It started as a daydream. Poring over a map of the world at home one quiet Saturday afternoon, Ewan McGregor - actor and self-confessed bike nut - noticed that it was possible to ride all the way round the world. So he picked up the phone and called Charley Boorman, his best friend, fellow actor and bike enthusiast. 'Charley,' he said. 'I think you ought to come over for dinner.'
Riding 20,000 miles across increasingly tough terrain, Ewan and Charley chased their shadows through Europe, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, across the Pacific to Alaska, then down through Canada and America. Long Way Round is the result of their adventures - a fascinating, frank and highly entertaining travel book about two friends riding around the world together and, against all the odds, realising their dream.

Kirjaringin osanottajat:

RoryG
Cairbre
Libahunt
Annelis
katyan
aava
Millam
Elina
Lumivalko (ei tavoitettu)
em64
mirz
Piiku
Vinya
ciseaux

Ja takaisin myntille.

I can't wait to start this one. I had already forgot all about this ring. But I'm really excited. Especially because I fell in love with Mongolia couple of years ago when I traveled through Siberia with my sister. I wonder what these guys thought about it.

A great book about traveling across the world on motorbikes. I got travel fever now... You could almost hear the voices of Ewan and Charley while reading this book. The thing that annoyed me in the beginning of the book was how they complained about the tv crew and how everything was organized and they were recognized everywhere they went. I mean, it was their choice to finance their trip this way. Other people just need to save up the money. But once they really got started, it got better. They also were a bit tight on the schedule and I wish they'd had more time to really stop at certain places, but I guess that was their choice. And the book was definitely enjoyable to read.

I will give this to Cairbre today, since we are having our Pride and Prejudice night today at my place.

Sain kirjan RoryG:ltä. Olen jo aloittanut sen lukemista. Kiitokset tältä Ewan-fanilta ringistä :)

I am a great Ewan fan and this book was somewhat eye-opener for me about Ewans character. The book took me awhile to read. I guess there was a reason for that because after I had put it down when finished I read from the news that Ewan McGregor and his wife have adopted the girl Ewan and Charlie met in Mongolian orphanage.

Tuli tänään perille, kiitos Cairbre.

Tuli luettua ja oli jopa hyvä. Myönnän, että olin hieman epäluuloinen tämän tasosta, mutta eivät pojat olleetkaan hassumpia kynäilijöitä. Tekstistä maistui pöly ja matka ja ennen kaikkea elämykset. Hyväntuulista luettavaa, kesäpäiviin sopivaa ja matkalle otettavaa.

Anteeksi tämän viivästyminen. Perheessä koituneet sairastapaukset ovat vieneet sekä voimat, että varat (eläinlääkäriä kun ei KELA pahemmin korvaa).

I got the book yesterday. It looks very interesting to me. I'll try to read it as soon as possible, but I have a couple of other bookrings before this. Why do they always come in twos or threes or even fours? Is it some kind of law of the nature or something?

At some point of their travels the men come to Volgograd, former Stalingrad. As you can see, the Volga river is wide like a lake. You can't drive over it by a motorcycle. But by a boat of some kind it is very agreeable.

Well, I must confess that I had never heard of Ewan or Charlie before. For the last 20 years I have not seen many films at all. When I was young and living in Helsinki I often went to movies two to five times during one week-end. Now the work is taking all of me and I don't want to go anywhere at all during the week-ends and in the evenings I rather read than watch tv. And if I watch tv it usually is some kind of document. It is a shame though that I did not notice this program. It has been on tv in Finland as my daughter said she has seen part of the series. And she knew of course who Ewan is.
I like travel books (and programs) and I like reading this one.
I am half way through the book. The Volgograd part was of special interest to me as I visited Volgograd in 2001.
This female figure seen from behind is the Statue of Victory on The Hill of Victory where the veterans of the war gather together on The Day of the Victory to celebrate. And my guide who was not quite sober himself told that every time some ambulances are needed for those who do not survive the celebration rich of vodka. But it is a great honour for the veterans to die on the Day of Victory.

Later: Well, it was quite a trip - one I couldn't make! The Trans Siberian Railway would be challenging enough for me. If only somebody would go with me.
This book qualifies for the Keep Them Moving Challenge arranged by Guinaveve as my #14.

The book came today and it was a nice surprise as I've almost forgotten the whole ring. It's nice to read a travel book before going traveling self. Of course I'm not going to travel by motorcycle, but I hope this will get me into the relaxed mood...

------------
This was just perfect summer reading. It must've been a great trip, one of those that you can really remember when you're old and grey.

I checked their web site and it seems that the guys have done another road trip, this time from Scotlan to South Africaso it's long way down next..

I will give this book to Millam.

Just received the book today from Louhi. It looks really interesting and I''ll try to read it as soon as possible. I really liked the tv series so I hope the book is equally good.

Met elina at the library today after work to swap ring books. Will start reading this soonish.

At first I wasn't so enthusiastic about the book as the guys babbling about how motorcycling is great was a bit boring. But when they actually started the journey it was an entertaining read. At time I just had to giggle at their stories. It would be thrilling to visit Mongolia one day to see if it really is so amazing as they described. But maybe I'll enjoy the little comforts of modern life too much... It is funny, though, how the tv series which I have seen for most parts and the book concentrated at different things. For instance crossing the rivers in Siberia seemed to be less dangerous and time-consuming in the book than in the tv series. Actually, having read the book and seen the series you may end having a better picture of the journey.

I'll pm mirz to get the book moving again.

EDIT 11.3.2008: I had a quick meeting with mirz yesterday at Akateeminen Kirjakauppa and the book has now moved on.

Someday I'll probably forget my head somewhere.

The book is here, thanks. I'm reading another bookring right now, but should be able to get this one started in a week or so.

Usually the travel books make you daydream about the places they tell about. This was quite different, for me at least. It was nice to read about the adventures in Kazakhstan or Mongolia, but nothing in the world could make me do this kind of trip. I don't need *****-hotels, but a bed and a shower every now and then would be nice :)

Still, I liked this book a lot. I also think that these guys made a difference, the work they have done for e.g. Unicef has been amazing.

*** Edit: This book will move along to Vinya on November 22nd.

22.11.2008:

I finally got the book, yesss! I've been waiting for this so long, since I signed up for this ring. Thank you, myntti, for charing this with us and thanks to Piiku also. Exam period is coming so I hope I have time to read this, too.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9.1.2009:

I enjoyed this book. It was humorous, entertaining, touching and interesting. Of course there were lots of boys' stuff like some of the jokes and motorcycles but altogether it was the journey which matters.

I also liked to "get to know" Ewan McGregor who is one of my favourite actors. It was nice to read his thoughts and learn about his manners and personality.

The book will travel to ciseaux by courier (my friend). Courier will get the book on Sunday. She might want to read it.