Here’s an interesting book, the one that not only will inspire you to travel but have a potential to tell you how to make it happen. I bumped into “Tequila Oil…” just before my trip to Burning Man, after which I planned to explore western part of the US and eventually head south to Mexico.
“Tequila Oil: Getting lost in Mexico” is a memoir of a trip that was made in the late 70′s. It was the times when the author, 19 year old Brit punk, went to the United States, bought a car and drove it south with a plan to sell it on Belizean black market so he could make a profit. Although money were important the strongest thing that made the author do such a thing was a need for adventure, to see the word and taste little bit of freedom.
I made a swing and threw this brick through the window. I saw in the mirror when the book hit the road and split to thin pages that were immediately taken by the wind. I wanted to depend on myself only – and now I finally could.
The quote tells the ending story about the guidebook the author used to carry. And I really appreciate this is kind of attitude, especially in the days when books such as Lonely Planet are insanely popular so most of the tourists travel only to the same locations, sucking out the experience all the authenticity. I’m guilty as well and the thing my travels taught me is that less guidebooks means more spontaneity and joy. Oh yeah, and less weight on my back.
Sex, Drugs & Rock’n’Roll
The story is full of adventures, I could even say some of them are quite not likely to happen, but that’s not the point. The book is a great travelling reference and contains tons of vivid descriptions, it will definitely inspire you to travel not only in Mexico. Personally it really intrigued me about Belize City and inspired to create a short movie about it. I liked the book for its huge amount of pop culture in it, you can find many references to music from the 70′s, the author drives through massive country while listening to The Clash, Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service and others. And that’s it, you can almost hear those guitar licks while reading the book.
The story is full of humour and healthy approach to life. And it can actually teach you that the journey doesn’t need to have a plan and it’s main goal may be just being on the road itself.
Get Tequila Oil: Getting Lost in Mexico from Amazon.