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Not Cool: Europe by Train in a Heatwave
9 cities, 9 countries, 9 days
1 ridiculously hot summer
What could possibly go wrong?
The latest travel memoir by Jules Brown - author of Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield) – is a hot and steamy adventure (no, not that kind) by rail across Europe.
In the European-wide summer heatwave of July 2019, while sensible people stayed indoors, put their heads in the fridge and watched endless re-runs of ‘Frozen’, Jules spent nine days on trains across Europe, visiting nine cities in nine countries.
Why? Good question.
It started off, as most of his ideas do, with a spark of inspiration fuelled by a glass of red wine. Another glass made him think it really was quite a good plan, and by the third glass he had a full itinerary worked up.
If only he'd checked the advance weather forecast, he would have seen that Europe in general, and central Europe in particular, was just about to be engulfed in the mother of all heatwaves. Relentless travel across Europe, jumping from one tin can on rails to another, was going to be decidedly not cool. But Jules lives in England where a heatwave is what they call it when you have to take your jumper off in July, so it honestly never occurred to him that it would be so hot. That bit’s all on Jules. Definitely his fault.
Everything else that happened? Well, that’s up to you to decide.
Oh, one more thing. Jules made this trip before Brexit and Covid and – depending on how far in the future you’re reading – while the planet still had its ice-caps and own water supply. So if any of its reads oddly – like, why hasn’t he got a mask on, how come they let him into Germany, what’s oxygen, that sort of thing – that’s why.
Just roll with it. Like all the best stories, you need to suspend your disbelief.
1 ridiculously hot summer
What could possibly go wrong?
The latest travel memoir by Jules Brown - author of Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield) – is a hot and steamy adventure (no, not that kind) by rail across Europe.
In the European-wide summer heatwave of July 2019, while sensible people stayed indoors, put their heads in the fridge and watched endless re-runs of ‘Frozen’, Jules spent nine days on trains across Europe, visiting nine cities in nine countries.
Why? Good question.
It started off, as most of his ideas do, with a spark of inspiration fuelled by a glass of red wine. Another glass made him think it really was quite a good plan, and by the third glass he had a full itinerary worked up.
If only he'd checked the advance weather forecast, he would have seen that Europe in general, and central Europe in particular, was just about to be engulfed in the mother of all heatwaves. Relentless travel across Europe, jumping from one tin can on rails to another, was going to be decidedly not cool. But Jules lives in England where a heatwave is what they call it when you have to take your jumper off in July, so it honestly never occurred to him that it would be so hot. That bit’s all on Jules. Definitely his fault.
Everything else that happened? Well, that’s up to you to decide.
Oh, one more thing. Jules made this trip before Brexit and Covid and – depending on how far in the future you’re reading – while the planet still had its ice-caps and own water supply. So if any of its reads oddly – like, why hasn’t he got a mask on, how come they let him into Germany, what’s oxygen, that sort of thing – that’s why.
Just roll with it. Like all the best stories, you need to suspend your disbelief.
ebook
Published October 1, 2020
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141 people want to read
About the author
Jules Brown
60 books34 followersI've been a pro travel writer for over 30 years, writing Rough Guides and other stuff, and living in places from Sicily to New Zealand. You might even have had one of my guidebooks along for the ride in your travel bag - in which case, happy to have helped!
I also blog at www.julestoldme.com, sharing travel stories, travel-writing tips, videos and inspiring destinations - see you there, and happy travels.
I also blog at www.julestoldme.com, sharing travel stories, travel-writing tips, videos and inspiring destinations - see you there, and happy travels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 8, 2021
Sooooo guess who's planning two trips because of a book....... :D
To be honest, going in I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it. On the one hand - I'm biased against books about British people going to different countries and describing things (wow that sounds less harsh in my head lol), on the other - I love trains. 9 European cities in 9 days, travelling everywhere by train? Oh my god it's the dream holiday I never knew I wanted.
To my great happiness, the book is as wonderful as the concept. It's the best kind of travel writing. Everywhere Brown describes that I've experienced, I laughed and/or nodded at (cracked up particularly at the coffin-like 6-bed train compartments, agree strongly about side-eyeing the people taking selfies in front of the Holocaust Mahnmal in Berlin). Everywhere he describes that I *haven't* been yet, I now really wanna go. I'm sure it's hard to navigate facts, emotions, and stereotypes for an audience. Brown struck a really good balance between jokes and genuine warmth, and I really appreciated that. Shout out especially to the Bratislava section. I'll definitely be checking out one of his "proper" travel guides when I go to those places!
Anyway I'm off to continue planning my trip around the Semmering railway (current idea: 10km hike from one station to the next, then take the train forward/back :D). And daydreaming about the Bernina Express because wow.
To be honest, going in I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it. On the one hand - I'm biased against books about British people going to different countries and describing things (wow that sounds less harsh in my head lol), on the other - I love trains. 9 European cities in 9 days, travelling everywhere by train? Oh my god it's the dream holiday I never knew I wanted.
To my great happiness, the book is as wonderful as the concept. It's the best kind of travel writing. Everywhere Brown describes that I've experienced, I laughed and/or nodded at (cracked up particularly at the coffin-like 6-bed train compartments, agree strongly about side-eyeing the people taking selfies in front of the Holocaust Mahnmal in Berlin). Everywhere he describes that I *haven't* been yet, I now really wanna go. I'm sure it's hard to navigate facts, emotions, and stereotypes for an audience. Brown struck a really good balance between jokes and genuine warmth, and I really appreciated that. Shout out especially to the Bratislava section. I'll definitely be checking out one of his "proper" travel guides when I go to those places!
Anyway I'm off to continue planning my trip around the Semmering railway (current idea: 10km hike from one station to the next, then take the train forward/back :D). And daydreaming about the Bernina Express because wow.
September 28, 2025
Bill Bryson move over, we have a home-grown travel writer of our own! Great quick read about doing 9 European cities by train in 9 days. Hilarious from start to finish. As a consequence I've now added 3 more cities to my must visit list.
November 23, 2022
Wasn't sure of what to expect going into the book, but I'm glad I bought it. Author's sense of humor is well done, without being over-the-top or too-clever-by-half.
October 1, 2020
The author’s joy of travel and exploration is evident throughout this book.
I was fortunate enough to be an early reader of this book, and I was really looking forward to it, having previously enjoyed reading the author’s ‘Takoradi to the Stars – Via Huddersfield’ book.
I was not disappointed. This is the kind of travel writing I love – full of charming moments, unusual sights and a writer who is determined to discover what really makes a place unique. Jules has an inexhaustible desire to explore the back streets and hidden-away gems to find out more about a town or city. Although the major sights and landmarks are described in each of the nine cities he visits, it is the smaller events and details that really bring this book to life. The author’s joy of travel and exploration is evident throughout, he is a comedic, observant, chatty, engaging, and witty writer.
Following on from the memories of his early student rail journey across ten countries back in 1980, Jules decides to travel for nine days visiting nine cities in nine countries. It’s the kind of journey many of us can only dream about. Train travel and an itinerary that would leave many people floundering – all seems perfectly manageable to the author. Except for one small unforeseeable detail – he set off to travel around Europe in July 2019 whilst the region was experiencing a particularly ferocious heatwave. Undeterred, he travels through each city spending only one night in each location and experiences student accommodation, sumptuous pizza and chocolate cake, the remnants of communism, and the Bernina Pass railway. All described with a youthful exuberance and enthusiasm that brings this sweltering journey to life. Highly recommended.
I was fortunate enough to be an early reader of this book, and I was really looking forward to it, having previously enjoyed reading the author’s ‘Takoradi to the Stars – Via Huddersfield’ book.
I was not disappointed. This is the kind of travel writing I love – full of charming moments, unusual sights and a writer who is determined to discover what really makes a place unique. Jules has an inexhaustible desire to explore the back streets and hidden-away gems to find out more about a town or city. Although the major sights and landmarks are described in each of the nine cities he visits, it is the smaller events and details that really bring this book to life. The author’s joy of travel and exploration is evident throughout, he is a comedic, observant, chatty, engaging, and witty writer.
Following on from the memories of his early student rail journey across ten countries back in 1980, Jules decides to travel for nine days visiting nine cities in nine countries. It’s the kind of journey many of us can only dream about. Train travel and an itinerary that would leave many people floundering – all seems perfectly manageable to the author. Except for one small unforeseeable detail – he set off to travel around Europe in July 2019 whilst the region was experiencing a particularly ferocious heatwave. Undeterred, he travels through each city spending only one night in each location and experiences student accommodation, sumptuous pizza and chocolate cake, the remnants of communism, and the Bernina Pass railway. All described with a youthful exuberance and enthusiasm that brings this sweltering journey to life. Highly recommended.
October 15, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read
This latest book from Jules Brown is a complete contrast to ‘Takoradi to the stars (via Huddersfield)’ which covered his travel stories from around the world and across the years. This memoir tells of a train journey through Europe crammed into a 9-day gap in his diary.
Inspiration for the trip through nine different countries came from the discovery of an InterRail pass from 1980 and the drinking of too much red wine one evening. Jules set himself two basic rules for his new adventure:
1/. Spend only one night in each place.
2/. Choose one random thing to do in each.
What captivated me from the start was the author’s style of writing and sense of humour. He describes this brief trip, which took months of preparation, in such a way that I felt I was travelling along with him. Although this journey by train was planned down to the last intricate detail, with the help of ‘The Man in Seat 61’, Jules forgot to check the weather forecast.
The intense heat of the European summer of 2019 added an edge to the trip, making it almost unbearable at times. But it also produced some classic witticisms from the author as he describes the unusual situations he finds himself in.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and reminded me how much the world has changed in the intervening months.
This latest book from Jules Brown is a complete contrast to ‘Takoradi to the stars (via Huddersfield)’ which covered his travel stories from around the world and across the years. This memoir tells of a train journey through Europe crammed into a 9-day gap in his diary.
Inspiration for the trip through nine different countries came from the discovery of an InterRail pass from 1980 and the drinking of too much red wine one evening. Jules set himself two basic rules for his new adventure:
1/. Spend only one night in each place.
2/. Choose one random thing to do in each.
What captivated me from the start was the author’s style of writing and sense of humour. He describes this brief trip, which took months of preparation, in such a way that I felt I was travelling along with him. Although this journey by train was planned down to the last intricate detail, with the help of ‘The Man in Seat 61’, Jules forgot to check the weather forecast.
The intense heat of the European summer of 2019 added an edge to the trip, making it almost unbearable at times. But it also produced some classic witticisms from the author as he describes the unusual situations he finds himself in.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and reminded me how much the world has changed in the intervening months.
March 23, 2021
Jules Brown has been a travel writer for many years, with train travel being his favourite mode of exploration. This began when he went Interrailing at the age of 18 in the early 1980s. The experiences he described from that particular time had me reminiscing about my own Interrailing trip in the Summer of 1988 and some of the escapades my friend Nicky and I got ourselves involved in.
The tone of Not Cool is delightfully entertaining and amusing. The author clearly has a good sense of humour and keeps his tongue firmly in cheek when describing such frustrations as the Italian obsession with bureaucracy; Swedish politeness and the Swiss cost of living.
The journey described in Not Cool is another European multi-destination trip. One Spring over a bottle of wine, Jules hatches a plan for a nine-day train ride through as many cities and countries as possible. The itinerary he decides upon is: Berlin to Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zürich and Milan. Unfortunately 2019, the year of his trip turns out to be the year of a ridiculously hot Summer heatwave in Europe. The heat on arrival in Berlin immediately takes him by surprise:
“Picture a red-faced, glistening man who looks like he’s just eaten a vindaloo and dipped himself in lard, wading in slow-motion through treacle-like air while carrying a bag full of clothes more suited to a winter ski holiday. Imagine, if you will, a heavy-breathing, rucksack-carrying gent moving with all the sprightly ease of a prison escapee hobbled by ankle chains and negotiating a muddy field. Yep, that’s me.”
During this memoir of his trip, Jules delivers snippets of historical knowledge about the places he visits, a wealth of tourist information and travel tips, all delivered with witty repartee. Along the way we learn his opinion on drunken Slovenian men, hipsters and so much more:
“If they ever build a prison for hipsters – to house the worst of the wax-moustachioed, craft-beer-brewing, kombucha-drinking, bicycle-riding, avocado-toasting, plaid-scarf-wearing offenders – this is what it will look like.”
His choices for places to visit are unexpected. He goes to see the cartoonish Hundertwasser house in Vienna rather than the more usual palaces or town hall. Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard in Milan is his choice, over the famous “The Last Supper” painting. In Bratislava he visits Petrazalka, the largest housing estate of its kind and discovers it is nothing like the Bronx as he first thought, there is no stigma attached to living there - it’s just somewhere to live.
Jules’ description of train travel is a romantic one. It is clear that he loves railway journeys:
“Stations and towns recede into the distance – places you’ll likely never go, filled with people you’ll likely never meet, though connected to you briefly as you pass through, tracing an imaginary line on a landscape you’re both in and of, if just for a little while.”
One of his tour guides, has this to say:
”After a tour”, says Juro, “you should feel like you’ve been driving around with a bunch of friends.”
I think the same can be said of reading Jules’s book. I feel like I have been travelling around Europe on trains with a new, entertainingly witty friend.
The tone of Not Cool is delightfully entertaining and amusing. The author clearly has a good sense of humour and keeps his tongue firmly in cheek when describing such frustrations as the Italian obsession with bureaucracy; Swedish politeness and the Swiss cost of living.
The journey described in Not Cool is another European multi-destination trip. One Spring over a bottle of wine, Jules hatches a plan for a nine-day train ride through as many cities and countries as possible. The itinerary he decides upon is: Berlin to Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zürich and Milan. Unfortunately 2019, the year of his trip turns out to be the year of a ridiculously hot Summer heatwave in Europe. The heat on arrival in Berlin immediately takes him by surprise:
“Picture a red-faced, glistening man who looks like he’s just eaten a vindaloo and dipped himself in lard, wading in slow-motion through treacle-like air while carrying a bag full of clothes more suited to a winter ski holiday. Imagine, if you will, a heavy-breathing, rucksack-carrying gent moving with all the sprightly ease of a prison escapee hobbled by ankle chains and negotiating a muddy field. Yep, that’s me.”
During this memoir of his trip, Jules delivers snippets of historical knowledge about the places he visits, a wealth of tourist information and travel tips, all delivered with witty repartee. Along the way we learn his opinion on drunken Slovenian men, hipsters and so much more:
“If they ever build a prison for hipsters – to house the worst of the wax-moustachioed, craft-beer-brewing, kombucha-drinking, bicycle-riding, avocado-toasting, plaid-scarf-wearing offenders – this is what it will look like.”
His choices for places to visit are unexpected. He goes to see the cartoonish Hundertwasser house in Vienna rather than the more usual palaces or town hall. Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard in Milan is his choice, over the famous “The Last Supper” painting. In Bratislava he visits Petrazalka, the largest housing estate of its kind and discovers it is nothing like the Bronx as he first thought, there is no stigma attached to living there - it’s just somewhere to live.
Jules’ description of train travel is a romantic one. It is clear that he loves railway journeys:
“Stations and towns recede into the distance – places you’ll likely never go, filled with people you’ll likely never meet, though connected to you briefly as you pass through, tracing an imaginary line on a landscape you’re both in and of, if just for a little while.”
One of his tour guides, has this to say:
”After a tour”, says Juro, “you should feel like you’ve been driving around with a bunch of friends.”
I think the same can be said of reading Jules’s book. I feel like I have been travelling around Europe on trains with a new, entertainingly witty friend.
November 8, 2021
9 cities, 9 countries, 9 days? Madness!
But I too have wondered what it would be like to travel around Europe by train nowadays, having enjoyed a fabulous InterRail month all the way to Italy and Greece in the summer of ’74. (Goodness, was it that long ago?!) So, I was very interested to read how Jules’ expedition turned out, especially within the constricted time frame.
His first great discovery was the website of The Man in Seat 61. What a find! Jules may only have been away travelling for 9 days but he did spend many days and weeks preparing the route, pre-booking trains and hotels and thinking about what he might like to see along the way.
He reflects that there is always something new to see and that the best experiences are unexpected, and I wholeheartedly agree. On this trip, it was the heat which provided the challenge, and a lot of the humour too. Jules is a great travelling companion. He’s informative and very funny.
I love that he found quiet corners, instead of visiting the main tourist attractions. The big attractions which he did go to, were a sad disappointment, overrun with so many tourists that their meaning was totally lost. Well, I suppose it was mid-summer!
Often, when I read a travel memoir, I feel that the writer has done the travelling for me, as I can’t travel so much these days. And I was thinking that this time too, enjoying the ride, (without suffering the heat), until we came to the Bernina Express Scenic route. Wow! I want to travel on that train! Thanks for the inspiration, Jules!
But I too have wondered what it would be like to travel around Europe by train nowadays, having enjoyed a fabulous InterRail month all the way to Italy and Greece in the summer of ’74. (Goodness, was it that long ago?!) So, I was very interested to read how Jules’ expedition turned out, especially within the constricted time frame.
His first great discovery was the website of The Man in Seat 61. What a find! Jules may only have been away travelling for 9 days but he did spend many days and weeks preparing the route, pre-booking trains and hotels and thinking about what he might like to see along the way.
He reflects that there is always something new to see and that the best experiences are unexpected, and I wholeheartedly agree. On this trip, it was the heat which provided the challenge, and a lot of the humour too. Jules is a great travelling companion. He’s informative and very funny.
I love that he found quiet corners, instead of visiting the main tourist attractions. The big attractions which he did go to, were a sad disappointment, overrun with so many tourists that their meaning was totally lost. Well, I suppose it was mid-summer!
Often, when I read a travel memoir, I feel that the writer has done the travelling for me, as I can’t travel so much these days. And I was thinking that this time too, enjoying the ride, (without suffering the heat), until we came to the Bernina Express Scenic route. Wow! I want to travel on that train! Thanks for the inspiration, Jules!
April 1, 2021
I loved this book by Jules Brown. It appealed to my sense of humour and was one of those books that had me laughing out loud. I even highlighted some sections so I could go back and have another laugh!
The idea for his trip came while poring over some of his old travel memorabilia and enjoying a glass or two of wine. The plan was hatched and with lots of planning and booking ahead it was all in place. A train trip through Europe covering nine countries in nine days, visit the Capital city and discover something a bit off the beaten track while there. Did it all work out as planned?
What Jules hadn’t factored in was the weather, that year 2019, was a scorcher. It would have been an exhausting schedule at the best of times but the heat made it even more so. Undeterred, he swelters his way through each city, seeking shade, the occasional beer, and the hidden gems each place had to offer. I happily travelled with him taking in all the sights and enjoying his witty commentary and (almost) unfailing sense of humour! There was the rain episode that certainly tried his patience. It’s quite evident how much he loves to travel and observe people and places. It’s an entertaining, informative, and enlightening tale. Thanks for the journey. Highly recommended.
The idea for his trip came while poring over some of his old travel memorabilia and enjoying a glass or two of wine. The plan was hatched and with lots of planning and booking ahead it was all in place. A train trip through Europe covering nine countries in nine days, visit the Capital city and discover something a bit off the beaten track while there. Did it all work out as planned?
What Jules hadn’t factored in was the weather, that year 2019, was a scorcher. It would have been an exhausting schedule at the best of times but the heat made it even more so. Undeterred, he swelters his way through each city, seeking shade, the occasional beer, and the hidden gems each place had to offer. I happily travelled with him taking in all the sights and enjoying his witty commentary and (almost) unfailing sense of humour! There was the rain episode that certainly tried his patience. It’s quite evident how much he loves to travel and observe people and places. It’s an entertaining, informative, and enlightening tale. Thanks for the journey. Highly recommended.
December 11, 2021
Loved it full review to follow
October 8, 2020
Well presented. Attractive blurb. A good trip, and a great book.
I really enjoyed this book by Jules Brown. He has written many travel books, and this is the first I have read. It’s really a mix of travel and memoir-genres I love, and read a lot.
The title, and subtitle, were irresistible to me. Me who is actually not that well-travelled! I love books like this which take you along, without all the stress, and sweat!
The writing is energetic, and fun. He tells of a trip he made last year-July 2019; as well as of an earlier trip, back when he was 18.
I liked the musical references in the book: The Sound of Music, and film ref Back to the Future. Memories come through the writing; of the time, eg. Phil Collins’ ‘In the Air Tonight’. They spark off some of your own memories while you're reading. I like that this isn't just a travel book saying “I went there, I went there, and then I went there”. It's so much more than that. And very entertaining too.
The author keeps old passports, and travel mementos; bits of things with notes on, eg. a travel pass-so I suppose he writes his travel adventures from these. It's 40 years since his first train trip he's echoing. He captures the sounds, sights, and smells. Very interesting, with so much information, told in an energetic and vibrant way, which makes you want to read on.
He starts off on a plane to Berlin, then continues with trains. Itinerary covers: Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, and many more. This trip he’s taking his ipad with him to write on-and good old pen and paper as backup too.
It's not the train-spotty boring type of thing. On the contrary-it’s a really entertaining and fun read travelling along with Jules. I was once given a lift by a friend of a friend who went on train holidays. But he told about them like reciting a load of timetables. That was boring. De der, de der, de der..... No wonder his wife didn't go on his travels with him! But this book does it in a totally different way. A way that makes you want to read on, to know more.
I like how he doesn't claim to know everything, or get it all right, despite being very well travelled, and a writer of those Rough Guides books.
There’s excellent description all the way through. He often made me smile with his observations and remarks. He promises such a tempting title and subtitle, and absolutely delivers. A good trip, and he does make it a fun read with witty interjections now and then, along the way. Not Cool? This book definitely is cool.
I really enjoyed this book by Jules Brown. He has written many travel books, and this is the first I have read. It’s really a mix of travel and memoir-genres I love, and read a lot.
The title, and subtitle, were irresistible to me. Me who is actually not that well-travelled! I love books like this which take you along, without all the stress, and sweat!
The writing is energetic, and fun. He tells of a trip he made last year-July 2019; as well as of an earlier trip, back when he was 18.
I liked the musical references in the book: The Sound of Music, and film ref Back to the Future. Memories come through the writing; of the time, eg. Phil Collins’ ‘In the Air Tonight’. They spark off some of your own memories while you're reading. I like that this isn't just a travel book saying “I went there, I went there, and then I went there”. It's so much more than that. And very entertaining too.
The author keeps old passports, and travel mementos; bits of things with notes on, eg. a travel pass-so I suppose he writes his travel adventures from these. It's 40 years since his first train trip he's echoing. He captures the sounds, sights, and smells. Very interesting, with so much information, told in an energetic and vibrant way, which makes you want to read on.
He starts off on a plane to Berlin, then continues with trains. Itinerary covers: Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, and many more. This trip he’s taking his ipad with him to write on-and good old pen and paper as backup too.
It's not the train-spotty boring type of thing. On the contrary-it’s a really entertaining and fun read travelling along with Jules. I was once given a lift by a friend of a friend who went on train holidays. But he told about them like reciting a load of timetables. That was boring. De der, de der, de der..... No wonder his wife didn't go on his travels with him! But this book does it in a totally different way. A way that makes you want to read on, to know more.
I like how he doesn't claim to know everything, or get it all right, despite being very well travelled, and a writer of those Rough Guides books.
There’s excellent description all the way through. He often made me smile with his observations and remarks. He promises such a tempting title and subtitle, and absolutely delivers. A good trip, and he does make it a fun read with witty interjections now and then, along the way. Not Cool? This book definitely is cool.
September 18, 2020
Over the past few months I have (metaphorically speaking) followed Jules Brown around half the world and into the cosmos with his witty and well written travel guides/memoirs.
Am I addicted? Possibly. Is he a good travel writer? Definitely.
In Not Cool, we follow Jules on a 9 day, 9 country trip through Europe by train. Despite being a seasoned traveller, it appears Mr Brown is no weatherman. Temperatures soar as he travels through central Europe. But whether he is sweltering in a sleeper carriage between Zagreb and Zurich or enjoying the incredible scenery on the Bernina express, eating a first class pizza in Milan or a mightily expensive chocolate cake in Vienna, sleeping in an ex-military prison in Ljubljana or discovering the streets below….. Jules takes us along for the ride with his word pictures, his unfailing humour and his sang-froid… though the latter maybe more sang-chaud by the trip’s end!
Jules Brown’s books are as much about Jules Brown as they are about his destinations and this is a good thing. The more one ‘knows’ someone, the more you are likely to trust their recommendations. On the strength of this book, I have yet more places to add to my ‘must visit’ list. Though maybe I’ll just check the weather forecast before I leave!
Am I addicted? Possibly. Is he a good travel writer? Definitely.
In Not Cool, we follow Jules on a 9 day, 9 country trip through Europe by train. Despite being a seasoned traveller, it appears Mr Brown is no weatherman. Temperatures soar as he travels through central Europe. But whether he is sweltering in a sleeper carriage between Zagreb and Zurich or enjoying the incredible scenery on the Bernina express, eating a first class pizza in Milan or a mightily expensive chocolate cake in Vienna, sleeping in an ex-military prison in Ljubljana or discovering the streets below….. Jules takes us along for the ride with his word pictures, his unfailing humour and his sang-froid… though the latter maybe more sang-chaud by the trip’s end!
Jules Brown’s books are as much about Jules Brown as they are about his destinations and this is a good thing. The more one ‘knows’ someone, the more you are likely to trust their recommendations. On the strength of this book, I have yet more places to add to my ‘must visit’ list. Though maybe I’ll just check the weather forecast before I leave!
November 11, 2020
For my second Non-Fiction November selection, I joined Jules Brown on a 9 country in 9 days train trip across Europe…in the middle of a heatwave. This adventure travels through Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zürich, and Milan.
This is the second work by Jules Brown I’ve read and it delivered in every way. Brown has a wonderful way of interjecting humor into his tales, which I thoroughly enjoy. I tend not to read travel books because they tell a very edited version of the trip, making it sound unreasonably perfect. That is not the case with Brown’s books. Especially not this one! The reader gets the real story. And told in a way that makes the reader feel as though they are enjoying a pint with a good friend, hearing him tell a hilarious story about his summer vacation.
If you’re missing travel as much as I am in the current Covid reality, I highly recommend enjoying this escape.
This is the second work by Jules Brown I’ve read and it delivered in every way. Brown has a wonderful way of interjecting humor into his tales, which I thoroughly enjoy. I tend not to read travel books because they tell a very edited version of the trip, making it sound unreasonably perfect. That is not the case with Brown’s books. Especially not this one! The reader gets the real story. And told in a way that makes the reader feel as though they are enjoying a pint with a good friend, hearing him tell a hilarious story about his summer vacation.
If you’re missing travel as much as I am in the current Covid reality, I highly recommend enjoying this escape.
January 30, 2021
The train trip I desperately needed this year, but couldn’t make myself, for obvious reasons… Funny, sometimes recognisable, and an inspiration for future trips.
October 12, 2020
Jules Brown had a moment of inspiration over a glass (or three) of red wine (and who hasn’t?) to take a trip around Europe by train, reminiscent of a trip he made while an almost-turned 18 year old who had just left school. Using travel-planning apps, Jules plans for everything eventuality—but the weather.
He begins his trip to lovely Berlin by air and then begins his rail trip by local train to the city (or does he?). From then on, it’s trains from one city to another including Vienna, Bratislava, Lubljana, and more with the travel as important as the destination. The weather gets steamier and steamier and a good visit will be judged by the leafy shadiness of the local beer garden. From high tech super train to a train reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s orient express, Jules experiences from the ultimate in luxurious travel to a group of gentlemen who arrive extremely intoxicated and proceed to spray themselves and the “orient express” compartment with alcohol, all the while telling, in their incomprehensible dialect, what Jules surmises to be knock knock jokes, to much hilarity (for them but not their compartment-mate-who escapes the pungent odors and bonhomie of the compartment to the nearest open window).
Jules’ writing is filled with witty observations about the people, hotels, restaurants, and cities he encounters on his voyage. He dives into each city he visits and finds the offbeat sites (except for Berlin where he visits the remnants of “the Wall” and Checkpoint Charlie). After sweating his way through the various Central European cities, with the reader sweating along with him, he turns to reflection on what induced him to be a travel writer (or actually a writer who travels). While I began reading this book for a good travel laugh, I came out having had a much deeper reading experience than expected. I am now inspired to try even more of this type of traveling myself post-pandemic and maybe even a practice a little introspection about my experiences.
He begins his trip to lovely Berlin by air and then begins his rail trip by local train to the city (or does he?). From then on, it’s trains from one city to another including Vienna, Bratislava, Lubljana, and more with the travel as important as the destination. The weather gets steamier and steamier and a good visit will be judged by the leafy shadiness of the local beer garden. From high tech super train to a train reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s orient express, Jules experiences from the ultimate in luxurious travel to a group of gentlemen who arrive extremely intoxicated and proceed to spray themselves and the “orient express” compartment with alcohol, all the while telling, in their incomprehensible dialect, what Jules surmises to be knock knock jokes, to much hilarity (for them but not their compartment-mate-who escapes the pungent odors and bonhomie of the compartment to the nearest open window).
Jules’ writing is filled with witty observations about the people, hotels, restaurants, and cities he encounters on his voyage. He dives into each city he visits and finds the offbeat sites (except for Berlin where he visits the remnants of “the Wall” and Checkpoint Charlie). After sweating his way through the various Central European cities, with the reader sweating along with him, he turns to reflection on what induced him to be a travel writer (or actually a writer who travels). While I began reading this book for a good travel laugh, I came out having had a much deeper reading experience than expected. I am now inspired to try even more of this type of traveling myself post-pandemic and maybe even a practice a little introspection about my experiences.
March 2, 2021
A book to lift your spirits, especially in these days of no travel. Hop on a train with Jules and see Europe. Jules Brown, for no apparent reason other than 'why not', decides to challenge himself to visiting 9 countries and 9 cities in 9 days. He does his preparatory homework with the help of a mysterious Man in seat 61 (don't ask) in order to search out the best alternatives, itineraries, deals. His tales of the different cities, accommodation, sights and sounds kept me rooted to my chair. I loved his attitude towards travel and fully understood his take on the cities. Having had to follow guided itineraries in the past, often in a group, he can now see and do whatever grabs him in the moment. I noted his not yet discarded sense of guilt at doing this! His ability to describe sites and attractions with such humour is bliss for the reader. From start to finish you want to be travelling along and he leaves the final leg, on the Bernini express to end with amazement and then humour as the organised Swiss way of doing things suddenly changes to the, let's say, differently organised Italian style. I fully sympathised with his panic at having to validate the just purchased train ticket, having experienced the same thing myself. I highly recommend this great read!
October 19, 2022
Loved this book. Not usually a type of book I would pick. But I went to a book reading by the author and fell in love with his sense of humour. He has this ability to really take you along with him for the journey but still keep it informative and witty. Would definitely recommend this to my friends and family.
November 5, 2025
This was a hoot! I love train journeys, and had just been on a 4-day train trip across Canada so this book helped extend that holiday feeling. Brown is a clever writer and keen observer, able to share his excitement yet willing to admit some lapses of judgment, such as travelling across Europe in a heatwave. It is travel writing at its most engaging, and made me want to book another train journey right away.
February 8, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this engaging and witty travel memoir by author and travel writer Jules Brown. The book had me chuckling all the way through.
Having finished his long and successful Rough Guides travel writing career, the author decides to re-visit how it all started at the age of 17. The author heads off to explore Europe by train, visiting 9 countries and 9 cities in 9 days. What could possibly go wrong? Umm did someone mention a heatwave?
I liked how the authors writing focused on his experience of rail travel across Europe rather than on rushing around each city ticking off the MUST-SEE top 3 attractions from Trip Advisor.
The authors many years of travel experience comes across well in his writing. The extraordinary amount of time and effort it took to plan and research his trip was really insightful.
I would highly recommend this inspiring travel book.
Having finished his long and successful Rough Guides travel writing career, the author decides to re-visit how it all started at the age of 17. The author heads off to explore Europe by train, visiting 9 countries and 9 cities in 9 days. What could possibly go wrong? Umm did someone mention a heatwave?
I liked how the authors writing focused on his experience of rail travel across Europe rather than on rushing around each city ticking off the MUST-SEE top 3 attractions from Trip Advisor.
The authors many years of travel experience comes across well in his writing. The extraordinary amount of time and effort it took to plan and research his trip was really insightful.
I would highly recommend this inspiring travel book.
June 9, 2021
A great read
I have really enjoyed 'Not Cool: Europe by Train in a Heatwave'. Travel writing at its very best. The sort that makes you want to copy the adventure that the writer has taken you on. Well done Jules Brown and thank you. I will be a fan from here on. I'll be reading your books and blogs save in the knowledge that I'll be entertained.
I have really enjoyed 'Not Cool: Europe by Train in a Heatwave'. Travel writing at its very best. The sort that makes you want to copy the adventure that the writer has taken you on. Well done Jules Brown and thank you. I will be a fan from here on. I'll be reading your books and blogs save in the knowledge that I'll be entertained.
September 2, 2022
I read this at the end of my train holiday to Austria. It was easy to read, fun and I agreed with Jules about what holidays are about. Everyone should have a go at train journey holidays. Thank you for a good read.
October 24, 2021
So funny, guy!
Thank you for writing such a smart and kooky book, my favorite combination . I will read everything you write, okay?
Thank you for writing such a smart and kooky book, my favorite combination . I will read everything you write, okay?
May 10, 2025
Good fun, good tips. Win win.
March 26, 2021
Not Cool: Europe By Train In A Heatwave is a travel guide.
Written by professional travel writer Jules Brown, this is about his journey through nine European countries in nine days during the summer of 2019. He travelled through Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Italy.
I’m not a big fan of cities, so the highlights for me were the rail trips, particularly the Semmering Railway between Vienna and Graz and The Bernina Pass from Switzerland to Italy. I enjoyed reading about the second one the most; the scenic route over the top of the Alps sounded particularly amazing.
In each capital city, Jules had just a few hours to visit the sights and partake in the local food and beer. He sought out some unusual places to visit rather than the main tourist attractions which I appreciated. As a seasoned traveller, Jules had already visited some of the popular attractions in these cities, while the oppressive heat was often a factor in where and what Jules chose to do.
The itinerary is heavily interspersed with Jules’ humour, opinion and life experiences; at times I found that the style smothered the delights of the travel experience, while on other occasions this was easily offset by some very enjoyable descriptive passages about the joys of train travel.
As a travel guide the book contained a sprinkling of travel tips which added to the delight of the rail trips; I can almost see the appeal of Interrailing.
Written by professional travel writer Jules Brown, this is about his journey through nine European countries in nine days during the summer of 2019. He travelled through Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Italy.
I’m not a big fan of cities, so the highlights for me were the rail trips, particularly the Semmering Railway between Vienna and Graz and The Bernina Pass from Switzerland to Italy. I enjoyed reading about the second one the most; the scenic route over the top of the Alps sounded particularly amazing.
In each capital city, Jules had just a few hours to visit the sights and partake in the local food and beer. He sought out some unusual places to visit rather than the main tourist attractions which I appreciated. As a seasoned traveller, Jules had already visited some of the popular attractions in these cities, while the oppressive heat was often a factor in where and what Jules chose to do.
The itinerary is heavily interspersed with Jules’ humour, opinion and life experiences; at times I found that the style smothered the delights of the travel experience, while on other occasions this was easily offset by some very enjoyable descriptive passages about the joys of train travel.
As a travel guide the book contained a sprinkling of travel tips which added to the delight of the rail trips; I can almost see the appeal of Interrailing.
July 13, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable whistlestop tour of Europe
Jules Brown’s book paints a vivid picture of a train journey across Europe during a record-breaking heatwave. With his customary humour, keen eye for detail, and knack for storytelling, he brings to life the places he visits and the characters he meets.
9 capital cities in 9 days, while navigating unpredictable transportation systems, leaves little time to see the sights. Of course, travelling by train, the story is as much about the journey as the destination, but the short sojourns make the author very selective.
These days, identical, identikit Instagram travel experiences are the norm. Jules’ quest for quirky one-off experiences that capture the essence, or give a different view, was refreshing. I’ve visited some of the cities, and really enjoyed a different perspective on something familiar.
As a professional travel writer, the author shares valuable insights throughout. Plus, if you ever plan a trans-European rail itinerary, there is one game-changing piece of information you’ll thank him for forever!
I enjoyed the author’s other books, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this one. I finished it wanting more, and keen to add new destinations to my bucket list.
Number one is the Bernina Express!
.I received a free copy of this book as a prize in a competition, but am voluntarily leaving my own unbiased review because I loved this book and highly recommend you read it.
Jules Brown’s book paints a vivid picture of a train journey across Europe during a record-breaking heatwave. With his customary humour, keen eye for detail, and knack for storytelling, he brings to life the places he visits and the characters he meets.
9 capital cities in 9 days, while navigating unpredictable transportation systems, leaves little time to see the sights. Of course, travelling by train, the story is as much about the journey as the destination, but the short sojourns make the author very selective.
These days, identical, identikit Instagram travel experiences are the norm. Jules’ quest for quirky one-off experiences that capture the essence, or give a different view, was refreshing. I’ve visited some of the cities, and really enjoyed a different perspective on something familiar.
As a professional travel writer, the author shares valuable insights throughout. Plus, if you ever plan a trans-European rail itinerary, there is one game-changing piece of information you’ll thank him for forever!
I enjoyed the author’s other books, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this one. I finished it wanting more, and keen to add new destinations to my bucket list.
Number one is the Bernina Express!
.I received a free copy of this book as a prize in a competition, but am voluntarily leaving my own unbiased review because I loved this book and highly recommend you read it.
February 5, 2025
It’s still so funny!
I’d read the story before, and I had even watched Jules read the story dead pan on a YouTube video…but I still howled with laughter as Jules got off the plane in Berlin and got on the first train of his meticulously planned trip by rail across Europe…and did not arrive in the City of Berlin!
It was a major feat of planning to travel to nine European cities, many capitals of their own country, in just nine days. He was off to Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zurich and Milan.
That is if he could find Berlin first!
Google says “going in circles” equals…“going nowhere fast”…I think it took Jules an hour and a half to do that on that first train!
Was the challenge doable? Read all about it! Another highly entertaining read! Recommend
I’d read the story before, and I had even watched Jules read the story dead pan on a YouTube video…but I still howled with laughter as Jules got off the plane in Berlin and got on the first train of his meticulously planned trip by rail across Europe…and did not arrive in the City of Berlin!
It was a major feat of planning to travel to nine European cities, many capitals of their own country, in just nine days. He was off to Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zurich and Milan.
That is if he could find Berlin first!
Google says “going in circles” equals…“going nowhere fast”…I think it took Jules an hour and a half to do that on that first train!
Was the challenge doable? Read all about it! Another highly entertaining read! Recommend
September 29, 2022
Drily hilarious or… hilariously dry?!
I haven’t smirked or giggled this much whilst reading a book in a (sadly) very long time!
The author provides an incredibly humorous yet also informative, in a non lecturing manner, take on his European rail trip. I felt like I was actually traveling with him at times!
I highly recommend this book if you want an easy read filled with humour and quick witted observations on the places he visits.
N.B. I NEVER leave book reviews so that may sway you to read this but could equally be reflective of my mean spirited nature of not being bothered to leave reviews good or bad.
I haven’t smirked or giggled this much whilst reading a book in a (sadly) very long time!
The author provides an incredibly humorous yet also informative, in a non lecturing manner, take on his European rail trip. I felt like I was actually traveling with him at times!
I highly recommend this book if you want an easy read filled with humour and quick witted observations on the places he visits.
N.B. I NEVER leave book reviews so that may sway you to read this but could equally be reflective of my mean spirited nature of not being bothered to leave reviews good or bad.
August 16, 2021
Train journeys? I love them! This book is well written and so full of wit and humour that I laughed out loud in many places. I know what it’s like to breathe soup (often through a blanket where I live!)
Travel isn’t all about ticking off the famous tourist sites, but stumbling across something unusual or quirky, as the author can confirm, and thanks to Jules my bucket list has grown. Ljubljana (what a lovely name,) and a trip on the Bernina Express, to name just a couple!
I wanted his train journeys to be 90 days, not 9.
Now I’m a fan, I can’t wait to get my hands on his other books!
Travel isn’t all about ticking off the famous tourist sites, but stumbling across something unusual or quirky, as the author can confirm, and thanks to Jules my bucket list has grown. Ljubljana (what a lovely name,) and a trip on the Bernina Express, to name just a couple!
I wanted his train journeys to be 90 days, not 9.
Now I’m a fan, I can’t wait to get my hands on his other books!
July 22, 2023
fun steam through Europe
I laughed out loud, and sent an excerpt to my daughter… both good signs.
I dislike this sort of trip myself (I prefer to stay in one place for two weeks and find a favorite bar and find a thrift shop.) but it was way less stressful to read about Jules complicated schedule. And definitely funnier when things went wrong (although those are always the best bits to tell). An enjoyable read!
I laughed out loud, and sent an excerpt to my daughter… both good signs.
I dislike this sort of trip myself (I prefer to stay in one place for two weeks and find a favorite bar and find a thrift shop.) but it was way less stressful to read about Jules complicated schedule. And definitely funnier when things went wrong (although those are always the best bits to tell). An enjoyable read!
December 31, 2022
Join Jules on his Odysseus of Europe.
I don't usually read travel books. Look up about places I will be visiting but that's it. This book was a joy to read and I laughed and chuckled my way though all these countries with Jules.
Having done some of the journeys in the book I will agree that the Bernina Express is a must take journey.
I don't usually read travel books. Look up about places I will be visiting but that's it. This book was a joy to read and I laughed and chuckled my way though all these countries with Jules.
Having done some of the journeys in the book I will agree that the Bernina Express is a must take journey.
June 3, 2024
Not the worst travel book I've ever read, but it was more like a holiday diary than a real adventure - as the author is the first to admit. The humour sometimes works, sometimes doesn't - the tone is decidedly jaunty - but the chapters on some of the less well-known destinations, such as Bratislava, work well.
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