Anthony Bourdain’s death in France in 2018 was ruled as a suicide. The passing of the 61-year-old celebrity chef, writer and astute storyteller was mourned by many. I really enjoyed him hosting ‘No Reservations’ (2005-2012) on Travel Channel and ‘Parts Unknown’ (2013-2018) for CNN. The content and the script, plus him as a person who showed that he sincerely respected world cuisines and cultures, truly made these shows very engaging and they sparkled.
We can't travel with ease and check out food places now. So it was with much anticipation and excitement that I discovered that our NLB stocked ‘World Travel: An Irreverent Guide’ (April 2021), newly completed by Laurie Woolever, long-time assistant to Anthony Bourdain. This book was in the works since 2017, but it didn't manage to be published till after Boudain's death. This book is assembled from Bourdain's previous writings, and an hour-long interview before his death, and snippets from the author based on years of working with him. (Reviews here, here and here.)
However, the NLB digital copy I borrowed is an AUDIOBOOK. As of last week, the library hasn't stocked a hard copy or an e-book! I didn't realize it till I opened it in Libby, and it popped up on audio. I was horrified. HOW TO READ!!! đ± I don't do well with audiobooks. It is an extra effort to pay attention to what's being narrated. There're many cities mentioned in the book, all of which have been featured on 'No Reservations' and 'Parts Unknown'. The author kept to the original intent of Bourdain and didn't deviate much from his voice. Informative and fairly factual too. There're 10 narrators for this audiobook, which included the author herself, as well as Christopher Bourdain and Shep Gordon.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, although it took a lot out of me to LISTEN to it. IT WAS ULTRA PAINFUL AND TERRIBLY TEDIOUS TO PLOUGH THROUGH 13 HOURS OF AUDIO. OMG. Listened to it over earphones and over the Sonos speakers. The iPad or phone speakers weren't clear enough against the loud background noises unless my windows and patio doors are shut and the AC is turned on. I read this 'book' over a week because I couldn't take it after a while, and had to pause.
Bourdain visited Argentina in 2007 for 'No Reservations'. He returned in 2016 for 'Parts Unknown'. I have no idea how he linked psychotherapy and the proud psyche of Argentina. He even submitted to an on-camera scene with a therapist/psychiatrist, Marina. He also loved the meats at Don Carlos bodegĂłn. Hmmm. I need to re-watch these episodes. Argentina is one of those countries I might not have ventured to, save for a mega work trip that opened my eyes so much and widened my world.
Seattle, Washington state is described as "a city of collective identity.... a magnet for creators" and "famously grey, not particularly friendly". Bourdain mentioned that the 'tech bros' are changing the landscape of the city. That was 2012 and 2017. Surprisingly, I wasn't that hot about Bourdain's food recommendations for Seattle. Those were just the hit-and-go. He only did layovers... Like if you have three days, hit up all of Bourdain's recommendations. Now, I dunno. Many restaurants have closed since. During those years, Bourdain's visits criss-crossed with our long visits to the city. The man and I had a good run zipping in and out of Seattle. That was fantastic. We also found our gems of good eats in Seattle, and beyond, and built a genuine little circle of friends there.
Bhutan was described as a country being caught between the old world and the new. There were three airlines that flew into Bhutan's Paro Airport. It's still like this now. Pilots must be certified to land at Paro because of the geographical challenges. Ooooof. Indeed. The celebrity host also stayed in many Aman properties in the Himalayan Kingdom. They're really still the best. They're quiet, respectful to the environment and people, and are simply gorgeous. I've done the camps and the treks in the country, and I've done the Aman luxe too. Bhutan goes down as one of the countries I love.
The many cities mentioned stirred loads of memories, and incited and a travel lust. Right now, it's a little dream. Even if I can deal with the quarantine in the different cities, the lockdown makes it a whole lot more inconvenient. Travel is impossible when I have a little dog to be responsible for.
Bourdain described Hong Kong as "China but not China". LOL Well, it's China now. The book highlighted Bourdain's three trips into the city. His third and final visit for 'Parts Unknown' was spent with his personal hero of cinematography, Wong Kar-wai. Bourdain longed to see Hong Kong through the acclaimed film director's eyes. I miss this Hong Kong already.
Singapore is featured in this book too. It was 2017. Bourdain hasn't decided if he was "bored to tears or scared shitless by a city where the streets are too clean, and the people too well-behaved." Hahaha. He did like our food offerings, especially the hawker centers. The book chose to flag the history of the city, and how it can be a welfare state, but it's also a cold-blooded meritocracy. Yawn. Bourdain is intrigued by this "utopian city state run like a multi-national company." HA HA HA.
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