Wherever the Road Leads focuses on three primary characters: Katie, Tom (her husband), and their van. I included the van because it was definitely a central character in the story. In many cases, the van was the antagonist of the story as it laid obstacle after obstacle in the way of the adventure.
This true adventure spanned 334 pages spread over 25 chapters. The first three chapters focused on Katie and Tom’s relationship, marriage, and preparation of the van for a two-year trip. Because Tom worked in the shipping industry, he had the insight of shipping a van around the world. This is something I found fascinating. It is something I want to learn more about.
Once the van was ready, Katie and Tom headed south through Mexico and Central America. They say, “if you want to stress test a marriage, make a long trip together.” I can attest that long trips will definitely provide a test. I wonder how my marriage would survive with a two-year trip in a van 😉
Tom was the engineer of the team and served as the chief mechanic. Katie is a writer, artist, cook, and caretaker of the team. Katie shared wonderful sketches throughout the book. She provided sketches of the van, travel routes, architecture that made an impact, and various costumes. I was appreciative of these drawings. There was also a smattering of images highlighting different people important to the story.
Katie shared the details of negotiating border crossings, purchasing food and cooking, and even dealing with sanitation and waste. Katie would purchase cookbooks in different areas. She would expand her menu as she moved from region to region.
Because their trip had taken place in the 1970s, Katie shared how they would request money from the US and exchange letters. They did not have the conveniences that we have today. This brought back a flood of memories. As she described these tasks, as well as the places they visited and the foods they ate. This made me think back to living in Turkey and Belgium and traveling in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. This book was a delight in so many ways.
I felt the latter part of the book was rushed. This was from Kathmandu back to their home in California.
As I noted, I am envious of these types of adventures. I wish I had taken an extended break to make such a trip. One day, hopefully soon. I found Wherever the Road Leads to be a wonderfully written book, rich in detail. I am glad to be offered an opportunity to read this book. If you love to travel or are looking for places to go, I believe Wherever the Road Leads can provide you with inspiration.
Photo by Elena Zhuravleva
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