The third tower up from the road

the long version

A humorous and entertaining collection of travel essays made up of old favorites as well as new commentaries, this work celebrates the distinctive qualities of locales the world over. Each globetrotting essay focuses on a specific place, capturing the flavors and cultures through individual observations and exceptional experiences. Funny, irreverent, and insightful, these writings eschew the bland, touristy veneer experienced by most travelers as it seeks to discover what is special and unique about each destination. Covering a wide range of places and interests, from unusual experiences and humorous traveler's foibles to voyages that are intensely personal and moving, the selected columns include "The Best Falafel in the World—Beirut," "The Door to Hell: Paris, France," "Kafka’s Erotic Dream: Prague," "The Nesting Habits of Roman Cars," "Of Romans and Pussycats: Provence," and "The Third Tower Up from the Road: Huanghuacheng, China."