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South Pacific Shenanigans #4
The Anticlockwise Proposal: A Travel Adventure Around the World in Eighty Diamonds
When Simon embarks on an around-the-world quest to find the perfect engagement ring , he has no idea he’ll re-enact a celebrity double murder, check into a Chinese torture facility, star as James Bond in an underwater movie and take part in an opium den toilet-paper hunt. As he fights off Cantonese Pavarottis, Chihuahua-brandishing socialites, dodgy diamond dealers and hen-pecked secret agents, will he ever persuade his girlfriend to accept his proposal, or will he have to abandon his plans and remain a bachelor forever?
- GenresTravelMemoirNonfiction
264 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2022
16 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Simon Michael Prior
14 books35 followersSimon Michael Prior experiences constant adventures, hazards and exciting situations as a marine rescue skipper and a commander of rescue operations.
Although Simon is absolutely nothing like Murph, Redcliff Marine Rescue’s burly, grumpy coxswain, many of the scenes in his stories are inspired by events he encounters during his duties.
Simon has also lived on two boats and sunk one of them; sold houses, street signs, Indian food and paper bags for a living; visited almost fifty countries and lived in three; qualified as a scuba diving instructor; nearly killed himself learning to wakeboard and built his own house without the benefit of an instruction manual.
He now lives in it by the sea with his wife and twin daughters, where he spends his time regurgitating his experiences on paper before he has so many more that he forgets them.
Although Simon is absolutely nothing like Murph, Redcliff Marine Rescue’s burly, grumpy coxswain, many of the scenes in his stories are inspired by events he encounters during his duties.
Simon has also lived on two boats and sunk one of them; sold houses, street signs, Indian food and paper bags for a living; visited almost fifty countries and lived in three; qualified as a scuba diving instructor; nearly killed himself learning to wakeboard and built his own house without the benefit of an instruction manual.
He now lives in it by the sea with his wife and twin daughters, where he spends his time regurgitating his experiences on paper before he has so many more that he forgets them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 24, 2023
I’ve read the previous three books in Simon's South Pacific Shenanigans series and this book does not disappoint - in fact if anything, it goes up into a higher gear introducing an even greater intriguing level of suspense and mystery: not only concerning the engagement ring to be sourced to seal the relationship of this international couple, but the escapade it culminates in with a certain Lucy the dog. As with the author’s previous three books, this is extremely well-written and the reader accompanies Simon in every twist and turn of his journey, vividly experiencing the sights, smells and sounds of the places he visits. The reader feels every tendril of tension as problems and difficulties are encountered in the author’s travels. There are many laugh-out-loud moments along the way, which offset the tension bubbling underneath the story, and Simon’s colourful characterisations of the people he meets are masterful: it’s like the reader is meeting the people right alongside him. Another brilliant memoir. Hope there’ll be more to come!
March 26, 2023
A RING QUEST, A ROM-COM AND A RACE AGAINST TIME!
There are no Black Riders or Orcs in this ring quest but the journey is equally perilous and fraught with danger at every stage. Bikini-clad sirens, a freeloading patrician, a conniving slumlady, unscrupulous goldsmiths—will any succeed in luring our hero to his moral or financial demise?
The characters’ appearances, though fleeting, make lasting impressions on the reader thanks to cleverly well-placed, punchy dialogue and assorted amusing foibles which makes each of them memorably unique. Hairy moments and hilarious incidents are recounted with empathy and evocation. The Anticlockwise Proposal is a fun, feel-good, fast-paced read.
There are no Black Riders or Orcs in this ring quest but the journey is equally perilous and fraught with danger at every stage. Bikini-clad sirens, a freeloading patrician, a conniving slumlady, unscrupulous goldsmiths—will any succeed in luring our hero to his moral or financial demise?
The characters’ appearances, though fleeting, make lasting impressions on the reader thanks to cleverly well-placed, punchy dialogue and assorted amusing foibles which makes each of them memorably unique. Hairy moments and hilarious incidents are recounted with empathy and evocation. The Anticlockwise Proposal is a fun, feel-good, fast-paced read.
December 13, 2022
I was sent an arc by the author - thank you, Simon!
The fourth installment in the South Pacific Shenanigans series does not in any way disappoint. The characters are crazier, the escapades funnier and the stakes are higher, since life altering decisions are on the line!
Simon has to return to the UK, via Australia and Hong Kong, in order to renew his visa, which will allow him to continue living in New Zealand with his girlfriend Fiona, and he is considering his options for the future. Is their life with Fiona’s parents and limited income really right for them? He thinks Fiona would prefer to live in London if her visa had not run out the previous year. Simon’s mate Tommo, a serial womanizer who may well have shares in McDonalds, meets him in Brisbane and wonders why they are not yet married if they’ve been together two years. This sows a seed in Simon’s subconscious and soon after we find him searching for jewellry shops wherever he goes. But will he be able to find a suitably fabulous engagement ring among the snobbery of London’s Hatton Garden, the fake jewels of Hong Kong and the ridiculous prices of Los Angeles? Along the way of course Simon meets many interesting characters and has his fair share of adventures, including travelling by sampan with a headmistress type who manipulates him into paying her share, recreating OJ Simpson’s getaway dash with a mysterious man he met while diving in Australia and being saved by Kylie, the angelic nurse who comes to his rescue when he thinks he might die from the pain of an ear infection.
His encounter with a massive huntsman spider terrified me and an episode with a waterbed had me laughing out loud - as did many other stories from the trip.
Highly recommended!
The fourth installment in the South Pacific Shenanigans series does not in any way disappoint. The characters are crazier, the escapades funnier and the stakes are higher, since life altering decisions are on the line!
Simon has to return to the UK, via Australia and Hong Kong, in order to renew his visa, which will allow him to continue living in New Zealand with his girlfriend Fiona, and he is considering his options for the future. Is their life with Fiona’s parents and limited income really right for them? He thinks Fiona would prefer to live in London if her visa had not run out the previous year. Simon’s mate Tommo, a serial womanizer who may well have shares in McDonalds, meets him in Brisbane and wonders why they are not yet married if they’ve been together two years. This sows a seed in Simon’s subconscious and soon after we find him searching for jewellry shops wherever he goes. But will he be able to find a suitably fabulous engagement ring among the snobbery of London’s Hatton Garden, the fake jewels of Hong Kong and the ridiculous prices of Los Angeles? Along the way of course Simon meets many interesting characters and has his fair share of adventures, including travelling by sampan with a headmistress type who manipulates him into paying her share, recreating OJ Simpson’s getaway dash with a mysterious man he met while diving in Australia and being saved by Kylie, the angelic nurse who comes to his rescue when he thinks he might die from the pain of an ear infection.
His encounter with a massive huntsman spider terrified me and an episode with a waterbed had me laughing out loud - as did many other stories from the trip.
Highly recommended!
December 11, 2022
How can I do anything but praise Simon's books? After I read each one, I swear the next one can't be as good, and each time he proves me wrong. This is a departure from the three previous books in the series, as Simon is traveling alone. If he wants to stay in New Zealand with Fiona, he has to travel back to the UK to get a permanent visa. As he is doing it as cheaply as possible, this entails stopovers in several countries, and they can't afford for both of them to travel. From diving in Australia with a lothario friend, sightseeing in Hong Kong with an elderly British lady who attaches herself to him, to staying in LA with a mysterious acquaintance who causes him a certain amount of trouble, Simon has one thing on his mind - the quest for the perfect engagement ring. Will he find the ring? Will Fiona want to marry him? You'll enjoy finding out in this most entertaining book. I loved it, and I'm looking forward to the next in this fabulous series.
I was given an ARC copy of this book, but this is my unbiased opinion.
I was given an ARC copy of this book, but this is my unbiased opinion.
January 24, 2023
Can Simon Michael Prior even set foot outside his home without landing in some sort of jam—or at least an unusual (and often hilarious) circumstance?
Fortunately for his readers, it seems not.
In the previous three installments of his “South Pacific Shenanigans” series, Prior stalked the queen of Tonga, got stranded on a desert island, ate beetle larvae, and posed for publicity photos with a cow, among other adventures. Now, it’s close encounters with kangaroos, a dinner plate-sized spider named Sweetykins, a drug-sniffing dog, and more, all in the process of traveling around the world to clear up visa problems before returning to New Zealand and his beloved Fiona, with whom he’s spent the past two years.
Almost everyone he encounters and converses with long enough to make known his devotion to Fiona offers some version of the same advice: “About time you tied the knot.”
Prior doesn’t disagree, but finding the perfect ring with which to carry out the perfect bent-knee proposal upon his return proves to be another of Simon’s marvelously entertaining misadventures.
Fortunately for his readers, it seems not.
In the previous three installments of his “South Pacific Shenanigans” series, Prior stalked the queen of Tonga, got stranded on a desert island, ate beetle larvae, and posed for publicity photos with a cow, among other adventures. Now, it’s close encounters with kangaroos, a dinner plate-sized spider named Sweetykins, a drug-sniffing dog, and more, all in the process of traveling around the world to clear up visa problems before returning to New Zealand and his beloved Fiona, with whom he’s spent the past two years.
Almost everyone he encounters and converses with long enough to make known his devotion to Fiona offers some version of the same advice: “About time you tied the knot.”
Prior doesn’t disagree, but finding the perfect ring with which to carry out the perfect bent-knee proposal upon his return proves to be another of Simon’s marvelously entertaining misadventures.
February 10, 2023
Well, what a read. I thoroughly enjoyed The Anticlockwise Proposal. I didn’t want to stop reading, I wanted, no, needed to find out what happened next.
The author’s narrative brought back memories of my travels to some of the places he visited in this book. I loved HK, my cable car trip up to Victoria Peak, the sampan ride, but at least I didn’t eat a gastro inducing meal, but I’m pretty sure I bought a “not real” emerald ring.
I really want to know who Richard is, FBI? Maybe! US President’s bodyguards? Who is he??
This is the first book of Simon’s I have read but won’t be the last.
The author’s narrative brought back memories of my travels to some of the places he visited in this book. I loved HK, my cable car trip up to Victoria Peak, the sampan ride, but at least I didn’t eat a gastro inducing meal, but I’m pretty sure I bought a “not real” emerald ring.
I really want to know who Richard is, FBI? Maybe! US President’s bodyguards? Who is he??
This is the first book of Simon’s I have read but won’t be the last.
February 4, 2023
Is 5 Stars All I Get? WARNING ⚠️
OMG! Monty Python and Mr.Bean plus the Pomegranate Busker all combined in a trip around the world! What more could you possibly ask for? Remember he met the Queen of Tonga! Does he make it? Will he make it? And What does She say? Be ready to read it through because you can't stop.
OMG! Monty Python and Mr.Bean plus the Pomegranate Busker all combined in a trip around the world! What more could you possibly ask for? Remember he met the Queen of Tonga! Does he make it? Will he make it? And What does She say? Be ready to read it through because you can't stop.
January 24, 2023
Simon Michael Prior awakened all of my senses in this fabulous book as it transported me to different countries I long to visit. I can still taste the chicken and rice Simon ate in Hong Kong. But unlike Simon, my brain warned me it might cause intestinal issues. Glad I was armchair surfing, so I didn’t have to join Simon when he faced the repercussions later.
In Australia, Simon shares his adventures with his longtime friend, Tommo, who I’m dying to meet. I’ve got to see this man’s ute for myself. There is never a dull moment in The Anticlockwise Proposal. You don’t even need to read the other three books in the series first, as this book stands alone. But trust me, after reading this, you will have no choice but to read the others as you laugh and fall in love with the author’s writing style.
In Australia, Simon shares his adventures with his longtime friend, Tommo, who I’m dying to meet. I’ve got to see this man’s ute for myself. There is never a dull moment in The Anticlockwise Proposal. You don’t even need to read the other three books in the series first, as this book stands alone. But trust me, after reading this, you will have no choice but to read the others as you laugh and fall in love with the author’s writing style.
February 4, 2023
Simon Michael Prior is a clever narrator who knows how to make even ordinary events entertaining. I found this a well-written and fun read about his enforced round-the-world world trip to renew his New Zealand visa in London before heading back to his new home via the USA. An added theme to his journey is his quest to find the perfect engagement ring for his girlfriend, a search that seems to be fraught with challenges.
There are plenty of charming moments in the book as well as numerous amusing incidents. However, life becomes more interesting the further he goes and the events that take place in California, his last stop, add a whole new element of tension to his arrival back home. This is a light, easy read with a strong feel-good element; it fits in very well with the other books in the series, which I’ve also enjoyed.
There are plenty of charming moments in the book as well as numerous amusing incidents. However, life becomes more interesting the further he goes and the events that take place in California, his last stop, add a whole new element of tension to his arrival back home. This is a light, easy read with a strong feel-good element; it fits in very well with the other books in the series, which I’ve also enjoyed.
January 24, 2023
A Laugh-Out-Loud Round-The-World Jaunt in Pursuit of Romance
If you’re looking for a hilarious, fast-paced white-knuckle ride around the world in pursuit of romance, you’ve found it.
The course of true love never did run smooth, especially when it involves the border force.
In order to stay with his beloved Fiona in New Zealand, Simon had to leave. Constrained by a budget that dictated the need to travel solo, he was forced to circumnavigate the globe to get a Kiwi visa. However, being parted from Fiona soon set him on a course to seek the most impressive engagement ring that money (a limited amount of) could buy. But would Fiona say yes?
Budget travel has a tendency to throw up odd challenges. Between friends old and new encountered during layovers in Australia, the back streets of Hong Kong, London, and Los Angeles, Simon certainly clocks up more than his fair share of outlandish adventures. His wonderful way with words and witty observations capture this masterfully, and made me laugh out loud in so many places. The chapters are short, fast paced, and always end on a cliffhanger, which makes you want to keep reading, although the biggest cliffhanger of all comes at the end.
The author’s dream proposal didn’t work out entirely as planned, but in a million round-the-world trips, anticlockwise or otherwise, I guarantee you will never guess quite how.
If you’re looking for a hilarious, fast-paced white-knuckle ride around the world in pursuit of romance, you’ve found it.
The course of true love never did run smooth, especially when it involves the border force.
In order to stay with his beloved Fiona in New Zealand, Simon had to leave. Constrained by a budget that dictated the need to travel solo, he was forced to circumnavigate the globe to get a Kiwi visa. However, being parted from Fiona soon set him on a course to seek the most impressive engagement ring that money (a limited amount of) could buy. But would Fiona say yes?
Budget travel has a tendency to throw up odd challenges. Between friends old and new encountered during layovers in Australia, the back streets of Hong Kong, London, and Los Angeles, Simon certainly clocks up more than his fair share of outlandish adventures. His wonderful way with words and witty observations capture this masterfully, and made me laugh out loud in so many places. The chapters are short, fast paced, and always end on a cliffhanger, which makes you want to keep reading, although the biggest cliffhanger of all comes at the end.
The author’s dream proposal didn’t work out entirely as planned, but in a million round-the-world trips, anticlockwise or otherwise, I guarantee you will never guess quite how.
January 24, 2023
How many Continents did I travel through from New Zealand to the UK?
If Simon wants to stay in New Zealand with Fiona, he has to obtain a permanent visa, he has to travel back to the UK alone as they cannot afford for them both to go. This entails stopping over in different countries as he is doing this as cheaply as possible. Renewing old friendships and forging new ones, Simon takes us on his adventure through Australia.
Diving with his friend, sightseeing in Hong Kong, to a stay in Los Angeles, and onwards to stay with his Dad in the UK. All the while he misses Fiona dreadfully and tries to procure the perfect engagement ring at the right price so that he can propose to his beloved on his return to New Zealand. Simon certainly had his fair share of adventure, he had me laughing out loud on many occasions.
Will he find the perfect ring? What will Fiona's answer be?........you will have to read this adventure-packed book to find out.
Thank you, Simon, for a truly entertaining read and I look forward to your next adventures.
My review title is the question posed by Simon in his competition. I was lucky enough to win an ARC copy of this book. This is my unbiased and honest review.
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If Simon wants to stay in New Zealand with Fiona, he has to obtain a permanent visa, he has to travel back to the UK alone as they cannot afford for them both to go. This entails stopping over in different countries as he is doing this as cheaply as possible. Renewing old friendships and forging new ones, Simon takes us on his adventure through Australia.
Diving with his friend, sightseeing in Hong Kong, to a stay in Los Angeles, and onwards to stay with his Dad in the UK. All the while he misses Fiona dreadfully and tries to procure the perfect engagement ring at the right price so that he can propose to his beloved on his return to New Zealand. Simon certainly had his fair share of adventure, he had me laughing out loud on many occasions.
Will he find the perfect ring? What will Fiona's answer be?........you will have to read this adventure-packed book to find out.
Thank you, Simon, for a truly entertaining read and I look forward to your next adventures.
My review title is the question posed by Simon in his competition. I was lucky enough to win an ARC copy of this book. This is my unbiased and honest review.
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January 24, 2023
I love Simon’s work, particularly his entertaining and descriptive writing style that makes the reader feel as if they are right there on the spot. The Anticlockwise Proposal is the fourth travel book in Simon Michael Prior’s South Pacific Shenanigans series, and did not disappoint. A certain toilet incident in Hong Kong was so skilfully written that I really felt I needed to find a toilet myself just in-case. The situation was dire, but oh how I laughed. To find out what happened you will have to read the book, another well-deserved 5 stars from me.
January 26, 2023
Classic Simon Michael Prior. This memoirist just gets better and better. This, his fourth memoir in the South Pacific Shenanigans series, follows the author in a dash around the world searching for the one true ring… a perfect gem for his New Zealand girlfriend. I laughed, I cried, I gasped with horror; and I wondered if this man really ought to be allowed out by himself.
January 15, 2023
A sparkling travel adventure.
Simon’s quest to find the perfect engagement ring takes him around the world, travelling anticlockwise around the planet, leaving New Zealand for Australia and Hong Kong, then England and the United States. Along the way, he has more than his fair share of mishaps and mayhem, meets a fascinating array of people, and tries his best to buy a sparkling diamond ring to propose to his girlfriend with when he arrives back in New Zealand. But does he find a ring – and does she say yes?!
This book rattles along at a great pace. It’s full of funny moments, fabulous locations and crazy characters, and is an enjoyable page-turner. Highly recommended.
Simon’s quest to find the perfect engagement ring takes him around the world, travelling anticlockwise around the planet, leaving New Zealand for Australia and Hong Kong, then England and the United States. Along the way, he has more than his fair share of mishaps and mayhem, meets a fascinating array of people, and tries his best to buy a sparkling diamond ring to propose to his girlfriend with when he arrives back in New Zealand. But does he find a ring – and does she say yes?!
This book rattles along at a great pace. It’s full of funny moments, fabulous locations and crazy characters, and is an enjoyable page-turner. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2023
Another winner from Simon.
This time Simon has written a love story. In his need to return to the UK to get his new permanent visa validated Simon also decides that he would search for the perfect ring with which to propose to the love of his life, Fiona. Finances allow for only one of them to make the journey but, mentally, Fiona travels with him and is first and foremost on his mind at all times.
To save money Simon books a cheap flight to London and back which takes him in
an anti clockwise direction – Australia, Hong Kong, UK, Los Angeles, staying with friends and family (and the occasional flop house) along the way. Travelling without Fiona and being amongst total strangers for the first time in years was an alien feeling and his thoughts keep returning home. All the time throughout his travels Simon wants to be in New Zealand with Fiona, he misses her dreadfully
There are temptations along the way, of course, especially with the semi-feral Tommo trying his best to lead him astray and offers of dalliances in crowded Hong Kong.
As always, Simon writes with humour, some of the stories are laugh out loud funny, and his descriptions of people, places, smells, sounds, food, put the reader right at the spot. He is a very ‘visual’ writer. Secret alleyways, formidable landladies, dodgy accommodation, they are all there in all pungent, glorious, technicolor. Observant, sensitive, astute, funny, and empathetic all at the same time, Simon has an excellent writing style and an ability to see the wonder all around him.
Did he manage to buy a ring? Did he propose? That’s a spoiler too far. You will have to read the book to find out. I thoroughly recommend that you do. It’s quite a ride.
This time Simon has written a love story. In his need to return to the UK to get his new permanent visa validated Simon also decides that he would search for the perfect ring with which to propose to the love of his life, Fiona. Finances allow for only one of them to make the journey but, mentally, Fiona travels with him and is first and foremost on his mind at all times.
To save money Simon books a cheap flight to London and back which takes him in
an anti clockwise direction – Australia, Hong Kong, UK, Los Angeles, staying with friends and family (and the occasional flop house) along the way. Travelling without Fiona and being amongst total strangers for the first time in years was an alien feeling and his thoughts keep returning home. All the time throughout his travels Simon wants to be in New Zealand with Fiona, he misses her dreadfully
There are temptations along the way, of course, especially with the semi-feral Tommo trying his best to lead him astray and offers of dalliances in crowded Hong Kong.
As always, Simon writes with humour, some of the stories are laugh out loud funny, and his descriptions of people, places, smells, sounds, food, put the reader right at the spot. He is a very ‘visual’ writer. Secret alleyways, formidable landladies, dodgy accommodation, they are all there in all pungent, glorious, technicolor. Observant, sensitive, astute, funny, and empathetic all at the same time, Simon has an excellent writing style and an ability to see the wonder all around him.
Did he manage to buy a ring? Did he propose? That’s a spoiler too far. You will have to read the book to find out. I thoroughly recommend that you do. It’s quite a ride.
January 15, 2023
The Anticlockwise Proposal is the fourth travel book in Simon Michael Prior’s South Pacific Shenanigans series. It made me laugh just as much as his first three books, if not even more.
Simon writes in an hilarious fashion. I found myself spluttering over so many of his anecdotes, particularly his way of using nouns as verbs. I usually hate it when I read that done but, in his case, he really pulls it off, and hats off to him. One example of many that had me in stitches: “A sliding window between us and the tray of the pickup allowed some of the 38-degree breeze to hairdryer through.” I also enjoyed his way of using sounds as verbs: “Two large parrots skrarked overhead” and “She extracted a can, pffd the ring-pull and slid it towards me with a tumbler.” He puts you right there with him, you can see and hear it so well; very clever writing.
I also enjoyed “meeting” his father “in person,” as it were, having read about his time in New York City in the 1940s in Simon’s An Englishman in New York. That was a pleasant surprise. And near the end of the book, oh my goodness, I was glued to every page, my heart in my mouth, as I turned each page wondering what on earth was going to happen next.
Fabulous, Simon. Armchair travelling with you is an absolute joy. This book certainly gets 5 stars from me.
Simon writes in an hilarious fashion. I found myself spluttering over so many of his anecdotes, particularly his way of using nouns as verbs. I usually hate it when I read that done but, in his case, he really pulls it off, and hats off to him. One example of many that had me in stitches: “A sliding window between us and the tray of the pickup allowed some of the 38-degree breeze to hairdryer through.” I also enjoyed his way of using sounds as verbs: “Two large parrots skrarked overhead” and “She extracted a can, pffd the ring-pull and slid it towards me with a tumbler.” He puts you right there with him, you can see and hear it so well; very clever writing.
I also enjoyed “meeting” his father “in person,” as it were, having read about his time in New York City in the 1940s in Simon’s An Englishman in New York. That was a pleasant surprise. And near the end of the book, oh my goodness, I was glued to every page, my heart in my mouth, as I turned each page wondering what on earth was going to happen next.
Fabulous, Simon. Armchair travelling with you is an absolute joy. This book certainly gets 5 stars from me.
February 26, 2023
Why Anticlockwise Proposal is one of my favorite travel books and why you might like it too.
To get his new visa, the character has to travel around the world: from New Zealand to Australia, then to Hong Kong. From there in the UK, to visit family. Finally, after a stop in the US, in Los Angeles, back in New Zealand.
If you ever had to travel to the edges of the known world, you will identify yourself with the main character. If you never travelled, then Simon will take you along and show you the world.
What makes travel so interesting is when you have together people from different countries. Each has their own unique background, world views and experiences.
How they react when confronted to something new, unusual, is what this book captures particularly well. And makes it a very funny read.
There are many themes covered.
The immigrant’s eternal question, where is home? Simon has an answer to that, but I will not spoil the answer, you will have to read the book.
Airports, planes, fellow passengers, visas, borders and customs. New experiences that leave a mark on you and change you forever.
Travel is about finding yourself and adjusting your views.
If travel would be a cooking wok, then the key ingredients are places, experiences and people.
Simon does an exceptionally decent job, cooking you an unforgettable “fusion” read.
To get his new visa, the character has to travel around the world: from New Zealand to Australia, then to Hong Kong. From there in the UK, to visit family. Finally, after a stop in the US, in Los Angeles, back in New Zealand.
If you ever had to travel to the edges of the known world, you will identify yourself with the main character. If you never travelled, then Simon will take you along and show you the world.
What makes travel so interesting is when you have together people from different countries. Each has their own unique background, world views and experiences.
How they react when confronted to something new, unusual, is what this book captures particularly well. And makes it a very funny read.
There are many themes covered.
The immigrant’s eternal question, where is home? Simon has an answer to that, but I will not spoil the answer, you will have to read the book.
Airports, planes, fellow passengers, visas, borders and customs. New experiences that leave a mark on you and change you forever.
Travel is about finding yourself and adjusting your views.
If travel would be a cooking wok, then the key ingredients are places, experiences and people.
Simon does an exceptionally decent job, cooking you an unforgettable “fusion” read.
January 24, 2023
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young man in possession of an inflexible round-the-world plane ticket will be preyed upon by all-comers while he hangs around waiting for connecting flights.
The quest for true love is seldom straightforward, as Simon Michael Prior finds out in part 4 of the South Pacific Shenanigans. He has to renew his NZ residency visa to be with the woman he loves. Only this has to be done in London in person. And for the first time in two years, he is travelling alone. Without Fiona there to give him wise counsel or steer him out of harm's way, he is force-fed burgers and lager by a Lothario from Queensland, determined to lead him astray; in Hong Kong, where he is at the mercy of people who won't let him leave until they fleece him. In London, it's worse. Jewellers in Hatton Garden have grand designs on our hero's wallet once he mentions the magic words' engagement ring.'
On the flight back to NZ, he detours via LA and meets up with a diving buddy whose favourite hobby is to enact the chase sequence of one of the USA's most controversial court cases. So, after all that, you'd think that going down on one knee to ask Fiona to marry him would be easy, wouldn't you?
The quest for true love is seldom straightforward, as Simon Michael Prior finds out in part 4 of the South Pacific Shenanigans. He has to renew his NZ residency visa to be with the woman he loves. Only this has to be done in London in person. And for the first time in two years, he is travelling alone. Without Fiona there to give him wise counsel or steer him out of harm's way, he is force-fed burgers and lager by a Lothario from Queensland, determined to lead him astray; in Hong Kong, where he is at the mercy of people who won't let him leave until they fleece him. In London, it's worse. Jewellers in Hatton Garden have grand designs on our hero's wallet once he mentions the magic words' engagement ring.'
On the flight back to NZ, he detours via LA and meets up with a diving buddy whose favourite hobby is to enact the chase sequence of one of the USA's most controversial court cases. So, after all that, you'd think that going down on one knee to ask Fiona to marry him would be easy, wouldn't you?
March 21, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this memoir as I'm really not much of a traveler. I have to admit that since I struggle with some of the language and geography used in travel memoirs, I hesitate to fully comprehend the story unless I have a dictionary or atlas at my side. Simon made it easy by incorporating and translating these differences into his book making the story more enjoyable.
The adventures and predicaments he gets himself into along with the characters in this book make for a very entertaining and easy read. My favorite ones would have to be Richard and his wife. The banter between them was hilarious as I pictured this little woman bossing a muscle bound husband around.
If I ever needed another brother or friend in my life, I feel that he would make a good one. The love for his girlfriend is evident when so many opportunities present themselves for other relationships and he's always thinking of her. Such a romantic!
This reader is looking forward to more adventures and travels in his other books.
The adventures and predicaments he gets himself into along with the characters in this book make for a very entertaining and easy read. My favorite ones would have to be Richard and his wife. The banter between them was hilarious as I pictured this little woman bossing a muscle bound husband around.
If I ever needed another brother or friend in my life, I feel that he would make a good one. The love for his girlfriend is evident when so many opportunities present themselves for other relationships and he's always thinking of her. Such a romantic!
This reader is looking forward to more adventures and travels in his other books.
January 27, 2023
Forced to leave New Zealand in order to get a permanent residency visa (quirky but true!), Simon decides to make the journey a holiday by travelling around the world anticlockwise. The journey in itself is exciting but he does miss Fiona who, he hopes, is his bride-to-be, and decides he will purchase a diamond engagement ring and propose to her upon return. Mishaps and misconceptions result in many embarrasing and amusing moments. Meeting old friends and making new ones, Simon continues around the world with money dwindling. An aquaintance met while diving in Australia invites him to stay when he hits the States and promises to help him in the quest for a ring. The resultant object becomes a poisoned chalice almost scuppering Simon's ability to re-enter New Zealand. You have to read it to believe it. Was it worth the effort in the end? The book will reveal all. Like Simon's other travel tales, you will not want to put the book down. Be prepared for many laughs.
January 24, 2023
The Anticlockwise Proposal is the latest of Simon’s South Pacific Shenanigans, and it delivered with sparkling humor and solid gold adventures. With a colorful cast of characters along for the ride, Simon’s international quest to find the perfect engagement ring is actually a beautiful love letter to Fiona.
No matter what crazy adventure Simon found himself entangled in, his love was always on his mind and in his heart “I wish she was with me” became his mantra. Even easy-going, fun-loving Tommo couldn’t distract the lovestruck Simon from his mission.
If you enjoy grand romantic gestures and quirky adventurous quests, you’ll love this endearing book and will be rooting for Simon all the way around the world and back to the love of his life.
No matter what crazy adventure Simon found himself entangled in, his love was always on his mind and in his heart “I wish she was with me” became his mantra. Even easy-going, fun-loving Tommo couldn’t distract the lovestruck Simon from his mission.
If you enjoy grand romantic gestures and quirky adventurous quests, you’ll love this endearing book and will be rooting for Simon all the way around the world and back to the love of his life.
January 29, 2023
The Anticlockwise Proposal is an enjoyable read that incorporates the elements we’ve come to expect from this author: humor, colorful characters, unique experiences, and an international flair. He sets the stages for his around-the-world plane rides well and it’s fun to follow his journey, his quest to find the perfect engagement ring, and his interactions with friends old and new.
This fourth book in the author’s South Pacific Shenanigans series is a quick and easy read that covers a month-long chapter of his life. It’s a solo adventure that starts and finishes in New Zealand, by way of Australia, Hong Kong, and LA, and that culminates in an event that the reader looks forward to since the beginning of the story.
January 24, 2023
Simon Michael Prior has done it again: another fast-paced, entertaining read. This time, he is travelling against the clock, so to speak, on a challenging quest: to find the perfect diamond ring to pop the question.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters set in Hong Kong. Although I’ve not yet travelled there, I could feel the flavours of the city. My favourite scene (no spoilers!) is a very simple memory. It’s the kind of low-key moment that brings meaning to our travels. A moment of authentic connection that can be almost impossible to describe to anyone else, yet Simon manages. You’ll know it when you see it 😊
I particularly enjoyed the chapters set in Hong Kong. Although I’ve not yet travelled there, I could feel the flavours of the city. My favourite scene (no spoilers!) is a very simple memory. It’s the kind of low-key moment that brings meaning to our travels. A moment of authentic connection that can be almost impossible to describe to anyone else, yet Simon manages. You’ll know it when you see it 😊
February 5, 2023
Not so far to go for an engagement ring
Balance a fear of the unknown with a curiosity of what might happen next, set them on a journey, and you have a travel tale. Have the traveler leave a sweetheart behind and you have a love story. Have the traveler claim that the journey, around the world, is in search of just the right engagement ring for the sweetheart, and you have The Anticlockwise Proposal: A Travel Adventure Around the World in Eighty Diamonds, the fourth book in British travel humor writer Simon Michael Prior’s South Pacific Shenanigans series.
Balance a fear of the unknown with a curiosity of what might happen next, set them on a journey, and you have a travel tale. Have the traveler leave a sweetheart behind and you have a love story. Have the traveler claim that the journey, around the world, is in search of just the right engagement ring for the sweetheart, and you have The Anticlockwise Proposal: A Travel Adventure Around the World in Eighty Diamonds, the fourth book in British travel humor writer Simon Michael Prior’s South Pacific Shenanigans series.
April 1, 2023
The fourth book in this delightful series has Simon making the decision to propose to his girlfriend, Fiona.
In order for the couple to remain together in New Zealand, Simon undertakes a journey back to England, to renew his visa. The many challenges and events of this anticlockwise trip around the world are recorded with the humour and lightness of touch we have come to expect of Simon’s writing. I hope there are more books to come - they just keep getting better!
In order for the couple to remain together in New Zealand, Simon undertakes a journey back to England, to renew his visa. The many challenges and events of this anticlockwise trip around the world are recorded with the humour and lightness of touch we have come to expect of Simon’s writing. I hope there are more books to come - they just keep getting better!
February 18, 2023
What a rollicking good read this was. Simon had to leave for London to get his permanent visa validated which would allow him to live in New Zealand with the love of his life, Fiona. A shortage of money means Simon has to make the round trip on his own. And what a trip it is! He meets up with his lifelong bachelor friend in Australia, endures dodgy lodgings and food in Hong, stays with his father in London and lodges with an American chap he met while diving in Australia. And that's quite a story.
Simon has a wonderful conversational style of writing which has the reader travelling with hm and either laughing or gasping at his escapades.He seems to be one of those people that things just 'happen to, certainly his travels don't always run smoothly! All the while we see how much he misses Fiona and has one thing in mind - to get her the best ring he can afford and ask her to marry him when he returns to NZ. Will he succeed in his plan and will his dream be realised? Just read it and find out. I liked the chapter headings and the latitude and longitude details. Cleverly, using these you can see photos of his location.
Simon has a wonderful conversational style of writing which has the reader travelling with hm and either laughing or gasping at his escapades.He seems to be one of those people that things just 'happen to, certainly his travels don't always run smoothly! All the while we see how much he misses Fiona and has one thing in mind - to get her the best ring he can afford and ask her to marry him when he returns to NZ. Will he succeed in his plan and will his dream be realised? Just read it and find out. I liked the chapter headings and the latitude and longitude details. Cleverly, using these you can see photos of his location.
June 17, 2023
This is the fourth of Simon's South Pacific series. In this one he needs to leave New Zealand to allow his Visa for permanent residency to be stamped into his passport. Funds are limited so a friendly travel agents gets him flights anti clockwise around the world: Australia, Hong Kong, London, Las Angeles and back to New Zealand.
August 4, 2023
Simon has a big adventure WithOut Fiona by his side!
Simon has a big adventure WithOut Fiona by his side, but she’s on his mind the whole time! Lots of laughs and interesting people and places. I loved it, but wish there were more books!
Simon has a big adventure WithOut Fiona by his side, but she’s on his mind the whole time! Lots of laughs and interesting people and places. I loved it, but wish there were more books!
February 19, 2023
blinking brilliant
Travel & humour, what more could you want. Love love love love love love love love love love this book.
Travel & humour, what more could you want. Love love love love love love love love love love this book.
December 20, 2023
Fun easy simple read.
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