Himalayan Bus Plunge

Why I wrote this book? 

I had just got divorced, money was tight and I was obliged to hand over a chunk of change to my ex-wife every month.

She asked me a perfectly reasonable question: "Why are you going to Nepal?"

That question set off alarm bells in my head and awoke feelings of guilt. Was she implying that I'm gallavanting around the world while she's working hard to sustain our two children?

I suddenly had a good idea: "I'm going to write a book!"

Book summary 

A collection of stories that start with impressions of the atmosphere, urban sprawl, chaos, traffic, kids and temples of Kathmandu. The politics and ethics of international aid are analysed--in a slightly cynical tone--and then we head into the Himalayas for the obligatory trek.  Each story is buzzing with interesting characters, some of whom are quite bizarre.

Reviews

"Stories that are funny and always compelling. Rupert Wolfe Murray is a throwback to an earlier bolder time, like finding Hemingway alive and well on Oxford Street." Chris Stephen, journalist and war reporter

"Funny, fascinating and easy to read. I loved it... It is quite literally a plunge into the abyss of another world...Rupert travels by bicycles, buses, taxis and rickshaws, meeting aid workers, brain surgeons, architects, and street vendors, revealing an extraordinary ability to meet people, make friends and tell stories wherever he goes. He brings this world to life so vividly you feel as if you are actually there, sharing this world through his eyes and his words.  Take a plunge and buy this book. It is like a magic carpet that will take you to a different land." Toby Gough, theatre director (Mumbai and Havana)

"Rupert Wolfe Murray engages our interest immediately, taking us with him as he steps out of the plane and arrives in Kathmandu. We see it through his eyes, including his disorientation. He lets us in on his thoughts, his confidences, his conversations with others, as if we were his close friends...Rupert Wolfe Murray’s writing is refreshingly original, refusing to fit into any definite categories." Morelle Smith, travel writer

"If you're thinking of a visit to The Himalayan region or simply wondering what it's really like, this book tells you. There’s little in the way of luxury dining or poolside bars here. Instead you will experience the 'rough' travel guide - the airport arrival, the street vendors, the small hotels and, above all, the buses... The book feels like a totally genuine description of what low-budget travel is like in that part of Asia. It is also full of useful tips, such as how to bribe a petty official and how to deal with a street hustler. Written with great enthusiasm and humour, it is a fascinating and entertaining read." Chris Burn, Poetry Changes Lives

"Your written prose is strong and well crafted. You have a very interesting personal history in the Himalayas and a deeply involved, embedded brother there. This adds rare insight. You connect to people but keep an almost third person perspective: unemotional observation of those with whom you interact. I came away with a deeper understanding of the region." Peter Mair, Retired Federal Prosecutor (USA)

"The book provides great insight and a unique perspective about modern Nepal, and an insider look into some of the issues post-earthquake. But it's not one-dimensional...your adrenal will rush as you ride your bike with the author through the streets of the city and your back will ache after your bus ride with him down from the mountains." Tim Manning, author