- The Moment Collectors Asia - November 23, 2024
- Timeless on the Silk Road - October 21, 2024
- Nikon Zf Vs iPhone 15 Pro Max - September 19, 2024
20 Travellers’ Tales
I enjoyed the original The Moment Collectors book produced by Sam Manicom so when this sequel was announced I grabbed it and what perfect timing as I could read this on my way to China for my own latest ride in Asia.
I again enjoyed reading this collection of short stories however I found myself sometimes speed reading, a skill I taught myself when younger, to get to the next chapter as so many of the stories are about people roughing it and often in Central Asia which at times became slightly boring.
Personally I have zero interest in that sort of motorcycle travel. Sleeping rough, eating poorly, breakdowns, corrupt border officials, injuries, and relying far too heavily on the generosity of people met along the way are things I avoid. But I guess if I was younger I might feel differently.
I also have limited interest in overland travel – which perhaps is a shame. I have no ties and am financially independent. I could buy a BMW 1250GS and set off and never come back. Perhaps if I could find a partner, a rider that shared my passion for motorcycle travel things would be different. I note that many overlanders are couples. But again most are much younger.
But I digress, back to the book.
There is too much focus on central Asia and off roading and not enough about the rest of the region. The chapter that touched on Japan was full of misinformation written by someone who never ventured beyond Kyoto and basically was just Japan bashing. If only there was a blogger who had ridden 110,000km around Japan 😉 .
Nothing about Philippines. Malaysia or Borneo. Nothing about Indonesia other than Bali. Nothing from Sri Lanka, Taiwan or Thailand.
While the book was pleasant way to pass the time in planes and airports none of the stories really grabbed me or inspired me. The Motorcycle Messengers books are in my opinion much better, particularly the first one which I am starting to read again on my four flights to get back from Kunming China to Townsville Australia.
