tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post5371535830995493719..comments2024-03-25T22:00:50.265+00:00Comments on *An English Travel Writer*: Netherlands, Schiermonnikoog and Thoughts on Travel WritingJenny Woolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881781466502273314noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-57212011832434669122011-11-10T20:22:32.753+00:002011-11-10T20:22:32.753+00:00Ah, I simply must answer you GB about the trashcan...Ah, I simply must answer you GB about the trashcans. The answer is, sadly, NO. They made a big impression on me, too, years agoJenny Woolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16881781466502273314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-92229568505120106902011-11-04T09:37:14.150+00:002011-11-04T09:37:14.150+00:00That was a great post Jenny, especially the articl...That was a great post Jenny, especially the article, it ended beautifully.<br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.indbaaz.com" rel="nofollow">Tours and Travels</a></b>Tours and Travelshttp://www.indbaaz.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-27754569305694257232011-10-31T19:24:16.453+00:002011-10-31T19:24:16.453+00:00Do the waste bins/trash cans in Die Efteling still...Do the waste bins/trash cans in Die Efteling still say 'Thank you' in a myriad of languages when you throw rubbish into them?Graham Edwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11196744947133121475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-42774121519896999392011-10-31T15:12:54.376+00:002011-10-31T15:12:54.376+00:00Thanks for the thoughtful comments. It's reall...Thanks for the thoughtful comments. It's really been interesting to hear what you have to say, and hear the different "takes" on the matter of travel writing and all the interesting observations. No, @Friko, I have not written any travel books, although I have contributed to a couple. There is a continuing market for "literary" travel books. They are terribly expensive to research as they suually need a long visit and /or a unique theme. Perhaps I could do one for England! that's a thought... The bottom has fallen out of writing guidebooks, though (I mean the ones that recommend sights and hotels). @Amanda, I know Hidden Europe but I hadn't thought of suggesting anything to them, thanks for reminding me.. @Cosmos, you know some of the models at fairy tale land were a bit scary because in some ways they seemed weirdly realistic. @GB, I agree that you can't say much new about theme parks becuase they're always the same of course. But most places offer a different experience to everyone After posting this I was contacted by someone who did a project on wind power in the Netherlands and emailed me a very interesting manuscript with more info about the wind sawmill. @Librarian, staying with people is totally the best. How lucky to have relatives on Bornholm, I've always been interested in it. @AVCr8tor, I think too with the internet there's always something else to read at the click of a button. Whereas if you read a magazine you tend to continue because there's nothing else lamouring for your attention!<br /><br />Thanks again for the comments.Jenny Woolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16881781466502273314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-80191743336640046652011-10-31T12:11:12.281+00:002011-10-31T12:11:12.281+00:00How awfully sad that people no longer pay for some...How awfully sad that people no longer pay for someone to write up about a place which would help the ordinary traveller get the most of their visit.<br /><br />Do you write travel books? I haven noticed that there seem to be fewer of them too.<br /><br />Your little descriptive piece of Schiermonnikoog is exactly what I would welcome.Frikohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04277167831642088694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-15099332372369938632011-10-31T11:48:01.119+00:002011-10-31T11:48:01.119+00:00Very interesting and rather sad to hear what is go...Very interesting and rather sad to hear what is going on with travel writing. I'm a fan of books about travel (thinking Paul Theroux for one). <br /><br />DarlaDarlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02729017606957829830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-60801271312047292532011-10-31T03:03:09.943+00:002011-10-31T03:03:09.943+00:00Love your notes! And how can you not love a nation...Love your notes! And how can you not love a nation which puts chocolate sprinkles on bread and calls it breakfast. I particularly loved that when I was there!<br />It is sad that print media has changed so much but that's certainly why I moved to online writing and found a few niches where people actually want to read "proper" stories (! not just fact-filled advertising). But it's not the same as a proper magazine with a real story (do you know "Hidden Europe" though - they do what I consider "real" stories and are print. Small but good!).Amanda @ Not A Ballerinahttp://notaballerina.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-44472547631405080822011-10-31T02:19:00.643+00:002011-10-31T02:19:00.643+00:00Like someone says, "quality takes time" ...Like someone says, "quality takes time" "folks don't have patience" to wait is quite true not only in publishing world but I think in the end we return to "quality".<br /><br />I'm interested in how children feel to see the sculpture at the fairy tale land,of course it depends on children, I suppose though.<br /><br />Your post is full of interesting pictures and subjects. I had a vicarious pleasure in exploring the island through your notes giving a personal touch.<br />Thank you Jenny.cosmoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18411297580664818094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-86312095360262320542011-10-30T23:25:06.103+00:002011-10-30T23:25:06.103+00:00A very interesting post - especially, for me, your...A very interesting post - especially, for me, your observations about how publishing is changing. It is sad but there it is. Love your memories of Holland, too.Welshcakes Limoncellohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17209759237794290941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-89432271742230725282011-10-30T22:29:24.118+00:002011-10-30T22:29:24.118+00:00This was so fun! Your pictures and writings, as a...This was so fun! Your pictures and writings, as always, are wonderful. You make me wish I could hop a plane.<br /><br />Also, I am having problems with gmail so I would like to thank you here for your very kind comments on my blog. Your kindness means a lot to me.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07343040992394808973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-46952283887063515442011-10-30T20:36:12.321+00:002011-10-30T20:36:12.321+00:00I love the guy with the long neck!I love the guy with the long neck!ABhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17159965456052359554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-37032609858617346422011-10-30T16:37:39.636+00:002011-10-30T16:37:39.636+00:00Your notes are so interesting. I really want to go...Your notes are so interesting. I really want to go there now! It is sad that travel writing is not getting the investment it used to any more. I like to read about a place in some depth, even if not planning to go there, it is preferable to those ten best type articles you mention. There are lots of tv programmes like that now too with some talking heads and 100 best this or that-a really quite annoying format. <br />The pirate ship reminds me of the ship on the beach in the film 'Never Let Me Go'.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15941415622199071141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-13149290929283395632011-10-30T16:12:22.042+00:002011-10-30T16:12:22.042+00:00Hello Jenny:
This is a most interesting post which...Hello Jenny:<br />This is a most interesting post which raises some very pertinent issues about travel writing today. Yes, we have noticed a change of emphasis, and quality, in recent years and do not regard the changes as for the better. So many things, and travel writing in this regard is no exception we feel, are done in the name of profit, expediency or laziness that there seems little left for the professional in the field to take pride or satisfaction in. Of course, times change, but one does wonder what the 'New Age' of travel writing will look like?!! <br /><br />Your writing conveys a sense of place so beautifully and, accompanied by your most carefully composed pictures, is a perfect way to inform, entertain and enthuse. Surely this is what is needed to make savvy travellers of us all?!Jane and Lance Hattatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16831890261259302647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-40756144399636553702011-10-30T14:56:37.840+00:002011-10-30T14:56:37.840+00:00Great post - and terrific pictures! I love the lit...Great post - and terrific pictures! I love the little donkey (with passenger) - and the pirate ship looks great fun!Teresa Ashbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15350697922935549188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-23518536651805743592011-10-30T12:48:57.533+00:002011-10-30T12:48:57.533+00:00Thank you for sharing your Frisian island of Schie...Thank you for sharing your Frisian island of Schiermonnikoog's notes. I love reading it.<br /><br />I precisely love travel articles written in that way, rather than reading up about top 10 places, things to do, etc.linahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17273605189937933589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-9877480533903878292011-10-30T10:53:58.823+00:002011-10-30T10:53:58.823+00:00Fascinating comments on the difficulties and reali...Fascinating comments on the difficulties and realities for Travel Writing - or any other paid writing it seems.<br /><br />About my post on the soft toys - clearly the point was not about the toys at all, but you understand I think, that I am unable to say very much about the cruel reality behind the glitz. The 'illegal' nature of these children is due to their 'illegal' conception. Sadly there are children in similar situations in other parts of the world, Malaysia for one: no papers, no education, no rights.<br /><br />IsabelIsabel Doylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17974989548030799086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-84423720479989526292011-10-30T10:32:30.284+00:002011-10-30T10:32:30.284+00:00A great post Jenny with the lot of insight info ab...A great post Jenny with the lot of insight info about print media...and Holland. Love the close-up of the windmill! A good Sunday to you.Travel France Onlinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00944836623797085969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-27356524870601924192011-10-30T09:40:34.694+00:002011-10-30T09:40:34.694+00:00This was really lovely pictures and very interesti...This was really lovely pictures and very interesting and wonderful post!Arthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581698875532051689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-52891628151593825482011-10-30T09:24:27.064+00:002011-10-30T09:24:27.064+00:00I love the pirate ship playground. Very clever.I love the pirate ship playground. Very clever.nickhttp://nickhereandnow.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-22790302069658963912011-10-30T08:48:02.286+00:002011-10-30T08:48:02.286+00:00Wonderful reports and great shots!
Have a good wee...Wonderful reports and great shots!<br />Have a good week!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-44491551822898819532011-10-30T08:12:47.738+00:002011-10-30T08:12:47.738+00:00I was immediately struck when I saw the first phot...I was immediately struck when I saw the first photo by 'I've been there and taken that photo - with my children gazing up at the figure.'.<br /><br />That made me wonder if that may be one of the problems for the travel writer and travel publisher today. If we travel we may well have been there. If we haven't we may be able to and thus want to experience it for ourselves. Do we perhaps forego vicarious travel nowadays.<br /><br />Are there two markets for travel writing: guides and experiences? I've never thought about it before. I use (rather than read) travel guides occasionally (Mum and Dad always had Baedaker and then, as The Lake District was their heaven, Wainright). If I want to read experiences then my reading is targeted and I don't buy a travel magazine.<br /><br />Like Librarian my family has been fortunate to experience life in different countries by staying with friends. Sometimes I'm a tourist. Generally I'm a visitor.<br /><br />So many questions. So much food for thought.<br /><br />You've made me do that a lot lately, Jenny.Graham Edwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11196744947133121475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-64670877117186947562011-10-30T07:49:12.698+00:002011-10-30T07:49:12.698+00:00Thank you for such a very interesting, and beautif...Thank you for such a very interesting, and beautifully illustrated post.Relatively Retiringhttp://relativelyretiring.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-27756319719216630902011-10-30T07:05:18.074+00:002011-10-30T07:05:18.074+00:00Thank your for another great post! If I'd stum...Thank your for another great post! If I'd stumble upon a list of "10 best walks" or something like that, I'd make sure NOT to go on any of those walks, because they'd probably be crowded by too many people. Or maybe not, and I am just prejudiced against anything en masse.<br />To travel because I want to find out how people live there, what they think and what life is like in that place is my main motivation for travelling, unless of course it is business or visiting family.<br />Luckily, because I have friends and family in England, the US, France, Italy, Switzerland and on Bornholm means I have been able to visit all those places staying in private homes, getting a glimpse of the everyday lives of ordinary people.<br />My weekly newspaper, the ZEIT, still has a good travel section with well-written articles the kind you'd appreciate - and I hope they pay their authors well!Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05704656564078750607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-78402509650585695172011-10-30T06:53:45.379+00:002011-10-30T06:53:45.379+00:00The lowest common denominator sells, quality takes...The lowest common denominator sells, quality takes time to read and folks don't have the patience unless they really want to read about a place or object. People prefer the tabloids as 'news' is short and to the point, also bent to say what they want it to read. Quality writing does not bring readers, therefore less advertising therefore less money.<br />Books of travel still sell? Maybe it is time for a book on Holland?Adullamitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15537659871829290071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937298116504825290.post-31904904819720383282011-10-30T01:57:02.355+00:002011-10-30T01:57:02.355+00:00I had no idea the Netherlands were such a surreal ...I had no idea the Netherlands were such a surreal place (judging by your photos). And I mean that in a good way!Lynne with an ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com