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I Should Have Left the Whiskey
I Should Have Left the Whiskey is the first book in the Rambling On trilogy – compelling tales from a time when motorcycles were left in the shed and global exploration slowed to the pace of cycling.
These diaries divulge two very different journeys in Asia: because progressing into enlightened India required some back-pedalling through darkest Thailand en route to China.
After impulsively purchasing a bicycle in Bangkok and taking to the frantic city streets, Graham was hit by the realisation that life in the fast lane could have an impact on his health.
Pedalling away from the madding crowd, he hauled his heavy load to mountain settlements lost somewhere in time. Desperate and dehydrated, he was subjected to all that the lonely road bestows upon the soul.
It soon became apparent that whiskey was not the best choice of refreshment. However, he rebelliously refused to abandon the bottle or the mission, keeping his glassy eyes fully focused on what was ahead.
A year later, having eliminated some of the heavier baggage from that journey, he found himself in southern India. Surely, this coast-hugging, palm-shaded backwater route would be a breeze … but the easy road is not always the right path.
Had reckless decisions taken him beyond his abilities? With flashbacks, foresight and the riotous brutal honesty that is confined to a diary, all will be revealed.
These diaries divulge two very different journeys in Asia: because progressing into enlightened India required some back-pedalling through darkest Thailand en route to China.
After impulsively purchasing a bicycle in Bangkok and taking to the frantic city streets, Graham was hit by the realisation that life in the fast lane could have an impact on his health.
Pedalling away from the madding crowd, he hauled his heavy load to mountain settlements lost somewhere in time. Desperate and dehydrated, he was subjected to all that the lonely road bestows upon the soul.
It soon became apparent that whiskey was not the best choice of refreshment. However, he rebelliously refused to abandon the bottle or the mission, keeping his glassy eyes fully focused on what was ahead.
A year later, having eliminated some of the heavier baggage from that journey, he found himself in southern India. Surely, this coast-hugging, palm-shaded backwater route would be a breeze … but the easy road is not always the right path.
Had reckless decisions taken him beyond his abilities? With flashbacks, foresight and the riotous brutal honesty that is confined to a diary, all will be revealed.
236 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2023
3 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Graham Field
11 books11 followersFree audio book for instant download from my website.
Graham is a compulsive traveller, with a compelling manner of brutal honesty of integrity. His books are authentic experiences from his 37 years of diaries, kept as he's meandered around the planet from foot to bicycle, to motorbike to four wheels.
Travel on his mind, bikes in his blood and little in his wallet, Graham's low budget journeys of humour and honesty have inspired many to hit the road in search of their dreams. A solo traveller at heart, his observations take his readers with him to Mongolia, Iraq, the Arctic Circle and many other distant destinations.
With a life time of travel anecdotes and hard earned wisdom, Graham's view of the planet is unique and contagious.
Graham is the author of eight books, which are all available as audiobooks. Twice nominated as 'most inspiring adventurer' by Adventure Bike TV. He was a resident co-host on Adventure Rider Radio RAW for five years with Sam Manicom and Grant Johnson of Horizons Unlimited. He has written articles for various publications worldwide.
Graham is a compulsive traveller, with a compelling manner of brutal honesty of integrity. His books are authentic experiences from his 37 years of diaries, kept as he's meandered around the planet from foot to bicycle, to motorbike to four wheels.
Travel on his mind, bikes in his blood and little in his wallet, Graham's low budget journeys of humour and honesty have inspired many to hit the road in search of their dreams. A solo traveller at heart, his observations take his readers with him to Mongolia, Iraq, the Arctic Circle and many other distant destinations.
With a life time of travel anecdotes and hard earned wisdom, Graham's view of the planet is unique and contagious.
Graham is the author of eight books, which are all available as audiobooks. Twice nominated as 'most inspiring adventurer' by Adventure Bike TV. He was a resident co-host on Adventure Rider Radio RAW for five years with Sam Manicom and Grant Johnson of Horizons Unlimited. He has written articles for various publications worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 21, 2025
Absolutely loved this one! Hope the next 2 in the series are just as good!
March 4, 2023
Graham writes with such honesty and humour. Whether it be on a motorcycle or a bicycle journey the adventures are always worth the read and ‘I Should Have Left the Whiskey’ is no different. At first I was reminded of how I felt reading Ureka in that Graham was not feeling the journey and nor was I and it was the same with the latest edition of writing. However, that didn’t last long. Once I slowed down my pace of life to that of the book (he is on a bicycle after all) I was engrossed in the reading as always. Just like when reading ‘In Search of Greener Grass’ I felt like I was actually in Mongolia with Graham I felt like I was actually in Thailand and India despite having never visited either country. Graham has a way of making you feel part of the journey and I love that about his writing. I also liked the intertwining of two trips a year apart. It took me a while to get my head around it, but it was an interesting switch on Graham’s usual way of writing.
The people he encounters along the way are always of interest to me because they are unique interactions and from various nationalities too. I have found Graham’s reactions to company quite interesting over the course of his previous 5 books because it very much depends on his mood at the time of meeting people to how those interactions transpire. This book is equally intriguing because Graham wants some company, but doesn’t quite find what he is looking for when he needs it and experiences something quite different as a result. Sometimes the interactions are just what is needed and other times just an irritation, but it all adds to the drama of the journey. You never know what’s coming next and after 6 books I still don’t know where the journey is going. It is still a mystery and an absolute joy to get a new book and read with excitement. When coming to the end of this book I found myself wanting the next edition NOW, but I have to be patient because it takes time to write these truly inspiring pieces of writing and they have always been worth the wait. If you haven’t read a Graham Field book you are missing out. Don’t read fiction read about Graham Field’s inspiring journeys over many years and from different countries. I trust, like me, you will feel inspired.
I Should Have Left the Whiskey is a great read albeit from a different perspective of how to travel.
The people he encounters along the way are always of interest to me because they are unique interactions and from various nationalities too. I have found Graham’s reactions to company quite interesting over the course of his previous 5 books because it very much depends on his mood at the time of meeting people to how those interactions transpire. This book is equally intriguing because Graham wants some company, but doesn’t quite find what he is looking for when he needs it and experiences something quite different as a result. Sometimes the interactions are just what is needed and other times just an irritation, but it all adds to the drama of the journey. You never know what’s coming next and after 6 books I still don’t know where the journey is going. It is still a mystery and an absolute joy to get a new book and read with excitement. When coming to the end of this book I found myself wanting the next edition NOW, but I have to be patient because it takes time to write these truly inspiring pieces of writing and they have always been worth the wait. If you haven’t read a Graham Field book you are missing out. Don’t read fiction read about Graham Field’s inspiring journeys over many years and from different countries. I trust, like me, you will feel inspired.
I Should Have Left the Whiskey is a great read albeit from a different perspective of how to travel.
March 8, 2023
A delightful appetiser.
I Should Have Left The Whiskey - Rambling On Part One.
This excellent book relates two Asian trips taken before In Search Of Greener Grass. The song remains the same but the verses and roads tell a new, or perhaps younger, tale. Sharp, witty, honest, insightful, self deprecating, well paced, observant, just what we've come to expect. However, this is no remould, it's a younger traveler who, although experienced, is clearly in awe of the landscape, people and culture. Contrasts are drawn and reality is exposed. This is the first course of what promises to be a memorable three course delight. Appetites have been well and truly whetted, I have cutlery in my hands waiting for the next course. Perhaps I'll have a whiskey while I'm waiting.
I Should Have Left The Whiskey - Rambling On Part One.
This excellent book relates two Asian trips taken before In Search Of Greener Grass. The song remains the same but the verses and roads tell a new, or perhaps younger, tale. Sharp, witty, honest, insightful, self deprecating, well paced, observant, just what we've come to expect. However, this is no remould, it's a younger traveler who, although experienced, is clearly in awe of the landscape, people and culture. Contrasts are drawn and reality is exposed. This is the first course of what promises to be a memorable three course delight. Appetites have been well and truly whetted, I have cutlery in my hands waiting for the next course. Perhaps I'll have a whiskey while I'm waiting.
April 6, 2023
A stunning book that is engaging and through provoking. I love how the author tells the story of two journeys at the same time, it really adds a different angle.
I love Graham’s writing style. I feel you get so much more about the perineal journey and growth of a person as they travel rather then just the sites and sounds.
A true gem and must read.
I love Graham’s writing style. I feel you get so much more about the perineal journey and growth of a person as they travel rather then just the sites and sounds.
A true gem and must read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews