Thinking Travel

Here’s a snapshot of a few books I’m currently reading:

1. Understanding Spanish-Speaking South Americans
   Part of my preparation for one of three intercultural workshops I’m giving in Latin America in a few weeks. This book gives depth and meaning to the things you hear about Latin Americans, like “They’re so family oriented.”
2. Listening is an Act of Love
   When I first unwrapped this book on Christmas morning I thought my husband had given me a book on how to be a better listener (something he tells me I need to improve on). Then I realized it’s excerpts from NPR’s Storycorps project, which I absolutely love listening to on Friday mornings as I drive to work. I’m a qualitative/ethnographic research type of girl so I love this type of stuff. I read half of the book in one sitting.
3. Fodor’s Costa Rica 2008
   In 11 days I’ll be in Costa Rica! It’s my first trip to Central America and I’m beyond excited. The first half of the trip is for fun (Aaron’s coming too). The second half is for work. We’ve booked our flight but haven’t yet decided what we’re going to do/see. I’ll update when we finally decide.
4. Costa Rica – Culture Smart!: A Quick Guide to Customs and Etiquette
   I bought this book a few years ago when I created a pre-departure handout for a group going to Costa Rica (it was full of culture learning, intercultural, travel, and journaling information, tips, and resources). Now I’m re-reading this book in preparation for my upcoming trip.
5. The World is Flat
   Yes. I’m just now reading this. Hey, I was waiting for the paperback version.
6. I am Charlotte Simmons
   A colleague loaned me this book but I haven’t started it yet. I’ve been assured that once you pick it up, you can’t put it down. So I’m taking it with me on the plane to Costa Rica.

What else have I read? I’m compiling a list of great books (mostly intercultural/travel/journaling) on my LibraryThing page. Check it out!

So, have you read any of these books?
Been to Costa Rica?
What’s on your reading list?

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