Potts, Roll. Vagabonding; an uncommon guide to the art of long-term world travel - Brief Article - Young Adult Review - Book Review

Random House, Villiard. 205p. c2003.08129-9218-0. $11.95. SA

Most people plan and save during the year for their two-or three-week vacation. After Disneyland, Yosemite or the Caribbean, it's back to work, home and routine. But for people like teacher and author Roll Potts, home is temporary and work just supports their real avocation--traveling or vagabonding. "Vagabonding is not merely a ritual of getting immunizations and packing suitcases. Rather, it's the ongoing practice of looking and learning... of cultivating a new fascination with people and places... it's a personal act that demands only the realignment of self." Although there are good, practical tips on traveling for extended periods, especially if alone or in countries with non-Western customs. Vagabonding is primarily a meditation on living this particular lifestyle. Like licorice or Las Vegas, vagabonding is something that one craves or dislikes, understands or finds incomprehensible. "Vagabonding is not merely reallotting a portion of your life for travel, but rediscovering the entire concept of time ... you learn to improvise your days ... and not obsess over your schedule."

For those who are contemplating such a change, or for those who have tried it once and want to compare notes with a more experienced vagabond, this title will be an education and an encouragement. Katherine E. Gillen, Libn., Luke AFB Lib., AZ

COPYRIGHT 2003 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group