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Monkeys on the Road: One family's vanlife adventure south in search of a simpler life
A family road trip adventure from California to Argentina, finishing up just a few months ago in mid-2021!
"Monkeys on the Road is primarily a heart-warming family travel memoir full of nail-biting adventures, but also weaves in educational snippets about local history and exotic animal encounters, commentary on cultural differences, and realizations about happiness and gratefulness."
After a decade in the corporate rat race, Mary was ready for a change. Too much stress and not enough time with her family left her feeling that her priorities were all wrong. So she and her husband quit their jobs, pulled their six-year-old daughter out of school, and moved into an old camper van.
They planned to take a year off to drive south in search of a simpler life. What followed were three and a half years of heart-warming personal encounters, breath-taking wilderness campsites, and occasionally terrifying situations…
...In Mexico, an angry mob surrounded them on a remote road and threatened them with rocks, but just a few hours later, a local family welcomed them into their home, sharing everything they had.
...While barreling down the highway in Colombia, their van’s battery exploded, filling their home-on-wheels with noxious fumes. Then the engine died entirely while parked in no-man’s-land between Ecuador and Peru, leaving them stranded for a month in a tiny border town.
...They learned first-hand about South American politics when they got caught among thousands of Venezuelan refugees trying to cross the Colombian border, and again when a revolution erupted around them in Bolivia and trapped them in the capital city among protests and road blocks.
...And they got caught in one of the world's strictest COVID quarantines in Argentina, living for over a year in a small mountain town there.
Join them on these and other adventures in this feel-good read about a family trying to find their place in the world.
"Monkeys on the Road is primarily a heart-warming family travel memoir full of nail-biting adventures, but also weaves in educational snippets about local history and exotic animal encounters, commentary on cultural differences, and realizations about happiness and gratefulness."
After a decade in the corporate rat race, Mary was ready for a change. Too much stress and not enough time with her family left her feeling that her priorities were all wrong. So she and her husband quit their jobs, pulled their six-year-old daughter out of school, and moved into an old camper van.
They planned to take a year off to drive south in search of a simpler life. What followed were three and a half years of heart-warming personal encounters, breath-taking wilderness campsites, and occasionally terrifying situations…
...In Mexico, an angry mob surrounded them on a remote road and threatened them with rocks, but just a few hours later, a local family welcomed them into their home, sharing everything they had.
...While barreling down the highway in Colombia, their van’s battery exploded, filling their home-on-wheels with noxious fumes. Then the engine died entirely while parked in no-man’s-land between Ecuador and Peru, leaving them stranded for a month in a tiny border town.
...They learned first-hand about South American politics when they got caught among thousands of Venezuelan refugees trying to cross the Colombian border, and again when a revolution erupted around them in Bolivia and trapped them in the capital city among protests and road blocks.
...And they got caught in one of the world's strictest COVID quarantines in Argentina, living for over a year in a small mountain town there.
Join them on these and other adventures in this feel-good read about a family trying to find their place in the world.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2021
189 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Mary Hollendoner
1 book24 followersMary is passionate about travel and the outdoors. Originally from England, she moved to California for its rock climbing and sunshine, worked a season on the Yosemite Search and Rescue team, but then ended up climbing the corporate ladder at Google for a decade to fund her travel obsession.
She has bicycled across Central America, motorcycled across Mexico, driven the length of Australia, and backpacked around Europe, S.E. Asia, and Africa – all as a prelude to the epic drive through the Americas that is the subject of this book.
She’s written for travel, climbing, and retirement magazines, and this is her first foray into a full-length book.
She has bicycled across Central America, motorcycled across Mexico, driven the length of Australia, and backpacked around Europe, S.E. Asia, and Africa – all as a prelude to the epic drive through the Americas that is the subject of this book.
She’s written for travel, climbing, and retirement magazines, and this is her first foray into a full-length book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 1, 2021
Monkeys on the Road is the amazing story of one family’s journey from California, USA down through Mexico and into Central America, then South America in a van, which they use to live in as well as travel. They set off in 2017 and complete their travels due to Covid in 2021. There are three of them, Lilly, their daughter, is elementary school aged, and I couldn’t help wondering how my own family would have managed living in such a small space and deal with homeschooling. They have some fantastic adventures along the way, swimming with whale sharks (wow - I would love to do that!) visiting a turtle sanctuary, occasionally teaching local children, being eaten alive by bugs and trying all kinds of local foods and drinks. The maps and photos included in this book really bring the journey to life and give it an extra special feel and there are many fabulous photographs included on the accompanying website. I applaud people who take on daunting, yet exciting travel plans with young children - I used to worry about simple journeys such as travelling back to England on a plane when my two were young! Lilly is an adaptable and resourceful child and befriends many children and animals along the way including a donkey and a chicken named Jonathan. Mary’s book is very well written, with a warm and welcoming style. Her tongue-in-cheek, light-hearted approach to such tedious necessities as border crossings had me chuckling, and I am still cringing from the episode with the ant river. They overcame many scary situations, including earthquakes, evacuation due to fire, a political revolution and a Covid lockdown in Argentina. There are also plenty of exciting cliffhangers which entice you to keep on reading and I found it a very difficult book to put down! This part had me sitting on the edge of my seat:
“Crack! I fall to the ground and roll around in the dirt on my back, clutching my hands tight to my head as if trying to hold the skull together. I hear John’s voice calling urgently as if from a distance, “Where are you?” and then the sound of running feet coming closer. I peer through my tightly clasped fingers to see two men rushing toward me out of the darkness, each carrying a long, shiny gun. This is not how I envisioned our first night in El Salvador.”
I would urge anyone who loves travel memoirs, or just feels like a change of scene, to read Monkeys on the Road. I guarantee you will enjoy your journey with this family and might even learn something about the cultures and history of the locations along the way!
“Crack! I fall to the ground and roll around in the dirt on my back, clutching my hands tight to my head as if trying to hold the skull together. I hear John’s voice calling urgently as if from a distance, “Where are you?” and then the sound of running feet coming closer. I peer through my tightly clasped fingers to see two men rushing toward me out of the darkness, each carrying a long, shiny gun. This is not how I envisioned our first night in El Salvador.”
I would urge anyone who loves travel memoirs, or just feels like a change of scene, to read Monkeys on the Road. I guarantee you will enjoy your journey with this family and might even learn something about the cultures and history of the locations along the way!
March 24, 2024
Expected a little more. 2.5 stars. Travelogue of Mary, her husband John, and daughter Lilly, where parents quit their jobs and take a 3+ year travel from California through Central and South America.
Encountering different cultures and different language dialects along with physical and natural landscapes was interesting, but the general writing and point of view led me to lower this to just ok status.
This is not a trip I'd want to take, though visiting some parts of each country with be nice.
Encountering different cultures and different language dialects along with physical and natural landscapes was interesting, but the general writing and point of view led me to lower this to just ok status.
This is not a trip I'd want to take, though visiting some parts of each country with be nice.
October 27, 2021
An amazing adventure.
I really loved this book detailing a family's travels between 2017 and 2021.
They were proposing to drive 30 thousand miles, across 20 countries. Daughter Lilly is just 6 years old at the time. Their adventure has taken years of planning. Exciting-yet scary; a big change, naturally there would be cold feet, as they'd both quit their jobs, and rented out their house. A risk, but it could be an adventure of a lifetime.
They had a nice house, she had a good job-but the stress that goes with that, too. She yearns for a carefree adventure without deadlines etc. More quality time together as a family.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and admire people who can completely change their normal routine, and just do it! Very inspirational, a great adventure.
There's great description of everything they encounter-foods/landscapes etc. Not just travels seeking sun, warmer climes etc-eg. they volunteer teaching English in Guatemala.
It's fast-moving, and very informative. They're integrating with the locals, learning their customs, and about, and how to cook some of their foods. You feel like you're journeying with them. There's an easy, conversational style to the book. There's a map of every leg of the trip at the start of each chapter.
So many wonderful experiences. The trip of a lifetime. Not just a ‘we went here, we went there’-plenty of adventures and unpredictable happenings along the way. They see lots of creatures, up close. There's masses of information in here, it really is a joy to read. So well-observed, and beautifully described.
A wonderful travel memoir with some rich experiences. How rewarding to have done this.
I really loved this book detailing a family's travels between 2017 and 2021.
They were proposing to drive 30 thousand miles, across 20 countries. Daughter Lilly is just 6 years old at the time. Their adventure has taken years of planning. Exciting-yet scary; a big change, naturally there would be cold feet, as they'd both quit their jobs, and rented out their house. A risk, but it could be an adventure of a lifetime.
They had a nice house, she had a good job-but the stress that goes with that, too. She yearns for a carefree adventure without deadlines etc. More quality time together as a family.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and admire people who can completely change their normal routine, and just do it! Very inspirational, a great adventure.
There's great description of everything they encounter-foods/landscapes etc. Not just travels seeking sun, warmer climes etc-eg. they volunteer teaching English in Guatemala.
It's fast-moving, and very informative. They're integrating with the locals, learning their customs, and about, and how to cook some of their foods. You feel like you're journeying with them. There's an easy, conversational style to the book. There's a map of every leg of the trip at the start of each chapter.
So many wonderful experiences. The trip of a lifetime. Not just a ‘we went here, we went there’-plenty of adventures and unpredictable happenings along the way. They see lots of creatures, up close. There's masses of information in here, it really is a joy to read. So well-observed, and beautifully described.
A wonderful travel memoir with some rich experiences. How rewarding to have done this.
February 5, 2022
This was such an adventure for me! Talk about being able to travel along with this remarkable couple and their young daughter–I really felt like I was there with them.
I never like to retell the whole book's theme but let's just say Mary and John show us how to leave behind corporate stressful lives and set out on a journey to fulfill their dream of driving from California to the tip of South America. Mary is an amazingly clear writer, her language evokes beautiful (and tragic) images so well. I have a list of countries I need to visit now that they paved the way by seeing them first.
I highly recommend this book!
I never like to retell the whole book's theme but let's just say Mary and John show us how to leave behind corporate stressful lives and set out on a journey to fulfill their dream of driving from California to the tip of South America. Mary is an amazingly clear writer, her language evokes beautiful (and tragic) images so well. I have a list of countries I need to visit now that they paved the way by seeing them first.
I highly recommend this book!
April 8, 2024
Interesting story
The writing style was descriptive and easy to read. Just the right amount of non English terms were used and described.
I would have preferred a better balance in the first half of the book between good and bad events along the way.
This book did not inspire my to seek out overland travel, but I can appreciate the moral of having gratitude for the simple things in life, no matter where you live or visit.
The writing style was descriptive and easy to read. Just the right amount of non English terms were used and described.
I would have preferred a better balance in the first half of the book between good and bad events along the way.
This book did not inspire my to seek out overland travel, but I can appreciate the moral of having gratitude for the simple things in life, no matter where you live or visit.
April 23, 2024
This was a cute quick read about a family and their unusual trip through North and South America over a couple years. There was a lot of interesting parts and the differences between all the Central and South American cultures was significant. Although it sounds quite dangerous to do this trip, they met many, many families that welcomed them in and gave them food and solace. This was great to hear. Seems like the most dangerous part of the trip was rock climbing and going to the middle of the jungle to climb hidden cities with their small child. They spoke the language and of course the dad was there, so I am sure that helped, but it does seem like they got off “easy” by not being victims of even small crime. The border crossing bureaucracy issues sounded awful though.
April 20, 2024
A nice story of the family's adventures through Central and South America. I would've liked to hear more about the places they visited, at some points during the book, the author would just make a short mention of a really cool or historically important location, and that was it. But, I have to remind myself that this book was written by the author so she could share her favorite and most memorable moments from the trip and the people they met along the way. More pictures in the book would have been cool as well, but I liked going through them on the website since they were in color. Kudos to the family for having the courage to uproot their whole lives to do a major trip like this, and see so much of the world. Gives me the urge to travel more!
February 10, 2022
Monkeys On The Road is a travelogue about a family of three: John, Mary and six-year-old Lilly, who travel thirty thousand miles from California to Argentina in a 20-year-old Ford E350 diesel van.
Initially it was to be a one year trip which turned into three and a half years. They were hoping to find a new place that they might be able to settle in and call home, away from the pressures of Silicon Valley and high-pressure living in their part of California. They also wanted more family time with Lilly before she grew up.
Mary spent a long time planning the trip and had past experience camping and travelling in various places around the world. John was an ex-firefighter and was used to wild camping so they did have some travel experience backing them up.
First stop was Mexico which had recently suffered a large earthquake and more worryingly violence against tourists. However, they headed to the Baja California Peninsula and wild camped on beaches and visited a turtle sanctuary. When they crossed to mainland Mexico, it was here that they saw the shocking results of the earthquake. They went to Belize then into Guatemala. Ever since they saw the post-earthquake distress in Mexico, Mary wanted to do some volunteer work to help the local people and in Guatemala they were able to spend some time teaching English classes during their eight weeks in the country.
They spent four months in Costa Rica enjoying the wildlife. It has more wild animals than the other Central American countries because the government sets aside protected land for them and it is illegal to keep a wild animal as a pet. Many American ex-pats have made their homes in Costa Rica and there was more wealth and higher living expenses than many of the other countries in Central America.
In other parts of the book, I really enjoyed their three week trip to the Galapagos Islands and how they did it on a budget. I was also interested in their time in Peru where they enjoyed ancient ruins and the Andean mountains. Bolivia was frightening when they were stuck during a revolution, while Argentina was so different after their worries in Bolivia, but then Covid struck the world. They were able to reach Patagonia but their journey ended when they were forced to leave Argentina. Finally Mary describes their re-entry into America during the pandemic and where they have settled for the moment, although she already has one eye on their next adventure.
This book was a delight to read, it flowed smoothly and I was interested in every detail of their trip. I didn’t want the book or their journey to end. They’ve gone to places that have been a joy to read about as an armchair traveller. If you love travelogues, then I thoroughly recommend it.
Initially it was to be a one year trip which turned into three and a half years. They were hoping to find a new place that they might be able to settle in and call home, away from the pressures of Silicon Valley and high-pressure living in their part of California. They also wanted more family time with Lilly before she grew up.
Mary spent a long time planning the trip and had past experience camping and travelling in various places around the world. John was an ex-firefighter and was used to wild camping so they did have some travel experience backing them up.
First stop was Mexico which had recently suffered a large earthquake and more worryingly violence against tourists. However, they headed to the Baja California Peninsula and wild camped on beaches and visited a turtle sanctuary. When they crossed to mainland Mexico, it was here that they saw the shocking results of the earthquake. They went to Belize then into Guatemala. Ever since they saw the post-earthquake distress in Mexico, Mary wanted to do some volunteer work to help the local people and in Guatemala they were able to spend some time teaching English classes during their eight weeks in the country.
They spent four months in Costa Rica enjoying the wildlife. It has more wild animals than the other Central American countries because the government sets aside protected land for them and it is illegal to keep a wild animal as a pet. Many American ex-pats have made their homes in Costa Rica and there was more wealth and higher living expenses than many of the other countries in Central America.
In other parts of the book, I really enjoyed their three week trip to the Galapagos Islands and how they did it on a budget. I was also interested in their time in Peru where they enjoyed ancient ruins and the Andean mountains. Bolivia was frightening when they were stuck during a revolution, while Argentina was so different after their worries in Bolivia, but then Covid struck the world. They were able to reach Patagonia but their journey ended when they were forced to leave Argentina. Finally Mary describes their re-entry into America during the pandemic and where they have settled for the moment, although she already has one eye on their next adventure.
This book was a delight to read, it flowed smoothly and I was interested in every detail of their trip. I didn’t want the book or their journey to end. They’ve gone to places that have been a joy to read about as an armchair traveller. If you love travelogues, then I thoroughly recommend it.
January 17, 2022
This memoir is on the top of my list of best non-fiction books ever. I enjoyed every chapter with a visit to a new country. The knowledge that I gained about the native people and the geography and history of each country is amazing. I highly recommended this book to everyone.
November 18, 2021
An amazing adventure.
I really loved this book detailing a family's travels between 2017 and 2021.
They were proposing to drive 30 thousand miles, across 20 countries. Daughter Lilly is just 6 years old at the time. Their adventure has taken years of planning. Exciting-yet scary; a big change, naturally there would be cold feet, as they'd both quit their jobs, and rented out their house. A risk, but it could be an adventure of a lifetime.
They had a nice house, she had a good job-but the stress that goes with that, too. She yearns for a carefree adventure without deadlines etc. More quality time together as a family.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and admire people who can completely change their normal routine, and just do it! Very inspirational, a great adventure.
There's great description of everything they encounter-foods/landscapes etc. Not just travels seeking sun, warmer climes etc-eg. they volunteer teaching English in Guatemala.
It's fast-moving, and very informative. They're integrating with the locals, learning their customs, and about, and how to cook some of their foods. You feel like you're journeying with them. There's an easy, conversational style to the book. There's a map of every leg of the trip at the start of each chapter.
So many wonderful experiences. The trip of a lifetime. Not just a ‘we went here, we went there’-plenty of adventures and unpredictable happenings along the way. They see lots of creatures, up close. There's masses of information in here, it really is a joy to read. So well-observed, and beautifully described.
A wonderful travel memoir with some rich experiences. How rewarding to have done this.
I really loved this book detailing a family's travels between 2017 and 2021.
They were proposing to drive 30 thousand miles, across 20 countries. Daughter Lilly is just 6 years old at the time. Their adventure has taken years of planning. Exciting-yet scary; a big change, naturally there would be cold feet, as they'd both quit their jobs, and rented out their house. A risk, but it could be an adventure of a lifetime.
They had a nice house, she had a good job-but the stress that goes with that, too. She yearns for a carefree adventure without deadlines etc. More quality time together as a family.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and admire people who can completely change their normal routine, and just do it! Very inspirational, a great adventure.
There's great description of everything they encounter-foods/landscapes etc. Not just travels seeking sun, warmer climes etc-eg. they volunteer teaching English in Guatemala.
It's fast-moving, and very informative. They're integrating with the locals, learning their customs, and about, and how to cook some of their foods. You feel like you're journeying with them. There's an easy, conversational style to the book. There's a map of every leg of the trip at the start of each chapter.
So many wonderful experiences. The trip of a lifetime. Not just a ‘we went here, we went there’-plenty of adventures and unpredictable happenings along the way. They see lots of creatures, up close. There's masses of information in here, it really is a joy to read. So well-observed, and beautifully described.
A wonderful travel memoir with some rich experiences. How rewarding to have done this.
November 8, 2021
Absolutely fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable!
This story of an intrepid couple of rock climbing junkies setting off on the road trip of a lifetime through central and south America – with their six-year-old daughter in tow – kept me completely enthralled. It’s primarily a feel-good family road trip memoir full of nail-biting adventures, but also weaves in educational snippets about local history and exotic animal encounters, commentary on cultural differences, and realizations about happiness. Traveling, living and bonding as a family, through difficult border crossings, mechanical difficulties and civil unrest, they survived and thrived in country after country. It’s an optimistic and heart-warming tale, but replete with details about home-schooling, language barriers and bureaucracy that ground you in the realities of their situation. Whether it was navigating high mountain passes, the beauty and generosity they encountered or the fascinating glimpses into so many different cultures, I devoured every page. Hats off to them, too – they are far braver than I, to risk being stranded in some of the world’s most remote locations with a van that wasn’t always cooperative! And to throw themselves so wholeheartedly into the communities they met, even if it meant winding up FAR outside their collective comfort zone! And even having the, ah, gumption, to set out on such an epic adventure… I guess that’s what happens when people who hang thousands of feet up sheer cliff faces for fun take on the idea of life on the road… Thrilling stuff. 5 stars.
This story of an intrepid couple of rock climbing junkies setting off on the road trip of a lifetime through central and south America – with their six-year-old daughter in tow – kept me completely enthralled. It’s primarily a feel-good family road trip memoir full of nail-biting adventures, but also weaves in educational snippets about local history and exotic animal encounters, commentary on cultural differences, and realizations about happiness. Traveling, living and bonding as a family, through difficult border crossings, mechanical difficulties and civil unrest, they survived and thrived in country after country. It’s an optimistic and heart-warming tale, but replete with details about home-schooling, language barriers and bureaucracy that ground you in the realities of their situation. Whether it was navigating high mountain passes, the beauty and generosity they encountered or the fascinating glimpses into so many different cultures, I devoured every page. Hats off to them, too – they are far braver than I, to risk being stranded in some of the world’s most remote locations with a van that wasn’t always cooperative! And to throw themselves so wholeheartedly into the communities they met, even if it meant winding up FAR outside their collective comfort zone! And even having the, ah, gumption, to set out on such an epic adventure… I guess that’s what happens when people who hang thousands of feet up sheer cliff faces for fun take on the idea of life on the road… Thrilling stuff. 5 stars.
December 26, 2021
Mary and her husband are tired of the corporate lifestyle in California so they decide to take a year off, buy a van and drive to the tip of South America. Oh, and take their six year old daughter out of school, and homeschool her along the way. What follows is a charming and fascinating account of their travels. From deserted beaches to crowded cities, driving up mountain tracks and along deserted highways, the one constant is the kindness and generosity of strangers to this foreign family. I loved the descriptions of the places, people and animals they discovered along the way. Mary is passionate about monkeys, so they feature a lot. I also loved the way they looked for every opportunity to volunteer, paying back some of the hospitality they received. It's amazing how the people with the least are the ones who want to give the most, and this is a lesson Mary wants to take with her. I can't recommend this book enough, it's such an enjoyable read, and I hope to read more from Mary in the future.
May 7, 2023
I'm always amazed and yet full of admiration for people who give up their job and comfortable life and go travelling. The author, her husband and daughter Lilly embarked on the trip of a lifetime. And what a road trip it was, from California through Central America and South America and one which lasted several years. This intrepid family travelled in a converted van, living closely together and enjoying many wonderful adventures. They also encountered some problems with Vancito, troublesome border crossings and a few dangerous situations.
It's a fascinating travelogue with lots of historical information and details of more than a few local cultures. It's an eye opener that they were frequently made welcome and treated so kindly by people who had very little. What an experience for Lilly who was home schooled or enrolled in a local school when their travels were halted by Covid! It's a heartwarming memoir of an adventurous and loving family. Hats off to them! May their adventures continue.
It's a fascinating travelogue with lots of historical information and details of more than a few local cultures. It's an eye opener that they were frequently made welcome and treated so kindly by people who had very little. What an experience for Lilly who was home schooled or enrolled in a local school when their travels were halted by Covid! It's a heartwarming memoir of an adventurous and loving family. Hats off to them! May their adventures continue.
October 29, 2021
A fascinating journey through central and south America. What an adventure this family had. From deserted beaches in Baja California to armed guards in San Salvador, hospitable locals and noisy howler monkeys, sharks and bats, freedom and lockdown, they saw and learned so much on this journey and none more so than daughter Lilly. From age six at the beginning of this book to nine by the end, Lilly’s growth was, for me, the most fascinating and wonderful aspect of a fabulous book. Wow! What an amazing education she had and how much more important and life affirming than a stuffy schoolroom. This sort of journey should be compulsory for all.
Mary herself interacted with all sorts of people during their journey. As she says, speaking fluent Spanish helped, as did having a child in children-loving Latin America but, the whole family also had that special gift…of listening to others and of being genuinely interested in others lives and histories, and that means much more.
Mary herself interacted with all sorts of people during their journey. As she says, speaking fluent Spanish helped, as did having a child in children-loving Latin America but, the whole family also had that special gift…of listening to others and of being genuinely interested in others lives and histories, and that means much more.
April 27, 2022
TRAVELOGUE SET ACROSS CENTRA AND SOUTH AMERICA
3.5*
In 2017 Mary Hollendoner, husband John, and six year old daughter Lilly set off on a three year road trip from California down through Mexico and into South America. They complete the journey in southern Argentina. They travel in a specially converted (by John) VW van that doubles as transport and their home. There are, of course, many adventures along the way… They rush through some countries that are politically or violently dangerous, dawdle and wild camp by amazing beaches and volcanos in others, and positively grind to a halt in some.
They spend months in both Ecuador and Costa Rica – places identified before the journey commenced as possible long term places to live away from the bustle of California. Lilly is largely home schooled throughout the trip – but is enrolled in local schools for ‘proper classes’ in both Ecuador and Costa Rica. Life is at times pretty idyllic, but at other times it is not. The van inevitably breaks down on more than one occasion – and parts have to be flown in from the States. And then, of course, there are the equally inevitable medical problems. What, though, comes through repeatedly, is the hospitality of strangers. Locals offer help without charge, and invite them into their homes to share food and conversation. People with very little share what they do have.
What, I guess, is especially interesting for much of the world who maybe lump South America together as one entity, is the enormous differences between the various countries. We Europeans clearly recognise the great divides on our continent between, say, ultra liberal Sweden and the largely illiberal Hungary. I’m not sure we make the same distinctions for South America. Yes, most people possibly know that they speak Portuguese in Brazil and Spanish everywhere else – but probably not much more than that. It is seen as a continent of corruption, dictators, and dodgy politics. Some of it may well be, but an awful lot is not. Costa Rica, for example, is a world leader in conservation and living alongside the natural world. Peru is host to some of the finest civilisations of all time.
Reading Monkeys on the Road is a totally positive and uplifting experience. It is the story of three years in the life of one amazing family. The book is self published and, I feel, could have benefited a little from some more professional editing. For example, some of the quite long descriptions of the hospitality the family receives are a bit ‘samey’ and an outside eye could have reduced and distinguished them a little.
But this is only a small niggle. The book as a whole is a brilliant read and evidence that humans can positively interact across cultures and varying fortunes.
3.5*
In 2017 Mary Hollendoner, husband John, and six year old daughter Lilly set off on a three year road trip from California down through Mexico and into South America. They complete the journey in southern Argentina. They travel in a specially converted (by John) VW van that doubles as transport and their home. There are, of course, many adventures along the way… They rush through some countries that are politically or violently dangerous, dawdle and wild camp by amazing beaches and volcanos in others, and positively grind to a halt in some.
They spend months in both Ecuador and Costa Rica – places identified before the journey commenced as possible long term places to live away from the bustle of California. Lilly is largely home schooled throughout the trip – but is enrolled in local schools for ‘proper classes’ in both Ecuador and Costa Rica. Life is at times pretty idyllic, but at other times it is not. The van inevitably breaks down on more than one occasion – and parts have to be flown in from the States. And then, of course, there are the equally inevitable medical problems. What, though, comes through repeatedly, is the hospitality of strangers. Locals offer help without charge, and invite them into their homes to share food and conversation. People with very little share what they do have.
What, I guess, is especially interesting for much of the world who maybe lump South America together as one entity, is the enormous differences between the various countries. We Europeans clearly recognise the great divides on our continent between, say, ultra liberal Sweden and the largely illiberal Hungary. I’m not sure we make the same distinctions for South America. Yes, most people possibly know that they speak Portuguese in Brazil and Spanish everywhere else – but probably not much more than that. It is seen as a continent of corruption, dictators, and dodgy politics. Some of it may well be, but an awful lot is not. Costa Rica, for example, is a world leader in conservation and living alongside the natural world. Peru is host to some of the finest civilisations of all time.
Reading Monkeys on the Road is a totally positive and uplifting experience. It is the story of three years in the life of one amazing family. The book is self published and, I feel, could have benefited a little from some more professional editing. For example, some of the quite long descriptions of the hospitality the family receives are a bit ‘samey’ and an outside eye could have reduced and distinguished them a little.
But this is only a small niggle. The book as a whole is a brilliant read and evidence that humans can positively interact across cultures and varying fortunes.
November 30, 2021
Mary and John did what for many people is only ever a dream: opting out of careers in tech for #vanlife and a multi-year adventure from Yosemite to Patagonia with their 6-yr old daughter.
This is different from many of the other adventure memoirs I've read that tend to be feats of strength or endurance: riding bikes across a continent etc. Those accounts often have to convey tales of brutal monotony and courage in the face of weeks of grinding hardship in a way that somehow manages to be interesting. Here Mary gets to pick only the most fascinating parts of a huge multi-year multi-country adventure, and there are plenty: both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. No boring bits :)
Part of me wants to use this as an inspirational travel checklist, and it certainly is that. Assuming of course that you can handle the most off-the-beaten-track version of travel where there are no guides, very few plans, and generally a great willingness to follow what may or may not be a passable road over the well-traveled routes.
But what really stands out is not the sights. Mary reaches a point that I've occasionally got to in travelling where you don't really care about more cities, or rocks, or ruins, or gorges, or rivers, or whatever, and just want to hang out with cool people. And what I totally believe from this book and my own travelling experience is that to find interesting people you can just turn up and be super friendly with whoever you encounter. It's also true that the people with the least will give the most and find joy in the giving: time, food, shelter, love.
Other things I learned about traveling overland in South America: borders with a vehicle can be crazy stressful and complicated, it's essential to have good Spanish, and you'd better be a mechanic. Oh, and a global pandemic will constantly redefine what you thought your travel experience was going to be.
Loved it!
This is different from many of the other adventure memoirs I've read that tend to be feats of strength or endurance: riding bikes across a continent etc. Those accounts often have to convey tales of brutal monotony and courage in the face of weeks of grinding hardship in a way that somehow manages to be interesting. Here Mary gets to pick only the most fascinating parts of a huge multi-year multi-country adventure, and there are plenty: both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. No boring bits :)
Part of me wants to use this as an inspirational travel checklist, and it certainly is that. Assuming of course that you can handle the most off-the-beaten-track version of travel where there are no guides, very few plans, and generally a great willingness to follow what may or may not be a passable road over the well-traveled routes.
But what really stands out is not the sights. Mary reaches a point that I've occasionally got to in travelling where you don't really care about more cities, or rocks, or ruins, or gorges, or rivers, or whatever, and just want to hang out with cool people. And what I totally believe from this book and my own travelling experience is that to find interesting people you can just turn up and be super friendly with whoever you encounter. It's also true that the people with the least will give the most and find joy in the giving: time, food, shelter, love.
Other things I learned about traveling overland in South America: borders with a vehicle can be crazy stressful and complicated, it's essential to have good Spanish, and you'd better be a mechanic. Oh, and a global pandemic will constantly redefine what you thought your travel experience was going to be.
Loved it!
November 30, 2021
Phenomenal travelogue
It is a narrative nonfiction travel memoir about driving through Latin America. This book includes the family’s adventures, life learnings, travel photos, van life and travel map of their route.
Each chapter is well-written. A delightful read with nuggets of information and history about each place she has been to.
The author paints a word portrait of everything she sees along with the personal experiences, some dangerous, some surreal and bizarre situations. She manages to bring across the uniqueness and flavour of each destination.
I loved reading about the search of turtles with the Asupmatoma employees, the reality of living in a jungle, the kindness of strangers, earthquakes, escape scenarios and change from van life to lockdown.
Their adventures are just like life - you never know what's around the corner, nevertheless, you are ready to take it head-on. She inspires us to travel into the unknown and embrace simplicity.
It is a narrative nonfiction travel memoir about driving through Latin America. This book includes the family’s adventures, life learnings, travel photos, van life and travel map of their route.
Each chapter is well-written. A delightful read with nuggets of information and history about each place she has been to.
The author paints a word portrait of everything she sees along with the personal experiences, some dangerous, some surreal and bizarre situations. She manages to bring across the uniqueness and flavour of each destination.
I loved reading about the search of turtles with the Asupmatoma employees, the reality of living in a jungle, the kindness of strangers, earthquakes, escape scenarios and change from van life to lockdown.
Their adventures are just like life - you never know what's around the corner, nevertheless, you are ready to take it head-on. She inspires us to travel into the unknown and embrace simplicity.
February 3, 2022
A couple who love outdoor sports and their 6 yr old daughter take off on what was to be a one year trip in a van down California heading into South America. The trip was so wonderful it actually lasted several years and went all the way to Patagonia. Most of the trip was in areas with dirt roads, small villages and people willing to help and share anything they had. Homeschooling and seeing sites none of her friends will ever see and never fazed by any of them—well maybe one—Lily rolled with the punches. Fires, lockdowns, revolutions, earthquakes you name it they lived it. I found it wasn’t a book I had to rush thru but when I had nothing to do could pick it up and continue enjoying it. I am sure I wouldn’t do it but glad they shared their adventure with us. I recommend reading this interesting memoir.
February 15, 2022
What a fun, honest, and inspiring book. Mary, John, and Lilly leave their traditional California life behind and enjoy a three-year journey through Central and South America, making friends and having adventures along the way.
I really enjoy travelogues and Monkeys on the Road was the best I've ever read (sorry Bill Bryson). Mary writes with a combination of humor, wit, and keen observation that makes the pages fly by. It's not only that their adventure that is so unique, it's how Mary tells the story and makes the reader feel as if they are there with her. You can't help but be entranced by each new turn and root for this amazing family.
I finished the book inspired by Mary, John, and Lilly and the people that they met. This is a book that will stay with you in a good way.
Highly recommend!
I really enjoy travelogues and Monkeys on the Road was the best I've ever read (sorry Bill Bryson). Mary writes with a combination of humor, wit, and keen observation that makes the pages fly by. It's not only that their adventure that is so unique, it's how Mary tells the story and makes the reader feel as if they are there with her. You can't help but be entranced by each new turn and root for this amazing family.
I finished the book inspired by Mary, John, and Lilly and the people that they met. This is a book that will stay with you in a good way.
Highly recommend!
December 3, 2021
As I read through this family's journey from Yosemite to Patagonia, I felt like I traveled with them. I have traveled solo through Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Argentina. I was able to relive a lot of these places - the best travel books do this.
This book is not only about a family's adventure through different lands, but also a journey through different people and culture. Mary keeps contrasting her family's life with other families they make friends with and this makes the book far more interesting than just another travel adventure.
This book is not only about a family's adventure through different lands, but also a journey through different people and culture. Mary keeps contrasting her family's life with other families they make friends with and this makes the book far more interesting than just another travel adventure.
December 10, 2021
Loved book
I loved your book Mary, and after speaking to Tony Slater who recommended it and asked me to review it, here is my review.
You kept me reading and enthralled all the way through. Keep travelling and please keep me updated on your new books.
I loved your book Mary, and after speaking to Tony Slater who recommended it and asked me to review it, here is my review.
You kept me reading and enthralled all the way through. Keep travelling and please keep me updated on your new books.
December 2, 2021
A travelogue that not just opens up possibilities for aspiring travellers but offers a perspective from the intersection of different worlds.
A family of three, mother, father, and a 6-year-old child, set off to cover 20 countries in a converted van. The book comes when many of us have been starved of travels and social interactions due to the pandemic.
So, if you are planning to step out of the protective cocoons of your homes gradually and wonder what kind of travel you might like, consider this adventurous option of driving around in a van, camping near serene, peaceful locations across South America, and meeting the beautiful people of the land.
A detailed review is coming up on The Sunday Book Club blog.
A family of three, mother, father, and a 6-year-old child, set off to cover 20 countries in a converted van. The book comes when many of us have been starved of travels and social interactions due to the pandemic.
So, if you are planning to step out of the protective cocoons of your homes gradually and wonder what kind of travel you might like, consider this adventurous option of driving around in a van, camping near serene, peaceful locations across South America, and meeting the beautiful people of the land.
A detailed review is coming up on The Sunday Book Club blog.
January 2, 2022
Great read!
What an adventure! Mary keeps the reader invested in the family's outcome while tying together highlights, lowlights, insights and humor from several years on the road. So well written and very touching. Thanks for sharing this piece of your family's life!
What an adventure! Mary keeps the reader invested in the family's outcome while tying together highlights, lowlights, insights and humor from several years on the road. So well written and very touching. Thanks for sharing this piece of your family's life!
April 18, 2022
This was the first interesting memoir about a specific trip that I read way before the due date. I actually read it to gain some tips into writing my memoir, which is over a longer period of time.
I liked how she had notes or lessons learned or the history or political strife information at the end of the chapter. I wish she had done it for each of the chapters though to stay consistent. Sometimes she uses last names but mostly does not; this might be so that they do not know or because she did not know their last name. There is a sprinkling of Spanish words throughout, some of which are explained.
She does go back and forth between metric and English measurements, sometime just having the meters or kilometers, which is hard for some of us to figure out. 4,000 m is obviously high up, but I do not want to use a converter to figure it out while reading.
I love the pictures in the book, and especially the maps showing their routes. I made sure to bookmark those pages so that I could go back to them while reading the chapter.
There were a few informal language words as well as a few contractions.
However, the main takeaways for me were these quotes:
“starting to learn that constant change is the essence of vanlife”
“more effective to make small changes that increase your daily happiness than to plan one big thing that will give you temporary high levels of happiness.”
“It’s one thing that I miss about constant travel–the deep relationships that are impossible to foster when we’re never in the same place for more than a few days or weeks.”
This last one, the deep relationships they could have fostered but because of bad timing, political strife, and COVID pandemic, they were unable to achieve. The end of the book seems anticlimactic. I had assumed they would find a country to become expats but instead, they moved to Utah, a place that has no beaches but great climbing seven hours away. I just hoped they would do something different. They settled on a place where there were good schools and good work opportunities, but I felt let down a little. COVID though, changed everyone’s plans, so I understand.
Overall, it was a great book and I hope the family enjoys looking back on their vanlife adventure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked how she had notes or lessons learned or the history or political strife information at the end of the chapter. I wish she had done it for each of the chapters though to stay consistent. Sometimes she uses last names but mostly does not; this might be so that they do not know or because she did not know their last name. There is a sprinkling of Spanish words throughout, some of which are explained.
She does go back and forth between metric and English measurements, sometime just having the meters or kilometers, which is hard for some of us to figure out. 4,000 m is obviously high up, but I do not want to use a converter to figure it out while reading.
I love the pictures in the book, and especially the maps showing their routes. I made sure to bookmark those pages so that I could go back to them while reading the chapter.
There were a few informal language words as well as a few contractions.
However, the main takeaways for me were these quotes:
“starting to learn that constant change is the essence of vanlife”
“more effective to make small changes that increase your daily happiness than to plan one big thing that will give you temporary high levels of happiness.”
“It’s one thing that I miss about constant travel–the deep relationships that are impossible to foster when we’re never in the same place for more than a few days or weeks.”
This last one, the deep relationships they could have fostered but because of bad timing, political strife, and COVID pandemic, they were unable to achieve. The end of the book seems anticlimactic. I had assumed they would find a country to become expats but instead, they moved to Utah, a place that has no beaches but great climbing seven hours away. I just hoped they would do something different. They settled on a place where there were good schools and good work opportunities, but I felt let down a little. COVID though, changed everyone’s plans, so I understand.
Overall, it was a great book and I hope the family enjoys looking back on their vanlife adventure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2021
Rock climbers Mary, John, and their six-year-old daughter Lily, anxious to leave their stress-filled life behind, decide to quit their jobs and head off on a journey through Mexico, Central America, and finally the vastness of South America. As they near their departure date, Mexico is experiencing unprecedented murderous violence, hurricanes, and finally a record-shattering earthquake. Should they stay in the safety of the U.S. or head off on their adventure?
John turns the key, starts their beloved van, and off they go on their epic journey through multiple countries and cultures so different from each other and their own. From camping on beaches in Baja California, sleeping on a village’s plaza, rock climbing in the Andes, and visiting off-the-beaten-path Incan ruins, Mary’s writing draws the reader into the epic adventure.
Planning to be gone for one year, their trip extends to three years. They encounter animals such as a tiny mouse making its home in their van, howler monkeys, bats, and whale sharks. They also make instant connections with hospitable humans who welcome them into their homes and generously share what little they have with the family. While they travel on their odyssey, they meet refugees from political and social unrest on another sort of journey altogether. Then, they are faced with the terrible reality of the Covid epidemic and must choose whether to stay in place or return home.
When I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. It pulled me in, and I felt as if I were traveling along with them. It is fascinating to see the growth and change in the family. It is intriguing to visit the exotic locales that are somehow so near yet so far away from this American reader. I can’t wait for the next installment to find out what adventures they have next!
John turns the key, starts their beloved van, and off they go on their epic journey through multiple countries and cultures so different from each other and their own. From camping on beaches in Baja California, sleeping on a village’s plaza, rock climbing in the Andes, and visiting off-the-beaten-path Incan ruins, Mary’s writing draws the reader into the epic adventure.
Planning to be gone for one year, their trip extends to three years. They encounter animals such as a tiny mouse making its home in their van, howler monkeys, bats, and whale sharks. They also make instant connections with hospitable humans who welcome them into their homes and generously share what little they have with the family. While they travel on their odyssey, they meet refugees from political and social unrest on another sort of journey altogether. Then, they are faced with the terrible reality of the Covid epidemic and must choose whether to stay in place or return home.
When I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. It pulled me in, and I felt as if I were traveling along with them. It is fascinating to see the growth and change in the family. It is intriguing to visit the exotic locales that are somehow so near yet so far away from this American reader. I can’t wait for the next installment to find out what adventures they have next!
June 12, 2024
An Entertaining Account of an Epic Trip
"Monkeys on the Road" is a captivating tale of an epic van life adventure, where the author, her husband, and 6-year-old daughter navigate the Americas more or less from top to bottom.
The book summarises three and a half years of travel through two continents, so the detail is light and the narrative focuses on the highlights – and lowlights – of the trip.
These include terrifying outbreaks of political unrest, and mechanical failures at the most inopportune moments. The book is an honest portrayal of van life, which highlights the unexpected moments of beauty found in the most unlikely places as well as the practicalities of living on the move. The family’s resourcefulness in the face of adversity is inspiring – they even have to resort to smuggling at one point!
The family was in search of something new, away from the pressures of modern life in the USA. I liked the fact they settled in some places for a time and gave back to the communities who showed them such kindness – for example, teaching in Costa Rica and volunteering in a monkey sanctuary. I enjoyed the reflections, which highlighted the transformative nature of travel, particularly an extended trip of this nature.
When you pare away everything and live with the bare necessities, you really find out what matters and in this book, you will find some real wisdom. Certainly, the family learned a lot about themselves and I especially enjoyed the reflections at the end.
If you want to discover the realities of van life, or just enjoy reading about travel, this is the book for you.
I received a copy of this book as a prize in a competition, but this is my honest and unbiased review.
"Monkeys on the Road" is a captivating tale of an epic van life adventure, where the author, her husband, and 6-year-old daughter navigate the Americas more or less from top to bottom.
The book summarises three and a half years of travel through two continents, so the detail is light and the narrative focuses on the highlights – and lowlights – of the trip.
These include terrifying outbreaks of political unrest, and mechanical failures at the most inopportune moments. The book is an honest portrayal of van life, which highlights the unexpected moments of beauty found in the most unlikely places as well as the practicalities of living on the move. The family’s resourcefulness in the face of adversity is inspiring – they even have to resort to smuggling at one point!
The family was in search of something new, away from the pressures of modern life in the USA. I liked the fact they settled in some places for a time and gave back to the communities who showed them such kindness – for example, teaching in Costa Rica and volunteering in a monkey sanctuary. I enjoyed the reflections, which highlighted the transformative nature of travel, particularly an extended trip of this nature.
When you pare away everything and live with the bare necessities, you really find out what matters and in this book, you will find some real wisdom. Certainly, the family learned a lot about themselves and I especially enjoyed the reflections at the end.
If you want to discover the realities of van life, or just enjoy reading about travel, this is the book for you.
I received a copy of this book as a prize in a competition, but this is my honest and unbiased review.
February 28, 2022
Monkeys on the Road is the kind of book where, when you read it, you feel the need to move. It will make you itch for travel, to explore and experience the world.
Written in an informal, conversational style, you’ll feel like you’re hearing Mary’s story over coffee or beer in some cosy cafe. It’s full of humorous moments, surprises — a day spent helping baby turtles make their way to the ocean almost turns sour when they learn that the adorable crabs on the same beach like to drag baby turtles into their lairs for dinner — and incredible experiences. I definitely experienced travel envy while reading this book!
Don’t get me wrong: this sort of story comes from a place of privilege and few of us have the luxury of quitting our day jobs to travel overland indefinitely across multiple continents! But vicariously we can read about it and some of the pitfalls that come with near-boundless opportunity. The feeling of listening to a friend tell her story, her sense of humour and wonder on every page, and in such a down-to-earth way does make me feel like this is something I could handle, anyone could handle.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing is honest, vivid and emotional. You’ll feel like you’re there, experiencing everything alongside Mary, John and daughter Lilly (plus the additional and possibly most important character, Vancito). You’ll read it, and you’ll go to an online map, and you’ll look at the cost of tents, and you’ll imagine yourself following in their tyre tracks. And you’ll see a bit of the world through their eyes that maybe you hadn’t seen before.
Thanks to RABT Book Tours for the review copy!
Written in an informal, conversational style, you’ll feel like you’re hearing Mary’s story over coffee or beer in some cosy cafe. It’s full of humorous moments, surprises — a day spent helping baby turtles make their way to the ocean almost turns sour when they learn that the adorable crabs on the same beach like to drag baby turtles into their lairs for dinner — and incredible experiences. I definitely experienced travel envy while reading this book!
Don’t get me wrong: this sort of story comes from a place of privilege and few of us have the luxury of quitting our day jobs to travel overland indefinitely across multiple continents! But vicariously we can read about it and some of the pitfalls that come with near-boundless opportunity. The feeling of listening to a friend tell her story, her sense of humour and wonder on every page, and in such a down-to-earth way does make me feel like this is something I could handle, anyone could handle.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing is honest, vivid and emotional. You’ll feel like you’re there, experiencing everything alongside Mary, John and daughter Lilly (plus the additional and possibly most important character, Vancito). You’ll read it, and you’ll go to an online map, and you’ll look at the cost of tents, and you’ll imagine yourself following in their tyre tracks. And you’ll see a bit of the world through their eyes that maybe you hadn’t seen before.
Thanks to RABT Book Tours for the review copy!
March 12, 2025
The book is a memoir or travel journal written by Mary, which gives a view of her family’s 3 1/2 year van life adventure from Southern California through Mexico, Central and South America until Covid brings an abrupt end to the journey. Her husband John and herself quit their stressful Silicon Valley jobs and with their young daughter Lilly in tow, set off for a simpler life.
The journey brings them face to face with different cultures, and different languages while exploring the various landscapes and environments. They find themselves camping in their van on remote beaches, on mountain tops and everywhere in between, meeting people from various walks of life leading them to consider other ways of maintaining a simpler life and finding joy daily in small experiences. They face multiple difficulties along the way including natural disasters (earthquakes, forest fires…), protests and government upheavals, mechanical problems with the van, and also maneuver the logistics of visas and multiple border crossings.
I admire the family, making the decision and trusting that it would work out, overcoming the challenges they faced along the way and the amazing once in a lifetime experiences they shared. Places they visited and stayed intrigued me and are places I would enjoy visiting, but the nearly four year adventure as a whole is not one I would undertake, which makes reading the experience enjoyable.
The journey brings them face to face with different cultures, and different languages while exploring the various landscapes and environments. They find themselves camping in their van on remote beaches, on mountain tops and everywhere in between, meeting people from various walks of life leading them to consider other ways of maintaining a simpler life and finding joy daily in small experiences. They face multiple difficulties along the way including natural disasters (earthquakes, forest fires…), protests and government upheavals, mechanical problems with the van, and also maneuver the logistics of visas and multiple border crossings.
I admire the family, making the decision and trusting that it would work out, overcoming the challenges they faced along the way and the amazing once in a lifetime experiences they shared. Places they visited and stayed intrigued me and are places I would enjoy visiting, but the nearly four year adventure as a whole is not one I would undertake, which makes reading the experience enjoyable.
April 24, 2025
I felt I was living vicariously through Mary and her family as they took on the adventure of travelling from California all the way to Patagonia in South America. It was no small feat to take on this trip as Mary did plenty of research to be sure that they were travelling the safest route possible with their 6 year old daughter.
Lots of planning went into their what started as a year long adventure but due to their love for the freedom of travel and immersing themselves in different cultures, they ended up extending their trip to last over three years.
Their trip left them dealing with unavailable auto parts, struggles with local languages, hours of lines waiting to go through customs to leave one border and enter another country. Covid 19 added its own challenges, civil unrest and riots were other challenges they faced.
This is a very eye opening book. I can imagine the affect a trip like this would leave on you and how many questions it would raise in how we lead our lives and the bigger question of what does a person really need to live a balanced life.
You won't want to put this book down.
Lots of planning went into their what started as a year long adventure but due to their love for the freedom of travel and immersing themselves in different cultures, they ended up extending their trip to last over three years.
Their trip left them dealing with unavailable auto parts, struggles with local languages, hours of lines waiting to go through customs to leave one border and enter another country. Covid 19 added its own challenges, civil unrest and riots were other challenges they faced.
This is a very eye opening book. I can imagine the affect a trip like this would leave on you and how many questions it would raise in how we lead our lives and the bigger question of what does a person really need to live a balanced life.
You won't want to put this book down.
February 13, 2022
Enjoyed the story and adventure, but the writing was a bit simplistic. If I wasn't so fascinated by the bravery of the journey and didn't have my strong interest in Central/South America it would've been harder to keep reading. One thing that really stood out for me after reading this book is the message that because people are poorer doesn't mean they have less. I saw such a stark contrast in how so many Americans come home after work and isolate in our own homes while the majority just sit around and watch TV compared to the locals of the countries they traveled through. It was common in most of the developing counties for the people to gather together with extended family and neighbors for dinner, relying on one another, eating, drinking, and laughing rather than retreating to their own homes. The fact that many of their homes were single rooms with dirt floors pushed them outside into these social communal gatherings, but they gained a richness there we have lost.
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