a knife in a train station cubicle. But his life is saved–and turned upside down–by Rick, an enigmatic fellow traveler who persuades John to question his mundane plans for the future, risking it all for much, much more.
Fast forward to the Thai island of Koh Pha-Ngan, where John, Rick, and their new friend Dave pose as millionaire aristocrats in a hedonistic Eden of beautiful women, free drugs, and wild beach parties. However, when they find themselves hotly pursued by the Thai Mafia, they embark on adrenaline-fueled journeys to Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and Hong Kong, facing danger at every turn.
This is a terrific real-life thriller; the author makes a lot of mistakes – and has some wild, entertaining adventures!
Now, Thailand isn’t a dangerous country by any means – well, unless you fail to hear the train whistle while shopping HERE:
Yes, this open air market in Thailand sits ON the railroad tracks – and yes, everyone moves aside when a train comes through!
Fin out more about this incredible market by clicking here:
Let me know if you have had a backpacking adventure anything like Harris!
Categories: Books / Media, Exotic Travel, Memoirs, nature, Pop Culture, Sports, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir
johnrieber 
This looks like a “fun” story. Great pictures and I bet the adventure is a good one. Reminds me of Alex Garland’s “The Beach”. (good book)I know most people thought the movie version with DiCaprio was bad, but I liked the shots of the beautiful landscape.
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Agree, the movie botched the novel, and yes, this is in a sense a non-fiction version of almost the same story
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I’m not brave enough to go on such an adventure, and it seems some of his experiences confirm my worst fears. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, it’s the perfect book to read if you want to see just how bad it can go when you make all the wrong decisions!
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