Colin Thubron | Across Borders, Many Times, What Endures... One Of The Greatest Living Travel Writers

Watch on Youtube instead - https://youtu.be/RinLuTi04cICurious Worldview Newsletter - https://curiousworldview.beehiiv.com/subscribeColin Thubron (Link's to all books)-----Colin Thubron is one of the greatest living travel writers. He started with the Mirror To Damascus in 1967 and with more than half a century and 18 travel books later published his journey along the Amur River just a few years ago. He’s a contemporary of Theroux, Chatwin, early Dalrymple and inspiration for the newer generation of his genre, the likes of Rory Stewart, Levison Wood and many, many more. Colin has been a dream guest of mine for many years.This interview travelled a line across the map of his career. Colin reflects on his many experiences in Russia and China, the impact of historical events like the Cultural Revolution, the collapse of the Soviet Union - and the broader evolution of travel writing throughout the years. He gets into the effects of globalisation on cultural identities and how it’s effected his experience over the decades. Colin observes the complexities of nationalism and patriotism, and as well discusses the role religion in his life, the nature of belief, and the rationality behind it all. Colin then comments on mortality and his legacy which leads to a discussion on how travel can serve as a coping mechanism for grief. Plus, together we also touch on the choices and more difficult trade offs surrounding parenthood and career, his aspirations for future literary projects, and the influence of serendipity behind it all. I can see from the analytics that not even 20% of you who are listening are following the show, I wish this to be 100! Therefore I would ask that you please consider following the show - whether on Spotify or Apple, this, alongside the reviews makes all the difference in the world… 00:00 - Colin Thubron02:29 - Reflections on Travel Writing07:15 - Evolving Perspectives on Russia10:36 - Cultural Observations in China15:02 - The Impact of Travel on Identity22:09 - The Evolution of Travel Writing32:47 - Brexit and Nationalism: A Personal Reflection39:55 - The Imprint of Home46:10 - Religion50:12 - The Impact of Travel on Grief56:03 - Influences and Inspirations in Writing01:03:28 - SerendipityConsider leaving a review on whichever platform you're listening on!🍻☕: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ryanhoggFollow me on Instagram – @ryanfhoggFollow me on Twitter - https://x.com/ryannfhogg