A few days ago, popular travel blogger and author Francis Tapon contacted me to ask if he could quote some of my experiences in his upcoming book, The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us.
I said “of course!” ๐
The quotes had to do with my 2010 trek through Ukraine, and in particular, some of my tips for avoiding potentially unwanted attention from “self-enterprising” police officers. Although my friend and I had a fantastic time during our short 10 day visit, the single (often overwhelming) downer was an ever-present fear of “police shakedowns.” Upon noticing that we were tourists, officers seemed to develop an irresistible urge to approach us, fabricate violations, and demand undue fines. It happened on at least five separate occasions – an average of once every two days.
Although I’ve yet to read his new book myself, Tapon’s past works have received some pretty gleaming reviews, having been mentioned in New York Times and National Geographic (to name just two). Those interested in delving a bit deeper into Eastern European culture might want to give it a look when it’s released later on this year ๐
“(…) my friend and I had a fantastic time (…)” Who am I…some random stranger? ๐
Surprised you didn’t run this past me since I was the one who actually planned our entire Ukraine itinerary ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐
Run what past you – if he could quote my blog?
…I assumed he wanted comments from our experiences in Ukraine, not just carbon copy quotes from the blog.
Dunno why u’d assume that, I said exactly that he “contacted me to ask if he could quote” [the blog] ๐
Awesome dude!
Hehe…Nick likes books ๐
congrats 2 u
wow! That is so exciting! Congrats
Congrats :3
Nice! Have you read the book yet?
Nope, not yet.