Some reactions from friends when I was carrying around the 'Molvania' travel guide book by Jetlag ...
"Oooh ... you going travelling ?"
"Hmmm ... Molvania, that's in Eastern Europe right ?
Well they're half right. The Republic of Molvania is supposed to be one of the smallest country in eastern europe. But though it does sound familiar (like a mix between macedonia + moldova), it's a fake country concocted by a group of brilliant writters, mixing travel writing with a huge dollop of humour. If you're the kind of person who swears by your 'lonely planet' and have a penchant for novel satirical works, this is just the book for you.
Here are some funny bits from the book ...
On Language
"The US State Department ranks languages by the time it takes their operatives and trainees to learn them. Spanish is listed at five months while North Korean and Arabic takes 24. Molvanian is officially classified as 16 years and hence is considered at the difficult end of the spectrum. The official State Department guide lists several reasons for this, including the ability for the same word to be both complimentary and insulting depending on the key in which it is vocalised. "
On Dining
"Yes, the ubiquitous American burger bar McDonalds has infiltrated Molvania, although, it should be said, not without a fight from local restaurateurs who fought long and hard against the arrival of this fast food establihment, fearful that its combination of high-fat, sugar-laden food served in a sterile, soulless environment would drive standards up."
On Accomodation
"Svetranj also offers a wide range of youth hostel accomodation, a cheap alternative to hotels. Bookings are essential as these places can get pretty busy in summer, especially now that the largest and most popular hostel, Djormi's, has been closed down by authorities after guests reported finding video cameras hidden in women's shower facilities. (The owner, the irrepressible Viktor Djormi, originally denied all knowledge, then insisted the cameras were there for security to prevent soap and towel theft. The matter is still before the courts where a full bench of judges are now into their second year of viewing the taped evidence)."
On setting the record straight
"The publishers wish to make it clear that Lutenblag's Jhahmim Restaurant features Lebanese food and dancing, and not - as our previous edition described - lesbian food and dancing. We apologise for the error. However, on a positive note, the proprietors of Jhahmim inform us they are booked out for the next three years."
The only drawback that I find is that the humour becomes repetitive after awhile. Well the trick is not to read it in one go like a novel.
Where you can find it ? It can be found at the Humour section at Borders, or you can borrow it from me after I finish reading it (must return ok ?).
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