My Old Patagonian Express story

[Richard]

1998, and I'm travelling around South America. Some years prior to this, I'd read The Old Pategonian Express, and this had served as a rather unconscious prompt to do the trip. I didn't take the book with me, however - just packed 'Heart of Darkness' instead.

I was on a bus travelling around Lake Titicaca when I started thinking about the book again and wishing I'd brought it with me. At that moment, I looked behind me, and there was this Scottish chap reading it! Not only that, but he was on the last page, and I, too, was just about to finish the book I was reading... so I got the book through an exchange there and then!

When I made it to Esquel and looked up the line that (nearly) connected through to where Paul got on the train, it was quite something. Then, when I managed to push on south, I felt quite truimphant - I've beaten Paul Theroux!!!

I must just mention Dark Star Safari, which I read last year - very thought provoking - a great read. Kingdom by the Sea, however, was a little dissapointing. Pillars of Hercules was great.

Finally, thanks Paul for expanding my vocabulary - I started a list of new vocab inspired through your books. Had trouble finding crumbobblious, but I think I've figured that one out at last - must try the cutlets sometime!

A final note of thanks to Mr Theroux - through the initial inspiration of the books, I've now married a beautiful Paraguayan lady and we have a wonderful daughter of a year and a half....you change people's lives, you know!