The new book (Spanish Version) and its consequences

Vagabuendeando en el Eje del Mal - Redescubriendo Irak, Iran y Afganistán a dedo is the Spanish version of "Vagabonding in the Axis of Evil - Redecovering Irak, Iran and Afghanistan by hitch-hiking". With 176 pages it is my first published book, and it is availbale in libraries across Argentina. When I continue my round the world trip, in febraury 09, I will continue to sell more humble, self-publshed versions in order to keep me traveling.

The book, in the shelves of Alejandría Libros, Mar del Plata, during the Book Fair.

Official presentation of the book, in the Teatro Auditorium´s Bodega space. The event was conducted by writer, and former editor of my weekly column in La Capital newspaper, Fernando del Rio. You can see The Wizard (my backpack) seated next to me.



Buenos Aires, december 16th. Presentation of the book at MU Cultural Centre, and picture exhibition. Some 80 people attended the event.

People trying to make sense of the nearly 600 pictures I dared to project on big screen during the event. Pictures showed meaningful moments of my 27 months long hitch-hiking expedition from Ireland to Thailand via Middle East and Afghanistan.

Signing books in Mar del Plata´s Rotary Club, who invited me to exhibit the same pictures in their venue in the cities harbour.

The book at Mar del Plata´s Book Fair

"Vagabundeando en el Eje del Mal", the Spanish version of "Vagabonding in the Axis of Evil", my last book based on my hitch-hiking journey across Turkey, Syria, Irak and Afghanistan has just been printed. I had the chance to promote it inside the Book Fair that takes place every year in Mar del Plata´s Hotel Provincial. Above, you can see the ad of my book presentation.

With the Wizard, my backpack, and the Michelin World Map I have always carried with me showing the route of the trip. In my hands, the new book, that will soon be in English as well. It was a pleasure to be there, meeting all those readers that for years have followed my chronicles in La Capital newspaper, now meeting them face to face... You can order the Spanish version of the book online at www.acrobatadelcamino.com/vagabundeando.html

Richard Hardwood reloaded.

How could I know, when I first met Richard in the mountains of Northern Pakistan, that he was going to be present at my book presentation two years later in Mar del Plata, my city. It turned out that sooner of later, this 60 years old brit on a round the world tour with his BMW R-100 had to by pass my beloved city...

What none of us could have predicted, is that our meeting up would be casted on TV for thousands of people. And that happened. When the Book´s Fair Press Chief knew the story, he sent cameramen to the streets to wait for Richard´s arrival...

I had met Richard in Chitral, Northern Pakistan. At the moment his bike´s electronic starter was broken, and Chitrali mechanics, in the absence of owner´s manual, were looking for solutions in the Holy Coran...

Buenos Aires, meeting point for travel writers...

I have spent a few weeks in Buenos Aires, where I have been quite busy both getting the new printed Spanish version of my book (Vagabundeando en el Eje del Mal) and selling the old one in the cafés at Palermo area. Being in the big city also allowed me to meet in real life fellow travel writers, mostly in -or just back from- long term traveling.

In the picture, you can see me with Herman and Candelaria Zapp, whose journey from Argentina to Alaska in a 1928 Graham Paige has inspired hundreds to hit the road. The weird biike in the picture is an oniricycle. And it will be my vehicle in the next leg of my round the world trip, from Argentina to Alaska, from Feb 09. I hope tthe meeting with the Zapp family brings luck to my humble vehicle.... Herman and Candelaria website: www.argentinaalaska.com

I also met Katja and Augustas, who have been on the road for two years, on a journey they started in México and completed southwards by thumb. Katjia (Germany) and Augustas (Lithuania) report their journey in www.followtheroad.com Katjia is now prepearing a book they hope to sell as they continue traveling....

I attended an informal meeting organized by Pablo and Ana Rey (www.viajeros4x4x4.wordpress.com) They have been 8 years on the road, in a Mitsubishi van. Their journey through Africa has been really impressive, and they have put it down in a book they offer through their website, though it may be difficult to find where to clic!



Ezequiel Fernandez traveled from Argentina to Mexico on a 1979 Renault 6... as he likes to say "looking for my way" . He is now about to publish a book titled "Con la nave" (With the ship) that will soon offer online (Spanish version only) at www.viajeenrenoleta.blogspot.com