Slow Boats to China

Inspired by memories of his childhood on the inhospitable Cornish coast, discouraged from planning a route by unhelpful travel agents and unreliable shipping guides, the author embarked on a game of traveller's roulette. This book describes his encounters with pirates, unspeakable food and lasting friendships formed.

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It started as a simple idea, an adaptation of the old dream of running away to sea: take a series of ships of many sizes and kinds; go where they lead for a few months; see what happens. Inspired by memories of his childhood on the inhospitable Cornish coast, discouraged from planning a route by unhelpful travel agents and unreliable shipping guides, Gavin Young embarked on a game of traveller's roulette. Starting at Piraeus, with Canton as his final destination, he would board any vessel moving in the right direction: tanker, freighter, dhow or junk, visiting as many ports of call as possible in between. It took seven months and twenty-three vessels to complete the journey, and in spite of frustration, anxiety and near despair, this extraordinary account sparkles with colour and excitement, through encounters with pirates, unspeakable food and lasting friendships formed. 'A joy to read, engaging, civilized, sharply observant, richly descriptive and sometimes hilarious...a genuine modern adventure story' - Graham Lord, "Sunday Express". 'An unusual and fascinating book' - Hammond Innes, "Guardian".