Gordon Cope

Instead of pitching it all in for a year in the South Pacific, Linda has taken a job in Paris. Mr. Cope, being the supportive husband that he is, gamely follows along as observer and house-husband.

The book is, of course, filled with hilarious takes on the French. Having visited Paris a number of times, I can agree with his take on how they interact with the public. I've always felt though that I might fit into Paris, so perhaps someday I too will get to have my year there.

There is a moment in this memoir which really struck me though, as a fellow ex-pat. Mr. Cope is watching the Olympic hockey finals in 2002 (Canada vs. USA). He comments at the end of the portion about how, after finding a place to watch the game with fellow compatriots, the French seemed confused at his utter elation at Canada's victorious win over the Americans. I had a similar experience in November. Now, I'm from Saskatchewan. As such, whether I like it or not, I am a life-long Roughrider fan; it's something you are born into in this province. I spent all of November wearing the same Rider green scarf all over the Netherlands. People thought it was a bit odd, but no one got why I cared. All I can say is, unlike Mr. Cope, I was unable to watch the Grey Cup. Now, would I have been as excited to do this if I was at home? Probably not. I would have watched with my family or friends and not thought much of it. Being an ex-pat however, I was fanatical about watching the Grey Cup. I should also mention that I walk around with a Canadian flag pined to my jacket. It's not just because I get treated better since people know I'm Canadian (although I do), but it's because I'm determined to not lose my Canadianess.

Keeping that in mind, I'm also planning a trip to Paris. Not to see the Eiffel Tower though - been there, done that - but to check out the Moose, Paris' finest Canadian bar. I'm thinking by November I will be a little homesick. Maybe I can check out the Grey Cup there!

So, as I love Paris and live in Europe, I loved this second memoir even more than I loved the first one. Which, given how fanatical I am about his first memoir, is really saying something.… (plus d'informations)

The final of Gordon Cope's memoirs, for your reading pleasure. I truly hope that this is not the end of writing for him though, I honestly love his style/voice.

So, this time Mr. Cope and his wife have moved to England, into a small town along the Thames. Mr. Cope is playing househusband again while dodging eccentrics in the English countryside.

When I say that he's dodging eccentrics, I really mean it. There seems to be an unusually large number of older gentlemen wandering around in wellies talking to their dogs. Makes me yearn for home a bit actually, although our prairie eccentrics wear work boots and occasionally talk to cows.

Mr. Cope and his wife wandered a bit of the countryside, but not as much as you might expect. I was surprised to see that they did not go to Hay-on-Wye to see all of the books. If I was going to be living in the area, that's the first place I would try to visit. Regardless, they did make a few interesting stops and I am disappointed to say that I no longer wish to visit Reading, until this point a life-long dream, as it just seems to be a city. Damn it!

As usual, the sarcasm and fun never stops. His second book is probably still my favourite, though mostly because I love Paris. Nonetheless, this is a fantastic memoir of a tiny little area of England. Why not give it a try?… (plus d'informations)

Oh Gordon Cope, you are my favourite Canadian travel writer. I have to say, his books get better and better.

This one, the first, was written when Mr. Cope and his wife Linda decide that they have had enough of Calgary's winter's. Since I grew up in the province next door, I can fully relate to this desire. They escaped winter the right way though, by heading down south to sun and sand. Winter in Australia sounds good to me!

After selling their house and cutting all ties to Canada, they head off for one year of regrouping and relaxing. The first part of their vacation is spent in Fiji, then Australia, and finally New Zealand. While I enjoyed their time spent in Fiji and New Zealand, the best part was when they were in Australia. I think this was because the author enjoyed Sydney the best, which really came across in the writing.

Even though they had the most incredible year, you could see the bittersweet resignation at the end of the novel that they couldn't carry on life in this manner forever; unfortunately, none of us are millionaires with this option. Still, I found it so encouraging that they were willing to chuck away their life in Calgary for the option of having something more fulfilling. It gives me lots of ideas though, haha.

So, my favourite Canadian travel writer. He's sarcastic, can beautifully describe landscapes and food, and makes people come alive. I strongly encourage you to give Mr. Cope a chance!… (plus d'informations)