I bought this from the St Michael's Hospice charity shop in Harrogate this morning because I aim to read at least two nonfictions a month so keep my eyes open for fun possibilities. A combination of travel and Ancient Rome, complete with a scooter on the front cover, seemed tailor-made . . . .

Amazon Editorial Review: "Brilliant Australian travel writer Tony Perrottet traces the Mediterranean itinerary of the world's first tourists - the ancient Romans - with the help of an archaic guidebook from the era. Tony's entertaining narrative is combined with a witty, intelligent discussion of ancient history and culture compared with our own lives today. There are more similarities that you might imagine. Tony, facing imminent fatherhood, is keen for one last wild holiday, but as this pursuit frequently leads him into trouble, the level-headedness of his pregnant girlfriend keeps on saving the day. They make their journey from Rome, through Greece, Turkey and finally to Aswan, Egypt. Along the way they scuba dive among the ancient ruins of Naples, meet isolated and frustrated monks (not just sexually) and Tony faces the protocol of whether to dance with the groom at a Nubian wedding. Route 66AD is informative, irreverent fun and the perfect holiday read."

Good, very good, interesting and entertaining.
A travelogue with a difference: the author and his pregnant girlfriend are accompanied on their Grand Tour of the Mediterranean by the Ancient Roman tourists who took the same route through Italy, Greece, Turkey and Egypt . . . .
There's probably more about the past than the present!
But I couldn't help thinking how much of the Middle East has changed since their travels. I'm not sure of their travelling dates but the Epilogue to his book is dated 2001!

I left this with my sort-of cousin when we made an early Happy Birthday visit today. Good to see you! Enjoy!

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