Neither Here Nor There - Travels in Europe - Bill Bryson

In Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe, Bill Bryson retraces part of his trip to Europe that he took at a young man in the 1970's. He notes changes and things that remained the same. His digressions are both informative and humorous. He describes being stuck in eternal darkness in Northern Scandinavia waiting for the northern lights. He arrives just after a spectacular display and wills himself to stay until he completes his mission to see the lights.

It is interesting that each city has its own character, some were beautiful others run down and depressing. He marvels at the facility of a youthful girl pick pocket but can't find words in an Italian phrase book to describe his predicament. He is told at the police station in perfect English that there was not an English translator available and he would have to come back the next day.

The book reminds me of Mark Twain's book A Tramp Abroad. Bryson doesn't shy away from offering strong critiques about the problems with various European cities. He also celebrates when cities get it right. For those planning a trip to Europe this book would be a useful guide to help develop an itinerary.

Lichtenstein - Bill Bryson gives it the full treatment in one minute