5 comments about Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle.

1. I'm in the process of getting my hands on Living Poor, but also highly recommend Thomsen's book "The Farm on the River of Emeralds." Where 'Living Poor' sounds like it has more of an ex-pat spin on it, "The Farm" focuses more on his on personal experiences, observations, and self-questioning in running a farm with his Ecuadorian business partner, Ramon. Very interesting.



2. This remains one of my favorite books of all time...it's survived four library donations in the past 30 years...
   
   Tried to find Thomsen before he died, unfortunately could not...not sure he ever knew he was a great author...hope others got to him with that snippet of info and that he died happy...
   
   He nailed the peace corps...gave it the best it ever had from any of us...i love the man and wish we had more like him...



3. My Peace Corps experience was quite different from Mr. Thomson's on the surface. I went to an Arabic country in Africa as opposed to a South American Country. I was in my 20s as opposed to late 40s. My training was in country and quite different. I was a teacher instead of a farmer and lived in a large metropolitan city.
   
   However, having said all that there were several times I thought"Whoa!" this is exactly what happened to me! And this is something that no non-PCV would ever understand.
   
   For example, he described the emotional feeling he had from living in Equador similar to the feeling of first falling in love except that this feeling was constant. I had that feeling about Morocco and I STILL have it to this day 30 years later.
   
   He doesn't sugar coat the experience either and describes the hardships of which there were many. Underlying these descriptions were a message that they made him a better person. Ah, how I can relate.
   
   Excellent book and I highly recommend it.



4. A great read. It was so hard to put down. Doing Americorps, I could definitely relate. This will definitely be one of my all time favorites.



5. Although I was a Peace Corps volunteer I did not read this in preparation of my service (although I wish I had). I was drawn to this book after reading a friend's copy of Moritz's "Farm on the River of Emeralds" which was such an excellent book I wanted to read more of Moritz's writing. I was not disappointed by "Living Poor". As referred to in the subtitle this is a chronicle of Moritz's experience joining the Peace Corps and traveling to Ecuador where he spends most of the next four years working with the people of Rio Verde, a village on the Pacific Coast near Esmeraldas.
   
   I think "Farm on the River of Emeralds" is a better literary work and reflects the development of Moritz as a writer as well as his enriched experience over time in Ecuador. This did not reduce my enjoyment and appreciation of "Living Poor". This is a book that reveals poverty as deeply and as powerfully as Rohinton Mistry's novel on India, "A Fine Balance".
   
   Moritz is an excellent observer of people and writes of their appearance, mannerism, and background with portrait accuracy but also with humor and sensitivity. I remember a description of a woman in the village that was feared by all the families. She was a bruja, a witch that could cast spells and control people with her "brews of secret leaves". Moritz meets and describes her..."She had great square teeth, strong and yellow, and her smile was like some aristocratic but fading French countess right out of Proust. She was in her sixties but her hair was still dark and tied in two teenaged pigtails; they stuck out wildly from out beneath a limp and incredibly well used straw hat, the top of which was broken and hinged. When you talked to her on the beach and a breeze was blowing the top of the hat kept opening and closing mysteriously, as though it was trying to send you a secret message without..her seeing."
   
   I did not read Moritz as having a dark perspective as mentioned by some previous reviewers here. He is just very honest, perhaps a little self depreciative but very capable of showing the struggles, joy and humor of the people of this little village in Ecuador. I now consider him one of my favorite authors and very much look forward to reading "Farm on the River Emeralds" again and his last book about his life in Ecuador "The Saddest Pleasure".

1 comments about Brazil - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!).

1. This book is making preparation for visiting this amazing country very thorough. An easy read and filled with useful tips.

4 comments about Watching Wildlife Galápagos Islands (Watching Wildlife).

1. This was hands-down the best wildlife guide we used when visiting the Galapagos Islands.
   
   It's divided by islands but also has sections about the types of mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles for further, in-depth review.
   
   Because visitors reach the islands one-at-a-time, in designated areas and trails, the book is organized exactly to the physical approaches. Really reads quickly, and to the point. Locations totally accurate about nesting areas and sea lion hangouts, but also describes the best geological landmarks. Will help you with itinerary design, with logging your sightings, remembering your trip, and help with virtually all species identification.
   
   Possibly the most user-friendly book LP ever published.



2. In anticipation of an upcoming trip to the Galapagos, I looked at a bunch of books before deciding to purchase this one from Lonely Planet. I love the way the book is organized, taking each island and explaining the unique features of that island. After that, the animals and birds are listed so that you can cross reference everything. In addition, there are lots of helpful travel tips in the beginning chapters. Most importantly, the pictures are fantastic!!



3. Very comprehensive and excellent detail. Every mammal, reptile, bird, and fish we delighted in during our Galapagos adventure is thoroughly covered. Detail that memories and photos could never provide.



4. Beautiful photography, clear explanation of the differences between the flora and fauna of the various major islands.

5 comments about The Man Who Swam the Amazon: 3,274 Miles on the World's Deadliest River.

1. The story of a 'fat man' with the heart of a (sea)lion who swam the Amazon is one to inspire all of us who see ourselves in our dreams as athletes. It is compelling because it is often a life and death struggle with this overwelming monster of a river. It is also full of humanity, strength, frailty and beauty as it is the story of Martin and his support team who appreciate and deeply experience the wonder of the great river, the jungle and the different people along the way.



2. From the very first page, you know you are in for the story of your life. It is overwhelming to even think of the logistics involved in this unprecedented level of accomplishment - and even more so that it was the grueling feat of a man who, in most walks of life, would be well past his atheletic prime. Author, Matthew Mohlke, brings the reader onto the expedition, the highs and the lows. And if it is Martin's intent to remind the world of the need to preserve the beauty of our forests and rivers, he has accomplished just that with his passionate and unswerving devotion to this cause. In The Man Who Swam The Amazon, the authors share the danger and the beauty; taking the reader on a page-turning adventure that no script writer could ever improve upon. Thank you Martin and your whole incredible team for sharing all 3,274 miles with us; I could have read a page for every mile.



3. What Martin Strel did is unbelievable! This story is written beautifully to chronicle the journey through the jungle, as well as unveil the different sides of a man who seems incredibly human, yet not human, at the same time. The daily, journal style arrangement of this book has an easy, exciting flow and makes it near impossible to put down. I am exctied for the documentary "Big River Man" to come out, to put a face to all of the characters of the book!.....Here's to hoping that Martin's dream of peace, clean water, and friendship will be realized.



4. This is your quintessential "page turner." Despite being fully aware of how the story ends, I found my fingers glued to the book, just dying to know what would happen next. In addition to chronicling Strel's astonishing athletic feet, Mohlke also allows the reader to voyeur his or her way onto the boat as we meet members of the crew and delve into small human dramas which unfold as they travel deeper into the deadly jungle, (I, too, can't wait for the movie.) All is written by an author who was masterfully able to marry articulacy with slang, and eloquence with wit. I loved it.



5. I followed Martin's swim via his web site from start to finish. Needless to say I couldn't wait for the book. I read it in just two sittings and found the insites into the man and his crew to be simpley amazing. Matthew wrote this as a day to day diary, just as the web site did. For those of us that will never experance the Amazon in person, it gives you the feel of the jungle and the strength and determation of this man. He has to considered one of the greatest and most unselfish people on this planet. To do this, to open the eyes of the rest of us to what is really happening with the inviornment is an accomplishment that no politican or hollywood movie could ever do. If we had Martin Strel running the governments of this world it would be a better place for all of us. Martin proves that anything is possible if you really want it. A must read for anyone who say's "I just can't do that".

1 comments about Argentina - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!).

1. Great guide for getting a quick and comprehensive overview of Argentina. Although primarily focused on Buenos Aires, it gives the reader a fast grasp on what seem to be the essentials in many areas of life, both personal and business. Highly recommended!

5 comments about Moon Handbooks South Pacific.

1. Brilliant. Over the last couple of years I have become a huge fan of David Stanley guides to the South Pacific. His books have been travelling companions to Fiji and the Cook Islands and this latest edition is informative, entertaining, affectionate and honest. David has an uncanny eye for detail as well as doing 'the hard yards' for in-depth research. I lived in Vanuatu for several years and I even found that section enlightening. I plan to travel to Samoa shortly and know that I will enjoy the in-flight reading because, on my essentials to pack list, the Moon Handbook South Pacific is up there with 'toothbrush' and 'sunscreen'.



2. A great value to anyone planning a trip to the South Pacific! Detailed, informative, educational...what more could anyone want.



3. As one of the editors of Travelers' Tales 30 Days in the South Pacific, I found David Stanley's Moon Handbook, South Pacific to be an indispensible guide during a recent trip through the South Pacific
   
   Sean O'Reilly
   Editor-at-Large
   Travelers' Tales



4. Moon Handbooks South Pacific is the ultimate overview for traveling on any of the island groups of the South Pacific. This 1091 paged book is full of detailed travel information but is still practical sized to tuck in a daypack for easy reference. Furthermore, this book has plenty of fairly detailed maps, complete with accurate distance scales, for easy travel planning or reference while you travel.
   
   There are eighteen chapters in Moon Handbooks South Pacific: Introduction; Exploring the Islands; French Polynesia; Pitcairn Islands; Easter Islands; Cook Islands; Niue; Kingdom of Tonga; American Samoa; Samoa; Tokelau; Wallis and Futuna, Tuvalu; Fiji Islands; New Caledonia; Vanuatu; Solomon Islands, and Resources. The introduction chapter contains an overview on the South Pacific area. This detailed information includes geology, climate, flora, fauna, history, economy, and the government of these islands. The next chapter, Exploring the Islands, contains general information on sports and recreation; entertainment; public holidays and festivals; arts and crafts; accommodations; and food as well as contacts for information and services; health; getting there; and getting around while in the south pacific. This chapter also includes a what to take section. The Resources chapter contains further information on suggested readings and internet resources.
   
   The rest of the chapters in Moon Handbooks South Pacific focus on particular geographical regions, islands, or groups of islands within the South Pacific island groups. The first paragraph or page of each regional section describes a little about the region. After this overview, individual sights, recreation areas, special events, accommodations, food services, information services, and transportation services are depicted in detail. Depending on the size and general amount of facilities in a given region, there may be only one or two entries per category or over a dozen. Each entry contains the location, contacts, costs, and a short paragraph description of the facility or event featured. Several black and white maps and photographs accompany each section, clearly marked with the various facilities described in that particular section.
   
   Moon Handbooks South Pacific is a helpful guide for anyone planning on traveling to any of the islands of the South Pacific island groups. Very complete key information is provided for easy reference while planning or while travel. However, this book may also be just as interesting for the armchair traveler as this book contains ample information about the natural environment, history, and culture on these beautiful islands.



5. South Seas Photography always uses the Moon South Pacific handbook for all the extreme travel and not so extreme adventures.
   Our Surf and photography schedule demands the best and we always find Moons South Pacific Handbook the perfect book in which to explore various locations in Polynesia. It even has Surf locations listed as well! Honest and comprehensive. As the largest beach lifestyle imaging company in the Pacific, David Stanley's book is the perfect guide for all aspects of South Pacific travel. We never travel without it.
   
   Aloha - Karl Meinhardt
   www.SouthSeasPhotography.com

2 comments about Rio de Janeiro (City Guide).

1. I found a lot of good information on places to go within Rio. I recommend using a combination of this book and taxis to do your sightseeing instead of hopping a tour bus.



2. They've written so many of these guides that they are becoming a tad generic on their advice. I bought this and found a lot of information outdated to inaccurate when I arrived. However, if you're not planning on going to Rio right away, and find yourself very curious about this great city, I would definitely recommend it. It is very interesting, and completely different to western culture. If you're young and into the singles scene, or on business like I was and want more of a sure thing with brazilian women, I would recommend adding with this title The Hedonist: World Sex Guide - Single Male Erotic Vacations in Rio, Costa Rica, Thailand, Carribean and much more
   
   Side note. There are very specific visas, with very specific requirements that you have to have to go there.

No comments about Insight Guide Chile & Easter Island (Insight Guides Chile).

2 comments about Cuzco Region of Peru - Machu Picchu Map by ITMB (Travel Reference Map).

1. This map is a God-send; very user friendly for the lay traveler.
   Thank you.
   Barb



2. We bought this map thinking it would help us navigate around town (Cusco) and Machu Picchu, since it is pictured on the cover. Not so much. It seems ok for long distance stuff and maybe if you are driving on your own, not so much for walking. For our needs, it was almost worthless.

5 comments about Andean Awakening: An Inca Guide to Mystical Peru.

1. My husband and I had the incredible honor of meeting and traveling with Jorge Luis Delgado in Peru a few weeks prior to the release of this book. We went to Peru to visit the sacred sites and were blessed with Jorge as our local guide. We had no idea beforehand!
   
   Jorge is authentic, warm and caring individual who treats people as extended family members. He is also a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge on the mystical and sacred of Peru and an excellent teacher. Reading this was like being there with him again, in all the splendor and radiance of the magic of Peru that Jorge truly embodies as a person and beloved shaman. Jorge 'lives Peru'--he doesn't just study the teachings and the history and report--and he shares his wisdom beautifully in this book.



2. Through this book Jorge and MaryAnn lead you on an unforgettable journey throughout Peru's Sacred Valley including Machu Picchu , Cuzco and Lake Titicaca. Jorge's teachings of Incan traditions, rituals and ceremonies allow the reader to feel connected with Pachamama (Mother Earth), the Sacred Apu (Mountain Spirits) and the Peruvian People. He speaks of the spirit world and one's connection to it through their authentic self. This book makes you want to board the nearest plane and travel to Peru to experience such a powerful and special place!



3. "Andean Awakening: An Inca Guide To Mystical Peru" by Jorge Luis Delgado a modern descendent of the ancient Incas) presents (with the assistance of MaryAnn Male) an illustrated guidebook to Peru's mystical and spiritual Incan heritage. This 'spiritual tour guide' takes the reader to the most powerfully spiritual places in Peru including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and most especially, the legendary Inca doorway of Aramu Muru. A welcome, illustrated, and highly recommended addition to Metaphysical Studies reference collections in general, and Peruvian Studies reading lists in particular, "Andean Awakening" is enhanced with the history, culture, mythos and magic of the old Incan empire, inspiring places and enduring legacies left by the 'Children of the Sun' that are still accessible to visitors today.



4. I had the honour and pleasure of travelling with Jorge Luis Delgado this past May. It was with much anticipation I awaited to purchase my copy of this amazing shamans book. The Andean Awakening is a most pure reflection of mystical Peru narrated by Jorge. As the images of my travels fade I need only open the pages of this book to bring the stories and places alive again. He is a gifted shaman, teacher and narrater. He is a true Chacana - bridging the north and the south. I would recommend to anyone in search of spritt in Mystical Peru.



5. I liked this book very much because it is the first book I read about a person with actual Inca blood figuring out more about the tradition. It is a refreshing departure from all these stories about sheltered Americans who venture out into the unknown world of them scary Indigenous people because of this or that. But like many stories about people connecting with something different, I felt that the book didn't really speak to me. I enjoyed learning more about the Inca traditions, since I myself am part Inca, but there was something missing. Could it be because the author makes a living bringing tourists to the same locations he talks about in the book? Not sure. I do think that he is honest in his spirituality and wishes to share it with the world, and since he has experience with tourism, well.... But I was hoping that the book would not be so much another story of personal discovery, but that in reality it would be the Guide To Mystical Peru the title offered.
   
   The book is well written, and the story interesting and compelling. The author vividly and accurately describes the areas in a very enticing manner. This is why I am giving it 3 stars. I liked very much learning more about the Lake Titicaca area, and thanks to this book I now hope to visit the region. Maybe some of you would rate it higher. But this book was not what I was hoping for when I bought it.