Writing well often involves reading a lot. Similarly, good cooks enjoy tasting their creations. This cause-and-effect relationship can be seen in various aspects of life. Take traveling, for example. No matter where you go, the desire to escape leads to the need to pack. People who travel frequently naturally develop a love for it, while the opposite is also true.
Traveling isn’t always easy due to the constraints of daily life, making it hard to break free. Hence, the concept of a “bucket list” with travel as a must-do or want-to-do item seems to be a common theme.
There’s a place known as the land of fire and ice, a popular bucket-list destination for many: Iceland. One father, who rented a camper van, embarked on a ten-day journey in Iceland, ultimately leading to a European road trip and even working as a travel guide in Italy. Follow the journey of these two individuals who pursued their dream of traveling in the face of difficult realities.
During his university days, the author embarked on a backpacking trip to Europe, sparking a yearly tradition of planning overseas trips. With over 30 countries under his belt, his goal is to visit 100 countries before he dies. Kim Mujin, the author, recently returned from an Icelandic adventure, chronicling it in a book.
The author, who currently works in the financial sector in London, holds an MBA from the University of Florida, indicating a strong affinity for international travel since childhood. This passion led him to set a goal of traveling abroad once a year, a goal that has defined his life.
Among his travels, the author considers Iceland to be one of the most beautiful places he’s ever visited. He firmly believes that there is no destination like Iceland anywhere in the world, leaving a lasting impact despite spending only ten days there.
Renting a camper van, the author drove around Iceland, a country with an area larger than South Korea. If you follow Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, you can circle the entire mainland.
Iceland’s main attractions are concentrated around the capital, Reykjavik. From the famous Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss) to the nearby Skaptafell for glacier hiking, everything is easily accessible. While a typical itinerary includes three nights and four days covering the Golden Circle, Skaptafell, and the Blue Lagoon, touring Iceland by car is far more appealing.
Witnessing volcanic zones, intermittent rivers, massive waterfalls, breathtaking coastal cliffs, and the spectacle of the Northern Lights while participating in glacier hikes, boat tours, and whale watching were just some of the highlights of the author’s Icelandic journey.
Reflecting on his Icelandic journey, the author was reminded of the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” If ever the cold land of ice transformed into a “land of ice and stars,” guiding travelers to find the light of their hearts, then Iceland travel is a journey of warmth and understanding, creating meaningful and special memories.
Italy, also known as the land of food and history, is the subject of another book. The author is a true European travel expert, having traveled to 26 countries by car and published four books on European travel.
Having explored Europe, Eastern Europe, Spain, and the Balkans in his previous books, the author now turns his focus to Italy. His deep love for Italy’s history, culture, and cuisine inspired this new book.
Focusing on the culinary aspect, the author delves into the diverse range of traditional Italian dishes, cheeses, desserts, and wines from the country’s 20 regions. The book’s subtitle “A Journey to Meet Taste and History” reflects this emphasis on the culinary delights of Italy.
From Sicily’s Greek and Roman-influenced wine production to Piedmont’s Barbaresco wine and traditional cheeses, the book offers a rich exploration of Italy’s culinary heritage. Whether enjoying the famous Neapolitan pizza with Lacrima Christi wine in Campania or savoring gelato at ancient Roman ruins in Rome, the book provides a comprehensive guide to experiencing Italy through its food and wine.
This book is a perfect match for anyone seeking to truly enjoy Italy through travel, food, and wine. It is filled with tips on where to go, what to experience, and how to fully enjoy Italy using all five senses.
Accompanied by local Italian guide Hwang Young-kyung, the author explores various Italian regions and their culinary traditions in vivid detail, offering readers a deep understanding and appreciation of Italy’s culture and history through a special journey of exploration.
In conclusion, whether through travel, food, or wine, this book provides a unique and enriching experience to fully enjoy all that Italy has to offer. Recommended by European travel expert Kim Woong as a must-read for Italy enthusiasts, this book promises to be a special journey of cultural understanding and enjoyment.