Nomadic Notes - Travel Reads 27 March, 2020
A weekly newsletter of great travel reads and news by James Clark from Nomadic Notes.
Where I'm At
Hello from hunkered-down Ho Chi Minh City. Things are gradually grinding to a halt here with more shops and restaurants closing this week. There is still traffic about with people going to their work, but it feels like the Tet holiday when everyone leaves the city. I’m staying in my room for most of the time, with walks to get supplies. So far there is no curfew yet, but I expect there will be eventually.
On the work front I’ve been working on other sites that have a better chance of making money (ie non-travel sites) so no new blog posts this week. It’s hard to write about travel, but on the other hand it’s nice to have some inspiration for when this is over.
~ James
Assorted Travel Reads
Ukrainian ‘Railroad Ladies’ - The New York Times
“Ukraine’s traffic controllers and safety officers are a kind of lighthouse: a symbol of how certain things in this country stand firm in the present as a defiant nod to the past.”
How Brighton became an epicentre of freedom
“The English city got the royal stamp of approval as a place to go for hedonism and escaping social restrictions – and has been imbued with inclusivity and tolerance ever since.”
The Irish photographer who won a Pulitzer, then quit ‘the best job in the world’
“Cathal McNaughton won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 – the only photojournalist in Ireland to do so.”
Coronavirus Travel (or lack thereof)
What Will Travel Be Like After The Coronavirus?
“A new survey suggests travel is alive and well. More than half of Americans (58%) are planning to travel between May and September 2020, as long as their destinations aren’t in quarantine. But what will travel be like after coronavirus?”
Professional travelers on being grounded by the coronavirus outbreak
“Plans were canceled, but more will be made. Here’s what they’re doing in the meantime.”
First Hand Account: Emotional Delta Pilot Flies Airbus A321 Into Hibernation
“A Delta Air Lines co-pilot has shared his story of the emotional journey to take an Airbus A321 for storage in Victorville, California. ”
This Tug Boat Just Sailed Down The Thames Blasting 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life'
“When you’re feeling in the dumps, don’t be silly chumps.”
The New Travel Document: Photograph of an Empty Plane
“The dramatic falloff in air travel is captured in travelers’ photographs of their recent flights.”
I used to live for travel – in fact, I just wrote the book on it. But there’s no running away now
“Due to coronavirus, borders are shut, planes are grounded and bookshops are going to close. Liam Pieper’s new novel – and his profession – already seem hopelessly nostalgic.”
As Seen On Twitter
Melbourne Zoo in Australia is live-streaming animal enclosures for people to enjoy while in isolation🦒
But it’s a dancing zookeeper who’s proved most popular...🕺
https://t.co/Br5NHQTs47 https://t.co/h38OtOM7D4
Instagram
A suitably socially distant walk in HCMC.