Books Stimulating Travel by fixed845inc on Blogster

I recently read a book "Curse of the Narrows" by Laura MacDonald. As a result of immersing myself in the contents I have decided to visit the setting of the book which is Halifax in Nova Scotia.

The book tells the true story of a horrific explosion on a munitions filled boat in Halifax harbor. The vessel is bound for the war in Europe. The year is 1917 and the author goes into such great detail about the succession of events including a series of explosions, a devastating fire in the surrounding town, a tsunami, caused by the blast and then, that night, a blizzard that blanketed the entire scene. The acts of heroism and self sacrifice and the inflow of volunteers to help was really inspiring.

She details family names, street names, buildings, and locations as well as the layout of the harbor, the narrows and the docks. I want to be able to picture the place in person and compare it with the mental images left by my reading. I'm sure there will be a museum in the area with relics and recountings.

I know Halifax is now a bustling city but this event is likely to still be represented for anyone willing to look beneath the surface of things.

Have you been similarly stimulated to travel as a result of reading a book?

14 comments on Books Stimulating Travel

kathyjoyful2day said 2 years ago
'Have you been similarly stimulated to travel as a result of reading a book?"
no - but wishful thinking perhaps

[LOL][HEART]
fixed845inc said 2 years ago
No reason why you couldn't at some point in your life.[THUMBUP]
htargett said 2 years ago
Halifax is a great city to visit as is all of Nova Scotia. And if you do get up there don't forget PEI and the Cabot Trail. Wonderful area! Tried to recall if we have made trips due to books we read and unfortunately the answer is no. Great Idea![THUMBUP]
fixed845inc said 2 years ago
I'm not familiar with either of those destinations. What did you like in each?
dorothea said 2 years ago
I think it's great that you are doing this. I read a lot of historical fiction and there have certainly been places in my reading that I would like to visit, but haven't actually done so. Most of the places that intrigue me are other countries and I'm not a foreign traveler so far. However, when I read a book that takes place someplace that I have been it makes the book that much more interesting to me. When are you going to Halifax?
fixed845inc said 2 years ago
I know what you mean about books and familiar places. The same holds for movies. It adds to the experience if their are panaramas of interesting or appealing places we've been ir yearn to go. We may go in late August while it is still summery.[THUMBUP]
htargett said 2 years ago
Prince Edward Island is the smallest and greenest provinces of Canada, lies above Nova Scotia. Surrounded by sandy beaches and red cliffs and rolling hills. You will love it!
Cabot Trail loops Cape Breton Island (north end of Nova Scotia) for 185 of the most spectacular ocean trails available. Hiking (National Forest), whale watching, galleries, museums etc also make this worth while.
Early Fall is a good time as most tourists have left. [THUMBUP]
booklegs said 2 years ago
Have you read Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson? It's about the Galveston hurricane at the turn of the century. I would love to go to Galveston for a visit. A map is also included in this book. The Shipping News by Annie Proulx takes place in Newfoundland. It's a good read. Like Dorthea, I don't travel well aboard but love reading about India and Africa.
fixed845inc said 2 years ago
Great suggestion, thanks[COOL] Actually we were at a conference in Houston about six years ago and made a side trip to Galveston. We happened upon a museum in town devoted to a retelling of the story of the great hurricane. I am looking forward to reading that book. What is it about India and Africa that most interests you?
kathyjoyful2day said 2 years ago
[SMILE]Actually - we have had a lot of travels. - Just not as a result of reading a book. [THUMBUP][HEART]
fixed845inc said 2 years ago
Which trip would you say was your favorite?[THUMBUP]
fixed845inc said 2 years ago
Have you considered " The Bible" as a possible influence on any of your travels?
kathyjoyful2day said 2 years ago
hi - yes the Bible does influence my desires of where to travel.
[SMILE] However, my husband and finances have a greater influence on where I actually go these days.[LOL][HEART]
fixed845inc said 2 years ago
Thanks for your comments. [THUMBUP]