Books on Spain to Read Before Your Trip

Books on Spain

Books on Spain to Read Before Your Trip

Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain      Photo by Adam Cheshier

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You have your trip planned and are looking for books on Spain to read for inspiration.  Enjoy these five books by authors who fell in love with the country.  Read their memoirs and novels to learn the most you can about Spain and understand its cultural aspects before landing. Then, you will have a good idea of how you can make the most of planning your trip to Spain.

1. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

The Sun Also Rises is one of my favorite works from this historic author. It takes place in parts of Spain during the annual running of the bulls festivals of the north; a timeless tradition of Spanish culture which has changed very little.

2. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

Fans of Hemingway may want to check out his other famous novel based in Spain, For Whom the Bell Tolls: a story based on Hemingway’s wartime experience covering the Spanish civil war for the North American Newspaper Alliance.

Hemingway is a literary icon with a taste for Spanish culture. Despite his experience being nearly a century on, his words will have you thirsting for Spain.

3. As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Lauri Lee

As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning is Lee’s account of his true backpacking journey. It was written around the same time of Hemingway’s adventures and is one of the best historic representations of the times in Spain.

 Lee’s explorer soul took him across the country during a period of rare peace in Europe. He traveled from the Galician port city of Vigo, over the Sierra de Guadarrama, into Madrid, and along the Costa del Sol. 

4. Grape, Olive, Pig: Deep Travels Through Spain’s Food Culture by Matt Goulding

Goulding provides another well-researched look at what he refers to as his ‘adoptive home’ of Spain in Grape, Olive, Pig: Deep Travels Through Spain’s Food Culture. It provides elements of history as well as information on the Spanish culinary scene. After reading, you will understand just how vast and diversified Spain’s culture is, and you’ll be inspired to traverse the beauty of its natural landscapes.

5. Pilgrimage to the End of the World: The Road to Santiago de Compostela by Conrad Rudolph

One of the most popular things to do in Spain, especially in the summertime, is to take the long walk across the north of the country on the Camino de Santiago. There are several trails that wind their ways through small traditional Spanish towns and across vast landscapes.

 If you are interested in learning more about the Spanish countryside, I highly recommend walking a portion (or all) of one of these historic trails. Before you go, Pilgrimage to the End of the World: The Road to Santiago de Compostela by Rudolph is one of the best resources, as far as insights from experienced hikers goes. It will have you scratching at the bit for the beautiful Spanish culture.

How I was inspired

Spanish culture is often seen as one of the most charming and inviting experiences in Europe. What I learned in these memoirs is that Spain is meant to be truly enjoyed with the deeper experiences that are illustrated in these books on Spain.  

This guest post was contributed by Adam Cheshire

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Top Travel Resources For Your Trip to Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Top 5 Travel Resources for Your Trip Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia     Photo by Ash Edmonds

 This post may contain affiliate links which means Trip Scholars may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more here. Thanks for helping us keep the lights on!

Your travels to Malaysia are coming up and you want to make the most of your trip. Here are some of the top travel resources to start with. Enjoy these materials to learn the most you can about your destination and to understand its cultural aspects before landing.

1. Malaysia: Recipes From a Family Kitchen

Looking through the unique cookbook,  Malaysia: Recipes from a Family Kitchen, at my first guesthouse in Malaysia certainly gave me a sense of the cuisine, which is known as the foodie gem of Southeast Asia.

 If you are well-versed in the kitchen and want to get a knack for some of the recipes that make this culturally-diverse country special, this book is where to start

2. Billion Dollar Whale

Billion Dollar Whale is the well-documented story of Jho Low, dubbed Malaysia’s wolf on Wall Street. Corruption runs deep in all countries, but rarely does a criminal of this magnitude face their day in court— and in the international spotlight.

 If you are traveling to Malaysia in the near future, there is a good chance you will find yourself in a conversation about 1MDB. This book by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope is your chance to educate yourself before you go.

3. Crossroads: A Popular History of Malaysia and Singapore

Newly updated to its fourth edition in 2020, the information in Jim Baker’s, Crossroads: A Popular History of Malaysia and Singapore is some of the truest and most well-researched information on the two countries you will find. 

In this edition, he covers the 2018 elections of Malaysia and how the results may shake up future economy and politics in the country. In addition, you will learn about the two country’s not-so-long history and how they grew to be independent border-sharing partners.

4.Borneo: Paradise Under Siege by National Geographic

This National Geographic short introduced me to a tragedy I was unaware of before spending the better part of a year in Borneo. Decades ago, Borneo— the world’s third largest island—  used to be a Mecca for biologists. Life and diversity were vibrant. While it still is, deforestation and palm oil plantations have caused serious hurt to the tune of nearly 70% clearing.

 International pressure has forced Malaysia’s hand in taming this travesty, but the fight is still far from over.

5.World Wildlife Foundation Malaysian Documentaries

Malaysia’s Borneo and its diverse wildlife face serious threats. The country has one of the most precious ecosystems in the world, and you may find an interest in getting involved while you are there. 

In order to do that, you’ll want to know a little bit about each issue. Upon arriving in Borneo, there are several interactive exhibits detailing the destruction of the rainforest, like at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Or, you may be interested in the country’s efforts to protect this beautiful region. The WWF short documentaries are listed below and can be found on their website:

What I Learned

Malaysia
Photo by Adam Cheshire

There were several pressing and current issues going on in Malaysia that I was glad to educate myself on before leaving. This allowed me to participate in conversations with locals I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Those conversations led to invitations and other opportunities I never anticipated. It goes to show that a little bit of local knowledge before you leave can go a long way.

Malaysia is a culturally-diverse nation consisting of Malay, Chinese, and Indian peoples all existing in harmony. It opened my eyes to how the world could work and left me with a deep-rooted appreciation for Malaysian culture. By using these top travel resources for my trip to Malaysia, I was able to get a  feel for that culture— on the culinary side and in its fight for justice— before I ever touched down on the island. 

This guest post was contributed by Adam Cheshier

I’d like to send you a free gift!

The Curious Traveler’s 5 Step Guide to More Meaningful Trips

Let's Connect

DO YOU WISH YOU COULD TRAVEL MORE?
You've landed in the right place! Tripscholars is here to help you extend the joy and wonder of travel far beyond your days on the road. Find travel education tips and inspiration in our ROADMAPS BLOG. Save yourself time and money by using our TRAVEL RESOURCES LIBRARY where we have already gathered top resources for you to enjoy from home. Tripscholars is where curious travelers come for meaningful travel planning and trip research.

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