“One way of making famous landmarks more comprehensible is to look for surprises, good and bad, that go beyond what you are expected to encounter there, details that open you up to the raw imperfections of the encounter itself.” –Rolf Potts
In this episode of Deviate – which is a redo of episode 229, which didn’t air properly due to technical problems – Rolf and The Vagabond’s Way book club participants discuss how to break out of standard tourist routines and see places in unexpected way (1:30); how to get beyond the transactional, “taxi drivers and bartenders” layer of travel (10:00); how to become more independent of technology and smartphones as a traveler and find the “wisdom of place” (16:00); and the travel photos Rolf wishes he had taken when vagabonding 20 years ago (23:00).
Discussion moderator Luke Richardson is a traveler, author, and DJ based in England.
Notable Links:
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.
Why dinosaurs matter (also: Rolf fact-checks the dino book he wrote at age 7)
What Matt Green discovered by walking every single street in New York City
A personal history of being a lifelong pro-sports fan (Super Bowl special)
The power of small choices across decades: The Sgt. John Monk story
Chris Guillebeau on goals, writing books, and travel as alt-university
How to balance a life of artistic ambition with sanity and happiness
Indonesia: An argument for (and essential tips on) traveling the archipelago
Why Noah Baumbach’s “Kicking & Screaming” might be the best movie ever
Deviate Christmas Special: Celebrating the Sears Wish Book [Rebroadcast]
Bonus: On the therapeutic uses of reading classic literature and scripture
What narrative therapy is, and how it can make your life feel more coherent
America’s most solemn historical sites rarely offer an honest take on history
Author Alex Banayan on seeking mentors for life (and writing) guidance
On the under-appreciated reality of revelry, sex, and misadventure in travel
The world’s cheapest destinations, and why (besides savings) they’re great
Paul Theroux on aging, slow travel, and the inherent complexity of Mexico
Bonus: Storytelling for the screen: A lecture from the Paris Writing Workshop
Benjamin Percy on how comics and movies teach the best lessons about telling stories
Why travel guidebooks still matter (and how to best use them on the road)
An insider’s guide to traveling America’s National Parks in the 21st century
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