Scene #5: bad apples in Honduras
I’m in the fruit aisle, holding my breath. Next to me an armed policeman, dressed for warfare and carrying a machine gun, is stroking the apples one-by-one. Have they done something wrong? Have I done something wrong?? Eventually, he gives…
Belize: A Reading Traveller’s Guide
Unlike its beaches, the shores of Belizean literature are somewhat deserted. Finding the gold requires a bit of exploration. As the official language of the country, most books in Belize are published in English; though works can be found in…
Scene #2: ripping panties in Belize
In 1934, fresh from the success of Brave New World, Aldous Huxley wrote a travel book, now out-of-print. Belize – then called British Honduras – didn’t exactly get a glowing review: “If the world has any ends, British Honduras would…
Scene #1: Drinking muddy water in Mexico
“¡Fidel Castro no era un hombre malo! ¡Fidel Castro no era un hombre malo!” Martín repeats this a few more times, pointing his fork at Carlos, who is staring at his food. The other construction workers chew quietly, either polite…
Mexico: A Reading Traveller’s Guide
You will not struggle to find Mexican literature in English translation. A rich literary heritage and an international outlook mean that the best Mexican authors are already well known in English (as are some of the worst). If you’re…
