In writing a travel blog, I felt it was important to share some of my travel background, so that you can understand where I come from as a writer and a traveller. There will be further instalments in this section, as I post travel stories that have happened to me on trips that I have taken in the past. My love for travel began when I found an old concept which, though not practices in the way it used to be, is genuinely applicable in today’s world.
An age-old travel tradition
Long ago, for students at Oxford and Cambridge, it was considered an essential right of passage to take what was called a “Grand Tour” of Europe. Britain, geographically and linguistically isolated from the rest of the continent, had students for want of outside knowledge. This tour, which could last anywhere from 3 weeks to a year, was usually undertaken by upper class students. It was thought beneficial for them to see the art of France, Germany, and Italy, in a time where classical education, Latin, Greek, Foreign Languages, and other such subjects were essential to learning.
Two Traditions in One
Besides the Grand Tour, I have revived another tradition of yore. I will be describing my month-long meandering journey across the Continent by serializing it. This makes it much more applicable to blog format, because really who wants to sit there for hours and read about my trips to the Louvre? So these entries will be published three at a time in the succeeding weeks. That way, folks that are interested in travelogue type stuff can read. But here is a summary:
Part II – Great Britain
Part II – Germany
Part III – France
Part IV – Low Countries and Train Travel
Part V – Italy
Part VI – Conclusion
