Travel adventures of Kilkenny man told in new book

“How many times have you stood outside your door, or looked out the window and realised that all you see is just a little piece of sky? There is so much more than what you see above where you are. Under every little piece is a different culture, a different way of life, new experiences, places to see and a world of opportunity. Travelling is perhaps one of the greatest opportunities to live a fulfilled life.”

So begins the tale of travel adventures from Kilkenny man Philip Bryan!

Philip’s book, ‘Squat Toilets and Chopsticks‘, is set to be published on July 19 by Austin Macauley Publisher of UK. He will celebrate the special occasion with two launch parties – in his native Callan and in Kilkenny City.

From Callan, Philip first set out on his travels in 2012, venturing through England, America, Australia, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Cambodia and finally China, where he was to put down roots for a little while.

Philip was living in China, where he was working as an English teacher, when the Covid 19 epidemic broke out. From a place he never intended to visit, he came to embrace the culture and lived there for eight years. Among other topics the book discusses culture shock, what it’s like to be a foreigner in another country (Australia!) and what it’s like to be living so far away from home when significant events take place within your family.

Launch parties will take place on  August 2 in Fennelly’s of Callan at 5:30pm and another on August 9 in the Club House Hotel,  Kilkenny at 7pm. Read more about the book in next week’s Kilkenny People.