May 22 2008
We *Heart* Chuck Thompson
Smile When You’re Lying is not your average travelogue. It’s way better. Chuck Thompson reveals the not-so-glossy reality behind the travel writing and tourism industries with hilarious rants and anecdotes about his misadventures overseas and in the business back home. Below are Nicole and Llalan’s top reasons for *hearting* Chuck Thompson:
Nicole’s Top Three Giggle-Inducing Moments:
1. Chapter titles such as, “Am I the Only One Who Can’t Stand the Caribbean?” and “Is It OK to Miss the Cold War?”
2. A haphazard stint touring with the band Surf Trio (“neither a trio nor a traditional surf band”) through “post-Orwellian” East Germany, led by Gerd, their hapless band manager with a habit of driving the wrong way down one-way streets.
3. Gay machete sex.
Llalan’s Three Favorite Should-Be-Obvious-But-Aren’t-For-Many Revelations:
1. Living the life of an expat is anything but exciting and exotic…unless you consider sharing martinis every afternoon with Shanghai Bob–infamous expat and favorer of saffron sarongs–glamorous.
2. Food descriptors should only be used to describe food. “Deals” are not delicious.
3. Real men can admit to liking that one Wilson Phillips song. Who doesn’t, in their heart?
p.s. Chuck: come visit us in Boston.
Read more: A to Z, Author Crush, Bestsellers, Book Reviews, Chuck Thompson, News, Smile When You're Lying, Travel WritingNicole -- Nicole hails from metropolian Conway, South Carolina. While she's not busy doing Southern things like eating biscuits and heavily buttered grits (often together), she likes to travel to other countries and eat their food. Her favorite exotic treats include: Icelandic Skyr, South Indian dosa, British Jaffa Cakes, and Austrian strudel.
