Review - The Jolly Pilgrim - Peter Baker

Xmediaonline (The University of Exeter) Setting out from his London home, Peter Baker seems like a fairly standard guy; he has a job, a home, a family and friends. But he also has an idea. His idea is get on a bicycle and ride to Istanbul and to document his travels through numerous diary entries and, as he calls them, “Global Musings” in which he reflects on the state of planet earth and its inhabitants. What follows is a thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking story of, quite literally, a jolly pilgrim making his jolly way around some of the most fascinating places in the world. As he cycles across Europe he describes the people he meets in what strikes me as a remarkably honest and highly perceptive way; not judging, but interpreting people is what gives the book its human aspect and prevents is from being just another travel log. Baker experiences dizzying highs and crushing lows (for example when, after rendezvousing with the girl he wants to marry, it transpires it is not meant to be) but relentlessly journeys on across the globe visiting five continents and 24 countries and fully embracing the vibrancy and unique delights of each place. With only a rough plan, the freedom to be spontaneous is enviable and opens up a wealth of unforeseen opportunities such as working in a drag club, dancing salsa in an Ecuadorian prison and climbing landmarks in the dead of night. Whilst not all experiences are positive – cue bag thefts, heartache, financial crises and hospitalisation – they are savoured as a vital part of what it means to be human. The backdrop for this insight into the human condition is a mirage of vivacious cities, picturesque retreats and exotic paradises. Each place is described vividly and with more than enough information for the reader to understand what makes it so special. Intellectually stimulating yet not purely factual, the descriptions convey a genuine interest for the history, politics and geography of a place. Amongst visiting some amazing sights, pondering the great religions of the world and generally questioning the meaning of life, Baker finds to do some serious partying with the people he befriends. The combination of vodka, sex, drugs and dancing makes for a wild experience of impulse and rapture. There are two major themes which spoke to me in the book. Firstly, the importance of kinship: from the most raw and intimate connections to the most basic and simplistic act of kindness to a wandering traveller. Secondly, the foundations of humanity lie in social interaction and are as precious as the air we breathe. The duty people have to explore and understand the world we live in, to question it, to get out there an experience it. The Jolly Pilgrim leads by example, grabs every opportunity with both hands and truly lives each moment. A truly inspiring book. By: Abbie Grace - 01 Mar 2012 11:12 PM