Bill Bryson’s first travel book, The Lost Continent, was unanimously acclaimed as one of the funniest books in years. In Neither Here nor There he brings his unique brand of humour to bear on Europe as he shoulders his backpack, keeps a tight hold on his wallet, and journeys from Hammerfest, the northernmost town on the continent, to Istanbul on the cusp of Asia. Fluent in, oh, at least one language, he retraces his travels as a student twenty years before.
Whether braving the homicidal motorist of Paris, being robbed by gypsies in Florence, attempting not to order tripe and eyeballs in a German restaurant, window-shopping in the sex shops of the Reeperbahn or disputing his hotel bill in Copenhagen, Bryson takes in the sights, dissects the culture and illuminates each place and person with his hilariously caustic observations. He even goes to Liechtenstein.
Embark on a hilarious and insightful journey through Europe with Bill Bryson's uproarious travelogue, *Neither Here Nor There*. This isn't your typical guidebook; prepare for a side-splitting adventure filled with Bryson's signature wit, keen observations, and endearingly grumpy perspective. Returning to Europe two decades after his student travels, Bryson revisits familiar haunts and explores new territories, armed with a backpack, a healthy dose of skepticism, and a determination to see the continent for what it truly is warts and all. Forget romanticized notions of charming cafes and picturesque landscapes; Bryson dives headfirst into the chaotic reality of European travel. From the perilous streets of Paris, where dodging homicidal motorists is a daily sport, to the labyrinthine alleys of Florence, where encounters with opportunistic gypsies are practically guaranteed, no experience is spared from his sharp-tongued commentary. Imagine trying to navigate a German menu without accidentally ordering a plate of tripe and eyeballs, or braving the neon-lit temptations of Hamburg's Reeperbahn Bryson fearlessly confronts these cultural quirks with a blend of bewilderment and amusement. *Neither Here Nor There* is more than just a collection of travel anecdotes; it's a witty and perceptive exploration of European culture, history, and idiosyncrasies. Bryson's encounters with locals, often frustrating but always entertaining, reveal the diverse tapestry of personalities that make up the continent. He deftly skewers cultural stereotypes while simultaneously acknowledging their kernel of truth, creating a narrative that is both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly insightful. He dares to visit Liechtenstein, after all! This later printing of the 1993 classic captures Bryson at his peak, delivering a travel narrative that is both timeless and utterly relatable. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or an armchair traveler dreaming of future adventures, *Neither Here Nor There* is guaranteed to entertain, enlighten, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the absurdities of travel. Prepare to see Europe through Bryson's eyes a world of questionable cuisine, perplexing customs, and endless opportunities for comical mishaps. A must-read for anyone who appreciates witty prose and a hilariously honest take on the joys and tribulations of exploring the world. Discover why readers have fallen in love with Bryson's unique brand of travel writing and add this gem to your collection today!