“In alien parts, we speak more simply, unencumbered by the histories that we carry around at home, and look more excitedly, with eyes of wonder.” —Pico Iyer

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and The Vagabond’s Way book club participants discuss how he prepares for the book-club sessions (1:30); how the first days of one’s journeys have an optimistic energy and excitement, and how “culture shock” is a real thing (4:00); how travel can put us into a childlike mental state, and how travel expectations can lead to unfair disappointments (13:00); how food, even anomalous food, tells specific stories about places, and Rolf’s strategy for keeping a travel journal (21:30); how the “beaten path” is beaten for good reasons, but straying from it yields serendipitous rewards (31:00); and simple strategies for staying safe and dealing with burnout on the road (42:00).

Discussion moderator Luke Richardson is a traveler, author, and DJ based in England.

Notable Links:

• Rolf’s online book club signup
• The Vagabond’s Way, by Rolf Potts (book)
• Vagabonding, by Rolf Potts (book)
• Egeria (ancient Galician nun and pilgrim)
• Faroe Islands (North Atlantic archipelago)
• Culture shock (cross-cultural anxiety)
• Expatriate life in Korea (Deviate episode)
• Rick Steves (travel writer and TV host)
• Mary Oliver (American poet)
• Beginner’s Mind (spiritual attitude of openness)
• Whittier (city in southern California)
• Nottingham (city in England)
• Hippie trail (overland Asia route in 1960s and ’70s)
• Pulp Fiction (1994 Quentin Tarantino)
• H Mart (Korean supermarket chain)
• Lavinia Spalding on travel journaling (Deviate episode)
• Patrick Leigh Fermor (English travel writer and scholar)
• Commonplace book (compendium of learning)
• The Daily Stoic, by Ryan Holiday (book)
• On Trails, by Robert Moor (book)
• China and Mongolia with my parents (Deviate episode)
• České Budějovice (city in the Czech Republic)
• Ranong (town in Thailand)

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.

Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.