There is no better travelling companion than a good book in my opinion. A book will not weigh you down, be it in electronic or paperback version. It fits into most handbags and costs the same as a light lunch in a mediocre restaurant, while offering endless hours of entertainment. It can cheer you up and captivate you with amazing tales of bravery, hardship, love yearnings, hopes and dreams. Besides, a book won’t talk back or complain, like other travelling companions might…
A good read can make a transatlantic flight, an unscheduled delay or a long wait at a station practically enjoyable. I once flew through Malaga’s nastiest storm on record, lighting striking from all sides while gale force winds threw the fuselage around like it was a toy. Usually, I would have been saying my last prayers or hyperventilating into a paper bag under such circumstances, but I was so engrossed in one of my mum’s old, action-packed Neville Shute WW2 novels that I didn’t notice a single bump!
My first book, Casita 26 – Searching for a Slice of Andalusian Paradise, was released in the US last month and I encouraged readers to take it on the road. The response has been beyond my wildest expectations. I started receiving photos of the book from all over the world, both from readers I already knew and from complete strangers.
So, shall we take a look at the C26 journey so far?
Oslo, Norway
Oskar brought Casita 26 to the Gustav Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo during a snowy day.
Whidbey Island, WA, USA
Jane brought her copy of the book to the shores of the lovely Whidbey Island north of Seattle. Many a sailor has passed here, as indicated by the local names such as Mutiny Bay.
Brussels, Belgium
Travelling makes one dehydrated, and there is no place better to quench one’s thirst than in La Mort Subite (Sudden Death) in Brussels, where Sheena brought her C26.
Coxsackie, NY, USA
Ruby took C26 to the edge of the Hudson River in her hometown of Coxsackie, NY. Looks like winter is sill hanging in there…
Málaga, Spain
Meanwhile, Virginia brought C26 for a walk in sunny downtown Málaga, with its almost eternal blue skies.
Dolomites, Italy
Marie-Luise had a nice glass of après ski red wine with C26 in Val di Non, in the Italian Dolomites.
Lleida, Cataluña, Spain
In Lleida in Northern Spain, Ferran took C26 for a romantic late night stroll.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
On the other side of the world, Rod brought his Kindle with C26 to the slopes, while Maija enjoyed her hard copy after cross-country skiing.
Delhi, India
Vijay and Anjana directed their copy to the Nehru Place market in Delhi. Who would have known that C26 would have readers so far afield!
Ronda, Andalucía, Spain
Then, I took my already tattered copy of C26 caving in Tajo del Abanico outside Ronda
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Sarabel and Rocío risked frostbitten fingers to get this picture with C26 and Canadians skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.
Palm Desert, California, USA
A bit further south, Nils and Kari were kind enough to give C26 a break from the cold with a round of golf in Palm Desert, California.
Sachs Harbour, North West Territories, Canada
Alida braved the minus 46 degrees weather and brought C26 on her Kindle (which magically didn’t freeze up…) to Sachs Harbour in Canada’s North West Territories, north of 70 degrees latitude. That is as close to the North Pole as it probably will ever get…
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Kel wandered across Cambie Bridge to take this photo of C26 with our beloved former hometown Vancouver in the background.
Budapest, Hungary
Nina took her C26 for a nightly walk through the Hungarian capital and along the River Danube.
New York, NY, USA
At the other end of the world, Ruby brought her C26 to visit her mum in the Big Apple.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Harriet got her copy of C26 delivered in her Toronto office.
Cabo San Vicente, Portugal
From the very southern tip of Portugal, and Europe, came this photo of C26 from Virgínia.
Tromsø, Norway
Annelise put on her Norwegian wool mittens and took this photo of C26 in Tromsø in Northern Norway. I hope she can catch the northern lights next time…
London, UK
While Fiona decided to further C26’s cultural education by bringing it to the British Museum
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
And finally, Sara took a wet chance and brought C26 to the edge of Niagara Falls.
My primary wish as an author is that my curious epistles will entertain, touch, amuse, or inspire my readers. Receiving these images makes me think that I might have done something right. I would like to thank everybody who has sent me pictures. I am forever in your debt.
I hope the C26 journey will continue and encourage anyone to take your Casita 26 book along for the ride.
You can order your copy of Casita 26 on Amazon. For new C26 photos, please follow me on Facebook.